Skin Diagnostics – A Balanced Perspective

In the ever evolving world of skincare, staying ahead with innovative solutions is crucial. Boots, a leading pharmacy chain, has recently launched a skin condition diagnostic app that promises to revolutionise how we approach skin health. Although this app offers some advantages in terms of ease and accessibility, it also comes with some drawbacks.

Our founder Rebecca explores both sides to give a balanced perspective on whether this is right for you and your skin concerns.

Benefits

Quick and convenient. This first thing that does stand out about the app is its efficiency. Users can quickly assess their skin condition with convenience, great for those with busy schedules.

User-Friendly. Deigned with simplicity in mind, it is user friendly and easy to navigate.

Affordable. Cost can very often be a barrier to seeking professional advice. This is a cheap alternative to traditional dermatological consultations making it accessible to everyone.

Professional collaboration. A strong point is its partnership with medical professionals. This ensures the advice and guidance is based on medical knowledge and protocols.

Discreet and private. For many discussing their skin conditions can be an uncomfortable experience. The app offers a discreet way to seek advice, which can be beneficial for those that feel embarrassed about their skin issues.

The Drawbacks

A lack of comprehensive questioning. While the app provides quick assessments, it falls short of gathering detailed information about the users family history, diet, and lifestyle factors. These elements are all crucial in understanding and diagnosing skin conditions accurately, and this omission can lead to incomplete assessments that can be the key to treating a condition successfully.

A focus on medication. Another significant limitation is the app’s apparent focus on prescriptive medication as the primary treatment option. While medication can be effective, it’ not suitable for everyone and for all conditions. Not all individuals want to go down the medical route, by not offering a broader range of treatment suggestions the app may alienate users would would rather seek alternatives.

Conclusion

Here at re/skin our consultations last around 1 hour, this allows a comprehensive approach, taking into account all factors that can impact the skin. By spending this time with our clients at the beginning allows us to not only get to know our clients and how they feel about their skin, but to build a trusting relationship that really is the foundation of getting great results.

In the world of skincare, no single solution works for everyone, it’s not a one size fits all. We need the time to navigate the whole picture when it comes to skin health, this can’t be done with just a photo and a few generalised questions.

It’s about finding the right tools and resources that suit your individual needs, and yes, this app will be right for some people that are seeking a quick, convenient and affordable way to get professional advice. However, it is important to be aware of its limitations and seek other professional services when necessary, especially as the evidence for a holistic approach to skin health becomes more and more apparent in this fast paced industry.

As always, re/skin is here to support you in navigating these options to achieving the healthiest skin possible. If you would like to explore our options or book your skin health consultation then please either give the clinic a call on 0114 236 2393 or book online here.

The Impact of Stress on your Skin – Understanding the Connection

In our fast-paced world, stress has become an unavoidable part of daily life for many of us. From work pressures to personal challenges, stress can take a toll not just on our mental well-being but also on our skin.

Our founder Rebecca Elsdon recently contributed to an article in a leading industry magazine Professional Beauty, on the connection of stress and stress related skin conditions. Read here.

Understanding how stress affects the skin is crucial for maintaining healthy, glowing skin and overall well-being.

Here are several ways in which stress can affect the skin:

1. Increased Sensitivity and Irritation: Stress triggers the release of cortisol and other stress hormones, which can make the skin more reactive and sensitive. This can lead to increased redness, irritation, and discomfort.

2. Acne Breakouts: Stress can exacerbate acne by stimulating the production of sebum (skin oil) and inflammation. This can result in more frequent and severe breakouts, especially for individuals prone to acne.

3. Accelerated Ageing: Chronic stress can accelerate the ageing process of the skin. It can lead to the breakdown of collagen and elastin, which are essential for skin elasticity and firmness. This may result in wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin appearing earlier.

4. Impaired Skin Barrier Function: Stress can compromise the skin’s natural barrier function, making it more susceptible to moisture loss and environmental irritants. This can lead to dryness, flakiness, and a weakened ability to protect against pollutants and pathogens.

5. Delayed Wound Healing: Stress can interfere with the body’s ability to heal wounds and skin injuries efficiently. This can manifest as slower recovery from cuts, bruises, or other skin trauma.

6. Skin Conditions Flare-ups: For individuals with existing skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea, stress can trigger flare-ups or worsen existing symptoms due to immune system deregulation and increased inflammation.

