Summer is here, it’s time for the great escape, and no matter where in the world you’re headed taking your skincare with you is as essential as your passport, cash and sunnies. Many of us when we travel, opt for the easy travel solution, asking your skin care expert for any samples of your favourite products, scouring the beauty halls for bite sized beauty products (even though they frequently only come in a 5-10ml size, and it just isn’t enough to see you through your vacation or staycation). Many of us simply decant our existing regime into smaller pots.
The big question: Is taking your existing routine enough for your skin, with the change in climate, humidity levels and is it enough to give you that summer glow as soon as you step foot off the plane? What SPF should you be using and how frequently should it be applied? It’s not a guessing game if you want to achieve that healthy summer glow, AND protect your skin, both while you travel and once you reach your destination.
Pre-Travel. The one thing to do BEFORE you head for the sunset, is prep. Fail to prepare, prepare to fail. Desquamate and exfoliate not only your facial skin but your entire body too, our bodies are hidden away so much of the time that before we even consider exposing it to the warmer weather, we need to remove those layers of dead skin cells.
Exfoliation is essential for healthy skin as dead skin cells build up in layers on the surface skin. When we want the serums, creams, and sunscreen that we use to really work, then we need to exfoliate the dead skin off so the products can absorb into the skin directly.
Did you know that every hour, nearly 40,000 skin cells are shed from the body? Now that’s a WOW -- Dead skin cells can be up to 15-30 layers deep, and when left on the surface, skin appears dull and lack-lustre. There’s no hint of a summer glow, and as light does not bounce off dead skin cells to the same degree as healthy skin cells, it never appears truly healthy and fresh.
To give this natural desquamation process a helping hand, regular exfoliation 1-2 times per week over the entire body as well as your face assists in stimulating the skin and as it removes debris, prevents blockages caused by excessive oil and sweat from building up within the pores. Skin feels smoother, looks healthier and more radiant. The overall appearance of the skin, texture and tone improve, as you remove the dead skin cells you help to increase blood stimulation, so skin gets an immediate boost from a fresh oxygenated blood supply too.
Starting with the hand luggage must haves. It’s all well and good if you’ve got your 22kg allowance to fill, but when you’re travelling light, either with hand luggage or maybe on a travelling holiday rather than in one destination. Working out precisely what you need and how much of it is essential. The four basic steps which need to travel with you no matter what the weather are your cleanser, serum, eye cream and moisturiser (with an SPF if possible). If your favourite brand doesn’t offer samples, look at their packaging. Squidgy tubes in 15ml-50ml sizes are great to take away, bin the boxes and they’re ready to go straight into your zip-lock security proof bag. (One of my go-to brands is Doctors Formula Original Probiotic range, their Probiotic Radiance Eye Serum, Lifting & Firming Serum combined with the 12 Hour Day Protection Moisturiser and 8 Hour Repairing Night Moisturiser), offering 24 hour protection in the perfect travel sized tubes, the plus side is you’re still getting 30ml of serum and 50ml of both day and night time moisturiser in condensed packaging www.docorsformula.co.uk
Alternatively browse amazon or stop off in your local Boots and for a couple of pounds purchase some 20ml pots and decant your favourites into them. If you’re super tight on space and concerned with placing your serum into a pot when it usually comes with a pipette and a dropper bottle or its glass packaging, start mixing your own moisturising magic. Fill 75% of your newly purchased travel pot with your moisturiser and fill the remaining 25% with your serum, mix well and you’re good to go!
Once you’re in the air stay hydrated and avoid over consumption of alcohol. Although the airport lounge and cheeky pre-flight Prosecco may signal the start of your holiday, it doesn’t have a great effect on your skin. Consuming alcohol whilst flying and combining it with the chilly blasts of air conditioning for the duration of your flight starts to dehydrate both you and your skin. If you can dare to be bare-faced throughout your flight – even better! Use a hydrating serum prior to heading to the airport such as Hyaluronic acid to keep your skin plumped and hydrated – plus it can hold up to 1000 x its own weight in water and is naturally found in the skin. It helps to plump up the skins volume, smooth the fine lines and wrinkles and keep you hydrated for longer. Top it off with a richer than usual moisturiser – marine collagen creams are superb, as again they tackle the anti-ageing, youth-defying element, yet also hydration. If coverage is essential, try a tinted BB cream rather than a heavy foundation to keep your skin fresh-faced and glowing while you travel. These simple tips keep the moisture reservoirs in the skin topped up and mean you alight from your flight looking radiant rather than ready for a rest.
Power Active Hyaluronic Acid. 30ml - £34.90 www.doctorsformula.co.uk
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum. 30ml - £38.00
Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Intense Serum. 30ml - £57.00
Overnight flights can play havoc with your skin. When combined with the effects of the flights air conditioning, pre-travel in general (the airport parking can be incredibly stressful, I agree!) and likely the last-minute panic of ensuring both you and yours were packed, the out of office was on and the neighbours have the spare keys for plant watering and the general neighbourhood watch / alarm alerts! Your skin needs a reboot and fast!
Naturally, your skin turns on its recovery mode whilst we sleep, regenerating, restoring, and recuperating from the day’s exposure to pollutants, dirt, and debris. Disrupting your skins regular routine can impact how healthy and rosy it looks. Plus, reduced sleep can make our eyes appear more sunken, develop dark circles and even puffiness. It all shows in your skin! Overnight, creamy hydration masks in a small sample pot can be skin saviours whilst you travel. Applying a thin layer like you would your regular moisturiser (you don’t need to appear smothered in a cream mask for them to take effect!) and popping on an eye sleep mask will help to coax your skin into some well-earned cellular recovery and keep you hydrated for longer. You could even go for gold and pop the ear plugs in or switch the headphones on with some relaxation music, for an in-flight moment of meditation.
Once you arrive at your destination, jet-wash the journey away. Cleanse, then cleanse again and apply a fresh layer of serum, eye protection and the trusted moisturiser with SPF. In-flight circulated air conditioning, a warm environment, changes in humidity and a touch of perspiration are the ideal breeding ground for bacteria. Many of us when we first arrive on holiday suddenly experience a breakout, which we believe is due to the change in water – the likelihood is, it’s simply bacteria breeding on your skin, enveloped in moisture and sweat. Add make-up to the mix and your pores are screaming for a gentle jet-wash.
Humidity and Heat. Where in the world you’re travelling too, should also impact what skincare you take with you. If you’re headed to the tropics and the humidity levels, you’re about to enter are soaring, it’s highly likely that your skin will responds by producing more oil from your sebaceous glands as the skin is cocooned in heat, both a warm and damp environment. Add into the equation the increase in sweat production from the increased temperatures and your skin is suddenly a perfect breeding site for bacteria.
The combination of excess oil, sweat and heat frequently causes more blocked pores, congestion, blemishes, and breakouts – the nose area is a key indicator when usually quite normal skin suddenly looks to have more enlarged pores, tiny-filled pustules that appear throughout the day and blackheads or blocked pores. (This is not due to the change in water!)
The upside (yes, there is one!) as humidity levels rise, your skin is less likely to dehydrate, so the water content stays more stable. So, the dreaded dehydration – the root cause of ageing, fine lines and wrinkles is banished to another day, as the, the oil content increases. For drier skin types, this can be a blessing in disguise. The usual flaky patches and tight feeling can disappear as the water reservoirs are maintained and the oil production increase – what a bonus! It does not mean we should ditch the hero hydrators. It does mean we may need to use a lotion rather than a cream moisturiser, or we can switch texture and consistency for something lighter than our usual daily application at home. It’s something you should consider before; you fill your sample pots.
Moisturising lotions consistency is very different and if you’re not used to wearing them, they can feel as if they’re “not enough” for your skin. If your skin is normal to dry then applying a hydrating lotion will make your skin feel more comfortable, another tip is to apply your serum, then your lotion and use a separate SPF over the top. If you’re more of a normal-combination skin type, then the layering can be reduced to a simple serum and lotion combo. Some of my favourite lotions, feel silky on application, absorb readily, yet they pack a punch when it comes to delivering hydration. Lotions even though they tend to be light in texture, can still be the hero-hydrator you’re in need of whilst on your vacation.
Clarins Hydra Essentiel Lotion SPF 15. 50ml - £38
Doctors Formula Power Actives Turmeric Lotion. 30ml - £34.90
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25. 52ml - £13.50
Colder climates. It’s role reversal time for the skiing holiday or that trip to a much colder climate. We think of colder climates as being particularly wet and soggy, however as the humidity levels drop, so do your sebum levels and the biggest skin aggressor of all takes hold – dehydration – unless we keep those moisture and water levels topped up throughout our vacation. Likely if it’s a winter break, you’ll be headed back after a long day on the slopes or sight-seeing through the fjords to a roaring fire. Indulgent bubble baths, hot toddies and central heating turned up to the max! Think of richer, more whipped, and creamy moisturisers as well as serums which help to balance and hydrate.
Preventing excessive dehydration of the skin is key, so adding in ingredients such as Niacinamide, this super skin-restoring ingredient has multiple benefits for all skin types. Known for its anti-ageing properties, Niacinamide improves the appearance of enlarged pores, targets fine lines, uneven skin tone and helps to repair an impaired barrier function. It’s the barrier function we want to keep as balanced as possible in cooler temperatures and when there’s lower humidity, as these result in dry air which draws moisture away from your skin. Another go-to skincare ingredient is Caffeine. A potent plant extract rich in antioxidants. This skin-soothing agent can help enhance the appearance of dry or damaged skin by reducing flaking and restoring suppleness. The perfect skin antidote to a winter break.
All you need to remember is the dehydration leads to fine lines on your skin, fine lines (unless treated), lead to wrinkles… Holidays can kickstart the ageing process, unless you switch up your holiday skincare routine.
Doctors Formula Power Actives Niacinamide Serum. 30ml - £34.90
Paula’s Choice Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment. 20ml - £47.00
Doctors Formula Power Actives Caffeine Serum. 30ml - £34.90
Staying Sun Safe. Although we can’t see the rays, we can feel their effect on the skin and that lovely warmth of summer, or the get glowing reflection from the slopes. What we often negate is the effect it can have on the skin without true sun protection and envision the detrimental long-term damage that can be caused.
The visible damage of a reddened skin, a burn, blisters, and peeling because of overexposure or unprotected exposure may seem short lived, however, the sun can have a vastly different effect on the skin cells which are not visible to the naked eye at once. Effects of over-sun exposure usually present themselves around 4-5 hours after exposure, however, the long-term effect of the rays can produce defects or mutations within the skin cells, so it’s not just hyperpigmentation which shows as a visible brown or red patch on the skin in years to come, but the damaged and sunburned skin cells can also lead to varying forms of skin cancer.
It’s also the fast-track way to gain premature wrinkles and damage to the skin cells. While your body can repair some DNA damage naturally, with repeated and over exposure over time, the unrepaired skin cells multiply, leading to longer term effects. So, it’s always better to stay skin safe than be sorry. The easiest way to remember what you need to protect against is UVA - think “A” stands for AGEING. UVB – think “B” stands for BURN.
Boring I know but protect as much of your skin as possible -- after you’ve applied your SPF, reach for wide brimmed floppy hats, long sleeves, and cool linens which are the best for a day out and about in the sun. Sunglasses are essential as the delicate eye area needs extra protection on sunny days, with the skin around the eyes being finer than the rest of your face combined with the temptation to squint more in bright light, wearing a pair of protective wraparound or oversized glasses with UV filter quality lenses are essential. Channel your inner Audrey Hepburn and Jackie O and think of the wrinkle prevention! Additionally, take cover for breaks from the intensity of the sun -- walk in the shade, sit beneath a tree, secure that brolly on the beach or simply have a siesta.
Skincare experts and dermatologists will say nothing less than an SPF 30+ for the face – and SPF 50 is even better. Treat your skin like a child when it comes to skincare that’s sun safe. A child’s skin has the youthfulness, plumpness, and elasticity, which is that flawless complexion we’re all searching for. Protect, reapply, and apply again throughout the day (even if it’s a once-a-day application sunscreen!) If we want our skin will be radiant, supple, youthful, and soft - prevention is essential.
The number on your sunscreen shows an average amount of time that your skin is protected for, dependent on how rapidly you would burn without any sun protection. As an example, if you’re likely to burn within 15 minutes of sun exposure without using an SPF, applying a SPF 30 it offers you 30 times longer sun exposure without burning. So, 30 x 15 would give you 450 minutes or 7.5 hours of protection, but that doesn’t mean you only need to apply your sunscreen once a day. Factoring into the equation, how much you sweat, what you’re wearing, where in the world you are and what time of day it is (are the strength of the sun’s rays stronger at this time?) all play a part in how quickly you can burn. Activities such as water sports or skiing (the reflection off the snow’s surface) as well as travelling in cabriolet or on an open topped bus all need to be factored in to how often you reapply your SPF and what level of SPF you should use.
For me it’s a minimum of an SPF 30, I find you still tan, the colour is more even, it lasts longer, and I avoid burning. On my face it’s always a SPF 30+, my favorites include Nivea, Clarins and Murad.
Nivea Sun Protect and Dry Fast Absorbing Sun Cream Spray SPF 30. 200ml - £7.50
Clarins Dry Touch Facial Sun Care Cream UVA/UVB 30. 100ml - £30.00
Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 | PA+++
What I cannot wait for is the new launch from www.doctorsformula.co.uk of the Marine Collagen Anti-ageing Day Moisturiser SPF 50, due at the end of June 2022…
“An antioxidant rich, SPF 50* Active daily moisturiser which shields, locks in moisture, and hydrates the skin. With five sunscreen active ingredients this functional ultraviolet light absorber offers protection against UVA and UVB rays daily, no matter what the weather or season.
Enriched with skin nourishing fatty acids to moisturise & replenish while collagen amino acids aid skin plasticity, hydration and promote a more youthful appearance. Use daily, all year round, for skin protection, hydration, and prevention against the visible signs of premature ageing “
Now GO! Have a fantastic Vay-Cay!
Ps - Don’t forget to order your summer skin essential Anti-ageing Day Moisturiser SPF 50 from www.doctorsformula.co.uk
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After coming out of a dreary few months of winter looking a little ashen, pasty-faced, and pale, the hint of warmer weather brings about a satisfying thought of a gentle tan and warm cheeks (without the help of a blush or bronzer) along with long summer nights. There’s nothing more alluring having that sun-kissed skin glow, the luminosity, radiance, and all-round look of healthy skin -- but with all that sun exposure, we also have to think at what cost?
In essence, the vitamin D produced from exposure to sunlight is essential for overall health. When skin is exposed to sunlight, vitamin D is produced in the epidermis. Of course, you can also consume Vitamin D in your diet, which many of us do in those winter months. Without vitamin D, our bones can become less dense which over time can contribute to brittle bones or osteoporosis, making them more prone to fractures. In extreme cases with children, this can even lead to rickets or misshapen bones. The bottom line is that exposure to the sun is essential!
But did you know that the recommended dose of sunlight exposure is 10-15 minutes, 2-3 times per week for your hands, face, arms, legs, and abdomen? This is all that your body needs for essential sunlight exposure to support sufficient vitamin D levels -- after that, your body will start to excrete excess vitamin D. It’s the over exposure and lack of sun exposure knowledge combined with understanding the true importance of adequate sun protection which can cause us harm.
What are UV rays?
UV rays are the natural energy waves produced by the sun. UVA rays have a longer wavelength and are the rays associated with ageing skin – think “A” for AGEING. UVB rays have a shorter wavelength and are the rays associated with skin burning – think “B” for Burn.
Although we can’t see the rays, we can feel their effect on the skin and that lovely warmth of summer, but the effect on the skin without sun protection can cause detrimental long-term damage.
The visible immediate damage of a reddened skin, a burn, blisters, and peeling as a result of overexposure or unprotected exposure may seem short lived, however, the sun can have a very different effect on the skin cells which are not visible to the naked eye immediately. Rashes, lumps, bumps, and prickly heat alongside headaches, and in some extreme cases nausea, vomiting, and swelling, mean that overexposure has truly taken its toll and your body is trying to recover. Effects of over-sun exposure usually present themselves approximately 4-5 hours after exposure, with the pain intensifying somewhere between 6-48 hours later. The intensity of burns and reactions frequently start to negate within 3-5 days, or as you start to peel. However, the long-term effect of the rays can produce defects or mutations within the skin cells, so it’s not just hyperpigmentation which shows as a visible brown or red patch on the skin in years to come, but the damaged and sunburned skin cells can also lead to varying forms of skin cancer. It’s also the fast-track way to gain premature wrinkles and damage to the skin cells. While your body can repair some of the DNA damage naturally, with repeated and over exposure over time, the unrepaired skin cells multiply, leaving to longer term effects. So, it’s always better to stay skin safe than be sorry.
How the sun affects your skin depends on numerous factors -- from where in the world you live to the time of year and time of day. Most people follow the rules during the summer months of avoiding excessive sun exposure by ensuring that they have a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor) on their skin between the hours of 10am-4pm when the sun’s rays are at their strongest.
If you head to the MET office website (www.metoffice.gov.uk), there is an UV index forecast which identifies the strength of the ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun at a particular place on a particular day, allowing you to take the necessary precautions to help reduce the impact of UV on your health. They have forecasts available for 417 world cities across Europe. In the UK, the forecast is throughout the summer months, with late June seen as the peak. However, this is dependent on weather condition. The forecast is designed to warn you of an increased risk to your health from UV radiation and encourage you to take actions that reduce these risks, but still allow you to enjoy the benefits of the sun.
Expressed as a 'Solar UV Index', which is a system developed by the World Health Organization, the Met Office UV forecasts include the effects of:
The Met Office forecasters gather all this information and input into an easy-to-understand index from 1 to 11+, which determines your level of exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
UV Index Exposure |
|
1-2 |
Low |
3-5 |
Moderate |
6-7 |
High |
8-10 |
Very high |
11 |
Extreme |
In the UK, the UV index does not exceed a level 8, and if it does, it’s quite rare. 7 may occur on exceptional days, mostly in the two weeks towards the end of June. Indexes of 9 and 10 are common in the Mediterranean area.
The aim of the index is to warn people of increased risk and encourage them change their behaviour to protect themselves against the risks of skin cancer and skin damage. As an example, imagine you’re on your well-earned staycation in early May, and your last getaway seemed like ages ago. You’re staying in the Lake District and ok, so you’re hoping for sunshine as it’s not a given in that region…so you don’t really need to be applying sunscreen, do you? Absolutely you do! And you need sun protection -- the best form is via clothing combined with your SPF.
Cover as much of your skin as possible -- after you’ve applied your SPF, reach for wide brimmed floppy hats, long sleeves, and cool linens which are the best for a day out and about in the sun. Sunglasses are essential as the delicate eye area needs extra protection on sunny days, whether it’s whilst you’re out taking a stroll, walking the dog, driving, or meeting up with friends. With the skin around the eyes being finer than the rest of your face combined with the temptation to squint more in bright light, wearing a pair of protective wraparound or oversized glasses with UV filter quality lenses are essential. Channel your inner Audrey Hepburn and Jackie O and think of the wrinkle prevention! Additionally, take cover for breaks from the intensity of the sun -- walk in the shade, sit beneath a tree, secure that brolly on the beach or simply have a siesta. Taking time out in the shade is great for enjoying the sun without the over exposure. Making sure you stay hydrated too is essential.
The other thing to consider is your current skincare routine and if any of the active ingredients in your skincare routine can cause photosensitivity in your skin. Photosensitivity is when the ingredient has the potential to react with sunlight, causing the skin to redden, or show sunburn typical symptoms.
There are two types of reactions when it comes to photosensitivity:
Retinoids, Retinol, and any derivative of vitamin A can cause photosensitivity. While these powerhouse ingredients are frequently used within skincare as a key active anti-ageing, wrinkle combatting, skin smoothing and acne tackling skincare ingredient, it’s frequently advised by the product house only to be used as part of your nighttime regime to avoid any issues when exposed to sunlight. If the percentage is low, it may be able to be applied both morning and evening, provided you use SPF during the daytime. It is imperative to always follow the instructions of use, so please ensure you are reading the usage direction of any product with active ingredients.
When it comes to exfoliation and the use of fruit acids as gentle daily exfoliants, whilst they are essential for helping to brighten and bring the glow back to the skin as they gently sweep away dead skin cells, they also leave new skin cells more vulnerable to sun exposure and damage. AHA’s (Alpha Hydroxy acids) such as citric acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acid are common gentle exfoliants. If you’re acne prone and wanting to banish blemishes, your daily routine might include ingredients such as Salicylic acid or willow bark extract to deep cleanse pores and remove dead skin cells. Again, great for the skin, but they have the potential to react with sunlight so wearing an SPF each day year-round is recommended. If you’re taking prescribed medication to treat acne, the small print will most definitely advise that an SPF needs to be worn every day.
Although not linked directly as a photosensitive skincare ingredient, Vitamin C has the potential to decrease the melanin levels in your skin, as it fights against historic sun damage and pigmentation spots, reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation within the skin. The melanin it targets acts as a natural defence against the sun’s rays. So, while it works on the reducing the visible signs of ageing in the skin, during the summer months it may cause photosensitivity and increase your chances of damage from UV exposure.
Diane’s recommendations for skincare actives:
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum Retinol Youth Renewal Serum | Murad
The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalene Retinol 1% in Squalane | The Ordinary (deciem.com)
La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum 0.3% Retinol + Vitamin B3 Serum | Face Care | La Roche-Posay
Should you stop using key active ingredients during the summer months? That all depends which category of skincare user you fall in to. If you’re an out-out sun worshipper and disregard the advice about being sun safe, then absolutely you should. The skincare you’re using to try to repair and treat the historical skin damage along with wrinkles and signs of ageing will be fighting a losing battle, and potentially may be causing more rapid ageing than your skincare regime can keep up with. If you’re practicing being sun-safe, wearing a daily SPF of at least 30+, reapplying when you’re in direct sunlight, following the product house guidelines and wearing suitable protective clothing such as sun hats and glasses, then the risks are reduced. However, it’s always beneficial to switch up your skincare routine to more hydrating active ingredients throughout the summer months and then revert back to your active vitamins and acids once the peak of summer has passed.
Great summer skincare hydrators include hyaluronic acid, caffeine, and marine collagen amino acids, minimizing the risk of photosensitivity while targeting the visible signs of ageing for a more plump, hydrated, and youthful looking skin to keep you fresh-faced and glowing all summer.
Diane’s recommendations for summer skincare hydrators:
Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine cream ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Marine Cream | ELEMIS UK
Thalgo Thalgo, Lifting Correcting Night Cream - Anti-Ageing Treatments - Face Care - Treatments
Doctors Formula Marine Collagen Anti-Ageing Restoring Night Moisturiser Marine Collagen Anti-Ageing Restoring Night Moisturiser 50ml | Doctors Formula
So which SPF should you reach for? Skincare experts and dermatologists will say nothing less than an SPF 30+ for the face – and SPF 50 is even better. If you think about the SPFs available for infants and children, likely you will rarely see anything lower than an SPF 30. Treat your skin like a child when it comes to skincare that’s sun safe. A child’s skin has the youthfulness, plumpness, and elasticity, which is that flawless complexion we’re all searching for. Think about why we smother our children in a total sunblock along with an umbrella and floppy hat, giving them total sun protection when we then smear ourselves with a rapid-tan, minimal SPF oil, and lie in the midday sun. How can we expect that our skin will be radiant, supple, youthful, and soft?
How do SPFs work? The number on your sunscreen indicates an average amount of time that your skin is protected for, dependent on how rapidly you would burn without any sun protection. As an example, if you’re likely to burn within 15 minutes of sun exposure without using an SPF, applying a SPF 30 it offers you 30 times longer sun exposure without burning. So, 30 x 15 would give you 450 minutes or 7.5 hours of protection, but that doesn’t mean you only need to apply your sunscreen once a day. Factoring into the equation, how much you sweat, what you’re wearing, where in the world you are and what time of day it is (are the strength of the sun’s rays stronger at this time?) all play a part in how quickly you can burn. Activities such as water sports or skiing (the reflection off the snow’s surface) as well as travelling in cabriolet or on an open topped bus all need to be factored in to how frequently you reapply your SPF and what level of SPF you should use.
The best advice when it comes to being in the sun is to stay sun safe! Cover up, invest in a broad-spectrum SPF so you have protection from both UVA and UVB rays, reapply your SPF regularly, check your skincare ingredients, and stay out of the midday sun. The sun is powerful enough support all forms of life on earth, drive both the earth’s climate and weather, generate electricity, and change the genetics of your skin cells. It’s time we showed our skin a little respect.
Diane’s recommendations for broad-spectrum SPF:
Clarins Dry Touch Facial Suncare Dry Touch Facial Sun Care UVA/UVB 50+ | CLARINS®
P20 P20 Sensitive Spf50 Suncream 200Ml | Skin | Superdrug
Nivea Sensitive Allergy Protect Spray SPF50+ | Sunscreen | NIVEA
Things to remember for UVA Factors & Risks
Things to remember for UVB Factors & Risks
Information sourced from www.skincancer.org
]]>They say that the eyes are the windows to your soul, yet some mornings, mine can appear more like a black hole rather than a shimmering pool of mystique, laughter, and love! It is the first thing we see when we look in the mirror, and it is the first thing to dampen how good we feel about ourselves when the reflection back is a sea of lines and crevices, dark circles, little white bumps, or a blue and purple hue that shows up due to lack of sleep, poor circulation, or genetics. Combined with an increase in loose skin and puffiness and as we age, I have decided that my soul is not one of harmony, but of neglect and the signs of ageing if my eyes are my window to within!
