Q: What is the difference between the brands Aspect and Aspect Dr?
Aspect Dr has been formulated for medically affiliated clinics and Aspect for Beauty salons. The actual difference between many of the products is minimal with some of the Aspect Dr serums having a higher % of active ingredients. Unless you have quite sensitive skin we generally recommend the Aspect Dr as you can expect to see and feel results earlier.
Q: Why does my skin react and go red when using some brands of skin care products?
A: Unfortunately many skin care products (even the most well-known brands) are a cocktail of toxic chemicals. Reactions are most often caused by the added artificial preservatives and fragrances which irritate your skin. Sometimes the reaction doesn’t happen immediately. It can take time for the toxic chemicals to build up in your skin to a level where the skin cannot cope any more.
Q: My skin tends to be dehydrated but oily at the same time and most moisturisers feel too heavy. How can I use a moisturiser without increasing the oiliness?
A: You need to focus on increasing the hydration and decreasing the inflammation deep in your skin. The oiliness is a result, or a rebound effect of these. Nourishing with antioxidants, adding in a Vitamin A, reducing the nasty’s in your skin care products and using a light weight, but rich in moisture retaining properties moisturiser will help. Cosmedix Hydrate+ , the Aspect Dr Oil free mosituriser or the Osmosis MD Quench are perfect choices.
Q: Why do I often get pimples after I exfoliate with my scrub? Is my skin different from others as I thought they would all go?
A: Harsh exfoliating products clean your skin, but they also open up the pores and damage the important top layers inhibiting optimal function. The acid mantle is upset so the pH of your skin changes and it is easier for the bacteria causing the pimples to proliferate. It is better to replace your grainy abrasive product with an enzyme exfoliator or a gentle sonic cleanser and just use them once a week. Always nourish with antioxidants after.
Q: Why is zinc the best SPF to use?
A: Please see our article on ‘Your skin and the Sun’ here .
Q: Why does my skin look dull and grey? I’m 58 years old and pretty fit and healthy? I don’t like using anything harsh.
A: Dull skin, especially as we age, is from an accumulation of dead cells and thickened skin. If you’d like to brighten your appearance it isn’t difficult though don’t expect miracles overnight. A lactic acid based cleanser, An enzyme exfoliating mask, antioxidant serums and a moisturising physical sunblock is a good start. Add in a vitamin A serum in 3-4 weeks. Avoid product ranges containing toxic-chemicals as they will only irritate your skin.
Q: Why is my skin drier in winter and what can I do about it?
A: If you live in a climate which is cold and dry during the winter months there is not sufficient water in the air to keep your skin hydrated. Many moisturisers work by taking in water during the day to keep us feeling moist; if there is insufficient water in the air they cannot do their job.
The solution is twofold:
- Use a heavier moisturiser to give you more protection, humidify the air around you, and spray your skin often with a heavy water spray (D20). Heavy water sprays will penetrate your makeup and retain moisture in your skin.
- Ensure your skin and your body are in optimal health. Increase your leafy greens and your topical antioxidants; nourish from inside and out.