Keeping a budget in mind when choosing skin care can be a dauting task. We are bombarded with miracle creams on social media, magazines and TV that do not help to clear up the questions … where do I start? What is going to WORK!?
Looking at the basics is the best place to start. My choice for 3 products to start with is a cleanser, sunscreen and a moisturizer.
CLEANSER
Not everyone needs to use a cleanser morning and night. You need to assess your skin type, age and the environment. For those with dry sensitive skin using a quality microfibre washcloth with warm water is enough to clean the skin in the morning. At night use the microfibre cloth with warm water to remove ALL makeup and then use cleanser to wash. If you have oily or combination skin, using a cleanser in the morning as well as at night will help keep your pores clean.
Using a cleanser with a neutral or slightly acidic PH is preferable. An alkaline PH is damaging to your skin by stripping it of oils. Most bar soaps made to be used on the body have a high PH/alkaline. These types of soap are not meant for the face.
There are several different types of cleansers:
- A cream cleanser is excellent for dry skin
- Gel cleansers are good for combination and oily skin (the popular choice in our clinic is iS cleansing complex)
- Oil cleansers (These can take time for your skin to adjust and are definitely not for anyone with oily skin
- Cream to oil cleanser.
SUN SCREEN
Next, I would say a good SUN SCREEN should be included in your must have list. In the winter I use a SPF 20 that has a tint to it so I use it to help even out my redness. In the summer we need a SPF of 30+.
Sunscreens have come a long way and are now very cosmetically pleasing. There are sunscreens that are physical which means they have only zinc and/or titanium as the sunscreen ingredients. These types of sunscreens used to leave a white colour to your face but not anymore.
Other sunscreens are mostly chemical and they tend to be the ones you see at the drugstore. For anyone with redness or sensitivity, I recommend avoiding a chemical sunscreen.
MOISTURIZER
The third and final recommendation would be an appropriate MOISTURIZER. I say appropriate because the environment dictates what is best for your skin. In the winter we need something that has a barrier in it to keep the moisture in our skin and slow down the trans epidermal water loss (moisture that is sucked out of your skin). Cold winter wind, furnace heat, car heaters blasting towards our face contribute to moisture loss.
Summer is a different story. We have to concern ourselves from the drying damaging effects of the sun and we need to hydrate, or as I like to say, give your skin a good drink of water. Skin type will also be considered when choosing a moisturizer.
As always, consulting a skin care expert is the first step in getting a recommendation for the best product for you.
What age should you start taking care of your skin?
Early teens to early 20’s is a time to start taking care of your skin. Forming healthy skin care habits and routines are helpful in keeping skin health optimal. Professional skin treatments like a customized facial are a nice way to kick start off a healthy routine.
For anyone wondering about when is a good time to consider injections like filler and neuromodulators (botox, newtox, disport, xeomin) it depends on who you talk to. This has become a question that has very personal implications. Social media and filters on phone cameras have made the desire for “perfection” really drive this industry. A consultation with an injection specialist to discuss treatment options and outcomes is extremely important. These products are safe but there are potential side effects and these should be discussed at time of consultation.
My personal view point with filler and neuromodulators influence how I treat clients and it is not necessarily how other injectors and clients feel. Finding the injector that you are comfortable with and that you like their style is to be strongly considered. For me, a natural, refreshed and rejuvenated approach is always the best avenue. Neuromodulators can be used as prevention for the younger client who is finding that repetitive facial expressions are leading to deeper lines that are staying even after the expression has stopped.
For clarification, neuromodulators work on muscles involved in facial expressions like frowning and laugh lines around the eyes. The product works by interrupting communication between the nerve and the muscle leading to a decrease in the bulk of the muscles contributing to a tired looking forehead or laugh lines that are starting to lengthen. Filler is a different type of product and is actually a temporary implant that is used to replace lost volume or to enhance a feature. This temporary implant is made of hyaluronic acid and will be broken down by the body over time, usually 6-24 months.
Gathering reputable information before getting a treatment done is always recommended. You should be well informed and comfortable with your treatment provider and the service you are receiving. This will lead to beautiful results.
WRITTEN BY: SUE WAGNER, RN, owner of SKIN APPEAL, ORANGEVILLE
