Skincare has come a long way since its early days in ancient Egypt. Just like today's trends, preserving youth was a theme in ancient culture. However, ingredients like clay and olive oil were used to reduce wrinkles, which could ultimately clog your pores and lead to bacteria on your face.
Although you can still embrace some of those ancient standards of beauty, dermatologist-approved skincare is a relatively new development. It's also an important one. More than ever, we understand how different ingredients and approaches to skincare products impact our skin and protect it from bacteria, toxins, and harmful chemicals.
Handcrafted Skincare vs. Mass Manufactured
Handcrafted has been a word thrown around in industries like food and beverage to create healthier and better-tasting products. However, it can also apply to skincare. There's a growing demand for customized, high-quality, handcrafted skincare that contains natural ingredients. There's also more room for variation and improvements when you buy from a small-batch skincare retailer. Meanwhile, manufactured skincare typically doesn't offer the same level of customization and high-quality care. They may last longer on the shelf due to their synthetic preservatives but aren't always a good option for your skin's health.
Of course, not all handcrafted skincare is good, and not all manufactured options are automatically bad. However, you're more likely to find the solutions you're looking for with handcrafted skincare solutions created by a dermatologist, like our line of J. Sanchez Skin Care products.
Do Eye Creams Really Do Anything?
Eye creams are a targeted moisturizer gently applied around the areas of your eyes. There are a few reasons why a quality moisturizer is an integral part of your dermatologist-tested skincare routine.
For starters, it's tempting to reach for any lotion or moisturizer when the skin on your face feels tight or irritated. However, applying any generic moisturizer will likely sting and irritate the delicate skin around your eyes. Handcrafted skincare options are a better option to hydrate your under-eye area. It can also help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Although you won't see an improvement in dark circles under your eyes caused by issues like allergies or dehydration, eye cream can help improve the overall quality of your skin and keep it looking fresh, young, and healthy.
What is a Serum?
A serum is a product used after cleansing your skin but before applying a traditional moisturizer. Dermatologist-approved skincare products, like serums, are also designed to feel lightweight on your skin. In fact, serums act as targeted, lightweight moisturizers with active ingredients including glycolic acid and Vitamin C. Serums are often recommended to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Beyond possible wrinkle reduction, serums also help brighten up dull skin. The moisturizing agents help improve the quality and glow of your skin and could also reduce the appearance of dark spots. However, don't rely on a serum alone. You still need a quality handcrafted skincare routine that includes a cleanser and moisturizer to see the best results.
Will Moisturizer Actually Help My Skin?
Yes, using moisturizer definitely helps! A quality moisturizer isn't a miracle cream that erases wrinkles, but it can dramatically help reduce their appearance and keep your skin feeling great. Our skin often shows its age when we're tired or dehydrated, which moisturizers can also help address on the surface. Incorporating moisturizer into a handcrafted skincare routine also aids in preventing environmental damage to your skin by creating a barrier.
Of course, using too much moisturizer could also backfire and lead to breakouts. This problem is especially prevalent if you're using a low-quality moisturizer that isn't created with your skin's best interest in mind. Make sure to follow the direction of any dermatologist-approved skincare product before use.
What If I Skip the Dermatologist-Approved Skincare Routine?
Just about any skincare routine is better than none at all. Our skin needs to be cleaned to get rid of old skin cells and remove dirt and toxins. However, using cheap and generic products can lead to breakouts, blotchy patches on your face, and leave your skin looking red.
When you treat your skin poorly, it also hurts. You're likely to feel stinging sensations and dry, cracked skin. Failing to practice good hygiene could also mean your face is carrying toxins and bacteria and lead to bigger health issues. When you use a handcrafted skincare line created by a dermatologist, you know that it was created with some of the best practices and science on the skin in mind.
Beyond issues with your health and appearance, keep in mind your confidence will likely suffer when you skip a good skincare routine. Looking in the mirror and not liking what you see negatively impacts your daily life. It's challenging to face the world, run a meeting, or enjoy a social engagement when you're worried about how your skin looks all the time.
What Else Can I Do to Improve the Quality of My Skin?
Age and genetics play a role in the quality and appearance of our skin, but lifestyle choices also matter. Staying well-hydrated by consuming plenty of water throughout the day is one place to start. You should also reduce or eliminate smoking altogether to reduce the overall signs of aging.
Choose a quality sunscreen and eliminate sun exposure to minimize UV damage. Changing your diet with more fresh fruits, veggies, and Omega-3 amino acids, including fatty fish, can also help improve your skin. Some people also report a reduction in skin issues when they reduce foods that cause inflammation. Forgoing the packaged snacks and sugary beverages are a few places to make immediate changes in inflammation.
Ideally, you should use dermatologist-approved skincare while making positive lifestyle changes to improve the quality of your skin. Hydration and diet alone won't help your skin if you're not properly cleansing and hydrating it. You'll still end up with bacteria and dry skin without the proper handcrafted skincare your skin deserves.