A Healthy Skin
I was really impressed to read that more leading dermatologists (Goldberg, Kligman etc.) point out that skin products with perfumes and other irritating ingredients not only disturb the barrier function of the skin, but also accelerate ageing of the skin. This is actually more easy to understand if you have knowledge about the skin’s physiology. The principle ‘if it doesn’t help it won’t hurt’, doesn’t always apply in the quest for healthy skin.
Your armour
Your skin is, as it were, your armour or your shield. If it is in bad condition it is vulnerable to external attack. Outside influences such as the weather, hormonal swings, radiation from the sun, bacteria and eczema can cause skin problems because this armour is not strong enough. Almost everyone needs help with this, even babies and small children, in the form of good skincare products. Excessive use of or even just using harsh products reduces the protective functioning of the skin. So the question is: what is the best way? Is daily washing with water alone enough? Should you use a Moisturizer per se? And when should you actually use a sun cream?
The right basic products
With the right basic products you will gain and keep healthy skin and the skin’s barrier function will be maximized. Many skin problems can be avoided and even remedied by taking good care of it. Healthy skin doesn’t feel dry, at most a little bit greasy and is not or is less susceptible to things such as eczema or pimples. It is also more resilient to the damaging effects from the sun with a reduction in the chances of getting wrinkles and pigment spots.
I gave an interview for a Dutch newspaper AD, entitled ‘To Combat Wrinkles with More Knowledge’, in which I describe a suitable step by step plan using non irritating products. I’ve received many questions regarding this. Hence in the next few days I will go into more detail showing the steps to take in order to successfully care for your skin. What is important to realize is that skin differs from one person to another (a dry, greasy or sensitive skin) and it is important that you learn how to ‘read’ your skin. The five products needed in the step by step plan are a Cleanser, Toner, Moisturizer, Exfoliant and sun cream. I will go into detail about what these products do for your skin and how best to use them. As I have already said, it is important to realize that skin differs from one person to another and that you learn to ‘read’ your own skin.
Keeping your skin healthy takes time and effort, but also delivers a good result!
Regards Jetske.
(Dr. Jetske Ultee-Research Physician Cosmetic Dermatology)
Read more information here about skincare, anti-wrinkle creams or the effects of smoking on skin.