Our skin is overexposed to environmental damage in particular photodamage, a leading cause of extrinsic ageing. In addition, intrinsic ageing or chronological ageing due to inherent degenerative process is also attacking our skin from within. Intrinsic and extrinsic cutaneous ageing is a relentless process that cannot be halted or reversed. However, research has shown that cosmeceuticals (i.e. the marriage of pharmaceutical preparations and cosmetics) can provide significant anti-ageing benefits through their protective, corrective and preventive action. Cosmeceuticals can be used by both men and women of all ages and skin phototypes. Appropriately prescribed skincare regimens based on clinical needs entail thorough understanding of the skin physiology and the synergistic effects of the active ingredients and their diverse mechanism of action. If carefully chosen and combined, cosmeceuticals can effectively treat or improve a variety of skin conditions ranging from acne and rosacea to hyperpigmentation and skin sensitivity.

Dr Sotirios Foutsizoglou declares no financial interest or any other association with any of the products or cosmeceutical companies. He has written a manual on “Skin Ageing and the Role of Cosmeceuticals in Anti-Ageing Medicine” talking about advanced skincare protocols using high quality cosmeceuticals in the fight against extrinsic and intrinsic ageing. He has put together guidelines and protocols with a view to educating people about how they can look after their skin.

Dr Foutsizoglou believes that the basis of any effective skincare routine for all skin types should be an antioxidant, a retinoid and a sunscreen. “I am surprised to come across people who have never heard of antioxidant therapy or retinoic acid, two of the most important and effective weapons in Anti-Ageing Medicine. People may spend large amounts of money on expensive OTC creams and cosmetics thinking that this is the best way to take care of their skin and combat ageing. Wrong! No matter how expensive or miraculous a product may promise to be, if it is used inappropriately not only will it not produce the expected result but it may also turn out to be harmful to the skin’.