prioritizing long-term skin health over instant gratification & exaggerated claims
Over the past several decades, cosmetic and skincare advertising has strategically trained consumers to expect promises of quick, near-miraculous results from their products. You can't visit a corporate cosmetic website without seeing "visible results in 1 week" and "minus 47% look of wrinkles in 6 weeks" or similar promises designed to provide some measure of dopamine release. We can't verify whether or not these claims are valid, and it's irrelevant anyhow because the worst approach to skincare (except for a massive breakout or emerging skin disorder) is the quick fix.
Our brains might be impressed with arbitrary percentages and timelines, but our skin isn't.
The best approach to skin care is a sustainable, long-term commitment to building and replacing collagen, fighting environmental damage, and protecting the skin barrier.
Our skin is our body's largest organ. It protects against microorganisms, dehydration, ultraviolet light, and environmental damage. Skin is the first physical barrier and is responsible for the sensations of pain, temperature, touch, and pressure. Understanding your skin as a dynamic organ highlights the importance of nurturing its health rather than seeking superficial remedies
the "perfect skin is healthy skin" fallacy
Healthy skin is more important than "perfect skin." In the effort to get to perfect skin, we sometimes end up causing it more harm than good. For example, harsh chemical peels and aggressive exfoliants may produce immediate smoothness, but they can disrupt the moisture barrier, leading to long-term damage.
Perfect skin is not always healthy, but healthy skin is most often close to perfect.
our skin health reflects our overall well-being
The condition of our skin is often a mirror that reflects our internal health. That's why diet, hydration, stress levels, and sleep patterns impact our skin's appearance. Focusing on health fundamentals is your best path to sustainable skincare, ensuring long-lasting results that extend beyond surface-level improvements.
choose prevention over correction
Optimal skin health requires us to be proactive rather than reactive. Establishing a consistent skincare routine that includes cleansing, treating, and moisturizing can prevent various issues before they arise: inflammation, uneven skin tone, fine lines, wrinkles, dehydration, and large pores. It's so much easier to prevent these issues than it is to correct them.
examine your relationship with your skin
Your healthy relationship with your skin requires the same tactics you’d apply to any relationship. Nurture it. Feed it. Listen to it. Respect it. Accept it.
Set some structure and create habits around how you care for it. And most importantly, consider its long-term health in all you do for it.
