Discover Dr. Alexandra Bowles’ insights on the growing trend of “hygiene hauls” and multi-step skincare routines with scented products in Beauty Matter.

What are your thoughts on the rise of hygiene routine videos with up to 6 different steps of scented body products?

First and foremost, I think it is wonderful that people are starting to prioritize their skin health and hygiene. However, as a dermatologist, I know that scented products can increase the risk of irritation. They even can cause contact dermatitis, eczema flare-ups, or irritate acne-prone skin. Scented products are not innately bad as long it’s not creating issues with your skin.

How high is the risk of contact dermatitis or another allergic reaction from these types of routines?

Using multiple different scented body products can increase the risk of contact dermatitis or an allergic reaction. This is because you’re layering multiple ingredients that your skin might not tolerate well. Fragrances—whether synthetic or natural, like essential oils—are some of the most common triggers of irritation. Adding preservatives or colorants to the mix can make it more likely for irritation to occur. Thinner skin areas like your neck or underarms are more prone to a reaction. If you’re noticing any redness, itching, or discomfort, try reducing the number of products you use or swapping for fragrance-free options. I also recommend patch-testing new products on a small area of skin before applying them more widely. If irritation continues, a dermatologist can help identify which ingredient might be causing the problem.

Have you been seeing any increase in patients coming in with issues related to these extensive and highly fragrant body care routines? 

Yes! I have definitely noticed an uptick in patients presenting with things like perioral dermatitis, eyelid eczema, and acne flares. There does seem to be a common denominator with some of these patients who have recently started an extensive skin routine or added in new products. It can be difficult to pinpoint the culprit due to multiple products being added to their routine at once. I recommend adding in new products one at a time. You can also do a test spot to make sure it is compatible with your skin type. I advise patients who struggle with eczema or sensitive skin to avoid scented products when possible.

In Dr. Alexandra Bowles recent feature in Girl’s Life, she discussed the growing trend of skin drinks: do they really work and should they have a place in your skincare regimen?

Are there any drinks or snacks with beauty benefits that you believe actually work?

Some drinks and snacks are often promoted for their beauty benefits. Whether they “actually work” can depend on individual factors such as diet, lifestyle, and genetics. For example, while water is essential for overall health, skin hydration, and detoxification. Green tea is another great choice as it’s rich in antioxidants. For example, catechins, which can help protect the skin from damage. It can also improve skin elasticity and reduce inflammation to improve skin health. Collagen drinks also improve skin elasticity and hydration and reduce wrinkles. Furthermore, aloe vera juice is known for its soothing properties and may help with skin hydration. 

When considering snacks, berries are high in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. This can help combat free radicals and potentially lead to healthier skin. Nuts and seeds like almonds and flax seeds contain vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids. These are rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals and good for skin health. Another snack to consider is dark chocolate which contains flavonoids, antioxidants that can improve skin texture and provide UV protection. Avocados are also packed with healthy fats, vitamins, and antioxidants that help to maintain skin moisture and elasticity.

When choosing skin drinks, what ingredients should you look for and avoid?

If someone wants to try trendy “beauty-enhancing” products, one of the most important things to look out for is clinical studies on the particular product or brand that supports their claims. Even if a product contains good ingredients, without clinical studies, there is no way to know for sure that the ingredients are in a high enough dose or proper formulation to create the desired effect.

That being said, some key ingredients to look for may include antioxidants like Vitamins C and E, which protect the skin from oxidative stress and free radicals, and collagen peptides that help improve skin elasticity and hydration and reduce wrinkles. Also, look for hyaluronic acid, which helps with skin hydration and plumpness; biotin (vitamin B7), which supports skin, hair, and nails; and essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that help maintain the skin’s lipid barrier and reduce inflammation. Additionally, look for probiotics that promote gut health, and natural extracts like green tea extract, aloe vera, and turmeric that provide anti-inflammatory and soothing properties to help with overall skin health. 

On the other hand, some ingredients to avoid include high sugar content, which damages collagen and elastin in the skin, leading to premature aging. I would also recommend avoiding artificial additives and preservatives, which can cause inflammation and other adverse reactions in some people. Avoid high sodium levels, which can lead to dehydration and negatively affect skin health and trans fat. This is linked to inflammation and poor skin health; and excess caffeine, which can also lead to dehydration and negatively impact the skin. 

Is there a difference between pre-made skin drinks versus beauty powders?

The primary difference between pre-made products and powdered additives lies in convenience, customization, ingredient stability, and sometimes the formulation. Pre-made products like canned beverages are convenient because they are ready to drink without preparation but are limited by customizing ingredients or adjusting dosage. Pre-made products are consistent in taste and ingredient mix but may contain preservatives or additives to ensure shelf stability. They are formulated to maintain ingredient stability over time and are pre-measured into serving sizes for easier portion control. On the other hand, powdered additives allow for more customization. Customers can control the amount of powder added to drinks and versatility by how they consume it, whether by food or drink. Powders also have fewer preservatives, and you mix them fresh, potentially preserving more of the ingredient’s efficacy. 

When considering using collagen and probiotics in pre-made versus powdered drinks, collagen in pre-made drinks is usually hydrolyzed (broken down into smaller peptides) for easier absorption. In contrast, hydrolyzed collagen powder can be easily mixed into various liquids, offering flexibility in terms of dosage. It can also be combined with other supplements if desired. Probiotics in pre-made drinks must be formulated carefully to ensure they remain viable. Look for products that guarantee live cultures at the time of consumption. On the other hand, probiotic powders need to be stored properly to maintain their viability. When mixed fresh, they may be more likely to deliver live cultures, provided they have been stored correctly. 

