The skincare industry has been at the centre of a lot of criticism, from the formulas used (please stop using apricot and walnut scrubs on your face!), the environmental cost of all that packaging and the lack of diverse representation from brands.

There are also those skincare influencers who, though they’re often not aestheticians, promote certain brands that aren’t actually doing great things for your face. Even worse, is when those (very unqualified) people tell you to go for brands that have a long list of ingredients and high price points but do absolutely nothing. Now, you’re frustrated and confused, what should you be doing? The answer is simple, less is more. Flair spoke with dermatologist Dr Althea Banbury of Skin Solutions to get the right formula for skincare.

YOUR SKIN DESERVES THE BEST

The first thing you need to know is that a dermatologist is, first and foremost, a doctor. The same way you’d see a gynaecologist for your vagina’s health, an orthodontist for your teeth, and an orthopaedist for your bones, you need a dermatologist for your skin. Our skin often gets the short end of the treatment stick. It’s often not until we’re older and worried about wrinkles, or have things like extreme cases of eczema or some other dermatitis that we even think to get proper treatment for our skin. That’s really no way to live. Dermatology is simply the study of the skin, and that means from your crown to your sole – hair and nails included. “The amazing thing about the skin, [is that] it often gives you indicators of underlying diseases before they become obvious.” So you see, your skin needs that extra special care so it can work optimally.

STOP SCRUBBING YOUR SKIN

“One thing I’d love patients to stop doing is scrubbing their skin.” She motioned to her face and suddenly all those so-called skincare must-haves seemed like poison. “Everyone is using a scrub or something abrasive, really rubbing at the skin.” That’s a no-no. Dr Banbury cautions us to be gentle with the skin and put the cleansing brushes down. There is such a thing as over-exfoliation and if you’re using over-the-counter salicylic acid, which is a chemical exfoliant, as well as a scrub, then you know…

All you need is your fingers! Some of that pesky hyperpigmentation you may get on your skin comes from the skin thickening to protect itself from you and your incessant scrubbing! Gentle, gentle, ladies!

OPTIMISE YOUR SKINCARE

As for what products you need, the good doctor’s advice is to slow your roll. “There are so many products on the market, my recommendation is that you try one product at a time over a period of about two weeks.” That’s a good way for you to ensure that you’re optimising your skincare. You don’t want to have a barrage of new things, some of which may be too strong for you, all attacking at once. Take it slow, find what really works for you.

GET YOUR EIGHT HOURS AND SOME SUNSCREEN

What Dr Banbury really wants you to do is get some sleep. It’s good for the skin, of course, but your body overall. If you’re up and running, how can your body regenerate itself? And don’t forget your water and diet which can really make a world of difference. One more skincare must she insists upon is sunscreen, and not just any, the right kind. “In my opinion, zinc oxides are the best way to go.” sure the sunscreen may give you a little grey tint, but with the way Jamaica’s sun is going, you’re not going to mind in the long run. “I like prevention better than cure, so it’s always best to er on the side of caution and check with your dermatologist.”

Her less is more routine includes nothing but a cleanser, moisturiser, sunscreen and ensuring you get some facial exercise in! Yep, that’s right, give your face a workout! Don’t worry about those wrinkles ladies, you want your facial muscles active and healthy, everything will fall in line behind them.

Your new routine:

• Cleanse
• Moisturise
• Sunscreen

Story by Danik Frazer