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…something that begins with W...WRINKLES!!
Why are wrinkles the first thing we see when we look in the mirror? Wrinkles indicate the one area of skin that shows the truth of our aging skin.
They say that the eyes are the windows to your soul, yet some mornings, mine can appear more like a black hole rather than a shimmering pool of mystique, laughter, and love! It is the first thing we see when we look in the mirror, and it is the first thing to dampen how good we feel about ourselves when the reflection back is a sea of lines and crevices, dark circles, little white bumps, or a blue and purple hue that shows up due to lack of sleep, poor circulation, or genetics. Combined with an increase in loose skin and puffiness and as we age, I have decided that my soul is not one of harmony, but of neglect and the signs of ageing if my eyes are my window to within!
However, I am never one to despair and I know that help is near. With the right specific eye care, daily protection, and improved sleep, then that mischievous sparkle will once again surface, and the dreaded crow’s feet and wrinkles diminish!
What makes the eye area so delicate and prone to showing the visible signs of ageing can be attributed to numerous things. Here are the facts you need to know…
THIN SKIN: First and foremost, the delicate skin around our eye area is finer than the skin on our cheeks, forehead, hands, or soles of feet. It is believed to be up to 10 x finer than other areas of the body, so it shows the visible signs of ageing more rapidly than other areas of the face or body.
So how do we treat thin skin? Begin with using a specific eye care product rather than taking your daily moisturiser to apply over the eye area. Fine skin needs a daily treatment which nourishes, protects, and hydrates without overloading the delicate eye area. If you are taking your moisturiser over your eye area, as well as your face, then it is highly likely that the ingredients in your moisturiser are too rich, too harsh, and potentially too dense of a consistency and texture. This causes the skin surrounding the eye area to become overloaded with product, which may cause puffiness or cause your skin to become milia prone – which is the little white spots that can appear and feel like they are trapped beneath the skin’s surface. When the pores become clogged with everyday dirt and debris from make-up, pollution, as well as the skin’s natural waste product, mixing in a rich product combined with a lack of gentle cleansing can trigger the growth of these white bumps. Add on a few dead skin cells and bacteria to those surrounding cells and the debris becomes trapped by the skin, causing a white bump to form on the surface, which cannot be alleviated without the removal of the dead skin that has trapped it.
ZERO OIL ZONE: There are no oil glands for sebum producing within the eye area, so there is no natural oil lubrication to ensure it stays hydrated, flexible and elastic, unless we use specific eye care products daily.
No matter what your skin type, whether it’s an oily, over producing skin to the oil-on-a-diet dry and dehydrated skin type, natural oils produced in the skin (or sebum) help to keep our skin supple, youthful, and strong. With no natural oil producing glands in the eye area, we need to replenish and simulate the same “action” as oils into the skin surrounding the eye. Naturally forming ceramides such as stearic acid are great ingredients to look out for in an everyday eye care product. Ingredients which support natural proteins already found in the skin are commonly found in eye care products. Whilst you do not want your eyeliner to slip off your lid before you apply it, you do want the skin left feeling soft and supple, so when you smile, laugh, and enjoy the day, you are keeping the wrinkle formation at bay!
DROOPY LIDS: The natural collagen and elastin within the skin help to maintain the skin’s youthful appearance surrounding the eye area. However, as we age and start to naturally deplete our collagen and elastin levels, if we don’t replace them, the skin become more fragile, less elastic, and more prone to dehydration. In turn, this increases the risk of more crow’s feet, fine lines, and deeper set wrinkles around the eye area. It can also be attributed to the “Droopy Lid” look, where the upper lids and the “mobile” part of the eye area (the section that when you close your eyes and move your eyeball whilst your eyes are closed, appears to be moving) start to drop, making your eyes appear heavier or closed as the skin meets your lashes.
The dreaded droop is not only caused by the combination effect of ageing, gravity, and collagen and elastin depletion as each decade passes, but as our skin is made up of more than 70% water and collagen, if we do not replenish this skin essential protein in our daily eye protection, we can essentially just welcome the wrinkles with open arms -- unless we like a regular visit to the aesthetician for a Botulism Toxin® top up!
Collagen is the secret to skin success, whether it be in your eye care, moisturiser, serum, or mask. It is the one skincare ingredient alongside Hyaluronic acid, no matter what your skin type, that has the potential to be a holy grail and I believe no one should live without! Collagen depletes from our skin at a rate of knots -- when you think of healthy, youthful skin, one would think that of skin that is hydrated, glowing, and its plasticity is off the charts – you pinch it, and it springs back into place in a nanosecond. That is skin full of collagen and elastin. When you look in the mirror and the droopy eye lids reflect back, you need to lift them into place before you apply any make-up. Or maybe you’re at the time of your life when it feels like only a matte eyeshadow can be used, as anything with even a hint of shimmer enhances the droopy lid effect, and a smouldering, smoky eye look was last applied over a decade ago! Then it is time to reach for the collagen eye care. Replenishing what we have already lost while combatting the effects of ageing, the droop, wrinkles, and crow’s feet, keeping the skin hydrated and strong should be number one on your priority eye care agenda.
Rich in Hydrolysed Marine Collagen Amino Acids, our Marine Collagen Instant Eye Hydration Repair Treatment is perfect for daily use and does exactly what is claims: it can increase the hydration levels in the delicate eye area by 78% in just one hour.**
In this eye treatment, efficacious ingredients such as Stearic Acid (a fatty acid that is found naturally in the protective outer layer of the skin that acts as one of the building blocks of the lipid layers in skin which help to form a barrier and preserve the skin's natural moisture) and Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, or aloe vera (a succulent plant which offers many benefits and is suited for all skin types, especially dry, damaged, broken, sensitive and irritated skin) work together to offer anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, humectant, and soothing, anti-itch qualities for skin. Last, but certainly not least to the eye spy party is Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil which acts as a lubricant on the skin’s surface, giving the skin a soft and smooth appearance. This fusion of actives is a cream-gel formulation is light enough to be used both morning and evening for some seriously impressive results.
94% Agreed hydration levels in the skin around the eyes increased after 3 weeks*
85% Agreed delicate eye area skin had more elasticity after 3 weeks*
89% Agreed the eye area felt more nourished and the skin was more supple*
62% Agreed they saw a visible reduction of fine lines and wrinkles around the eye area after 3 weeks*
94% Agreed the eye area felt moisturised for longer*
*Data taken from research over 3 weeks with fifty test subjects (real humans!)
** Data taken from skin moisture measurement results pre and post application of Instant Eye Hydration repair treatment by www.doctorsformula.co.uk
SKIN STRESS: We blink up to 28,000 times per day, so the eye area is under constant stress with so much use. If you are a happy soul, then all that skin creasing as we smile increases the stress and volume of wrinkles within the eye area over time. If you are a squinter or a frowner, the muscles around the area in the forehead and eye area are overworked every day, leading to more fine lines appearing. We apply and remove make-up with a heavy hand, pulling the skin in every direction possible, adding additional skin stress to the area.
We talk about stress and its effects a lot, but within your eye area, the visible signs of stress can be prominent and fluctuate daily. At the beginning of the week and after a relaxing weekend end, your eyes may feel bright and radiant. Fast forward a few days or after a weekend of indulgence, the dark circles may be prominent, the burning sensation might be looming, and the redness and irritation could already be in full swing! Both emotional and physical stress can impact the appearance of the eye area. Physical stress is caused through lack of sensitivity and gentleness when applying and removing products from the eye area. This unavoidable yet overuse of one single area of skin daily, it is no wonder our eyes can not only look aged and crinkly, but also age rapidly.
With emotional stress, the vicious circle frequently leads to loss of sleep, in tandem with the chemical response within the skin which can make it more sensitive and reactive. Then, we should hardly be surprised that our eyes and the surrounding skin can feel tired, red, itchy, and reactive. There is nothing more soothing than a cooling eye gel or dreamy eye cream which has been kept in the fridge and reached for when our eyes are at their most reactive. When we need an instant pick-me-up, the old tales of cold tea bags as an eye compress or cooling cucumber slices applied to the eyes to refresh and boost the microcirculation are age old tricks. Not so much for their soothing prowess, but the cooling effect the cold compress brings to your skin and the fact that these techniques may make you take 5 minutes out, take a few deep breaths and relax, slowing cortisol levels and the negative impact that stress can have on your skin.
THE DARK CIRCLE CURSE: With multiple causes such as age, lifestyle, lack of hydration levels, diet, or a microcirculation malfunction, the cause of dark circles is intrinsically linked to the structure of the blood vessels which supply the skin tissue and cells around the eye area with oxygen and nutrients, whilst simultaneously removing toxins or waste products. When sluggish, this microcirculation can cause the eye area to look dark, primarily as the area needs more nutrients and oxygen, but also because the skin is much finer, hence the discolouration appearing more prominent -- the same as when your under eyes can become dark due to lack of sleep.
Hydration is key. Not only for the eye area, but for overall health of your body and your skin. Dark circles can be caused through lower hydration levels as the skin starts to appear duller, the tissue dehydrates and knowing that the skin is finer and therefore closer to the bone, can cause the eye area to appear dark and more aged. The same applies to sleep or lack of it. Sleep is essential for both eye health and the health of the skin surrounding the eye. When we lose sleep, the skin can appear pale in colour, the paler we are the more prominent the blood vessels in the surrounding eye area can appear, and so dark circles start to form.
Genetics also play a part in how dark your under-eye area looks. Look at your parents, grandparents, and siblings -- do you have your heritage to thank for your dark under eyes? Sometimes even children have unusually dark circles, and it is not just a one off for a few days after their summer sleep over party. They are there from the offset, sometimes worsening with age, but on occasions they can also diminish as children grow older too.
Your overall health can also have an impact on the darkness beneath your eyes. Some conditions such as kidney health, thyroid disease or increased toxins within the blood stream have been reported on impacting the appearance and depth of colour beneath the eye area.
PUFFED TO PERFECTION: There is a reason that there are separate eye products on the market rather than just applying your moisturiser all over your face, neck and décolleté and your eyes. The texture, ingredients and activity levels in moisturiser are hugely different to those in eyecare products, mainly due to the lack of oil producing glands in the delicate eye area. So, if your eyes tend to puff up regularly, then it could be due to what product you are using on the area, as well as it is efficacy and consistency. It could also be linked to fluid retention, allergies, alcohol consumption or hormone fluctuation.
The first thing to take note of is what you are applying to your eye area. Puffy eyes when you wake up can be linked to the product that you applied just before you went to bed and to where you have applied it. Applying product to the “mobile” part of your lid tends to be one of the most common mistakes made when using an eye-care product, which then leaves you believing that you cannot use eye products. The simple equation is that too much of anything is not a good thing. The best way to visualise this is when you cry -- you saturate the eye area with water, flooding the skin and what happens? Your eyes puff. Now, flip that number of tears into your application of your eye cream, all over the eye, the lid and mobile part of the lid, and the result…. you puff.
When you apply an eye care product, simply take a small amount – about the size of a half pea. Smooth it between your ring fingers, as they will apply the least pressure to your delicate skin surrounding the eye and then tap on your face to find where you can feel bone. Through the brow bone, the sides of the eye and beneath the eye, around the entire orbital bone (just to be precise!) and that is it, no more, no less, just enough to smooth, pat and allow to sink into the skin BEFORE you apply your moisturiser. That way the eye area has been protected, prior to applying anything else to the skin, and you do not need to push your moisturiser too close to the eye as you have already treated it!
Then there are the responses triggered from allergies and hormones. When your body recognises an allergy trigger response, histamine is naturally produced. You may take an antihistamine to reduce the response of red, itchy, and puffy eyes, however the histamines can trigger your blood vessels to dilate, making them appear more visible beneath the skin, and your eyes to appear dark circled. When our eyes feel itchy, our initial instinct is to rub, which can worsen the symptoms and in turn cause inflammation and puffiness, increasing the chances of breaking capillaries and create further dark shadows beneath the eyes.
And then there’s the weekend blow out with alcohol that has not only left you sleep deprived, but you also feel that the dark circles are glowing in the dark! There is also a puffiness which you do not usually have, and that’s because alcohol and sodium rich foods can cause us to retain more water. The trick to reduce the swelling on your eye lids is to drink more water, flush the toxins out of the system and eat a healthy and balanced diet to top up the vital nutrients that your body needs to combat the negative effects and puffiness. Round it off with a few good night’s sleep and the eye area weekend binge giveaway signs should be banished… until the next time!
THE EYE AWAKENING: Consider your eyes as the ultimate focal point of your face. There is a reason we colour, shape, and prune our brows to frame our face. We wear make-up and colour to enhance them. Mascara is a staple we require daily. We test our eyes to ensure our vision is at its best. With just the one pair of eyes that carries us through from birth until we depart, we take great care of our eyes in how they look, but can neglect the skin that surrounds, supports and frames this oh so precious element of our everyday life.
The eyes really are the window to your soul, as well as your lifestyle, your health, and your emotions – so now, it is time to give them the support, care, and attention they deserve! I recommend our Marine Collagen Instant Eye Hydration Repair Treatment which can be found at Doctorsformula.co.uk. Go on, give it a try (and remember to get a good night’s sleep, check your diet, and reassess your lifestyle!)
]]>What makes you smile as you step into Spring? Could it be that it’s nearly time to start peeling back the layers of woollies? Or is it that the days have light for longer and the snowdrops are in full bloom? For me, it’s the peeking through of the Tete-a-Tete daffodils as it’s always my visual clock and time to get me thinking and to have that conversation with myself as to what to switch up my skincare routine with... it’s time to look forward to spring skin, even if you’re not a spring chicken!
However, fail to prepare and prepare to fail! By summer when you’re admiring the golden glow other people appear to have so effortlessly, let me tell you a little secret: it hasn’t just miraculously appeared with the first hike of heat. They’ve been prepping behind the scenes for the past couple of months, keeping their skin super protected and uber hydrated throughout the winter. Now with spring around the corner, they’re following the five cardinal rules that I’m going to outline below as your cheat sheet for keeping your skin glowing year-round.
Number 1 – Exfoliate, Scrub and Slough
It’s time to demonise the dead skin cells. The one thing which impacts the appearance of our skin, such as the way it reflects light, allowing products to penetrate and absorb more rapidly, is all linked to the volume of dead skin cells we’re carrying on our surface skin. Naturally, having a healthy cellular turnover (the rate at which our skin naturally sheds or exfoliates, often in conjunction with our skin type and age) is crucial to an illuminated, hydrated and a more youthful looking you! Yet as we age it naturally slows, and so your skin can feel drier to the touch, look lack-lustre, a little flat and grey in appearance. Dehydration occurs and for some, it can mean dry and flaky patches and an uneven skin surface, which means when one is applying make-up, especially a foundation, it can appear patchy and of different tones as it blends into the skin unevenly. Correcting your skincare routine means that you can look like a spring chicken – in the best possible sense of course! AKA, defying what your reflection looks like and not looking more mature than your true skin years. No matter what you call it – exfoliation, scrubbing or sloughing – and whether you perform it at home or via a visit to a professional, if you remove the dead skin cells on your surface skin and give mother nature’s cellular turnover a helping hand at the same time, the skin is likely to look more fresh, vibrant and youthful.
LIZ EARLE Gentle Face Exfoliator - 75ml £17.00. This gentle botanical exfoliator buffs away dead skin and impurities to reveal renewed radiance and a radiant-looking complexion by refining the skin’s surface texture to leave skin feeling soft and smooth.
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant - 74g £55.00 Achieve brighter, smoother skin every day with this iconic exfoliating powder. Rice-based powder activates upon contact with water, releasing Papain, Salicylic Acid and Rice Enzymes to polish skin to perfection.
MURAD Vita C Triple Exfoliating Facial - 80ml £67.00 Triple exfoliating facial is clinically proven to smooth texture as effectively as a microdermabrasion facial in just one use.
Number 2 – Invest in your eyes.
Said to be the windows to your soul (I read that somewhere once!), there’s nothing more becoming than being bright eyed and bushy tailed! Eyes that sparkle have a twinkle to them, a sense of mischievousness and fun, just like your mood as we approach spring. However, one’s lifestyle often hampers the appearance of “bright eyes,” due to lack of sleep, dark circles, puffiness and drooping upper lids -- that’s before we factor in the new longer brighter days, being sun dazzled and squinting, or wiping the perspiration from your eyes while wearing your sun glasses while simultaneously wiping the SPF off from the delicate eye area, which means it’s now being exposed to the elements, environment and pollution.
If you’re generally a happy soul, that can take its toll on your eye area too. Happy people laugh, with delicate skin crinkling day in and out without an additional layer of protection, creating crow’s feet and fine lines in the late twenties to early thirties, which is when the collagen proteins start to naturally deplete in our skin. The bounce, hydration and elasticity has started to diminish, and the fine lines turn to wrinkles as we traverse the decades. Eyes are in need of more support, as we are blinking on average more than 28,000 times per day, which brings its own negativity to the abused eye area. So, time to invest! Whether it be an efficacious eye cream, a cooling gel or water loving eye hydration repair treatment, find your texture that fits. Tired and droopy lids often prefer a gel like texture as it feels slightly cooler on application. For a real morning wake-up call, pop it in the fridge. For lines and wrinkle prone eyes, something creamier and more velvet like in texture that glides onto the surface skin is frequently preferred. If you hit the alarm button to snooze every day, then you may like a gel in the morning and a cream in the evening. Find your preferred combination and leave it by your toothbrush, think twice a day every day for applying it! When you apply your eye product, remember only ever to apply to the orbital bone area – where you can feel bone – through your brows, to the side and beneath the eyes. You don’t need to apply your eye cream to the mobile part of your lid (where it tends to lose elasticity and droop first) as the surrounding area is enough. Whatever you do, don’t take your daily moisturisers this close to the eye area as moisturisers tend to be thicker in consistency, which when applied to close to the eye area, it can cause the skin to puff. Remember the skin surrounding your eye area is more delicate than the rest of your face, so a one pot fits all mantra won’t cut it for the bright eye appearance you’re searching for.
CLARINS Double Serum Eyes - 20ml £56 A multi-benefit double formula that visibly acts on all signs of ageing around the eye area. In just 7 days, the eye area is intensely nourished, smoother, firmer and brighter.
L’OREAL REVITALIFT LASER RENEW – 15ml £24.49 Anti-ageing care for younger-looking skin. The triple action eye cream works to re-plump with moisture wrinkles and crow’s feet and to reduce the appearance of eye bags and firm eye contours. Formulated with Pro-xylane, Caffeine and Hyaluronic Acid for proven effectiveness.
Doctors Formula Marine Collagen Instant Eye Hydration Repair Treatment - 15ml £99.00 Dramatically define eye vitality with this lightweight and nourishing eye cream which helps to replenish intense hydration whilst restoring the natural skin barrier and maintaining a healthy moisture balance. www.doctorsformula.co.uk
Number 3 - Switch up your Serum
Not using a serum daily is a little like going commando every day! Serums are your base layers, your skin’s daily support and application of seriously great skin saving active ingredients, with which you can make a positive difference to your skin. There’s so many to choose from that sometimes it can feel like an uphill struggle to find the precise one for your skin type and concern. But here’s a tip: look in the mirror and think if there is just one thing, I could change about my skin it would be…
Once you identify your skin goal, look for a serum which supports that skin behavioural change and use that full bottle of serum. Then look in the mirror again, ask the same question, and buy your serum that’s a solution to your answer. On average, most 30ml bottles of serum will last approximately 10-12 weeks, so if you’re using it just once a day, that nearly a whole season with the same serum. Alternatively, you don’t need to use the same serum both day and night, you can work on two skin issues at the same time, one in your morning routine, and the other in your night-time routine, the double-pronged approach.
Let’s say my one thing to change would be the fine lines and wrinkles I can see when I take that look in the mirror. So, where do I start? Retinol? Vitamin C? Hyaluronic Acid? Do a little investigatory research. Are you a more mature skin type and need all the support a serum can offer you, or on you on the pathway of prevention rather than cure? Either way, active ingredients and often a combination of ingredients will be the answer.
Retinol is a derivative of Vitamin A and is universally renowned for its ability to help in the brightening and smoothing and improving the appearance of skin texture or resurfacing of skin. In the skin world, it’s a major player in the anti-ageing category as retinoids (the family name) encourage the production of collagen and rejuvenation of skin cells. They also have potent antioxidant properties and can both calm irritated skin as well as fight acne.
While retinol within skincare is considered safe for majority of users, some find that when used in high levels it can be irritating, causing dryness, itchiness, and red patches within the skin. But just like any skincare ingredient, if you overload your skin hoping for an immediate result, that won’t happen. Your skin will just reject the product and react – that’s natural. Ideally with retinol, always start with a lower concentration formula and build up your usage, many product houses will advise that retinol only be used of an evening due to its photosensitivity qualities, meaning it can make your skin more reactive to sunlight. So, it’s advisable always to use an SPF when you’re embarking on your journey into Retinol use. Look for formulations which have additional ingredients to counteract any negative effects from Retinol usage such as skin peeling or redness. If you’re unsure talk to your dermatologist, Skin expert or therapist as to which type of retinol is right for you. It could be that you introduce retinol into your routine a couple of times per week initially so your skin can acclimatise to its usage. Others will likely recommend finding a retinol product which is less than 0.5% retinol to get started. For more sensitive, fragile and reactive skins types, this is a definite way forward with Retinol or if you want more prevention than cure or want to use Retinol for the long term.
Medik8 Retinol 3TR ™ - 15ml £29 Retinol 3TR helps to soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while promoting a visibly brighter complexion.
The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalene - 30ml £6.90 Fight visible signs of ageing with The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane, a water- and silicone-free skincare treatment enriched with vitamin A to help revitalise the complexion.
Doctors Formula Power Actives Retinol Serum - 30ml £34.90 A retinol serum which combines the active ingredient of Vitamin A with gentle AHA's from the extract of fruit. Additional plant extracts result in a formulation which targets uneven skin tone and restores elasticity, whilst smoothing wrinkles. Helping to normalise the skins cellular renewal process whilst being gentle enough on your skin to be used twice a day. www.doctorsformula.co.uk
Vitamin C our favourite, fresh smelling, skin-improving, enhancing and skin calibrating acid. Known as ascorbic acid or L-ascorbic acid, this truly anti-ageing super active acid is a delight to most skin types experiencing the visible signs of ageing and environmental damage. If you love the sun, then you’re likely aware of what a lack of sun protection or over exposure to the sun can do to your skin. Texture wise, it may feel leathery to the touch, make you look older than you are, and can be stained with hyperpigmentation with patches that appear out of the blue, both on our faces, bodies and more commonly on the back of your hands. Some call them age-spots, others liver spots. They don’t always occur due to environmental skin damage, as these changes in pigmentation can also occur during pregnancy, or there could be genetic imbalances or maybe a hormonal imbalance within your body. Injury and inflammation can also cause a change in pigmentation within the skin -- think of pigmentation as being red as well as brown in colour - as can reactions to medication and exposure to sunlight.
Vitamin C is such a potent antioxidant, it manages to neutralize the free radicals causing skin damage via sun exposure, while it also maintains skin health and replenishes vitamin E content in the skin too. In short, it works on the visibility of pigment in your surface skin, and by inhibiting the irregular production of melanin, it makes the appearance of skin brighter, more even and illuminated. With its tunnel vision effect on oxidative stress, the depletion of collagen as we age and our skin clarity, Vitamin C is a gold standard active acid to combat ageing and its effects, and it makes the perfect partner to Retinol too!
Doctors Formula Power Actives Vitamin C Serum - 30ml £34.90 This skin-restoring Vitamin C serum is a powerhouse of vitamins to brighten & revive skin, whilst improving the signs of environmental ageing. Targets the visible signs of ageing, including hyper-pigmentation, uneven skin tone and age-spots. www.doctorsformula.co.uk
Olay Regenerist Vitamin C + AHA 24 face serum – 40ml £34.99 Delivers clearly brighter skin in just 1 day & visibly more even skin tone and texture in 14 days. And we didn’t stop there - the Vitamin C serum also hydrates skin instantly for 24 hours!
La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C10 Serum - 30ml £38.00 Prevents and helps correct the appearance of aging, even for sensitive skin. Instantly skin feels softer, more hydrated, and glowing. Wrinkles and fine lines appear reduced, skin texture and tone look more uniform and even.
Hyaluronic acid is arguably the most renowned acid ingredient on the market. We know it in serum form, we find it in our eye care products, moisturisers, body washes -- you name it and we can likely find Hyaluronic acid in it! This world contender is naturally found in your skin, eyes, and connective tissue in the body. Naturally, its purpose is to bind to water. By doing this, hyaluronic acid keeps the moisture levels plentiful, skin super hydrated, soft, and supple and ultimately plumping the wrinkles for a minimised depth. It’s no wonder we love it in everything!
Hyaluronic Acid can be used as a single active ingredient yet is often combined with other actives in skincare. Not only does it score in the anti-ageing category, but also with the sensitive, fragile, and reactive skin types. It’s the hero-hydrator for every skin type, known for its compatibility and stability within skincare due to its skin replenishing, skin-restoring, and moisture-boosting properties. It’s said to hold up to 1000 times its own weight in water, and you can see what how it plumps up the volume when it comes to wrinkle depth.