What advice do you have for getting beauty-boosting ingredients through diet rather than supplements?

Beauty-boosting ingredients through whole foods are often recommended for overall health and wellness. One of the best ingredients and whole food sources to look for include antioxidants such as berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries), dark leafy greens (spinach, kale), nuts (almonds, walnuts), and dark chocolate. Add berries to your breakfast cereal or yogurt, include leafy greens in salads or smoothies, snack on nuts, and enjoy a small piece of dark chocolate as a treat.

Another ingredient is Vitamin C, found in citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits, lemons), bell peppers, strawberries, and broccoli. Drink a glass of fresh orange juice, add bell peppers to salads or stir-fries, snack on strawberries, and include broccoli in your meals. Vitamin E, found in nuts (almonds, hazelnuts), seeds (sunflower seeds), and avocados, is another excellent beauty-boosting ingredient. Snack on a handful of nuts, sprinkle seeds on your salads or oatmeal, and add avocado to your sandwiches or smoothies. 

Other ingredients include Omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines), flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts, and biotin (Vitamin B7), found in eggs, nuts, seeds, sweet potatoes, and spinach which can all be incorporated into your daily meals routines.

Is there a reason to add these skin drinks or other supplements to your routine?

Adding wellness-enhancing drinks and snacks to your routine can provide several benefits. However, it’s essential to approach them as supplements rather than replacements for a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. For one, these products can offer a quick and easy way to boost your nutrient intake. This can happen especially if you have a busy lifestyle or find it challenging to consume a variety of whole foods daily.

Ready-to-drink beverages, powders, and snacks can be consumed on the go, making it easier to stick to a wellness routine. Many of these products are also formulated to address specific health needs, such as hydration, skin health, or energy levels. They often contain concentrated doses of beneficial ingredients that might be harder to obtain in significant amounts from food alone. They enhance hydration with added electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals. It can provide targeted nutrients that might be lacking in your diet, supporting overall health and wellness.

As for hydration multipliers, the benefits of Liquid IV are that it contains electrolytes, vitamins B and C. It’s designed to improve hydration more effectively than water alone, and is excellent for rehydrating after exercise, travel, or illness. LMNT is high in electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium, with no added sugar, and is ideal for athletes or those following low-carb diets who need to replenish electrolytes. Nuun tablets, another hydration multiplier, are electrolyte tablets with various flavors and added vitamins, are low in sugar, and are convenient for daily hydration and physical activity. 

What advice would you give to teen girls specifically when it comes to eating and drinking with beauty benefits in mind?

When advising teen girls about eating and drinking with beauty benefits in mind, keeping the guidance simple, practical, and focused on overall health rather than just aesthetics is essential. Some key points include eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and being cautious with trends. By incorporating a range of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats into your daily nutrition, you can maintain a balanced diet that provides you with all the essential nutrients your body needs to stay healthy and look its best. Focus on nutrient-rich foods like antioxidants (berries, leafy greens, and nuts). This helps protect your skin from damage and keep it looking healthy. Eat healthy fat foods like avocados, nuts, and fish to help maintain skin elasticity and hydration. Ensure you get enough vitamins A, C, and E, zinc, and biotin. These nutrients are crucial for maintaining healthy skin, hair, and nails.

Additionally, drinking plenty of water throughout the day keeps you hydrated. It helps maintain skin moisture and overall health, so aim for at least eight glasses daily. Furthermore, before trying trendy beauty drinks or snacks, check the ingredient list for added sugars, artificial additives, and preservatives. Some products may claim to be healthy but contain ingredients that can be harmful or counterproductive. More importantly, however, listen to your body. Don’t follow fads blindly. Just because a beauty product is popular doesn’t mean it’s right for you.

Do your research and listen to your body’s needs. What works for one person may not work for another. It’s essential to find what makes you feel good and healthy. Strive for balance in your diet and lifestyle. It’s okay to enjoy treats occasionally as part of a healthy diet. A balanced approach to eating and drinking is sustainable and more beneficial in the long run.

What ingredients/foods/drinks would you recommend to help with acne-prone skin? 

When dealing with acne, diet and lifestyle can significantly manage and improve skin condition. Some foods and ingredients to consider adding to your diet include high-fiber foods. This includes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes. This can help regulate blood sugar levels, reducing insulin spikes that may trigger acne. Also, Omega-3 fatty acids like fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts. Omega-3s have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce acne inflammation. Probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha can support gut health. This can have a positive impact on skin health and reduce inflammation.

Other ingredients to consider include vitamin A-rich foods like sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, and kale. This can help reduce sebum production. It can also reduce vitamin E-rich foods such as almonds, sunflower seeds, and avocados. This can help protect the skin from damage and support healing. Green Tea also contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce acne.

Some foods and ingredients to avoid include High Glycemic Index (GI), This includes foods such as sugary snacks, white bread, white rice, and sugary cereals. These cause blood sugar spikes, leading to increased insulin levels and potential acne flare-ups, and dairy products like milk, cheese, and ice-cream. Some studies suggest that dairy can increase sebum production and hormone levels, which may contribute to acne. Avoid processed and junk foods like fast food, chips, cookies, and sodas. These foods are often high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and additives that can exacerbate acne. Excessive caffeine and sugary drinks can also increase stress hormones and blood sugar levels, which can further contribute to acne.

What else do you have to share about skin drinks and beauty supplements?

Don’t overthink it! I think it is important to highlight that while some foods may be more beneficial than others regarding health and wellness. Life is too short not to enjoy the foods you love! If something you like has “bad” ingredients, you can still have it, just do so in moderation. Making healthy choices while preserving your happiness is key to a long, healthy life!