pt%202-06.jpg)
Top skincare concerns on Google unpacked
The most Googled skincare questions of 2022 were all about the basics, and trending ingredients.
So says Dr Judey Pretorius, a renowned biomedical scientist and founder of cosmeceutical skincare brand, Biomedical Emporium.
Here Dr Pretorius answers the top 8 most Googled skincare questions of 2022.
1. How to know your skin type?
We determine skin types by the Fitzpatrick skin types developed in 1975. Fitzpatrick skin types refer to a skin tone scale developed to classify skin colouring and response to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Fitzpatrick 1 – 6 is based on how you burn.
Fitzpatrick skin type 1
skin always burns, never tans, and is sensitive to UV exposure
Fitzpatrick skin type 2
skin burns easily and tans minimally
Fitzpatrick skin type 3
skin burns moderately and tans gradually to light brown
Fitzpatrick skin type 4
skin burns minimally and always tans well to moderately brown
Fitzpatrick skin type 5
skin rarely burns and tans profusely to dark
Fitzpatrick skin type 6
skin never burns, is deeply pigmented, and is least sensitive to UV exposure
2. What is the difference between dry and dehydrated skin?
Dry skin occurs when the epithelial layer of the skin (the outermost layer of the skin) does not have a moisture level or lipids within it. Dehydrated skin occurs when you don’t have any form of moisture retention or hyaluronic in the dermis (middle layer) of the skin.
While dry skin lacks oil (sebum), dehydrated skin lacks water. Dry skins may experience eczema, sensitivity, flaking and even cracking while dehydrated skin is prone to breakouts (due to the skin producing too much extra sebum in an attempt to counteract the dehydration), irritation and dry patches.
Dry skin requires oil or cream-based skincare to replenish lost lipids, while dehydrated skin requires water-rich products, an increased water intake and possibly lifestyle changes.
3. What are the basic skincare products we all need?
The very basics of what we need is a facial cleanser, a serum and a moisturiser (one for the evening and one for the day that contains an SPF).
4. What order do I use my skincare products?
Always use your cleanser first followed by your serum, then your moisturiser and lastly your facial sunscreen.
5. What does vitamin C do?
Vitamin C is one of the most powerful antioxidants on the planet, especially when it is used topically at higher concentrations. One of the perks of vitamin C is that when you apply it onto the skin, it literally brightens the skin and makes it glow, whether you are a Fitzpatrick 1 or a Fitzpatrick 6 skin type. Vitamin C can also assist in minimising dark spots, hyperpigmentation and acne scars.
6. What is niacinamide and what does it do?
Niacinamide is vitamin B3. Firstly it is a vitamin, secondly it is a powerful antioxidant, but it’s one of the ingredients that are necessary to boost overall cellular energy. Our cells contain energy levels, which are essential in order for skin cells to go through cell division (when cells divide from 2, to 4, to 8, to 16 to replenish dying cells). Cells cannot divide without energy levels, and when this occurs, the skin may appear more dull and fatigued. When you expose your skin to niacinamide, it will boost the overall energy levels of skin cells, which will lead to faster cellular differentiation.
7. At what age should I start using skincare?
You should start using skincare products as a teenager, but the age that you should start looking at anti-ageing skincare is 25.
8. Does washing your face in the shower cause dry skin?
No, not at all, as long as you ensure that the temperature of your shower water is not too hot, because if the water is too hot it can strip skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and sensitive. It can also compromise the skin’s moisture barrier, which is essential for protecting the skin against environmental stressors, bacteria, pollutants, and other irritants.