A Skin Care Master Class
When beauty editors in France begin researching skin care feature stories, the first person they turn to is Caroline Debbasch. As Scientific Communication Director for French beauty brand Clarins, she spends a good part of her week in the company’s laboratories working side-by-side dozens of researchers and chemists. It is her job to understand the latest discoveries, breakthroughs and advances in cosmetic formulas.
Debbasch comes with impressive credentials. A Doctor of Pharmacy with a DEA in Toxicology and a University Doctorate in Ophthalmic Toxicology, Caroline made the transition from Research and Development expert to communication professional. It is her job to translate complex scientific terminology in to everyday French and English. She is so skilled at doing this that journalists around the world trust her explanations and opinions in all skincare matters.
Here, she offers a master class in the latest skin care trends and tips on how to make your products work harder for you.
- 50+ skin care knowledge
“There is real headway being made by scientists in understanding how skin changes and reacts for women 50+ going through menopause,” she says. “We know that estrogen decreases up to 50 percent during this period and that hormones play a much bigger role in skin health than first thought. We’ve identified a new plant active that is particularly healing and replenishing. It helps increase collagen production without the side effects of retinol.”
- The effects of pollution
“Researchers are spending more time studying how pollution affects skin. And what they have discovered is that pollution sticks to skin. I then reacts with the hydro-lipidic barrier making it less efficient. It can lead to irritated, sensitive skin. And skin cells can be slower to renew. Most threatening is that pollution an oxidize on skin causing it to age faster. We’re learning that thorough, gentle cleansing daily is essential to keeping skin healthy.”
- Massaging your skin does work
“Gently massaging your skin daily, especially for women 50+, does work. It stimulates microcirculation in skin and helps products to absorb efficiently into the epidermis. It is best to use cooler water. I don’t recommend using hot water when washing your face.”
- Daily UV protection
“I’ve spend much of my career working in sun care research so this is a topic close to my heart. It is essential to wear a UVA/UVB product daily, year round. It’s not just a summer concern. Sun damage shows up on most people in their 40s as dark spots. You’ll even find signs of aging and spots on your hands appearing during this decade.”
- Remove your makeup
“Leaving your makeup on overnight isn’t just uncomfortable to skin. It can oxidize on your skin which in turn can age your skin faster. You’ll look younger, longer if you carefully remove makeup each night.”
- Serum Know-how
“There are a lot of misconceptions of how to use serums. Most women don’t know that you need to use a cream after using a serum. Always apply your serum on damp, cleanser skin. It will improve its efficacy.”
- Lip care
“Most men and women neglect their lips – especially in winter. The lip area is the only skin that doesn’t have oil glands. This means it is susceptible to drying out quickly. It is important to protect them with a nourishing balm and to use one with SPF in summer.”
Tell us the best skincare tip you’ve ever learned and you could win a collection of Clarins’ remarkable new Instant Light Natural Lip Perfectors. Just leave a comment below. We’ll draw from all entries on Friday, February 13th.
371 Comments
Rachel L.
February 10, 2015 at 11:39 pmI always make sure to use a moisturizer with SPF because it prevents any skin imperfections from getting darker! Another thing I like to do is steam my face twice a week! This helps remove the impurities from my pores to keep it clear and healthy looking. After doing this step I like to put on facial mask. Steaming your face helps open up the pores so your skin can really absorb the product!
Tiffany Jackson
February 10, 2015 at 11:09 pmEat lots of carrots!
Coral
February 10, 2015 at 8:01 pmI use vitamin C in any form, supplement and serums and eat a diet rich in vitamin C. I always have sunscreen or moisturizer and primer on to protect my skin when outdoors.
Karen Conicella
February 10, 2015 at 6:48 pmWash w/ warm water never hot, using a Clarins Double Serum, allow it to sink in a few mins then top w/ face cream allow that to set too then makeup. Always remember all makeup and moisturizer b4 bed.
elizabeth davidson
February 10, 2015 at 6:34 pmI use philosophy religiously morning and evening and have recently added a very good sunblock everyday. Usually I put on a moisturizer as well but the first two are mandatory to my daily skin care regime.
Susan T.
February 10, 2015 at 6:02 pmTake care of your skin because it will show every bad thing that you have done to it! It all catches up to you eventually. 🙂
Raven Sinclair
February 10, 2015 at 6:00 pmI definitely try and avoid direct sunlight, as well as using a revitalizing serum followed by day cream (always Murad) under makeup, and an antI-aging lip treatment. I also use a charcoal mineral mask 3 times a week.
Anita Sokolowski
February 10, 2015 at 5:16 pmMy tip to good skin is to never go to sleep With your makeup ON! Wear sunscreen if it’s Not in your foundation. Drink lots of water & eat heathy… These are the Basic Tips that everyone knows.
My tips:
~Once a week use a lemon & some sugar. You place sugar on the lemon & scrub face Gently! Being careful not to get it in your eyes. Let it dry & wash it off with leukewarm water followed by cold water to revitalize & close those pores.
This helps exfoliate as well as help get rid of dark spots.
Most companies use “Salt” in their scrubs & this breaks/tears the skin.
~Use a small amount of coconut oil as a moisturizer. It comes in a solid, but place a tiny bit on your fingertips & the heat from your skin will help it melt. ALITTLE GOES A LONG WAY!!!!
