We were delighted to welcome dermatologist Natalia Jimenez, from Grupo Pedro Jaén, onto our Instagram channel to answer our followers’ questions about their skin and how to ensure it is ready to shine as we come out of lockdown. Natalia is a specialist in clinical and aesthetic dermatology, and in this one-hour video, she offered advice and answered a whole range of interesting questions to help keep your skin glowing and you looking radiant every day. This was as part of our “Our Community” content, offering a virtual window into La Reserva Club living.
Natalia started the video by explaining that the skin has really suffered during the lockdown, due to more time being stuck inside and exposed to high temperatures and low humidity, causing dryness. She also explained that they had received many questions about problems with the hands, particularly increased dryness caused by hand washing and using aggressive cleaning substances.
She gave an overview of the most common issues that people have been suffering during lockdown, how you can treat them at home and allowed the viewers to ask questions. The second part deals with what to do to improve your skin as the lockdown lifts, including treatments you can do at home and can have at the dermatologist now that the country’s lockdown measures are easing.
Dealing with dryness
Natalia explains that the key issue that they are being asked about is increased dryness, due to the conditions in the home and the fact that many people are not following their normal skincare routine while on lockdown. She recommended the following to deal with dryness –
- Find an appropriate cleanser which is kind to sensitive skin, suitable for the face, PH neutral and designed to be used on sensitive or dry skin. Using a good product twice a day will definitely make a difference.
- Use more moisturiser than usual, or change the type of moisturiser you use to deal with the dryness.
- Use sun protection, even if you are not going out, as it will protect you from the blue light from computers, phones and tablets. Choose a high factor, 30 or 50, and also include a complete protection.
- For the hands, which are really suffering at the moment, use a gentle soap and a moisture rich hand cream after every hand wash to protect them. However, if you already have extreme dryness and symptoms such as redness, cracks or very dry, sore patches, then you will need to get medical help from your dermatologist or GP in order to receive the right treatment.
Rosacea
This is a condition which commonly affects women over 30 and is a type of acne and causes spots on the cheeks and the nose. It is often triggered by changes of temperature such as in the shower and causes sensitivity to creams and tenderness, as well as blemishes. She recommended a professional diagnosis by a dermatologist to confirm rosacea and explained the triggers that should be avoided to reduce the issue –
- Avoid sun exposure
- Do not drink alcohol
- Avoid spicy food
- Use products for sensitive skin such as cleansers, moisturisers etc.
How to improve your skin for coming out of lockdown
Natalia answered a number of general questions, before moving on to useful advice about caring for your skin. First and foremost, she advised everyone to start a good skincare routine, including twice daily cleansing. Apply antioxidant creams and serums including ingredients such as vitamin C, use a suitable moisturiser for your skin type, and apply sun protection every morning, throughout the year. Look for a sunscreen that is light and easy to use and make this an essential part of the daily care you give your skin. At night, it is recommended that you use products with retinoic acid, which are good for preventing and treating many skin conditions, and glycolic acid to cause exfoliation and peeling. You should also aim to exfoliate once or twice a week.
To improve luminosity, use treatments such as chemical peelings at your dermatologist, and laser treatments. Natalia explains the different options and what these treatments can help with. However, she advises that you discuss with your dermatologist if you will be in the sun, as this can be a problem this time of year.
She said another common question is how to treat or prevent expression lines, and she recommends botulinum toxin. She said that many of the clients are scared to use it as they think that it will paralyse the face or make it look swollen and she reassured us that this isn’t the case. It relaxes the muscles and the facial expressions don’t last as long to reduce the effects of those expressions, but it can still look natural. The effect is reversible and it is recommended by dermatologists when done properly. In cases of deeper lines and wrinkles, they recommend fillers. She mentioned that newer fillers are much more natural and are absorbed back into the skin, without giving the effect of swelling. So, discuss these options with your dermatologist and discover what is best in your particular case.
Last but not least, she spoke about sagging skin, both ways to prevent it, treat it at early stages and then surgical options for treating it when it is advanced. She then answered a host of questions about skin care.
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