As a cosmetic doctor treating patients of all ages, the most common question I get asked is “what can I do to look after my skin”.
There are thousands of products on the market claiming to promote healthy skin. However, it can be a minefield trying to find the right products and steps to add to your skin care regime that ensure the best outcomes.
Throughout my training, I have read numerous scientific papers looking at the evidence for individual treatments, although in all honesty, most of these claims by top cosmetic brands carry little or no weight.
6 Simple Steps to Healthy Skin
Nobody wants a complicated skin regime. With all of today’s pressures of work, family, and other daily commitments, we want an easy skincare regime that we know is going to be effective. Here is a six step simple regime that covers all the essential steps we should be using on a daily basis to ensure optimal skin health. Other steps can be added in according to time, money, and whether our skin can tolerate it.
1. Face Wash
I use a gentle cleanser to remove impurities, skin debris, and the daily pollutants that build up on the skin, without causing excessive skin irritation. My favourite product is Obagi Nu-derm gentle cleanser.
2. Toner
For years I never used toner, to be honest I thought it was a bit of a gimmick. However, skin toner could be your secret weapon in improving your skin quality. It can help remove excess oils, resulting in smaller pores, restores the skin natural pH balance, protecting it from the damaging effect of environmental pollutants. It also provides some moisturising effects due to its humectant activity. Invest in toner, I promise you won’t be disappointed.
3. Vitamin C
I love, love, love my Vitamin C. Present in the skin in large quantities, vitamin C is essential for skin health. It has many advantages including, promoting collagen synthesis in the skin, removal of oxidants such as environmental pollutants, protection from exposure to UV radiation. It also helps reduce the signs of ageing by preventing excessive pigmentation, such as age spots and melasma.
An important factor when choosing a product is to ensure it is in a stabilised form to promote its antioxidant effects. My go-to is Obagi Professional-C that comes in varying strengths.
4. Moisturiser
Ah, moisturiser – that little jar on your bathroom shelf that promises a lot. But do we really need it? Some folks say no, arguing our skin can handle moisture all by itself. Others wouldn’t dream of skipping their daily dose. So, what’s the scoop?
For many, moisturiser is like a daily glass of water for their skin. It helps lock in moisture, keeping dryness at bay and adding a layer of protection against the elements. If your skin tends to be dry, sensitive, or is showing signs of aging, moisturiser can be your best friend. It can soothe, plump, and shield your skin from harsh weather and pollution. Plus, it can make other skincare products work even better!
On the flip side, some believe that our skin, with the right care, can manage its own moisture levels just fine. These folks argue that too much moisturiser can mess with this natural process, leading to skin that’s either too oily or too dry.
So, what’s the verdict? It really comes down to knowing your skin. If your face feels tight and dry, a good moisturiser might be just what you need. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you might opt for a lighter touch. At the end of the day, it’s all about balance. Listen to your skin and give it what it needs – sometimes that means reaching for the moisturiser, and sometimes it means letting your skin do its thing.
5. Retinoid / Vitamin A
Retinoids are derivatives of vitamin A. This essential vitamin helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by boosting collagen synthesis and increasing skin cell turnover. Retinoids come in different strengths and it is better to use a prescription-only formulation to ensure the most effective outcomes. Retinol and tretinoin are the commonest available and should be applied at night in a stepwise fashion as they can cause increased sensitivity to sunlight.
This brings me on to the final step…
6. SPF
I can not stress enough how important this step is. Sunlight causes damage to the collagen and elastin in the skin through UV exposure. Protecting your skin from UV light is essential. There are numerous products out there and SPFs have either a chemical or mineral formulation. Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays in the skin, and through this process can generate heat, therefore caution is needed in some patients with sensitive skin conditions, such as rosacea. Mineral sunscreens sit on top of the skin reflecting UV light and can be the SPF of choice for those with sensitive skin.
So there you go, my skincare essential steps that will leave your skin nourished and glowing. Obviously these steps can be used alongside other treatments, including anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers, as well as skin peels.
For more information or to discuss your cosmetic needs, book today for an appointment with Dr Paul Elgey and start your skincare journey.