Antioxidant science

Skin protection from the inside + outside correction

Properly formulated topical antioxidants have been shown to provide internal protection from skin-damaging free radicals. Additionally some have a corrective action such as collagen synthesis and reduced hyper pigmentation resulting in a comprehensive anti-aging effect.

But what are antioxidants, how do they work, and what other benefits do these active molecules have for the skin?

What is an antioxidant?

An antioxidant is a molecule that inhibits the oxidation of other molecules.
Oxidation is a type of damage that occurs when molecules lose electrons. Five types of antioxidants found naturally in the body that protect against cellular damage are: glutathione, ubiquinone, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), alpha tocopherol (vitamin E), and alpha lipoic acid. Antioxidants work by different mechanisms to stop or neutralise damage. Out of the five antioxidants found in the body only vitamins C and E have been proven to get into skin. Additionally, there are a few plant antioxidants known to work in skin.

What’s a free radical?

Free radicals are molecules with unpaired electrons, causing them to be unstable and highly chemically reactive.
These unstable molecules are generated by UV rays, infrared radiation, pollution, and lifestyle factors like alcohol and cigarette smoke. Inside the skin, free radicals damage cells, their DNA, and other vital cellular components. Over time, free radical damage leads to visible signs of accelerated skin aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, laxity, discoloration, and even skin cancer.

While sunscreen is the first line of defence and essential for protecting skin’s surface from the damaging effects of UVA and UVB rays, sunscreen filters only protect skin from up to 55% of free radicals*. Topical antioxidants work in skin to neutralize free radicals and protect against UV damage. Incorporating a topical antioxidant and sunscreen into a daily skincare regimen provides comprehensive protection from environmental damage.

*Haywood, R., et al, J Invest Dermatol 2006;121:862-868

Skinceuticals:

The antioxidant authority

In 1997, SkinCeuticals changed the face of skincare with the introduction of Serum 10 and Serum 15, the company’s first stabilized, pure L-ascorbic acid topical antioxidants
SkinCeuticals founding scientist Dr. Sheldon Pinnell conducted research about antioxidant formulation and discovered these factors, now known as the Duke Antioxidant patent. SkinCeuticals is the only brand to formulate antioxidants according to these standards.

The skinceuticals difference

A topical vitamin C antioxidant must penetrate skin to be effective. This is dependent on three factors: The form of vitamin C used the concentration, and the pH of the solution.
In the years since the patent, each subsequent antioxidant generation has been subjected to rigorous clinical studies—and the results are clear: SkinCeuticals topical antioxidants neutralise free radicals caused by solar radiation and other environmental factors for inside protection, while synthesising collagen production for outside correction.

Hyperpigmentation

Often skincare products and treatments aim to speed up the natural processes associated with a healthy complexion, improving collagen and elastin production and increasing cellular turnover rate for example. Improving and evening out the skin-tone is different. A mottled, uneven skin tone results from an overproduction of melanin, so slowing that down is top priority. To improve the look of pigmented skin caused by sun exposure, hormones, and scarring you need to use skin care that target and slow down melanin production.

Skinceutical Advanced pigment corrector

2013 Allure Best of Beauty Breakthrough Award Winner! Daily multi-layer treatment to reduce stubborn discoloration and prevent reoccurrence. Advanced Pigment Corrector is clinically proven and tested on all ethnicities to help correct and prevent unwanted pigmentation. This powerful multi-layer treatment is a highly effective, safe, full-facial approach to reducing stubborn discolorations and preventing reoccurrence. In addition to its efficacy on the appearance of skin discolorations and dark spots, Advanced Pigment Corrector boosts skin tone even-ness and radiance.

Clinical study

The dermatologist-controlled clinical trial was conducted on 70 multi-ethnic subjects, ages 25-60, with twice daily application of Advanced Pigment Corrector. Clinical results showed significant improvement in the appearance of skin discolorations and dark spots while boosting skin tone evenness and radiance.

