MANILA, Philippines — Cleanser, deep cleanser, toner, eye cream, serum, moisturizer, spot treatment, LED (light-emitting diode), mist, face mask – these are just some of the products comprising a 10-step beauty regimen attributed to have come from Korean beauty (K-beauty). But do you really need all these to stay or become more beautiful?
“Well, that’s Korea, this is the Philippines, for one,” said dermatologist, doctor Chesca Sy-Alvarado, at a recent talk for the launch of Avon’s new Anew Skin Renewal Power Cream in Makati City.
“There are many aspects of our own skincare routine that we have to consider. For example, our skin type, what particular skin conditions we have? Is that routine compatible with our skin conditions? Sustainability – can we manage having and refilling many skincare products? And lastly, the appropriateness to our climate and women,” she explained.
Instead of 10, three would do – cleanser, toner, and serum or moisturizer, she said, since 10 layers of skincare, for her, does not suit the Philippine climate. She noted that globally, studies show that over 60% of people are downsizing their skincare regimen to a maximum of three products.
“It shows you that the women are becoming more choiceful in their skincare routine. It can be for different reasons. It can be for economic reasons. It can be because of education or also can be because of their skin type. But I think, the point is less products, doesn’t mean it’s less powerful… It’s actually better to have a product that has many functions and ingredients that were either in compliment or they have different functions as well than like having separate products,” she said.
Apart from trimming down one’s beauty regimen, here are the essential steps to maintain a healthy and beautiful skin, said Alvarado:
Start early
During one’s early 20s is the best time to start having a skincare routine, and one should start with collagen banking as it is during those times “that where we try to keep as much collagen that we can” for our older years, said the doctor.
“The question is tomorrow, when do we level up (our skincare routine)? Does our skincare need to be more of aging well now, or we can start early? For sure. Yes!” the doctor enthused.
Use targeted skincare
Instead of a “one-size-fits-all” product, the doctor recommended using skincare products made to answer one’s specific needs.
“The most important is consistent use of a targeted skincare. It depends on your goals. Of course, you have skincare routines that grow up with you. It was much simpler when we were younger toward our mid-20s,” she said.
Avoid UV damage
Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun and gadgets can cause inflammation like redness and pre-mature aging, the doctor warned.
“(You would) want to protect your skin from any kind of inflammation because where there’s inflammation, there’s redness, there’s collagen breakdown and loss,” she said.
Protect your skin from inflammation
Besides UV rays, one should also avoid any kind of inflammation or injury to the skin, Alvarado advised.
“Anything or any kind of injury to the skin, sunburn, insect bites, these things… even your eczema flares… you have to protect your skin from any kind of inflammation,” the dermatologist stressed.
Part of protecting the skin from inflammation is avoiding using products that cause irritation, she noted.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Any effort to use a good skincare product would be for naught if one does not practice a healthy lifestyle, said the doctor.
“Actually, in terms of ingredients, I think we’re covered there. I mean, it’s like lifestyle habits that we can do now,” she enthused.
“Of course, you want to have a good quality of sleep and exercise because that’s where all the repair processes get activated… So it’s actually very important to complement your well-aging routine, your well-aging goals with a healthy lifespan.”
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