~Finally, Get enough sleep
Gabriela L.
February 10, 2015 at 4:12 pmClean hydrated skin. And an avocado mask.
Louisa
February 10, 2015 at 4:01 pmFirst makeup always has to come off at the end of the day. Then cleanse & moisturize
Laurie Burns
February 10, 2015 at 3:21 pmMy grandmother always says, drink lot of water and treat your skin for the weather, we live in Canada dear, it is no picnic.
That means lots of moisturizer in the Winter and I add a toner in the summer as I get greasier.
Michelle L
February 10, 2015 at 3:20 pmAs just about everyone has stated – hydration and adding to that cleanse. Clean hydrated skin is healthy skin!
Lynn Hathaway
February 10, 2015 at 3:08 pmAlways use a good spf cream every day to prevent premature ageing and drink plenty of water throughout the day
Tony
February 10, 2015 at 3:00 pmId have to say drink lots of water to keep hydrated,
always always remove your make up and smile , it really will make a difference x
Mary W
February 10, 2015 at 2:24 pmDrink lots and lots of water, get plenty of sleep and wear sunscreen every day of the year.
Tracey E.
February 10, 2015 at 12:42 pmTaking time to properly cleanse my face morning and in the evening, always using serums and moisturizers for eyes and face with time in between to maximize the effect of the products. Balm on lips part of the routine. I view this ritual as taking time to care for me.
Anita
February 10, 2015 at 12:23 pmsleep,yoga to control stress, avoid sun and always wear sunscreen, moisturizer and use a drop of Aragon oil mixed into my foundation. Always remove makeup before bed
Colleen S
February 10, 2015 at 12:19 pmI agree with many that what you put in your body has a huge impact on your face. Eat healthy, eliminate sugar, drink lots of water and moisturize. I make sure to wash my face before I go to bed to take off all makeup & apply moisturizer. Purity 3 in 1 cleanser & Clarisonic face brush are my “must haves”.
Leonor Santos
February 10, 2015 at 12:07 pmdrinking lots of water and moisturize your face! my skin has always been prone to acne and I used to think that I shouldn’t moisturize my face… huge mistake! My skin actually got better when i started to apply a good moisturizer for oily skin types 🙂
Susan Highland
February 10, 2015 at 12:03 pmLots of water and moisturizers is common sense. Don’t smoke, and sleep only on your back. Prevents wrinkles.
Sunaina Gandhi
February 10, 2015 at 11:50 amThe best and the universal skin care tip is to drink lots of water and eat healthy. Nothing can beat that.
Diane K.
February 10, 2015 at 11:30 amMy best skincare tip is the one probably everyone will say but it’s true. Always use a sunscreen every day even in winter. Damaging rays still penetrate your skin even if the sun is no where to be found. Several dermatologists have told me that a person’s chances of getting a form of skin cancer is directly related to how many times they’ve suffered a sunburn as a child. The more sunburns, your chances increase. Further, it is in your earliest years that you develop irreparable skin damage from the sun. You may not see it until you get older but it’s there. Keeping well hydrated is also very important. It keeps the skin soft and moisturized but it also keeps your organs running smoothly which has an overall affect on your body, including your skin. How your skin looks is directly related to your health overall. Plus your diet has a huge impact on the health of your skin. If you eat lots of fruits and veggies, plus protein, all of which is organic, your skin and body in general will be much healthier. And sugar is the worst ingredient for your skin. It affects the elasticity of your skin and appearance in general. Smoking cigarettes is the worst habit you can have in terms of damaging your skin as well as drinking beverages from straws. Why? because the sucking effect eventually will cause hard to treat wrinkles around the delicate skin around your mouth. Always wear sunglasses even in winter because constant squinting will cause wrinkles around the delicate skin around the eyes. And believe it or not, I just read this yesterday, doctors are seeing younger and younger patients with sagging jowls and why? from looking down all day while on the computer, texting, etc. The constant motion of your head leaning forward will cause the collagen to break down, loss of elasticity, and stretching of skin, leaving you with loose face skin, loose jowls and a double chin. All this in addition to the weight issue in this country, poor eating habits, lack of exercise, tanning will cause early aging of the skin.
If you drink lots of water, always use sunscreen , NEVER lay out in the sun, always wear a hat to cover your face when in the sun, exfoliating your skin daily with a machine like the clarisonic, which gets rid of dead skin cells and allows a turnover of healthy new skin cells to rise to the surface, using great skin care products, always moisturize, never sleep with make up on, sleep on your back will also prevent wrinkles, particularly if on a silk pillowcase, eating healthy pesticide free products, not smoking will all keep your skin looking youthful for a very long time. It’s never too soon to start a regimen of great skin care.
Thank you for this giveaway. and good luck to all
Diane K.
Susan Greenberg
February 10, 2015 at 11:12 amMoisturizer is your best friend…use it every day
Devi Brookins
February 10, 2015 at 11:00 amDrink lots of water and extra virgin olive oil to my shampoo for moisture.
Tiana
February 10, 2015 at 7:29 amBe kind to the skin you’re in.
Avoid the sun, but never fear fun.
Masks, serums, primers and more.
What works for you… that is core.
Imperfections and all.
Love your flaws.
(Does anything rhyme with Lackie? xx)