Formulated with an exclusive breakthrough cocktail featuring high-potency 1% Hydroxyphenoxy Propionic Acid and 0.5% Ellagic Acid, Advanced Pigment Corrector works via a multi-layer mechanism to powerfully reduce discolorations and improve overall skin appearance.
A highly effective formula that works via four modes action: exfoliates existing spots, inhibits melanin transfer, blocks excess melanin production, and enhances skin’s resistance to new and reoccurring pigmentation.
Ingredients

1. 0.3% Salicylic acid: Provides exfoliation to fade existing dark spots and helps enhance penetration of other actives.
2. 1% Hydroxyphenoxy Propionic Acid: Helps inhibit melanin transfer. Shown in-vivo to be comparable to 2% kojic acid in diminishing the appearance of discolorations.
3. Vitamin E (alpha tocopherol): 0.5% Ellagic Acid: Helps block excess melanin. Shown in-vivo to reduce dark spots and skin discolorations as published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology*.
4. 5% Yeast Extract: Helps enhance skin's resistance against new and reoccurring pigment.

Use products such as Phloretin CF daily along with Spf 50 ( broad spectrum)

Silky Radiant Skin all Season Long

We think the Christmas holiday season is the perfect time to replenish the glow of beautiful skin. After all, who doesn’t want to make every holiday appearance sparkle with confidence and radiance?

Let us help reveal and maintain your radiant skin for every celebration with a honey and almond body scrub. Combined with any one of our nourishing body  or facial treatments to  help maintain silky, radiant skin for all of your holiday events.

You can buy the Repechage facial honey and almond scrub for home use.

Pure honey, oatmeal and almond meal help purify and deep cleanse the skin. St. John's Wort purifies, soothes, and tones. Leaves skin super clean and smooth. For best results, use twice to three times per week, mix with yogurt or milk for superior results .

Honey

The sweet syrupy substance produced by bees, has value as a humectants with some soothing properties. It is lightly aromatic due to the presence of essential oils found in the nectars of the flower visited by bees.

Almond exfoliation

Ground almonds make excellent natural exfoliators. Moistened with sweet Almond Oil, they help replenish the oils lost from the skin during the cleansing process. Soft in texture, they produce a gentle, massaging effect in exfoliators.

Oatmeal

Obtained by grinding the kernels of Oats, Avena Sativa. Contains both natural whole protein (13%) and Lipid material (8%). Known for its soothing and conditioning effect on the skin, it also helps absorb oils. Leaves a silky, smooth feel to the skin.

St. John's Wort (Hypericum Extract)

Obtained from the flowers, leaves, capsules and stem head of Hypericum Perfortatum, St. John’s Wort. It is known for its purifying, soothing and toning properties.

Our Christmas appointments are filling up fast, schedule your appointment today on 012300255.   01 2300244!

Acne Prevention Tips.

Having acne-prone skin can present a daily challenge. But there are plenty of different treatment options available to prevent and control breakouts.

Clean your skin properly daily

It is important to keep your skin clean by washing it daily. The goal is to remove any dead skin, makeup and impurities that have accumulated throughout the day. Gently massage the cleanser suited to your skin type and rinse with warm water. To avoid further irritation and inflammation, especially during a breakout, use a mild cleanser. Avoid scrubbing your skin, which will spread bacteria, by using your clean hands or a fresh, soft white face cloth, then rinse and towel dry with your own towel.

Minimise the use of makeup & hair products

Let your pores breathe… Especially during a breakout! You may be tempted to cover up blemishes, but it can worsen the existing acne. If you decide to wear makeup, try to use oil-free cosmetics without added dyes or chemicals. Additionally, your hair products can have a similar effect on your complexion. Avoid using fragrances, oils and harsh chemicals on your hair as they can fall onto your face and block the pores. For longer hair, simply keep it pulled back off your face. As always, be sure to cleanse your skin before you go bed whenever you wear any product or not.

Keep your hands off!

