Most of my patients in their 20s have more of combination skin or oily skin. At this age range, the sebaceous (oil) glands are still quite active, causing the T-zone to be oily while the rest of the facial skin is normal.
From the mid to late 30s, the skin tends to become more dry and coupled with collagen loss, and fine lines and open pores tend to become more apparent. Dry skin can happen at an earlier age if accompanied by pre-existing skin conditions e.g. eczema, or if one is using certain topical products or taking certain medications.
Assuming there are no underlying causes for your combination/dry skin, possible treatments for a healthy looking glowing complexion can include:
1) Skinboosters: The main ingredient is hyaluronic acid, a complex sugar molecule already present in our skin. Hyaluronic acid can absorb water up to 1000 times its weight, thus increasing the hydration of the skin, plumping it up to achieve a hydrated look. It is done by multiple tiny injections into the upper layers of the skin.
2) Rejuran Healer: Composed of polynucleotides derived from salmon, these are the building blocks of our DNA and help to rejuvenate and repair our skin cells. It can help to balance the oil and moisture of our skin. It can also be combined with skinboosters to achieve better synergistic results.
3) Laser: Buildup of dead skin cell layers and uneven skin tone can result in the appearance of dull-looking skin. A gentle laser, such as the commonly used Q-switched laser, can help brighten up the skin to achieve an even complexion. However, bear in mind that lasers can generally be a bit drying on the skin, so an appropriate treatment interval and post-care is important.
4) Home skincare: Most of us do not visit our favourite aesthetic clinics every day for treatments, so home skincare is also an important component to achieve good skin. Basic skincare consists of moisturizer and sunblock. Choose a suitable moisturizer for your skin type, and more often than not, some trial and error is necessary. The most expensive or what works well on your friend may not be the best for you.
Good removal of makeup and sunblock at the end of the day is equally important, as buildup of residual particles can dull the skin and cause clogged pores. For the more hardworking individual, application of retinol-containing and/or antioxidant-containing products can boost results.
All the best in your quest for healthy-looking skin!