CeraVe Hyaluronic Acid Serum - 30ml £17 This hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum is a lightweight serum that provides 24-hour hydration and moisture to the skin. Formulated with 3 Essential Ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid, the formula helps to protect the natural skin barrier and retain moisture on the skin.
Doctors Formula Power Actives Hyaluronic Acid Serum - 30ml £34.90 Targets moisture lacking skin and the associated effects of dehydration such as fine lines and wrinkles. Brightens dull and tired skin through gentle AHA’s. Reveals a hydrated, fresh, and soothed skin making it feel strong and supple. www.doctorsformula.co.uk
La Roche-Posay HyaluB5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum - 30ml £38 Specifically formulated for de-hydrated skin that is showing signs of aging such as loss of volume and skin elasticity with fine lines or wrinkles.
Number 4 – Lighten the Layers
You’ve finally hung up the heavy winter coat, but the brolly may still be close at hand! The multi-layers which have been keeping you cosy throughout the winter months are staring to deplete one-by-one, and you’re starting to reconnect your feet with something smaller than a full leather boot…
The layers of clothes are starting to lighten, but have you considered the changes which need to be made in your skincare routine? I mentioned that the skin recognises the change in temperature and that can bring a whole host of nuances to your everyday routine. As humidity levels begin to rise, the skin frequently responds by producing more oil from your sebaceous glands. The natural rise in temperature, increased moisture in the air and depending how warm a spring we encounter, (fingers crossed!) we have a slight rise in perspiration production too. Suddenly, your skin which has felt parched all winter, now seems to have a change of behaviour in its very ecosystem, becoming damp, warm, and moist. So, when it’s enveloped in those more dense, heavier creams with a richer texture which we’ve been applying all winter, we’ve created an ideal environment for bacteria to breed.
Some signs if your skin is starting to notice the change in weather and it’s in need of a switch of skincare could be that you suddenly notice a few breakouts, on the nose, on the chin, and your skin is usually squeaky clear. Blackheads, blocked pores, and enlarged pores make an appearance in your reflection and you’re not prone to them. It can all be attributed to the combination of the newly forming excess oil, sweat and increase in heat – even if it is gentle. Your skin is like a thermometer, so although the central heating has been turned and the logs are sat nicely drying until next winter, your skin has started to react to the humidity levels and increase in degrees in the great outdoors.
This may all sound a little doomsday-like as you read this. We’re headed into spring, so we should be feeling buoyant, not weighted. There’s always an upside and that’s as the humidity increases and temperatures start to accelerate, your skin is less likely to dehydrate. The dry, flaky patches and skin sensations of tightness start to dissipate as this combination change of as the natural water reservoirs in the skin increase and the oil production increases.
So, what does it mean for our daily skincare routine? Well, never throw to the curb a hero hydrator. It may just mean that you need to off load the rich and super creamy textures. Find a moisturiser which is readily absorbed, feel weightless after it’s been applied to your skin, and take a look into different lotion options. Or, even better, consider Probiotic skincare variations which help to rebalance your microbiome (your skins natural protective barrier and its functions), restore hydration levels, and repair the skin.
Probiotics ADVANCED Collection by Doctors Formula www.doctorsformula.co.uk
Number 5 - Take time to Smile
Spring brings with it a new sense of adventure and a lightness in your step. Time to come out of our winter hibernation and look forward to brighter days. There’s something happy about a change in the season to a hopefully warmer few months ahead. We know that our skin recognises the change in temperature too, so it’s time to smile and switch up your skincare routine. There’s no better combination than some feel good hormones and a great skincare routine to deliver a little happiness each and every day!
]]>Do you love the way your skin looks? Or do you take a look in the mirror and want change? Perhaps it’s something simple such as texture or tone and vibrancy (or lack of it) that you want to change. Are those imperfections which you see daily a menace, or do you embrace them?
Are you a wrinkle warrior and consider the lines and wrinkles that appear with age are just as much a part of who you are, or do you have a standing appointment at the injectable clinic and no matter what occurs, that appointment is never going to be cancelled?
Did you worship the sun years ago, and now you’re paying the price with hyperpigmentation, age spots, and liver spots that are now visible and you wish you’d listened to your mum to wear that SPF, day in day out, all year round. Maybe you just look at your nana and thank your lucky stars that you’ve inherited her genes…
So many factors affect the way our skin looks, the way it changes, the way it reacts. The seasons and weather, lifestyle, hormones, stress levels, our everyday environment, and finally the natural progression of age combined with the gruesome gravity all have a daily impact on our skin. It can be both positive and negative.
So how do you learn to love the skin you’re in? Protect it, take care of it, and give it the best fighting chance to remain as youthful, for as long as possible.
Impact – Free Radical Attack, temperature control and environmental exposure
Look around you, what do you see? Is your everyday environment a clean living or work environment? Is where you live full of fresh air and plenty of daylight? Or is your skin over-exposed to heat, steam, pollution, and grime? Consider both where you live and where you work -- if you cannot wait to get home to wash away the day, it’s likely that your daily work environment isn’t great. The amount of pollution our skin picks up throughout the day, as well as the natural skin secretions, can leave us feeling that we have a film of dust, dirt, grease, and grime on our skin. Your commute can also affect the pollution landing on your skin every day. The issue with pollution is that so little of it is visible to the naked eye, so it’s likely that you certainly don’t always recognise its immediate effects.
But what is pollution? Why do therapists, skin care experts and dermatologists constantly talk about free radicals and antioxidants? Is it really necessary for you to have a serum or moisturiser power packed with antioxidants? The blunt answer is yes!
Free Radicals attack the skin 24/7 and can be destructive to your skin and its genetic make-up. An unstable molecule which searches out other atoms or molecules with electrons to make them whole again. In their search for their new best friend to make them whole, free radicals can attack skin cells, DNA, proteins, and cell membranes. This is frequently called free radical damage, oxidative stress, or oxidative damage.
Visualise an apple that you’re ready for a snack and decide to chop an apple into quarters, but then get distracted and leave it on the side. When you return to to the apple, it has turned brown as the exposure to the atmosphere without its protective skin has left it vulnerable to oxidation. This similarity, although less immediate and visual, is of a similar impairment which occurs to our skin when under free radical attack.
So how can you avoid free radical damage? Free radicals are everywhere. It can be in the atmosphere, it can also be created from certain foods we eat, and even your skin even engineers them itself as part of the natural ageing process. In short, they’re everywhere and attacking your skin all the time.
So how do we avoid them? Well, that’s a tough question as they are so prolific. A poor and unvaried diet, smoking, excess alcohol and over exposure to UV rays are high up on the listing of factors which increase the risk of free radical attack and premature ageing. And it’s not like you can move the office and avoid the commute to work to help protect your skin.
It’s how the attack appears on our skin, which isn’t visible until usually many years later rather than immediately. Take UV radiation and over sun exposure as an example -- it could be that you naturally have high levels of melanin in your skin, with your skin tone being a beautiful deep, dark brown, or your melanin levels are lower, so your skin shade is light and pale. Genetics, where we live, and ethnicity all play a part in the volume of melanin in your skin. Yet its function, no matter what your colour, is the same. It’s the skins natural protective pigmentation, but for most of us our melanin kickstarts into action as soon as we go into the sun. Your skin’s natural defence to prevent sunburn, so likely your skin goes a little pink or brown. But with excessive over exposure your skin can deeply redden. Once the suntan or even sunburn subside, you may think your skin has returned to normal because on the surface, it can appear that it has. However, the damage lurks beneath the surface. Multiple sunburns over time also increases the risk of DNA damage to cells. As we age, the long-term effects of that historic sunburn can show as visible mars on our skin, often referred to as hyperpigmentation or age spots.
With over sun exposure, we also have to consider that the UV radiation can occur in cold climate too. Ever been skiing? You’ve been out on the slopes for hours, having the best time, but when you return to your chalet, you’ve got a goggle face! All from the reflection of the sun of the snow…
Speaking of temperature changes, a maintained temperature control is something that your skin loves -- a consistent environment with no exposure to extremes of heat. All the seasons all play a part in the way our skin behaves. Humidity levels can play havoc with our skin, making it feel oiler and appear shinier one minute, then a few months later, the sensation of dehydration and a parched skin suddenly appear. Skin is clever and adaptable, so although no major crisis occurs and a resolution can easily be found with a few changes to your daily skincare regime for most, for some the outcome is not so easily managed. Sensitive, sensitised, and fragile skins can feel the effects of temperature change more readily and they don’t adapt so easily as a combination skin type. Once more if your daily lifestyle includes large amounts of time in the great outdoors, the likelihood years later of more broken capillaries, a ruddy complexion or extra sensitivity and fragility can be expected. It could be that you just reside in the countryside, copious amounts of fresh air, very little air pollution and daily exposure to the elements and howling winds or maybe it’s your hobbies that affect your skin, an avid gardener, golfer or dog walker…
So, what’s the solution? Firstly, going into combat with free radicals is the best option, for your general health and life longevity too. Reducing the volume of alcohol, smoking and high content sugar and processed foods in your diet is the number one place to start. Cooking from scratch so you know what going in, plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, grains, and pulses will have an impact as these foods are laden with natural antioxidants. A varied diet is key. Taking a vitamin supplement can also be beneficial, and of course your skincare needs to be fighting the oxidative stress daily on your behalf.
Protection is key and using skincare ingredients which are antioxidant rich, packed with natural fatty acids, always give you a hydration boost, and target the already visible signs of ageing daily are essential. The key is to target the damage both throughout the daytime and also during the night when your skin naturally repairs itself.
Antioxidants
The most loved and well-known antioxidant is Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), which is thought of as the ultimate skin scavenger at neutralising those free radicals! Ascorbic acid is renowned for its targeting of hyperpigmentation too, however that’s not the only skin concern that vitamin C addresses.
We know that we deplete collagen from our bodies from as young as in our mid-twenties, but did you know that the body is made up of more than 30% collagen and your skin is thought to be made up of over 70% collagen and water? Combine the natural deletion process of collagen, the effects that our lifestyle has on the skin, and a few free radicals everyday thrown in for good measure and the necessity for vitamin C enriched skincare is screamingly clear.
What’s most annoying is that we do not create vitamin C naturally, we only obtain it through our diet and supplementation, either topically or orally. So, unless you are eating a totally balanced diet including plenty of leafy greens, broccoli, and oranges (example of natural sources of vitamin C), our bodies may not be receiving enough to support the systems overall health. However, skin, the largest organ of the body, yet the last to be fed with anything nutritional from the body will very likely thank you by glowing if you use vitamin C in your daily routine. Vitamin C works on neutralizing the free radicals it maintains skin health and replenishes vitamin E content in the skin too. In conclusion it works on the visibility of pigment in your surface skin by inhibiting the irregular production of melanin, thus making the appearance of skin colour appear more even. Research also identifies that vitamin C may have a role to play in the natural collagen forming process.
Retinol (Vitamin A), what’s not to love about this powerhouse skincare ingredient? Not only does it help to neutralise free radical attack, but it’s the queen of fine line and wrinkle reducing retinoids – which all come as derivatives from vitamin A. One of the most sought-after ingredients within anti-ageing skincare, retinol helps to restore, smooth the visible appearance of wrinkles, and brighten via the removal of dead skin cells. It’s also thought to assist in the restoration of elasticity in collagen depleted skin.
Power Active Serums www.doctorsformula.co.uk
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) This super skin-restoring ingredient has multiple benefits for all skin types. Known for its anti-ageing properties, Niacinamide improves the appearance of enlarged pores, targets fine lines, uneven skin tone and helps to repair an impaired barrier function. It also helps with an uneven skin texture, and it brightens and strengthens the skin’s natural barrier at the same time too! It is also found in many of our food sources, so if you’re tackling oxidative stress from the inside and out, niacinamide is found in meat, fish, milk, green vegetables, cereal grains, and delicious fruits such as avocados.
Turmeric (Curcumo Longo Root Extract) Related to ginger, this golden spice is a super scavenging antioxidant and an everyday essential which can be used in your recipes and most definitely in your skincare routine. Both antibacterial and antiseptic, breakouts are long-gone with a daily application of turmeric. A super antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric is definitely the anti-oxidant to reach for as it helps to soothe and normalise when your lifestyle triggers sensitivity in your skin, as it will promote a healthier and calmer looking skin. Turmeric off sets the signs of environmental damage and aims to boost the skin’s hyaluronic acid content too, leaving skin radiant and hydrated with a calmer looking appearance.
Support and protect
So, while we’re fighting the daily free-radical attack, we also need to protect and repair. We need to help the skin to restore balance, rejuvenate and rehydrate. This means taking care of the skin’s natural protective barrier, the microbiome. When you’re adding your antioxidants into your skincare routine, consider the additional benefits your skin could gain if you added some probiotic skincare too -- they’re great skincare products for all skin types suffering from dehydration, dullness, hormonal changes, and problematic skin which needs additional support. Probiotics help to repair the natural protective shield of the skin aka your microbiome, which is your skins natural defence to protect against lifestyle stress, signs of ageing, daily free radical attack, all which age us. Improving skin moisture and strength, Probiotic skincare delivers a renewed skin vibrancy.
Using the method of hydrolysis, which is a water molecule is added to the substance to rupture the chemical bond, Hydrolysed Yest protein is obtained from the hydrolysis of amino acids, peptides, and proteins. It becomes is a unique mix of flavonoids, sugars, vitamins, and amino acids which make it a multitasker, hence its ability to work on multiple skin types. While probiotic skincare can strengthen the good bacteria and natural skins natural defences, there’s an additional daily defence which cocoons the skin like an invisible shield, at the same time as hydration levels rise.
Going back to basics, your skin is a total workaholic as it is highly effective, both a protective and receptive barrier. Functioning every nano second, your skin’s function never sleeps or turns off as it is the largest living organ of the body. Fundamentally it works to protect, but if you visualise your skin as its very own island, it has its own population of bacteria working to protect its environment and defences. With its own climate and temperature control, think of your goose bumps and how your hair stands up on edge and its colour changes when you’re either too hot or too cold. For example, how your body gets warm after a workout when the blood is pumping and you have the tell-tale sign red cheeks, or when you travel to warmer weather and in those initial couple of days, the extreme of heat can feel unbearable -- yet as your skin starts to climatise and modify, you feel more comfortable in the sun. Our skin secretes waste, again when we’re hot and we perspire, with natural sebum or oils secreting to keep skin supple and healthy. It’s made up of multiple layers and can be affected by hormones, diet, the environment, the list is vast of how intrinsically your skin performs 24/7.
Supporting your island skin is vital.
We’re more than aware today of the role we all play in making the environment better -- we know what a carbon footprint is, we’re versed on global warming and the effects of rain forest devastation, the earth, and the bigger picture of how we maintain our planet. We recycle, buy cars with lower carbon emissions, or go totally electric. We think about our food whether its sustainable, organic, both naturally and locally grown. But do we think about our skin and the effect our everyday environment impacts it, both now and in years to come? It’s under free-radical attack, and it is time we fought back.
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It is that time of year when we make resolutions. New beginnings, new year, new you. Our focus shifts to the age-old mentality of “Out with the old and in with the new.” Your gym membership has renewed, the fridge is stocked with every low fat, healthy option available and your new exercise regime looks to leave you with little time to fit in your work schedule, let alone your social life… you have considered every health aspect, but have you included your skin health?
Your skin is the largest living organ of the body, responsible for so much of our health. In fact, our skin is more than an organ -- it is a complete ecosystem. Home to trillions of microorganisms with their own distinct microbial populations, the microbiome has a fine balance -- if it is not looked after and maintained, it can be disrupted daily via external aggressors, with triggering responses such as itchiness, inflammation, breakouts, and rashes…and that’s just on your surface skin! As your microbiome is made up of bacteria, this healthy skin colony needs support to keep it functioning day in day out, 365 days a year. Your microbiome is the epicentre of your skin’s health. It’s a fighting force which protects against invasion, as well as stabilises and prevents daily reactivity all while simultaneously strengthening our skin, holding everything in place. In short, the microbiome and the microorganisms which reside there are fundamental to how our skin behaves and what we see when we look in the mirror.
The interesting thing about your microflora, whether surface skin or internal, is the thought process that throughout the body they are all intrinsically linked. So, there is a connection between your gut health, brain health and skin health. Take the past few holiday weeks as an example. Hopefully you have managed to meet up with family and friends, celebrate over the Christmas season and new year and with all the temptations laid at our door, over-indulged a little with tasty morsels and a few more tipples than what you would usually treat yourself to. What impact did that have on your skin, how did it make you feel? Did it impact your usual exercise routine? Were you stressed over cooking dinner for more people than you usually would, sat until silly o’clock wrapping presents or constantly taking another lateral flow test just to ensure you were Covid clear when you went out-out on the town with you circle of nearest and dearest? What visible and non-visible impact did this extra level of stress, late nights and over-indulgence have on your skin and body as a whole?
Likely there will have been some impact. For some, it may have felt very visible, with breakouts and blemishes surfacing from which you do not usually suffer. You may have felt that Rudolph’s nose had nothing on you after those extra glasses of red wine, with the rashes spreading up your neck as you worked your way down the bottle! For others, they may have felt sluggish, needing more sleep, or simply resulting in the urge to miss the usual exercise class and instead find another box set to binge watch! All of the festivities of the Christmas period may have just left you feeling a little under the weather and lethargic with a “can’t be bothered” attitude. With that, the microbiome -- whether it be in your gut, your brain or your skin -- is feeling the pressure, as it is in need of some extra support to rebuild, repair and strengthen, no matter where in the body those microbes lie.
So, what can we do reduce the visible impact the last few weeks have had on our skin? Quite simply, we can treat the skin with probiotic skincare to encourage the “good” bacteria to thrive and bring balance back to the skin’s ecosystem. We can also ensure the skin cells and microorganisms live in a more harmonised environment, where they can strengthen and support the vital ecosystem our skin needs as its first line of defence. As far as our gut health goes, it is time to rebuild, normalise our diets and get back on track with the supplements. For our brain health, routine is key, with goal setting, task ticking off the “to-do” list, and getting back into good daily habits combined with exercise all will bring a plethora of positivity to the new you in 2022!
Now, back to your new skin regime. Probiotics in skincare work via a daily application of the “good” bacteria which help to rebalance, strengthen, and support the skins natural microflora. They often aim to help stimulate the skins’s lipid synthesis, helping to restore the skin’s natural barrier function, which in turn results in a calmer, more strengthened and balanced skin.
Helping our skin cells to flourish no matter what our age is essential to skin health and the defence mechanisms which protect against lifestyle stress, the visible signs of ageing, daily free-radical attack, and skin ageing prevention. By keeping our microflora balanced and in peak condition, we give our skin cells the best fighting chance and the option to have skin which we associate with a great night’s sleep and healthy lifestyle -- fresh and radiant, hydrated, and smooth. When we improve the moisture and strength in our skin, the balance helps to rejuvenate the skin overall for a renewed skin vibrancy and potentially a more youthful looking you.
The other great note about probiotic skincare is that it is ideal for nearly all skin types, especially if you suffer from dehydration, dullness, hormonal changes, or problematic skin. If you also tend to get the occasional red patch, itchy skin or your skin feels fragile and your micro inflammation signals seem to go off in a rant every time you sip a glass of wine or enjoy something spicy to eat, then your skin needs support. Whether you are 20 or 60 years old, the microbiome can always do with a little extra helping hand.
For me, the best brands with a Probiotic skincare range include Doctors Formula (where a hydrolysed yeast protein is used in both their Probiotics and Advanced Probiotics ranges), Aurelia Skincare, and Biossance.
Doctors Formula (www.doctorsformula.co.uk)
From their website:
Our Probiotic range encourages the skin to not only grow its own beneficial bacteria to create a healthy skin micro-biome (collection of organisms in one place), but also reduces inflammation and skin ageing as it comes from the lactic acid bacteria family (lactobacillus) which decreases skin damage. Our star ingredient, Relipidium, has proven to significantly increase skin hydration by restoring the skin ‘s barrier, minimising water loss and making skin hold more water and look more hydrated and youthful.
Super beneficial for problem skin (acne, eczema, dry, stressed, or sensitive skin), as well as for anyone wishing to keep a healthy skin balance, avoid damage to their skin and achieve a balanced, radiant glow.
Designed to restore the balance in your skin, bringing it back to a harmonious state. Probiotics restore, rebalance, and rehydrate the natural ecosystem on your skin – your microbiome, to ensure your skins natural defence mechanisms are always armed and ready to combat the stresses of life & signs of ageing.
The Hydrolysed Yeast protein is obtained from the hydrolysis of amino acids, peptides, and proteins. It is a unique mix of flavonoids, sugars, vitamins, and amino acids which makes it a super skin multi-tasker and your new year’s best friend. The method of hydrolysis is used which is where a water molecule is added to the substance to rupture the chemical bond. Relipidium, the active ingredient used within the collections, then targets the synthesis of lipids which help to support and reinforce the skins protective barrier. This results in strengthening the beneficial bacteria and the skin’s natural defences to cocoon the skin like an invisible shield, while it significantly increases skin hydration levels to keep skin plump and radiant all at the same time. These products makes it a no-nonsense, no-fuss type of skincare routine which treats, repairs, rejuvenates and hydrates all at the same time.
Aurelia Skincare (www.aurelialondon.com)
From their website:
Designed to reduce cellular damage and promote the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid for plump, dewy skin that glows, PROTIDA™ is at the leading edge in probiotic innovation. Three unique probiotic complexes combine to boost the skin’s natural immunity, managing inflammation and enhancing repair for powerful results from within. Aurelia London’s PROTIDA™ technology continuously protects, restores, and balances the skin by calming the natural inflammatory response which can be overstimulated by factors such as pollution, sunlight, and stress. PROTIDA™ in turn reduces the damage that inflammation can cause to collagen, elastin, and healthy cells, and helps to maintain the skin’s natural equilibrium.
Bioessance (www.biossance.com)
From their website:
A weightless, ultra-hydrating gel moisturizer infused with squalene and probiotic technology to help restore skin’s healthy-looking beauty and radiance. This probiotic moisturizer formula reduces the effects of daytime stressors, leaving skin visibly brighter and more balanced.
We know how to replenish the healthy bacteria, but there’s one other action we need to make a mental note about when delving into our new you, new year topical skincare routine… climate control.
Now it may sound like something we associate more with a weather forecast or with a button we press when we get in the car. However, we need to ensure that throughout the winter months we do not excessively dry out our skin through overuse of the central heating, turning the thermostat up on an hourly basis, or vegetating in front of the roaring fire. When our skin is exposed to extreme temperatures, it can trigger a different type of response – the dreaded dehydration.
Dehydration within the skin can cause many issues, primarily if we don’t treat it and replenish lost moisture, then those very fine dehydration lines left to their own devices start to deepen and before long the formation of a deeper set wrinkle may occur. Really, dehydration does cause your skin to age! Not only with the threat of extra wrinkles, but dehydration can often cause the skin to feel uncomfortable or tight. It can make skin appear more crepey in appearance, give it a grey, dull pallor with no visible radiance at all. Severely dehydrated skin may also look quite red in appearance and feel rough to the touch. With the additional temperature changes causing additional dehydration in the skin, there’s also the issue with the overuse harsh products to quickly counteract problematic skin – such as everyday cleansers packed with detergents or aggressive skin care which guarantee rapid results yet depletes skin health rather than replenishes it. This can all have a negative impact on overall skin health and instigate dehydration.
Our clever skin has a function called trans epidermal water loss -- otherwise known as TEWL. TEWL is the amount of water that evaporates or escapes from your surface skin and is a completely normal everyday skin process. Interestingly, it has often been used as a method by which to assess the skin’s barrier function capability too. See the link here – think Probiotics!
It is believed that the higher the rate evaporation of the water from the surface skin, then potentially the less effective your skin’s barrier function may perform. It is also thought that as we age, our skin barrier function in fact improves. However, as we age, we also start to decrease the volume of natural lipids in the skin compared to a younger skin type. With depleting collagen and elastin levels, the slowing of cellular turnover and the extra years exposed to pollutants, environmental aggressors, and free radical attack, we know that ageing skin recovers from damage more slowly than a younger skin type, so we need all the additional help we can get!
During the winter months, the best approach to maintain the healthy appearance of our skin is to keep hold of as much of that natural water in the skin while preventing excessive evaporation of the
trans epidermal water loss levels is to hydrate, hydrate, and hydrate! Use a daily moisturiser that contains active ingredients and has a product description indicating it as occlusive, rejuvenating, a humectant or an emollient, or better yet, all of the mentioned for the best possible skin results.
When we want to revive, protect, and support our skin while preventing the appearance of dry skin, loss of elasticity, reduce fine lines, smooth, and maintain skin elasticity, we need a skincare routine which includes a moisturiser which is classed as being occlusive, humectant, emollient, and/or rejuvenating - why?
Occlusive moisturisers are super effective as they create a hydrophobic barrier on the surface skin which means they help to slow the rate of water evaporation from the skin and control the TEWL. (Ingredients such as stearic acid, shea butter, argan oil, borage seed oil and Jojoba oil are ones to watch out for).
