When it comes to skin care separating fact from fiction can be hard. Here are some answers that I have learnt from dermatologists to the most asked beauty questions.
Drinking two litres of water a day will improve your skin?
Water is essential for your general well-being. It won’t make a difference to the appearance of your skin.
Water is essential for your general well-being. It won’t make a difference to the appearance of your skin.
Is a flawless complexion the result of what you eat?
The skin reflects your general health. On rare occasions eating too much fatty food or over-indulging in chocolate can aggravate acne.
The skin reflects your general health. On rare occasions eating too much fatty food or over-indulging in chocolate can aggravate acne.
Does soap dries the skin?
All skin needs to be kept clean. Skin is slightly acidic. Soaps are alkaline and can be drying.
All skin needs to be kept clean. Skin is slightly acidic. Soaps are alkaline and can be drying.
Cleansers made from synthetic detergents such as beauty bars and liquid facial cleansers are less harsh on the skin. What you use is down to personal preference and skin type.
How do moisturisers work?
“They can help reduce evaporation by forming an occlusive barrier (e.g. petroleum, hydrocarbon oils and waxes, mineral and silicone oils, paraffin wax). They can also contain humectants which draw moisture into the skin (e.g. urea, lactic acid, glycerol and taurine),” says Nina Goad, spokesman for the British Association of Dermatologists.
“They can help reduce evaporation by forming an occlusive barrier (e.g. petroleum, hydrocarbon oils and waxes, mineral and silicone oils, paraffin wax). They can also contain humectants which draw moisture into the skin (e.g. urea, lactic acid, glycerol and taurine),” says Nina Goad, spokesman for the British Association of Dermatologists.
Why do creams contain anti-oxidants?
“There is some evidence that anti-oxidants can provide additional sun protection,” says Nina. “They work by neutralising the damaging free-radicals that are triggered by sun exposure and, therefore, can limit UV-induced skin damage. However, anti-oxidants are known to be unstable and often don't penetrate the skin effectively, so their ability to work in various creams differs widely. Their use can be thought of as a supplementary form of sun protection, but should never take the place of a broad-spectrum sun cream.”
“There is some evidence that anti-oxidants can provide additional sun protection,” says Nina. “They work by neutralising the damaging free-radicals that are triggered by sun exposure and, therefore, can limit UV-induced skin damage. However, anti-oxidants are known to be unstable and often don't penetrate the skin effectively, so their ability to work in various creams differs widely. Their use can be thought of as a supplementary form of sun protection, but should never take the place of a broad-spectrum sun cream.”
How much moisturiser do you need?
Use where needed. Dry skin isn’t the cause of wrinkles; the sun is the main culprit.
Does skin know the difference between night and day?
The skin is constantly repairing itself.
Use where needed. Dry skin isn’t the cause of wrinkles; the sun is the main culprit.
Does skin know the difference between night and day?
The skin is constantly repairing itself.
Which creams bought at the beauty counter work?
All moisturisers, on a temporary basis, improve the appearance of the skin by plumping it up. I apply a moisturiser such as Nivea Visage Pure & Natural Moisturising Day Cream (£5.10), the one that the Duchess of Cambridge was reportedly seen buying in June, where necessary. I also like Estelle & Thild Age Rose Otto Facial Serum (£46, Urban Retreat, Harrods). During the day I use sunscreen.
All moisturisers, on a temporary basis, improve the appearance of the skin by plumping it up. I apply a moisturiser such as Nivea Visage Pure & Natural Moisturising Day Cream (£5.10), the one that the Duchess of Cambridge was reportedly seen buying in June, where necessary. I also like Estelle & Thild Age Rose Otto Facial Serum (£46, Urban Retreat, Harrods). During the day I use sunscreen.
How your skin ages is a combination of genetics and lifestyle. Buy a moisturiser suitable for your skin type. If you like the smell, the texture and it makes you feel good, the cream is working.
Should you exfoliate?
Dead cells are continually flaking off the top protective layer of the skin (the epidermis) as new cells replace them. Skin renews itself every 21-28 days. As we age this process slows down.
Exfoliators make the skin look smoother, temporarily. If you have sensitive skin try using a clean face cloth instead. Over-exfoliating can irritate skin and cause rashes.
Contemplating a non-surgical face-lift?
All these procedures carry an element of risk. If you are contemplating using facial fillers consult a dermatologist.
By Daralyn Danns
