Do you follow a religious skincare routine that involves using a cleanser for your skin? If you do, then you ought to know that it could be the worst thing you’ve ever done. Look at any skincare brand and you will find that they offer a variety of cleansers claiming to do all sorts. You have to ask, can using a cleanser for your skin really be that complicated? If the rest of your body is fine with soap, why should your face be any different?
The Science Behind Keeping Your Skin Looking Good
Did you know that your skin is actually self-cleansing? Yep, your skin cells are constantly shedding and keeping your skin fresh and supple, but most of all, clean too. The structure of the skin consists of a base layer, above this are several layers of skin cells. As these cells die, they move to the surface, releasing a film-like substance that adds to the natural barrier to protect the skin and prevent it from being damaged by environmental stressors. This includes things such as bacteria, chemicals and UV rays, which all have the potential to damage the skin in some way.
The skin’s natural barrier is essentially the outermost layer of your skin, and is referred to as the stratum corneum. It is often described as a wall as it is notoriously hard for substances to penetrate. It consists of incredibly tough skin cells called corneocytes, which are connected by lipids.
Of course, you should clean your skin but you might want to reevaluate what touches it in the meantime. Modern life means we are surrounded by chemicals and we often come into contact with substances that need to be washed away. Take makeup, for example. Makeup can block pores and cause breakouts if it’s not removed properly. No one wants to wake up with makeup on their pillow in the morning, nor do they want to wake up to spots when they look in the mirror! I hate to say it, but if it’s so bad for your skin that you need to remove it at night, then why would you have it on all day?
Delving Deeper Into Makeup And Cleanser For Skin
Deep cleansing and scrubbing your face can have a negative impact on your skin’s natural defence system, its natural barrier, which is not to be confused with the microbiome. Your microbiome refers to the bacteria that live on the skin, whereas your natural barrier helps to keep potential irritants at bay. Stripping the skin of this protective layer can not only lead to dryness, but conditions such as eczema and rosacea will appear or flare up as a result of this aggravation.
For those who have sensitive or acne-prone skin, a compromised barrier can be an absolute nightmare. If you suffer from one of these conditions, you’ll know that even the smallest change in your diet, environment, or your skincare routine can cause huge problems. Why does this happen? Well, it’s because your skin has become over-sensitised and inflammation has set in. Should this happen to you, it’s incredibly difficult to get it under control again.
Ask any good dermatologist and they will say less is more. Most would prefer you to scale your skincare back, and this advice extends to ingredients too. Introducing too many new ingredients to your skin at one time might cause it to, you guessed it, become dry and irritated! This could lead you to try even more new ingredients or continue to cleanse even more… so the cycle will simply continue forever!
The Best Advice To Follow When It Comes To Cleanser For Skin And Beyond
A dermatologist recently told me the same advice she gives her patients – you don’t need to use soap on your entire body in the shower or bath in order to clean yourself. Instead, focus on the areas where you sweat, and if possible, use cream soaps that are approved by dermatologists. It’s pretty radical advice, considering we’re constantly told the opposite by companies who are trying to sell us their products!
So, what if you want to catch the sun? Please, think again! Opt for a tinted sunscreen or a sunscreen and a foundation that’s kind to the skin, like Oxygenetix. It has been specifically designed for those with skin concerns, which means that if you really have to wear makeup, you can, just as long as you remove it with a gentle cleanser.
Remember, you don’t need to double cleanse! Instead, consider investing in advice from a professional, whose job it is to help you with your skin concerns.
But Who Should You Trust?
Nowadays, there are a plethora of aesthetic doctors, nurses and skin therapists who really know their stuff. They can prescribe a medical skincare regime with the ability to transform your skin. You should avoid any individual who pushes one specific brand. Chances are, they probably have a lot to gain from this. Instead, look for someone who will give you generic advice. By generic, I mean that they should tell you what to look for in skincare and recommend a few basic active ingredients (also known as actives) to start you on your skin journey.
There are two words to watch out for – free consultation. As tempting as it is, this is a BIG red flag! You should expect to pay a consultation fee of anything from £50-£100 from a reputable practice, which ultimately isn’t expensive when you consider all the factors at play. Anyone who performs a thorough skin consultation has to take the time to find out what products you’re using before they look at the ingredients in them and what they are doing to your skin. Then, they will analyse your skin and medical history to determine if any of this information is relevant to your current concerns. They might even take a scan and then spend some time talking you through the next steps of your journey.
Of course, they can make recommendations but that’s a huge part of their job! You need to make sure that any professional you visit incorporates the products you’re using into their new recommendations, unless your current line-up is doing more harm than good.
If I have done my job properly, you might be feeling a bit unnerved about your current skincare routine, but I hope I’ve left you questioning the status quo! Whether you decide to agree with me or not, I hope that you will consider what I have said before you blindly reach for your purse and fork out a fortune for that so-called miracle cleanser for skin.
Get In Touch Today
My name is Dr. Nichola Maasdorp and I’m a dentist with over 26 years of clinical experience, many of which I have spent specialising in medical aesthetics and skincare. My true passion is helping my patients feel amazing and confident by helping them solve their skin problems, especially those that go hand in hand with the inevitable ageing process.
You can visit me, or a member of my team, at my clinic by filling out a form on our website, calling us on 07595221484 or emailing info@nichola-maasdorp-no4.co.uk today.
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