This may sound simple enough, but may be one of the hardest to accomplish. It’s amazing how often we touch our face and skin throughout the day. Steer clear of propping your chin or cheek on your hands or avoid touching your face in general. Pressing against skin cells can not only spread bacteria, but it can further irritate already inflamed skin. And never pick or squeeze pimples with your fingers. It can lead to further infection, worse breakouts and even scarring. Keep your hands clean and off your face.

Use over-the-counter acne products with care

Though effective, over-the-counter acne products contain the antibacterial agent benzoyl peroxide, which can cause peeling and drying of the skin. Any active ingredients can also cause redness and scaling for those with sensitive skin. Use these ointments with caution by applying small amounts at first and adjusting as needed.

Skinceutical’s answer to acne.

·        Blemish + age cleansing gel - Exfoliating cleanser for ageing skin prone to imperfections - Designed for ageing skin prone to breakouts, LHA Cleansing Gel combines potent cleansing agents with LHA, glycolic acid and salicylic acid to exfoliate, smooth the appearance of irregularities and brighten skin.

·        Blemish + age solution is an exfoliating toner for ageing skin prone to blemishes. Designed for ageing skin prone to imperfections, Blemish + Age Solution is formulated with a combination of 3 exfoliating agents to help remove excess residue and surface cells.

·        Blemish and age serum is a targeted, oil-free approach to target imperfections and address the visible signs of premature skin ageing. This acid blend combines 2% dioic acid with an optimal alpha- and beta-hydroxy acid formulation designed to help protect against the appearance of imperfections, minimise blemishes, and help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

·        Clarifying clay masque-Deep pore-cleansing, skin-refining clay masque. This non-drying masque combines earth clays kaolin and bentonite, botanicals and minerals. It helps sooth and calm the skin; along with hydroxy acid blend.

Live Healthy!

One of the best things you can do for yourself, and your skin, is to live a healthier lifestyle. How you eat and treat your body is directly related to how you look and feel. Foods rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene are essential to healthy skin. Including more fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains to your diet will help you look and feel great. Additionally, exercising regularly can reduce stress and enhance blood flow which contributes to other acne fighting regimens. Avoid wearing hats and similarly constrictive clothing that cause excessive sweating, which can increase skin irritation and bacteria. And again, always shower after sports to clear your pores.

Acne can be a common occurrence for many people, but adding some of these tips into your daily skin care routine can result in less breakouts and healthier skin.Avoid overstripping your skin with harsh ingredients as they will have a negative affect.
 Treatments such as LED light therapy, Jet Peels, Salicylic peel can all help to heal acne.

 If severe acne continues to plague you do not hesitate to call a doctor or dermatologist as prescription medication may be necessary.

Dry Skin

Dry skin is very often an issue as the weather gets colder and the heating in your home and work will be blasting causing dehydration of the skin and hair.

But it does not have to be, in fact there is a lot you can do to prevent dry skin conditions.

Look for some of these ingredients in your products as they can make a difference in the way your skin looks and feels.

The Irish Spa Awards 2014-Please log on and vote for us for The Irish Spa Awards 2014.

The Irish Spa Awards 2014 are here and we are delighted to be nominated under the following categories:Please log on to vote for us. Thank you!

    www.irishspaawards.com/vote

 Award for Best Day Spa or Beauty Salon 6 rooms and more -Serenity Day Spa.

Serenity Day Spa

55 Glasthule rd

Sandycove

Co Dublin

The Best Facial Therapist award

Therapist -Kate Tokarska -Employee of Nuala Woulfe - Serenity Day Spa

The Best Body Therapist award

Therapist Claire Devlin - Employee of Nuala Woulfe - Serenity Day Spa

The Best Employee category

Therapist  - Kristina Jonikaite Employee of Nuala Woulfe - Serenity Day Spa

We need your help – if you would like to see us win, please follow the link below and vote for us. #Win €250 worth of treatments.

