Skin Flooding Demystified by a Dermatologist:
Flood your skin, face and body….
DERM SKINCARE HACKS: Wet wrap
Apply right after shower (damp skin, don’t dry yourself)
Slather on copious amounts (2 palm-sized amounts per limb)
Wear comfortable cotton PJs that cover your limbs (thinner material so it does not absorb the creams which you want to be on your skin)
Skin Flooding 101:
Methods to increase barrier repair
Skin factors: Increase absorption of skincare
Product-related: enhanced formulations, biomimetic compatible ingredients, smaller molecules that penetrate epidermis readily
Application technique: layering, wet occlusion (sheet masking) and using devices.
Using technology: i.e. vacuum microdermabrasion , microcurrent, sonic waves
Notes on sheet masking: the material of the mask makes all the difference. The fundamental concept is that damp skin absorbs active ingredients more readily, but polysaccharides are a special type of sheet mask material that directly creates a reservoir of moisture at the surface of the skin. An interesting point to note is also that by altering the skin micro climate— signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles can also be addressed. Dry masks made of polymer materials as well like silicone, these are biomaterials that re-create the ideal skin microenvironment.
My top skincare tips:
#1 You may be tempted to DIY—do it for a week or two at max, see a dermatologist if your condition doesn’t get better
If your skin problem has not resolved with over the counter treatments (of any type) and has persisted longer than 2 weeks—it’s best to see a dermatologist first as many skin conditions like acne, rosacea, sensitive skin / eczema / perioral dermatitis can worsen and will require medical therapy. But once it is under control, I wean patients off medical/prescription therapy with cosmeceutical maintenance—there is evidence for adjuvant cosmeceutical treatment in many dermatological conditions. Berberine cream for instance has a multi-pathway effect on acne— antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, reducing acne scars.
#2 Emphasis on layering skincare for maximal results
Layering skincare allows for increased concentration of ingredients to be delivered to skin. For example, hyaluronic acid can be concentrated in a serum formula, followed by peptides, niacinamides and other antioxidants in the emulsion/lotion and finally, high doses of polyglutamic acid, glycerin delivered in the form of facial mist.
#3 Intensive moisture delivery
Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid, amino acids, glycerin
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