Perfect skin

IF someone says "you have perfect skin!", don't believe it, says Dr Nicholas Lim, Aesthetic Medical Practitioner at Beverly Wilshire Medical Centre in Kuala Lumpur. 
According to Lim, "perfect skin" is the stuff of dreams but, he adds, we can work towards healthy and naturally beautiful skin by using the right skincare and making good lifestyle choices so that skin looks and feels as good as possible, even without make-up. 
However, keep in mind that skincare requirements changes as we grow and what's good for you as a teenager will not work when you are an adult.
Dermatologists understand this, which is why they have developed derma skincare for the different age groups. 
Unlike skincare from cosmetic house brands, derma skincare products are developed by skin experts in collaboration with chemists to produce precise formulations that optimise efficacy. Combining their in-depth knowledge of what skin really needs and long years spent on research to determine what really works, they can offer solutions with active ingredients for not only different ages but also a variety of skin conditions.  
Skin starts ageing when we hit the 20s, says Lim. "This is partly due to genetics, diet and the environment.  As we grow older, there will be loss of subcutaneous volume (dermis, collagen), loss of elasticity and atrophy of the underlying natural fat pads.facial. Bone structure also changes (through loss of bone volume) and muscle loses volume. Fine lines turn into wrinkles and finally into folds," he adds.
"What we can do, however, is to try and slow down the process, through modifiable factors such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, cutting down on late nights and not exposing the skin to harsh environments. Neglect and chronic illnesses will further deteriorate skin condition."
Lim offers the following advice for the different age groups: 
Twenties: This is the start of ageing. In your 20s, fine lines start to appear as the epidermis and dermis start to thin. To combat these issues, you need to maintain general skin health and condition with a twice-daily routine involving the basic steps of cleanse, tone and protect using a good sunscreen. Slow down and prevent UV related aging on skin.
Derma skincare solution: Cleansing is essential to remove dirt and sebum as well as to prepare the skin for the next steps in your skincare regime. Choose products that are gentle as harsh cleansers and alcohol-based toners will only weaken the skin's barrier function. To support and replenish your skin, look for products which respect the skin's natural state; skin has a mildly acidic pH level of between 4.5 and 5.75. Can start to use moisturiser at this age group.
Thirties:  At this age, the skin barrier function starts to weaken, leading to moisture loss. Similarly, our metabolic processes start to slow down and skin elasticity is reduced. Age spots or hyperpigmentation may start to appear and fine lines become more visible. So start using special care products such as a serum, to address the early signs of ageing. For best results, apply this on freshly cleaned skin and wait a few minutes for it to be absorbed before applying a day or night cream. 
Derma skincare solution: Do invest in special care products that address hyperpigmentation. Ingredients like butyl resorcinol are clinically proven to help reduce melanin production, with visible results in four weeks. To combat early signs of ageing, it's recommended to use products that contain Hyaluronic Acid. And also products that help epidermis turnover and repair of the skin like retinol, multipeptides example in eucerin volume filler range.
Forties & fifties: These are the years when skin goes through many changes, resulting in loss of strength, volume and elasticity. The two layers of the skin (epidermis and dermis) starts to grow thinner. At the same time, blood flow, regeneration and production of lipids, hyaluronic acid and collagen starts to slow. As a result, skin is dehydrated and looks dull, with more prominent wrinkles showing, so it's essential to combat dryness. Use stronger products for aged skin from Eucerin to stimulate collagen production and increase blood circulation.
Derma skincare solution:  Natural moisturising factors such as urea and lactate as well as humectants such as glycerol glucoside, can stimulate the skin's moisture networks (aquaporins) and help to relieve symptoms of dry skin. Other active ingredients such as carnitine, amino acids, Pyrrolidone Carbonic Acid (PCA), inorganic salts and saccharides all work together at each of the three levels of skin to combat dryness.