Voting closes on the 31^st October 2014. As winning all four categories’ depends on us getting enough public votes we would really appreciate if you would #like #vote and #share and to thank you, we are offering you the chance of winning #Win€250.00 worth of #wonderful treatments. Once you vote you are sent a code to your inbox - please email this code in  the subject box with your name and contact detals to reception@nualawoulfe.ie and you will be entered in to #win this fabulous prize.

#Share #Like #Vote #Thanks.

Also once you vote on the site you will be entered to win a variety of lovely gifts so share with your friends, family and colleagues!

www.irishspaawards.com/vote

Not all dryness, redness, and irritation of the skin is created equal.

 

If you feel like you're constantly trying to soothe skin issues, you're not alone. Cleansing religiously, exfoliating too often, and topping it all off with a generous layering of strong anti-aging products are just a few of the things that send your complexions into a tailspin. Increasing stress and environmental allergies also make skin more prone to problems.

Despite countless products labelled "for sensitive skin" on shop shelves, treating a sensitive complexion isn't a one-size-fits-all affair. "Sensitive" products that work well for your friend's skin could just as easily wreak havoc on yours, so it's important to get beyond the general label and figure out what's really irritating your skin.

·       Your kin is taut and itchy - It might mean your cleanser is too drying. It's the number one culprit behind unnecessary irritation. Avoid ingredients such as sodium lauryl sulfate and ammonium laureth sulphate, harsh detergents commonly used in facial cleansers and soaps that break down the natural lipids in skin. When this happens, it's like a double whammy. Little invisible cracks in the skin form, causing moisture to seep out and allowing irritants in. Suddenly, other products in your routine that didn't irritate your skin before might now.

Try using a gentle cream cleanser such as Cetaphil – you will get this at your Pharmacy, OR Camomile cleanser by Eminence Organic Skincare available at the salon and spa. These will both allow your skin to maintain moisture levels.

 

 

·       Your skin is  sensitive, burning and stinging It might mean: Anti-ageing product overload. Packing too many anti-ageing ingredients into your routine can make skin sensitive as it can affect the skins natural barrier. The more products you use, the greater chance one won't agree with your skin." Second, mixing different anti-ageing ingredients, like retinoids and alpha hydroxy acids—both of which work by sloughing off dead, dull cells to reveal healthier and more youthful skin underneath—means that you're essentially exfoliating twice, which can seriously strip skin and increase the potential for irritation.

Try to stick with a good quality antioxidant vitamin C serum per day and a moisturiser fortified with anti-ageing ingredients. Those that include ingredients that builds up skin's barrier, like hyaluronic or peptides.

·       Your skin is prone to blushing and flushing, sometimes accompanied by tiny red pimples. It might mean that you have rosacea. Characterised by blood vessels that swell and produce redness at the slightest agitation—from cold, heat, wind, stress, or spicy foods—the condition traditionally develops after age 30. The exact cause is still unknown, and specific triggers differ for everyone. What experts do know: A liberal, daily application of an SPF 30 is a must. Sun exposure breaks down the supportive structures, like collagen, around blood vessels, exacerbating redness. Watch your sugar intake as this may make the redness worse.

 

Apply Redness neutraliser serum by Skinceutical-Formulated with patent-pending NeuroMed Complex, Redness Neutralizer prevents and corrects redness associated with rosacea by combating environmental triggers and interrupting the inflammation cascade while protecting the skin’s barrier.Minimises redness flare-ups by controlling hyper-reactivity to environmental triggersCools skin temperature, so  ideal for rosacea as well as sensitive skin types and conditions sunscreen daily to prevent symptoms from getting worse.



                                                                         

Sensitive skin often can not tolerate chemical UV filters, like avobenzone, but physical blockers titanium dioxide and zinc oxide protect without irritation. Try Skinceutical mineral based sun barriers.

For serious, persistent rosacea, see your dermatologist, who can recommend the right treatment for your skin.

