Hi everyone,
I am delighted to officially be starting my brand new weekly column with Goss.ie. Where I will be answering all of your questions on skin care, cosmetic treatments and so much more.
Just to introduce myself, I run The Laser And Skin Clinic – located in Dublin, Athlone and Mullingar. We are recognised as one of Ireland’s most reputable and innovative aesthetic skin clinic groups offering the most innovative, safe and highly effective treatments, alongside a five-star service.
When I’m not treating my clients at The Laser and Skin Clinic you’re sure to find me at SkinShop.ie; Ireland’s most advanced online one-stop- shop for cosmeceutical skincare created by myself.
I look forward to answering your questions every week, and make sure to mail [email protected].
Q: Hi Anna,
I’ve always had horrible acne since I was a teenager. I’m in my late 20s now and although it has lessened, I still constantly get break outs.
While acne and blemish-prone skin is usually associated with adolescence, many people
continue to suffer with excess oil and breakouts well into adulthood. Each person’s genetics and skin type is different and there can a number of factors that contribute to the extent of your acne breakouts such as hormonal changes, diet, stress and incorrect skincare routine.
When your skin is assessed, all of these factors are considered in customizing a treatment
and homecare plan for you in treating and controlling your breakouts. It can be confusing
when choosing with so many options on the shelves and all equally promising to get your
amazing results. Unfortunately, over the counter cosmetics commonly do not contain the
correct percentages of key ingredients needed to control acne.
Simply changing the makeup you use can avoid congestion, watch out for hidden
ingredients like oils, talc or primer that will clog your skin. Cosmeceutical products however have the ability to penetrate deeper into the skin and contain higher percentages of proven acne-fighting ingredients. We stock a wide range of exclusive cosmeceutical skin care ranges from Obagi, ZO Skin Health and SkinCeuticals.
I know form years of research and treating my clients over the last 13 years what works. I would recommend starting your journey to clear skin with the correct cosmeceutical skin care products and skin treatments if needed in combination with your home care. After 2 weeks using your recommended acne skin care products you can commence treatments specifically designed to target and treat your acne breakouts.
Once your skin has been assessed at your initial consultation I would recommend a course of Salicylic Skin Peels as an effective acne treatment every 2-3 weeks. A skin peel is a resurfacing treatment using combined percentages of ingredients to treat a variety of skin conditions to improve and control excess oil and dead skin cells that cause congestion and acne. It is recommended to commit to a course of 4-6 skin peels to achieve the optimal results. You can then continue to use your skincare products daily to maintain the results of your peels. The Laser and Skin Clinic is experienced in treating all acne related skin conditions from congestion to mild, moderate and severe acne with a number of clinically proven acne treatments to consider.
Q: Anna,
I have extremely oily skin and I feel like my makeup is always sliding off. I constantly have spots and feel like my skin is always shiny. I think I might be using the wrong products, but literally I’ve tried them all. Would you have product recommendations?
Similar to my own skin type you are not alone in having extremely oily skin. We produce oil daily which is mainly seen around t-zone area where we have more pores.
Controlling excess oil production and spots daily is possible using the correct percentages
and combination of ingredients found in cosmeceutical skincare products. Cleansing and
exfoliation is key in removing excess oil from pores and dead skin cells that block pores and prevent oil being released which in turn causes infection and spots. The key ingredient in treating excess oil and spots is Salicylic Acid and can be found in cleansers, toners and lotions as well as in Skin Peels.
A typical skincare recommendation for very oily skin would include;
Morning Regime
Cleanser: Obagi Obagi’s Clenziderm’s Foaming Cleanser or SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Cleansing Gel
Toner: Medik8 Blemish Control Pads
Antioxidant: SkinCeuticals Serum 10
Moisturiser: Obagi Hydrate Facial Moisturiser or SkinCeuticals B5 Hydrating Gel
Sun Protection: gloTherapeutics Oil Free SPF40 or SkinCeuticals Sheer Mineral UV Defense
Night Regime
Cleanser: (as above)
Tone: (as above)
Serum: SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense Serum
Moisturiser: (as above)
Weekly Regime
Retinol: 1-2 nights per week alternate SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense Serum with Obagi Retinol 1.0 instead.
Masque: SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Masque
Daily use of a salicylic cleanser and toner will treat and control blackheads, excess oil and spots so it’s a must to have in your daily skincare, personally I’m a huge fan of Obagi’s Clenziderm Foaming Cleanser. Try to use oil free serums, moisturisers and sunblock’s to avoid congestion. I suggest you only use moisturiser if you need it or change to a lightweight water based hydrating serum to suit your skin. If you have active breakouts you can use Benzyl Peroxide on spots to kill bacteria and dry oil trapped under your skin.
If you want makeup to stay on all day I recommend mineral makeup either a liquids or powder that contain no oils, primers or talc in avoiding clogging up pores and trapping oil in that may get infected causing breakouts. Instead of talc, mineral powders are ground down from rocks and prevent shine throughout the day. We have stocked gloMinerals makeup at The Laser and Skin Clinics and online at SkinShop for over 10 years, I would highly recommend it!
If you need any further information on your skincare routine and which products to choose please visit www.SkinShop.ie for your Free Online Consultation.
