Skincare Habits have changed since the Pandemic!
Product recommendations
Did you know that a staggering 40% of customers have reported using facial skincare more frequently since the pandemic (NPD, 2023)? This surge is likely due to the increased time spent at home during Covid lockdowns and our heightened awareness of hygiene. At SKINLAB we guide you on the importance of good quality skincare and recommend some amazing products that can make a real difference.
High Street vs. Clinic-Bought Skincare
Good quality skincare is essential in maintaining a healthy skin barrier function, it’s what will give you that radiant, healthy glow that we all desire.
If you have ever been for a skin consultation at SKINLAB you will know that we discuss the difference between what you buy on the high street versus what you buy in clinic, it’s important to understand this because a lot of people are sceptical about whether skin care alone can address their concerns.
Any skin care product you buy on the high street will only affect your epidermis (the outer layer of your skin). In effect, these are your dead skin cells waiting to shed off. The ingredients within these high street products are not potent enough or sophisticated enough to penetrate to the deeper layers (the dermis) and this is what you require to make changes to the long-term health of your skin.
Clinic-bought skincare products are typically bought in aesthetic/medical clinics (and can be referred to as medical grade products). They contain the correct ingredients, at the correct doses, with sophisticated delivery systems to enable them to penetrate through the epidermis and down to the dermis where all the magic happens! These are results driven products backed up by clinical data to prove they work, and they can be fantastic at treating a multitude of skin concerns such as ageing, acne, pigmentation, and sensitive skin types.
Key Ingredients for Skin Health
Here are the key ingredients for skin health and some product recommendations:
SPF (365 days a year): We recommend Alumier SPFs. If you can only afford one product, make it a broad-spectrum SPF. UVA/UVB rays from the sun are responsible for up to 90% of our skin ageing, so whether we are mid-winter where UVA rays are as strong as they are in summer, and can penetrate clouds and windows, or it is the height of summer, get that SPF on no matter what.
Vitamin C: We recommend Alumier’s Everactive C&E. This product is gold standard for most skin types. It is like putting on a coat of armour for the day. It has so many benefits, including extra protection from UV damage. It is an antioxidant that protects you from environmental aggressors that age the skin. It also stimulates collagen, helps to lift pigmentation, and offers significant wrinkle reduction in 56 days.
Retinol (Vitamin A): We recommend Alumier’s Retinol Resurfacing serum. Another multi-talented skincare product that speeds up skin cell renewal, improving the radiance of your complexion. It is commonly used to improve active acne and acne scarring and over time it will improve fine lines and wrinkles and help to lift pigmentation. Retinol is commonly used without guidance, and this can cause over stimulation which the user will assume is a reaction to the product, when in fact it is just over stimulation of the skin cells.
Hyaluronic Acid: One of the best ingredients to keep the skin hydrated and the skin barrier functioning effectively.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA's): A chemical form of exfoliation that helps to dissolve the bonds (glue) that keeps dead skin cells impacted on the face. By dissolving these bonds it allows the skin to shed off, allowing fresh new skin cells to surface.
Navigating the Skincare Market
With a vast amount of skin care products on the market and the added issues surrounding ‘influencers’ and ‘celebrity endorsements’ on social media sites such as Instagram and TikTok it can be a minefield for people when trying to make a robust choice.
In clinic, we commonly get people come in with skin issues, they have tried ‘everything’ and spent a small fortune in the process. The insecurities that come with having skin problems such as acne make a person vulnerable and far more likely to flit from one product/brand to another in desperation, often making poor choices and getting no results.
Seek Expert Advice
When shopping for new skincare products, look for ones containing active ingredients that are suitable for your skin type and concern, one product most certainly does not suit all. If in doubt it is strongly advisable to seek the advice of a skin expert, who can guide you on the best suited products and ingredients to achieve you skin goals.
SKIN ANALYSIS
At SKINLAB, we have the added benefit of an Observ 520x Skin Analysis machine that looks at your skin on a deeper level to help guide us further on the correct product choices for you. It also enables us to track your progress along the way.
Take the First Step Towards Radiant Skin Today
Don't let the complexities of skincare hold you back from achieving the radiant, healthy complexion you deserve. Take the first step by booking a skin analysis consultation with our expert beauty therapists at SKINLAB. Our Observ 520x Skin Analysis machine will provide a comprehensive understanding of your skin's unique needs, guiding us in recommending the best products and treatments for you. Say goodbye to guesswork and uncertainty, and embark on a personalised skincare journey tailored to your specific concerns. Book your skin analysis consultation today and unlock the secret to your most beautiful skin yet.
Disclaimer: Results vary from patient to patient. Other factors such as age, medication, medical history lifestyle & diet can impact results.