 

                 ·       Your  skin is scaly  with   rough patches on the skin

It might mean: You're having an eczema flare-up. When working properly, the top layer of skin acts like a strong film that seals in hydration and protects deeper layers of skin. Eczema-prone complexions suffer from a faulty skin barrier that allows water to easily escape, leading to extreme dryness and flakiness. When irritants like smoke and fragrances then settle on skin, immune cells rush to the area to respond, triggering inflammation. Though 90% of people are diagnosed before the age of five, with symptoms often fading during childhood, eczema is a chronic condition that may make you more prone to dryness and irritation at any age.

To enhance skin's resilience, apply a humectant-based moisturiser after cleansing while skin is still moist. Drink lots of water and take fish oils.

Skin care ingredients to avoid if you have eczema and psoriasis or sensitive skin.

 

Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS)

 

Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and the similar sodium laureth sulphate (SLES) are detergents that act as cleansers, emulsifiers and foamers and are present in lots of household and industrial items. They are present in the vast majority of personal care products including moisturisers, body lotions and shampoos. There are several variations of these ‘sulphate’ (or sulphate) chemicals and they differ slightly in composition, but fundamentally they are the same. They appear in personal care products primarily because they’re cheap and highly effective cleansers and foaming agents.

 

They are known to be skin irritants. They are detergents and so their properties are very similar to soap – stripping the skin of moisture and protective oils. SLS is the most common of these detergent chemicals and it is the one that causes most skin irritation – it prevents the skin from being able to efficiently defend itself from the environment. It has been proven that SLS is a very abrasive irritant that was still detectable in research subjects for three weeks post use. SLES causes less irritation than SLS but is more expensive and thus SLS is frequently used. Eliminating sulphates could be all you need to do to put an end to red, itchy, and dry skin.

Both SLS and SLES have been proven to aggravate skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis and so sufferers of these conditions are advised to eliminate sulphates entirely. Signs of sensitivity to sulphates include redness, scaling and itching of the skin, and an itchy scalp and hair loss when it is used in shampoos. Anyone who experiences these symptoms should switch to sulphate free products to see if their symptoms improve.

Eminence is a good quality organic skincare line free from any nasty ingredients.

 

 

Anti-ageing juice.

Juicing is good for you – your body & skin reflects what is going on in the inside.

Try a daily vegetable juice high in Vitamin C, iron, fibre and antioxidants. I recommend this juice to encourage a natural healthy glow and helps with anti- ageing of the skin as well;

Ingredients;

1 carrot,

½ a beetroot (including stems and leaves),

2 sticks of celery,

1 green apple,

2 kale leaves,

1 small piece ginger,

To taste you can add a few strawberries.

 **It is well worth investing in a good juicer that can juice leaf vegetables.  Try to have a juice daily.

Beauty habits you need to quit

 While some of the things we do each morning in front of the mirror are tried and true beauty regimens that have been around for centuries, the majority of the rest – pulling  split ends, squeezing spots , using the same tube of mascara for months – are really bad . Of course, people have been doing all of those things for centuries too, but we've rounded up all the reasons it would be a good idea to stop. Because maybe, there's a chance at kicking these bad beauty habits for the sake of being more beautiful in the long run.

     Tweezing/ picking at ingrown hairs.

Why we do it: A blemish that hurts and basically looks like a hairy spot that  is impossible to ignore.Why it needs to stop: The truth is, you can't grab that hair. No matter how promising it seems. Never tweeze in-grown hairs on your own as this can cause an infection or scarring.To remedy this situation, exfoliate and apply pimple medicine that contains salicylic acid.  

     Holding onto makeup for years.  

Why we do it: If you spent €45 on a lipstick, or an eyeliner, chances are you don't want to admit that you aren't wearing it every day. So you leave it in your makeup bag for months and eventually, years.

Why it needs to stop: Conjunctivitis is just not worth it nor is blepharitis. All those bottles, tubes, etc of makeup essentially become mini-petri dishes for bacteria from your face, makeup brushes, and fingers. Ingredients will also eventually separate and/or evaporate, leaving you with crumbly germ flakes – never-mind the clutter it is inevitably creating in your bathroom.

     Not regularly washing makeup brushes.

