Martelize: As mentioned before, every Thursday we focus on being young.
Your brain was discussed with a neurologist, and I mention it always because I think it is so crucial.
Although we communicate with each other so effortlessly, we don’t actually interact with other people or form greater social bonds.
Additionally, we discussed the importance of the beneficial flora in your stomach as well as the gut’s microbiome and organisms.
Today we start with the skin and we have Doctor Ria Smit in the studio.
Dr Ria works as a General Practitioner at the MooiKelder Estate in Paarl.
Here she specializes in women’s health and aesthetic medicine.
Our main focus is on when you need to and at what stage you should start looking after your skin?
As you know, we grew up before the invention of SPF.
Like me, you probably and most likely still enjoyed being outside,
whether it was for outdoor activities or summertime tanning at the beach.
Now there has been a significant shift and change in that regard.
When should we begin using skincare products for kids?

Dr Ria: Yes, it’s very neccessary Martelize.
I suggest that parents make it a habit similar to their kids brushing their teeth to put on sunscreen before leaving the house in the mornings.
This is the very first step in early skin care, and sunscreen is the number one and best product of all skincare products.
A healthy lifestyle is also your skin’s first line of defense…
Good sleep, and later in life, bad habits like drinking alcohol and smoking, for instance, are very bad for our skin.
Therefore, the choices you make have an impact, but it begins with good habits, when you’re very little.

Martelize: It’s interesting – we talked about that when we prepared for these discussions, so it’s not only about how to maintain a beautiful complexion.
For instance, there’s a difference between that and what extra things to use to aid them a little.
We’d like to go over everything with you, so let’s begin by discussing what constitutes good skin?
Apart from skin cancer why do I need skincare?
Why should someone prioritize their health over appearance?
I tell people; You can use any product as long as it simply makes you seem beautiful.
We don’t tend to focus on our skin as part of interior wellness rather just the outward appearance.

Dr Ria: So yes, the skin’s health actually starts with what is still above and outside the skin.
Our skin is covered with an Acidic Layer that we call the Acid Mantle and this is necessary for a healthy microbiome to thrive in.
Then we get the superficial layer of the skin that we call the Epidermis.
The Epidermis’ cells look like a brick wall, the epidermis constantly renews itself.
In order to reach the Dermis, the deep layer of the skin.
We need to strike a balance between the newly formed cells and the older cells that must eventually peel off.
The Dermis, which contains a lot of Collagen and Elastin, is what gives our skin its rigidity and structure.
The cells that produces it are in the dermis naturally, also blood vessel,s nerves, the immune cells that are in the skin and the hair follicles that also start in the Dermis.

Martelize: I have given this question a lot of thought, and I like it.
How, therefore, can our skin keep us youthful?
How may I prolong the youthful appearance of my skin to stay young?
I mean this literally as a health precaution?

Dr Ria: Yes, without a doubt.
Our skin plays a crucial part in our production of vitamin D, which is known to be essential for strong bones.
However, vitamin D also affects other systems, including our immune system and mental health.
The immune system is crucial, and our skin is how we connect with the outside world.
Naturally, our skin would shield us from a variety of situations and daily hazards that we encounter. The microbiome plays an important role.
This communication between the microbiome and the skin’s immune system, which, as you just discussed,
communicates with the digestive tract’s microbiome.
From the intestinal system, which contains immune cells, again to the brain.
The skin, gut, and brain axis are discussed as being essential components of our immune system.
I believe in the importance of physical touch for mental health which is essential for us.
Indeed, there are a lot of factors the skin that will support maintaining good health.

Martelize: Many years ago, I sat next to a Frenchman at a restaurant, and he subsequently informed me;
that he had not taken a shower in five days and he did not smell like that at all.
Was it just more hormones driving that?
Then I had a conversation with a Dermatologist who said that we were showering too much.
We use hot water and all kinds of soap and are scrubbing and removing our immunity in that way.
Now it’s very hard for me to think that I haven’t showered for a day, not to mention 5 days…
Do we damaged that microbiome or immunity every time we scrub ourselves off after
sub-merging ourselves in very hot water or harsh or powerful soap.

Dr Ria: There is balance in it, of course yes, too much is not good.
But once a day or for those who have to clean twice a day is at least within limits.
It matters which soaps we use and water also makes a difference.
If we take the water of the Karoo which is a more alkaline, soap that is more alkaline, this has an influence on that acid layer.
These are things that you can monitor yourself.
If there is irritation, it often develops into skin sensitivity.

Martelize: When it comes to your stomach and skin, doctor, it is so important.
You can read what I was told this morning on Facebook:
This chap’s, gut microbiota was so out of balance that his immunity was reduced to 60%,
and it was a huge deal to restore to 90%.
How are young girls being pampered today?
Let’s take a short look at what age you mentioned to individuals
There are certain creams used on 11-year-olds and 12-year-olds.
We have to think about the future of our children’s skin.

Dr Ria: It is not until adolescence that hormonal impacts begin to manifest.
When the skin normally begins to change, and it’s usually rather noticeable when it does.
Yes, one can discuss individual products in further detail, but
Establish a good morning and nightly washing routine and
Starting the day with sunscreen.
I believe you’re referring to particular medication
creams that contain Retinol or tretinoin and other similar compounds, and certainly, consulting with a doctor is necessary.
Research indicates that it’s beneficial to begin such a routine before you develop severe acne,
and that you should begin your routine—even if it’s just a very modest one,
as soon as your young skin begins to alter.
Be proactive because cleansing and moisturizing can help prevent acne, which ultimately starts there.
Doctor, you already emphasized Vitamin D and the need of finding a good balance.
Naturally, we need to be exposed to, direct sunlight.
Additionally, you can’t always wear sunscreen when you need it because that’s when you get the proper amount of vitamin D.
However, you also don’t want to get harmed.
It’s a really challenging balance.
Yes, please assist us there.

Dr Ria: Yes, like you say, it’s a balance.
Although the great majority of sunscreens don’t interfere with that process, some do contain physical filters.
So it’s a good idea to be aware of what’s in your sunscreen.
Things like titanium or iron oxide.
The oxide is only one example, but there are more.
Additionally, 15 minutes of sun exposure on the arms and legs,—the less sensitive areas,
is typically sufficient to promote the absorption of vitamins E and D.
And if you’re worrying about your vitamin D levels, especially if you’re a little older,
just talk to your doctor about it. As we all know, even in the Cape’s winter,
those few minutes a day can be challenging.

Martelize: Just to be aware of your SPF for both the environment and yourself.
There are specific SPF that are damaging to coral reefs worldwide, a conversation for another day.
Yes or no, those lovely sunburn tanning beds?

Dr Ria: This is an absolute no,
We already know that they can cause even more damage than the sun in our skins.
They also lead to the formation of skin cancers, squamous cell cancer and basal cancer.
So please rather stay away and find another way or wear the skin tone you have.

Martelize: Dr Ria Smit here in the studio and we focus on the field.
Thank you so much, and we’ll be taking the journey with you, doctor.
Here at the studio, Dr. Ria Smit, we concentrate on skincare.
It’s time to examine what we are discussing, youth, and one of those things we wish for.
Learn how to stay as youthful as long as possible on the surface and in terms of health.
Dr Ria Smit will return next week.
Dr Ria Smit, is a doctor, a general practitioner who specializes in aesthetic medicine and the health of women on the Mooikelder Estate in Paarl.
Thank you Doctor