The skin care industry is constantly evolving and the choices for consumers today can be daunting! But as aestheticians, we have the knowledge to guide you through the product labyrinth.
And trust me — there’s a universe of skin care products out there. But guess what? You’ll never need most of them, no matter what the beautiful man or woman says behind the glistening cosmetic counter.
That’s because the most effective approach to skin care is the simplest. Here’s some general tips to remember:
Get the Right Cleanser
A proper cleanser is a must. We don’t care what it is, but if you have oily skin, make sure it cuts through all that oil and dirt. If you have drier skin, select a cleanser that is mild and soothing.
Be ‘Pro Antioxidant’
You should definitely invest in an potent antioxidant serum containing L-Ascorbic Acid. The only vitamin C that is absorbed and used in the skin to repair sun and environmental damage is L-Ascorbic acid.
Doctors and scientists have extensive research that proves that anyone concerned about aging skin, young or old, needs to use an antioxidant product daily. Antioxidants fight free radical damage, which can be just as harmful to the skin as the sun.
‘Wear Sunscreen’
Apply a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least an SPF of 30 or higher every day. We know you get tired of hearing this, but if you could only use one skin care or anti-aging product on your skin, then it has to be sunscreen.
That’s because the sun is the reason why we complain of brown spots, wrinkles, redness, loss of elasticity and, most importantly, skin cancer. We might sound like broken records, but please, wear sunscreen, even on cloudy days. And remember, tanning in any fashion is out of fashion!
The Growth Factor
Use a skin care serum containing growth factors. A fairly new innovation to the skin care industry, growth factors have found their place in our cosmetic cabinets. Many skin care lines boast of having the best in growth factors to improve elasticity, density and youthful appearance. But do your research. Growth factors must be from a source that your skin will recognize and use, like human growth factors, or even swiss apple stem cells, which are the next best thing.
These growth factors promote fibroblasts and support healing of the skin. The skin cells will produce younger and healthier cells. A growth factor serum is a must-have in today’s environment.
Retinoids
Finally, get familiar with tried and true Retinoids, more commonly known as Retin-A or retrinals. These products promote a faster cell turnover rate, which can reduce fine lines and acne and improve skin texture. Given time and consistent use, they can improve your collagen and elastin.
But make sure you’re a good candidate for retinoids. Some skin types can’t tolerate them, particularly those prone to rosacea and other hypersensitive skin types. Retinoids are wonderful and have been around for years. Just be smart with them and wear a sunscreen. If not, you’ll be causing more damage to your skin than correcting it.
And remember, as medical skin care specialists, we can help you choose the best skin care for your skin type. A personal, one-on-one consultation is the easiest and least intimidating way to start a skin care program.
(Laura Turner is a licensed aesthetician at Advanced Aesthetics in Little Rock. You can email her here or learn more about Advanced Aesthetics at AdvancedAestheticsAR.com.)