Are we over-caring for our skin?

For some time now, I have noticed that the number of clients with diseased and irritated skin is increasing. I observe an increased formation of pimples, hyperpigmentation, and various skin dermatoses. At the same time, it is striking that providers on social media platforms and in online shops are engaged in a real battle when it comes to youthful or impure skin.

It has become a marketing strategy to promote cosmetic products with as many different active ingredients as possible. This makes me reflect. Because many of these active ingredients could be omitted, they contain harmful substances, and some even damage the skin.

THE EFFECT OF THE INGREDIENTS IS NOT ALWAYS CLEAR

There is a lot of misinformation circulating on the web. Cosmetic manufacturers are springing up like mushrooms and sometimes contradict each other. Often, buyers do not have sufficient knowledge about the ingredients and their effect on the skin, especially when the products are purchased online. Unfortunately, many customers also believe that more products and active ingredients yield better results. Hardly anyone questions where the active ingredients come from and whether they really help or rather harm.

In the morning, AHAs are used for cleansing, in the evening PHAs or BHAs, and in between, retinol is applied. And to ensure that the whole process is tolerated, it must be followed up with sufficient hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. The fact that the active ingredients also come with different pH values and concentrations further exacerbates the problem.

APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE DONE IN MODERATION

Of course, in some cases, it makes sense to add AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) such as glycolic, mandelic, and lactic acid or BHAs (salicylic acid) as well as retinol to the skin. These active ingredients loosen keratinization, exfoliate the outermost skin layer, have anti-inflammatory effects, kill bacteria, lighten the skin, and alleviate acne scars. But the application should be done in moderation.

Not every skin type reacts the same way, and daily treatment is not necessary.

On the contrary: Over time, the important and healthy skin barrier is damaged. Constantly stimulating cell division at a young age can take its toll years later. The condition of the skin can even worsen or it ages faster.

Ultimately, chemical peels remove one layer of skin after another, thereby removing valuable proteins and ceramides. They destroy the valuable skin barrier and the acid mantle. The consequences: The skin dries out, itches and flakes, is irritated and provides entry for fungi, bacteria and viruses. In the worst case, eczema can even form – an absolute nightmare for our skin.

It is best to have a thorough skin analysis performed and consult a specialist. Because beautiful skin has a healthy skin barrier – we should not destroy it!