Why we do it: We can barely drum up the energy to cleanse our face each day.Why it needs to stop: Bacteria and even mold will get lodged between the fibres and fester. A quick rinse with warm water and soap on a monthly basis will keep you from picking up contact dermatitis or rubbing your face with mold.

  

      Squeezing pores and/or popping spots.  

Why we do it: No matter how many times someone tells you to hold off on popping a spot, when confronted with a white head or worse, a painful, swollen, under-the-skin blemish, your first instinct is, I will not rest until I have squeezed this.

Why it needs to stop: The relief you feel from the initial squeeze is immediately replaced with the realisation that you've made a giant red spot that will last for days and no foundation will cover. Plus, chances are you're creating craters in your face, which will lead to possible lifetime scarring.

      Excessive use of black head strips.

Why we do it: It's so satisfying to see those sebum filled pores!

Why it needs to stop: Overuse will only really further dry out your skin, which makes skin produce extra sebum. It's a vicious cycle. Really try to keep these at a minimum.

   Not washing face before sleep.

Why we do it: Nightlife/work/exhaustion gets in the way.Cleaning is very important .

Why it needs to stop? Pretty much every dermatologist and facial Therapist pleads that we need to remove the day's dirt and grime each night to prevent pores from getting further clogged up with dirt and oil.

        Plucking eyebrows between wax appointments.

Why we do it: Who wants those little baby eyebrow hairs ruing our sense of perfection while they're growing back in. Why it needs to stop: Hair grows at different rates, which means those self-plucked hairs might not be long enough for the next appointment. This only means they'll crop up sooner than you'd like post-wax, perpetuating the vicious cycle.

      Cutting cuticles.

Why we do it? Because there is no consensus on whether we should or shouldn't. It's confusing.

   Why it needs to stop: The cuticles are there to protect the nail, the more you leave them alone, the less you will need to cut them. To maintain them properly apply cuticle oil. 

The foods you eat definitely affect your skin in a dramatic way. Have you ever eaten something and suddenly your skin looks amazing and it made you feel great. How about when you eat something and the next day you have a pimple? This is why I recommend that you eliminate process foods from your diet and eat organic as much as possible.The best thing I can tell is to see a nutritionist as they can help you have a healthy diet that really works for your body type and level of activity.

   Picking at split ends.

Why it needs to stop: Unless you're using proper hair shears, once you get caught up in the effort to search and destroy, you're actually just damaging the hair further (and going cross-eyed during the process).

 Plucking grey hairs.

     Why we do it: When you have a total of ten grey hairs it's hard to resist the urge to simply extract them. Out of sight, out of mind. Why it needs to stop: They're just going to grow right back, but short and stubby and more difficult to hide. Pigment helps to keep the hair soft and supple. 

      

Using oil-free skincare on oily skin.

   If  you strip an oily skin too much – it actually causes the skin to produce more oil.Picking at gel polish instead of having them professionally removed.

 Why it needs to stop: Ripping or peeling off any coating is a temptation you must resist! Doing so can weaken or damage the natural nail, as precious layers of the nail plate get pulled away with each chip of polish you take.  

     Shampooing hair daily.

Why it needs to stop: Like the skin on your body, the scalp compensates for oils that are repeatedly washed out each day. It'll take patience, but try to wean yourself of daily shampoos and you'll see your hair will find its own natural balance of oil production. You should soon be able to go at least  two  days between washes.

     Overusing the Clarisonic skin brush.

Why we do it: If a little bit is good, then a lot will get us one step closer to achieving the pore less?

      Why it needs to stop: Clarisonics or any exfoliating agent should really only be used two to three times a week; otherwise, it will actually over-scrub your skin and cause dry patches. Remember no- body needs to exfoliate daily.

      Peeling dead skin post-sunburn.

    No one wants flaky skin. Why it needs to stop: While it  may appear satisfying to peel a piece that's bigger than the last, you're grabbing healthy skin each time too. The baby-skin below is more susceptible to sunburns and infections. Instead preserve skin by lotioning up, then exfoliate in the shower with a gentle scrub 

Skin Care Tips to achieve a natural healthy glow.

