I’m a dermatologist and a little known ingredient is the ‘gold standard skin care’

According to a dermatologist, RETINOIDS aren’t the only products you can rely on for a youthful appearance.

Dr. Clare Kiely shared the “gold standard” ingredient that should be a staple in every skincare routine.

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Dr. Kiely is a dermatologist, laser surgeon and co-founder of The Skin Diaryin London, England.

In an interview with The US Sun, she shared tips for an effective anti-aging routine.

INCREDIBLE INGREDIENTS

There are so many different skin care serums and creams to choose from, but according to Dr. Kiely, there are three categories that she recommends the most.

“I recommend antioxidants, retinoids and peptides,” she said.

“Antioxidants protect against free radical damage from UV radiation and environmental pollution.

And the queen of them all is L-ascorbic acid.

“L-ascorbic acid is the most powerful and abundant antioxidant in the epidermis, but its levels decrease with age and exposure to UV radiation,” she said.

She called it “the gold standard in skin care,” naming it the vitamin C precursor tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate.”

“Well-researched” retinoids are next on her list.

Although strengths vary, ready-made varieties can be useful.

“I recommend retinoids prescribed by a dermatologist for best results in older skin,” she said.

And then those peptides.

“Peptides are amino acids, which are cellular building blocks that act as messengers in skin care,” says Dr. Kiely.

“There are many peptides in skin care, but don’t be too picky: they are all good.”

The best age to use active ingredients varies, but most people start using vitamin C, retinoids, and peptides around age 30.

BUT DON’T FORGET THIS

Of course, it is necessary to use SPF daily for the best results from the active ingredients.

According to Dr. Kiely, wearing sunscreen is a habit that should be learned at an early age.

Don’t underestimate what a good skin care routine can do.

Dr. Clare Kiely

“Sunburn in children is a real risk factor for skin cancer later in life,” she said.

“Even a single blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence doubles your risk of developing melanoma later in life.

“These other ingredients can’t replace SPF. You need to layer that sunscreen on top to get the best results from your other active ingredients.

LEAVE IT TO THE PROFESSIONALS

Dr. Kiely said you can “take control of your skin” as it ages without relying on cosmetic injectables.

She recommended talking to an expert if you’re having trouble formulating an effective skin care routine.

“Don’t underestimate what a good skincare routine can do. Some of the active ingredients we use in skincare have achieved quasi-pharmaceutical status in Japan,” she said.

“If you want to take it a step further or you think your skin is sun damaged, I would recommend prescription creams. A dermatologist can advise you on this.”

According to Dr. Kiely, it is not a good idea to use homemade skin care products because the botanicals have not been purified and extracted in the correct dosages.

“Cosmetic scientists have deep knowledge of chemistry and formulating effective skin care is complex,” she said.

“You have to think about the biochemical compatibility of the ingredients, transdermal delivery, and stability, just to name a few.”

She said there are a variety of laser treatments and light devices that can be used alongside topical products.

“IPL (intense pulsed light therapy) and BBL (broadband light laser) remain great rejuvenation treatments with little downtime yet highly effective treatments,” she said.

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