Pharmacy Skincare - what would your ORA doctor pick?

Cleansing

HOW TO CLEANSE?

Remove hair from around your face using a hair band.
If cleaning in evening, commence with your pre-cleanse, removing make up and all impurities from the day.
Dampen your skin with lukewarm water.
Then apply the recommended amount of cleanser to the palm of your hand. The recommended amount will usually be stated on the bottle and can differ slightly depending on the product.
Massage the cleanser into the face and neck using circular motions. Be especially gentle around the delicate eye area. Spend at least 45-60 seconds massaging the product into the skin.
Rinse the skin and gently pat dry with a clean face cloth or soft cotton. Never reuse a cloth without washing it first.

THE ART OF DOUBLE CLEANSING

At ORA, we are big believers in the night time “double cleanse”. A double cleanse involves removing any make up or excess oil with a specific product such as a cleansing mitt, pre cleanse balm or good quality micellar water.

The second step of your double cleanse usually involves using an “active cleanser”. This step thoroughly cleanses the facial skin and may offer a mild degree of exfoliation also.

Your ORA doctor will have chosen the right active cleanser for you. If you are not yet using an active cleanser, you will double cleanse with your gentle cleanser by cleansing twice with the same product.

Sunscreen

TOPPING UP YOUR SUNSCREEN

La Roche Posay Anthelios Mist
Neutrogena Invisible Defence Spray

ORA TOP TIPS

There is no such thing as “waterproof” sunscreen”. However if a sunscreen is described as “water-resistant”, this means the SPF is still effective after 40 minutes of water immersion.
Sunscreen should be worn every single day of the year, no excuses.
The SPF found in make up is not adequate. A very thick layer of make up love would have to be applied in order to benefit from the stated SPF. Also, make up will usually offer no protection against UVA rays.
While physical sunscreens are effective immediately post application, it takes chemical sunscreens 20-30 minutes to be effective post application.
Sensitive, acne or rosacea prone skin types will benefit from physical only sun filters.
Enhance your protection by applying a potent antioxidant serum before sunscreen. Anti-oxidants such as Vitamin C are known to boost the efficacy of sunscreen and also protect your skin against numerous environmental triggers. Your double daily defence
Use at least 2 fingers length of sunscreen every single day.

TYPES OF SUNSCREENS: PHYSICAL VS MINERAL

Physical sunscreens are literally “barrier sunscreens’ as they scatter or reflect UV radiation from the surface of the skin. They remain on the skin surface and not absorbed and therefore rarely associated with allergic reactions. Patients with sensitive or rosacea prone skin often tolerate physical sunscreens better. These sunscreens block the widest range of light including UV, visible and infrared. They are recommended for periods of intense sun exposure so as high altitude or water sports. Look for ingredients such as titanium oxide or zinc oxide in the list of ingredients to determine if the sunscreen is physical. Downside: Some of these sunscreens can look a little chalky.

Chemical sunscreens absorb UV radiation and convert it into heat or light energy. Therefore, they have the tendency to cause reactions in acne, rosacea or sensitive skin types. They often have a more pleasing consistency from a cosmetic point of view but they do have to be applied more often throughout the day. Thy also take up to 30 minutes to become active so make sure you apply well ion advance of sun exposure. They contain ingredients such as Oxybenzone, Avobensone, Octisalate.

HOW 'GOOD' IS MY SUNSCREEN? (SPF, PA, STAR RATINGS)

Sun Protection Factor (SPF) gives us an indication of how long a person can be exposed to sun before getting burnt i.e theoretically a person that applies an SPF 10 sunscreen on uncovered skin could stay in the sun 10 times longer without incurring a visible sunburn as compared to not wearing any sunscreen. We don’t recommend that you take this theoretical guide as gospel. In reality, most people probably achieve a mean sun protection factor (SPF) of between 20% and 50% of that expected from the product label because they do not apply enough product. Remember, 30ml (a shot glass) of sunscreen is required for the whole body. You need to wear a minimum of SPF 30. This blocks 97% of UVB rays while SPF 50 blocks 98% of UVB rays.

PA/STAR RATING/ PPD RELATES TO UVA (AGEING) PROTECTION

It is a bit confusing but there are many different ways to describe the level of UVA protection. Look for a product labelled with one of the following:

at least a 4 star rating
PA+++
PPD16

Face Masks

Bioderma Hydrabio Masque
Clinique Moisture Surge
Neutrogena Hydro Boost

A non-essential self-care treat for thirsty skin. Great to use 1-2 per week if your skin is dehydrated or irritated from commencing new actives like retinol.

Face Spritz

La Roche Posay Thermal Spring Water
Avene Eau Thermale
Vichy Eau Thermale

A little spritz of the skin before applying hyaluronic Acid (HA) based products can help with skin hydration.

Thank you for choosing ORA. We are delighted to go on this skin health and aesthetic journey with you and we look forward to welcoming you back into clinic soon.

ORA Doctors