NEW FACIAL CLEANSERS FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

New Facial Cleansers for Sensitive Skin

What's the big deal about washing your face? You wash with soap and water, pat dry, and you're on your way. 

For people with sensitive skin, however, routine washing of face involves a little more extra care.

Most brands of face soap have a very alkaline pH, which can be irritating and drying on skin. Gel cleansers have a more skin friendly pH, which makes them the preferred product for sensitive skin care.

DERMAX gel cleansers are
sulfate-free, fragrance-free and paraben-free. 

When choosing a facial cleanser, always check the ingredients. 

• Choose nonabrasive (no scrubs), fragrance-free, and alcohol-free cleanser.  
• Avoid sulfates that can irritate skin. Instead, look for natural cleansing agents like betaines, which are derived from coconut oil and soap berry extract.
• Choose cleansers that are free from paraben preservatives.
• To keep your skin hydrated, look for emollients (olive oil), skin soothers (aloe vera), and humectants (glycerin) which hold moisture in your skin. 

DERMAX SoGentle gel cleanser is sulfate-free, fragrance-free, and paraben-free. It contains all natural cleansing agents from soap berry extract and cocobetaines.

If you have acne prone sensitive skin, you need more than a gentle cleanser. You need one that will help clear up clogged pores that cause breakouts. Salicylic acid clears blocked pores, exfoliates skin, and reduces swelling and redness. Exfoliation helps remove dead surface skin cells, which makes it easier for acne medication to be absorbed. 

What’s New? A recently patented technology is a time-release, encapsulated salicylic acid. This more skin friendly and more effective form of salicylic acid is in the new DERMAX AcneX Pore Clearing gel cleanser.  

Try these new facial cleansers at any SkinStation branch near you.

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This column was published in the Manila Bulletin Lifestyle Section on July 22, 2014 . The author is the CEO of SkinStation. He received the 2011 Outstanding Chemist Award from Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) for his achievements in the field of cosmetic chemistry. Skin Smart aims to clarify facts and myths on skin care. Send your questions and comments to info@skinstation.ph. 

UNDERSTANDING PIH

Understanding PIH

You have this patch of dark mark that occurred after a botched IPL clinic procedure. So you go to your dermatologist and she tells you it’s some kind of PIH. You ask her, “What’s a PIH?” The doctor’s reply makes you even more worried. "Oh, it’s short for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.” What you thought to be a minor burn mark sounds like a very serious concern.

So what really is PIH? When skin is injured, or inflamed, the healing process can turbo boost the production of more pigmentation. The injured spots become darker. Now, you see the connection. PIH refers to darkening of affected skin after the inflammation has gone away.

Common examples are dark marks from improper acne pricking, and astringent burns made worse by sun exposure. Aside from the face, what other body parts are prone to PIH? Underarms! Many have dark underarms due to antiperspirant use. Also, elbows and knees. They become dark with constant skin trauma from friction.

Anyone can get PIH. However, if you have darker skin, you will have higher tendency to suffer from PIH than those with light skin. Those dark spots will eventually fade by themselves. This may take up to two years, though.

Your dermatologist can explain to you various treatment options to hasten the departure of dark marks. Topical treatment with skin lightening creams can be the most cost-effective option.  Exfoliants like DERMAX Retinol C serum help produce faster lightening. 

DERMAX UV SUNSCREEN SERIES

Topical cortisone cream should be applied only with medical supervision. Prolonged use can worsen PIH.

Diamond peel and chemical peels containing either glycolic acid or TCA are clinic procedures that will strip away the topmost skin layer to reveal fresher, lighter skin.

Old discolorations and scars can be successfully treated with more radical procedures like collagenesis (dermaroller) and fractional laser therapy.

With time and the proper treatment, those dark spots will eventually fade away. One thing is a must, though. You have to avoid unnecessary sun exposure. Be sure to have daily sun protection that fits your skin condition, from the DERMAX UV line of sunscreens.

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This column was published in the Manila Bulletin Lifestyle Section on July 8, 2014 . The author is the CEO of SkinStation. He received the 2011 Outstanding Chemist Award from Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) for his achievements in the field of cosmetic chemistry. Skin Smart aims to clarify facts and myths on skin care. Send your questions and comments to info@skinstation.ph.