AgeDefying recently spoke with Dr. Nadir Qazi, a leader in cosmetic dermatology, about current skin health trends. Qazi emphasized the importance of skin awareness and skin health, especially after the pandemic, and reminded us of the enduring need for sun protection!
Qazi is a board-certified physician, a fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, and an instructor for advanced injections and laser techniques. He turned his love for sculptural artwork into a career of sculpting people — removing the barriers that prevent them from seeing their own natural beauty. His cosmetic dermatology and plastic surgery practice, Qazi Cosmetic Clinic, is located in Irvine, California, USA.
Are People Today Generally More Aware of Their Skin Health?
I think people are more aware of their skin health now than ever before. There has been a steady increase in widespread skin health awareness in recent years. Still, those numbers have recently seen a sharp uptick due to the constant awareness people now have of their own faces. With social media, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, FaceTime, and other video calling platforms getting so much use during and after the pandemic, people have been confronted with their appearance more than at any other time in human history. Naturally, this has caused more people to take an active interest in maintaining their appearance and their overall skin health.
What Are the Latest Trends in Skin Health?
One of the biggest trends for skin health is sun protection. Ultraviolet radiation is a constant in our lives — it is anywhere there is ambient light. The best way to protect ourselves from that is to wear sunscreen, and one of the more recent trends is to continue wearing sunscreen even indoors.
Another trend in the last few years has been PRP facials. With this type of skin treatment, a doctor uses your own blood to repair and promote healing in damaged skin. First, we separate the blood into red blood cells, platelet-poor plasma, and platelet-rich plasma. Then, your platelet-rich plasma is delivered deep into your skin by injection, microneedle, or a unique pressurized air system, stimulating your skin’s natural healing abilities. It tricks your skin into healing itself and repairing the damage done to it by age or various external factors.
Skin care changes and yet somehow stays the same as time goes by. The trends of the past inevitably become the trends of the future. One such trend is slugging, or using a small amount of petroleum jelly over other skin care products to seal them in while sleeping. It also seals in moisture, preventing skin from dehydrating at night. In the morning, a person practicing slugging should wash away the petroleum jelly and continue their everyday skincare routine. People have been using petroleum jelly as a cosmetic to maintain the youthful quality of their skin since the 1870s. Even our grandmothers swore by the stuff! The use of petroleum jelly faded for a while, but now, the trend has resurfaced and is back with vigor.
What Causes the Most Damage to Our Skin, and What Can We Do About It?
Sun exposure is the leading cause of damage to our skin. It causes premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and aggravates many preexisting skin conditions like rosacea and melasma — and can cause cancer.
Many of the more popular skin care products have simple ingredient lists, as many people want to avoid overly complicated skincare routines. Instead, people look for products like Cetaphil and CeraVe, opting for more gentle cleansers, rather than harsher ones that might strip the skin of its natural oils and protections. Serums are also increasing in popularity as a way to get active ingredients with a specific purpose to absorb more quickly into the skin.
How Can We Maintain Healthy Skin Throughout Our Lives?
Wear sunscreen all day, every day. 50+ SPF Sunscreen will help to protect skin from sun damage and skin cancer. In addition, drink plenty of water to keep the skin hydrated and eat foods with plenty of vitamins for healthy and vibrant skin. People often forget that their skin is an organ and needs as much care as their hearts.
Also remember, our skin is a bellwether of our internal health. Be wary of any changes in the color and texture of the skin. Also, look out for any pain or itching. As with any part of the body, sudden skin changes can indicate something is off and should be checked out by a dermatologist.
Attribution
Attribute to Dr. Nadir Qazi , cosmetic dermatology surgeon and skin and beauty expert
