Preventing is always much easier than treating, weather it concerns our skin
or our overall health.
Still, there are two categories of people: those who take care of their body
starting with a very young age and the other group – people who take action
only then, when they observe something is not right or something they don’t
like. That means that sun spots, dry and sagging skin, dark eye circles, large
pores, wrinkles and expression lines are all complains of both women and men,
who never thought that these signs of aging could have been prevented or, at
least, delayed. It can be done, we can age gracefully, we can smile every time
we look in the mirror even if we are in our 50’s, 60’s,70’s.
So, if you want to make sure you’ll have a brilliant future, you should start
taking care of your skin as soon as your early 20’s, when hyaluronic acid and
collagen production gradually decreases in our bodies. Simultaneously,
be aware of your lifestyle by taking healthy decisions.
Here are some important tips:
1. Wear sunscreen every day, every time you go out, no matter if you drive
or walk. It will pay off, taking into account that, with this simple habit,
you will prevent the effects of photo aging - dry skin, wrinkles, sun spots
conditions that are hard to treat.
It’s important to use a sunscreen with SPF at least 30 +, with high levels
of moisturizer and antioxidants.
2. Use the proper ingredients to nourish and strengthen your skin.
The skin is the largest organ of the human body. In order to maintain it
in best shape, there are some ingredients recommended for any age:
- Antioxidants – vitamin C, E, Retinol, Resveratrol, Niacinamide
(vit.B3), Coenzyme Q10, Acai.
Environmental factors like sun radiation, pollution, cigarette smoke and other toxic chemicals are known to trigger the formation of free radicals. Including antioxidants in your skin care regimen in your 20’s can help your skin fight free radical damage and recover from oxidative stress – they stimulate collagen production, prevent sunburn, have anti-
inflammatory properties, may help prevent skin cancer.
Retinoids – derivatives of vitamin A. They are the most studied
anti aging ingredients and probably the most used. And the reason is
their ability to accelerate and stimulate the cell turnover and collagen production for a smoother, fresh looking skin. However, the use of retinoids requires increased attention, since they can cause photosensibility ( sensibility to light) and dryness of the skin. So, use them with moderation and apply daily sunscreen.
One important tip: use retinoids in the evening, after cleansing your skin and, to avoid dryness, apply a moisturizing night cream, 5-10 minutes after the retinoid.
Vitamin C – also an important antioxidant that neutralizes the damage caused by the free radicals and also helps lightening pigmented lesions,
like sun or age spots and complements the effect of sunscreen .
A great tip – apply vitamin C in the morning, before the sunscreen.
Vitamin E – a valuable antioxidant which also helps in wound healing.
It’s an extremely efficient and cheap solution for dry skin and scars.
- Peptides - they are short chains of amino acids and amino acids are the building bricks of proteins. The creams containing peptides stimulate the collagen synthesis. These products are gaining increased popularity
in the last years.
Institute BCN, the company I work with as Medical Consultant, has a
an entire series of Peptide products - for skin tightening, whitening, for alopecia treatments, etc. - which I very often use in my mesotherapy treatments, with amazing results.
- The B vitamins - essential for healthy and firm skin, but also for healthy hair and nails. They are found in various forms and complexes
in skincare products.
- Copper - a trace element present in skin cells, having the role to bind proteins. Copper is essential for the collagen production, it also contributes to the renewal of fractured collagen – that’s why it is used
to improve scars and sun damaged skin. It is a good option for persons with sensitive skin, due to the fact that it’s non irritating.
3. Of course, we have to pay attention at what we eat and drink – always,
weather we are children, teenagers, young adults or mature persons –
because beauty comes from within.
Concentrate on food that nourishes your skin, drink water or herbal tea
and, I’m sure you know this, but I must emphasize: avoid fast food,
processed food, too much sugar, soda drinks.
4. Using a gentle cleanser is a very important aspect, especially for those
who have a sensitive skin or those suffering from acne.
5. Your daily cream should give your skin the moisture it needs.
When applying it, don’t forget your neck and cleavage. You’ll thank
yourself later.
6. Exfoliate your skin – both face and body skin – weekly. It’s important to
remove the dead cells from the skin surface in order to have a brighter
and smoother skin.
Unfortunately, this pandemic is associated with several collateral
problems. And one of them is the maskne – comes from mask and
acne. It is also known as acne mecanica or mechanical acne, because
it is mainly generated by the friction of the mask against the skin,
causing irritation. In fact, this form
of acne is well known among surgeons and operating rooms staff.
Wearing the mask continuously for several hours creates an unfriendly microclimate for the skin. Of course, not everybody develops maskne – persons with oily skin or dry and sensitive skin are more likely to develop this skin condition.
The microclimate underneath the mask includes aggressive factors:
increased humidity and sebum (oil), sweat, dirt, skin debris – all these will clog up the pores and eventually lead to acute acne lesions.
Actually, acne is not the only skin problem reported especially in this last year by people wearing the mask for prolonged time. Some of the other skin conditions are:
- Allergic contact dermatitis, caused by chemicals some masks may contain
- Rosacea is usually exacerbated by heat and sweat – and mask wearing can increase flares
- Folliculitis – caused by bacterial infection of hair follicles.
But don’t worry! There is light at the end of the tunnel!
Following a few simple recommendations , you will be able to prevent or treat the maskne.