Humectants are hygroscopic components that retain water and moisture within skin. We often refer to these as the ingredients which can attract and bind moisture to prevent excessive water loss or an increase in TEWL action. Formulations with humectant properties can be combined with occlusive agents that prevent water loss (look out for ingredients such as Glycerine, Hyaluronic Acid, propylene glycol, and Aloe Vera).
Emollients are most frequently used for drier skin types or those skin types with a rough feeling surface texture. Emollients assist lubricating the skin, therefore leaving the skin feeling soft and conditioned (Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, plant oil and mineral oil are common emollients).
Rejuvenators are designed to replace what is missing from our skin, such as essential proteins. However, most protein structures are large and are frequently broken down into amino acid sized structures to an exceptionally low molecular weight so they can create a similar role to the activity in the dermis. Their aim is to improve the skin appearance, so rejuvenators create a film that softens the skin, smooths, and even fills fine lines. So, when we look in the mirror, the reflection makes us smile. Rejuvenators often contain skin proteins such as Hydrolysed proteins or amino acids, Hydrolysed yeast proteins, peptides, and essential amino acids (marine collagen, hydrolysed proteins, vitamin C, Retinol to name a few).
A strong and balanced microbiome is essential for a radiant, supple, and healthy complexion – at any age. By strengthening your skin barrier and overall microbiome, this colony serves as your first line of defence against daily allergens, toxins, air pollution, free-radical attack and environmental stressors which target the skin daily.
So, that is why it is my number one resolution and is the one resolution that can last throughout the entire year and beyond! It does not require an excessive amount of planning, time, or commitment, to achieve a sensational result. What it does offer is a restored skin barrier and more hydrated, strengthened skin and a healthier, more vibrant, and glowing version of me for 2022.
New beginnings, new year, new skincare routine for me… how about you? To help you along the way, here's 60% OFF NEW Probiotics Advanced at the checkout from us with OFFER CODE: RESTORE60
]]>Sometimes the thought of a big event can stress us out -- what to wear, where to go, your thought process, the internal battle of “I am going” and then a minute later saying, “I am not going!” The intricacies of planning what goes into the event can feel like it takes ages and that you have planned everything down to the last millimetre between wine glasses. Yet, once again who is last on the list – you!
We all know ‘tis the season to be jolly is just around the corner, but party prep can be required all year round. There’s so many occasions we want to celebrate throughout the year – a first date, a wedding, that interview you’ve just managed to get for the company that you want to work so desperately for, at the school reunion (it’s been 30 years, since you last saw so many of them) – and for all these occasions, you want everyone to notice how fantastic you look so naturally, you want to feel as confident as your skin looks!
So where to start? Some events you have such advance notice that by the time they come around, you’re now actually feeling quite stressed, so that lovely luminious skin you pride yourself on has suddenly become pimple prone and appears really flat with a dull, grey-toned complexion – it’s like your usual dewy glow has marched right out the front door! So, get ready to read on for four party-prep solutions to great looking skin: The hero hydrator, the glow getter, the eternal exfoliator and this winter’s must have marine cleanser.
The good old motto, “fail to prepare – prepare to fail” is rule number one within your party prep. Treat your skin needs regularly, and not just before a big event. Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate -- it is the key to every glowing skin’s success. You can exfoliate with a daily cleanser and chemical exfoliator, which is frequently a blend of alpha hydroxy acids (AHA’s) combined with beta hydroxy acids (BHA’s) or you can use natural ingredients to assist desquamation such as citric acid throughout your daily skincare regime. Even manual exfoliation 1-2 per week in front of the mirror will have a positive effect on your skin. A monthly microdermabrasion, professional chemical facial peel or spa-inspired facial can also do the trick.
Removing the dead skin cells from the surface skin is vital for vibrant, healthy-looking skin. Naturally, the skin sheds, and the oldest, most dry dead skin cells sit upon on the skin’s surface as a layer, also known as the Epidermis. It is your protective layer of skin, the one that holds everything together, the natural glue, first line of defence as well as the layer of skin which creates the version of you that everyone sees. The word exfoliation according to Wikipedia comes from the Latin word “exfoliare” (to strip off leaves) and this is precisely what we do when we exfoliate, we strip back the dead layers of skin which now reside on your skin’s uppermost surface, the ones which can cause skin to look dull, make the surface skin texture feel uneven, and prevent light from bouncing back off your skin too.
It is paramount to remove dead surface skin cells regularly, as when they are left (especially if you have an oilier prone skin type) those dead skin cells combined with sebum/oil production in the skin, sweat, and daily dirt and debris can also cause blockages in the skin, creating blackheads, pimples, and pustules.
Desquamation is the body’s natural process for shedding old skin cells which have worked their way up to the skin’s surface. It is the way our amazing and clever skin functions to make way for new skin’s cells. Like many other bodily processes, this one slows down as we age. The process of cellular renewal starts with a cell being born, it then grows, matures, and finally dies as the cells work their way up through the epidermis. No matter what your skin type, skin renews on average and approximately every 28 days. However, if your skin is prone to being very dry, then this can take much longer by taking up to 90 days for the cells to turn over, and if you’re at the other end of the spectrum with a young and oily prone skin, then this could be more rapid and as frequent as every 20 days.
So, now you know why rule number one of getting your skin party prepped and ready to glow is exfoliation. Now you just need to choose which product will work best for you, what type of texture you like the most and ensure that you will continue to use week in, week out.
Natural daily rejuvenation with a little helping hand from citric acid, which is a natural Alpha Hydroxy Acid derived from citrus fruit, can gently exfoliate and remove dead skin cells revealing a brighter, fresher complexion. Doctors Formula Marine Collagen Wash Away Everyday Cleanser and Doctors Formula Dragons Blood Sensitive Anti-Bac Cleanser both utilise a daily dose of Citric Acid to keep dead skin cells at bay.
Neutrogena Refreshingly Clear Daily Exfoliator – a daily facial scrub which contains pink grapefruit & Vitamin C for a clearer radiant complexion. Using natural exfoliators to unclog pores, The formula deeply cleanses to help prevent imperfections without over-drying skin
Elemis Gentle Rose Exfoliator -- a gel with tiny exfoliating Jojoba beads to brighten and smooth your skin for a naturally radiant glow. This exfoliator is gentle enough to use every day on all skin types- especially sensitive or mature.
Find your very own hero hydrator – for great looking skin, no matter how stressed, tired, or run down you are feeling. When your hydration levels in the skin are kept topped up, your skin looks naturally healthier. Boosted hydration levels in the skin keeps our skin looking plumper and more youthful. It also aids all the skin’s natural processes from desquamation to keeping your skin’s natural barrier function more protected and supple. So healthy skin really is hydrated skin!
Keeping hydration levels boosted is not all about applying your favourite topical serum and moisturiser, although they are an everyday necessity. Diet, fluid, and nutrient intake combined with exercise also play an indispensable role in the overall health of your skin and indirectly its hydration levels. Finding your very own hero hydrator is key – active ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid in an everyday serum or moisturiser have such a positive impact on your skin. Renowned hyaluronic acid can hold up to one thousand times its own weight in water and naturally forms within the skin. It works like a trooper to keep every aspect of skin stable, protected, and constantly renewed. Another badge of honour for Hyaluronic acid is that it is also a humectant, which means it has the ability to attract and bind moisture from its surroundings. So, it can keep skin hydrated for longer by attracting moisture from the atmosphere – it is such a simple, yet clever skincare ingredient. Incorporating Hyaluronic acid into your everyday skincare regime makes a positive difference to the way our skin behaves and reacts, so starting to use this a few weeks prior to the big event will keep skin calm, supple, and fresh looking.
Hyaluronic acid is a feature of many skincare products -- look out for Sodium Hyaluronate in your skincare ingredients, as the salt form of skin-replenishing ingredient hyaluronic acid is considered to be more effective for skin than pure hyaluronic acid due to its greater compatibility. Doctors Formula Power Actives Hyaluronic Acid Serum uses both Sodium Hyaluronate combined with citric acid for a combination of skin renewing, skin-replenishing and hydration boosting actives to plump and refine at the same time – win-win for everyone who uses this!
L'Oréal Paris 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Revitalift Filler Serum - Formulated with 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid, the serum strives to restore radiance and moisture to your complexion. This product contains L’Oreal’s highest concentration of the beauty industry’s most sought-after ingredient, working to deeply nourish and hydrate your skin.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic acid 2% + B5 is a skin treatment hydrating serum with ultra-pure, vegan hyaluronic acid for intense hydration. Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is a hydration support formula with ultra-pure, vegan Hyaluronic Acid by Deciem.
If you are already a slave to hydration and are looking for a glow getter ingredient, then reach for the age-defying active ingredient Vitamin C. Long associated with skin vitality, Vitamin C is renowned for its antioxidant ability and is an essential nutrient involved in the repair of tissue and the production of collagen. Drink it, eat it, take it within a supplement and slather it daily all over your face, neck and decolletage for some sensational skin glow!
Vitamin C, otherwise known as ascorbic acid, is both an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory. It helps to fight and neutralise free radicals attack on the skin and calm those inflammatory response signal in the skin, ultimately leaving you with a more even skin tone, a radiant glow, and less redness. A vital component in collagen and elastin synthesis as well as a skin brightener, it is the ultimate skin saving ingredient when you need a rosy glow. By helping to target pigmentation within the skin and prevent further pigmentation as it inhibits the enzyme tyrosinase, it helps prevent melanin production. It is a skin saving, age defying ingredient which adds a glow to your daily skincare routine.
Doctors Formula Power Actives Vitamin C Serum is a powerhouse of vitamins to brighten & revive skin, whilst improving the signs of environmental ageing. Gentle enough to be used both morning and evening while it brightens dull and tired skin, this serum is combined with active ingredients to mimic natural moisturising agents found in the skin and maintain hydration levels. This product is an expert hydrator to normalise, rebalance and help in achieving great glowing skin.
SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic - This topical antioxidant serum neutralises free radicals, while C E Ferulic improves signs of photo-damage, the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and the loss of firmness.
Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester Brightening Serum - Promoting a brighter, more even toned complexion, this lightweight Vitamin C serum delivers smoothing and illuminating properties, targeting uneven tone and discolouration to inspire a healthy-looking, balanced complexion.
Now both prior and post the event, there is one step of your daily routine which simply cannot be skipped. No matter how much of a rush you are in to get out the door nor does it matter how rapidly you want your head to touch the pillow when you return. Cleansing needs to be done, both pre and post party! Remember, “Fail to prepare…?”
I am not sure how many times in the past I have wanted to roll my eyes when someone was investing in their routine and purchasing skincare after a treatment or consultation, only to tell me that they do not use soap to clean their face (polishing their halo at this point) then let me know that they use wet wipes. My heart sinks! Fact. A wet wipe really does not cut it -- they simply smear whatever was on your skin, such as sweat, dirt, dust, grease, and grime, into your now hours old make-up, swirling it all over the skin and helping to breed a few more bacteria. You then go on to apply serum and moisturiser and sleep with all those lovely non-beneficial bacteria all night. Need I say more? Well, let us just agree that is it is certainly not marine clean.
Seriously, you would be surprised at how much dirt and debris your skin accumulates throughout the day, so going to bed without a thorough cleanse is not an option if you want healthy-looking skin. Throughout the night, our skin naturally switches into healing mode. During the day, your skin acts on “defence mode,” protecting your skin against environmental attack, then when we sleep it automatically switches to “recovery mode,” which could be needed even more after a great party. The skin repairs and regenerates up to three times faster at night than during the day. So, leaving your skin clogged with the party’s aftermath of make-up and perspiration slows the natural rejuvenation process down and helps to age us faster. So, there is a definite need to prep before you party and then wash away the night when you return, no matter what state of mind you are in upon your return!
Active ingredients within a cleanser are key. Replenishing the skin’s natural fatty acids with skin brightening acids, glycerin, and natural extracts such as coconut, replenishes the skin’s surface moisture and aids with water loss prevention. These active ingredients are super gentle on skin, leaving you with a beautiful blank canvas to work with prior to partying and a beautiful skin ready for rejuvenation when you return. A recent discovery and now new all-time favourite is Doctors Formula Marine Collagen Illuminating Cleansing Balm and Super Soft Muslin Cloth -- if you haven’t had the pleasure of experiencing this yet, then it’s time to try and get it on your Christmas wish list now! No need for comparisons here, as nothing else I have ever used comes in a close second place.
Precisely how much you have managed to age your skin in just a few hours all depends on the volume of rich food, alcohol, and lack of sleep you’ve had. It may just have been a few tipples, it could also have been skin-full, and whilst your body can recover fairly rapidly from a few chin-chin’s, if you’ve turned into a party animal and the party season feels like it lasts all year round, then the dark circles, under eye-bags, pounding head may feel like it was worth it if you’ve had the time of your life. However, fast forward 20 years and you may look in the mirror and decide differently. Realistically, a party lifestyle is not sustainable if you are wanting that peachy, smooth-skin glow of youth to last into your forties and beyond, even after all the time and effort put into the party prep. A few hints and tips for masking the aftermath are always required.
Masks: love or loathe them, they are a staple when it comes to skin recovery. Adding masks into a regular skincare routine will definitely reap the benefits -- it is why your facialist will always use them during a treatment as they can provide hydration, nourishment, and anti-ageing benefits, or they can be clarifying, skin soothing and pore cleansing. Either way, your skin will thank you for their use, and if you think you have not got time to wait around for 10-20 minutes whilst your mask works its wonders, then opt for an overnight mask. Working whilst you sleep to repair and rejuvenate, masks that act as a replacement night moisturiser applied directly over your regular serum can work wonders. Doctors Formula 8 Hour Deep Repair Mask is an overnight miracle mask for dry, tired, party pooped skin containing a complex of collagen amino acids, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract and Vitis Vinifera – grape extract which acts a powerful antioxidant, so it helps to nourish, hydrate, plump and smooth the appearance of the skin. You may even look like you have escaped the signs of dehydration with a few nights use of this mask.
Origins Intensive Overnight Hydrating Mask - This ultra-moisturizing sleeping mask instantly floods skin with moisture & keeps skin soft, smooth & happily hydrated for 72 hours.
Aurelia London Overnight Recovery Mask – An ultra-nourishing overnight mask is enriched with industrious botanicals and probiotics to help soothe, deeply hydrate, repair, and calm skin, whether you have dry, sensitive, blemish-prone, or redness-prone skin.
So, we recognise that alcohol absolutely influences the skin, whether you are sipping your sauvignon or shouting for the next round of shots. It is not literally sucking the moisture out of the skin, however as the alcohol metabolises in the liver, a toxic by-product is produced and released into the body and skin, causing dehydrated tissue.
Drinking plenty of non-alcoholic fluids in-between your favourite tipple may make you feel like you’re being a party pooper, yet an indulgence of alcohol can affect your sleeping pattern. As we know, our skin rejuvenates more rapidly during the night and when we’re sleeping, so once that pattern is disrupted, the first signs of dehydration within the tissue likely kicks in, as well as the hangover that brings dark circles, under eye bags, fine dehydration lines, skin puffiness and perhaps even some irritability into the mix too.
Blotchy skin, broken capillaries, newly visible veins or an increase in fine lines and wrinkles can all be caused through alcohol consumption. It depends on how much you drink and how frequently, what your tolerance levels are and how quickly you metabolize alcohol. Experts believe that excess alcohol over prolonged periods of time can have irreversible effects on the skin, whilst just a few seasonal parties simply dehydrate and lead you back to a focus on your skincare regime.
How to combat the hangover dehydration
Top tip no 1: Drink in moderation and where you can, drink a non-alcoholic drink between each alcoholic drink to give your liver a fighting chance to metabolize the alcohol.
Top tip no 2: Once the night (or day!) is over, drink a warming cup of tea - mint, ginger and lemon or turmeric are all great before you sleep to give your liver a helping hand at flushing those toxins away.
Top tip no 3: Whatever you do, don’t go to bed with your make-up on! Think of the all the bacteria you’ve gained on your skin whilst being out and about -- don’t let them breed on your skin overnight and get comfortable in your lovely linen and your skin. Wash the event away and apply an intense hydrating serum such as hyaluronic acid and a skin boosting moisturiser or overnight miracle mask such as marine collagen to give you a little helping hand in the radiance department tomorrow – you’re going to need it!
Top tip no 4: Take a few deep breaths (that is not to stop the room spinning). It is to get some good, clean oxygen into your lungs to calm the mind and help you sleep. Keep a cool glass of water beside you while you sleep and if you wake up, sip, and then try and go back to sleep.
Top tip no 5: Step up your skincare routine for the next few days. Keep up the exfoliation – it is key in rejuvenating your skin. Then just like the party prep routine, hydrate, hydrate, then hydrate some more. Your Hyaluronic Acid Serum & Vitamin C Serums are as vital as the headache tablets! Treat your skin to a facial by using a soothing, hydrating and skin replenishment mask. Leverage the power of antioxidants -- whether topical or in your diet – by eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and put the nourishment back into your body and skin.
Now you are armed and ready – go enjoy the party season and be jolly! And to help you along the way, here's 20% off at the checkout from us with OFFER CODE: PARTY2021
www.doctorsformula.co.uk
]]>Brrr, it is that time of year when you suddenly notice the change in the weather, and you find yourself ramping the heating up and reaching over for something warm and cosy like a cashmere jumper. It is also that time as we approach Halloween, and the one provocative question on your lips is what you are doing for Christmas and the holidays, reminding yourself that this year you need to ensure:
1) You please all and they love their Christmas treating’s
2) Include everyone, as after last year’s Covid restrictions, your list of people and places to be just seemed to have grown...
3) See everybody with enough time to go around – now that is a feat in itself!
It is the dreaded thought of what to gift everyone on your whirlwind tour. Are you the super-organised, envious, “it’s all done and dusted” friend with presents all wrapped, packed, and ready to go and Christmas cards already written or are you a last-minute Christmas Eve shopper and your question to everyone until 3pm the day prior is “What would you like??”
Well, whichever mould you fall in to do not despair! Last minute gifts can be great, especially if you go armed with a little inside knowledge and consider what is really happening to your mum’s, sister’s, and bestie’s skin. Even better…if you can fix it or get your partner started into looking after their skin, need I say more?
Winter skin is a thing -- FACT! As the seasons change and we rapidly approach those dark and dreary months (well, here in the UK anyway!), your skin is going through a change too. When the humidity levels change, your skin’s behaviour starts to change too. We think of winter as being wet, yet the reality is that during winter as far as humidity levels go, the atmosphere can be much drier than the summer months. Think of those howling winds, streaking rain and leaves as deep as your knees, which is beautiful to walk through, yet they did not just drop. They had a firm force pulling them from the trees and that chilling wind can have same dehydrating, crinkling, and withering effect on the skin when it’s exposed without protection.
The other issue that skin faces throughout winter is constant heat fluctuations. One minute you’re warm and toasty, snuggled up in a multitude of layers as close to the roaring fire as you can be. Then, the dog brings you its lead, and no matter how much you try to convince him he really doesn’t want a walk right this minute, those eyes and nudge of the nose tell you a completely different story, so it’s time to pull on your boots, waterproof and SPF and get out there and face the elements.
Throughout the winter months, we may see changes such as drier skin patches, more breakouts and dull skin appearance. Skin can frequently experience that “tight” sensation, a sure sign of dehydration too. Add into the equation that the season for celebrating is drawing closer, so an extra tipple or two on the works “night-out,” increased chocolate consumption (from the added stress of Christmas shopping) and diets that are richer in saturated fats diet than usual from comfort eating and take-aways, all because we want something to look forward to in this bleak period called winter, (and the word “fresh salad” gives you a shiver as you long for something rich, heart-warming and steaming!)
So, what effect does the weather have on your skin and how can you rectify it?
With freezing temperatures, high winds and lower humidity levels, the skin begins to lose extra water reserves and vital moisture levels start to deplete. When using your daily moisturiser throughout the late autumn and into winter, it is a clever idea to check out your moisturiser texture. If it is a thin, light lotion, then it is time to switch up to a richer cream version. If you are already using a cream and the thought of using a moisturiser that is richer and denser in texture makes you think of a face which may look a little like a glazed donut, then looking at your daily serums could be a better change for you. Adding in marine collagen amino acids, Hyaluronic acid or probiotic skincare could be the solution to your winter skincare routine. Great British brands such as Doctors Formula®, and Elemis ® have delicious collagen and pro collagen moisturisers.
Marine collagen is known to replenish hydration levels and keep our skin full of elasticity, so it is a definite choice for winter skin protection even from being as young as in our mid-twenties (when we naturally start to deplete our collagen levels) and is something to consider through to your senior years. Think of collagen like a glue within the body and skin, holding everything together and keeping the outer appearance of skin from looking more like a grape than a wrinkly raisin! Plus, its ability to attract and bind moisture in the skin makes it a sure winner for topical skincare throughout the winter months.
Hyaluronic acid serums are necessary in everyone’s skincare routine. Known for its restorative abilities and ability to boost the skin’s moisture content while it simultaneously soothes and defends against moisture loss, adding Hyaluronic acid into your daily skincare routine is likely to leave you with a visibly decreased wrinkle depth and smoother skin surface whilst helping to reinforce the skin’s protective barrier. Hyaluronic acid is thought to be capable of holding up to 1,000 times its own weight in water, making it an optimal hydrator for all skin types and a definite winter skincare winner. Take a look at The Ordinary®, Loreal Revitalift® Hyaluronic acid serum and Doctors Formula® variations for top choices in HA serums.
Lastly, probiotic skincare may appear to be somewhat of a new phenomenon in the skincare category, but if it is something you have not tried yet, then there is no time like the present. Probiotics in skincare are the ‘good’ bacteria that are designed to restore the balance in your skin, bringing it back to a harmonious state.
Probiotics restore, rebalance, and rehydrate your microbiome, the natural ecosystem on your skin –which ensure your skin’s natural defence mechanisms are always armed and ready to combat the stresses of the weather, life, and the visible signs of ageing. They work by regulating everything from hydration to sensitivity, breakouts to dryness, blemishes to redness. They provide the skin’s living colony of both good and bad bacteria the opportunity to work in harmony. Probiotics work by rebuilding, repairing, and strengthening your skins natural barrier function, which is the invisible protective shield on your skin, so it thrives rather than survives the winter weather change. For the best Probiotic skincare available, take a pre-Christmas peek at leading brands such as Valmont®, Aurelia® and skincare pioneers Doctors Formula Probiotics® for the latest ingredients and skin saving formulations.
During the winter months many people find that as the moisture levels deplete in their skin, their skin suddenly feels tight, become red in patches or even itchy because of the dryness, so the seasonal switch of skincare is an absolute necessity to keep your skin in premium condition. Plus, it is not always just our facial skin which experiences these changes -- your body may also experience more dehydrated skin and if left untreated for an extended period, it causes fine lines to appear on the skin and wrinkles which could have been prevented. So, to avoid the not so lovely benefits of dehydration, another way to boost your total hydration levels in the skin and support your hair, nails and joints throughout the winter months is by taking a collagen supplement or collagen boosting drink. Peter Andre loves his Reverse life® while Jennifer Aniston promotes Vital Proteins®. My best British brand – Doctors Formula® Collagen Boosting Drink with a great taste and 10.000mg of collagen in just one shot per day - easy.
As collagen is the most abundant protein in your body, it plays various vital roles both within the building blocks of your skin, muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments. It also assists with our digestive system and blood vessels. Collagen accounts for a third of your body’s protein composition. Not only is it essential for healthy joints, gut function, and mobility it also keeps skin full of elasticity and promotes a more youthful looking skin appearance.
Decreases in skin collagen starts from as young as our mid-twenties, combined with other physiological changes, resulting in lower moisture levels and reduced skin firmness leading to premature skin ageing. Collagen is a protein that makes up more than 30% of all protein in your body with over 70% of the skin is made up of collagen and water. So by taking a collagen supplement, we treat the whole of our bodies, not just the areas prone to the elements such as our face, neck, and hands. As it is a fundamental building block of the skin to prevent the signs of premature ageing, loss of skin tone and elasticity, fine lines and wrinkles, as well as uneven skin texture, collagen is a definite solution that can addresses these issues during the winter season.
On a frosty winter day, the thought of a long soak in a steaming hot bath or a rainfall pounding from a power shower seems like bliss. Yet again, the extreme of temperature is not great for the skin, as anything which forces your skin to an extreme temperature can influence the skin. Skin likes a constant temperature, so keeping fluctuations to a minimum helps our skin to maintain a better equilibrium. Rethink before stoking up the fire and sitting right next to it so your skin glows from the heat or using water that is red hot. They may be small wins, but they can have a significant impact on your skin health.
Last but not least, no matter what the season, SPF is essential. Just because the days appear dreary and there is no sunshine streaming through the windows, the strength of UV rays are still around us. As one of the major causes of wrinkles and premature ageing, using an SPF daily in your skincare regimen can keep your skin looking more radiant, and fresh, plus assist in the prevention of long-term sun damage such as hyperpigmentation and blocking out those harmful ageing UV rays. So even when it is cold and cloudy, SPF should be an everyday application -- not just for holidays and the summer months.
