Six skin experts and six tips for your skin in 2022
I realise that it’s late to be saying Happy New year but at the same time it feels like we could all do with as many happy wishes as possible. And though I am not usually one for resolutions I feel this is the year to resolve to do even that differently.
Highest on the resolution priority is being happy. Strange, I know. But with the waterfall of emotion that has been the last 24 months the New Year has been the nudge to remind me of how privileged I am. Not only do I still live in the best city in the world, London, but I also get to work with the most amazing team of skin specialists.
And it’s to them that I’m turning to, to help me with another priority. To look after my skin. I know this may sound odd as I happen to be a Director of “East London’s Cult Salon” but I am going to admit that in my attempts to run a business I somehow forgot that looking after yourself needs a little effort too.
So I’ll be searching out a slot with the wonderful senior aesthetician Fatma Gunduz for my 2022 skincare review. And once that’s done I’ll turn to our Medical Professionals to perform their injectable magic. I’m hoping you’ll get the opportunity to do the same - but in the meantime I’ve asked all our skin care experts to give me their first and no. 1 skin tip for 2022.
Here goes …
Skin care tip 1
Rachel McIntosh, Aesthetic Nurse Prescriber
My skin care tip for the New Year - cleanse and cleanse again.
I love makeup and wear it most days… (yes even in lockdown I put on a full face most days) even though taking it off can sometimes feel like a hassle. It is important to remember that when we first cleanse our faces at the end of the day it is removing our makeup and bacteria that has built up from the day but we aren’t then reaching deeper into the pores. That’s where a second cleanse comes in to ensure that we are removing all impurities and leaves the skin radiant and refreshed.
My choice for removing makeup (the first cleanse), Medik8 Lipid Balance Cleansing Oil and then to remove build up in my pores, Exfoliating Cleanser by ZO Skinhealth®.
Collagen supplements tip 2
Dr Saira Vasdev, Medical Director
As we start the New Year our minds tend to shift towards how we can look and feel better and how we can have a healthy start to the New Year after indulging over the festive period. The effects of sugar and alcohol can leave our skin looking tired and lacklustre, and for many can trigger skin inflammation which leads to redness, sensitivity and breakouts. While our focus in January tends to be on nutrition and exercise, we can also support our skin back to health with this simple skin hack.
Collagen supplementation. A high-quality collagen supplement is an efficient and cost-effective way of boosting collagen production, supporting skin hydration and minimising signs of ageing. Hydrolysed marine collagen works best as it is more easily absorbed into the skin making it most potent. A dose of 1000mg + is optimal and a high-quality supplement will combine other proven ingredients such as Vitamin C and Hyaluronic acid for advanced results. Visible benefits on the skin can be seen from as early as 2-3 weeks.
I recommend Skinade® to my patients as it ticks these boxes and is backed by extensive scientific research.
Skin care tip 3
Fatma Gunduz, Lead Aesthetician
My top tip for 2022 is to be kind to yourself - starting with being kinder to your skin.
I have always been a big believer of the less is more approach when it comes to skin care routines and work with my clients to keep the use of active ingredients in check and not strip skin of its natural oils. Overly exfoliating the skin with skincare products that use strong acids or harsh ingredients can strip the skin barrier and make your skin worse. Too much stimulation makes the skin angry, so it's all about being gentle and giving your skin room to do its own healing (which it's totally capable of, BTW).
There are so many benefits of the various acids to our skin. There is room in our routines for Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Vitamin A and others - but in the right order, quantity and formula for your skin. As there are now so many options I would advise consulting with a skin care professional to ensure that you are selecting those skincare products that are best - and kindest for you.
For those that are already suffering from the overuse of products or a skin barrier that's in need of repair I recommend using Tebiskin® Cera-Boost Face Cream which contains is a functional, balanced blend of all nine key natural Ceramides, Cholesterol, Palmatic Acid and Fatty Acids in the necessary ratio to improve and restore the barrier function of the skin. Amazing.
