FROM BRIDAL SKIN TO TikTok TRENDS, AND RETINOL TO POLYHYDROXY ACIDS…

During my time as Global Medical Communications Manager for AlumierMD, I collaborated with so many very lovely Skin Journalists and Beauty Editors. My expert commentary was included in a number of publications including interviews for HELLO! and TATLER (such fun!).

Here they are for your perusal…

(For all the skincare experts out there, I’ve also written a number of articles for professional publications - linked below)

W I N T E R S K I N

WINTER SKIN TIPS for HELLO! MAGAZINE

Should you REALLY ditch your sunscreen when it cools down?

  • No… year-round UVA rays damage our skin as much as, if not more than, summertime UVB rays. “Flip-flops and frocks can go in the draw, but your sunscreen must stay firmly in place!”

B R I D A L S K I N

GETTING ‘BIG DAY READY’ for TATLER MAGAZINE

Is it ever too late to start a skincare rouitne for glowing skin on your wedding day? And what about the bridal party - can mum of the bride join in?

  • It’s never too late to start a skincare routine - but depending on how far off the big day is, you might need to adjust your goals. With 6 - 12 months to go you can make a transformative difference, in even the most stubborn of skin conditions. But with 2 - 4 weeks to play with, it will be all about hydration for that last minute glow.

R E T I N O L S K I N C A R E

RETINOL GOES VIRAL ON TikTok for THE DAILY MIRROR

There are so many different skincare products on the market and thanks to TikTok, one particular skincare treatment has surged in popularity - but it's important to know how to use it

  • The drying effect of retinol shouldn't put people off using it. Victoria Hiscock, Medical Communications Manager at medical grade skincare brand AlumierMD said that not using retinol because it makes the skin 'dry' is like not exercising because it makes you sweat. People who use retinol long-term will actually notice an improvement in hydration as the skin wakes up and switches up a gear.

    "Retinol's 'drying' and 'sensitising' effect is actually a symptom of its exfoliating properties. Because retinol causes so much activity in the skin, you need to allow the skin to process, catch on and catch up."

    Victoria noted that you should start with small doses and work your way up as your skin becomes resilient to it. She said: "The end goal might be to use two pumps of retinol, every night directly onto the skin after cleansing and exfoliating (hello amazing skin), but that’s only for the resilient and experienced."

    So to begin with, she advised to apply retinol over serums or moisturisers to "buffer" it a little. Start with applying once a week, applying a thicker layer where you're more resilient such as t-zone or jawline and then a thinner layer over more sensitive areas such as cheeks.

    "If you use a simple 0.25% retinol formula once a week. Use no other active skincare (such as exfoliating acids, antioxidants and sunscreen), you smoke, avoid hydration and have poor gut health, you might never see the results this amazing ingredient can offer. However, if you follow pro advice all the way, you would notice an improvement in skin texture in a matter of weeks, the same for pore appearance and radiance.

    "After 3 - 6 months there's every chance you will see an almost complete rejuvenation with a significant reduction of lines, wrinkles, blemishes and discolouration in exchange for bright, firm, clear and smooth skin. After that? The longer you use it, the better your results get and the longer you will maintain your youthful complexion. My favourite thing about this amazing ingredient is what it can do for people's aesthetic and self-esteem."

I N D O O R S K I N C A R E

ALL FEMALE EXPERT PANEL for REFINERY29 MAGAZINE

Is Skincare Necessary If You’re Always Indoors? Here’s What Experts Think…

  • If we’re susceptible to pollutants in our homes, where does that leave us in terms of wearing SPF when we’re cooped up indoors? According to Victoria Hiscock, medical communications manager at AlumierMD, sun protection is still an everyday essential inside. "Glass doesn’t block UVA rays (which cause things like fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation), meaning it penetrates through windows into our skin and reaches the lower layers. We’re not at risk of burning through windows, because UVB rays (responsible for sunburn and skin cancer) are blocked by clouds and glass, but we’re still at risk of long-term sun damage, which accounts for approximately 90% of skin ageing."

