THE SKIN HEALTH ISSUE, PART 2: Q&A WITH EXPERT DR. CAROLINA REIS OLIVEIRA

In our last skin health issue, we unpacked the biology of aging skin, the science behind topical treatments and supplements, and the emerging longevity tech aiming to preserve skin’s integrity from the inside out.

Missed it? You can still catch up on part 1 of The Skin Health Issue.

But nuance lives in the details. That’s why we bring in the experts.

When it comes to skin longevity, few voices are as visionary or as scientifically grounded as Carolina Reis Oliveira, PhD. With degrees in stem cell biology and tissue engineering, along with a doctorate in immunology, Carolina co-founded OneSkin with a simple goal: create skincare products that actually work.

Dr. Oliveira joined us to tackle your top questions about skin health, from the most important steps in your daily routine to how to pick the best skincare products.

QUESTION 1: FOR THOSE WHO DON’T HAVE THE TIME OR COMMITMENT TO FOLLOW THROUGH ON A 10-STEP ROUTINE, WHAT ARE THE NON-NEGOTIABLES IN A SKINCARE REGIMEN?

If I had to pick one thing, it would be a broad-spectrum SPF. UV exposure is the #1 cause of premature aging, so it’s important to wear sunscreen everyday—even when it’s cloudy outside. And if you’re concerned about vitamin D, several studies confirm that your body can still produce it while wearing sunscreen.

Aside from that, I would say it’s important to have a good moisturizer and cleanser. Cleanse your skin every night to remove all the impurities, pollution, and makeup. Apply a moisturizer right after. If your skin is not very oily, you can skip cleansing in the morning and just rinse your face with water. Look for ingredients that are gentle on the skin and don’t cause irritation or clog your pores.

If your moisturizer contains other active ingredients, you’ll benefit from more than just hydration. Look for products that contain peptides, which can help with collagen production and antioxidants to fight free radicals. With the right products, you can achieve healthy, youthful looking skin just with a few steps.

QUESTION 2: CAN WE TRAIN OR STRENGHTEN THE SKIN BARRIER THE SAME WAY WE TRAIN OUR MUSCLES?

That’s a good question. You can absolutely strengthen your skin’s natural barrier. The first step is to avoid harsh ingredients that can weaken it. Too much exfoliation, strong acids, or retinoids for consecutive days can leave your skin more vulnerable. Look for products shown to improve your skin’s epidermal thickness and support collagen production—those two factors will help create a strong, resilient skin barrier. I would also recommend eating a diet rich in protein, healthy fats, and micronutrients to support collagen production from the inside out.

QUESTION 3:

IS MEDICAL-GRADE SKINCARE REALLY WORTH THE HIGHER PRICE TAG?

The most important thing, whether the products are medical-grade or not, is to verify how the company is substantiating their claims. Dermatologist recommendations aren’t enough. Look for double-blind randomized clinical studies of at least 12 weeks and at least 20 participants, and confirm the data has been published in scientific journals. Specifically, look for consumer perception data, data analyzed by an expert grader, and instrumental analysis, which uses instruments to measure improvements in the skin.

Disclaimer: This newsletter is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician.