Top 5 tips for preventive dermatological care

Your skin is the largest organ and tells your story. Preventive dermatological care is about actively taking steps to keep your skin healthy and prevent problems before they arise. It is not just about addressing problems, but nurturing and protecting your skin, so it looks good and feels healthy at any age. Below are some tips for proactively taking care of your skin, with explanations about the benefits, drawbacks, and some product recommendations.

Preventive Dermatological Care – 5 Tips

Daily Sun Protection

Sunscreen with broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher: Opt for mineral (physical) sunscreens with ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for physical protection. They form a barrier on the skin that reflects harmful rays. Avoid synthetic filters such as avobenzone, which can cause allergies. Chemical filters such as Mexoryl SX or Tinosorb S are better, safer alternatives. Use sunscreen mainly in spring and summer, and during outdoor activities such as sailing, running, or gardening.

UVA-day cream with natural filters: Use a day cream with natural UVA filters, such as porphyria umbilicalis (derived from an algae) or zinc oxide. This cream helps to protect your skin from UVA rays that cause skin aging. A day cream with natural filters can be used all year round, especially in the fall and winter, when UVB rays are less active, but UVA rays are still present.

Especially for darker skin types: (Fitzpatrick 3 and higher) Use products with iron oxides, which help to reduce pigmentation from visible light and prevent hyperpigmentation. Learn more about skin protection with Iron Oxide

Disadvantages

Reapply Regularly: Sunscreen needs to be reapplied throughout the day, especially after swimming or sweating.

Potential irritation: Some sunscreens with chemical filters contain ingredients that people may be sensitive to.

2. Good Skincare Routine

A daily skincare routine means that you clean, hydrate, and protect your skin from harmful external influences every day. The benefits of such a routine include keeping the skin clean and hydrated, and preventing dirt and excessive skin oils from clogging the pores, which can lead to acne and irritation.

Recommended products and ingredients:

Cleansers: Choose mild cleansers that are sulfate-free to prevent the skin from drying out.

Hydration: Use creams with glycerin or ceramides, skin oil, or combine with a serum to keep your skin hydrated and supple.

Protection: Use an antioxidant, such as vitamin C, ferulic acid, Co-enzyme Q10 or vitamin E to reduce damage from pollution and UV rays.

Disadvantages

Time Investment: A good skincare routine takes time and finding the right products can take a while.

3. Healthy Nutrition

Let’s start with zinc and copper. Zinc plays a crucial role in the health of our skin. It aids in wound healing, regulates sebum production, and reduces inflammation. But zinc can’t do without copper. Copper works together with zinc to produce collagen and elastin, which keep the skin firm and elastic. However, too much zinc can lead to a copper deficiency, which is detrimental to both the skin and the immune system. Therefore, balance is essential.

Sources of zinc include pumpkin seeds, beef, and chickpeas. For copper, you can consider nuts, shellfish, organ meats, and even dark chocolate.

Then we have omega-3 fatty acids, specifically EPA and DHA. These fatty acids are potent anti-inflammatory and help to improve the skin barrier and keep the skin hydrated. EPA reduces inflammation and supports the cell structure, while DHA helps to maintain skin elasticity and hydration. Omega-3 fatty acids, such as EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), may play a crucial role in improving skin conditions like psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and acne. These fatty acids are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, that can help reduce skin inflammation and improve overall skin health. The ideal ratio between EPA and DHA for skin conditions is usually 2:1, with EPA present in higher quantities due to its potent anti-inflammatory action.

Consider the EPA:DHA ratio, for heart problems the ratio is different again. The ratio is EPA: DHA is 1:3 or higher.

Vitamin D and K2 also play an important role. Vitamin D supports skin cells and the immune system, while vitamin K2 ensures that calcium stays in the bones and does not accumulate in soft tissues such as the skin. Vitamin D can be found in salmon, eggs, and fortified products, but the best source remains sunlight. Vitamin K2 is primarily found in fermented foods such as natto, but also in cheese and meat from grass-fed animals.

Another important vitamin is vitamin A. This vitamin helps to renew skin cells and reduces dryness and flaking. Good sources are carrots, spinach, and sweet potatoes.

Furthermore, we have vitamin C and vitamin E, which work as antioxidants. They protect the skin against free radicals, stimulate collagen production and promote skin recovery. Vitamin C can be found in citrus fruits, bell peppers and broccoli, while vitamin E can be found in nuts, seeds and vegetable oils.

Finally, there is selenium. Selenium helps protect the skin against oxidative stress and stimulates the immune system. It is found in Brazil nuts, fish, and eggs.

Disadvantages

Although a diet rich in skin-supporting nutrients can be effective, it also has some drawbacks.

Consistency is required: Nutrition only works in the long term and requires daily intake of the right combinations of nutrients. This requires commitment and a conscious lifestyle.

