ASK A DERMATOLOGIST

If a woman were to invest in a good anti-aging kit right now, what would you tell her to buy?
It’s never the same for everyone but we would say invest in at least the basics:
a. A good cleanser for your skin type.
b. Product containing ingredients that address your concerns – pigmentation, redness, sensitive skin, fine lines and wrinkles – such as exfoliants (AHA, BHA or PHA), anti-oxidants (Vitamin C, E), or retinoids.
c. A sunscreen that is broad-spectrum with an SPF of 30+ or PA++ and that you are willing to put on everyday and re-apply when necessary.

What's your advice for the busy woman who has no time to go through a complicated skincare routine, gadgets, or treatments?
When formulating a skincare routine, after knowing what your skin issues and needs are, you should determine how much time you are willing to spend on it so that it doesn’t feel like a chore. Keep it simple and be realistic. Have a schedule, plan and make time for yourself. But do try to have one. Now that we’re older, we realise that if there’s something that you really want to do or that you value, you will make time for it.

Should I use different sunscreen on my face and my body?
Not necessarily. Most of the time, you can use the same sunscreen on your face and body. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to choose a sunscreen made for the face. For people who sweat a lot and tend to get sunscreen in their eyes, we recommend a more water-resistant or sweat-resistant sunscreen on the face. For people who are prone to acne, there are several sunscreens promoted as oil-free. There are also sunscreen gels. You may want a physical blocker that contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide because they tend to be a bit of a drier touch compared to sunscreens that use a chemical blocker, so read the bottle and opt for a sunscreen gel or lotion.

Are chemical peels good for hyperpigmentation?
Yes! Chemical peels can be brilliant for hyperpigmentation. But this is where you need to go to somebody really experienced as a skin care clinician, as patient selection is really key for this. In a lot of patients, particularly patients with skin of colour, if the skin isn’t adequately prepared and prepped before the peel, because the peel is causing controlled inflammation and injury, you can actually make the pigmentation worse or even cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. 

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