Skincare has become an integral part of our daily routines and now with an abundance of products saturating the market, we are able to cater to all skin types and concerns. However, it’s essential to recognize that not all skincare products are created equal. In fact, using the wrong skincare can have detrimental effects on the health of our skin.
*Pro Tip – If you can buy a Retinol without any instruction on how to use it, then there’s probably a very minuscule amount of Retinol actually in your product.
It is so important to gain a better understanding of your skin – what’s your skin type? what concern is bothering you the most? and what do you need to do about it?. We strive to help everyone make well informed choices to result in optimum skin health and benefit from radiant skin.
Firstly, it’s crucial to understand the delicate balance that exists within our skin. Our outer layer of skin serves as a protective barrier against external elements and keeps internal elements safe, it helps regulate body temperature and acts as a sensory organ. Whilst all this functions pretty well on its own, incorrect use of products can lead to all of this being damaged and resulting in sensitivity, breakouts and further skin conditions.
The impact of inappropriate skincare
- Irritation and Sensitivity: Certain skincare products contain harsh ingredients such as fragrances, dyes, and silicones that can disrupt the skin’s natural balance. This leads to irritation, redness, flare ups and sensitivity – understandably. Do you ever use perfume directly on your face? No. So why is it in our skincare?
- These unnecessary and damaging ingredients can strip the skin of its natural oils and disrupt the protective barrier function leaving it vulnerable to environmental stressors. Once the barrier has been weakened, more environmental molecules from pollution, fumes and cigarette smoke can enter our skin and kill off our healthy cells.
- Dryness and Dehydration: Misusing or overusing skincare products that are not suitable for your skin type can cause a loss of water retention within the skin, this is called Trans Epidermal Water Loss, or TEWL for short. This is when hydration that is meant to quench our skin cells starts to evaporate out of our weakened skin barrier leaving a dry and unhealthy result.
*Pro Tip – Medication is not the way to treat Acne, it will be that you need the right products and professional treatment.
How to choose the right skincare for you
- Know your skin type: Understanding your skin type is the first step towards finding the right skincare products. Skin types generally fall into categories such as normal, dry, oily, combination or sensitive. Assess your skin’s characteristics throughout the day, including oiliness, dryness, sensitivity and any think about specific concerns you may have such as acne or ageing. If you’re still unsure take our quiz!
- Consult a professional: If you’re uncertain about which products to choose or if you have persistent skin issues, the best way to find out is by consulting a trusted skincare professional. Professionals like ourselves, can assess your skin’s needs, provide personalised recommendations and guide you towards the right skincare regimen.
- Gradual introductions and consistency: When introducing new skincare products into your routine, it’s best to do so gradually. Start with one product at a time and observe how your skin reacts before incorporating additional products. Consistency is absolute key, so give your skin time to adjust and evaluate the results over a period of weeks or months.
- Sun Protection: Regardless of your skin type or concerns, sun protection is a non-negotiable aspect of skincare. Choose a broad-spectrum, physical sunscreen with at least an SPF of 30 and apply it daily, even on cloudy days. Sunscreen helps protect your skin from harmful UV rays, preventing premature ageing and reducing the risk of skin cancer. Read more about why sunscreen is so important here.
Selecting the right skincare products is crucial for maintaining healthy and radiant skin. By understanding your skin type, considering specific concerns, seeking professional advice and practicing consistency, you can create a skincare routine that nurtures and enhances your skins well-being. Remember, your skin deserves the best care possible, so choose wisely and enjoy the benefits of a healthy complexion.