Skin imperfections such as acne, hyperpigmentation, enlarged pores, and wrinkles not only affect aesthetics but also signal that the skin requires a more intensive care regimen. Therefore, establishing a personalized, science-based skincare routine is key to maintaining lasting radiance.

Let oh!oh! identify common imperfections and find the "golden" active ingredients to effectively address them.

1. Identify skin problems and target active ingredients

1.1 Acne and inflammatory mechanisms

Acne is one of the most common skin imperfections, with different manifestations depending on the specific condition: whiteheads, blackheads, inflammatory acne, cystic acne, etc.

Many factors can lead to these conditions, including genetics, environment and lifestyle, hormones, daily habits, certain medications, and the proliferation of acne-causing bacteria. Generally, all acne conditions are related to two main mechanisms: (1) increased sebum production and (2) inflammatory reactions. Therefore, to address this condition, active ingredients that regulate sebum secretion and inflammatory reactions, combined with inhibiting the underlying cause in each specific case, are needed.

Accordingly, useful active ingredients for acne conditions include:

• Group targeting sebum accumulation: Retinoids, Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid, etc.
• Group targeting inflammatory reactions: Niacinamide
• Group targeting skin microbiome: Subgroup balancing the microbiome such as prebiotics, probiotics; antibacterial subgroup such as Benzoyl peroxide; and antibiotic subgroup such as Clindamycin, Erythromycin

In cases of severe cystic acne, hormone therapies may be considered, but here we only discuss topical solutions.

1.2 Enlarged Pores and Acne Scars

Enlarged pores are believed to be related to sebum secretion and loss of elasticity, and disordered collagen structure in the skin. Other mentioned causes include:

• Genetic influence
• Acne vulgaris
• Chronic damage, chronic dermatitis
• Vitamin A deficiency

Solutions for enlarged pores or high density on the face include topical retinoids, AHAs, and other therapies such as hormone-regulating drugs, lasers, etc.

Another condition often confused with enlarged pores is acne scars. Inappropriate acne treatments or severe acne conditions can lead to subsequent scar formation. To avoid this, a proper care routine is needed. In addition to acne-specific products, other nourishing ingredients that aid in the healing and repair process such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin B5, growth factors, etc., should be combined. In cases where scars have already formed, retinoids and glycolic acid are recommended solutions, alongside physical invasive procedures.

1.3 Dark Spots and Uneven Skin Tone

There are many causes of hyperpigmentation, most of which are a result of exposure to UV rays from sunlight. Based on the process of melanin synthesis and manifestation of pigment spots on the skin, active ingredients are divided into groups that act on each stage of the mechanism:

• Protection: Including sunscreen with filters to protect the skin from UV rays, as well as active ingredients with antioxidant properties, scavenging free radicals produced by harmful environmental factors.
• Active ingredients acting on Tyrosinase - the enzyme that catalyzes melanin synthesis: Hydroquinone, Retinoids, Tranexamic acid,...
• Group of active ingredients inhibiting melanin - melanosome transfer: Niacinamide
• Group of active ingredients removing dark, dull cells on the skin surface: Azelaic acid, Glycolic acid

1.4 Wrinkles and Premature Aging

Structures responsible for skin cohesion and elasticity such as Collagen, Elastin, Glycosaminoglycans, Proteoglycans, and Hyaluronic acid tend to degenerate over time after the age of 30. In addition to antioxidants, cell-regulating agents will be particularly beneficial for this condition: Retinoids, Peptides, Growth factors, Niacinamide,...

1.5 Dry and easily irritated skin

Insufficient skin hydration, impaired skin barrier function, damaged lipid barrier, or inappropriate skincare regimens and products can all contribute to dry, dull, sensitive, and easily irritated skin. Typically, during periods of irritation, moisturizing products are recommended to soothe the skin. In reality, the skin needs more than that. Products containing active ingredients essential for recovery, repair of damage, and supporting the restoration of healthy skin are crucial because a sensitive skin that constantly faces issues like irritation and allergies will experience accelerated aging, affecting both aesthetics and skin health.

2. Design a specialized skincare routine from oh!oh!

Based on a thorough understanding of these issues, oh!oh! offers optimized solutions customized for each step:

2.1 Deep Cleansing and Epidermal Restoration

This is the most basic step in any skincare routine and also one of the most important. Skin needs to be clean and clear to be ready to absorb nutrients in subsequent care steps, but the criteria for choosing products in this step are not limited to that. The ingredients in the product's formula will contribute to determining the effectiveness and time to improve skin imperfections.

One equally important but often overlooked aspect of the cleansing step is makeup removal. According to common perception, makeup removal is only necessary for makeup-wearing skin, but in reality, a suitable micellar water can offer more benefits than that.

One equally important but often overlooked aspect of the cleansing step is makeup removal. According to common perception, makeup removal is only necessary for makeup-wearing skin, but in reality, a suitable micellar water can offer more benefits than that.

oh!oh! Xylica Micellar Cleansing Water, an integrated cleansing and repairing solution recommended by dermatologists for its ability to:

• Deeply cleanse without leaving an oily residue, quickly remove excess oil, dirt, dead skin cells, makeup residue, and perfectly balance pH.

