When it comes to skincare, we have a wealth of knowledge at our fingertips. However, despite the extensive information available to us, some basic concepts are still occasionally misunderstood. Additionally, in a world of AI and information overload, there is also a significant amount of inaccurate skincare information on the internet, making it challenging to distinguish fact from fiction.
Skincare Awareness Month was established to educate the public about the importance of caring for their skin. Dr Judey Pretorius, a renowned Biomedical Scientist and founder of Biomedical Emporium skincare, sets the record straight with some basic skincare information that everyone should have to care for their skin:
The skin is the body’s largest organ. Its primary function is to act as a protective barrier against the environment, protecting you from the sun’s UV rays, bacteria and mechanical damage. It also helps the body retain water and regulates body temperature.
When you consider the critical role that the skin plays in protecting the body, you’ll understand how important it is to take care of your skin. But does that mean following an intricate 12-step skincare routine from head to toe? Absolutely not.
Mastering the basics of skincare is the first – and essential – step to ensure your skin remains moisturised and healthy.
Daily cleansing
Even if you have dry skin, it is essential to cleanse every day. Not only is it important to cleanse our skin of the impurities it is exposed to daily (think pollution, pollen, and dirt), but it is also essential to cleanse the sebum our skin naturally produces, as well as makeup. This is the first step in your routine, and we recommend using a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser free of potential irritants such as artificial colourants and fragrances. Biomedical Emporium Facial Cleanser deeply cleanses and gently removes impurities without disturbing the skin’s barrier integrity.
Sun protection
There is still so much uncertainty around this topic, but the fact is that everyone, regardless of skin tone, should wear an SPF product every single day. That means throughout winter and autumn, as well as on days when you are indoors. The sun’s harmful UVA rays can age and damage your skin even on overcast days, and it has also been established that blue light and visible light play a part in damaging our skin. Choose a broad-spectrum formulation and reapply throughout the day, especially when outdoors.
Application of serums
The application of serums is considered necessary in skincare routines because serums deliver high concentrations of active ingredients directly into the skin.
High Potency of Active Ingredients – Serums are formulated with potent ingredients like:
- Vitamin C (brightening and antioxidant)
- Hyaluronic Acid (hydration)
- Niacinamide (pore-minimising, calming)
- Retinol (anti-ageing, acne treatment)
These actives are usually more concentrated in serums than in creams or moisturisers, allowing for targeted treatment of specific skin concerns.
Lightweight and Fast-Absorbing – Serums have a lighter consistency than moisturisers and are often water-based, which helps:
- Penetrate deeper layers of the skin
- Work faster and more effectively
- Layer well with other products
Targeted Skin Solutions – Serums are ideal for addressing particular skin issues, such as:
- Acne
- Hyperpigmentation
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Dryness
- Dullness
Moisturisation
No matter how oily or healthy your skin may be, we all need some degree of moisturisation to ensure our skin barrier function is protected and working optimally. Apply a good quality moisturiser after cleansing every day. If your skin is very dry, moisturising ingredients such as shea butter, ceramides, and niacinamide are good options. If your skin is normal to oily, you should still moisturise to prevent it from overproducing sebum. Hyaluronic acid is an excellent option as it restores the skin’s water content (not oil content).
Wash your pillowcase and clothing regularly
When we sweat, the bacteria from the sweat gets trapped in our clothing. That is why so many athletes are prone to developing body acne. On hot or muggy days, be sure to wash your clothes after each wear, to avoid exposing your skin to sweat bacteria the next day. If you exercise, shower as soon as possible afterwards to prevent chafing and sweat-related breakouts.
The same goes for your pillowcase. While you sleep, your skin secretes oil, and this gets onto your pillowcase. You might also sweat during the night. Washing your pillowcase regularly will prevent sweat and oil on the fabric from clogging your pores and causing breakouts.
Try not to touch your face
This is particularly difficult if you do it habitually, but try to get into the habit of not touching your face during the day. Our hands carry so much bacteria, and every time we touch our skin, that bacteria gets transferred onto our face. It makes you more prone to breakouts and clogged pores.
Exfoliate weekly
Our skin sheds thousands of tiny cells every day. If you don’t exfoliate, these dead skin cells may build up on the surface of the skin, leading to clogged pores and breakouts, and giving you a dull or ashen complexion. Regular exfoliation removes these dead cells and, as a result, helps your skincare products penetrate your skin more easily (allowing you to reap the full benefits of their ingredients!).
Be careful not to over-exfoliate, though, as this may lead to sensitivity and a compromised skin barrier. Once or twice per week is enough, and we recommend using an enzymatic or chemical exfoliator rather than a physical exfoliator, as microbeads or kernels can cause micro-tears in the skin, leading to inflammation. Try Biomedical Emporium Enzymatic Therapy, a lightweight product that promotes the natural exfoliation process in the skin, retains moisture by forming a barrier on the surface of the skin and assists in dissolving the dead skin cells that can cause acne.
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can enhance your daily regime with suitable active ingredients to treat concerns such as signs of ageing, dark marks and acne.
For more skincare information, visit www.biomedicalemporium.com