Dr. Shawn Q&A

What is the purpose of face oil and what are its benefits? 

Your skin has a so-called “barrier” which is a protective layer that does several important things, including maintaining the moisture balance of our skin and keeping out damaging irritants. It’s critical for the overall health of our skin to protect the integrity of the barrier, and face oils, especially those high in linoleic acids, do an excellent job of this. Face oils maintain the harmony of the skin’s barrier by balancing lipid levels while simultaneously nourishing and softening skin thanks to their emollient properties, making them an excellent boost to your skincare routine. 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28707186/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4321565/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020/

https://jcadonline.com/skinfix-supplement-january-2018/

What is the importance of Vitamin C in a skincare routine? 

Vitamin C is an extremely potent antioxidant that protects our skin against photoaging. While it is found abundantly in human skin, we’re unable to synthesize it, meaning that we rely on external supplements, like topical vitamin C, to reap the benefits. In addition to protecting the skin against UV damage and photoaging, vitamin C has also been proven to increase collagen synthesis and reduce hyperpigmentation, resulting in brighter, more youthful looking skin. 


https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7027822/#jocd13305-bib-0005

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5605218/

What causes inflammation? 

In general, inflammation can be understood as an immune response triggered by an irritant. While skin inflammation can often be owed to exposure to outside irritants such as allergens or pollutants, it can also occur when the skin’s barrier is damaged or knocked off balance. When the skin’s barrier is stripped of its moisture, for example, it may initiate a stress response that involves inflammation. The best way to avoid inflammation is to steer clear of over-cleansing your skin and use products that are formulated to complement the function of your skin’s barrier. 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279298/

What role do antioxidants play in skin health? 

Antioxidants play a fundamental role in skin health and are widely considered to be a non-negotiable when it comes to healthy, glowing skin. As we go through life, we are exposed to damaging UV rays and pollutants that increase the oxidation levels in our skin, leading to visible signs of aging and degrading our skin’s natural ability to protect itself. Antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, work expertly to neutralize the oxidative effects of free radicals, thereby preventing potential aging effects. What’s more is that vitamins C and E work even better when combined, offering up to a fourfold increase in protective power than when used separately. 


https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6549792/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7756752/

What are the benefits of vitamin E? 

Vitamin E is an important antioxidant that “scavenges” or searches for free radicals and neutralizes them while providing additional healing benefits for our skin. While vitamin E is well known for its ability to neutralize harmful free radicals and protect against photoaging, it is equally lauded for its healing and anti-inflammatory abilities.The combined benefits make vitamin E an excellent helper for skin that needs protection and nourishment.  


https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4976416/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4976416/#sec1-6title

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31975502/


What order should I use products in to keep the integrity of the active ingredients? 
What is the importance of making sure the skin is adequately hydrated? 
Is face oil good for all skin types?  

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