Skin care

There are so many great skin care products out there and dermatologists usually recommend different skin care lines, which just shows there is not one ideal regime. However there are some basic principles which should be incorporated into all skin care regimes

Anti-oxidants

These should be applied in the morning after cleansing on clean, dry skin. The purpose of anti-oxidants is to protect the skin from external, environmental damage by mopping up free radicals that cause wrinkles, dark spots and increase risk of skin cancer. One of the best anti-oxidants is vitamin C but it breaks down very quickly. The most effective, stable form to put on the skin is called L-Ascorbic acid. For a vitamin C to be in an active form it should be in a protected or darkened bottle, and if it is old or expired it won't work as well.

If you would be interested in purchasing an effective vitamin C serum I recommend products from "The Skin Diary". They make up the vitamin C fresh and send it out monthly. The vitamin C can be purchased as part of their comprehensive "Chapters" range or on its own with tretinoin (see below) in their "Essentials" range. Please press and hold, or scan the QR code below for more information or to order:

Sun protection

Protecting your skin in the sun will help slow the signs of aging and protect against skin cancer. No skin care protection is 100% effective so it is important to reduce exposure to midday sun (such as planning activities in the morning or later in the afternoon). Sun creams should be at least SPF 30 but ideally SPF 50 and have broad coverage across the light spectrum. The SPF factor just relates to UVB protection. It is important to use a sun screen that blocks UVA and other spectrums of light.

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Overnight rejuvenation

Applying rejuvenating acids on the skin overnight such as hydroxy acids or retinoic acid can help refresh the skin. However, they often make the skin more sensitive to the effects of sun light so it is important to wear sunscreen the following day. They can also cause sensitivity or irritate when first used, and some people can only tolerate or need retinoic acid a couple of times a week. Pregnant or breast feeding women should not use it.

The strongest most effective retinoic acid is tretinoin which is prescription only. However, a new more gentle option has recently come to the market, which is clinically proven with additional skin benefit called "Night Repair Cream" from Skin Diary. I use this myself. It did take a few months (I had just started my second pot) before I noticed a real difference but I can honestly say I have personally found it the most effective night cream. If you are interested in purchasing this please use the QR code below from "The Skin Diary":