If 2020 and 2021 taught us nothing else, it’s that our health matters. With anxieties still high, cosmetic doctor Dr. Adam Brown has found that more people than ever wants to know that their skincare is safe and won’t harm their overall health. “In 2022, I think the most important beauty and wellness trend will be the customer’s increasing desire to know what ingredients they are putting onto their skin and into their bodies”. Facial assessment by a professional doctor can be one of the main turning points to take care of your facial skin to a whole new level. Dr. Adam has decided to share few tips that he has found they work.
Less is more
With so many products to try and tips to follow, it’s easy to get confused when it comes to what’s good for your skin and body.
These days our bathroom shelves have started to resemble a scientist’s lab with vials and potions everywhere. Skincare, which was once simple, has now become a total minefield.
Most products on your bathroom shelf, with their own specific formulations, are probably good. However, they should not all be used at the same time, because skin really can have too much of a good thing.
“In my practice as a cosmetic doctor, I see this SO much, where patients think that the more product used will get them faster and better results.” But in reality, this can cause more problems.
“Overwhelming the skin with active or strong products can cause the skin to break out, become red, irritated, dry or flaky. It can be the same with some of the more popular skincare devices, too.”
Therefore, Dr. Adam suggests forgetting the latest trend, fad, ‘hot’ product and who’s using what, and consult with your skin specialist after facial assessment and return to the basics to develop an effective skin care routine.
Vitamins A, B, C, E
With so many products on the market I can see how people get confused. Therefore, when my patients after a facial assessment ask me what products to use, I like to keep it simple and start with vitamins A, B, C, (D) and E serums.
We all know that vitamins are vital for our body’s overall health and it’s the same with our skin.
Therefore, when it comes down to suggesting creams and skin routines for my patients, I advised them to use a combination of vitamins in their skin routine.
Face serums are considered one of the most effective anti-aging products due to the concentration of their active ingredients. Sometimes referred to as a “booster,” serums target a specific skin concern. The high concentration of vitamins in serums help them penetrate the skin faster than creams because they are not diluted with moisturizer.
But what are the benefits of these vitamins?
VITAMIN A
Specifically RETINOIDS (not retinols found in most over the counter creams) are considered the gold standard in terms of skin care. Topical vitamin A is now used to treat over 125 skin disorders including, acne, sun damage, hyperpigmentation and even dermatitis.
The Prescription form of vitamin A is a retinoid known as tretinoin (brands: Stieva-A, Retin-A and Differin). Due to the strong potency of tretinoin, this need to be used under the guidance of the prescribing doctor, such as Dr Adam.
Vitamin A aids anti-aging in two ways. Firstly it is an anti-oxidant. Secondly it speeds up skin cell regeneration. As we age the cell renewal process starts to slow down, using Vitamin A gives it a kick start to create fresh cells. The skin will look cleaner and brighter as it lessens the appearance of fine lines, acne, milia spots and minor pigmentation.
Vitamin A should only be applied in the evening as photosensitivity reactions on the skin can occur if it is exposed to significant UV light.
The non-prescription form of vitamin A is retinol, which is found in most (expensive) over the counter creams. Retinols help you to ‘dip the toe in the water’ when it comes to vitamin A treatment, however there is ongoing debate over how effective it is.
VITAMIN B
Vitamin B3 (niacinamide) is the multi-tasking skin vitamin. Topical preparations of B3 are used to treat acne, inflammation, fine lines, dehydration and flaking skin, pigmentation and even helps skin immunity. Dr Adam advises patients to only use vitamin B serums with concentrations over 20% for maximum effect.
B3 is found in a variety of foods including green vegetables, grains, eggs, dairy products, meat, fish, milk, and grains. This leaves it very difficult to have a B3 deficiency in modern society with the diverse food choices available. Particularly, Niacinamide has been shown to help normalise sebum/oil production, and is therefore effective in treating acne, redness of rosacea and skin dehydration. Vitamins B3 and also B5 (pantothenic acid) have become popular additions to skincare products because of their ability to assist in the retention of moisture by reinforcing the natural barrier function of the skin. B5 is a more common skincare additive, recognised for its moisturising ability, tissue repairing properties and promotion of wound healing.
VITAMIN C
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an anti-oxidant that also helps collagen production. Collagen promotes skin tightening and reduces the appearance of wrinkles. It also protects the skin from sun damage and reduces dark spots. Dr Adam advises patients to only use vitamin C serums with concentrations over 20% for maximum effect.
Anti-Aging Benefits
Serums with vitamin C also stimulate collagen production, which slows as we age. Collagen is a structural protein that holds cells together, strengthens skin, and gives it elasticity—all of which are important for a healthy, toned complexion. By boosting our skin’s ability to make collagen, a vitamin C serum helps soften existing fine lines and wrinkles, whilst preventing new ones from forming.
Fight Against Hyperpigmentation
Vitamin C serums fight hyperpigmentation by inhibiting the tyrosinase enzyme and preventing melanin production.
Help With Acne and Acne Scarring
Vitamin C has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help treat acne, reduce the redness associated with it, as well as improve general skin texture. Due to the pro-collagen and pro-elastin effects of vitamin C, acne scaring may also be reduced. If you have acne, make sure to exfoliate before applying the serum for better penetration.
Protection Against Sun Damage
A vitamin C serum may be able to reverse some of the damage your sunbathing days have wreaked on your skin. But while vitamin C serum is many things, a sunscreen it is not, so please don’t throw away your SPF. Vitamin C is denatured (broken down) quickly when exposed to UV light, so should only be applied in the evening.
VITAMIN E
Getting your daily vitamins is always important, and that’s true for your skin too. Vitamin E (tocopheryl acetate) is an antioxidant with major skincare benefits. In addition to nourishing dry skin, it also helps protect against sun damage. Because it is fat-soluble, vitamin E is often prepared in oil form. Vitamin E serums help to reduce moisture loss, reduce wrinkles & fine lines and sooth dry, rough or damage skin.
Start with a facial assessment and be consistent
I know, we all want to see quick results!
When it comes to skincare, real change takes time – yet few of us are truly committed to a long and faithful relationship with the skincare products and professionals we use. Play around, try something new and drop old favourites in a constant search for ‘the one’!
Skincare regimens can be loosely divided into short and long-term. Short term – while playing the field with face creams, face masks, peels, hydrating serum, dermal therapists, cosmetic doctors, – you may be able to quickly plump up, matte down or brighten your skin.
But this won’t last very long! Lasting results can take at least 2-3 months to achieve which is why it is important to stay committed and trust the advice from your skin specialist after a professional facial assessment.
You are welcome to contact Dr Adam Brown Skin & Cosmetics to apply for a facial assessment and how to achieve a long lasting healthy and glowing facial skin effect.