Around the holiday seasons and during the winter months, there always appears to be more socialising going on, and with it more alcohol consumption. Plus, comfort-food in the winter months feels like it is a given – with hot and steaming soups, stews, and puddings (or is that just me?) Holidays can also bring more take-aways – your most used app becomes Just-eat® or Deliveroo® Meals out, richer, heart-warming dishes, to fuel your inner self and stave off the wintry weather. But this too can influence your skin health, so thinking about a skincare treat as a last-minute gift could be a winter saviour and see your besties’ skin through to January before the detox season arrives.
There is an intrinsic connection between your gut health, brain health and skin health. A few days of celebrating and over-indulgence and your skin lets you know that it has been put through the mill. The complexion you have worked so hard at attaining before meeting up with those family and friends you have not seen in “oh so long” suddenly feels like it has taken on a mind of its own, looking dry and dull with a few blemishes and breakouts. All of a sudden, redness that you have never experienced before pops up and your cleanser feels like it is leaving your skin dry and tight after use. Or was it the weather and an attack of dehydration that has caused the change? Realistically, it is a combination of all three.
We know alcohol can cause our skin to become drier. It restricts the amount of oxygenated blood supplied around your skin’s microsystem, which is a key player in keeping skin hydrated and healthy in appearance -- hence the flat, dull like looking appearance after alcohol consumption.
When your skin is under-nourished with vital nutrients, we often see the colour and tone of the skin change, so skin may appear more patchy and uneven looking in appearance. Alcohol can also cause the body to retain more water, leaving you with a puffy face the following day. Drinks high in sugar with alcohol (which already have zero or minimal nutritional value) not only affects the waistline, but also creates a spike in sugar that triggers your appetite in the early morning hours, causing many to indulge in the “drink munchies” that usually ends up being an unhealthy take-away saturated in fat. All of this to help counteract the effects of the night before when you wake up the next morning, hoping that you don’t feel so bad after all…
Food -- it is the ultimate in skin feeding, nourishment and health preservation. For many of us, it is also a symbol of celebration and comfort (or to the millions watching their waistlines may feel like the forbidden or famine!) The holiday season may bring about an abundance of food and that too can have an impact on skin. We are what we eat.
Short term over-indulgences we can sometimes get away with, but healthy skin really does start from within. A balanced and varied diet packed with antioxidant rich foods, your 5-a-day of fresh fruit and vegetables combined with “good” fats, protein and fibre keeps supplying your ever evolving skin cells with a supply of goodness, with key nutrients keeping it hydrated, supple and healthy. Diet plays a significant role in keeping the appearance of skin to look more youthful -- although gravity, lifestyle and health will all play their part in us naturally ageing.
So, in the countdown to Christmas and the search for the perfect skin treating’s, the wish to look radiant and fresh-faced in time for the Christmas night-out and precision planned visits of all relatives over the holidays. Look, at both your skin nourishing diet and topical skincare over the next few months. It does not have to be a whole new skincare routine, it can be a tweak here and there, and with an average 50ml facial moisturiser and 30ml serum lasting approximately 10-12 weeks of use, just a couple of changes can see you through until spring. Increase the hydration and moisturisation levels with the skincare that you apply by adding in key ingredients such as marine collagen or Hyaluronic Acid. Both ingredients can play a vital role in your skins winter survival. You can also try probiotic skincare to strengthen your skin’s natural microbiome and build your skin’s resilience and protective invisible shield before it gets a winter weather attack. In addition, treat your body as a whole and boost not only your skin but your hair, nails and joints with a collagen boosting supplement or drink.
Do not feel overwhelmed by the vast array of skincare out there -- keep it simple and think of hydration heroes for your last-minute skincare gifts. We all need a boost pre and post the holidays! Use code: HYDRATE50 for 50% off any full price products! Expired 31st Dec 2021.
www.doctorsformula.co.uk
]]>I hear you say, but is it? Do you look your age? Older? Younger? When does it start? You know that feeling when you look in the mirror at your reflection, “Hmm, this isn’t quite what I expected?”
]]>As old as I am! I hear you say, but is it? Do you look your age? Older? Younger? When does it start? You know that feeling when you look in the mirror at your reflection, “Hmm, this isn’t quite what I expected?”
We take our youth for granted – that fresh faced, dewy look our skin appears to have all year round from the day we are born, often with minimal effort, unless you’ve experienced acne in your teens. The fine lines seem to creep up on us – first, it may just be a few tiny crinkles at the corner of your eyes or a few dark circles and the occasional breakout in our early twenties. You may suddenly notice that your lipstick is starting to bleed ever so slightly even when wearing a lip liner. The texture has begun to change, and that youthful luminosity isn’t there every day, light doesn’t seem to bounce or reflect right back off your skin. Fast forward a few years and signs of broken capillaries, enlarged pores and a more uneven texture start to stare back at you and those laughter lines suddenly seem to have become much deeper and more prevalent. Brown pigmentation patches and freckles that don’t dissipate with the summer sun, but are still on the skin at Christmas time, what is happening to my skin and why?...
At Birth
It starts in our youth – beautiful baby skin that’s plump, squidgy, smooth and oh so soft to the touch. It’s rich in all things buoyant: bountiful in collagen and enriched fatty acids. It gets fed only the good stuff and is protected to the hilt in sunscreen with a minimum sun protection Ffactor of 50 by our parents. Hats on the beach, with the constantly applied SPF slathered on every inch of skin on show. Covered to the max throughout the winter months so you can barely see the little one’s face! Bathed, moisturised, and caressed daily with delicate ph. balanced soaps, bath foams and baby lotions. Your skin is living the good life!
And it shows how protected skin is healthy and youthful, as infant skin is structurally different to adult skin. The cells are smaller, the collagen fibres thinner and it’s also more permeable than adult skin as the epidermis of an infant is up to 20% thinner, so it can also run the risk of becoming dry and dehydrating out more readily than adult skin.
However, to counteract trans epidermal water loss is super effective at birth, equal to or even lower than, that of an adult, due to a baby’s super effective skin barrier. And some argue that an infant skin already has both a well-developed and functional skin at birth with a thick epidermis and well-formed stratum corneum (the layer which protects the inner layers of the skin, thicker on the hands and feet, thinner on the eye lids for example). Even within the first few days after being born, the function of the skin barrier changes.
The skin’s microbiome and ever evolving skin environment stimulates the growth of some bacteria and limits the growth of others. The amount of specific bacteria such as the Staphylococcus species are higher on neonatal skin compared with adult skin. Research shows that infant skin is more hydrated than adult skin, and the skin microbiome of new-born babies resembles the microbiome of moist skin sites in adults. Is it any wonder that baby and infant skin is so incredibly smooth, hydrated, and soft to the touch when this largest of organs is constantly evolving over its first 12 months of life?
Entering the teen years
Fast forward to our teens when the hormones kick in, sebum (oil) production fluctuates and if that results in a breakout of blemishes and spots, we find the most aggressive spot reducing skincare we can find and target our skin with it, whether there is a blemish or not. Make-up is discovered and not necessarily cleansed off before we go to bed, which means bacteria breed and spread across our skin, resulting in more breakouts. You’re tired of hearing your parents tell you to leave your phone off the table or say you’ve had more than enough hours on your iPad. You’re using a laptop at school, so ever constantly exposed to blue light radiation. Increased sweat secretions come into force as your body changes, and you discover the joys of blackheads, pimples, and spots!
Adolescence, been there, worn the t-shirt and remember all, of those bodily changes taking place! It’s not just skin deep, the results of those changing hormones, increases in sweat production and sudden oily skin type which seems to have appeared overnight and is affecting you but not your bestie! Thank your brain, it’s ultimately what is causing the change to your skin. It releases a gonadotropin-releasing hormone which cause your pituitary gland to release hormones to either produce more oestrogen or testosterone. These hormones LOVE to get in touch with your sebaceous glands (the ones which produce vital oil for the skin), but they appear to go into overdrive causing a slick of oil on the surface of the skin, which can result in the size of pores becoming enlarged, or all of the sebum doesn’t quite make it to the surface and gets trapped in a hair follicle, joins forces with the hair in combination with natural cellular turn over producing dead skin cells, now lying on the surface skin and becoming trapped, causing pimples and spots, add into the equation the increased production of sweat, the result, blackheads, blocked pores and spots not only on your face, but frequently onto your back and chest too. As we exit puberty into adulthood, sebum production slows for most, while for some others it doesn’t. And for a few, it almost comes to a standstill. Your skin type is prevalent at this point: normal, combination, oily or dry.
Blue light and skin
The factors’ affecting skin doesn’t stop there though. In recent years, the effect of blue light on the skin has come more into focus as we forever use digital devices, and if you have teenagers, you feel like you are forever saying “put that phone down!” With their life at their fingertips and social media calling, the chances of a conversation when the mobile, iPad, laptop or flat screen TV are on use are slim at best! Yet, the effect of blue light on adolescent skin can have far reaching and long-term effects – and not just for teenagers, for all of us oldies too!
Blue light is defined as a short wavelength, high intensity light, visible to the human eye, sometimes referred to as High Energy Visible or HEV light. Blue light is emitted from the sun’s rays, electric bulbs, atmospheric light and without a doubt from all our digital devices. It’s also believed to have the ability to penetrate further into the skin than UVA and UVB rays, reaching the dermis and targeting our collagen and elastin supplies. Although we are all exposed to blue-light, it’s the intensity and duration we are exposed to it for which can have a negative and harmful effect on our skin as it’s a primary cause of oxidative stress in the skin. Not just skin in fact, but our eyes too, which is a feeling of fatigue and most definitely sleeplessness when exposed prior to bedtime. For some, over exposure can also cause headaches and associated symptoms. So, what does this cause within your skin – ageing of course! Photo-ageing (ageing skin from light exposure), hyper pigmentation, inflammation, and a weakened skin surface. Who thought that so much skin damage can be caused during puberty and adolescence?
The importance of SPF on holiday
Your first holiday abroad with your friends, and no one reminding you of the need to reapply the sunscreen. You’re desperate for a tanned look – in your mind tanned skin equals healthy skin. You’ve even had a few sunbed sessions before your holidays started to get your skin used to the heat before you arrive at your destination. You’re being “good” and applying your sunscreen (you can hear your parents in your ear, as you arrive at the beach and start to apply your new super-fast tanning oil with an SPF 2 – need I say more?) Fast food all the way, as who has time to cook when you could be out enjoying yourselves at the new club you haven’t got to yet? Your 5-a-day has depleted, and a liquid diet is, you tell yourself – “absolutely fine” - for just a week or two! No limits, no holdbacks, lack of sleep and being out all night having the best time EVER!
SPF – you can’t leave home without it, whether it be in a daily moisturiser, make-up, or blur cream. For those who are diligent, they apply multiple layers of SPF on the skin before even stepping a foot outside! When we think of UV rays, most of us think of sun exposure, red or brown tinged skin, even a healthy glow (this perception often changes as we age). Yet the damage caused to skin by both UVA and UVB rays is phenomenal and is the biggest cause of looking older than our true skin years. UVA rays penetrate not only the skin down to the dermis, but they also attack our skin even when indoors as they can penetrate glass. So even if you’re not headed out, wearing a daily SPF is a true skin saviour. UV ray damage in the skin is the root cause of lines and wrinkles, age-spots or hyperpigmentation and increases the risk of skin cancers.
Alcohol consumption
It’s party time, we’re celebrating, young and carefree, and most definitely, we’re not considering how alcohol can have long-term effects on our skin during your youthful summer vacation or even just on the weekend splurge. Short term, we know the result – poor sleep, under-eye bags and potentially a few breakouts, puffiness, and a duller complexion the subsequent days after a heavy night or two. However, resilient as it is, given time in between to rejuvenate, our skin appears to recover quite rapidly. We may even experience an increased anti-inflammatory response signal activity in our skin whilst were drinking – red flushes on the neck and cheeks. So short term effects seem minimal and manageable, yet the longer-term effects of over alcohol consumption are detrimental.
Experts believe that excess alcohol over long periods of time can have irreversible effects on the skin, literally sucking the moisture out of the skin. Even as the alcohol consumed starts to metabolise in the liver, a toxic by product is produced and released into the body and skin. Resulting in dehydrated tissue, which ultimately can lead to more lines, wrinkles, loss of luminosity and an increased anti-inflammatory response as well as the broken capillaries, blotchy and uneven skin tone, and lack of luminosity.
Finally, the holiday is coming to an end, you’re starting to look forward to your own bed and a few early nights as well as good home cooked meal. All those take-aways, rich meals out and only a few hours’ sleep have taken their toll, but you’re young, you’ll bounce back!
Stress
Then suddenly, every minute of every day is timed to perfection -- you make sure you’re not going to miss the train to work, want to beat the rush hour traffic, get the kids ready with their afterschool bags packed, presentations lined up. It doesn’t help that your night of poor sleep was because you woke yourself up with all the things you should have done today but forgot about or simply didn’t find the time in which to complete them. Finally, it’s wind down time, those who should be in bed have finally gone to sleep, you’ve raided your stash of the naughty snacks you’ve hidden from the kids, glass of wine poured, just one more glass and that will be a bottle gone. Time for bed, and now you’re too tired to wash away the day and your undereye bags could give Louis Vuitton a run for their money! Time seems to be passing you by so quickly, and there never feels like enough hours in the day.
Stress. Just one simple word which can create havoc on the skin and life in general! When we feel stressed, our body responds in so many ways. Our hormone signals to respond and produce more cortisol, which in turn advises your oil producing glands to make more oil, often causing unexpected breakouts, no matter what our age. Stress also tends to affect our sleeping pattern, and those who experience an unadulterated 7-8 hours of usually normal sleep can find that sleep seems a thing of the past - no matter how many sheep you count.
Sleep cycles & diet
Skin isn’t rested and your circadian rhythms has gone out of the window with the feeling that it’s not returning anytime soon. Circadian rhythms are 24-hour cycles that are part of the body’s internal clock that run the background to carry out essential functions and processes. This includes optimal skin function, as well as the sleep-wake cycle (the most important and well-known circadian rhythms!) as different systems of the body follow circadian rhythms that are synchronized with a master clock in the brain. Your skin looks dull, you’re irritable, you have breakouts which you haven’t had since you were in your teens, and you seemingly have inflammation or redness in the skin which you’ve never experienced before. Rosacea, rashes and even blisters may appear and at worst a breakout of hives. You felt stressed before, now that your skin is misbehaving you feel even more stressed and emotional.
So, you reach for the comfort food or the glass of something tasty. This too has an effect on the skin, and more frequently the waistline too! Diet plays a vital role in the health of our skin. Foods that are packed with antioxidants, like fresh fruit & vegetables and healthy fats from fish, nuts, and fruits such as avocado, will assist in keeping skin healthy from within. Water is the hydration hero to save the day, alongside herbal tea that helps the skin remain luminous.
Then it’s time to try and catch up on those missed hours of sleep, but you’re exhausted after today. Do I really need to cleanse you ask yourself? Don’t ask, just do it. Each and every day we need to cleanse away the day and dirt and debris we’ve accumulated without necessarily seeing a visible film on the skin. The make-up may have worn off, yet pollution, bacteria and sweat are lurking. Don’t take the bugs to bed! Cleanse and hydrate prior to sleep -- your skin will thank you for it and so will your reflection the following morning.
“Where did the past 30+ years go?” you ask yourself. How much consumption of alcohol, a poor diet, and raging hormones, combined with environmental damage, pollution and stress have affected the age of your skin? Is it too late to turn back the clock? Never.
So, what can we do?
There’s always room for improvement and healthier skin choices. Maybe the word retirement looms, but then you’ve still got the grandchildren to keep you on your toes, friends to meet, holidays which can last longer than two weeks, the garden, the dog. “I will slow down” you tell yourself as you look in the mirror, but who’s that person staring back at you and how old do they look?
A few tactics to “slow down” that you can add to tomorrow’s “to-do” list:
Skin is both a complex organ and an intrinsic, dynamic entity. It is individual to every one of us and performs vital functions daily like providing UV protection and regulating body temperature. It’s the physical barrier between everything within and the environment. It has its own world of natural moisturising factors, secretion processes, hair protection and regulatory systems to keep us safe. It prevents invasion from pathogens, sensory perception, from the second we are born to the minute we depart. Learn to love the skin you’re in!
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The likely answer is no. We abuse it day in and day out. We expose it to all forms of aggressors, environmental damage, physical attack, UV rays and pollution. We leave the dead and dying cells on the skin’s surface, yet we expect it to fully function, be radiant, healthy, and non-reactive. It keeps us warm and cool as our complete protective layer, shielding everything beneath, so why do we not show our skin the care and support it deserves?
]]>SKIN -- it’s our largest living organ, but do we really pay it the respect that it deserves?
The likely answer is no. We abuse it day in and day out. We expose it to all forms of aggressors, environmental damage, physical attack, UV rays and pollution. We leave the dead and dying cells on the skin’s surface, yet we expect it to fully function, be radiant, healthy, and non-reactive. It keeps us warm and cool as our complete protective layer, shielding everything beneath, so why do we not show our skin the care and support it deserves?
If you consider our immediate thoughts when we refer to one of the main organs of the body -- the brain, heart, lungs, kidneys, and liver – we are quite proactive when it comes to maintaining it. We talk about our diet and how we exercise. We talk about managing our stress levels and what impact that can have on our bodies, as well as how essential to health a healthy heart is. Mental health awareness is on the rise each day, so taking some time out or down time is no longer a luxury but an essential part of everyday life – we get it! If we talk about lung health, we know smoking is a habit we should avoid at all costs and that there’s nothing better than inhaling super clean air. We have dry January to encourage the reduction of alcohol we consume to help keep our kidneys and liver fully functional, detoxing to allow the tissue to renew and replenish and give us a feel-good boost. They’re all immediate link thoughts that we have and one’s that we both recognise and can relate to. But what about protecting our skin?
Your bespoke microbiome is created within the first few years of being born. These living microbes reside not only on our skin, but your body is said to have almost as many microbes as cells, and all invisible to the naked eye. So, although they may start life with the perfect balance both within the body and on your skin, environmental exposure, stress, medication, and diet can have a serious impact on the health of our microbiome both internally and externally. These microbes assist the entire body from your gut health, skin, nasal, and oral cavities to wage a war on daily pathogens attacking the body. They aid with food digestion and help our immune system; they work 24/7 to keep your body both safe and healthy. So, they’re most definitely worth looking after.
If I asked you to name a probiotic drink that takes care of your gut health, I can guarantee that you’d likely tell me Activia®. We associate this specific brand with looking after our gut health and its microbiome.
First launched in France back in 1987, Danone® researchers took an interest in bifidobacterial, which they found to have a range of beneficial health effects, including the regulation of intestinal microbial homeostasis. They developed a specific strain that could survive in the acidic medium of yoghurt. In addition to traditional yoghurt bacteria, they decided to add a probiotic strain too. Activia® products contain Bifidobacterium animalis a proprietary strain of Bifidobacterium. As of 2013, Activia ® was present in more than 70 countries and on five continents, is classified as a functional food, designed to improve digestive health. So, millions of us know that by keeping our microbiome in perfect working order, stable and balanced is an essential part to everyday life. Yet, if I asked you to name me a skincare brand that looks after your skin microbiome, could you? Do you even know that the skin has it very own microbiome that needs taking care of, just like your gut?
SKIN is fascinating – fact! With its multiple and multi-complex layers, with intricate actions to protect. To be fair it has its very own ecosystem with trillions of bacteria which fight on your behalf every day. So, what is your skin’s microbiome?
The microbiome is made up of more than a trillion micro-organisms which live on our skin. They’re the fighting force of protection, strength, and stability on your skin. Predominantly, the microbiome is made up of bacteria, but did you know that it can also include, fungus, virus and even mites? Please don’t gross out over this right now! It’s a healthy colony and it’s the epicentre of your skins’ health.
This army of skin workers is fundamental to the wellness of our skin. In short, these skin saving bacteria are on a daily mission to aid all types of complexions, boosting our biome and targeting daily skin malfunctions such as itching and inflammation, rashes, breakouts and likely at the top of almost everyone’s “skin goals target list,” the dreaded dehydration which if we don’t treat, can progress into fine lines and ultimately wrinkles.
In summary, it’s all about maintaining the perfect balance within the skin’s microbiome, as when it becomes disrupted, it can create havoc on both the health and visible appearance on your skin. Different skin types, whether you are oily, combination, dry or normal, can give us a different microbiome. The other interesting fact about your skin’s microbiome (or skin flora or microflora as often it’s referred to) is that it’s different all over the body. The microbes which reside in your underarms as an example will be a different collection to those that live on your face and legs. They are also different and unique to every one of us, and can be impacted by where we live, through what we eat and drink, and what we use on our skin. So, our genetics and lifestyle also play a part in how our microbiome functions.
Talk about tough life! Our microbiome is trying to fight off the daily pathogen attack, work with us as we expose it to environmental damage, react with changes to our diet, lifestyle, and a differing daily environment. Add in working with our genetics while trying to keep our skin’s pH levels balanced and our skin looking luminous and healthy – it’s a tough job 365 days a year 24/7, so no wonder on occasion it reacts! This is even more reason we should be including probiotic or prebiotic skincare into our daily skincare regime.
It’s all about building resilience. When your microbiome is out of balance, you may not see an immediate visible difference. it’s a like when you’re feeling a bit under the weather and you decide to still do your regular exercise -- you don’t quite have the energy to put 100% into your workout, but your heart and lungs are working so much harder. It’s precisely the same when your skin microbiome is weakened. Behind the scenes, those microbes are pushing for that healthy, balanced skin, yet they are on an upward trajectory, fighting the pathogens, trying to rebalance the pH level and keep everything calm. Yet everything is functioning not quite at 100% and your skin is receiving less support. There’s no wonder we can feel a few dry patches which seemingly appear from nowhere or have a few sudden breakouts, or have skin that appear dull, lack-lustre and in need of something thirst quenching.
The interesting thing about your microflora, whether its surface skin or internal, is the thought process that throughout the body they are all intrinsically linked. There’s a connection between your gut health, brain health and skin health. Consider everyday engagements - when you’ve had one of those lovely weekends, met up with friends and likely over-indulged both on food and alcohol consumption for a couple of days. Then a few days later, you suddenly have a breakout, or your skin feels not quite in peak condition, when literally a few days ago everything looked peachy and glowing.
Another example is if you’ve got an exciting event to go to and you’re a little stressed about the whole occasion, or a have an upcoming job interview and your nerves and stress levels feel like they have taken over. What happens? On the morning you wake up, all gung-ho and ready to go, you look in the mirror and see the monster blemish which literally has appeared overnight, and no matter how much concealer you cake on, you attack it and hope the redness has dissipated prior to meeting the panel (or worse, you’ve picked and now have the most enormous, red beacon, siren sounding spot you’ve ever had in your life and you feel that everyone is looking right at it!) Or it simply may be that you’re facing a tough time, the ups and downs of life, and feel that your somewhere between wanting to hibernate or get off the rollercoaster ride.
In short, your mental health really doesn’t feel as strong and stable as you usually do, so what happens to your skin? Breakouts, dullness, or skin may feel itchy for no apparent reason, or it may suddenly become more reactive that you’ve known it to be historically, and you know you’re feeling under the weather but why is your skin reacting in this way? If the microbiome -- whether it be in your gut, your brain, or your skin -- is feeling the pressure, and it needs some extra support to rebuild, repair and strengthen, no matter where in the body those microbes lie.
Probiotic skincare contains key ingredients to help nurture your skin’s microbiome. The good bacteria helps to restore and repair your skin’s barrier function, bringing the skin’s natural immune response back into balance by soothing any redness, inflammation, loss of hydration, rashes and breakouts, thus re-booting our biome to target daily skin malfunctions.
So, who benefits from using a probiotic skincare range? In short, all of us do!
You have sensitive skin
Scientific studies show that those who suffer redness and inflammation, as well as skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, are responsive to being treated with probiotics. Probiotics can cleverly assist with reactive and fragile skin types as they can rebuild, repair, and strengthen the skin’s natural barrier.
A single application isn’t going to give you a great result but using probiotic and prebiotic skincare over time in your daily routine will speed up the recovery process for your skin. Also reducing stress, improving your diet overall and paying close attention to your anti-inflammatory response signals in your skin will have an impact. Combine with probiotic treatment and you’re treating both the internal and external responses, so your skin starts to respond in a positive way too.
City Living
When you’re a city dweller, you recognise too well how the effect pollution can have on your skin. Take a no-make-up day as an example and a quick trip around town or to the office and back. When you look in the mirror and your skin appear it’s still clean, think again. Wipe a mild cleanser over your skin on a piece of cotton wool and you’ll see the very visible effect of pollution from just one swipe.
When I used to travel to London regularly for work during the summer, if I’d worn open toed shoes, my feet would literally be black by the time I reached home, and that was only from train hopping and going to the office and back. It was amazing at how much pollution, dirt, grease, dust and grim attached itself onto the skin in such a few short hours, plus you could visibly see it!
Free Radicals and pollution is known to increase the speed of ageing and seemingly drains the skin of its youthful radiance. Probiotics help boost your skin’s natural defences and fighting mechanisms by calming the natural immune triggers in your skin which can be over stimulated by both pollution and stress. By taking the probiotic approach and reducing the effect of the stress triggers, you’re helping to shield against the degradation of healthy skin cells too and strengthening your very own environmental shield.
