Pollution and skin ageing!!

Pollution is ageing your skin. 

Commuters and City dwellers  are exposed to the skin ageing properties of pollution every day.Pollutants’ are attacking the moisturising proteins in your skin, and will ultimately make you look older than your actual age. Skin moisturising proteins explained - Your skin retains water within these natural moisturising proteins to keep them flexible. Each stratum corneum cell is a flexible sack of proteins. Without water, the proteins lose their flexibility and become rigid. The skin becomes rough to the touch, even cracking in severe cases. Water helps increase the flexibility of the proteins so the cells can relax to a smooth surface that begs to be touched.

According to  new scientific research Urban pollution could age women’s skin 10% faster than those who live in the country. The findings, based on a study of 200 women aged 30 to 45years of age  in Beijing and rural China, also shows that poor air quality triggers more dermatological skin conditions and found a correlation between spikes in air pollution and a surge in the number of patients suffering from urticaria /  hives. Separate German research in 2010, which compared the skin of women in urban and rural areas, found the former, who lived among higher pollution, had more evidence of hyper-pigmentation, or age spots, than the countryside dwellers.

The industry’s big concern with pollution focuses on particles. The pollutants in city air were previously thought to be too large to break through the skin’s barrier but now scientists think tiny particles known as pm 2.5 can actually penetrate the skin. These tiny particles cause the frequent haze in city air, and now it’s thought they also destroy keratin proteins that protect the skin from losing moisture and cause premature ageing.

High levels of pollution may cause defects in the functioning of our external skin barrier, which is fundamental to the ageing process within the skin. Irritants from fumes of cars and smog result in a worsening of dermatitis and other skin conditions such as eczema, while if you’re breathing in a lot of carbon monoxide this can reduce the oxygen supply which in turn ages the skin, similar to the effects smoking has on the skin. Pollution also damages the collagen that helps skin to stay elastic and prevents wrinkles and ageing.

Women in China and South Korea wear surgical masks when outdoors walking on the street to protect against pollution. It started as SARS FLU prevention – now they continue to wear the masks to combat the exhausts and toxins of city air. High fashion face masks were also on display at this year’s Paris Fashion Week, with Chinese designer Masha Ma adorning models with Swarovski crystal-studded masks to go with her urban-chic collection at China’s fashion week this autumn.
We need to look after our skin like never before to protect against pollution and premature ageing. Cult skincare line SkinCeuticals  was  designed especially for skin exposed to harsh environmental factors such as city living, specifically targeting free radical damage caused by pollution and Ultra violet light leading to premature ageing and poor skin function.

Over the years our bodies are trying to adapt to the barrage of pollution / additives / stress / antibiotics etc which has led to a lot of skin problems and allergies

To protect against the ravages of pollution you need to protect your skin. To begin cleaning your skin correctly is essential .Double cleanse with a cream cleanser, then a cleansing gel wash using a fresh wet white face cloth to be sure any pollution is removed and then regular facials to deep-clean the skin, or an enzyme based exfoliation at home to dissolve the dead surface skin layer where any pollution will be trapped.

Skinceutical antioxidants help to prevent skin damage from the inside out.

UV rays, infrared radiation, pollution, and lifestyle factors generate damaging free radicals that prematurely age skin. SkinCeuticals antioxidants neutralise these unstable molecules, acting as a second line of defence against photo-damage and accelerated skin ageing. In addition to preventing damage, SkinCeuticals antioxidants have been proven to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, laxity, and hyper-pigmentation by neutralising free radicals and stimulating collagen production.

Protect with effective UV protection against photo-ageing

The SkinCeuticals line of sunscreens provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection. Formulated with Z-COTE transparent zinc oxide, skin is protected from the entire spectrum of damaging UV rays, not just sunburn. Unlike the pasty, white zinc oxide sunscreens of the past, SkinCeuticals sunscreens are formulated with cosmetically elegant textures.

Facial treatments

A SkinCeuticals skincare professional has access to pharmaceutical-grade treatment products that can be used to customize any facial treatment or at-home regimen. Available exclusively through authorised SkinCeuticals skincare professionals, these targeted solutions enhance and maintain the results of at-home products and other professional procedures to optimize the health and beauty of skin.
Benefits
• Customise any SkinCeuticals regimen with pharmaceutical-grade targeted treatments
• Enhance the results of a SkinCeuticals home care regimen and any salon peel procedures
• Tighten and detoxify skin
• Restore a firm, youthful radiant complexion

Winter skin tips

Cold weather can wreak havoc on skin, but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer during those chilly winter months.

 Here’s some winter tips.

