These are the five products you need to have healthy and beautiful skin without spending a fortune on cosmetics, according to dermatologist Carlos Morales Raya.

Gema García Marcos

Updated Saturday, March 2, 2024-01:51

Dermatologist expert in laser, trichology and aesthetic dermatology, Carlos Morales Raya advocates a multifactorial approach to slowing down the progression of the signs of aging with treatments that naturally stimulate the production of collagen and elastin but that, above all, take care of health of the skin.

The world of aesthetics, beauty, etc. has evolved like crazy in a very short time, opening up and breaking down certain prejudices and barriers.

What do you attribute this 'openness' to? Indeed.

In recent years, we have seen an increase in procedures, especially minimally invasive ones with short recovery periods that are actually very effective, which has made many patients forget their initial reluctance to undergo this type. of protocols.

There is no doubt that this minimization of side effects, as a result of innovation, has undoubtedly led to a democratization of treatments. Today, as you said, treatments are less invasive, more effective and their results are more lasting and natural. .

What will be the 'next revolution' that is yet to come? In the coming years we will witness an even greater increase in technological advances, especially in the field of lasers and dermatoaesthetic devices, which will allow us to further increase effectiveness without having to face long recovery periods.

On the other hand, in the area of ​​Regenerative Medicine, we will witness a great advance.

In fact, treatments with growth factors and stem cells are now available, using, in both cases, the patient's own 'material'.

Also, with exosomes and polyribonucleotides through which we manage to stimulate skin regeneration and collagen formation safely and effectively.

Do you think we have already reached a point where the passage of time on the skin can be mitigated with absolutely natural results? That is the goal!

It's not about changing a person's face.

It is about correcting some aspect that 'bothers' the patient while promoting skin health.

Because the approach to aging has to be 360º, with treatments that stimulate the formation of collagen and elastin naturally to slow down the appearance of signs of aging, but always with healthy and beautiful skin as the main objective.

What are your favorite treatments? There are three treatments that, in my opinion, are the basis for improving healthy and beautiful skin without transforming the face along with a good dermatological cosmetic routine.

On the one hand, there are the different types of lasers that allow us to improve spots, acne, redness, texture, enlarged pores and sagging while stimulating the production of superficial collagen in the long term.

Another of my favorite treatments are collagen stimulators, which promote the natural production of this essential protein by our body and whose results are spectacular.

Finally, I would highlight neuromodulators.

Through its use we are able to relax certain muscles without paralyzing them, softening the rictus and correcting those gestures that may be less aesthetic and produce expression wrinkles,

sadness in the look and loss of definition of the facial oval.

Obviously, in the latter case, the experience of the injecting dermatologist is crucial to achieve a natural and long-lasting result.

Don't you think that botulinum toxin has a bad reputation that doesn't do it justice?

Definitely.

We associate the concept of toxin with expressionless faces and frozen gestures.

However, proper use at certain points and with individualized doses helps to improve certain aspects of the patient's skin without altering its expression.

I don't know almost anyone who, having been treated appropriately with toxin, doesn't repeat it.

One of your specialties is acne.

What are the keys to keeping it at bay?

Acne and blemishes are the two most frequent reasons for consultation at our clinic.

In recent years, we have seen an increase in cases of acne in adult women, which has become an increasingly common consultation.

To treat acne, it is important to study each situation individually and approach it from several perspectives: topical, oral and laser treatment.

In this way, we achieve a rapid improvement in symptoms while treating and preventing the appearance of marks and scars.

Once the problem is resolved, we recommend maintaining a dermatological cosmetic routine to prevent it from reappearing.

Is diet as important as it is said?

Does chocolate or chorizo ​​really cause more pimples to appear? A healthy diet rich in antioxidants has been linked to a lower rate of acne.

And, on the other hand, a diet rich in sugars, foods with a high glycemic index, skimmed dairy products and gym protein supplements has been linked to its appearance and worsening.

On the other hand, chocolate, at least dark chocolate, does not seem to be related to this skin disorder.

Cleansers, exfoliants, toners, serums, retinols, vitamin C... Skin care routines are crazy.

Please help us simplify: what should be the daily essentials? A cosmetic routine has to be simple, but effective.

This is a long-distance race and sprints are useless.

It is better to use a little daily than many products once a week.

A simple but effective routine would start with a good cleansing in the morning and at night with a specific cleanser.

Nor can you miss, both in the morning and at night, a topical antioxidant: vitamin C, niacinamide, resveratrol.

During the day, it is essential to use a moisturizing cream adapted to each skin type and with SPF50.

And, at night, a transforming cream based on retinol or alpha hydroxy acids (adapted to each skin type and at each time of the year). With five products you can have a decent and effective routine.

But, let's go more into detail, what would be the ideal order of application? In the mornings: 1. cleaning with specific soap;

2. serum, usually antioxidant and/or moisturizing or sebum-regulating,

depending on skin type;

3. moisturizing cream that respects the barrier function and is adapted to each skin type;

4. Photoprotector or photocorrector SPF50+ all year round.

At night: 1. cleaning with specific soap (using double cleansing or prior makeup removal if necessary);

2. serum, generally antioxidant and/or moisturizing or sebum-regulating, depending on skin type;

3. transforming cream based on retinol or alpha hydroxy acids;

4. moisturizing cream that respects the barrier function and is adapted to each skin type. And, finally, tell us the truth.

Can we take care of our skin without having to spend a fortune on products? Without a doubt.

There are very good expensive cosmetics, but also cheap ones.

And, it must also be said, there are expensive cosmetics that are not so good.

There is no doubt that high-end dermatological cosmetics offer proven results in the short and long term, but there are very good cosmetics in the pharmacy at very affordable prices.