Blemish and breakout prone skin types
We’ve long known that oilier skin types with increased sebum can be problematic. Probiotic skincare for oilier types can provide positive results, as it helps feed all the good bacteria while starving out the bad bacteria for the skin. This approach can be favourable as opposed to using harsh chemical acne products to kill everything in sight, as probiotics can provide a delicate and targeted approach to healing and rebalancing for inflamed skin. The variations of skin microbes and bacteria on acne skin types needs more comfort than mass destruction from chemically-potent acne treatments, which tends to dehydrate the skin as the skin reacts to produce more natural oils – therefore, the cycle of acne never gets broken. However, with Probiotic skincare, you’re offered the best of both worlds: bacteria balance, soothing inflammation, receiving hydration, and most of all, a strengthened skin barrier.
Probiotic skincare feels like a relatively new phenomenon to the skincare market. The rise in its popularity as a main functional ingredient thanks to its efficacy against numerous skin concerns means it is anticipated to drive market growth specifically over the next 4-5 years. If you’re unsure of which to try, here’s a few of my probiotic hero products that will help you improve your skin’s microbiome.
AURELIA® PROBIOTIC BLEMISH HERO - 15g - £18
This skin-saving, spot cream paste is particularly great for acne and breakout sufferers. Infused with distilled witch hazel, white China clay and salicylic acid, this natural, soothing paste gets to work on breakouts and redness without over drying. It also features PROTIDA™ technology that helps to protect, restore, balance and repair to help speed up the healing process.
Marie Veronique® Pre & Probiotic Daily Mist – 4oz - $40
You can easily integrate a daily mist into your routine, and this pre & probiotic mist does wonders. Spritz it on to calm irritation with micronutrients that encourage microbial diversity and restores balance or for just when you need an instant refresh. This handy spritz also allows you to maintain the skin's microbiome balance by encouraging helpful microorganisms to thrive. Pre-biotics feed Probiotics to keep skin's ecosystem cycle functioning smoothly while coconut water profoundly hydrates while anti-inflammatories calm and soothe.
MURAD® Prebiotic 4-in-1 Multi Cleanser -150ml - £38
This is a great gel-to-oil, make-up removing cleanser that nourishes the skin with prebiotics to balance the skin’s microbiome for overall healthier looking skin. This 4-in-1, non-drying formula features an ultra-cleansing peptide to melt make-up, dirt, and excess oil, while moisturising emollients deeply hydrate the skin.
Mother Dirt ® AO+ Restorative Mist – 100ml - £49.99
A patented and first of its kind product, this restorative mist features truly live and active probiotics for radiant, healthier-looking skin. Discovered by MIT scientists the revolutionary ingredient is live AOB, which interacts with elements naturally found on your skin and in your sweat to produce two powerful by-products -- Nitrite and Nitric Oxide – both of which are essential to a balanced skin microbiome. Designed for all skin types, this Mist protects and maintains healthy skin by restoring and balancing your microbiome. Spritz away to glowing skin!
Doctors Formula® PROBIOTIC COLLECTION – 15ml to 30ml - £85 to £95
Our Probiotic range encourages the skin to not only grow its own beneficial bacteria to create a healthy skin micro-biome (collection of organisms in one place), but also reduces inflammation and skin ageing as it comes from the lactic acid bacteria family (lactobacillus) which decreases skin damage.
Our star ingredient, Relipidium, has proven to significantly increase skin hydration by restoring the skin’s barrier, minimising water loss while increasing water retention, making the skin look more hydrated and youthful.
The Probiotic range is super beneficial for problem skin (acne, eczema, dry, stressed, or sensitive skin), as well as for anyone wishing to keep a healthy skin balance, avoid damage to their skin and achieve a balanced, radiant glow.
It’s time to get into bed with the bugs that don’t bite but DO put up a dally fight for the health of your skin and look after your microbiome.
]]>There is no denying how great we start to feel once the days are filled with daylight and the warmth of a summer’s day seep into our bones. Thoughts of an exotic holiday overseas may not be a reality just yet (let us keep hoping!) however, the wardrobe has been switched with the cosy jumpers folded away and swapped for linen, cotton, sunnies and a decent SPF for the seasonal must haves.
Switching wardrobes between seasons is the norm, but how are you going to switch your skincare regime to be in harmony with the season?
So many of us do not even consider a seasonal skincare change, yet it should be a priority up there with the SPF and cool cottons. We tend to follow our regime by skin type without considering how skin changes with the seasons and what effects the humidity and weather combined with our daily environment has on our skin.
Skin likes stability -- it loves a constant temperature. It is the largest organ of the body, despite being only a few millimetres thick. Yet our skin is our total armour. It is the shield that protects from toxins and microbes and is a self-regulator, meaning your body immediately responds to heat and cold, without you having to turn up or lower the dial from your phone! So, it makes completes sense that when the temperature changes, so does our skin’s response signals and the way in which it behaves.
If we have a basic understanding of our skin, there are three main layers.
First and foremost, there is the epidermis, which is the first line of defence. Much of the epidermis is made up of dead skin cells on the very surface – the outermost layer (stratum corneum or horny layer as it is sometimes known) which you see when you look in the mirror, this layer of dead keratinocytes which are constantly shedding as the epidermis is constantly regenerating. For most skin types, this cellular renewal process takes on average 28-35 days from start to finish. Oilier skin types can be more speedy and truly dry skins can shed at a tortoise pace, with the cellular renewal process taking up to 90 days!
In second place there is the stratum lucidum – but did you know that this layer only exists on the palm of the hands and soles of the feet? Think about the areas which need extra strength and protection!
Next in line is the stratum granulosum. This layer contains some keratinocytes for strength in our skin, but these are constantly on the move through the layers of the epidermis, flattening as they transit.
Then we reach the stratum spinosum. This active layer in the epidermis sometimes known as the squamous layer is where new keratinocytes are formed. It is the thickest layer of the epidermis with new cells ascending from bottom to top through the layers of the skin. These living cells, known as “squamous” cells eventually reside as a dead layer of skin on the outer surface. You know when you look in the mirror sometimes and feel like your skin looks flat and in need of a little bit of a healthy glow – remove the dead skin cells with a good exfoliation, microdermabrasion or professional peel, and once those dead skin cells have been buffed away, brighter, healthier looking skin with more luminosity shows through, plus light can reflect off the skin, which also helps with a rosy glow - simply because you’ve taken away the debris and dead skin, so you remove the once active squamous cells once they have died away and reached the surface as they are now just a layer of dead keratinocytes.
Finally, we reach the stratum Basale or basal layer of the skin. Within this layer the basal cells divide and propel old skin cells up through the other four layers of the epidermis toward the outermost layer. It is also the layer of epidermis which produces melanin to give us some natural protection from UV rays and our skin pigment or colour too.
With five separate layers in total, the epidermis is the layer of the skin that protects, shields, repels toxins and of course holds in hydration, nutrients, and moisture. It keeps us looking healthy and young, dependant on how we look after it in return. So, it plays a vital role.
Reach a layer deeper in the skin and you will find the dermis. The middle layer of your skin, a thicker layer of the skin as it contains oil and sweat glands, blood capillaries, hair follicles, nerve endings and connective tissue, this is where two of the most talked about proteins in the beauty industry reside – your collagen and elastin. This connective tissue which is made up of collagen and elastin give us bounce, fullness, elasticity, and youthful looking skin. Surrounded by Hyaluronic acid – another well know active ingredient, ensuring flexibility and suppleness within the skin, while maintaining our natural water reservoirs in the skin and locking in moisture. Did you know that the dermis is thicker than the epidermis, yet it varies in different parts of the body? For instance, on your eyelids, the dermis may only be around 0.6mm thick, yet on the back of your hands the dermis can be 3mm in thickness and it is where the blood vessels and nerves reside which give us our sense of touch too… (love a skin fact!)
The third and final layer of the skin is known as the subcutaneous tissue. The deepest and innermost layer is made up of fat and connective tissue which lies between your skin and muscle. Made up of larger nerve endings and blood vessels, it is a protective shield to your muscles -- think of it as the cushioning layer of the skin which both insulates and regulates your bodies temperature too. This is where all the signalling to the rest of the skin starts from, which is why this layer of skin is so fascinating and a definite reason behind why we should alter our skincare routine as well as our wardrobes in line with the seasons…
Now that the skin lesson is over with, it’s time to bear in mind your skin’s current behavioural changes. SO here you are, happily soaking up the warmth, enjoying the outdoor life, with your skin feeling great throughout the spring. Summer suddenly appears and with it comes more socialising, meeting and greeting friends, and then it starts: the oily t-zone, the breakouts on the chin and cheeks, etc. (and no, these are not hormonal unless your body is trying to tell you something). You start the day well, skin appears fine, but within a few hours, there is a whole new oil slick by the sides of your nose, across your upper cheeks, and it is now mixing in with just a little perspiration. Your make-up is starting to look like it was from yesterday morning, not just a few hours earlier. Why?
In spring and summer months, heat, humidity, and increased UV levels change the usual behaviour of our skin. An increased production of sebum gives us a slightly greasier shine, specifically to a T-zone area on what usually appears to be a normal skin type. Oiler skin types may feel like they have just had their oil control turned up to full volume, while drier skin types may feel more supple. All due to the change in climate, but what causes this?
When humidity increases, the skin responds by producing more oil from your sebaceous glands as the skin is cocooned in heat, both a warm and damp environment. Add into the equation the increase in sweat production from the increased temperatures and your skin is suddenly a perfect breeding site for bacteria.
The combination of excess oil, sweat and heat frequently causes more blocked pores, congestion, blemishes, and breakouts – the nose area is a key indicator when usually quite normal skin suddenly looks to have more enlarged pores, tiny-filled pustules that appear throughout the day and blackheads or blocked pores. Where did they appear from?
The only saving grace is that when the temperature soars and humidity levels rise, your skin is less likely to dehydrate, so the water content stays more stable. However, the oil content increases. For dry skin types, this can be a blessing in disguise. The usual flaky patches and tight feeling can disappear as the water reservoirs are maintained and the oil production increase – what a bonus! It does not mean we should ditch the hero hydrators. It just means we should monitor our skin and the textures of the skincare products we are using – think lighter layers for clothing in summer, lighter skincare solutions too -- hyaluronic acid serums and marine collagen infused products are perfect for this.
Changing your serum and moisturiser is a must in the summer months. Key active ingredients like Niacinamide are skin saviours when the temperature soars, as this super skin-restoring ingredient has multiple benefits for all skin types. Known for its anti-ageing properties, Niacinamide improves the appearance of enlarged pores, targets fine lines, uneven skin tone and helps to repair an impaired barrier function. It is also said to be able to help regulate sebum production, so if your skin is spouting more oil than you can handle, you can control the greasy effect with a daily dose of Niacinamide from your serum. One of my favourites is Doctors Formula™ Power Actives Niacinamide Serum, which is part of their Power Actives range that target the health of skin.
The other factor to take into consideration during a heatwave is the texture of your products, specifically moisturiser. If you usually like a rich and nourishing hydrator, turn to something a little lighter, but still supercharged with the skin targeting actives you need to treat your skin, daily. Changing from a rich cream moisturiser to a lighter textured cream version or switching completely to a lotion format can make all the difference.
For an everyday hydration boost, I turn to Doctors Formula™ Power Actives Turmeric Lotion. This turmeric lotion boasts a power-packed mix of curcuma longo root extract (turmeric), lauric, citric & linoleic acid to replenish, revitalise and strengthen the skin. It also contains soothing plant extracts such as Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract to help replenish the skins natural moisture. It is fabulous if you have not reapplied your sunscreen quickly enough and there are a few “pink” hues showing through on your skin! This golden Turmeric Lotion is antioxidant and vitamin rich too, so it promotes a healthier, strengthened and calm looking skin. Love It!
Although an SPF should be in your skincare regime all year round (yes, even in winter!), in summer there really is no excuse not to be using it. With the heightened UV levels,it needs to be applied daily. If you are looking to use an additional SPF over the top of your moisturiser, then choose one which has at least an SPF 30 or an SPF 50.
As both the EWG and the Skin Cancer Foundation advise that SPF 30 blocks nearly 97% of UVB radiation while SPF 50 blocks about 98%, daily SPF application is an absolute must for real protection against increased pigmentation, ageing and skin complaints associated with over sun exposure. CeraVe™ offers an Ultra-Light Moisturising Lotion SPF30 with a great price point for combination and oiler skin types. If you are looking for a more cosmeceutical approach, then look up Murad™ Age Balancing Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF30 | PA+++ or if you need something lighter in texture but with a higher SPF then City Skin* Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 | PA++++ could be your summertime solution.
Some also find that changing their cleanser throughout the summer months can have a positive effect on skin. Using something more salicylic acid based or a combination of AHA and BHAs in your daily cleansing routine really helps in keeping the pores squeaky clean.
Once we have made it through summer and the leaves start to fall, we can find ourselves with another skincare malfunction. The weather can be fickler than a child in a sweet shop! One minute it feels like summer has returned, the following day it feels like you have just got through a monsoon, not a shower. It can even feel like that winter has arrived a couple of months earlier than the calendar date is showing you! That constant fluctuation in temperature change combined with the decrease in humidity levels, winds, and the decision whether to blast the central heating or the air con puts our skin in a state of stress, not to mention the daily wardrobe malfunctions…
In autumn through to the winter months, hydration is king and moisturisation is a must. Long gone are the surface oil slicks of summer, roll in the dry flaky patches, that slightly too “squeaky clean” skin sensation that we associate with the use of soap (heaven forbid!) the sunnies and linens are a distant memory, all we want to do is snuggle into something cosy and warm, curl up and hibernate until the next few months have passed.
Dehydration is the biggest skin aggressor during winter, as the climate is literally sucking the water out of your skin. When the weather cools, the humidity levels drop and so does the excessive sebum production – or oil production in the skin. Yet so do the hydration levels in the skin – the water levels in our skin start to deplete as we reach winter. As the concentration of water vapour in the air falls – although this seems back to front as we think of winter as being wet and soggy, so there should be higher humidity not lower, that is not the case. The cooler temperatures and lower humidity result in dry air which draws moisture away from your skin. Then add into the mix that we love to turn the heating up, sit beside a roaring fire until we look like we have spent a few days in the sun. Hot baths, multiple layers, that “toastie” feeling is what we subject our self-regulating skin to for months on end.
Dehydration leads to fine lines on your skin, fine lines (unless treated), lead to wrinkles…winter can age you unless you switch up your skincare routine.
Boosting the skin’s moisture content during winter helps to reinforce the skin’s natural protective barrier. With an impaired barrier function, our skin is more reactive and more inflammatory, so changing your skincare regime as we step into fall is a must. The plus side of all this chopping and changing of our skincare routines is that on average a 30ml serum and 50ml moisturiser will last you about 10-12 weeks if you are using different products for your morning and evening routine.
My winter must haves revolve around Doctors Formula’s Marine Collagen skincare range, but they frequently fall into my summer routine too! Absolute favourites are Doctors Formula™ Marine Collage Original Time Reverse Serum and Anti-ageing Daytime Moisturiser. If I need a quick fix, then I’ll use the overnight sleep mask – Marine Collagen 8 Hour Deep Repair Mask (used as a replacement to a night-time moisturiser), which is totally is my desert island one product only must have! Historical favourites are Elemis™ Pro Collagen Marine Cream too.
Seasonal switches start with the wardrobe overhaul, but your skincare regime should have an overhaul at the same time. It is the largest living organ of the body -- it is clever, protective, and most importantly, it is your daily defence against all sorts of environmental elements. It is worth the investment.
Some new summer tops or a seriously good skincare switch…I know what I would choose every time.
Did you step into spring and get the feeling it’s Groundhog Day? After the holiday season, you said to yourself “Here comes January and the first resolution is that I am going to start getting beach body ready NOW!”
It does not seem like 5 minutes ago that the roaring fires and woolly jumpers were a total security blanket and spring and summer felt like an eternity away, then suddenly BAM! The weather changes, the layers get lighter and that skin that has been hidden away for months suddenly needs an airing. That beach body ready resolution in January really is the one thing that you wished you had stuck to…
So, is it too late to get beach body beautiful, or can you body bluff?
First and foremost, identify what is top of your agenda. Is it to be Fuzz-free, hair-free, cellulite-free, wrinkle-free, stretch-mark free, vein & capillary free? Or is it to be toned and tighter? Or it can be just to feel more comfortable in last year’s summer wardrobe? Unless a last-minute summer shopping spree is now on the agenda too? As you look in the mirror, how many “Free’s” do you wish to see reflected?
They are likely all somewhere on the mental image “to-do” list, so let us get started with getting your skin prepped first and foremost. When you are comfortable in your skin, instantly you feel more confident, and the best tip - do not despair. It is never too late to strive for what you perceive as being beach body ready, and healthy skin can really give you the perfect body bluff in time for summer.
SKIN: It is the largest living organ of the body, it keeps us both warm and cool, it holds everything in place, it can be taught and toned or loose and a little saggy. It tells our story of life. It is our protective, living, breathing layer of defence and it needs looking after.
Rule #1 Desquamate & Exfoliate.
Body skin is hidden away so much of the time that before we even consider exposing it to the warmer weather, we need to remove those layers of dead skin cells.
Exfoliation is key for healthy skin as dead skin cells build up in layers on the surface skin. So if we want the lotions and potions that we use to really work, then we need to exfoliate the dead skin off so the products can absorb into the skin directly. Dead skin cells can be up to 15-30 layers deep, and when they are left on the surface, our skin can appear dull and lack-lustre. Also, light does not bounce off dead skin cells to the same degree as healthy skin cells, so it never appears truly healthy and fresh. Skin can also be dry and flaky, or the texture of dead skin cells can appear and feel rough to the touch.
Every hour, nearly 40,000 skin cells are shed from the body -- so to get our skin beach body ready, we want to give this natural desquamation process a helping hand with regular exfoliation 1-2 times per week over the entire body. It also stimulates the skin and by removing debris, prevents blockages caused by excessive oil and sweat from building up within the pores. Skin feels smoother, looks healthier, you help prevent ingrowing hairs. The overall appearance of the skin, texture and tone improve not only due the fact that you are removing those excess dead skin cells, also in part to the fact that every time you give your body a thorough exfoliation, you are increasing blood stimulation and it is a mini massage routine thrown is free, so the skin gets an immediate boost from a fresh oxygenated blood supply too.
Exfoliation is hands down the priority ruling for smooth summer skin.
Rule #2 Oh to be fuzz free.
There is always a part of us that we feel is too hairy! Legs, bikini line, underarms. Is it facial hair, fuzzy arms, or hairy toes? Many of us would love a fuzz-free reflection. It really makes a difference if we are targeting that soft, downy vellus hair on our face, to more persistent, and coarse underarm or pubic hair. Hair colour also plays a vital role in your choice of depilation. Short or long-term hair removal or reduction. But when we need a quick fix to get beach body ready in a flash, how many of us reach for the good old fashioned razor option?
Did you know that hair grows approximately 1cm-1.5cm per month? Also, it tends to grow at a slightly faster rate in the summer months versus in the winter months. How cruel can natural hair growth be, when we want our legs out on show, they are getting increasingly hairier by the day in summer, yet in winter when we are all covered up, hair growth takes a breather and slows into a state of hair hibernation!
If you need an instant fix, then waxing is a great depilatory choice – providing you can wait the 4-6 weeks of hair growth to make it worthwhile. Beauty experts will advise that the hair needs to be approximately 1cm long for a true waxing experience, although you know that a shorter hair can be removed, so why do they make you wait that long. It is simply due to the stages of growth the hair may be at.
From the surface, you cannot tell if your hair is in its initial stage of growth. In the anagen stage of growth, hair follicles are pushing out hair and will continue to grow until they either complete their life cycle, until the hair is ready to fall out, or they are cut. The secondary stage of growth is when the hair will progress to is its catagen stage. This stage of growth is known as the transitional stage, as hair growth tends to slow down as the follicle shrinks slightly. We then progress to the telogen stage or resting phase of hair growth. The hair stops growing, but at this point it is still in place and will not fall out without a little help. Finally, in the exogen phase, hair naturally sheds via washing and exfoliation of the skin and is ready to depart. However right beneath that hair about to say adieu, the anagen phase has already begun and a new hair appears.
Your beauty expert really does have your best hair interest at heart, as they are looking to maximise the removal of hair in its infancy growth stage, so she (or he) does not need to make you another appointment for another 4-6 weeks.
If you are looking for longer term hair reduction and removal, then laser and IPL (Intense Pulsed Light Therapy) could be an alternative to seek out – especially if you are going to start now in preparation for next year. Seek out a renowned skincare professional who can demonstrate historical results, offers a full consultation, and gives you treatment plan expectations alongside a patch test prior to any treatment. This is a great alternative for long-term hair reduction, yet it tends to work more effectively on dark, more coarse hair rather than pale, fair hair types.
In addition, cream depilatory products are a great go-to product for immediate hair removal. There is no waiting time for hair to grow, the results are immediate and for the majority there is no chicken like skin aftermath (frequently occurs after waxing), as well as fewer ingrown hairs to consider, and just a smooth hair-free surface within just a couple of minutes. To many it is the perfect solution for hair removal.
Depilatory creams work by dissolving or breaking down the natural sulphide bonds found in the structure of hair, which eliminate the hair. Natural salt is also frequently used to deplete the hair. With no risk of nicks or cuts and reducing the risk of rashes, lumps and bumps as hair re-grows, the additional benefit is that hair frequently feels softer too as it re-grows. Hair depilatory creams tend to be formulated with other skin-replenishing and skin-restoring active ingredients to result in a hair removal which is known to be kind to skin.
So many of us suffer with the dreaded ingrown hairs, when the hair grows back into the skin after hair removal, frequently after waxing and shaving. Anyone with a coarser hair type may often find this occurring, or if they have a slight cur to their skin. Affecting not just women but men too, especially on the face, for most women ingrown hairs tend to be more prevalent in underarm or bikini line areas. If you are fair haired, many women complain of ingrowing hairs only appearing after years of waxing, where the hair growth becomes sparser and softer, as if the hair becomes trapped beneath a layer of dead skin cells too, as well as turning in on itself. Ingrown hairs can be painful at times, causing redness and inflammation. The worst thing to do is pick at them, what then started as a small blemish on the skin can turn into a little county all on its own!
Again, exfoliation is key to keep ingrown hairs at bay, but using ingrown hair eliminator sprays can really help. These help to treat and prevent ingrown hairs by gently exfoliating that specific area. My favourites are those with both AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) and BHA’s (Beta Hydroxy Acid) as they gently exfoliate the surface of the skin, remove the dead skin cells allowing trapped hair to become loose and removable. They also tend to be mixed with other active ingredients which leave the skin in a smooth, bump free state and have anti-inflammatory ingredients help to prevent that razor rash or chicken-skin effect.
If you are looking for hair growth to become less sparse as well as minimising the density of hair, so you reduce a once coarse growth to a much finer growth over time. Then a hair growth minimising complex will help to discourage hair growth whilst softening and soothing skin after hair removal. These are great to started with as soon as possible after you have been waxed, shaved, or used a hair removal cream. Always check on the manufacturer instructions as to how soon after depilation they can be used, most will say 24-48 hours so that you give your skin chance to settle after the hair removal treatment.
#3 The Cellulite Solution
It does not matter if you are slim-thin, curvaceous-cuddly, young, or old, that pesky blighter known as cellulite rears its ugly head every summer! (Actually, it does not it is there all the time but that is when we notice it!) Often referred to as “orange-peel’ skin as its appearance is a little bumpy like cottage cheese or the skin of oranges. When we gently pinch skin, you can see this cellulite beneath the surface of the skin. When the skin over-lying certain areas of fat in the body draw downward, this creates the dimpled appearance, to visualise how this occurs, think of a thick layer of cling-film (your skin) lying over a plate of spaghetti (your connective tissue) and peas (your fat cells) and then being shrink wrapped… It is a similar process to what occurs in the body between, skin, connective tissue, and fat pockets.
The result – Cellulite.
A definitive cause is unknown, many dermatologists, doctors and skincare experts believe that as we age the visible show of cellulite often increase as we lose elasticity in our skin. Hence many observe its onslaught as they age, yet young skin can also show the visible signs of cellulite. Causes may also be genetic, or it can appear after a weight gain through lifestyle or pregnancy. An increase in your BMI (Body Mass Index), or a long-term sedentary lifestyle, all increase the chances of cellulite being something to tackle on your beach body to-do list. More common in women than in men, (I can hear you groan!) however this is simply due to the areas women tend to store more fat – around the thighs, hips, and buttocks. Which are all prone areas for cellulite to appear. Cellulite is harmless itself, yet we tend to want to diminish the visible signs of it on our bodies as we consider it unsightly.
So, how should we treat the appearance of cellulite? Topical treatments and creams will help to make the skin appearance smooth, keep it hydrated and aim to improve elasticity. Many contain caffeine which will act as a natural diuretic and remove excess water from the fat cells and increase circulation. Others combine active ingredients to improve skin texture, tone, and luminosity. The daily massage motion on cellulite affected areas from applying a Cellulite cream. Added with a skin tightening serum can have a visible result as the skin texture improves and so the visible appearance of cellulite looks to reduce.
