Happy Skincare Products, Happy Skin.

Understanding the Link Between Choice of Skincare and Skin Health

The skincare products you use have a direct impact on the health of your skin. Inappropriate or poorly chosen products - whether due to unsuitable ingredients, improper timing, or misinformation - can compromise your skin’s natural barrier, leading to dryness, irritation, breakouts, or other skin concerns.

By understanding the link between skincare choices and skin health, you can adopt a routine that supports your skin’s resilience, defence, and radiance while avoiding unnecessary damage caused by detrimental practices.

How This Can Present on the Skin

Poor skincare choices can result in:

• Barrier disrepair: Redness, dryness, and sensitivity caused by over-exfoliation, harsh cleansers, or unsuitable actives.

• Increased breakouts: Triggered by occlusive products or ingredients that disrupt the skin’s microbiome.

• Premature ageing: Caused by lack of adequate UV protection or ineffective moisturisation.

• Persistent skin conditions: Mismanagement of eczema, rosacea, or acne due to inappropriate or overly fragranced products.

Tips for Choosing Skincare Products for Healthier Skin

• Avoid detrimental additives: Opt for products free of unnecessary preservatives, colourants, and fragrances, as these can irritate the skin.

(Explore more in [Happy Home, Happy Skin].)

• Don’t guess: Avoid basing your choices on advice from friends, influencers, or social media trends. A tailored approach is key.

• Support your skin barrier: Select products designed to strengthen and maintain the skin’s natural defence system.

• Choose intentional sun protection: Use high-quality, broad-spectrum UV sunscreen daily to prevent damage.

(Explore more in [Happy Sun, Happy Skin].)

• Ignore fancy packaging: Focus on the product’s formulation and function, not its aesthetic appeal.

• Consider professional skincare: When you're next replacing a product, choose something professionally recommended and tailored to your unique skin needs. Skin-compatible products are more effective, kinder to your skin, and often more cost-effective over time.

Need Advice?

A qualified skin therapist, such as a corneotherapist - trained in skin barrier care, can guide you in selecting tailored skincare products to meet your skin’s unique needs. With the right advice, you can avoid common pitfalls and focus on maintaining a healthier, more resilient complexion.

Trusted Sources:

Avoid Harsh or Unnecessary Additives:

• British Association of Dermatologists – Contact Dermatitis
  https://www.skinhealthinfo.org.uk/a-z-conditions-treatments/contact-dermatitis/
  Advises avoiding known skin irritants and certain additives, which can contribute to inflammation, dryness, or allergic reactions.

Choose Evidence-Based Skincare:

• British Skin Foundation – Navigating Social Media Advice
  https://www.britishskinfoundation.org.uk/blog/navigating-social-media-separating-fact-from-fiction-with-dermatological-advice
  Warns against following skincare trends without clinical backing, as misinformation online can worsen skin conditions.

• British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) – Public Skin Health Information
  www.skinhealthinfo.org.uk
  Offers a wide range of expert-led information on maintaining healthy skin, including advice on managing common conditions and protecting the skin barrier.

Strengthen and Support the Skin Barrier:

• Professional Beauty – Winter Skincare Tips
  https://professionalbeauty.co.uk/winter-skincare-tips-for-healthy-skin
  Recommends barrier-supportive ingredients like ceramides, oils, and antioxidants to nourish and protect the skin.

Use Sun Protection Daily:

• NHS – Sunscreen and Sun Safety
  https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/sunscreen-and-sun-safety/
  Recommends using sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and 4-star UVA protection to reduce the risk of skin cancer and premature ageing.

Don’t Rely on Trends or Packaging:

• Professional Beauty – Product Overload
  https://professionalbeauty.co.uk/site/newsdetails/product-overload-breaking-the-vicious-cycle
  Explores the risks of overusing active ingredients and following confusing, trend-driven advice instead of a tailored skincare plan.

Disclaimer

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the information in this leaflet is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional advice. This resource is informed by current evidence, clinical observation, and emerging research in skin health.

Version: [March / 2025]

© 2025 Jacqui de Jager | The Skin Well™ & The Happy Skin Clinic®
All rights reserved. This leaflet is for personal use and education only. It may not be reproduced, distributed, or adapted without written permission.