Product selection can be challenging: Finding high-quality and fresh food with sufficient vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids can be difficult. Processed foods often provide less nutritional value, making conscious choices essential.

Slowness of effect: Nutrition gradually supports the skin; visible improvements can take weeks to months. This requires patience compared to the immediately visible results of some topical skin care products.

4. Regular Skin Checks

Having your skin regularly checked by a dermatologist is not an unnecessary luxury, but an important step in preventing serious skin problems. Many changes, such as suspicious spots or moles, can be subtle and are often only noticed when the problem has already progressed. Preventive checks offer a valuable opportunity to prevent this.

Early detection: Timely detection of skin problems, such as skin cancer, significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. This is especially important for people with a history of sun damage or an increased risk of skin cancer.

Peace of Mind: Regular check-ups ensure that you have certainty about the health of your skin, which can reduce stress and uncertainty.

Disadvantages

Costs and access: Not everyone has immediate access to a dermatologist, and the costs can be a barrier for some people, depending on insurance and location.

Time Investment: Regular checks require time and planning, which can be difficult for people with a busy schedule.

Tips to make it accessible

Consider scheduling a check-up annually, especially if you have risk factors, such as many moles or a light skin.

Learn to monitor your skin well between dermatologist visits. Pay attention to changes in color, shape, size, or texture of spots on your skin.

Ask your GP for a referral, which can often reduce costs and facilitate access.

Regular skin checks not only provide protection, but also the opportunity to preempt problems. It is an investment in your health that yields benefits in the short and long term.

5. Use of antioxidants in skincare

Antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid provide powerful protection against environmental damage, which is crucial for healthy skin. But what exactly is environmental damage and why are antioxidants important?

What is environmental damage?

Environmental damage includes negative influences such as UV radiation, air pollution, and tobacco smoke that harm the skin. These factors cause the production of free radicals, unstable molecules that lack an electron. Free radicals steal electrons from healthy skin cells, leading to cell damage, inflammation, and the breakdown of collagen and elastin. This process accelerates skin aging and causes wrinkles, sagging, and a dull complexion.

How do antioxidants help?

Antioxidants neutralize free radicals by providing the missing electron, thereby preventing damage to skin cells. This not only protects the skin structure, but also supports the skin’s natural repair process.

Recommended Antioxidants and Their Benefits

Antioxidants play a crucial role in protecting and improving your skin. Vitamin C fights free radicals, stimulates collagen production and reduces pigmentation spots, making your skin firmer and more radiant. Vitamin E strengthens the skin barrier, hydrates and protects cell membranes from oxidative stress. Ferulic Acid works together with vitamins C and E, enhancing their effectiveness and stability, while providing extra protection against UV radiation and pollution.

Astaxanthin, one of the most powerful natural antioxidants, reduces damage from UV rays, strengthens skin elasticity, and intensely hydrates. Coenzyme Q10 stimulates cell renewal, reduces wrinkles, and protects collagen and elastin from breakdown. Together, these antioxidants provide a strong defense against skin aging, improve skin texture, and ensure a radiant, healthy appearance.

Disadvantages

Quality and Cost: Antioxidants are effective, but their efficacy depends on the quality of the product, and high-quality formulas can be expensive.

Thought behind preventive care

Taking good care of your skin is not something you do because you have to, but because you deserve to see your skin glow and stay healthy, no matter your age. Preventive cosmetic dermatological care is about taking the time to protect your skin from harmful factors before problems arise. It’s an investment in yourself and in how you feel.

Who is preventive skin care important for?

Preventive skin care is for everyone, regardless of age or skin type:

• Children and Teens: Teaching good sun protection helps prevent future damage.
• Young Adults: Developing a skincare routine helps prevent problems like acne.
• Adults: Antioxidants and hydration help slow down signs of aging.
• Elderly: Regular skin checks and strengthening the skin barrier are essential for maintaining healthy skin.
• People with a tinted skin (Fitzpatrick type III and higher): Extra protection against visible light can help reduce pigmentation issues such as melasma.

FAQ – Preventive Dermatological Care

Why is sun protection important throughout the year?

Sun protection is essential because UVA rays, which cause skin aging and DNA damage, are present throughout the year, regardless of the weather.

Can food really improve my skin?

Yes, nutrition with the right balance of antioxidants, vitamins, and fatty acids can contribute to a healthier skin and helps reduce inflammation and aging.

How often should I get my skin checked?

Schedule at least one check-up with a dermatologist every year, or more often if you have an increased risk of skin problems.

What are signs that my skin needs extra hydration?

Dryness, flaking and a tight feeling are often signals that your skin needs extra moisture and protection.

In other words

Taking good care of your skin is not only important to look good, but primarily to keep it healthy. Preventive care means taking the time every day to protect yourself and care for your skin. From daily sun protection and antioxidants to a healthy diet, every step counts to keep your skin glowing and healthy. It may sometimes take time and effort, but your skin is worth it.