If you are looking for a more targeted approach then treatment such as Cryolipolsis (fat cell freezing) or Ultrasound (soundwaves), Laser and Radiofrequency treatments are all non-invasive ways of targeting cellulite. If a daily body ritual is right up your street, then a good few stroke’s with a natural bristle body brush offers a plethora of body boosting benefits. Targeting blood and lymph flow alongside removing dead skin cells and keeping skin super smooth, a quick brush before applying your favourite cellulite cream and skin tightening serum can have a great impact, plus dry body brushing can also assist in the removal of dead skin cells, so your skin is getting a booster daily exfoliation too.
#4 Stretch Mark Stories
They talk of an experience your body has been through, yet so many of us wish we could reverse the signs of stretchmarks or Stria as they are also known. Usually, they appear when our bodies go through a rapid increase in weight over a very short period. They can vary in colour, length, and depth. Form a slight red-pink colour, to a deep and rich brown tone, or a very rich purple. Usually starting life as a dark hue, then over a period, lightening until they can appear silver or white.
Most commonly stretch-marks appear on the upper arms, chest, tummy, hips, back and legs. During pregnancy so many women form stretch marks, keeping skin hydrated and as elastic as possible will minimise the risk of stretch marks, yet when you are pregnant so many creams and lotions use retinoids (tretinoin) or Retinol, which many health professionals will advise is an ingredient to avoid during pregnancy. Look out for the natural ingredients such as rose-hip oil, argan Oil, Japanese camellia oils, all rich in essential fatty acids and rich sources of antioxidants to keep skin hydrated, supple and soft, so skin can stretch and retract with a booster oil to help it on its way.
It is not always possible to prevent the formation of stretch marks and once they have formed it is a case of treating the skin to bring it back into its best possible state of health, rather than eradicate the stretchmarks. Once again hydration, exfoliation and nourishment are key to bringing back skin health and minimising the appearance of stretch marks. Looking at your skin story as to why the stretch marks appeared in the first place we should embrace; they are part of us and a little bit of our very own history!
#5 Make me Vein Free!
It is the one thing that puts so many of us off getting in a pair of shorts and opting for the linen pants instead when the heatwave hits. We cover them with foundation, self-tan, tinted moisturiser, but they are still there lurking at the surface. Spider veins or thread veins as they are most known, are caused by broken veins which are visible on the surface skin. Most common on the legs, arms, and face and frequently in small groups or clusters. If you press over the area of veins, often they will blanch white, and unlike varicose veins they are not bulbous and do not protrude outwards from the skin, causing a grape like appearance. Thread veins or broken capillaries are smooth and appear to lie just beneath the surface in most cases.
Most commonly red or a purple hue, they can also appear quite blue, and it is the excess of trapped blood in the vein which gives them this colouring.
The veins in your leg have tiny one-way valves that direct the flow of blood from your legs back to your heart Weakened valves let some blood flow back in the other direction and accumulate in the vein. The excess blood causes the veins to swell and weakens the vein walls.
(Source: www.medicinenet.com)
As spider-veins are usually not problematic, although some with broken capillaries in the legs, do say they experience heavy or tired legs more frequently. They are also believed in most cases to be harmless, so it is purely for cosmetic reasons and how body confident we feel as to if we want to treat them or not.
Looking for topical creams and serums which helps to reinforce vascular walls and improve microcirculation those that aim to reduce redness and target an improved vein fluidity and blood vessel wall reinforcement will ultimately leave you with a diminished appearance of spider’s veins as well as hoping for a lighter leg sensation, so definitely worth the investment not just when you are getting beach body ready, but all year round.
As far as your skincare regime goes, exfoliation, hydration and specific targeting body products will get you beach-body beautiful. Ultimately, it really is all about loving the skin you are in, making the most of what you do have, not wishing it were something entirely different. An all-year-round healthy diet, combined with regular exercise are the two things will give you more body confidence and keep last year summer clothes fitting as perfectly this year as well as next – splurges on something new is then simply for the fun of it, not a last-minute panic buy!
FACT: Healthy skin is happy skin
For a quick fix body bluff, exfoliate, depilate, and massage that cellulite cream into your skin like your life depends on it!
For a long-term, stress free solution, maintain healthy exercise and eating habits year round to keep your body healthy and happy.
Most of all, whichever route you choose this year, simply enjoy the summer, and stay sun-safe!
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Although you may just be wondering precisely what is just so great about it...
]]>Endorsed and consumed by celebrities around the globe swearing their allegiance to the power of collagen. Is there any wonder you are seeing it all over social media, on every advert in-between a video clip, promotion is everywhere, and it is readily available in so many differing forms, is it any wonder that we all want to get in on the action!
Although you may just be wondering precisely what is just so great about it...
Everyone from Jennifer Aniston, Peter Andre to Kourtney Kardashian, are known to be fans of collagen and pay homage to it for their enviable skin, hair, and nails. It has won multiple awards, in all, of its differing types. Product houses use it as the focal ingredient in their boom brand skincare collections, we can take it orally as a capsule where brands boast that they have sold millions of doses. In powder form not only from the beauty sector of industry yet also within the fitness and health industries its big business too. In a shot or in a drink…so what is all the hype about and why do we need to nurture our beauty from the inside out?
Although you may just be wondering precisely what is just so great about it...
Everyone from Jennifer Aniston, Peter Andre to Kourtney Kardashian, are known to be fans of collagen and pay homage to it for their enviable skin, hair, and nails. It has won multiple awards, in all, of its differing types. Product houses use it as the focal ingredient in their boom brand skincare collections, we can take it orally as a capsule where brands boast that they have sold millions of doses. In powder form not only from the beauty sector of industry yet also within the fitness and health industries its big business too. In a shot or in a drink…so what is all the hype about and why do we need to nurture our beauty from the inside out?
Did you know that collagen is the main structural protein found in the body? Take a quick read on Wikipedia, and see for yourself the vast information on collagen, in short it is mainly found in connective tissue, we have it in our cartilage, bones, tendons, ligaments and skin. As the main component of connective tissue, we are made up of between 25%-35% of the collagen protein, making it the most prolific protein in the body.
Collagen fibres are the main component of the extracellular matrix that supports most tissue and gives cells structure from the outside, however it is also found inside certain cells, it has a great tensile strength. Along with elastin, soft keratin it is responsible for skin strength and elasticity. Almost 70% of the skin is made up of collagen and water, so as soon as it starts to degrade, the obvious visible signs are wrinkles that accompany the ageing process. However, it is hugely important when it comes to preserving skin elasticity, improving skin hydration, and contributing towards both reversing and delaying the most common signs of ageing.
So why is it required as a supplement if your body has this abundance?
Simply, since like so many things that are great in our youth, those levels change over time. Imagine the bodies, natural morph from baby to teenager. All that growth and what it takes to sustain it over those early years. We are full to the rafters with skin bounce, density, and suppleness. Following into adolescence and eventually touching down into adulthood. It is then, as we reach our mid to late twenties that supply, and demand starts to unhinge. By the time we reach our mid-forties, it is though that we have depleted around a third of our natural collagen supplies. Speed up the clock a further twenty years, is there any collagen left? Possibly around 50% of our natural supplies…
This is what the collagen providing brands all point out, if we are looking to improve, enhance and restore any of the following, then potentially a collagen drink could be the daily supplement to reach for in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise.
So where to start when choosing your collagen drink? Many say that collagen drinks are the superior form of collagen as they are so readily absorbed into the gut, easy to take – especially if you find swallowing pills a cumbersome task. So, let us take a cheeky sip through the most wanted collagen drink brands on the market right now.
Maxine Laceby - Absolute Collagen®.
8000mg collagen per dose | 14-day shot supply | RRP £32.99 | 14-day program.
“Our collagen supply naturally depletes. This can result in tired and dull-looking skin, which is prone to wrinkles, and limp, lifeless hair. Our award-winning product contains 14 sachets of ready-mixed, hydrolysed marine collagen for women. Perfect for looking after yourself on the go, each 10ml serving is packed with protein and essential amino acids. Our advanced formula is also infused with vitamin C, which works synergistically with marine collagen for optimum rejuvenation and tissue renewal.”
At just 10ml per serving, each sachet might be small, but we assure you the results produced are anything but. Comprising of an impressive 8000mg of high-quality marine collagen peptides, these nifty, little sachets pack a mighty punch! A fuss-free and easy addition to your beauty regime, simply take it directly from the packet, slip it in your work or gym bag to take later in the day. Or you can add to hot or cold drinks and food. Original lemon, mango and mandarin or a new raspberry flavour all to choose from. Each sachet contains 8000mg of premium marine collagen, Vitamin C, and natural fruit juice flavourings. Using 100% natural ingredients, and the new flavours contain just 33 calories per sachet (compared with 32 in Original Lemon).
Reversive Life™ ®
10,000mg collagen per dose | 25ml daily dose – 500ml bottle | RRP £40.00 | 20-day program.
Endorsed by celebrities such as Peter Andre and Christine McGuiness, Reversive Life™ ® say looking and feeling younger has never been easier thanks to Reverse Life ®’s high strength marine collagen formula. Boasting 10,000 mg of hydrolysed marine collagen, it is readily absorbed and highly bioavailable. It is also gluten free and contains no artificial colours… unlike many of our competitor’s formulas.
Our marine collagen helps form stronger building blocks towards glowing skin and is scientifically formulated using type I and III hydrolysed collagen peptides. We specifically engineered our Reverse Life® Marine Collagen drink to contain different proteins which serve separate purposes within the body. These two types of collagen (I and III) are the main types found in connective tissues, making up 90% of the body’s total collagen content. We wanted to create a product using the purest marine collagen on the market. Marine collagen, which is received from freshwater fish, is widely accepted as the best type of collagen. We have managed to fit in a staggering 10,000mg of hydrolysed marine collagen per 25ml daily serving, which is unheard of in a product such as this! It is a unique building material composed of amino acids, providing structural support for the maintenance of skin strength, minimising fine lines, wrinkles, and skin elasticity.
Gold Collagen® – Forte Plus
8000mg collagen per dose | 10-day shot supply | RRP £42.00 | 10-day program.
Our scientists and nutritionists expertly formulated a unique combination of 23 powerful active nutrients such as our patented Nutriglow® complex, Vitamin B1 and B9, Marine Collagen and now includes a boost of Rocket Extract for a more powerful formula. Every little recyclable glass bottle packs a punch with these carefully selected ingredients, all to provide the daily support your wellbeing needs. We formulate our powerful drinks for maximum absorption and availability. However, we carefully handpick our ingredients and only use what meets our high standards of quality and efficacy. Nothing more, nothing less.
Our collagen levels deplete every year, meaning we are ageing faster than we would like! FORTE PLUS, our most fortified and advanced liquid collagen supplement ever, has been developed specifically for women over 40. We have added only good things to make sure you get all the nutrients you need to nourish and support collagen formation, hair growth and overall wellbeing from within and maintain your healthy glow.
Proto-col® – Collagen Shot.
5000mg collagen per dose | 10-day shot supply | RRP £34.95 | 10-day program.
Instant boost for youthful skin, beautiful hair, and strong nails with our Collagen Shot liquid collagen drink. A Bioactive Collagen Peptide clinically proven to reduce the depth and volume of lines and wrinkles for a more radiant complexion. A finalist in the My Face My Body Awards 2016, this collagen hydrolysate supplement drink comes in packs of ten convenient bottles - perfect for an on-the-go collagen boost. Packed with collagen hydrolysate and nourishing vitamins and minerals, each bottle of this delicious red berry flavoured collagen shot drink gives you 5000mg of VERISOL®
Doctors Formula – Collagen Booster Drink
10,000mg collagen per dose | 25ml daily dose – 500ml bottle | RRP £59.95 | 20-day program.
From the UK’s best loved marine collagen skincare brand, now bringing us beauty from the inside out with a Collagen Booster Drink. It is brand new to the market, a definite one to watch out for, as we know their skincare solutions work to the max, and with marine collagen being their prime speciality, taking it in a drink form was the natural progression.
We love to apply Marine Collagen topically from our favourite skincare range. NOW you can boost not only your skin but also your hair, nails, and joints from the inside out with this powerhouse of Vitamins, amino acids, plant extracts and Collagen peptides all combined in this tantalising fruity and smooth collagen drink, replenishing reduced collagen levels while giving your body a super boost of feel-great goodness. Marine Collagen I, III & Hyaluronic Acid. To improve your Skin, Hair, Nails & Joints. With a Natural Berry Flavour. Just one 25ml dose per day for optimal effect.
There are many formulations to choose from, but the reality is the higher the dosage of marine collagen, the better it is likely to be for our overall health, skin, hair, nails, and joints. My advice, look for the brands who offer the highest daily dose. Absolutely 10,000mg of marine collagen per day for maximum effect. Here is what to look out for.
If they have types I and type III collagen specified, even better as Type I collagen accounts for up to 90% of your body’s natural collagen, helping to rebuild tendons and bone. It helps to support the “scaffold” structure required for both skin and body support, strengthening the structural element from within, while on the outside the appearance of the skin appears strengthened, fine lines and wrinkles are minimised and hydration levels in the skin improved. Type III collagen supports the organs, arteries, and muscles.
Structurally, these predominant types of collagen are composed of polypeptide chains, called alpha chains. Glycine, Proline and Hydroxyproline are the important amino acids to look out for. Why you may ask? Because every third to fourth amino acid in collagen is glycine, one of the three amino acids your body needs to combat oxidative stress and premature ageing. The most abundant amino acid in collagen with benefits to the skin, joints & bones. It may also help you to sleep through its calming effects on the brain. Lysine the building block for protein. An essential amino acid because your body cannot make it, so you need to obtain it from food. It is important for normal growth and muscle turnover. Lysine assists in the transport of fats across your cells to be burned for energy. It is essential for the formation of collagen, and effective wound repair. Finally, Proline - nearly every protein that the body makes contains at least some proline, but proline is specifically important in collagen. Our bodies can make proline from glutamic acid, the most abundant amino acid in food. Proline works in harmony with ornithine, for tissue growth.
Both types I and type III collagen are associated with healthy skin, renewing the collagen “glue” that holds everything together and keeps us looking more youthful. Hydrolysed collagen (also known as collagen peptides) is collagen that has been broken down into more easily dissolvable amino acids. To help improve skin hydration, firmness, smoothness, elasticity, and suppleness. Antioxidant rich to help prevent the visible signs of ageing, most brands will show that the source of hydrolysed collagen is from fish, so not suitable for vegetarians or vegan friendly.
Extra beneficial ingredients to watch out for in your collagen booster drink are key active ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid as this boosts the skins moisture content, while defending against moisture loss – think of it as an additional ingredient for fresh faced youth. The additional benefit is that it helps to keep joints lubricated, so fewer creaks and moans from your joints.
A collagen booster drink rich in Rich in B vitamins such as B6 also supports a healthier skin, has a detoxifying effect, and helps in enhancing the health of blood vessels. While it is claimed it can also improve cognitive function & relieve mood swings. B7 will help promote healthy and shiny hair. As B5 proves to be essential to help your body process fats and proteins, and is required to help keep your nervous system, skin, hair, eyes, and liver in a healthy condition.
Finally, if you can find Vitamin C blended into the mix too, you know that you are onto a winning formulation! As, an essential nutrient to maintain healthy skin, blood vessels, bones, and cartilage. While it is involved in the formation of collagen, vitamin C helps to protect the health of both body & skin cells and assist in wound healing and regeneration at the same time.
So, if we do not want to look in the mirror and face the wrinkles, moan about our creaking joints, then it is time to join the millions of collagen booster drink users, who, by drinking their daily dose, feel more vibrant, look healthy, have a happy gut and the joints of a much younger version of themselves.
I am most definitely in, are you? Time to sign off so I can go to take my Doctors Formula 25ml daily dose, right now – cheers!
]]>They are a constant buzz in the beauty and cosmetics industry. The mention of an acid in your skincare routine may be second nature to you or the thought of an acid near to your skin may give you the jitters. So, what is an acid and what is the likelihood your dermatologist, beauty therapist or skincare expert raves about the benefits to you or you hear them mentioned by every skincare blogger on the planet…
Acids are thought to be and have been clinically proven to have impressive results on your skin. No matter what your skin type, skin concern or age, there is an acid to treat, repair, and support your skin. You may be looking to combat wrinkles, active acne, hyperpigmentation, or age-spots, it may be the historical acne-scarring you want to try and eradicate. Or it could be an uneven skin tone, or dull, lifeless skin with no glow, that feels slightly lumpy to the touch. Acids are the go-to miracle ingredients to change the behaviour of your skin whilst treating those issue’s you can both see and feel.
There in abundance within the skincare market, all at different percentages and strengths, so it can feel really overwhelming when starting to think about using an acid in your skincare routine, but also about which acid is best for your skin concern and skin type. Once you start to use them, how long do you need to use them for, is there a specific time of day and can they be used with regular skincare products or do you need to change your entire routine? All valid questions and so it is all about identifying two main things before your get started.
Let us get started with Glycolic Acid – This is one acid loved by most skincare houses on the market today and your skincare expert can likely talk about the virtues of glycolic acid for the entirety of your facial! First widely used in skincare around the 90’s, one of its first pioneers in the skincare industry was Dr Howard Murad, who talked of its virtues and benefits to the skin in his skincare brand from the very beginning. Truly versatile, glycolic acid has earned its reputation as one of the most beneficial acids around.
Glycolic acid is a derivative of sugarcane and a part of the AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) family. Known to be one of the safest and most effective AHAs for the skin. You will find it in anything from your cleanser to serums, tonics, moisturisers, and mask treatments.
A water-soluble acid primarily used for it surface skin resurfacing, leaving skin feeling soft, supple, and smooth by sloughing away the uppermost outer layers of the skin. As a chemical exfoliator rather than a mechanical exfoliator that can feel gritty and be quite harsh on the skins surface, dependant on how hard you scrub away your skin. Glycolic acid is smooth on the surface skin and works by “dissolving” the glue that holds dead skin cells on the surface of your skin. Eliminating these dead skin cells brings an immediate brightening and luminosity to the surface skin and creates a smooth texture. It is also super beneficial for ensuring that the layers of topical skincare you apply afterwards actually reach your skin, rather than sit on a dead and dry skin surface. So, if you are feeling those little lumps and bumps beneath the skins surface, or your skin appears dull and lifeless, glycolic acid is renowned for creating a super smooth surface skin.
But how does glycolic acid work in the skin? Think of glycolic acid as the silent mover, it gently works its way into the superficial layers of the skin, the space where all your dead skin starts to accumulate, this causes the appearance of our skin to look dull and grey, not a beam of luminosity in sight! Glycolic acid works by breaking down the bonds which hold dead skin cells together, allowing them to be removed from the skin, new cells to proliferate and a healthy glow to return.
Most users of glycolic acid love that smooth feeling of the skin after use, very few people find themselves reacting to it, it is best used on normal, combination and oiler skin types as those with super dehydrated or drier skin types and sensitised skin conditions may find it causes them a slight irritation. Your skin may also appear to gain a slight pink hue after a professional treatment. Use of glycolic daily in cleansers, moisturisers and serums is a positive if you are looking to bring back the glow, keep the wrinkles minimised and have a bright fresh-faced look. Another plus is that glycolic acid offers anti-microbial value too, so beside keeping skin super soft, it keeps the pores super clean so your potential need of having to use salicylic acid could be reduced too.
Moving onto Salicylic acid most often derived from the willow tree or it can be manufactured in a lab too. Known as the best Beta-hydroxy (BHA’s are soluble in oil and AHA’s soluble in water) it is probably best known for its use in acne targeting skincare, but salicylic is so much more than a pimple non-pleaser. We often think of this as a simple targeting acid, sweeping away a topical area of dead skin and seeping into the pore to act like a washing machine cycle on spin and then helping to cleanse away any debris.
In fact, salicylic acid works by softening keratin, a protein which helps form the main protein in your skin as well as your hair and nails. Within the surface layer of the skin, keratin is what helps with the natural barrier protection of the skin, it also helps to form the rigid like structure of the skin. When Salicylic acid desquamates the protein, so it makes it easier to remove and can then access the pore to offer a sensational deep clean. This identifies the difference between AHA’s and BHA’s, whereas the AHA leaves skin super smooth and a bump free zone, BHA’s have the ability to penetrate that little bit deeper and it is this, that makes salicylic one of the best spot reducing ingredients, but it’s also excellent for black head cleansing, teen skin or skin with excessive sebum production, as it can get deeper in the skin and pores than an AHA has the ability to. You may also find that it is used to aid in the removal of warts, in-growing hairs, psoriasis treatment and so much more. In low concentrations salicylic acid also has an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin, again why it is a major player in the treatment of acne and breakouts on the skin.
So, you may decide that salicylic is not for you, you are more on the drier side of nature, suffer with frequent dehydration patches or feel like your skin has a level of fragility to it, which makes you terrified of the word acid + skin. then it is time to meet your hydration hero acid. Get ready to shout Hyaluronic acid here I come!
Hyaluronic acid is arguably the most used acid ingredient on the market, but what gives HA (hyaluronic acid) a universal thumbs up from all skin types? First and for most it is naturally found in your skin, also in your eyes and connective tissue in the body. It has a natural purpose in the body, which is to bind to water, by doing this hyaluronic keeps the moisture levels plentiful, keeping skin super hydrated, soft, and supple and ultimately keeping the wrinkles at bay.
Most of the time HA is derived from non-animal sources making it a perfect vegan ingredient. Sometimes plant extract, alternatively soy or wheat is used in a process of microbial fermentation, this bacterial strain which naturally contains HA can then be manipulated to the perfect HA for skincare.
Also, in skincare the salt form of HA is frequently used – sodium hyaluronate – this is more effective for topical application to the skin than pure hyaluronic acid due to its great skin compatibility. Those restorative and skin replenishing abilities which can boost a skin’s moisture content while at the same time soothing and defending against moisture loss. Leaving you with a visibly decreased wrinkle depth and smoother skin surface. Did you know that HA also helps to assist in the reinforcement of the skin’s protective barrier? An all-round hero acid.
Vitamin C – otherwise referred to as ascorbic acid or L-ascorbic acid, what is not to love about this skin improving, skin enhancing and skin colour calibrating acid. The true anti-ageing acid ingredient, it is so versatile for one that can be so unstable (it often turns from white to a yellowish hue, especially if you keep it near a window or in direct sunlight, even when in a cream or a serum).
Many of us relate to ascorbic acid as being the true anti-ageing champion, years of sun worship without adequate skin protection results in hyperpigmentation – those patches of brown of the skin, some people simply call them age-spots, others liver spots. Not always caused via over exposure to the sun, changes in pigmentation can also occur during pregnancy, there could be genetic imbalances or maybe a hormonal imbalance. Injury and inflammation can also cause a change in pigmentation within the skin - think of pigmentation as being red as well as brown in colour - as can reactions to medication and exposure to sunlight. There are so many factors which can affect melanin production, the pigment producer in our skin.
Yet hyperpigmentation is not the only skin concern that vitamin C addresses. The depletion of collagen in our skin as we age, the effects that our lifestyle has on the skin by putting it into oxidative stress and allowing free radicals to cause damage. A diet lacking in fruit and vegetables, smoking, natural exposure to UVA and UVB all allow our cells to go into a state of imbalance, which in turn ages our appearance as the skin becomes under attack. The scariest thing of all is that we do not create vitamin C naturally, we only obtain it through our diet and supplementation, either topically or orally. So, unless you are eating a totally balanced diet including plenty of leafy green, broccoli and oranges as an example of natural sources of vitamin C, our bodies may be receiving enough to support the systems overall health. However, skin, the largest organ of the body, yet the last to be fed with anything nutritional from the body will very likely thank you by glowing if you use a skincare serum, cream or moisturiser which contains vitamin C. Use ascorbic acid rich skincare as your everyday fall-back plan – just in-case it needs an extra booster.
SO how does vitamin C work on your skin? Because it is such a potent antioxidant, it manages to neutralize the free radicals causing the skin damage via sun exposure, it maintains skin health and replenishes vitamin E content in the skin too. In a nutshell it works on the visibility of pigment in your surface skin, so by inhibiting the irregular production of melanin, it makes the appearance of skin colour appear more even. Research also identifies that vitamin C may have a role to play in the natural collagen forming process.
So, I ask myself. Is vitamin C for me? I could not live without it!
Finally, from the top 5, no hit list would be complete without the addition of Lactic acid.
Hydration, exfoliation, skin balancing and brightening whilst treating discolouration and of course improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Is there anything which goes against these thousands of years old skin acid – reputably used by Cleopatra as she used to bathe in milk to keep her youthfulness… we think not.
It is a friend to more sensitive skin types versus glycolic acid, as its side effects are minimal. As with any acid use, a slight tingling sensation may occur on application, and if you suffer from eczema or psoriasis always gain medical advice prior to using them on your skin. A pink hue to your skin may also occur, but it should be rosy and soft, not red, and angry.
Lactic acid has so many benefits to be motivated by to use it. From the alpha hydroxy side of the family and originally a derivative from milk, many lactic acid skincare formulations today use a synthetically produced variation. What I love about Lactic acid is that it goes for the “Old boy” skin cells, the ones that are just that tad too old, the ones which really need to head on their onward journey and allow the youth of the skin to shine through. Working like Glycolic acid to dissolve that glue that binds them together, using Lactic acid reveals brighter, fresher, more youthful looking skin. While at the same time it manages to assist the skins natural moisturising factor and keep skin from feeling dry and moisturised.