    With more daylight hours, it’s as crucial to use sunscreen (SPF 30 or 50) inside as it is during your daily outdoor quota. But ultraviolet radiation from the sun isn’t the only reason to use SPF. "Blue light, also known as high energy visible light, is emitted from laptops, phones and tablets," explains Hiscock. Between Netflix (yes, we are still watching!) and copious social media scrolling, our screen time is at a high. Both Idriss and Hiscock advise using a physical sunscreen with zinc oxide as it protects against both ultraviolet and blue light.

M E N ‘ S S K I N C A R E

STRESS & MEN’S SKIN for Esquire MAGAZINE

Our cortisol levels are at an all-time high. The Grooming Glossary asks why the stress hormone puts your skin at an all-time low.

  • "The exact mechanism of how stress impacts skin ageing is still quite elusive but recent research has provided evidence that suggests the proteins collagen and elastin are impacted by stress," says Victoria Hiscock, medical communication manager at science-driven skincare company AlumierMD. "This can lead to lines, wrinkles and skin laxity. We also know more about the relationship between inflammation and ageing which has led to a new term in cosmetic dermatology: ‘inflammageing’."

    Which is as scary as it sounds. Increased cortisol hampers the body's ability to absorb the essential nutrients that keep us looking nice and handsome. "Healthy hair and nails need vitamins and minerals such as zinc, iron, magnesium and protein," says Hiscock. "As stress can impact our appetite and the body’s repair system, it can lead to thinning hair, hair loss and brittle nails. Furthermore, hair pulling and nail biting during stressful periods is common, which can further impact hair and nail health."

A C I D S I N S K I N C A R E

POLYHYDROXY ACIDS for GET THE GLOSS MAGAZINE

You’ve heard of AHAs and BHAs, but how about PHAs? If you’ve ever experienced an adverse acid reaction, have sensitive skin, eczema or rosacea, this is the liquid exfoliant you’ve been waiting for…

  • PHA: a guide to the most gentle acid of them all - While AHAs are smaller molecules and penetrate skin at speed, which is good news for quick results but can prove problematic for reactive skin, PHAs dissolve the protein bonds that “glue” dead skin to our face and body (delicious) at a slower rate, yet still give skin cell turnover a chivvy on while improving skin’s surface texture. As for BHAs, AlumierMD education specialist Victoria Hiscock highlights that they have specialist skills that are most suited to acne and blackhead prone skin :

    “BHAs are drawn to oil in the skin and so penetrate the pores rather than necessarily working on the skin’s surface itself.”

    As such, each acid has its place depending on your particular skin concern, but we’ll dig a bit deeper into the PHA profile for starters…

    “PHAs are humectants, which means they have the ability to attract moisture to the skin, improving hydration. They also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits that also contribute to making them them a more suitable chemical exfoliant for sensitive skin” - Kate Kerr

    Roger that. Victoria emphasises that mixing PHAs with other beneficial skincare ingredients can lead to quite the compelling skincare cocktail:

    “Combining PHAs with AHAs can lead to extraordinary outcomes for patients when it comes to brightening. If you’re looking for more aggressive results, combining PHAs with up to 1% vitamin A can reap exceptional rewards in terms of reducing pigmentation and rejuvenating skin.”

S U N S C R E E N , R E T I N O L & V I T A M IN C

ESSENTIAL SKINCARE for GET THE GLOSS MAGAZINE

These are the only 3 products you really need in your skincare routine…

  • You’ve heard it before, but a minimum of SPF30 with UVA and UVB protection should be worn all year. “UV rays account for 90% of skin ageing, and studies show sunscreen alone doesn’t protect against all of the free radicals caused by UV radiation,” says Victoria Hiscock, product and education specialist at cosmeceutical brand AlumierMD.