10/06/2023
"Doctora, ano po ang magandang gamitin pang skin-care routine?" is a commonly asked question by my patients.
Drawing from over 30 years of experience in my practice, the answer truly depends on your skin type, condition, skin-care goals, and overall health. Each person has unique skin-care needs.
Most TV commercials and advertisements are marketed to everyone and formulated for a general audience. That's why recommendations from friends or even your favorite influencer may work for them but not give you the same results.
This means that what works for one person might not work for another. That's why I provide my patients with skin-care advice specific to their needs because I get to see their skin up close and personal.
The good news is that there are skin-care basics that apply to everyone, and I encourage you to follow these fundamentals. A good general skin-care routine includes the following steps:
1. Cleansing:
Cleansers for your skin is the foundation of any effective skin-care routine. It helps remove dirt, oil, and impurities that accumulate on the skin's surface throughout the day. By keeping your skin clean, you reduce the risk of clogged pores, acne breakouts, and dullness.
A gentle cleanser is important to maintain the skin's natural moisture balance and prevent stripping away essential oils. Look for a cleanser with mild ingredients such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid that provide hydration while effectively cleansing the skin. Avoid harsh soaps or aggressive scrubbing, as they can disrupt the skin's barrier and cause irritation. Remember to cleanse both morning and night to keep your skin fresh and ready for other products in your routine.
2. Toning:
Toner is often an overlooked step in a skin-care routine, but it can offer significant benefits. Toner helps restore the skin's natural pH balance, which can be disrupted by cleansing. It further removes any traces of dirt or impurities that may have been missed during cleansing. Additionally, toner can help refine the appearance of pores and enhance the absorption of subsequent skin-care products.
When choosing a toner, consider your skin type and specific concerns. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, look for toners with ingredients like salicylic acid or tea tree oil that can help control excess oil and prevent breakouts. For dry or sensitive skin, opt for toners with soothing ingredients like chamomile or aloe vera.
3. Moisturizing:
Moisturizers are essential for all skin types, even if you have oily or acne-prone skin. Applying a moisturizer helps replenish and lock in moisture, keeping your skin hydrated and preventing dryness, flakiness, and irritation. It also helps maintain the skin's natural barrier function, protecting it from external aggressors.
When selecting a moisturizer, consider your skin's needs. For dry skin, choose a richer, cream-based moisturizer with ingredients like shea butter or ceramides to provide intense hydration. If you have oily skin, opt for oil-free or lightweight gel formulas that won't feel heavy or greasy on your skin. Look for moisturizers with added benefits such as antioxidants or hyaluronic acid, which can boost hydration and improve the overall health of your skin.
4. Sun protection: Sun protection is a non-negotiable step in any skin-care routine. Exposure to harmful UV rays can lead to premature aging, sunburn, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is crucial to shield your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.
Look for sunscreens that offer lightweight, non-greasy formulas, especially if you have oily or acne-prone skin. Physical sunscreens containing ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide form a protective barrier on the skin's surface, reflecting and scattering the UV rays. Chemical sunscreens contain ingredients like avobenzone or octinoxate that absorb the UV rays and convert them into heat.
Whichever type you choose, make sure to apply sunscreen generously and reapply every two hours, especially if you're spending time outdoors. Remember to protect all exposed areas, including your face, neck, arms, and any other areas of the body.
5. Optional other treatments:
Depending on your current skin condition, you can add additional treatments like retinoids, serums, hydration, or acne spot treatments. However, one common reason my patients consult with me is because they introduced a new product into their routine and experienced negative reactions like irritation, acne breakouts, or allergic reactions.
Keep in mind:
While it's important to practice self-care through a skin-care routine, adding too many untested and unsafe products can do more harm than good. If you're trying to incorporate an unknown product into your routine, I suggest adding them one at a time, only after two weeks of use. The best practice is to consult with your doctor first.
A skin-care routine customized by a medical professional may differ from a general routine, as it may involve specific products or treatments to address individual skin concerns or conditions. For instance, a medical professional may recommend prescription medications like retinoids to treat acne or other skin conditions. They may also suggest professional treatments such as chemical peels or laser therapy to target specific concerns. A personalized routine may also involve a detailed approach to the timing, frequency, and types of products used based on your skin type, concerns, and goals.
To summarize, a good general skin-care routine usually includes cleansing, toning, moisturizing, and sun protection, along with regular exfoliation. However, a customized routine recommended by a medical professional may include specific products or treatments to address your specific skin concerns or conditions.
Follow Dr. Lily Co-Austria Skin and Allergy Clinic for more doctor-approved skin-care information. Or chat with us to schedule an appointment.
