6 Things a Dermatologist Wants You and Your Skin to Know

Skincare is a tricky world but when you have a dermatologist on hand, you can sort your skin in seconds.

Which is why we asked Dr Justine Hextall, dermatologist on behalf of The Harley Medical Group, for the 6 things she wishes we all knew and understood about our skin.

Find what products your skin likes and stick to them

“I would say 50% of those I see in my clinic have too complicated a regime that is actually damaging the skin barrier and unbalancing the natural acidic pH,” explains Dr Hextall.

When choosing your skincare, Dr Hextall advises you find what works for you and stick to it – giving it at least a week for your skin to settle into it. Don’t be swayed by the wide array of products on offer and keep switching – this does absolutely nothing for your skin.

“Products can take at least six weeks to start making a difference and also keep in mind that continued use is necessary to maintain the results, you have to remain committed to achieve the results you want!”

Adapt your skincare as you age

“There’s no doubt that your skin will change as it ages. The skincare regime you used in your 20s will not necessarily continue to be right for your 40s if you’re looking to maintain that youthful glow.

“In our twenties often we can still see so-called teenage skin with oiliness and occasional breakouts. Often however it is the decade that most individuals feel is the peak of skin health. Robust skin that is relatively hardy, has that youthful glow and for most the end of acne. By our thirties we usually start to notice those early subtle signs of ageing skin. For example, skin becoming a little less hydrated, for some it may be the first time they have needed to use a moisturiser. Dynamic wrinkles we see in our twenties become a more fixed with the development of fine lines.

“By our forties I believe our skin starts to reflect our lifestyle and skin care. Individuals start to notice increased dryness as the skin barrier becomes less efficient. Loss of skin firmness and age spots and visible thread veins are a common complaint. It is time to invest in good skin care products. I regularly use an anti-oxidant serum and focus my diet on anti-oxidant foods. Again a high factor sun block is very important and I would advise most individuals would benefit from more active treatments.”

Good skin starts with a good diet

 Your skin loves a diet full of fruit and vegetables, which supplement our bodies natural antioxidant defences and help towards beautiful skin.

Some skin-loving foods include yellow and orange peppers, which contain the powerful antioxidants caretinoids. Tomatoes contain lycopene, protecting the skin from sun exposure while avocadoes have a high level of vitamin E, another great antioxidant.

 Dr Hextall adds: “Swapping your daily latte for a cup of green tea will significantly boost anti-oxidants and protect your skin.”

Skincare can’t undo a bad lifestyle

“Your skincare alone will not automatically fix your skin concerns,” says Dr Hextall. “In my view, the gold standard of good skin is a healthy lifestyle, a respectable diet and a skincare regime that’s tailored to you.

“My top 4 lifestyle factors that do the skin the most damage are UV exposure, smoking and excessive alcohol, city living with increased exposure to pollution and finally chronic stress , especially if combined with lack of sleep will all contribute to skin ageing. No matter how hydrating your chosen moisturiser is, it will not reverse the dehydrating effects of smoking. If you want good skin, you have to look to address these lifestyles factors as well.”

Facials should be part of your skincare routine

Regular facials are one of the keys to great skin, says Dr Hextall, as they remove dead skin cells and hydrate the skin.

“The key is to meet with a skin care specialist and plan a treatment programme, that includes the best possible skin care regime for your skin.”

Using anti-ageing treatments won’t make your skin lazy

“Thinking your skin will become lazy is a common misconception,” she says. “Speeding up the cell turnover with a retinoid for example will not leave skin incapable of renewing and shedding. Once the retinoid is stopped the skin physiology will return to normal.

“There is the argument that using a moisturiser stops the skin retaining water naturally. I argue if you use a good cleanser that removed unwanted pollution and excessive oil but does not disrupts the skin barrier is the key. This in turn means less moisturizer is needed yet skin feels soft and hydrated and has that glow.”