A good skin care routine should be a fundamental basic if you are keen to look your best. This should ideally comprise a cleanser with exfoliating action (or a separate exfoliator), followed by an active agent for any specific concerns or at least an antioxidant, a non-occlusive moisturiser and a high-protection SPF.
As we age, cell turnover slows down and dead cells (keratinocytes) accumulate on the surface of the skin (the epidermis). This leads to dullness, often with dry patches and areas of uneven pigmentation. The skin may look more sallow or yellow. The fundamental principle of any skin care routine is to stimulate cell turnover by removal of this thick, dead layer of cells to restore a glow to the complexion.
Restoring a thin, healthy epidermis also restores the barrier function of the skin allowing it to hold in moisture and better absorb active ingredients. This improves the “resilience” and appearance of the skin.
There are a vast number of skincare ranges available which can be quite confusing. As a rule, the more effective skin care kits tend to be sold through pharmacies and medical outlets as cosmeceuticals, particularly if they contain high-strength active and proven ingredients such as retinols and require supervision.
Many such brands have good quality research behind them that (as a rule) high street products do not, regardless of high price tags…
This is changing slowly with the introduction of lower-priced, more effective products into the high street, making good skincare more accessible.
Such products should be able to back up their claims with research.
