New Year, New Skin Rules – Why you really should see a skin health professional
VISITING A SKINCARE PROFESSIONAL SEEMS TO BE TOP OF THE AGENDA FOR MANY PEOPLE THIS YEAR. AND RIGHTLY SO, YOU VISIT PROFESSIONALS FOR OTHER ASPECTS OF YOUR HEALTH, SO IT MAKES SENSE TO CONSULT A QUALIFIED SKINCARE EXPERT FOR YOUR SKIN HEALTH TOO.
There is no denying that social media and the internet have been an influencing force on the skincare we use by cultivating a space of openness, honesty and giving participants the opportunity to share and see into each others beauty cabinets. In a BSD survey, a hefty 63% of respondents said they use the internet for skincare advice and this has given rise to the ‘skincare magpies’ phenomenon – people who see a product or technique working for someone else and they latch on to it, constantly changing their skincare regimen to suit what’s hot, rather than what is appropriate for their skin type.
By the same token, social media has also created a space whereby skincare advice is freely aired, easily making pseudo-experts out of personalities who lack the proper training and qualifications. An example of this is the rise of the ‘skinfluencer’; individuals who have a strong interest in all things skin health and skincare and document their personal journey; product reviews and approach on how to best take care of their skin. But in doing so influence others to use products and techniques that may not be suitable for them. A quick Instagram search brought up over 9000 skinfluencer posts!
The cost of following incorrect advice and potentially injuring your skin whilst scrolling through your social media feed can be a lot more than paying for a consultation, so when it comes to skin health management there are no shortcuts or one size fits all approaches. We’re unique beings so any advice we receive about our health needs to be comprehensive, personalised and evidence based. This is what a dermatologist, aesthetic doctor or aesthetician will do help you with in order to achieve your skin health goals. They will assist you to make the right choices after a detailed and holistic analysis of your skin and lifestyle.
“ Some skin health professionals offer complimentary or redeemable consultations fees, so seeking personalized skincare advice is now easier than ever!”
— Black Skin Directory
The same is true for sales assistants who are essentially brand ambassadors. Their primary agenda is to boost sales through educating consumers about the products they’ve been commissioned to sell. They’re not required to have any formal qualifications in the science of the skin so taking their advice doesn’t always yield the benefits you desire.
Black Skin Directory provides a comprehensive list of skincare professionals who trained and qualified, confident in treating darker skin tones and take skin health seriously. A dermatologist for example has undergone a minimum of thirteen years medical training in all manner of skin health concerns and in recognizing disease. We think they are in far more esteemed place to provide you with skin health advice than a ‘skinfluencer’ or sales assistant.
Social media is fun, as is strolling through a department store checking out the skin and beauty counters. However, when is comes to accessing bespoke skin health advice a face-to-face appointment with a professional is always going to be your best option.