First and foremost – HYGIENE.
It’s very important to wear a clean mask everyday! Don’t get compulsive, though! Either get a new disposable mask daily, or, if you’re using a fabric mask, launder it every day. Of course, the
fabric is also very important – cotton is the best one, due to the fact
that
it is hypoallergenic and gentle for the skin. Silk is also good - it's smooth and reduces friction to minimum.
Then – the CLEANSING. Cleanse your face several times a day, especially before and after wearing a mask. Use a hypoallergenic, gentle cleanser and warm water.
HYDRATION or MOISTURIZING of the skin is another important
aspect – proper hydration of the skin is imperative for maintaining
its barrier function at optimal level.
Dryness is a very common problem caused by wearing the mask
many hours during the day. Applying a moisturizer immediately after washing your face creates a protective layer that will reduce the dryness. I recommend to use moisturizers that include one of the following ingredients:
- Ceramides
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Dimethicone.
From all the products I have tested, my favorite is MesoAge from
Institute BCN – it is based on Hyaluronic Acid, has a gel texture,
absorbes quickly into the skin and creates a protective film.
Do not apply MAKE UP before wearing a mask. Foundation and concealer determine the occlusion of the pores and can lead to breakouts.
Wearing the mask, not necessarily a long period of time, increases the sensitivity of the skin. That’s why you have to avoid using ‘aggressive’ products, such as chemical peelings, exfoliants or Retinol.
If Retinol is part of your skin care routine, apply it in the evening.
In case irritation and redness occur after wearing the mask, try not to apply products which contain Salicylic Acid and Retinol. And a piece of advice for the men – use balsam, not aftershave!
Take a 15-minute mask break every 4 hours. Health care workers on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic have found that this helps save their skin. Of course, only remove your mask when it’s safe to do so and after washing your hands.
Safe places to remove your mask include:
- Outdoors, when you can stay away from people
- Inside your car when you’re alone
- At home
Apply a gentle face mask, once a week - a purifying clay mask, a mask containing charcoal, tea tree or salicylic acid are, in my opinion, the best choices.
And last, but not least – PERSISTENCE – by following these simple recommendations everyday, you will keep the maskne away.
Stay safe!
Wear the mask!
Take care of your skin!
You most probably know this already - The SKIN is the largest organ of our body and its first defense line. Like every other organ, it’s living and changing as the time passes.
So, we have to find the smartest skincare formula and the most efficient daily routine, in order to help our skin adapt to these changes and remain healthy and looking its best.
Especially during these difficult times, we all are concerned about health - both physical and mental - immunity, hygiene and overall wellness. That’s why we have to manage our lifestyles different than before, to maximize our well-being.
My vision of beauty and health is a holistic one – mind, body, spirit – feel good, look good.
Everything we do influences the aspect of our skin. Beauty comes from inside out.
1. Drink more water.
I cannot emphasize enough how important the proper hydration is for our skin. It’s the most efficient way to a glowing skin and the cheapest way to prevent wrinkles. Keeping always a water bottle on your desk during your working hours or in your bag or car when you are on your way helps making a habit to drink more water.
Your aim should be 2 liters/day – and remember: water, plain water, not soda or juices.
2. Eat skin –healthy food.
Certain nutrients, such as fatty acids, vitamin C, probiotics,
promote healthy skin. On the other hand, junk food and food with high content of refined carbohydrates worsen several skin conditions, including acne.
Whole eggs, avocado, salmon, walnuts, chia seeds, dark chocolate, extra virgin oil – all these contain high levels of healthy fats, Omega 3 and Omega 6. These fats are essential for the integrity of the skin barrier and give the skin a glowing look.
Vitamin C, found mainly in citrus fruits and parsley, is one of the most important antioxidants. It also increases the collagen production.
Foods rich in probiotics are yogurt, kefir, pickles, kimchi, etc. Probiotics have a positive impact on the immune system and on the function of the gut. Their main effect is conserving the integrity of the microbiome and, consequently, a healthy and glowing skin.
3.Sleep well.
After a good night sleep you will start a new day refreshed and cheerful. A good rest will also benefit your skin. During sleep, blood flow to the skin increases, rebuilding collagen and repairing UV exposure damage to reduce wrinkles and age spots.
There are studies which demonstrated that good sleepers have lower skin-aging scores than poor sleepers; they are also more satisfied with their appearance and attractiveness.
4. Sleep on a silk pillowcase. Silk is composed of natural proteic fibers, is hypoallergenic, has the ability to keep a constant temperature and has the lowest absorption rate of all fabrics. Sleeping on a silk pillowcase will help your skin stay healthy and smooth while reducing facial wrinkles. It’s like having a beauty therapy every night.
5. Stress plays a huge role in the skin's health and appearance due to the hormone cortisol that is released. Cortisol determines the sebaceous glands in the skin to produce more oil, making it prone to acne and other skin conditions. If the stress becomes chronic, it can suppress the immune system, leading to more skin infections and serious allergic reactions.
Finding ways to relief the stress will have positive effects on the skin and overall mental health and well-being. Aromatherapy is one of the methods you can use for stress de-stressing. Light a candle that’s infused with a scent that will induce relaxation, such as lavender. Lavender reduces anxiety and improves the mood.
Stay safe and healthy!
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