Celebrating Skin Health Month – Q&A with Skincare Expert
1) What is National Skin Health Month and what is the goal of it?
Skin Health Month is a new initiative created by La Roche-Posay to create public awareness about the importance of good skin health and to encourage people to go to their local pharmacy to seek advice. We want to highlight that the Skincare Advisers in pharmacies are highly trained and, along with the pharmacists, are there to give expert advice for many skin concerns. The goal is to encourage more people to avail of a free skin consultation and find a skincare solution to meet their needs.
2) Why would you recommend La Roche Posay and what is your favourite product?
La Roche Posay are experts in sensitive skin for over 40 years. I know when recommending La Roche Posay I will find a solution for everybody. When advising people I have confidence in La Roche Posay’s efficacy – this is very important to me (minimal ingredients for maximum results). My favourite product is Toleriane Ultra Eye Contour. I often get touch dermatitis on my eyelids – they would get dry, itchy and scaly. They would feel tight and crave moisture. Nothing I used in the past would improve this until I discovered Toleriane Ultra Eye Contour. Now when I feel a flare up coming on I get my Toleriane Ultra Eye’s and put it on and around my eye contour and directly on to my eyelids…it instantly soothes them and by the next day it is gone, like magic! It is definitely my hero product.
3) Now that the weather is starting to improve, what would your advice be to protect your skin coming into the warmer months?
UVA rays are the same intensity all year round therefore protecting the skin against them daily is always a good idea. In Ireland from March to September UVB rays are more prevalent so it is definitely worth while investing in a good moisturiser to protect against both UVA & UVB during the summer, or use a sunscreen every day suitable for your skin type.
Skin hydration is a very important factor in maintaining healthy looking skin, humid conditions during the summer months can dehydrate the skin so I always recommend a hydrating serum to be used throughout the warmer months to keep those hydration levels up. La Roche-Posay have a great serum called Hydraphase Intense, it’s like a glass of water for the skin!
4) There is a lot of debate around what the best age is to start using anti-aging products. What would you recommend?
External aggressors account for up to 80% of our skin ageing! With the main culprit being UV rays! A well hydrated skin is necessary to ensure cellular turnover, and good cell turnover is necessary to ensuring health looking skin! (Cell turnover slows down as young as 25) Throughout your 20’s ensure to keep your hydration levels up and seek moisturisers to protect the skin against both UVA& UVB rays. From your 30’s onwards look for ingredients such as Hyaluronic acid to help keep lines at bay and skin firming ingredients such as Vitamin C or Retinols.
5) There are so many products on the market these days – how do I know where to start when choosing the right one for me?
I agree there are so many and most of them are brilliant. The best place to start is in your pharmacy, get advice and a skin consultation. An educated opinion is best before you start spending lots of money on products that may not be suitable.
6) How often do you recommend exfoliating?
I recommend exfoliation 1-2 times weekly. I recommend gentle exfoliation if you have sensitive skin and avoid the cheeks if they tend to be more reactive.
7) What does your own skincare routine involve?
My skin is generally sensitivity (slight stinging and burning sensations from time to time) with dehydration. I remove my make up with a Micellar water and a damp cotton pad every evening and morning, I exfoliate gently once a week and use a hydrating mask. I use Hydraphase Intense Serum (LOVE) with my moisturiser every morning and evening. I have recently started using the Anthelious SPF 50+ Ultra Light Invisible Face Mist as my SPF – it is a serious game changer! I top it up throughout the day if I am outside or driving it is so lightweight and doesn’t disturb my make-up.
8) If you had to choose one skincare product that you could not live without, what would it be and why?
Ahhh so difficult. It would have to be Hydraphase Serum – I love the cooling sensation and the instant plumping effect – My skin craves it after a long day in air-conditioning!
9) Any other tips for our readers?
My tip would be not to suffer in silence – no question is too silly – get expert advice in pharmacy and stick to a routine – it will pay off. Don’t cover imperfections or insecurities with make-up – go back to basics and get your skin to its optimum. You are never too old for Acne, you are never too young for fine lines so if they appear seek a second opinion. La Roche Posay definitely has the products to support you on your journey to healthy skin.