Medicosnext
In the twenties the skin is naturally good looking, so we tend to care less. The damage implicated on the skin at an early age (at a sub-cellular level) by the free radicals generated from harmful invisible UV rays, pollution, smoke, and stress becomes obvious at later age as dull, dry, dilated pored, pigmented, blotchy, saggy, and wrinkled skin.
Most of us start skin care routine as showed in commercials, social media, and peer suggestions. There are so many myths about skin care. For example, organic, ayurvedic, and natural products are gentle, exotic herbs and minerals are better, and Korean products are a one-stop solution. Honestly, there is no magic wand or potion that does it all.
Effective skin care ingredients are limited. The skin care industry plays around these molecules in various combinations and strengths and comes up with various attractive looking products year after year. I have heard many say, “I’ve been using high-end products from different brands for so many years, yet I have problems with my skin.” Is this your story? Do you feel something is not syncing with your skin care routine? Do you have skin issues to deal with after using sunscreen and high-end cosmeceuticals?
Just doing skin care is not enough. It has to be done effectively and consistently to bring out noticeable change. In a nutshell, the key ingredients are antioxidant vitamins, moisturizers, broad-spectrum sunscreen, retinoids, peptides, and controlled exfoliator. You must be thinking, “It is not new. I know it and have been doing it.” True! But the question is, have you done it correctly? What also matters is the right concentration, combination, consistency, size of the particle, stability of the molecule, quantity, frequency, and sequence of application.
UV rays are invisible rays. They penetrate through the clouds and windows and are present throughout the day, and in excessive amounts near water, sand, snow, and high altitude. Sunscreen containing titanium or zinc oxide with SPF 30 or higher is recommended. Once applied, sunscreen works only for two hours, hence it has to be repeated frequently throughout the day, even on a cloudy day and when indoors. Apart from SPF and frequency of sunscreen application, the quantity of sunscreen is equally important. Put the sunscreen in two fingertips, the equivalent quantity is recommended for face or any body part, for each application. Hardly anyone puts it on as recommended.
Therefore, the damage with the free radicals continues. The only thing that quenches these free radicals are antioxidants. Antioxidant has a unique system of working in one another’s presence. Vitamins such as vitamin C, vitamin E, resveratrol, ferulic acid, niacinamide, and glutathione are more effective in combination than any vitamin alone. They are available in different formulations, such as serum, oil, spray, and cream. I feel serum formulation is better, because it is lightweight and has the highest concentration of molecules. It has to be applied first in the morning to protect from harmful radicals, and in the evening to repair the damage. They improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and brighten the skin tone. It is better to have additional vitamins and SPF for extra protection, such as in moisturizer, foundation, and compact. But, nothing replaces vitamin serum and sunscreen.
Retinoid is a very effective, and the oldest, anti-aging molecule. Retinoic acid, a derivative of vitamin A, penetrates deep into the skin to stimulate collagen production, causing cell turnover. It repairs sun-damaged, pigmented, blotchy, and wrinkled skin. Peptides are a short chain of amino acids that form protein, such as collagen. In the skin, they appear to be a breakdown product of collagen; peptide signals the body to produce new collagen. Retinoids and peptides are usually worn at night.
As we age, the process of cell regeneration slows, making the body slower to shed dead skin cells and generate fresh ones. Dead cells accumulated on the surface of the skin interfere with light reflection, and the skin appears dull. Exfoliation help brighten the skin by shedding the pigmentation-loaded dead cells; make pores appear smaller by removing dead cells surrounding the pores; and stimulates collagen to strengthen the skin and improve the appearance of line and wrinkles. Exfoliators, physical and chemical ones, have their pros and cons. Physical exfoliation, such as home scrub and in-office microdermabrasion, only works on the surface of the skin, while chemical exfoliation penetrates to the skin’s deeper layers. Chemical exfoliation, such as lactic acid, salicylic acid, etc, for home use, is available in lower strength, whereas the professional ones are of higher strength and deliver quick results.
Inclusion of antioxidant vitamins, retinoids, and peptides, apart from sunscreen and moisturizer, into daily skin care, along with monthly professional exfoliation, can deliver the coveted skin glow and delay the appearance of signs of aging.