Your skin care regime tip 4
Dr You-Jin Chang, Aesthetic Doctor
It’s the time of year when I am advising all my clients to incorporate the right type of retinoid into their skin care regime. It’s still the best ingredient to renew those cells and the best start for that essential new year and fresher you, skin rejuvenation.
Retinoids have so many benefits for us including, the promotion cell turnover, production of two of the key components of the dermis: collagen and glycosaminoglycans (hyaluronic acid) thus strengthening and plumping the skin, they are comedolytic – they prevent the formation of comedones, they are anti-inflammatory and they offer antioxidant benefits.
When used correctly and with patience the result of using retinoids is smooth, clear and resilient skin, even tone and a reduction in fine lines.
Sounds amazing right? But before you rush out to stock up on retinoids in your skincare, it’s worth bearing in mind that the degree to which you get these results depends largely on the type of retinoid you use, the formulation and whether you can tolerate the possible irritation associated with these ingredients. It’s also not an instant improvement. Retinoids are definitely a long game and it pays to be patient with using them and waiting for results (several months to a year for some of the anti-ageing effects).
So, when I tip to incorporate retinols/retinoids into a skin care routine I add a tip to speak to a skin care professional before spending any hard-earned New Year money.
My current favourite is the Alpharet Overnight Cream by Skinbetter Science® as it features a unique combination of an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and a retinoid that provides effective and visible skin rejuvenation with little-to-no irritation. A win-win really.
Protecting the skin barrier tip 5
Dr Karen Doherty
It’s time to introduce products that help protect your skin barrier.
With the winter and lockdowns, we're all spending a lot of time in our homes, whether that's for work or to socialise with friends and family on Zoom. And with the cold weather hitting us it’s no surprise that we are all whacking up the central heating to ward off the cold.
However, having the central heating on high can wreak havoc with our skin because it reduces the humidity in the room, leading it to become drier, redder and flakier than normal.
So, it is even more important that at this time of year we select products that help restore and protect the skin’s barrier.
A current favourite of mine is Hydrating Creme by ZO Skin Health. It has been formulated with science backed ingredients that temporarily relieve symptoms of severely dry skin while calming the skin to soothe visible irritation as well as replenishing the skin’s natural moisture to aid in skin recovery. The benefits include supporting the skin’s barrier restoration and function, reduced itching, restores hydration and calms redness, reduces intensity and frequency of flare-ups and with continued and consistent use, the skin will feel healthier, smoother, more hydrated and less red.
And now that I’ve reminded myself of how good this one product is, I realise there are so many other options for my first tip of 2022. But Sonia has limited me to one here. So, for the rest book in for your skin review (soon).
Rejuvenate your skin tip 6
Dr Vy Nguyen
It’s January. The month of rejuvenation. So, my tip has to be to introduce Retinol (Retinoid/Vitamin A) to your skincare routine.
Up until our early 30s our cells turn over every 28 days, creating a fresh layer of untouched, pristine skin but after hitting the mid-30s, cell regeneration slows down, turning over every 50, 60, or 70 days.” And that slower cell regeneration is what causes the skin on the face to look dry, dull, wrinkled and (dare I say it so early in the year) ageing.
Retinol, however, sinks into your skin and speeds up cell turnover, causing the body to churn out fresher, smoother skin again. It essentially tricks our body into thinking it’s younger than it is, effectively creating a real-life Benjamin Button scenario. Granted, you won’t see results overnight—it’ll take at least three months of consistent nightly use to notice some reduction in fine lines, dark spots, and acne. But once you do, you won’t turn back.
Though using retinol has to be my tip for January - I have to add the importance of caution. Use too much, or incorrectly, Retinol/Retinoids can cause irritation, redness - the opposite of what we want. So please speak to an expert before selecting the one for you.
My personal favourite Obagi Medical tretinoin cream. This is a prescription strength derivative of Vitamin A and should only be purchased following a consultation with a Medical professional.
There’s the top tips for 2022. And, remember at Skin and Sanctuary there are complimentary consultations with an aesthetician either in person or online. Consultations - Our Treatments Here’s to happy and healthy skin this January.