• Reduce inflammatory reactions, minimize irritation, and promote sensitive skin recovery with 1% Cica complex containing Centella Asiatica extract & Pentacyclic Triterpenoid Saponins.

• Support the endogenous production of collagen & glycosaminoglycans, repair and strengthen the epidermal barrier through the AQUAXYL™ complex, proven by test results (compared to placebo group):

- 139% increase in ceramides 1&2 within 24h
- 25% reduction in skin flaking, 30% increase in smoothing and wrinkle reduction after 28 days
- 6% increase in epidermal water content after 8 hours and 11% after 30 days of use

2.2 Exfoliation

As an essential activity in any skincare regimen, exfoliation can help remove old keratinized cells from the skin's surface, allowing nutrients to be absorbed more easily, preventing clogged pores, and reducing the risk of acne and other skin problems. Depending on skin needs, physical exfoliation (once a week) and chemical exfoliation (2-3 times a week) can be chosen.

2.3 Specialized Serums for Specific Skin Concerns

As previously discussed, product formulas are selected based on the specific skin imperfections to be addressed. Among these, some products contain versatile active ingredients that benefit most skin imperfections, such as:

2.3.1 oh!oh! HA & Proteoglycans Amber Serum (with 3.1% Hyaluronic Acid & 5% Proteoglycans Complex)

• Breakthrough formula with 3.1% multi-molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid combined with 5% Proteoglycans Complex: helps distribute optimal moisture to multiple skin layers, provides long-lasting hydration, supports the formation of a dermal cushion structure, prevents signs of aging, and maintains firm skin texture.

• Combined with ingredients such as: Niacinamide, Comfrey (Allantoin), Ceramide NP, Amino Acid Complex, Peptide Complex, it provides comprehensive effects on the skin such as brightening, evening skin tone, anti-inflammatory and reducing skin irritation, stimulating collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan production in the skin, preventing premature aging.

>> See detailed product information here

2.3.2 oh!oh! Skin Health Serum (with 20% Niacinamide & 2% Acetyl Glucosamine) for Brightening and Dark Spot Reduction

Niacinamide is an essential nutrient involved in almost all biochemical processes in the skin:

• Regulates sebaceous gland activity and provides anti-inflammatory action.

• Inhibits the melanocyte stage in the biosynthesis and manifestation of melanin hyperpigmentation.

• Regulates ceramide synthesis, stimulates keratinocyte differentiation, maintains skin hydration, thereby strengthening the epidermal barrier function.

• Activates collagen and protein production mechanisms, ensuring elasticity in skin structure.

• Increases reduced NADPH, supporting antioxidant activity and preventing premature aging caused by free radicals.

Based on this, with a Niacinamide concentration of up to 20%, the highest on the market, combined with 2% Acetyl Glucosamine and Pro Anti-Irritant Complex, oh!oh! Skin Health Serum maximizes the versatility of Niacinamide's activity and provides a gentle effect on the skin. This is undoubtedly an indispensable care step for the following conditions:

• Oily skin, inflammatory acne, mild to moderate acne vulgaris
• Enlarged pores or orange peel-like skin
• Uneven skin tone, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, dark spots
• Skin needing to strengthen its epidermal barrier to enhance immunity against acne-causing bacteria or itching

>> See detailed product information here

2.3.3 oh!oh! Oatmere Serum (with 4.5% Oat Extract & 9.9ppm EGF) for Stem Cell and Skin Regeneration

 oh!oh! Oatmere Serum is an essential formula for every skincare routine, strengthening skin health and providing:

2.4 Sun Protection

Reports indicate that exposure to UV rays, especially UVB, is not only a primary cause of dark spots on the skin but also slows down wound healing, leads to abnormal fibrous tissue proliferation, increases the risk of scarring, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Addressing skin imperfections cannot quickly yield results if the skin is exposed to this factor daily, and problems related to light damage are unavoidable. Therefore, in addition to adhering to treatment, preventive measures should be given special attention, the most important of which is protecting the skin from the effects of UVR from sunlight.

Contact oh!oh! today to have our team of specialists help you establish a personalized skincare regimen.

References

1. Kraft J, Freiman A. Management of acne. CMAJ. 2011 Apr 19;183(7):E430-5
2. Cassiano DP, Espósito ACC, da Silva CN, Lima PB, Dias JAF, Hassun K, Miot LDB, Miot HA, Bagatin E. Update on Melasma-Part II: Treatment. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2022 Sep;12(9):1989-2012
3. Hida, T.; Kamiya, T.; Kawakami, A.; Ogino, J.; Sohma, H.; Uhara, H.; Jimbow, K. Elucidation of Melanogenesis Cascade for Identifying Pathophysiology and Therapeutic Approach of Pigmentary Disorders and Melanoma. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21, 6129
4. Ganceviciene R, Liakou AI, Theodoridis A, Makrantonaki E, Zouboulis CC. Skin anti-aging strategies. Dermatoendocrinol. 2012 Jul 1;4(3):308-19