Consultant Dermatologist Lana Kashlan offers her top tips on looking after your skin and your family’s skin in the UAE. To chat with a member of the CosmeSurge team in person, sign up to the Tis the Season Mamas’ Morning at the Burj Al Arab.
What first steps should mums looking to improve their skin take?
The first step in improving skin is to make sure you’re wearing sunscreen everyday, if you aren’t already. Of course getting plenty of rest is important, but most mums are sleep deprived and so I recommend using a daily Vitamin C serum every morning before applying sunscreen. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that not only helps to prevent skin cancer, but also with helps even skin tone and brighten complexion.
What tips would you give to women experiencing hormonal acne?
Hormonal acne is different than acne you get as a teenager. It tends to have deeper, more cystic bumps under the surface of the skin. This type of acne requires the consultation by a dermatologist because regular Over The Counter acne products generally are ineffective.
Do you have any daily rituals in terms of your skin routine?
My skin care routine is constantly changing because I always am testing out different products so that I can advise patients on what really works. With that said, every morning, I use a gentle cleanser, an antioxidant serum, and an SPF. At night, I always remove all my makeup and then a night cream that contains either a retinol, growth factors or peptides to stimulate collagen production.
Does the desert air affect your skin?
Yes! In the summer months, the humidity in the air traps dust and environmental toxins in the air that can contribute to oiliness and skin tone. In the winter, the desert air becomes extra drying to the skin so it’s important to adjust your skin care routine accordingly.
Should women change their skincare routine depending on what time of year it is?
When it comes to skincare, you want to stick with the same types of active ingredients, but change the formulations or brands of products that you use regularly. For instance, in the summer I use a lighter daily moisturizer and in the winter I prefer one that is heavier and more hydrating.
What are the most popular skin treatments in the UAE at CosmeSurge?
Right now, Platelet Rich Plasma or PRP treatments are the most popular because they have minimal downtime and give an almost immediate improvement in skin radiance and have longterm benefits when it comes to reducing the signs of aging.
Mums don’t have much time for a regular skincare routine. What’s one thing you would recommend doing that will give fast results?
Using a retinol every night will help promote skin cell turnover and renewal. This ensures that your complexion will look brighter. Additionally, retinols prevent and treat clogged pores. Regular use of retinols helps to fight breakouts and clear existing acne.
What’s your opinion on Botox and the long-term health effects?
Botox has become what I like to call a “Beauty Basic.” It is probably the most popular procedure I perform. It is an incredibly safe medication that weakens the movements of muscles of the face to erase fine lines and wrinkles. Its effects are almost instant and there is no downtime. Like any medical procedure, botox injections should be performed only by an expert to avoid complications.
What tips would you give for taking care of babies with sensitive skin?
Less is more when it comes to babies’ skin. Avoid using wet wipes, diapers, and shampoos that have fragrance. Rather, stick with a no tears shampoo and moisturize their skin with plain Vaseline or Cetaphil. Even babies need moisturizer.
What advice would you give for dealing with childhood eczema?
Childhood eczema is incredibly common and can be difficult. The most important thing with eczema is to moisturize the skin as much as possible. I often joke that these patients should be “slippery” because of how much moisturizer they use. Avoid hot water when bathing, use warm temperature only. Also, avoid harsh soaps and exfoliants.
For the mums who are joining for the Mamas’ festive morning, what can they expect from Cosmesurge at the event?
I think It will be a morning of education and information on the latest skin health, beauty, and wellness tips. We’ll be talking about what it means to have healthy skin, skin care routine recommendations, and mommy makeovers.
For details on attending the event, visit the Tis’ the Season Mamas’ morning page. For more information on the services on offer at Lana Kashlan’s practice, visit CosmeSurge.