 

 

·        Cleanse in the Morning and Evening-It is important to wash your skin in the morning, as you have oil on your face from sleeping, and in the evening, you have to wash off sunscreen, makeup, dirt, and pollens. Use a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type (dry, oily or combination). Remember there is no advantage in trying to strip your skin of oils by using an over abrasive cleanser as it in fact have the opposite effect.

 

·        Exfoliate -Remember nobody needs to exfoliate every day, so avoid daily scrubs. You only need to exfoliate two to three times a week, with a fine scrub. If you have very fine skin, you may like to apply the scrub while you still have your cream cleanser on your skin. Avoid the scrubs with large beads that have irregular shapes that can irritate your skin.

SkinCeuticals Retexturing Activator is a grain free exfoliator suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin. This revolutionary resurfacing and replenishing serum surpasses the results of a daily 20% glycolic acid treatment while simultaneously reinforcing the skin’s barrier for healthier, more radiant skin. Normalises epidermal renewal to create a noticeably smoother, softer surface texture. Stimulates enzymes that help break the bonds that bind dead cells to the surface of the skin, to dramatically diminish surface lines and wrinkles Speeds skin-cell turnover to improve skin’s radiance, keeping new, healthy skin on the surface. Balances skin moisture levels. Reinforces the skin's barrier

 

·        Use Vitamin A -Retinoid, which are made from vitamin A, are the one of your best ingredients against anti-ageing. Retinoid come in two forms: Retinol: You can buy products containing retinol without a prescription. Both encourage your skin to make more collagen, which gives your skin structure and elasticity. They also exfoliate your skin, removing dead, surface skin cells to soften lines. You need to allow your skin an adjustment time to get used to the product, so less is more – use as if it were made of gold. A tiny amount goes a long way. Use once or twice a week to begin and build it up. These are irritating to the skin and can cause excessive dryness and rash if you are too heavy handed. Wear a broad spectrum sunscreen daily, as these make your skin more photo- sensitive to the sun.

               Use at night and be patient as it can take months to see an improvement.

 

·        Use serums such as Skinceutical Vitamin C, which is a medical grade antioxidant combination that delivers advanced environmental protection against photo-aging by neutralising free radicals that cause accelerated signs of ageing along with refining the skin and stimulating collagen



·        Moisturise your skin- Moisturise when you get out of the shower in the morning, and after you wash your face at night, use a moisturiser to lock the moisture in your skin. This helps your skin look soft and smooth, which can help minimise the appearance of wrinkles.

·        Sunscreen is one of the most important ingredients against skin ageing- It needs to be at least 30 SPF, and look for a broad spectrum as it important to be properly protected against UVA as well as UVB, as UVA rays because collagen damage, skin lines and skin cancer, you need to wear it every day, even in winter.



·        Say No to Sun beds.-Just one session on a sunbed raises your chances of melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer it also accelerates the ageing process. Instead, use fake tans or bronzer; look for organic brands to give you a risk free glow all year round if you wish.

 

·        Choose a healthy diet for a healthy glow to your skin. You have heard it said you are what you eat, so choose wisely as your diet has a really powerful impact on your skin, and health. Choose foods like olive oil, fish like salmon, walnuts, and almonds. These are high in omega-3 healthy fats, which can help minimise damage and keep your skin healthy as you age. Your skin is constantly renewing itself so the healthier your diet is, the more nutrients your skin has for this process, and the better your skin looks and feels over time. Also, stay hydrated. Drink water when you're thirsty. You also get some water from vegetables and fruit, so include those at every meal.

 



·        Say no to smoking! You will have much better-looking skin if you kick the habit. People who smoke get wrinkles sooner than those who don't smoke plus smoking causes decolouration. The physical act of smoking also works against you. Any repetitive facial movements like pulling on a cigarette, which makes your mouth pucker, cause wrinkles.