While cosmetic treatments like dermal fillers and anti-wrinkle injections can give a rapid boost to your appearance, a daily skincare routine using medical-grade cosmeceuticals is paramount for enhancing skin health and slowing the signs of ageing.
As importantly, it will help you to get the most out of your in-clinic procedures. Why? Because it provides the opportunity to promote a more balanced, refreshed overall look compared to only targeting specific areas of the face.
It also means that treatments on targeted areas of the face (e.g. lip filler) will blend in more naturally.
Put simply, when you combine modalities, you get an exponential result that is much more effective than any one individual approach.
The key here is consistency. Sticking to a daily skincare practice is akin to brushing and flossing your teeth between dental visits; the more routine our skincare practice becomes, the more effective and evident it will be over time. Set reminders if needed!
So, what are the must-dos and must-haves of an effective skincare routine?
Aside from using a daily cleanser and moisturiser, both morning and night, and SPF50+ designed for facial use (such as SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial UV Defence Sunscreen) before heading outside, here we break down the essential ABCs for skincare health for clearer skin and ageing.
A is for…
Vitamin A.
Topical retinoids have been hailed as a vitamin A ‘wonder drug’, ranging from the naturally occurring retinol to the stronger retinoic acid.
By increasing collagen and skin cell turnover, retinoids have become much-loved for their anti-ageing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Topical retinoids are prescribed to treat solar damage, acne, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles because the retinoic acid can be directly absorbed and used by the skin.
Although, it’s worth noting that over-the-counter products containing retinol or retinaldehyde are not as effective as retinoic acid. You must see a dermatologist or skin doctor to obtain retinoic acid.
Topical retinoids are best applied at night after using a gentle cleanser and before applying moisturiser and face oils.
It is important to follow prescribed instructions to allow the skin to become accustomed to retinoids over time. Topical retinoids are not suitable for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Before adding a new product to your skincare routine, it’s important to consult with your skin doctor.
B is for…
Vitamin B3.
B3, also known as Niacinamide, is an excellent anti-inflammatory solution, helping to reduce skin redness like acne and rosacea.
It improves skin barrier function, helping with skin irritation and soreness and can reduce oily skin by inhibiting sebum production thus aiding getting rid of acne even further.
If that wasn’t enough, B3 improves cell turnover and helps repair sun-damaged cells, making your skin look brighter and fresher with less redness and pigmentation.
Studies are also showing that B3 may be effective in reducing the incidence of certain types of skin cancers. Australia has the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world, so it makes a lot of sense to use B3 in your daily skin care regime.
C is for…
Vitamin C.
Topical Vitamin C is backed by extensive global independent research and is a potent antioxidant for preventing skin cells being damaged by free radicals and UV exposure.
Not only does topical vitamin C act as a strong antioxidant to help protect your skin from sun damage, it interacts with sunscreen to make it more even effective. If you needed a compelling reason to apply vitamin C, this is surely a good one!
However, beware that not all vitamin C serums are created equal, and you should make sure that you are using a medical grade vitamin C that is suitable for your skin type, particularly if you experience breakouts. These are usually only available through doctor-led skin clinics.
At Bass Coast Skin Doctors, our vitamin C antioxidant by SkinCeuticals is one of the most potent and scientifically tested on the market, so you can be assured of its effectiveness.
Vitamin C is best applied in the morning after cleansing, especially if Vitamin A is being used at night. It is an active ingredient, meaning that it will continue to work many hours after application, so it is best to allow a few moments for it to absorb before applying moisturiser.
Not only a powerful antioxidant, Vitamin C is also an excellent anti-pigment and anti-inflammatory cream that can help you achieve clearer, healthier looking skin.
Do you have questions about your skincare?
At Bass Coast Skin Doctors, we believe great skin health is a journey, not an end point. We’re here to guide and support you every step of the way, and we’re truly excited to grow with you as your skincare needs change over time.
To discover how we can help you to achieve your skincare goals, contact us today by calling (03) 5618 7007 or booking an appointment online.