What Your Doctor Wants You To Know: 6 Expert Insights About Skin Health
Your skin is more than just a protective barrier; it’s a reflection of your overall health and well-being. While you may be familiar with the basics of skincare, such as the importance of diet and sleep, there are many lesser-known factors that play a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin. Here are 6 things you might not know about your skin, but definitely should.
Your Skin’s Microbiome Matters
Your skin’s health relies significantly on its unique ecosystem of bacteria, fungi and viruses, collectively known as the skin microbiome.
While you might associate bacteria with infections, it’s in fact the balance of these microorganisms that is essential for maintaining a healthy skin microbiome.
A well-balanced microbiome helps protect against harmful pathogens, regulate pH levels, and support the skin barrier. Disruptions to this balance, often due to over-cleansing, harsh products, or certain antibiotics, can lead to skin problems such as acne, eczema, and sensitivity.
TIP: Opt for gentle, pH-balanced skincare products that can help preserve your skin’s natural flora. Avoid over-cleansing or using harsh products that can strip away beneficial bacterial from your skin.
Sunscreen Isn’t Just for Sunny Days
Many people assume that sunscreen is only necessary on sunny days or during beach outings, but this is a misconception that could harm your skin. UV rays can penetrate through clouds and even glass windows, meaning you’re exposed to them more often than you might realise.
Just like the brain, your skin has a memory, storing the effects of sun exposure and damage over time. Every sunburn or tanning session adds to this “memory,” potentially leading to pigmentation, premature ageing, or even skin cancer years later. Protecting your skin today is not just about immediate results; it’s about ensuring its long-term health.
TIP: Make sunscreen a daily habit, regardless of the weather or your plans. Look for a broad-spectrum of SPF 50 and consider reapplying every two hours if you’re outdoors for extended periods. For added protection, incorporate skincare products containing antioxidants into your routine. Your skin will thank you in the future.
Stress Can Manifest on Your Skin
Stress can wreak havoc on many—if not all—aspects of our lives, including our skin. It can manifest in various ways that affect both its appearance and overall health. When you’re stressed, your body releases stress hormones like cortisol, which can lead to increased sebum production and inflammation. This excess sebum can clog pores and contribute to acne outbreaks, often referred to as stress acne.
Stress acne can appear on any part of the body or face but is most commonly found on areas with a high concentration of oil glands, such as the forehead, nose, chin, chest, back, and upper arms. Although anyone can experience stress acne, it is particularly prevalent among those who are already prone to breakouts.
Additionally, stress exacerbates inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, making them flare up more frequently and intensely. Stress can also compromises your skin’s barrier function, making it more susceptible to irritants and allergens, which can further aggravate conditions like redness and sensitivity. To make things worse, stress can impair the skin’s ability to repair itself, slowing down the healing of blemishes and wounds.
TIP: Integrate stress management techniques into your daily routine, such as practicing deep breathing exercises, doing mindfulness meditation, journaling, going on a walk in nature, spending time or talking to your loved ones, exercising and having adequate rest, can help you better cope with stress.
Water Temperature Matters
Hot showers might feel indulgently relaxing after a long day at work, but they can actually be detrimental to your skin’s health. Many people have this misconception that hot water opens up pores, but in reality, pores do not actually open or close. Rather, they remain the same size, regardless of water temperature.
What hot water does do, is that it can temporarily loosen debris, making it easier to cleanse, but it can also damage the skin’s natural barrier, by stripping your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation and potential damage to the skin’s barrier.
TIP: To maintain moisture levels and prevent unnecessary harm to your skin, using lukewarm water is the best choice.
For those struggling with persistent clogged pores, consider incorporating products with AHA and BHA acids into your routine. Ingredients like lactic, glycolic, and salicylic acid are excellent for promoting cellular turnover, which helps to keep pores clear and skin smooth by gently exfoliating the surface and preventing buildup.
Your Pillowcase Could Be a Problem
Did you know your pillowcase might be undermining your skin’s health more than you realise?
Throughout the night, your pillowcase accumulates oil, sweat, dead skin cells and even bacteria from your face and hair. This buildup can transfer back to your skin as you sleep, potentially leading to clogged pores, breakouts and irritation.
Additionally, the friction caused by traditional cotton pillowcases can exacerbate skin conditions and contribute to wrinkles over time.
TIP: Consider switching to a silk pillowcase. Silk is gentler on the skin and less likely to absorb moisture, which helps maintain your skin’s natural oils and reduces the risk of irritation. Regularly changing your pillowcase is also crucial—ideally, you should do so at least once a week to keep your skin clean and healthy. By paying attention to these often-overlooked details, you can help create a more skin-friendly sleep environment.
Personalised Skin Care Is Key
When it comes to skincare and skin treatments, recognising the need for personalised and tailored solutions is crucial. Skincare is not a one-size-fits-all scenario; what works for one person might not work for another due to the unique nature of each individual’s skin type, concerns and sensitivities.
Personalised skincare accounts for these differences, ensuring that treatments and products are specifically chosen to address your skin’s unique needs, whether it’s hydration, anti-ageing, or acne control. Understanding your skin type—whether it’s oily, dry, sensitive, or a combination—helps in selecting the most effective products and treatments, thereby optimising your budget by avoiding ineffective or unnecessary products. Tailored solutions not only maximise the benefits but also minimise the risk of adverse effects, such as irritation or worsening of skin issues.
By investing in a personalised approach, you ensure that your skincare routine is both effective and cost-efficient, leading to healthier, more radiant skin.
TIP: Schedule an appointment with your doctor for a tailored skincare routine and treatment plan that addresses your specific needs.
Understanding these often-overlooked aspects of skin health can make a significant difference in how your skin looks and feels. Remember, your skin is with you for life—treat it with the care and respect it deserves!
