Skin health - Most frequent questions

Understanding how to care for your skin is more important than ever. Whether you are looking to identify your skin type, choose the best skincare routine, or explore advanced treatments like Botox® or dermal fillers, this article will provide the knowledge you need to healthier, more radiant skin. Dr Paul Charlson, distinguished aesthetic physician, explains more.

What skin type do I have?

Knowing your skin type is the first step in choosing the right products and treatments. Skin types are generally classified into five categories:

• Normal skin: Balanced, neither too oily nor too dry. Pores are small, and the texture is smooth.
• Oily skin: Produces excess sebum, leading to a shiny appearance, larger pores, and a tendency to acne.
• Dry skin: Lacks sufficient moisture, often feeling tight, flaky, or with a rough texture. Pores are small, and the skin can appear dull.
• Combination skin: A mix of dry and oily areas. The T-zone (which includes the forehead, nose, and chin) is typically oily, while the cheeks may be dry or normal.
• Sensitive skin: Prone to redness, irritation, and reactions to certain skincare products or environmental factors.

To identify your skin type, observe how it behaves after cleansing. If your skin feels tight, you likely have dry skin, whereas a shiny appearance may indicate oily skin. Combination skin shows mixed characteristics, and sensitive skin may react to even mild skincare products. Normal skin will remain consistent.

At what age do I start anti-ageing treatments?

There’s no universal “right age” to begin anti-ageing treatments; it all depends on individual needs, genetics, and personal goals. However, most people start noticing early signs of ageing, such as fine lines, in their late 20s or early 30s.

Preventive measures, like sunscreen and a good skincare routine, should begin in your teens or early 20s. For active anti-ageing treatments, such as retinoids or chemical peels, it’s recommended to start using them in your mid-20s, when collagen production begins to slow.

For aesthetic treatments like Botox®, some people opt for it in their late 20s or early 30s as a preventative measure, while others may wait until fine lines are more pronounced. Dermal fillers are usually introduced in the 30s or 40s to restore lost volume or enhance facial contours.

What is the difference between Botox® and dermal fillers?

Botox®, derived from botulinum toxin, is a neuromodulator that temporarily relaxes muscles, reducing the appearance of dynamic wrinkles caused by facial expressions, such as crow’s feet, forehead lines, and frown lines. It’s best for smoothing expression lines and preventing the formation of deeper wrinkles. Results typically lasts 3 to 6 months, and treatments are quick with minimal downtime.

Dermal fillers, on the other hand, are injectable substances - commonly made of hyaluronic acid - that are used to restore lost volume, plump up the skin, and enhance facial contours. They are often used to fill in nasolabial folds, add volume to lips or cheeks, and smooth out static wrinkles. Effects can last from 6 to 18 months, depending on the product used and the treatment area.

How can I maintain long-term results after an aesthetic treatment?

Achieving glowing, youthful skin through aesthetic treatments is one thing, but maintaining those results requires consistent care. To maximise the longevity of the results, it’s essential to adopt key practices:

• Skincare routine: A consistent skincare routine, featuring high-quality products suited to your skin type - such as cleansers, moisturisers, and serums with active ingredients like retinoids or peptides - further enhances skin health.
• Hydration and sun protection: Staying hydrated helps maintain skin elasticity and supports the benefits of hyaluronic acid fillers. Daily sunscreen use is vital to protect your skin from UV damage, which accelerates ageing and can lead to skin cancer.
• Healthy lifestyle: A healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep, plays a significant role in maintaining vibrant skin. Additionally, quitting smoking and excessive alcohol consumption is crucial, as these habits can break down collagen and negatively impact skin quality.

Regular follow-ups with your aesthetic physician for touch-ups or maintenance treatments will keep your results looking fresh and natural. Discussing a tailored post-treatment plan with your aesthetic physician will ensure your skin remains healthy and radiant long-term.

If you would like to reach out to Dr Paul Charlson, head on over to his Top Doctors profile today.