Podcast Summary
Skincare categories: Skincare involves cleansing, moisturizing, SPF, targeted treatments, and luxuries. Choose products based on skin type, concerns, and budget.
Having a meaningful skincare routine involves three categories: the basics, targeted treatments, and luxuries. The basics include a cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF for everyone. Targeted treatments address specific concerns, such as pigmentation or scarring, and require products tailored to the individual's skin type and concerns. Lastly, luxuries include face masks, Jade rollers, or other relaxing skincare practices that can enhance overall skincare. When choosing products, consider factors like skin type, targeted concerns, and budget. Understanding your skin's unique size, which goes beyond just oil production, is crucial for selecting effective skincare.
Skincare personalization: Consider your lifestyle and individual needs when creating a skincare routine, focusing on function for outdoor activities and extensiveness for leisurely routines, and prioritize antioxidants for collagen protection and damage prevention
Personalization is key when it comes to skincare. People have unique lifestyles and preferences, which should be considered when creating a skincare routine. For instance, someone who spends a lot of time outdoors might prioritize a simple routine with a focus on function and sun protection, while someone who enjoys a leisurely skincare routine before bed might prefer a more extensive routine with multiple steps. Additionally, the importance of antioxidants, particularly vitamin C, in preventing collagen breakdown and protecting against damage caused by pollution and UV rays cannot be overstated. So, whether you're looking for a basic routine or something more elaborate, it's essential to consider your lifestyle and individual needs when building your skincare regimen.
Air pollution and skin health: Air pollution harms skin health by causing inflammation and oxidative stress, leading to conditions like eczema and worsening hay fever symptoms. Vitamin C and antioxidants can help combat these effects, while retinol promotes collagen production and cell turnover.
Air pollution, though invisible, can have detrimental effects on our health, including our skin and lungs. A study by A&E in Shanghai found a correlation between poor air quality and increased skin condition admissions, such as eczema. Additionally, pollution can make conditions like hay fever worse by sensitizing us to allergens. To combat the negative effects of pollution, using vitamin C and antioxidants can help preserve collagen and protect against pigmentation. Retinol, a popular skincare ingredient, also plays a significant role in improving skin health by increasing epidermal cell turnover and promoting collagen production. Its benefits were discovered controversially in the early 20th century through experiments on prisoners, and its popularity continues to grow despite new EU regulations restricting over-the-counter retinol availability.
Prescription Retinols: Prescription retinols like Tretinoin offer significant anti-aging benefits but may become more regulated and prescription-only due to concerns over overuse and potential harm. Consumers can save money and reduce waste by using personalized advice and tailored formulations from services like Clara.
As regulations evolve, the use of stronger retinols for anti-aging benefits may become more prescription-only. This is due to concerns over overuse, potential harm during pregnancy, and the need for closer regulation. Research shows that prescription retinols, such as Tretinoin, can lead to significant improvements in wrinkles and skin structure, making them an effective investment for maintaining a youthful appearance. By getting personalized advice and tailored formulations from services like Clara, consumers can save money and reduce waste, while also minimizing environmental impact from excessive packaging and unused products.
Acne scar treatments: Acne scarring is a common outcome of prolonged acne and should be considered part of acne treatment, covered by NHS. Various treatments exist, from needling to lasers, and the specific type of scarring determines the most effective treatment. Long wait times for dermatologist appointments and high costs make it important for NHS to address the aftermath of acne.
A solid skincare routine in your early to mid-30s should include a vitamin C or antioxidant, basic skincare products, and a retinol at night. However, for those dealing with acne scarring, the discussion delved deeper into potential treatments. Scarring is a common outcome of prolonged acne, and the speaker argued it should be considered part of the care pathway for acne treatment and therefore, should be covered by the NHS. Treatments for scarring vary, with some requiring lasers or punch excision, while others involve needling and heat to disrupt scar tissue and stimulate collagen production. It's essential to note that the specific type of scarring will determine the most effective treatment. With wait times for dermatologist appointments being long, the speaker raised the question of the NHS's responsibility to address the aftermath of acne, including scarring. The cost of treatments for scarring can be significant, and the speaker emphasized that the financial burden should not fall solely on the patient.
Acne treatment accessibility: Limited resources and prioritization in the healthcare system hinder some individuals from accessing effective acne treatments and scar reduction methods, exacerbating long-term damage and potential biases against individuals with skin of color.
Effective treatments for acne and scarring can come with a high cost, leaving some individuals unable to access them due to financial constraints. This is particularly frustrating for healthcare professionals who want to provide comprehensive care but are limited by resources and prioritization of certain conditions over others. The speaker's personal experience with acne and scarring highlights the importance of early intervention and appropriate treatment, which could potentially prevent long-term damage. However, the current healthcare system's limitations mean that not everyone has equal access to these treatments. The speaker also raises concerns about potential biases in the system, which disproportionately affect individuals with skin of color and their access to treatments for conditions like hyperpigmentation and melasma.
Healthcare affordability: Many people face financial challenges accessing healthcare and treatments, including dermatological treatments, which can significantly impact their well-being.
Access to healthcare and treatments, including dermatological treatments, can be a significant challenge for many people due to financial constraints. This was personally experienced by the speaker during her time in medical school when she couldn't afford treatment for her scarring. The speaker also shared her own experience with completing a Master's degree and the challenges she faced with the dissertation process. On a lighter note, the conversation ended with a health fact about human shedding, revealing that we shed between 30,000 and 40,000 dead skin cells every minute, adding up to approximately 48 kilograms by the age of 70.
Ancient skincare practices: Ancient civilizations practiced sun protection, emphasizing the significance of knowledge in skincare, and connected skin health to self and mental wellbeing.
Ancient civilizations, like the Egyptians, understood the importance of protecting their skin with sunscreen, even thousands of years ago. Dr. Soma, a skincare expert, emphasized the significance of knowledge in navigating the confusing world of skincare. You can find Dr. Soma on Instagram and TikTok @Dr.Soma_Skin for more information and to ask questions. Additionally, visit ClearA's website to learn about their treatments and take the Skin Size Test. The stomp cast also discussed the fascinating connection between skin, self, and mental health, so feel free to leave feedback and suggestions for future topics. Abby and Dr. Soma will reflect on the episode and share any new insights they gained. Take care and stay tuned for more episodes on Apple Podcasts.