Usually, most people think that our skin is only vulnerable to the elements in the middle of summer, with blistering sun and 40 degree days, but winter can be the time when our skin is under the most amount of stress. Freezing cold days, working in air conditioners, sitting in front of heaters actually works to dehydrate our skin, leaving us susceptible to damage. This can be one of the most challenging times of the year for our skin.
Our skin is our largest organ, and it interacts directly with other organs in the body, and serves us by creating a protective layer, helps to regulate body temperature, and removes toxins. This dynamic environment is constantly changing, with the entire life cycle of a skin cell lasting between 25 and 45 days. At the end of this cycle, our dead skin cells shed off in a process called desquamation. When we use a granular or chemical agents to help remove dead skin cells, the process is called exfoliation. This process helps our skin’s overall appearance, by leaving younger, more vibrant skin. and can assist with photo-ageing, dry skin and even the build up of acne. These results are dependent upon the method of exfoliation, the substance used to exfoliate, and the general skin condition. Our skin can provide the best reflection of our internal health.
What are collagen and elastin?
There are two key elements found in the skin that can influence how we age; collagen and elastin. Elastin gives our skin the bounce-back (just like a rubber band), and collagen is a protein found in the body that gives structure and strength to the skin. It is 25-35% of all the proteins found in the body, and up to 90% of all dermal fibres . As we age, our bodies produce lower concentrations of collagen and, once we hit the age of 25, our bodies will stop producing collagen altogether, so the collagen in our bodies will have to last us the rest of our lives. This means that, if we are able influence our collagen depletion, or limit the elements that diminish collagen production, we will be able to influence some of the visible signs of aging.
How can we preserve Collagen
There are three ways to help our bodies preserve the collagen found in our skin. The first is to avoid smoking, as smoking reduces collagen production. The second is to avoid sun damage, or UV radiation, which also damages collagen production. The third is avoidance of sugar, as it interferes with how collagen repairs itself. Collagen products, applied topically (or straight to the skin), are too large in their molecule size to positively impact upon the skin, other than by aiding with moisture retention. This could be very helpful information when shopping for an anti-aging cream or lotion that boasts the benefits of collagen from its ingredients.
The Fountain of youth
There are some exciting products, recently arrived in Australia, that claim to aid in the body’s regeneration and protection of collagen levels, in a fluid which can be ingested into the body. The benefits claimed are increased hair production, improved nail and skin quality, softening of wrinkles, and aiding of the lubrication of joints . These products claim to increase the body’s amount of collagen by a staggering 6000% in the first 30 days alone. It is so effective in reducing joint discomfort, that clinical trials have found a 90% improvement for people experiencing joint problems and chronic joint discomfort, with an increase in mobility, and physical activity without prescriptions or injections. One of the main features of these products is that they feature type 2 collagen, which is able to impact upon every part of the body, as opposed to powdered variations of type 1 and type 3 collagen, which only impact on specific areas of the body.
Modere’s Liquid Biocell sold out almost immediately after becoming available in Australia only weeks ago and, after trying it myself, I can say that there is an improvement in my skin’s appearance, hair production and softening of wrinkles. Combine this product with some basic skin care routines, and we can be well on the way to looking and feeling younger. I am sure that we are all going to be hearing a lot more about the benefits of this so-called fountain of youth.
For more information regarding the benefits of Modere’s Liquid Biocell, and the ‘live clean product range’, go to www.Modere.com, and quote this code 3572667 for a $10 discount on any purchase.
General Skin Care
A general skin care routine, irrespective of gender, age, or skin type, would be the use an exfoliant once each week, to help remove dead skin cells that can block the pores in our skin, and leave us susceptible to breakouts. Use a moisturiser daily, and keep a close look-out for the ingredient hyaluronic acid. This ingredient is used in many topically-applied products, and its benefits include holding up to 1000 times its weight in water. This will help maintain a supple skin, and help fight against trans-epidermal water loss – which is moisture loss, from evaporation from the surface of the skin.
Now, I know that the thought of using a sunscreen can conjure negative thoughts of a thick and greasy mess, but there are some products I would definitely recommend. The Fleur De Mur range of 50+ sunscreens is the best that we have found. Available at Cherry’s at Tinonee, these sunscreens are available in different skin tones to match your skin colour. They are light, work to help prevent UV damage, and actually make sun screen a pleasure to wear. If you’re working outdoors, and don’t want to wear make up but still want to look good, then this is the product for you.
Skin care for teenagers
A very hot topic, in most households, is skin care for teenagers. The first thing we need to do is understand what is going on with their skin. Teenagers experience an increase in their hormone production, which will, in turn, produce more sebum and oil onto surface of the skin. It might be a shock to know that ammonia is just one of many ingredients that are produced by our bodies, that are excreted onto the surface of our skin. Combine this toxic oily environment with blocked pores, and there will be an increase in the amount of pimples, and a considerable loss of self esteem. This can be even more frustrating for the people who have to live with teenagers. The most effective way we have found to limit pimples in teenagers is to start with a healthy diet, increased water consumption, and regular exercise. Once this healthy triangle has been achieved, then use the exfoliant, moisturiser and sunscreen regime. Exfoliants should be used as directed, and with caution for people with acne as, although the exfoliant can assist with removal of dead skin cells, it can also spread bacteria. If unsure about a specific skin concern, it is advised to seek the advice of a health-care professional.
The old saying that beauty is only skin deep couldn’t be further from the truth. Beauty is what we eat, what we drink, how we behave and ultimately who we are. Our appearance is defined from looking on the outside – but beauty is defined by what lies within.