HEALTH Careful what you slather on your skin

Careful what you slather on your skin


Bernie Fahy

I have found that as many as seven out of ten of my clients are on the wrong product for their skin type and skin complaints when they come to my clinic. This is big problem. Not only do they have cupboards full of expensive lotions that are not working for them, the products can also be worsening or even creating the very skin issue they’re trying to resolve.
For example, many products for treating acne contain alcohol, which dries and irritates the skin triggering even more oil production. 
Also, if you use too much moisturiser or thick-textured products, you can clog the pores, potentially causing or worsening conditions such as milia (tiny white bumps or small cysts on the skin), and preventing exfoliation, which makes the skin look dull.
Over-scrubbing your skin with harsh products is another no-no – it can damage the skin’s protective barrier, causing more wrinkles and dry skin.
There are several tell-tale signs that you might be using the wrong product – and they are usually evident within two weeks:

• No improvement in the skin
• Skin seems to be producing more oil or becoming very dry
• Skins is more sensitive, irritated and/or very red

It’s almost impossible to know your real skin type if you are using products containing ingredients that create problems.
Getting to know your skin type is vital if you are to choose a product that suits you. To find out, wash your skin and towel dry, then gently press a tissue on skin. If the tissue has gone ‘see through’, it means your skin is oily. If there is no oil on the tissue, your skin is dry. If your skin is very tight, it is likely to be sensitive and prone to irritation. If you have combination skin, you’ll see signs of oiliness and dryness, and possibly sensitivity too. 
When you finally discover your skin type you can make better decisions about which products to use for your skin care routine. As a rule of thumb though,
everyone should have a pH-balanced cleanser, an exfoliater with non-polished granules to prevent damage, and a light moisturiser with a high sun block.
Also, remember that the skin is considered the outside indicator of inside health, and putting expensive creams on the it won’t alleviate problems that stem from inner nutritional deficiencies and emotional problems.

Bernie Fahy works in Ballinrobe, Westport and Galway. She can be contacted at 086 2220125 or info@bernietheskinspecialist.com. For more information, visit www.bernietheskinspecialist.com.