Social media is full of new tips and hacks to help you achieve the ultimate youthful, celebrity-like skin. With so much information available on the internet, the advice of a skin care professional is invaluable to help you take the right steps.
Content creator, pharmacist, and skin care expert Ben Fuchs has introduced a new hack that’s gotten a lot of attention online. He calls this technique “skin exercises.”Slow down aging in just 10 seconds a day”
In a video posted by neuroscientist Robert W.B. Love, Fuchs says: I call this skin exercise exfoliation. ”
He goes on to say, “Men exfoliate when they shave. However, the best way to exfoliate the skin is with acids, especially alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acids.” It’s really important to give yourself time off because it’s on your days that your tissues heal, and that’s when you get the great anti-aging benefits.”
Dr Swetha Sridhar, consultant dermatologist at Dr Dixit Cosmetology Centre, agrees with Fuchs on this point. “AHAs such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, and mandelic acid work primarily by exfoliating the skin.. These dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells and encourage the top layer of skin to slough off. “This process stimulates cell regeneration, leading to fresher, brighter, more even-toned skin,” she says.
Regular use of AHAs can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin texture, and increase skin hydration. “These acids thicken the deeper layers of the skin and promote firmness.”
Collagen production and skin aging
Collagen is an important protein that provides the skin’s structure and elasticity. As we age, collagen production naturally decreases, making the skin thinner and less elastic, which manifests itself as wrinkles and sagging skin.
Dr. Shridhar says AHAs can stimulate collagen production Removes dead skin cells and activates skin repair mechanisms. This not only slows down the aging process, but also helps maintain the youthful structure of the skin.
Risks and side effects of acid exfoliation
“Using AHAs can cause skin irritation, redness, and sensitivity, especially if used in high concentrations or too frequently,” emphasizes Dr. Sridhar.
To minimize these risks, she advises that it’s important to: Start with low concentrations of AHAAHAs can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so use them less often and always wear sunscreen. It’s also important to follow product directions and avoid over-mixing active ingredients without professional guidance.
The importance of resting and recovering your skin after exfoliation
It is important to let the skin rest between exfoliation treatments to avoid over-exfoliationwhich can damage the skin barrier and lead to increased sensitivity and inflammation.
“The rest period allows the skin to heal and produce new cells, which is very important to achieve the anti-aging effects of AHAs. Depending on your skin type and the specific products you use, It is generally recommended to use it one to three times a week,” suggests Dr. Sridhar.
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Date first uploaded: May 12, 2024, 16:30 IST
