The appearance of our skin is a reflection of our metabolism and its processes. Our skin works hard every day: protecting, regenerating, processing and nourishing it. Day after day, our skin has to hold its own against harmful influences.
She can only do this with the right support. Our expert and beautician explains what this can look like.
What 7 tips does the beautician have for healthy skin?
Susanne Dethlefs: Healthy skin is the result of consistency, knowledge and mindfulness. Here are my 7 most important tips that really make a difference:
- The skin loves exercise because it improves blood circulation, oxygen supply and cell metabolism. Nutrients and oxygen are transported to the skin more efficiently, while metabolic products are broken down more quickly. The result is fresher, rosier and better regenerated skin. Stress hormones such as cortisol are also lowered, which reduces inflammation and blemishes. Exercise promotes blood circulation in the skin and collagen formation, which makes the skin firmer and more resilient.
- Gentle cleansing is the basis of every routine: Many people underestimate how important cleansing is. It should remove dirt, sebum, make-up and UV filters without damaging the skin barrier. A cleanser (pH 4.5-5.5) with gentle cleansing substances is therefore ideal. And very important: twice a day, morning and evening.
- The beauty formula applies: Moisture + lipids = barrier strength: healthy skin needs both water and lipids. Moisturizers such as hyaluronic acid or aloe vera are supplemented by lipids such as ceramides or squalane. This is because they store moisture in the skin. This combination not only strengthens the barrier, but also reduces dryness, irritation and dryness lines.
- Use active ingredients in a targeted manner and do not layer them indiscriminately. More products does not automatically mean more effect. A targeted selection and the right sequence is better. Antioxidant nutrients such as vitamin C, Q10, retinol, aloe vera and niacinamide protect the cells from free radicals during the day. In the evening or at night, the skin regenerates three times more than during the day. Retinol and peptides are particularly helpful here. Regularity is much better than constantly changing trend products.
- Modern skin care can be specifically supplemented with active ingredients such as Spiralin®. The microalgae extract not only supports the lipid and moisture balance, but also stabilizes the natural skin microbiome against negative influences. This combination strengthens the skin’s protective function and is particularly effective for stressed or acne-prone skin. In winter, the skin needs richer care with more lipids to protect it against the cold. In summer, the skin requires more moisture-based care products.
- A healthy diet is skin care from the inside: A low-inflammatory, balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables, essential amino acids and omega-3 fatty acids provides the “building material” for healthy cells. Sugar, alcohol and highly processed foods, on the other hand, promote silent inflammation and accelerate skin ageing. What you eat every day will eventually show up in the mirror. Important skin nutrients are vitamin C and vitamins E, pantothenic acid, biotin and niacin. Minerals such as zinc promote cell division and refine the skin’s appearance.
- Take sufficient sleep and regeneration seriously: Cell repair runs at full speed during sleep. Too little or poor sleep is noticeable on the skin and makes the skin look pale and stressed. 7-8 hours per night are recommended. The best way to do this is with a cortisol-lowering evening ritual, for example with breathing exercises or meditation. In addition, switch off your cell phone 30 minutes before going to sleep.
… and what should be avoided at all costs?
Susanne Dethlefs: “What to do?” is at least as important as “What not to do?”. Because many skin problems are caused by bad habits or carelessness. The biggest “acts of skin sabotage” are aggressive cleansing and exfoliation. Excessive rubbing, too frequent washing or high-percentage fruit acids destroy the protective acid mantle. This results in redness, hyperpigmentation, inflammation and blemishes.
Another important point is a lack of or inconsistent sun protection. UV damage is cumulative. It adds up over years. That is why sun protection is the basis of any anti-ageing strategy. Using too many active ingredients at the same time, such as retinol, AHA, enzymes, BHA, peptides, sounds effective but is counterproductive. This can lead to permanent irritation and early skin ageing. Highly effective substances should be used curatively and alternately.
Stress, alcohol and nicotine also damage the skin! Cortisol, nicotine and acetaldehyde (from alcohol) destroy collagen, promote inflammation and constrict blood vessels.
Chronic sleep deprivation also reduces blood circulation, the ability to regenerate and collagen formation in the skin. Dark circles appear under the eyes and the tissue tone decreases. Sleep is not a luxury, it protects the skin.
And don’t forget to moisturize. A lack of moisturizing care in winter with dry heating air or in summer with intensive sun exposure dries out the skin. Cosmetic products should be part of every morning and evening routine, for dry skin as well as oily skin.
What can the beautician do for healthy skin?
Susanne Dethlefs: A professional beautician does more than just carry out treatments. She is an analyst, therapist, coach and companion for the skin – on a professional and human level. What can a beautician do for you?
Every skin has its own story to tell: genetic, hormonal, metabolic or stress-related. An experienced beautician recognizes these connections, she not only sees pores or wrinkles, but also why they develop. Using modern diagnostics (moisture measurement, TEWL, pH value, observation of the skin’s appearance), she can adapt care to individual needs.
Professional treatments aim to repair and strengthen the skin barrier. This means gentle but effective deep cleansing. In addition, active ingredient serums that provide targeted moisture and lipids, as well as soothing masks and eye care.
Systematic active ingredient treatments: A good cosmetician chooses products not according to fragrance or trend, but according to the mechanism of action and physiology of the skin. Whether retinol, fruit acid, niacinamide or peptides, the concentrations, the pH value and the combination are decisive, because they have to be right. The aim is always to activate cell communication, not just to apply something.
Conclusion
A good beautician is a holistic health advisor for the skin. She helps to understand the skin, restore its balance and keep it strong, vibrant and beautiful in the long term. The goal is not perfection, but skin that feels good – at every age and every stage of life.
By the way, you can find even more tips and interviews in our expert tips on ocean-pharma.de