Long term benefits to skin care routines???!!!

Will Graham

I once heard a doctor say that people forget that the skin is nourished from the inside out, and that therefore there is no need for constant obsession with putting creams on the skin. It seems very convincing to me, and suits my basic understanding of there being a dead layer of skin cells on the surface of the skin. Even if certain nutrients could penetrate beneath this layer, then what's the point of it if you would be getting such nutrients in your diet anyway? It was Dr Mark Hyman who said it!

But in spite of this, every time I hear someone speculate as to why someone (usually a celeb) has aged so well, it's one of two things they always mention first; a good skin care routine, or plastic surgery. They don't tend to mention diet, exercise, or adequate sleep as being the reason(s). Strange! Of course it suits the economy for people to think like this. But even if a good skin care routine does actually have benefits, it's surely trivial compared to the 'long term' benefits of any one of these three other things? I'm also under the impression that the skin care measures that do have a benefit are usually only short term benefits anyway. It seems like there's so much marketing and peer pressure for women to do these things, that even the educated ones just sort forget that there's actually no need to.

When it comes to a skin care routine, apart from using sun screen and face washing, I don't know anything about what one should actually do! I'm also assuming that if tried to learn about what creams I should/shouldn't be using as moisturisers or anti-agers, that I would quickly become confused.

But I do have to acknowledge that well regarded qualified people do seem to constantly refer to the importance of a good skin care routine in order to stay healthy looking! For example I've noticed the plastic surgeon youtuber Gary Linkov refers to it a lot. He speculates that celebs like Megan Markle and Tom Cruise have skin care routines. So is my understanding wrong? Is there something I'm missing here?

I don't even bother to wash my face!

boardjames

While diet and lifestyle are absolutely core to long term health and appearance, skincare can provide real benefits too. A gentle cleanser and moisturizer can help support your skin's natural barrier function. Over time, this support translates to a more youthful, radiant look. Think of it like exercise - both diet and movement are important, but exercise brings its own benefits too. A simple routine takes just a few minutes and may be worth it for your confidence and health. Why not give it a try for a month and see how your skin feels?

Dial Hard

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058359495/long-term-benefits-to-skin-care-routines

If you don't even wash your face then I'm not sure anything anyone here can say will convince you of the benefits of skincare, but of course it makes a difference. Skin appearance is down to three main factors: genetics, lifestyle and environment. The first two are the biggies but take a look at the skin of someone who uses SPF versus someone who doesn't and then try and claim with a straight face that skincare doesn't matter.

Nobody really needs a whopper, multi-step regime but a gentle cleanser/wash and moisturiser with SPF are absolute basics.

Will Graham

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122399524#Comment_122399524

Well I did mention sun screen in the post. Apart from that though, I'm sceptical about the need for skin care creams. What moisturiser(s) do you use?

I only use SPF when it's sunny. I know the sun still does damage the skin when it's overcast, but it's no harm to get some vitamin D from the sun.

Dial Hard

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122401841#Comment_122401841

I use an oil cleanser on the days when I've make-up on and a salicylic one otherwise. After that I just use an unscented CeraVe moisturiser (SPF50 for daytime). If my skin is looking a bit dull, sometimes I cycle in a retinol serum at night (between cleansing and moisturising) but that's it.

Everything I use is CeraVe apart from the oil cleanser, that's l'Occitaine. Would highly recommend CeraVe to anyone who just wants a basic regime. All their products are unscented and extremely reasonably priced.

Will Graham

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122404363#Comment_122404363

I guess that tells me which gender you are! I'll have a think about it.

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igCorcaigh

51M here, only recently getting into some kind of skin care routine. I used to only give my fash a scrub in the shower, ha!

Facial cleanser, I use Neutrogena (2% Salicylic Acid). CeraVe Hyaluronic Acid serum afterwards, and sometimes a moisturiser, but I have combo to oily skin, so am careful about making my skin too oily. Currently using FREEDERM moisturiser.

I find that the SA has an exfolliant effect, but I'm not sure if I like it. It makes my skin look worse, by removing the outer layer of skin, and revealing older marks and lines.

Hopefully this should improve over time?

I do like the CeraVe resurfacing serum though, it leaves a nice matte texture, and seems to blur some marks and lines.

It's only the past 2 weeks that I've been using these things, so hopefully some better results may follow with consistency.

pmurphy00

M41 i've had a routine fell off the wagon and i'm back now last 3 months following a dermatologist consult

For me i find it makes a huge difference.

My routine is standard enough. morning: Cleanser/Vit c/spf

Evening Cleanser/retinol/moisturiser. I find there's a real glow to my skin when i follow it. i use a salicylic once or twice a week for a deeper cleanse.

Ive good skin so i'm trying to play to my strengths.

Will Graham

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122661432#Comment_122661432

But do you think there’ll be any long term benefits for your skin with all that? If you stopped it, then after a week would you not go back to looking like your old self?

pmurphy00

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122662614#Comment_122662614

I don't tbh. if i stopped for a week it'd stay the same.

I'll try keep it up. i think it a pretty cheap way to look fresh imo.

Depends on what you want really? i wouldn't spend 1000's on skincare some would.

having a good diet/sleep/nutrition keeps your skin good also. i think a routine helps rejuvenate the skin and then it looks better. i don't really know that much i get way more compliments on my appearance when i'm following a routine tho.