For more than two decades, I’ve reported on skincare trends, innovations and launches. I’ve interviewed dozens of scientists, dermatologists and experts. And I’ve learned several skincare truths that can make a big difference in how to get the most from your products. Here are my eight skincare rules.
1. Good skincare is cumulative
The first thing you need to know is that adopting a good daily skincare regime will really pay off over time. It’s taking care of your skin every day that keeps it healthy and looking younger, longer. Properly removing impurities and pollution from skin and keeping it properly moisturized will keep it healthy. When skin gets too dry, it can cause little ruptures in the skin’s top layer and this can allow germs to enter. Dry skin is weaker and less resistant to environmental aggressors. So start a good skincare regime of cleansing twice a day and moisturizing.
2. The best anti-aging cream in the world is broad spectrum sunscreen
More than 85% of the signs of skin aging come from sun damage – daily UV rays that cause such things as age spots, wrinkles, uneven skintone, leathery texture to skin, etc. If you wear UVA/UVB sunscreen daily, you will prevent future damage and allow your other creams to work far better. It’s the wisest investment.
3. Anti-aging creams need 28 days to work
That’s how it takes new healthy skin cells to develop and come to the skin’s surface. So you have to give these creams time to work to show results. You won’t find instant miracle cures.
4. Skin type changes over time
You skin is the largest living organ of the body. It does a multitude of jobs like regulating your temperature and keeping out germs and bacteria. And because it reacts to your environment, stress and climate, etc., it adapts. So you may have always had oily skin. But that can change over time and where you are. You can suddenly have dry skin. So pay attention to how your skin feels. It is good to evaluate your skincare products every 6 months or so.
5. Everybody’s skin is different
This was a big “a-ha” moment for me. What works for you might not work for your best friend. That’s because your skin is unique and will work better with certain formulas. That’s why you need to try a product yourself and give it a month to work. Test the texture and look at the benefits it provides. Experiment to find what works for you.
6. Gently massaging your face works
This is a great tip. Gently massaging your face in an upward motion does help your anti-aging creams work better. I’ve seen studies in France show that if you do massage your products into your skin morning and night, it can improve the results up to 20%. That’s because it helps stimulate microcirculation in the skin.
7. Luxury skincare products focus on texture
I’ve interviewed many skincare scientists who focus on developing luxury creams. And they’ve told me the hardest part of creating a prestige cream is texture. When you look at an ingredients label on a cream like this, the majority of ingredients will be for texture. It is very difficult to create a smooth, silky texture.
8. Pollution is the next big skin threat
If you’ve ever washed your car and then looked at it 24 hours later, you’ll have noticed a brown or grey film on it. That’s pollution and if affects your skin too. Tiny particles in the air stick to your skin during the day and can cause irritation. That’s why it is so important to cleanse your skin morning and night taking time to really rinse well. That will remove that film of pollution.
