A RECIPE FOR RESILIENT SKIN

A consultant dermatologist, Dr Anjali Mahto knows from personal experience how important it is to feel comfortable in one’s skin having herself suffered from acne. A straight-talker, she busts myths and gives great skin health advice. As part of the Lancôme Skin Science Club, Anjali demystifies the complicated science behind skincare. Here, she discusses Advanced Génifique Serum’s key ingredients, pre- and probiotic-derived extracts and Hyaluronic Acid, and explains the impact they can have on skin. Check out her insights here! 

“Advanced Génifique Serum has prebiotic- and probiotic-derived extracts,

which support the healthy bacteria that live on skin” 

What is the skin microbiome and why is it important for it to be strong?​

We all naturally have bugs that live on our skin – like we have bugs that live in our gut and support gut health – this is called our skin microbiome. There’s a lot research going on, but we know that we need these bugs to support skin health. ​

What role do prebiotics and probiotics play in building skin resilience? ​

The purpose of skin is to keep good things in and bad things out, however, its balance can easily be disrupted. Advanced Génifique Serum has prebiotic- and probiotic-derived extracts, which support the healthy bacteria that live on skin and are responsible for repairing and maintaining skin’s protective barrier. ​

What is Hyaluronic Acid and why is it such an important skincare ingredient?​

Hyaluronic Acid and glycerine are really important for moisturising skin, pulling in water so that it looks plumper. When it is hydrated, skin’s surface looks smooth and even. ​

What is the best approach to nourishing sensitive skin?​

If you speak to the general population, 40% will say they have sensitive skin to some degree, most likely redness, irritation or burning sensations. Advanced Génifique Serum can help to repair that sensitivity by supporting the microbiome, which is trying to repair that barrier function. Advanced Génifique Serum is suitable for all skin types.​

How impactful is skin health and appearance on a person’s everyday life?​

The skin is such a visual organ, it’s the first thing we see and it’s hugely involved in body image and self-esteem. People I see in clinic can feel very self-conscious about their skin. After the pandemic, we’re wearing less makeup and we want to have a bare-face look, so the focus is on how to get skin to glow and be radiant. If we have boosted, well moisturised skin with a supported barrier it’s going to look healthier, it’s going to be smooth, reflect light, and, with a boosted barrier function, it will look healthier. ​

“A serum can get active skin-boosting ingredients into skin,

but they can also layer very well.” 

What is your favourite advice for improving skin health?

Make sure you’re only using products that you need. I very much advise to cut back on multistep routines so you only use products that are beneficial to skin. Make sure you are using a sunscreen every day and that you are using serums and moisturisers that are beneficial. Make sure you are using the right actives so that you are not overloading your skin. You don’t need to use every new ingredient. There is an element of FOMO [fear of missing out] with skincare when something new comes out. It’s really worth spending money on tried and trusted products with scientific data behind them.  ​