Just because it’s trending, doesn’t mean it’s right for your skin
Why viral skincare advice can lead to problem skin.
Throughout my years in practice, I’ve seen patients whose skin has been permanently scarred, to faces that resemble sandpaper, to persistent inflammation. What’s truly disheartening is that many of these skin issues are self-inflicted.
Social media can be a breeding ground for false information. We’re living in an era where people are blindly following Instagram gurus and hopping onto the latest viral TikTok trend bandwagon. They are layering incompatible ingredients and subjecting their skin to harsh ingredients. All this is resulting in skin issues that need professional care.
My colleagues and I are constantly fighting off misconceptions and misinformation from patients, and my key message is always this: just because it’s trending doesn’t mean it is right for your skin.
Improper skincare can really wreak havoc on the skin. Impaired skin barriers, relentless breakouts, hypersensitivity and stubborn pigmentation are just some of the issues I am treating which have resulted after misuse of skincare.
While I have access to medical skincare, I found it hard to find a range that works on every patient, so I began mixing up bespoke skincare concoctions for some of my patients. They were loving the products and began to request more, and this was the beginning of the Dr Somji Pro-Active Skincare journey.
My wife Henal (a skincare aesthetician) and I spent over half a decade researching, sourcing, perfecting, and trialing ingredients on ourselves, friends, family, and our in-clinic patients who had the most troublesome skin issues.
Our mission was to simplify skincare, to streamline routines, and to cater to all skin types and genders. Dr Somji Pro-Active Skincare is formulated with high concentrations of familiar heroes like hyaluronic acid, retinol, niacinamide, azelaic acid and probiotics, alongside cutting-edge finds from South Korea and Japan’s Juju Island such as plant-based exosomes.
While you might find other products containing similar ingredients, our formulations are pumped with the highest concentrations available. Naturally, this presented a unique challenge: how do we effectively deliver these potent actives into the skin without risking irritation?
We decided to use encapsulated and exosomal delivery systems for some of the ingredients like retinol and vitamin C. Instead of the ingredients sitting on the skin when applied, they work like tiny drones navigating through the skin’s layers, to deliver potent ingredients exactly where they are needed the most. By encapsulating active ingredients, we were able to ensure maximum efficacy without compromising the skin’s barrier.
Our debut skincare collection includes something for everyone. You’ll find a multi-tasking Detoxifying Charcoal Cleanser, a Signature Serum, an Anti-Blemish Concentrate, Anti Redness Concentrate, Night Recovery Cream and a trusty Vitamin C Daily Defence SPF – you’ve got everything you need to achieve healthy, radiant and balanced skin.
We’re all about championing a simpler, smarter, structured approach to skincare.
In the ever-evolving world of skincare trends, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about what to use. But, it’s important to remember that a skincare regime that truly caters to your skin’s needs requires expertise and a deep understanding of both the ingredients and your skin type. So, before you get carried away by the latest fads, consider the guidance of those who truly understand the intricacies of skincare. Your skin will thank you for it!
Dr Munir Somji is a cosmetic surgeon and co-founder of DrMediSpa, located in Marylebone, Knightsbridge and Loughton. He has over a decade of experience in performing and teaching advanced aesthetic non-surgical and surgical procedures. Recognising the impact of skin health and the link to confidence and wellbeing, Dr Somji is passionate about restoring patient confidence and has gained himself a reputation for his meticulous work, reassuring manner and performing treatments that deliver subtle results.