Skin Health Magazine Issue #11 / Spring 2019 | Page 33

Q&A
Ask Our Therapists
O
ur team know everything there
is to know about skin and the
products you should be using,
so every issue we’ll be putting your
biggest complexion queries to our Skin
Therapists. First up, they’re talking exfo-
liation and sun protection.
Should you only use Retinol at night?
There are many types of Retinol and the
stronger derivatives are best applied in the
evening. This is because Retinol stimulates
cell turnover and can compact the upper
layers, making the skin extra sensitive to
sunlight. Some Retinol-based formulas that
don’t encapsulate the ingredient can also be
broken down by UV rays, making them
useless, so applying them at night ensures
they stay active and can work with the skin’s
natural regeneration processes more effec-
tively. However, there are some advanced
derivatives of the ingredient - such as
Retinyl Retinoate - that are safe to use
during the day. Whenever you apply your
Retinol, make sure you always apply a sun-
screen as part of your morning routine.
Can you over-exfoliate the skin?
Yes, you can. Some skin types can take a lot
of exfoliation on a regular basis, but most
complexions can suffer if too many acids
and scrubs are used during the same daily
routine. Over-stimulating the skin to shed
and produce new cells too quickly can mean
your complexion becomes unbalanced. Key
signs that you are over-exfoliating the skin
include: extreme dryness or flaking, blotchy
and inflamed skin, visible broken blood
vessels, and sensitivity. If you are experi-
encing any of these symptoms, refrain from
exfoliating the skin for a week or two and
treat the symptoms. Once your skin is back
to normal, introduce an exfoliant back into
your routine gradually to avoid repeating
the same cycle.
What’s the difference between mineral and
chemical UV filters?
In simple terms, chemical filters act like
an invisible sponge, absorbing UVA and
UVB rays as they come into contact with
the skin so that they can reduce their impact
on the cells. Mineral or physical filters
actively block and repel UV rays before
they can penetrate the skin. Mineral filters
are effective as soon as you apply them, as
they remain on the surface, but they need
to be reapplied regularly to maintain pro-
tection. As chemical filters need to be
absorbed by the skin to work, make sure
you apply them at least 15 minutes before
going out into the sun.
ISSUE #11 | 2019 | SkinHealthMagazine.com 33