Ask the Expert - Elika Rafiei
Elika Rafiei, Director of the Este Medical Group Cheshire Clinic on how to achieve healthy skin
It All Begins With Gut Health
The impact of skin conditions including acne, rosacea and melasma can all be accredited to poor gut health. When I first meet with clients, I delve into their lifestyle and diet choices before decoding their skincare concerns. Maintaining a healthy gut not only benefits both physical and mental wellbeing, but overall health management and healthy skin.
The Impact Of Poor Gut Health On Skin
Several factors can irritate and negatively impact gut health including poor diet and sleep, lack of fibre in your diet, use of antibiotics and medications, stress, alcohol consumption, food intolerances and allergies, a sedentary lifestyle, infections and environmental toxins. Poor gut health can wreak havoc on skin health, causing a multitude of skincare conditions including acne, eczema, psoriasis, rashes, a dull complexion, dry skin, premature ageing and rosacea. A compromised gut and imbalanced gut microbiome can lead to inflammation, toxin accumulation, nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalances and allergic reactions.
Tackling Breakouts
One of the most common and distressing skincare conditions can be acne. My top recommendation for tackling acne breakouts is maintaining a consistent skincare routine. Keep your skincare routine simple; I recommend using a gentle cleanser twice daily to remove excess oils and impurities. Use a non-comedogenic moisturiser that hydrates the skin without clogging pores and consider using products that include ingredients such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to target acne. Exfoliate regularly, using chemical exfoliants (that include AHAs or BHAs) to remove dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores. Avoid using harsh physical scrubs that can irritate the skin.
Top Tips For Healthy Skin
Drinking plenty of water not only helps keep your skin hydrated, but also supports overall health. Focus on eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Consider taking probiotics which may help balance gut health, which can indirectly benefit skin health. Foods like yoghurt, kefir and fermented foods are all good sources of probiotics. I also recommend managing stress by practicing stress-reducing techniques such as yoga, meditation and regular exercise.
Seek Expert Advice
If over-the-counter products aren’t effective, seek professional advice. A dermatologist can recommend prescription treatments such as topical retinoids, oral medications, hormonal therapies or advanced skincare treatments.
Invest In Skincare Treatments
Here at Este Medical Group Cheshire, we have our own EPBeauty skincare range as well as offering a range of advanced skincare treatments, which includes Broadband Light (BBL) Therapy and Moxi Laser as a combined treatment, which is a revolutionary approach to skin rejuvenation, tackling pigmentation, redness and early signs of ageing with minimal downtime. Particularly effective for treating problematic acne-prone skin, the treatment helps reduce skin bacteria, inflammation, stimulates collagen production and improves the appearance of acne scarring. The unique, non-invasive blend of Broadband Light therapy and Moxi laser precision targets and renews skin cells, revealing a vibrant, even complexion. The treatment works through pulses of Broadband Light being fine-tuned to penetrate deep layers of skin, addressing pigmentation, redness and imperfections. Combined with precision Moxi laser, which gently resurfaces the skin to enhance your complexion, stimulating collagen production and promoting smoother texture. With treatments lasting only 15-30 minutes, the BBL + Moxi combination is perfect for anyone looking to invest in advanced skincare treatments, with limited downtime.
Combination Broadband Light (BBL) Therapy & Moxi Laser treatments are currently available with a 20% discount for a course of treatments at Este Medical Group Cheshire Clinic.
For more information visit estemedicalgroup.uk/clinics/cheshire or call 01625 720169.
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