1. Avoid using facial wipes.

Often used as a quick fix to remove makeup, these wipes tend to strip the skin of its natural pH balance, creating dry skin patches, tightness and dehydration Always clean your skin before bedtime with a cleansing balm or facial wash.  Wipes contain a preservative similar to hand wash that is known to cause skin allergy in some people. Cleansing your skin removes impurities and makeup, and it de-clogs the pores, which makes your skin feel refreshed and allows it to breathe overnight. Using a night-time facial oil or night cream will further assist with healing and repair.

2. Don’t lick your lips.

Lips can get extra dry during the winter, and the natural reaction to lick them can make them crack. Exfoliate your lips as you would your face, and make sure to use a hydrating lip balm, avoiding anything with alcohol as an ingredient. Easy way to gently exfoliate dry skin from your lips is with a baby toothbrush. Use a lip balm made of Shea butter or coconut oil

3. Vitamin C to boost your immune system and reduce stress

Take a slow release Vitamin C or a powdered version such as freeze dried Bio care available at your health store. Vitamin C shouldn’t be reserved just for when you feel a cold coming on. We also suggest applying a vitamin C serum to your skin every morning to make the most of its restorative properties. Vitamin C neutralises free radicals found in our environment that break down collagen and elasticity. It helps strengthen our skin to prevent discolouration and broken capillaries.

4. Stick to weekly maintenance.

Exfoliate once a week; dead skin cells prevent moisturizing creams from penetrating the epidermis, If your skin is very dry- try  sleeping once a week with a moisturising mask on to really show your skin some love.

5. Treat your hands and feet.

“Cracked heels and dry feet are common in the cold winter months - try doing an at-home foot mask with Epsom salts and massage after with oil and wear some cotton socks to allow oil to absorb- to help restore moisture. Using a rich foot cream and apply a thick layer to your feet and wrap in cling film. Let it absorb for one hour do a similar routine for your hands, using a rich moisturising hand cream. Don’t forget the cuticles! Cuticle oil is essential as your cuticles tend to dry out in the winter.

6. Avoid the temptation of an overly hot bath.

A hot bath feels great on a cold winter day, but the intense heat of a hot shower or bath actually breaks down the lipid barriers in the skin, which can lead to a loss of moisture. If you cannot live without it, nourish your skin by adding a few drops of oil into your bath.

7. Employ a well-rounded perspective.

I recommend using a humidifier at home during winter months, as the heat does not help our skin at all. Second, I would try to avoid or cut down on drinking alcoholic beverages, as alcohol can dry out your skin. It is great to drink tea—especially green, white tea—for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

8. Apply sunscreen—yes, even during winter.

Sunscreen may conjure thoughts of warm-weather retreats and sandy beaches, but in reality it should be used year-round, particularly during winter activities. We are all prone to sun- and windburn, especially while skiing, so it is important to protect your face with a SPF.We recommend Skinceutical skin brightening Sunscreen SPF 30 High, which is designed to protect your skin from burning in all winter conditions.

9. Hydrate.

Remember to drink lots of liquids to keep the body hydrated. Water is your best friend. Due to the decreased humidity in the air during winter, your body actually needs more water. So drink up!

10. When in doubt, ask the pros.

When travelling to a drier, colder climate, stop by the spa so that an experienced aesthetician can recommend a moisturiser that will suit your skin while on holiday in a new environment. Usually, a more emollient, heavier cream will help protect against the winter elements.

11. It’s never too late!

For those who forgot to take precautionary steps before stepping out into the harsh winter elements. 

Skinceutical skincare is a cosmeceutical range of effective products.

What is a COSMECEUTICAL?

 "Cosmeceutical" refers to the combination of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Cosmeceuticals are cosmetic products with biologically active ingredients purporting to have medical or drug-like benefits. These products are made by Dermatologists for Dermatologists. Use of these products enhances your skin and your procedures.

The Company has set out a promise in which is states;

 “Our mission at SkinCeuticals is to improve skin health. Dedicated to this purpose, we make one simple promise – provide quality products backed by science.”

According to them, in order to maintain and improve skin health, an effective skincare regime must contain three fundamental elements – prevention, protection and correction. SkinCeuticals product philosophy and educational programs are built around these principles. Their line of advanced skincare products is designed to prevent future damage, protect healthy skin, and correct previous damage.

Founded in 1997 by Dr. Sheldon R. Pinell, SkinCeuticals discovers, develops, and delivers innovative dermatology products that improve the overall health and appearance of the skin. They use pure, pharmaceutical grade ingredients with proven scientific results and their formulations are based on optimal concentrations of active ingredients. Their entire skincare program works as a complete system for maximum improvement to skin health.

Research and innovation are at the core of the SkinCeuticals mission, and their dedication to science has established the brand as a leader in the advanced skincare arena. 

Tips to Stop Premature Ageing

As we age our skin begins to change, with alterations in the levels of natural collagen and elastin the body is able to produce, leading to lines and wrinkles. Our skin can also say a lot about our general health, our hygiene and our diet and as we age these factors become more apparent in the appearance of our skin.

