Dr Kluk outlines her advice on skincare regimes and caring for your skin’s barrier
Why is skin hydration important?
For most, a skincare routine is a positive part of everyday rituals, with over a third (38 per cent[i]) seeing it as “me” time, however, the skincare world can be tricky to navigate with countless products available and a lack of knowledge around skincare regimes for certain skin types.
We recently teamed up with Dr Justine Kluk, Consultant Dermatologist, skincare expert and go-to specialist for acne, to provide you with tips on skincare routines for particular skin types and how to optimise skin barrier protection.
Dr Kluk, Consultant Dermatologist, says, “Having personally suffered from acne I’ve always been fascinated about skincare products and routines. My own experience navigating this as an acne sufferer was one of the reasons I went to medical school to become a Dermatologist.
“Patients often tell me they’re confused about what they should be using to address their specific skin concerns, and how to combine products in order to achieve their goals without irritating their skin. The volume of information online and on social media is overwhelming, so many people end up cycling through countless products, chopping and changing because their needs aren’t being met or giving up altogether. This is why sharing the basics of skincare routines is something I truly care about.”
“Cetaphil has been one of my go-to brands since I first started practising Dermatology. Their gentle formulas provide building blocks for a targeted skincare routine, with sensitive skin in mind at every step.”
“Adopting a simplified skincare routine with the right elements is the perfect place to start, but there are different techniques to follow and key skincare ingredients that can be used to help particular skin types, from acne-prone to extremely dry, irritable skin”
OILY SKIN
Those with oily skin might gravitate towards a regime that includes harsh scrubs and less moisturising, as it is a common misconception that this will stop oils building up, however, a dedicated and well-considered skincare routine should help refresh skin and reduce that oily look whilst keeping it hydrated and moisturised. When it comes to the quest for shine-free skin a cleanser that is soap-free and non-comedogenic will help to remove excess oil without disrupting the skin’s natural barrier or causing blocked pores.
Dr Kluk recommends a routine that includes a daily cleanser specifically designed for those with oily skin. Follow with a lightweight, easily absorbed moisturiser so that skin feels comfortably hydrated, and looks dewy rather than greasy, throughout a busy day.
The Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser is a gentle soap-free, skin PH-friendly gel face wash that helps remove excess sebum and oil without drying or over-stripping the skin. The Oily Skin Cleanser contains Glycerin and Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) which help to hydrate and moisturise the skin while washing the face.
ACNE-PRONE SKIN
Blemish-prone skin is often characterised by the appearance of spots, blackheads and whiteheads (which are also known as types of comedones - blocked pores). Skin may appear shiny or oily but can also be normal or dry in some areas such as the cheeks.
Acne is seen as several blemishes that occur frequently and can vary in severity and appearance, such as non-inflammatory acne (blackheads or whiteheads) and inflammatory (anything with a red or more robust appearance). So it is best to identify this before starting a specific acne-prone skin routine to help keep the skin healthy.
Dr Kluk recommends cleansing the skin twice a day, and after exercise, with a mild, creamy cleanser. Avoid scrubbing the skin as this increases inflammation, and try not to squeeze your spots. Pick a non-comedogenic moisturiser and sunscreen and your basic routine is complete.
Our products are non-comedogenic and will help to remove dirt and oil, hydrate skin and be gentle on the natural skin barrier. The core range includes a fragrance-free, non-pore blocking Gentle Skin Cleanser and a Daily Hydrating Moisturiser that is a lightweight, quick-absorbing formulation with Hyaluronic Acid and a combination of effective moisturising ingredients to help hydrate sensitive or blemish-prone skin.
DULL OR PIGMENTATION PRONE SKIN
Dull skin often has an uneven skin tone or texture which causes light to reflect less evenly, unlike radiant skin, which is often smooth, with less pigmentation, so reflects light evenly. This can be caused by dehydration, lifestyle choices or cutting corners when it comes to skincare routines.[ii]
Dr Kluk recommends that those with dull or pigmentation prone skin wear a daily SPF because exposure to the sun without suitable protection leads to skin dyspigmentation and brown spots, which are characteristic of skin ageing. Moisturising twice daily can also help to reduce dullness and surface roughness, promoting a brighter complexion.
Our brand new four-product Healthy Radiance range is designed to deliver a radiant, more even skin tone in just four weeks*, that works for even the most sensitive or pigmentation prone skin. This dermatologically tested collection uses GentleBright Technology and uses a formulation of natural white Sea Daffodil plant extract and Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) to remove impurities and reveal noticeably luminous, healthier looking skin.
REDNESS PRONE SKIN
Those with redness prone skin should follow a gentle skincare regime and avoid triggers to help maintain moisture in the skin and a healthy skin barrier. There is a myriad of factors, from lifestyle (such as genetics, allergies, sun, food etc) to the skincare products you’re using, that can trigger redness in skin.
Moisturising the skin well and protecting it in the sun are key. Dr Kluk recommends a gentle cleanser and daily moisturiser with SPF30 or higher to protect against UV exposure in skin prone to redness or rosacea. For those with the most sensitive skin, mineral sun filters may be better tolerated.
Our Cetaphil PRO Redness range consists of a daily facial skincare routine for redness or rosacea-prone skin that contains advanced formulations designed to help hydrate, protect and reduce visible redness. The range includes an SPF 30 Day Cream, Cleansing Facial Wash and Moisturising Night Cream all of which have been dermatologically tested to deliver daily, expert care for this type of sensitive skin.
DRY SKIN
For those with dry skin, seasonal change can be a nuisance, especially when the indoor heating is turned on. Skin that is not hydrated enough will become dry, tight and flaky, however, this be helped by applying a moisturising cream two to three times per day to restore moisture and prevent your skin from drying, but it’s important to find the right products for a dry skincare routine.
To avoid drying out the skin any further, Dr Kluk recommends taking short 5-to-10-minute showers with warm rather than hot water and avoiding use of any harsh scrubs and exfoliants. Also, when washing, adopt a routine that uses mild, creamy cleansers on the body and face and moisturise frequently and generously. Lastly, if products with fragrance irritate the skin, avoid using them.
Our Cetaphil PRO Dry Itchy Skin range is a body care duo for dry, itch-feeling sensitive skin and is suitable for eczema-prone skin. With mild cleansing ingredients and Ceramide technology, the body wash respects the skin's natural barrier, while the moisturising lotion contains a combination of Shea Butter, natural moisturising factors and Niacinamide help to nourish dry skin.
For nearly 75 years, we have worked with dermatologists and healthcare professionals to develop and test our products with proven effectiveness against skin sensitivity and are suitable for sensitive, oily, pigmentation, acne, and redness prone skin. Our range of clinically proven gentle cleansers and nourishing moisturisers support the natural skin barrier whilst boosting skin hydration, radiance, and soothing sensitivity.
[ii] https://www.healthline.com/health/dull-skin (dull skin)