7. Hair and Nail Problems: Stress can also impact hair and nails. It may lead to hair loss, thinning, or dullness, as well as brittle nails.

Managing stress through relaxation techniques, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and a balanced diet can help mitigate its impact on the skin. Additionally, establishing a skincare routine that includes gentle products suitable for sensitive or stressed skin can provide relief and support skin health during stressful periods.

The impact that stress can have on health and appearance is significant. By managing stress effectively through lifestyle changes and self care practices, we can safeguard our skins health and radiance.

Remember taking care of your metal wellbeing is just as important as caring for your skin. It’s an holistic approach that benefits both body and mind.

So, next time you feel stressed, prioritise self-care and give your skin the love and attention it deserves!

If you are ready to give your skin some love, then why not book in a consultation to start your skincare-selfcare journey. On Saturday 18th May we are holding a Skin Discovery Day where we are offering complimentary mini consultations. Book here

Read the Professional Beauty article here

Three Of The Very Best Simple Tips To Prevent Premature Ageing

How do we prevent premature ageing?

Over the last decade, due to the many advertisements from brands pushing solutions to prevent premature ageing, it has become common knowledge of the importance of keeping one’s skin healthy. Each person must regularly engage in appropriate acts of hygiene necessary to keep the skin in a healthy condition. But on the other hand, we frequently find ourselves in the difficult position of either lacking the time required to carry out these activities or simply unaware of what those activities are. Brands are great at selling their products with celebrity backing or inspiring offers but skip over how maintaining good skin hygiene fits into our challenging daily life. Here are three of the best simple tips you can do to keep your skin in tip-top condition and prevent the dreaded premature ageing associated with it around your normal daily activities.

Get your cleanser right

This is the most important step in your skincare routine and the one that should be done first to prevent premature ageing. But know, if after using your cleanser, your skin feels tight and squeaky clean, it’s time to switch to a different product. A good cleanser should not only clean the skin but should also nourish it and keep it hydrated simultaneously. Cleansers containing glycerin are renowned for their ability to hydrate the skin even as they effectively remove dirt and makeup simultaneously. You can use them as a daily cleanser or as part of a routine in the evening before going to bed. Finding a cleanser that is formulated specifically for your skin can help you achieve the best possible results. Your pores will be kept clean, and you won’t experience any breakouts on your skin as a result. Do not over-exfoliate

Do not over-exfoliate

The number of times a person’s skin needs to be exfoliated varies from person to person, but as the general rule, I recommend exfoliating no more than three to four times per week at the most. Every day is an excessive amount. Not too long ago, exfoliation started to become popular, and now many different brands are focusing on it as a method to improve skin health and increase cellular turnover. However, many of these brands are now walking back their previous statements and attempting to make amends for the harm their last advice caused. People frequently over-exfoliate their skin, which is one of the most common mistakes people make. Most of the time, we have the misconception that more is always better; however, this is not always the case. When you exfoliate, dead skin cells are removed, which can also help you get rid of blackheads and clogged pores; however, if you exfoliate too vigorously, you will end up with dry patches and increased sensitivity.

Sunscreen 365 days of the year!

The sun is the most significant contributor to the premature ageing of the skin. It is essential to use sunscreen daily and apply it before going outside to protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays. The sun is a natural source of vitamin D, which helps build strong bones, but too much sun can damage your skin and cause wrinkles and other skin issues. Therefore, taking care of your skin is crucial even when you are not exposed to the sun. We don’t think that we need to go into much detail here because we’ve confident you know our stance and its reasons. However, the use of sunscreen is the most effective and economical method of delaying the ageing process. Always wear sun protection, 365 days a year. A straightforward expression that might not seem like much, but it is essential to the health of your skin. Applying sunscreen consistently throughout the day is the most critical thing you can do to keep your skin in pristine condition and ward off the dreaded signs of premature ageing.

Conclusion to prevent premature ageing

In conclusion, the health of your skin ought to be your primary concern when it comes to personal hygiene. It is the only thing that will endure, and many things can be done to delay the onset of premature ageing and ensure that it remains in pristine condition. By putting just a few of these suggestions into practice, you can ensure that your skin will always be in the best possible condition and will also remain fresh and young. Care for your skin is in your best interest, as this will bring out your most beautiful qualities. Thank you for reading, and as ever I or anyone at the clinic is here for any advice, just reply with any questions.