Clinic founder Morales Raya (Madrid) explains his three favorite treatments to slow down the signs of aging and what our daily skin care routine should be.
Expert dermatologist in the fields of laser, trichology and aesthetic dermatology, Carlos Morales Raya, advocates a multifactorial approach to slowing the progression of signs of aging through treatments that naturally stimulate collagen and elastin production, but above all, care for healthy skin.
- The world of aesthetics, beauty, etc. has developed like crazy in a very short time, opening up and breaking down certain prejudices and barriers. What do you attribute this “openness” to?
- Really. In recent years, we have seen an increase in the number of procedures, especially minimally invasive ones with short recovery periods, which are actually very effective, which has caused many patients to forget their initial reluctance to undergo this type of protocol. There is no doubt that the minimization of side effects resulting from innovation has undoubtedly led to the democratization of treatment.
- Today, as you said, treatments are less invasive, more effective, and the results are more long-lasting and natural. What will be the “next revolution” that is yet to come?
- In the coming years, we will see an even greater increase in technological advances, especially in the field of lasers and dermatoaesthetic devices, which will allow us to further increase efficiency without the need for long recovery periods. On the other hand, we will see great progress in the field of regenerative medicine. In fact, growth factor and stem cell treatments are now available, both using the patient’s own “material.” And also with the help of exosomes and polyribonucleotides, with which we can safely and effectively stimulate skin regeneration and collagen formation.
- Do you think we’ve reached the point where the passage of time on the skin can be softened with completely natural results?
- This is the goal! This is not about changing a person’s face. It is about correcting some aspects that “bother” the patient, while at the same time maintaining the health of the skin. Because the approach to aging should be holistic, using treatments that naturally stimulate the formation of collagen and elastin to slow down the signs of aging, but always with healthy and beautiful skin as the main goal.
- What are your favorite treatments?
- There are three treatments that, in my opinion, together with good dermatological cosmetic care, are the basis for improving healthy and beautiful skin without changing the face. On the one hand, there are different types of lasers that allow us to improve blemishes, pimples, redness, texture, enlarged pores and sagging while stimulating the production of superficial collagen in the long term. Another of my favorite treatments are collagen stimulators, which encourage our body’s natural production of this important protein with impressive results. Finally, I would highlight neuromodulators. Thanks to its use, we can relax certain muscles without paralyzing them, soften the grimace and correct those gestures that may be less aesthetic and cause facial wrinkles, sadness in the eyes and loss of clarity of the oval of the face. Obviously, in the latter case, the experience of the dermatologist-injector is crucial to achieve natural and long-lasting results.
- Don’t you think botulinum toxin has a bad reputation that doesn’t do it justice?
- Definitely. We associate the concept of toxin with expressionless faces and frozen gestures. However, correct use at specific times and in individual doses helps improve certain aspects of a patient’s skin without changing its expression. I know almost no one who, having undergone appropriate treatment with a toxin, would not repeat it.
- One of your specialties is acne. What are the keys to curbing this?
- Acne and pimples are two of the most common reasons for visiting our clinic. In recent years, we have seen an increase in cases of acne in adult women, which is becoming an increasingly common consultation. To treat acne, it is important to study each situation individually and approach it from several points of view: topical, oral and laser treatment. In this way, we achieve rapid improvement in symptoms while simultaneously treating and preventing marks and scars. Once the problem has been resolved, we recommend following a dermatological cosmetic regimen to prevent its reoccurrence.
- Is diet as important as they say? Does chocolate or chorizo actually cause more pimples?
- A healthy diet rich in antioxidants reduces the risk of acne. And, on the other hand, a diet rich in sugar, high glycemic index foods, low-fat dairy products and sports protein supplements is associated with its occurrence and worsening. On the other hand, chocolate, at least dark chocolate, does not seem to be associated with this skin condition.
- Cleansers, exfoliators, toners, serums, retinols, vitamin C… The skin care routine is crazy. Please help us simplify: what should be in everyday life?
- The cosmetic procedure should be simple but effective. This is a long distance race and sprints are useless. It is better to use a little daily than a lot of products once a week. A simple but effective procedure begins with thorough cleansing morning and evening using a special cleanser. You also can’t miss a topical antioxidant morning or night: vitamin C, niacinamide, resveratrol. During the day, be sure to use a moisturizer adapted to each skin type and with SPF50. And at night, a transforming cream based on retinol or alpha hydroxy acids (adapted to every skin type and at any time of the year) With five products you can maintain a decent and effective daily routine.
- But let’s get into more detail: what would be the ideal order of application?
- In the morning: 1. cleaning with special soap; 2. serum, usually antioxidant and/or moisturizing or sebum-regulating, depending on skin type; 3. moisturizing cream that preserves the barrier function and is adapted to each skin type; 4. Photoprotector or photocorrector SPF50+ all year round. At night: 1. Cleansing with special soap (if necessary, double cleansing or pre-removing makeup); 2. serum, usually antioxidant and/or moisturizing or sebum-regulating, depending on skin type; 3. transforming cream based on retinol or alpha hydroxy acids; 4. Moisturizing cream that maintains the barrier function and is adapted to every skin type.
- And finally, tell us the truth. Can we take care of our skin without spending a fortune on products?
- Definitely. There are very good expensive cosmetics, but there are also cheap ones. And, I must also say, there are expensive cosmetics that are not so good. There is no doubt that high-end dermatological cosmetics provide proven results in the short and long term, but the drugstore has some very good cosmetics at very affordable prices.