You’ve been seeing vitamin C serum mentioned in nearly every magazine you’ve picked up lately. But is it really something you need?
It can be hard to make sense of whether a product or ingredient is needed — and whether it would help, rather than hurt, your skin.
That’s why we’ve done some research and have a little bit of insight related to vitamin C serum and other current skincare trends.
Skincare trends #1: Vitamin C serum
First things first: what’s the 411 on this product?
- How it works Vitamin C stimulates collagen production and helps repair skin damage caused by the sun. It can also help protect the skin from future damage when used in conjunction with sunscreen.
- Why you should be cautious It can be difficult to find the right formulation. Vitamin C can help boost production of collagen, but too much vitamin C can cause redness and irritation.
- The final word If the Vitamin C is not stabilized with other acids, the beneficial properties can be lost when exposed to oxygen, so if you’d like to try vitamin C serum, talk with a dermatologist. He or she can help you identify the right concentration of vitamin C for your skin type and sensitivity.
Skincare trends #2: Microneedling
Does anything to do with a needle have you feeling a little squeamish? You aren’t alone. But microneedling is everywhere these days.
- How it works Microneedling, which is also called collagen induction therapy, involves creating hundreds of small, invisible punctures in the top layer of the skin. Those “micro-injuries” stimulate the body’s wound healing processes, which increase collagen and elastin production in the skin.
- Why you should be cautious If your skin is irritated in any way or you have active acne, microneedling could make the skin more inflamed. In the case of acne, it could also spread the bacteria in your skin.
- The final word While it seems like a fad, microneedling has actually been around for decades. If you want to try this treatment, book a consultation with UT Erlanger Dermatology.
Skincare trends #3: Topical fillers
Fillers — you’ve heard about them. But what exactly are they? And how do they work?
- How it works Topical fillers are injections of hyaluronic acid, which is commonly found in many moisturizers. Injecting the acid into the skin helps hydrate it, giving the skin a more youthful and plump appearance.
- Why you should be cautious If the person injecting the filler is not adequately trained in anatomy, the filler injection can lead to catastrophic complications.
- The final word Topical fillers are considered medical devices, which means they’ve received FDA approval. Talk with your dermatologist about whether these products are right for you and your skin.
Skincare trends #4: Korean beauty products
Seemingly everywhere you look these days, a new store is carrying a Korean beauty line. What’s the big deal, though?
- How it works Korean skincare has been popularized in recent years because of its careful, time-intensive process. A normal routine often feels more like an indulgence than simply preparation for bedtime.
- Why you should be cautious There really isn’t any need for caution.
- The final word You know your skin best, and as with any skincare product, it may take some experimenting with Korean beauty products to find one that works well for you. But if you’re going to try out this trend, be sure to take it all the way — taking time to slow down and be mindful is at the heart of this routine!
Skincare trends #5: Supplements
Could taking certain vitamins and supplements really help improve your skin? The beauty supplement market is on the rise, but it may not be worth it.
- How it works Certain vitamins and minerals can help your skin. These products often combine multiple vitamins in a sort of “beauty” package designed to optimize skin.
- Why you should be cautious Like all other vitamins and supplements, there’s a good deal of uncertainty over whether they’re at all necessary. In most cases, people receive plenty of most nutrients through diet alone, making supplements unnecessary. And in some cases, you can get too much of a given vitamin.
- The final word If you believe you aren’t getting enough of a nutrient that’s beneficial for skin, talk with your doctor about lab testing. In many cases, he or she can run bloodwork to test your nutrient levels and make suggestions if levels are off-kilter.
Looking for more information about whether certain skincare products are right for your skin? Talk with a dermatologist, who can help you make an informed decision. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Hennings or Dr. Goddard at 423-778-5693.
