Muscat: In an age when the market is flooded with a plethora of creams promising radiant and flawless skin, users find it difficult to which products are genuine.
From cleansers to toners and serums, there is a diverse range of skincare products. Some claim to do everything, from removing impurities to moisturising your skin or even eliminating fine lines and wrinkles.
Using too many skincare products with powerful active ingredients can cause dryness, redness, and irritation. According to Dr Mariam al Hadrami, a dermatologist, people tend to assume that more is better when it comes to skincare products for their face, but doing so can actually lead to "irritating your skin to a degree it can't tolerate."
Dr Al Hadrami cautioned against using skin-lightening products that many especially women buy in an attempt to lighten their skin. She explained that using skin-lightening products has a harmful effect on the skin, especially since they are chemical compounds. She noted that there are specific cases in which the use of lightening creams is allowed.
Dr Al Hadrami emphasised that conditions like pregnancy and vitiligo (autoimmune disorder that causes patches of skin to lose pigment or colour) require the use of skin-lightening products with specific concentrations of certain substances to even out skin tone. She added that using certain products for a long time can contribute to premature skin aging.
Furthermore, Dr Al Hadrami emphasised that skin-lightening products are primarily pharmaceutical compounds designed to treat skin pigmentation problems resulting from medical conditions. Indiscriminate use of these products can lead to unintended side effects.
In her advisory, Dr Al Hadrami recommended several practical steps for a balanced skincare routine. She advocated for the use of sun protection creams to shield the skin from harmful UV rays and discouraged the use of skin-lightening products, cautioning against their promotion.
"If you feel discomfort in your skin after cleansing your face and using other exfoliating products, it's a sign that you are overusing products. Washing your face too often or using harsh facial cleansers can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness. This might prompt you to use a range of serums and moisturisers in an attempt to hydrate your skin. However, it's not guaranteed to achieve the desired benefit," Dr Al Hadrami added.
Dr Al Hadrami says multiple skincare products can make your skin more sensitive and prone to irritation. Inflammation can be caused, depending on the combination of products used. For example, products like vitamin C serum and retinol should not be used at the same time. This combination is unsuitable for most skin types.
Dr Al Hadrami advised that a daily skincare routine should only consist of 3 or 4 products, including a moisturiser, sunscreen, and a gentle cleanser. Additionally, she suggested the use of spot treatments for those with acne-prone skin.
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