After having directed the departments of dermatology at Sacré-Coeur and Anna-Laberge Hospitals, Doctor Michèle Ohayon works at Montreal Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic and specializes in rejuvenation techniques. She also shares her knowledge with different audiences: she gives conferences and provides training for Quebec doctors, and has collaborated to the television show Quel âge me donnez-vous? (What age would you give me?), on Canal Vie.
Discover the questions selected and see what the dermatologist has to say about them!
Annie from l’Assomption asks: I have a very dry skin. I even think I have dermatitis on the chin. Do you have a cream to suggest? I am desperate.
Dryness, along with irritation and redness of the skin, can be a symptom of dermatitis, also known as eczema. It is, however, impossible to make a diagnosis here.
If a part of your skin is very dry, it is recommended to avoid using soap, that can increase dryness. A gentle cleanser, like micellar water, is more appropriate. Applying a scentless hydrating cream formulated with shea butter or ceramids should also improve the situation.
Claire from Montréal asks: How do you treat dandruff in a 13-year-old boy? Are there any natural products that can be used for this?
First of all, dandruff is not caused by dryness of the scalp, as is often thought. These small greyish-with skin flakes are most often due to the presence of a microscopic fungus that generates a bit of redness and flaking. Dandruff is not really a problem for health, but is more of a cosmetic concern.
It usually appears on the scalp of teenagers. It can also often be found in eyebrows and on each side of the nose. The problem can last until adulthood: more than 40% of people over 30 are affected by it.
Your cosmetician will suggest shampoos and treatments to improve the situation. However, I do not know any natural product that can help you.
Véronique from Trois-Rivières asks: What treatment do you suggest for very dehydrated skin that lacks vitality? How should we direct our research among the hundreds of products available? Can you suggest which ones would be good choices?
Look for moisturizing and lipid-replenishing ingredients, which help retain moisture in the skin and restore it to the right level of lipids: ceramides, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, oats, and more.
Avoid cleansers and make-up removers that contain drying agents; they can decrease the amount of natural oils in the skin.
It is better to choose a mild cleanser. Opt for a solution without soap (syndet) and without alcohol.
Your cosmetician suggests…
Françoise from Ville de la Baie asks: With all the advertisements published, we receive a lot of different information. How often and when should we moisturize our skin during the day?
Ideally, apply a moisturizer within three minutes after bathing or showering, while your skin is still wet. It is also recommended to use a moisturizer every time your skin begins to feel tight or itch during the day.
In the most severe cases, redness or even small cracks may appear. These are the signs of eczema secondary to skin dryness. If your skin presents such signs or it continues to itch considerably despite regular moisturizing, do not hesitate to consult a health professional.
Your cosmetician suggests…
Christophe from St-Jean-sur-Richelieu asks: It looks like the soap is making things worse. It stings and it makes my skin dry. Is soap recommended if my skin is dry?
Soap has a basic pH, while skin has an acidic pH. Soaps will thin the protective film of the skin (hydrolipidic film), which can create or aggravate skin dryness. People with dry skin therefore benefit from soap-free cleansers, micellar solutions, oils or cleansing milks.
Your cosmetician suggests…
Léa from Terrebonne asks: I often have dry skin despite my young age (30 years old). Do you have any advice?
Dry hands are not a question of age; rather it is related to your activities and your exposure to drying agents. For example, a mother with young children is likely to develop dry hands; children's baths, laundry and bottle cleaning require repeated contact with water and soap. A young person who works in housekeeping or hairdressing runs the same risk.
Hands are thus more prone to dryness because they are used for multiple daily tasks and are frequently washed. Since cleaning removes natural oils from the skin, which form a barrier, it is important to moisturize your hands after washing them every time and as often as needed. Remember to give back to your skin what you take away in order to maintain effective protection.
Your cosmetician suggests…
Consult those given by Dr. Ohayon about aging skin or dark spots, sensitive skin and rosacea, and about acne and oily skin!
Does your skin have redness, spots or pimples? Does it flake or lack radiance? Are wrinkles starting to appear? Follow our advice to maximize your beauty assets!
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