However, there are numerous tips, tricks and general daily care routines we can invest in, to help fight against tired, dull and lined skin.

Finding the right skin care products for younger looking skin.

As skin ages it loses many of the naturally produced moisturising factors we take for granted in our youth. Collagen, elastin and sebum all plump and enhance the appearance of the skin, but just because your body doesn’t produce them anymore doesn’t mean you can’t add moisture to your skin yourself. Many moisturisers contain products such as hyaluronic acid, omega 6 and peptides, which are used to replenish the skin’s firmness and volume without sitting on top of the skin and causing greasiness.

A good daily cleansing routine, coupled with regular exfoliations is a great idea for maintaining the healthy appearance of your skin. Using a gentle yet effective cleanser removes dirt deep within the pores, which can dull the appearance of your skin. However, it is always best to use an alcohol free cleanser, as alcohol dries out the skin, causing it to age further. Exfoliation also rejuvenates the appearance of the face and removes tired looking dead skin, however, take care to choose a gentle exfoliation product and only use it every few days, to allow the new, glowing layer of skin to settle and avoid accidentally irritating the skin,

Changing your diet, changing your skin.

Your skin, as with any other organ in the body, is dramatically affected by the foods we eat. People who have a diet heavy in fat, sugar and processed food will have tired and dull looking skin, as their body has been unable to attain the nutrients it needs to create healthy skin from the food it takes in.

Grey looking skin is never a good look on anyone, but becomes even more noticeable as we age. Therefore a good diet is an easy way to improve and rejuvenate our skin from the inside out.

Some of the best foods to eat for healthy looking skin include:

Vitamin rich foods-Food such as oranges, strawberries, kiwi fruits, sweet potatoes, broccoli and blueberries are all high in vitamin C, which is not only great for your immune system but also for your skin. Vitamin C is a key ingredient in the body’s production of collagen, which plumps and enhances the appearance of your skin.

Zinc-rich foods- Foods such as sardines, liver, wheat-germ and pumpkin seeds repair damage to the skin and improve its texture, making it feel supple and soft.

Vitamin A rich foods-Foods such as eggs, milk, fish and liver encourage new skin to grow, which means old tired skin can be replaced to rejuvenate the face.

Beta-carotene-Beta-carotene is vitamin A but in plant form, which can be found in fruit and vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, mangoes, carrots, sweet potatoes and tomatoes and helps to enhance the body’s natural protection against the sun, which can greatly age the skin.

Selenium-Selenium works alongside vitamin E to protect the body and its cells from free radicals, which can damage the skin and leave it feeling dry and tired. Foods such as cheese, mushrooms, eggs, beans, whole-grains and Brazil nuts all contain selenium.

B Vitamins-B vitamins are found in milk, poultry, peanut butter, oily fish, eggs and bananas and help keep the skin moist and smooth.

Eating for the benefit of your skin not only improves your appearance but also your overall health and can be an easy way to maintain a youthful appearance, treating the problem of ageing from the inside out.

Cutting out the bad habits.

As the skin ages and loses its moisturising and repairing qualities it becomes more susceptible to damage from our regular bad habits. This damage then becomes more apparent in our appearance and can age us prematurely.

Some of the worst habits that lead to aged skin include:

Smoking: The effects of smoking on the skin are twofold and cause damage to occur both on the surface and underneath the skin itself. The actual act of smoking involves drawing deep breaths, which causes thick vertical lines to appear from the nose to the mouth. Regularly squinting to avoid smoke in the eyes also causes the skin to crease more often, leading to deep crow’s feet around the eyes. The effects inside the body involve the elevated levels of carbon monoxide, which in turn decreases the levels of oxygen. This allows free radicals to damage the skin and also greatly affects the skin’s healing time, meaning any marks, spots, or cuts on the skin can take so long to heal that they scar. On average a life-long smoker can add another 10 to 20 years to their actual age and will suffer with dry, saggy and grey skin.

Sun exposure: The sun is important for our overall health in that it is our main source of vitamin D, but too much sun regularly can have many negative effects, including skin cancer and premature ageing. Photo-aging is a term that describes the leathery, lined, rough appearance of the skin, when there has been persistent and unprotected sun exposure over a number of years. The sun can also causes blemishes, dark spots, fine wrinkles and spider veins, all of which mar the appearance of the skin and age the face. The sun also impairs the body’s ability to produce new collagen and elastin, which unnaturally ages the skin. Use a vitamin C serum along with a broad spectrum SPF daily throughout the year to protect against future damage.

These 3 easy tips can greatly improve the appearance and texture of your skin and prevent new lines and wrinkles from forming and rejuvenate the look of the skin, treating both the surfaces causes of ageing and the internal causes.