When it comes to ageing, fine lines and surface wrinkles, lactic acid works to stimulate collagen renewal too. For skin that has those tiny bumps and lumps beneath the surface, it helps to smooth the surface skin and dissolve the excess of skin cells which have built up around the hair follicle.
If brighter, smoother, more glowing, and vibrant skin are on the agenda. Then lactic acid is a MUST to have in your skincare routine. It may be last on my top 5 listing, but it certainly packs a punch on delivery.
Ultimately do we all need an acid attack? Absolutely without a doubt, embrace the chemical and your skin will too.
Now look in the mirror… What is the one thing you want to change about your skin?
Doctors Cosmeceutical Skincare Formula embraces the benefits that some of the above acids can deliver to our skincare routine.
For a Vitamin C boost or an Ascorbic Acid attack, try these vitamin C packed powerhouse skincare products into your daily skincare regime...
If it’s time to find a real life hydration hero, brimming with Hyaluronic Acid (HA) then look no further than these thirst quenching skin solutions…
If Lactic Acid is your way forward to treating your skin, then hook up with Doctors Cosmeceutical Skincare Formula latest innovation, to get your skin super fit…
We have all heard of the “THE” ingredient we absolutely must have in our skin care routine, the miracle that can change the way our skin behaves and make us look and feel fabulous, whilst turning back a few years on life’s ageing clock, but it appears there are so many of these miracle ingredients on the market, what makes the claims of an ingredient miracle or myth?
First and foremost, what is it? Collagen is a protein that is found in the connective tissue and the main differentiation between collagen and marine collagen is where it is sourced from. Collagen tends to be sourced from bovine or porcine sources, whilst marine collagen is predominantly sourced from the skin of fish. Frequently derived from both cold-water fish and specially selected warm water fish, to achieve the maximum skin penetration and enhancement. By using this pure form of hypoallergenic protein derived from the skins of fish. Cleaned and then hydrolysed by acid and enzymes to produce a marine collagen peptide. It is then blended in liquid or powder form in marine collagen drinks, capsules and shots. Or used in skincare within the cosmetic industry, for multiple anti-ageing effects and health benefits.
The final source of collagen is from food where it occurs naturally such as chicken, fish, egg-whites, berries, tropical and citrus fruits as well as garlic, leafy greens, bean’s and cashews. Although food may not be a direct source to intake collagen, it can certainly help to sustain in the production of collagen. In chicken and fish, the fleshy white meat does not play such a vital role, even though it may taste the best! However, the parts full of sinew, connective tissue or cartilage are packed with collagen, and although you may not salivate at the thought of these in some cultures they may be a delicious delicacy, for those who don’t associate sinews and skin as a positive thought we also have the option to ingest them in a liquid drink or capsule form. Either way they are a positive and beneficial source of collagen.
In other foods it is the indirect action they have on natural collagen synthesis which is vital. Egg whites for example which contain a high amount of proline – an amino acid needed for collagen production, or in citrus fruits & berries, super enriched with vitamin c which can help to play a role in the production of pro-collagen, a pre-curser to collagen. Last, but not least, garlic, you will either love it or despise it, but if you knew it was high in sulfur - a trace mineral that can assist in the synthesis to prevent the breakdown of collagen, would you now be including it in every meal for its potential benefits to your health?
All may help to boost collagen production and create the building blocks or amino acids you need for optimum skin and body health. Marine collagen assists both the body and skin by increasing and replenishing your collagen levels. So why is maintaining collagen levels in the body is so important and why do we need to boost collagen levels or replenish the levels in your skin as an everyday necessity that we should have as a priority on our daily to-do list?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body and it plays various vital roles both within the building blocks of your skin, muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments. It also assists with our digestive system and blood vessels. Collagen accounts for almost a third of your bodies protein composition. Not only is it essential for healthy joints, gut function and mobility it also keeps skin full of elasticity and wrinkle free. If you think of collagen like a glue within the body and skin, holding everything together and keeping the outer appearance of skin from looking more like a grape than a wrinkly raisin!
It is what both your Doctor and your Dermatologist will recommend. Both advising that you need to take great care of your natural supplies for as long as possible, and when they start to deplete you need to top them up. Your Beauty therapist will be talking you through products abundant in it and your nutritionist will be recommending you drink it. So why are they all so excited about the benefits of marine collagen? The simple fact is it works. We know it depletes year on year from our bodies natural sources, but what makes it so special to be heralded as one of the miraculous ingredients to be applying topically and drinking daily?
We have collagen in abundance in our youth, remember back to that beautiful plump, wrinkle free skin! Why babies look so plump and cuddly, your early twenties where your skin radiates health and has a natural glow and there is not a wrinkle in sight. Then suddenly in our late twenties, early thirties, skin frequently appears to change. A few laughter lines appear, some frown lines. Our forties appear just around the corner the jaw line may begin to alter, the deeper set lines may make it appear like you have a permanent frown, even though you are smiling inside! Then fifties, sixties and beyond there is a definitive change to density and texture as well as the volume of lines apparent, but that is all just a case of us naturally ageing, right? Well yes and no, and the answer can be debated.
Through the natural ageing process, often occurring and becoming more obvious from our thirties, our collagen production starts to slow down, so that heavenly elasticity starts to become a little less taught and strong. The moisture levels in our skin also start to change and the rate of skin replenishment or cellular turnover can start to slow too. Skin that once looked fresh, dewy and full of elasticity, can start to look a little more lack-lustre, loose and not so vibrant.
Add in external factors which affect our collagen depletion rate and levels such as eating too much sugar – did you know that an excess of sugar in your blood stream can cause glycation? It is a natural chemical reaction which occurs when sugar levels spike. Glycation affects the part of our skin that keeps it full of bounce and youthfulness – in short the collagen and elastin fibres.
If we love the sun’s rays too much without adequate sun protection - the sun’s ultra-violet rays can cause immense damage to the skin. The skin cells which contain melanin, which protect the skin from the suns rays can burn, as they do this leads to a reduction in the skin’s elasticity and lead to premature ageing.
Smoking, induces oxidative stress on the skin, meaning insufficient oxygen is supplied to the skin let alone the skin trying to combat the estimated 4000+ chemicals in tobacco smoke which may trigger the destruction of collagen and elastin in the skin. That’s before we add in day-to-day stress, diet and lifestyle, which plays an immense role in the appearance of our skin and constantly changes.
So not only do we produce less collagen, and the quality is not as good as in our younger years, we have multiple other factors affecting the loss of firmness, appearance of fine lines and less elasticity in our skin. We age.
Being the largest organ of the body, your skin also requires copious amounts of collagen to keep it supported, supple and strong. Without any assistance, your skin will not suddenly find any additional natural source of collagen to use for replenishment, hence it should be at the top of our daily focus and skincare action plan.
As far as your skin is concerned types I and types III are the most prolific. Type I accounts for up to 90% of your bodies natural collagen and supports and provides a structural element not only to your skin, helping to minimise fine lines, wrinkles, improve hydration levels in the skin (remember dehydration lines left untreated will just deepen and form deeper wrinkles!).
Type I collagen also helps to rebuild tendons and bone. It helps to support the “scaffold” structure required for both skin and body support. Type III collagen supports the organs, arteries and muscles. We are most definitely in need of both.
Structurally, these predominant types of collagen are composed of polypeptide chains, called alpha chains. Glycine, Proline and Hydroxyproline are the important amino acids. Glycine is the simplest amino acid and is integral in the formation of protein structure. Proline plays the important role of intracellular signalling, whilst Hydroxyproline plays the stability role in this triple helix structure. Both types I and type III collagen are associated with healthy skin, hair and nails as well as marine collagen being absorbed into the skin at a rapid rate.
Whether you decide to take it orally and ingest marine collagen or apply it topically to your skin, it is able to assist in the repairing of collagen and elastin fibres, ultimately producing a thickening of your skins outer surface (the epidermis) which then results in fewer visible wrinkles, improved skin elasticity, hydration and firmness. Who said we couldn’t turn back the clock of time!.
So now we have recognised the need to replenish our collagen on, a daily basis, what type of collagen products should we be looking out for? Take a closer look into the formulations when you are purchasing your marine collagen skincare, do you follow the best sellers on the market? Do they really have marine collagen in them? If something says it is “Pro-Collagen” does it actually need to have any marine collagen in it? It is simply “for-collagen”. The superior products out there both in skincare and supplements will most definitely have Marine collagen amino acids or Hydrolysed collagen within their ingredients listing.
Hydrolysed Collagen is a collagen amino acid shown to be both considerable in effect and moisture retentive. A powerful moisture binding amino acid complex which is hygroscopic – absorbing moisture from the air. Improving the flexibility in the skin through moisturisation and providing superb conditioning properties to the skin, to leave it feeling soft, supple and youthful. So Hydrolysed collagen not only assist with the skins “glue” effect it also absorbs moisture from the air, keeping skin hydrated, flexible and pliant, so that wrinkle formation is reduced.
Marine Collagen Amino Acids are likely to contain several amino acids such as lysine, proline and hydroxyproline too. These can have a positive impact on the skin by helping to increase moisture levels and elasticity in the skin, but also by combatting oxidative stress in the skin (which can make us appear older too!)
SO is Marine collagen a Myth or miracle cure, for me I know that skin elasticity levels go hand in hand with hydration levels. Marine collagen renowned for both its ability to act as a humectant and attract and retain moisture from the atmosphere combined with a low molecular structure in marine collagen amino acids allow them to penetrate the upper layers of the skin where their main aim is to assist in moisture retention and benefit both skin elasticity and flexibility. Using marine collagen amino acids in your daily regime will make your skin feel nourished, the elasticity strengthens and with that you bring back your skins glow and flexibility. Do I need it in all my daily skincare products, or do I need to have it just in my serum, day or night time moisturiser?
For me it is age dependant. We all recognise that prevention is better than cure. Starting to use a marine collagen moisturiser in my twenties, I know I will see the benefit into the next decade. If I am already in my mid years, then definitely the more I use the plumper and firmer my skin will feel, plus I’m keeping it constantly hydrated which is always a benefit. The age old question I hear time and time again is that “I’m too old, there’s nothing you can do for me…” So NOT true!
Yes, we can’t turn a sixty year old skin back to its twenties bloom, but we can improve the hydration and elasticity, so take a daily dose of a marine collagen supplement or liquid drink followed with marine collagen skincare that plumps and hydrates your skin each and every day. Use a marine collagen rich day and night time moisturiser and most definitely ensure that you have some marine collagen within your everyday skin serum. It can make a visible difference to the appearance of your skin. Superior eye hydration for that delicate eye area which always needs a little extra TLC. If you suddenly realise that your skin needs an extra helping hand and valuable moisture surge then Doctors Formula 8 Hour Deep Repair Mask works tirelessly throughout the night to re-boost and hydrate, so your skin wakes with a renewed vibrancy.
People often ask if they should use marine collagen products all year round, it’s always a big resounding yes from me, even if we take into consideration something as simple as the change in seasons.
We know that the winter months take their toll on your skin, the cooler temperatures and lower humidity result in dry air which draws moisture away from your skin. Months of spending more time indoors and central heating lead to more dehydration fine lines than we care to count. Throughout spring the humidity levels start to rise, we need to keep skin hydrated to combat the dehydration lines and keep skin supple. Throughout summer when humidity levels are at their peak and there is a lot of moisture in the air, drier skin types specifically start to feel improved. Yet this increase in air moisture can cause the pores of the skin to open more freely and become clogged, so it makes total sense that if we keep the skins moisture and elasticity levels at a constant, not only do we prevent the skin from seasonal fluctuation we also keep the skin supple. Keep the dreaded dehydration lines at bay and ultimately prevent those fine lines leading to a deeper wrinkle. So marine collagen skincare is an all-year round regime, it is the quickest way to boost both water and elasticity levels in your skin.
There are so many contributing factors to the state of our skin; our lifestyle, stress levels, hormones, sleep patterns, environmental damage, genetics. It is our largest organ of the body, it protects us, fights off infection, regulates our body temperature and so much more. Do we really give it the undivided attention it truly deserves? It is such a huge part of our identity. It is our first impression to the outside world. It is the first thing we look at – someone’s face, the part of our body that we criticise to the max as we look at it the most. We search for the ever-emerging fines lines and wrinkles, check its texture and tone and comment of the ever-declining jawline that feels like it is a world away from what we knew from our twenties.
We know prevention is better than cure, no matter what your age, you are never quite in the last chance saloon. Find a doctor inspired formulation that truly contains marine collagen, either hydrolysed or collagen amino acids and you can certainly reward your skin and your reflection back from the mirror. Feed it, nourish it, water it, find your skin that radiates that healthy glow, feels fresh, make yourself feel younger.
Sea inspired Marine Collagen skincare helps to smooth away the effects of ageing.
These days I could do with a little extra luminosity in my life.. how about you?”
|| Doctors Formula || Marine Collagen || Offers || Anti-Ageing ||
First and for most why is sleep so vital to our health? Well, how long have we got to talk?
Did you know we spend approximately a third of lives sleeping – a waste of time you may say, or only that much. Well, no matter how much sleep you manage every day, its pivotal in our overall health, both physically and emotionally and the likelihood is that we could all do with a little more sometimes, or maybe all the time!
]]>First and for most why is sleep so vital to our health? Well, how long have we got to talk?
Did you know we spend approximately a third of lives sleeping – a waste of time you may say, or only that much. Well, no matter how much sleep you manage every day, its pivotal in our overall health, both physically and emotionally and the likelihood is that we could all do with a little more sometimes, or maybe all the time!
Sleep is the ultimate healer and repairing mechanism for the body and skin. It is also an essential function of the body. That is why we should not disrespect the amount of it we need daily. The average adult is said to need between 7-9 hours of both deep and light sleep every 24 hours. Having slept well enables us to function, have a clearer perspective, make rational decisions, it aids in the boosting of our bodies natural immune system. During sleep our body heals, repairing blood vessels, skin, and tissue. Sleep also helps to recharge the brain and brings our memory into focus. Balancing both our mood and metabolism whilst allowing our muscles to relax.
There is a definitive reason why when we experience a lack of sleep, we morph into another person altogether, not to mention the bleary appearance, irritable mood, lack of focus, brain fog and those pesky under eye dark circles...
When we sleep not only our bodies but the largest living organ of the body: our skin peaks for optimum rejuvenation too, we repair daytime damage, absorb active ingredients, and potentially produce more collagen too. It is our essential re-charge time. It is the same for your brain or your muscles, yet we do not tend to focus on the benefits of sleep on our skin.
When we sleep a process called mitosis occurs or cell division which repairs skin, specifically in the epidermis, where the constant rejuvenation of skin cells and red blood cells which only have a limited life span is a necessity. This night-time process is important for skin rejuvenation so fresh, healthy skin cells are constantly replenished and keep us looking youthful.
The associated results of poor sleep to skin are that we age faster – who wants to look older than their true skin years, simply from skipping a few hours of precious sleep?
Our skin does not recover from the daily aggressors we expose our skin to such as environmental damage and pollution. The colour of your skin can look grey or lack lustre, and the lack of radiance in the skin is visible. We know that during sleep our blood circulation or the microcirculation in the skin increases, flowing fresh nutrients and oxygen to the skin, we also know that collagen production in the skin is at its peak during the night as well as the process of mitosis taking place. So, if we do not get enough sleep this entire renewal process is slowed.
Temperature plays a huge role in how our skin behaves at night to. If the room is too warm, we perspire more, too cold and the blood vessels near the surface of the skin constrict allowing less blood to the skins surface, so we lose less heat. Having both our body temperature and room temperature at a constant, not too hot nor too cold allows our skin time to heal and regenerate without having to multi-task whilst all the repairing and reproducing activity in the skin is taking place.
For optimum skin rejuvenation, we need to repair daytime damage and absorb as many active ingredients as possible, whilst giving our bodies the opportunity to make more collagen. So, the 360-degree approach of orally ingesting collagen as well as topically applying marine collagen to the skin can make all the difference.
So how does collagen help you sleep? Predominantly by what it has made up of.
Natural collagen makes up approximately a third of the protein in your body. There are numerous types of collagen, yet the dominant types one, two and three account for almost 90% of the collagen in your body.
Types one and three collagens are both structural collagens. Think of natural collagen in the skin as a supportive mesh, these woven fibres interlink in the dermis and are the main supportive network for skins visible flexibility, bounce and youthfulness. It is such an essential structural element of the skin and without constant replenishment, the effects of the lack of collagen on the skin are detrimental to its appearance.
Visualise a baby’s skin, that full flexibility, structure and density, super smooth surface, lack of environmental damage and exposure to hormones, poor food, and lifestyle choices. Plus, the constant napping, truly magical deep sleep at the drop of a hat. Nobody says you cannot, in fact they actively encourage it. Your body is growing, so the volume of snooze time is essential for you to grow and prosper.
Fast forward twenty years and that natural reproduction of collagen starts to slow, you are loving your vacations and summer sun, your favourite weekend treat is a trip to a fast-food restaurant and clubbing until the small hours. You drive your parents insane by what appears to be the volume of sleep you appear to be able to cram into 24 hours, albeit you appear to sleep all day and party all night, but if it is less than 12 hours at a time, you feel hard done to!
Plus, another twenty years, your collagen levels have been on the decline now for twenty years…
Your hormone levels have changed, lifestyle stress is a daily battle, work commitments are stressful and how different does your jawline appear, is it still taught and smooth or is there a hint of an appearance of jowls? Have the laughter lines crept in and those wrinkles started to appear more dominant or it that just the mirror you are looking in to?... Your sleep pattern has changed, you wake up to visit the bathroom during the night (what is that all about?) You always seem to be clock watching and small luxuries like a lie in feels like a thing of the past, or when you have opportunity to do so, your body naturally wakes up anyway...
Now you have reached your sixties. Retirement is looming, you are about to leave the rat race and within yourself you do not really feel any older than you did twenty years prior. There is maybe just a few extra aches and joint pains, however you look in the mirror and the reflection tell you a totally different story to the age you really feel.
You have been depleting collagen year on year for nearly forty years, your skin structure has changed, your sleep pattern has changed.
Somebody please, please, pass me the collagen!
Collagen is almost a third made up of glycine, and it is this amino acid which is thought to be able to help us sleep as it helps to relax your nervous system. Other health benefits of glycine are thought to assist in the stability of blood sugar, ease joint pain and inflammation and to maintain a healthy gut. It is the nightly bedside assistant to soothe and calm which results in improved sleep and overall health.
So, what works best? Topical or oral?
In a world where we want it all, combination is key. For our skin health we want the topical booster treatment with those small amino acids to increase hydration, assist in the formation of the building blocks of the skin and to combat oxidative stress.
Some are sceptical about the benefits of topical applications of collagen simply because a collagen molecule is too large to pass into the skin, however when broken down into amino acids they transverse more easily, resulting in a beneficial skin plumping and cushioning exercise, not to mention the hydration benefit to skin which by itself aides the appearance of a smooth, plump appearance to the skin bringing visible fine lines and wrinkles into a softer focus.
Orally we want the benefits to include additional joint protection, a decrease in gut inflammation and booster to overall health, we want to replenish that structural scaffold to the largest organ of the body at the same time. Combine the two whether it be a supplement, shot or drink and the result is we also benefit from an enhanced sleep, reduced anxiety, plus a sense of calmness – thank you glycine.
Most of us will know Marine Collagen as an ingredient essential in skincare products for its smoothing and skin plumping benefits as well as a much-needed hydrator to keep our skin looking fresh and rosy. In the cosmetics world it is the true anti-ageing ingredient, the powerhouse ingredient that by itself is too large to pass directly into the skin. Yet broken down into amino acids and combined with other active ingredients, produces luxurious textures that deliver real results.
SO much so, that leading British brands such as ELEMIS® have been formulating and retailing a collagen marine cream successfully and globally for the past 25 years.
That is a lot of collagen being topically applied if it has no affect and anti-ageing skin benefits…
The burning question - does it work when applied topically?
Seemingly so, specifically in a western diet that generally lacks in collagen rich amino acids usually found in small bones and in animal skin. (Unless of course you are a true Mediterranean diet follower with plenty of oily fish – think sardines, anchovies, collagen rich sourced food) or unless you are crunching your way through excessive amount of white bait every day!
Chances are there’s not enough collagen rich amino acids going into your system or to your skin to replenish and strengthen the constant depletion of collagen we experience from on twenties onwards. You may at this point be asking yourself why is that so vital? If my collagen levels naturally deplete do, I really need to help sustain them?
Once again, the answer is a resounding yes.
If you are concerned with ageing, your overall health and general life longevity (which we now recognise relates to our sleep pattern and quality of sleep also) then keeping your collagen levels topped up should be a daily essential to both our skin care and supplement intake.
SO that is all well and good, we have taken our collagen supplements, gels, or shots.
We have applied the collagen marine cream to bring back the bounce tomorrow morning when we wake, so we are fresh, rosy, hydrated and looking like we have got a youthful glow again. We have topped up on our sleep to benefit all the repairing and rejuvenating associated benefits with extra sleep, but have we factored into account the position in which we sleep, and does it even make a difference?...
Well, it does, without a doubt. Dependant on if you are a star fish snoozer or a foetal curler. A wriggler or a hibernator. It does make a difference if you always lie on the same side or if you toss and turn all night. It is not only the health benefits of how you sleep to consider, but the skin aggravation which you can also cause too. The overall look of your skin. Lack of sleep or poor sleep (more light sleep than deep) can result in a darker under eye area, a less vibrant complexion and skin puffiness.
The issue arises and then reverts once again – COLLAGEN.
When we are young, there is an abundant supply of collagen and elastin fibres in the skin, giving it that youthful bounce, so it springs back into shape rapidly. However, as we age, those levels deplete, thus requiring a helping hand from skin plumping and super hydrating ingredients such as marine collagen amino acids, to replenish and nourish the skin.
When we repeat a behaviour such as sleeping on the same side of our face every day, we place an additional stress on the existing skin fibres, this can result in one side of the face appearing “flatter” or as if it lost it bounce in extreme cases. So, consideration to the position we sleep in is important and it totally has an impact on your skin and your health.
Did you know that being a foetal curler is said to mean you are less likely to suffer with back problems? Interesting to say the least, plus if you are also a left sided curler then the theory is this may also benefit the way our body expels waste (organ placement is asymmetrical internally) so by lying on your left side throughout the night allows gravity to make waste travel its natural route, ready to be expelled the following morning.
Left side sleeping is also said to aid digestion, reduce heartburn (due again to internal organs location) if the stomach and gastric juices remain lower than the oesophagus when we sleep, we reduce the risk of heartburn. Boost brain health and reduce the chances of snoring.
On the note of snoring, are you a snorer or a mouth breather?
Either way it is affecting your tongue, mouth, airways, and nose. We still relax during sleep, but open-mouthed breathing for long periods of time can also influence the lips. That constant inhalation and expiration of air can dry the lip area out, so ensure you apply a lip salve prior to going to bed, to ensure you do not over dehydrate that delicate lip tissue. An extra boost of (you guessed it!) marine collagen across the lips will keep them hydrated, preventing that total moisture loss, so when you wake up there are no paper dry lips in sight.
If you are feeling generous, make sure you give your partner a pair of ear buds too!
So, to the starfish snoozers, you need to flip over onto your side.
The Hibernators, you need to come up for some air and take the heat away from your skin to allow it to “breathe” and not have to be working overtime.
The wrigglers… It is time to take your collagen and get that brain to rest prior to going to bed.
Which means the mobile needs to be put away at least an hour before bedtime, the TV needs to vacate the bedroom and YOU need to breathe….
One last tip to take into consideration prior to sleeping, although it does not have a physical impact on the way you sleep and it is not necessarily linked to collagen, however the result of not removing it can have a negative impact on our skin’s health and therefore will need an additional boost from marine collagen. Plus, if you over think it, then most definitely you will not be going straight to sleep as you will be dreaming about bugs...
Bacteria breed on our skin throughout the day, when we are out and about, we touch surfaces, or even if we are just at home, think how many times you touch different surfaces and then go to wipe away a wisp of hair, or touch your face. Placing bacteria onto the skin.
So even if you have not had an ounce of make-up throughout the day, it is imperative that we cleanse and rehydrate the skin prior to going to bed – topical collagen marine cream I hear you shout – absolutely!
(You can test this by simply taking a cotton pad with some toning lotion on and wiping it over your skin on the days when you think you do not need to cleanse, and see what transfers onto the pad, believe me, you will start to cleanse nightly!).
So, can collagen really be associated with an enhanced sleep?
Do I want to wake up feeling refreshed, glowing, and ready to face the day with rosy skin?
I do indeed.
We know that the amount of sleep we get plays a vital role in the appearance of our skin. We know sleep aids both our mental and physical health, the repairing process is both a natural function and necessity for health and overall well-being. We all know that feeling of having stayed up “past our bedtime” and the result the next day besides the constant yawning is the appearance of lack-lustre or grey tinged skin, lack of a rosy glow and enhanced under eye dark circles. Grouchiness, irritability, lack of focus and that feeling of just wishing the day were over, so we can go and catch up on our sleep.
Will I be taking my collagen supplements as well as applying my collagen marine cream packed with collagen amino acids – without a doubt. We tackle so many other obstacles in life with a head on approach. I think its high time we embrace collagen to help us on the journey for an enhanced sleep experience and its many magnificent bonuses.
I am off to bed – collagen drunk and slathered in marine collagen cream.
Happy dozing….
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