Welcome to The Aesthetics Edit™ - our educational platform at the intersection of art, beauty, medicine and science.
Explore by category and read our latest articles below,
or see a full list of all of our pieces here
What is Happening with the EU’s New “Ban” on Retinol?
You might have seen it all over the media recently - the EU is apparently banning retinol?! What is going on?
Well don't panic - retinol isn't disappearing completely! Instead, there are new rules that are going to regulate its percentages in cosmetic, over-the-counter products - and this does not apply to the use of these vitamin A derivatives (prescription retinoids) by healthcare professionals.
So let’s explore what’s happening.
Island Glow: Skincare in the Caribbean
Hello from the Cayman Islands!
As a cosmetic doctor new to these stunning shores, I've been captivated not only by the breathtaking beauty of the islands, but also by the rich traditions of natural skincare deeply rooted in Caribbean culture.
This stunning, lush landscape offers an abundance of treasures that have been nurturing skin for generations.
Let's dive into some of the time-tested ingredients that contribute to that radiant "island glow."
How Do Skincare Ingredients Penetrate into Your Skin?
Attention all skincare enthusiasts! It's time to find out what really goes on with those creams, serums, and lotions that we slather onto our faces every day. Did you know that not all skincare ingredients can penetrate your skin? And that that you don’t always want them to?
Let’s do a little dive into the science behind your skincare.
What are Neurocosmetics?
The concept of neurocosmetics represents a fascinating convergence of neuroscience and skincare, marking a significant shift in how we perceive beauty and wellness. This emerging field, also known as psychodermatology, delves into the intricate relationship between the skin and the nervous system.
Teenagers and Skincare
Tweens and teenagers are diving headfirst into the skincare scene. They’re flocking to beauty counters with their enthusiasm for elaborate 10-step routines once reserved for adults. But behind the glossy facade of 'Sephora kids' and their viral TikTok skincare sagas lies a problem.
A Brief History of Sunscreen
Sunscreen has a long and rich history, dating back thousands of years to ancient civilizations. While we have perfected it in the 21st century and innovations are ongoing, protecting your skin has never been a new thing.
Let’s take a whirlwind tour through this fascinating topic!
Sustainable Cosmetic Skincare Trends You Should Know About
While sustainability has certainly been a “trending” topic this year, and will be in the years ahead, it is also important. Consumers and companies are more eco-conscious than ever. So what sorts of things should you be looking for if you want to look for sustainable skincare brands?
Let’s explore.
Trending: What is New in the World of Skincare
Skincare is the bedrock of aesthetic medicine - but it is also a field that is filled with conflicting information from influencers, cosmetic chemists, and dermatologists. I have fallen in love with skincare, but I also recognise there’s a constant desire to chase the latest trend. There’s nothing inherently wrong with wanting to know what’s new and exciting in the skincare world, and to that end I wanted to touch on the hottest current trends in skin.
Hypochlorous Acid: Skincare’s Secret Weapon
What is all the buzz around hypochlorous acid?
Find out about this great skincare ingredient - how it's a powerhouse at killing microbes and reducing skin inflammation, all while being extreme gentle and soothing for your skin!
We've known about it for a century, it's something our own white blood cells make to protect our bodies, and it's only in recent years some clever chemists have been able to synthesise the chemical and make it stable enough to use in skincare.
Why There is No Science (and No Safety) Behind Clean Beauty
I know! How could anyone dislike “clean beauty?”
On the surface, the concept sounds great, doesn’t it? Finding products that are safe for you and your family. But the bottom line is it is actually all a load of nonsense.
Let’s find out why there is no science (or safety) behind clean beauty.
The Best Skincare Ingredients for Sensitive Skin
What are the best skincare ingredients for sensitive skin?
Sensitive skin is all down to an issue with the skin barrier, where your skin is not working effectively to protect you from environmental irritants, and you’re more likely to feel stinging or discomfort when you encounter any insult or challenge to your skin. When it comes to good skincare ingredients, basically it’s all about barrier repair.
The Best Skincare Ingredients for Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is a famously difficult skincare concern to tackle. First of all, there are so many different causes and types of hyperpigmentation, and they can really vary in severity. In this article for the Edit we cover the best skincare ingredients for hyperpigmentation.
I Need a Skincare Hero
Do you need a skincare hero? Are you not sure where to start with skincare? We have the answers here.
Start simple and with the basics: cleanse, moisturise, and protect.
Get expert advice - beware “influencers” or the bloggers without medical or scientific training where information is often mixed and biased for various reasons.
The Best Skincare Ingredients for Acne
Acne is an incredibly common skin concern, one that I deal with frequently as a cosmetic doctor. And, like most people, it’s an issue that I’ve suffered with myself, so I’m very aware of the effect it can have on your skin confidence.
In this article we are tackling the top skincare ingredients for acne, and exactly how and why they work!
Sunscreen Myths: These May Surprise You!
It is definitely SPF season - and in this article for the Aesthetics Edit we compile some of the biggest myths and misconceptions around sunscreen. Cosmetic doctors and dermatologists love to bang on about sunscreen, but you would be surprised to know how many things we (use healthcare professionals included) get wrong!
The bottom line is, of course, wear sunscreen and wear enough of it. But there are some myths that are so ingrained in public consciousness I felt like we just had to set the record straight once and for all.
The concept of “Instagram face” is not a new one, but has received more recent attention as Meta has banned filters that encourage plastic surgery. Awareness of the role that social media and photo editing plays in aesthetic medicine is incredibly important for both clinicians and patients. The influence of social media can be incredibly negative, and it means it’s more important than ever to navigate between good, ethical medical practice versus “selling” cosmetic procedures.