The process of ageing happens for each and every one of us. What we need to remember is we can make a difference to this process. We have the choice to age gracefully and if we care for our body, our temple we can slow this process immensely.
SKIN:
In the natural process of ageing our rate of skin cell turnover slows down as well as depletion of the proteins collagen and elastin in the dermis layer of the skin. Sun damage reveals itself and thats when we start to get brown spots known as pigmentation.
But there is hope! Skin products do work you just need to choose the correct blend of active ingredients that help with this process.
1: AHAS: Firstly as our skin is not turning its skin cells over every 28 days we need to give it a helping hand to do this. This is why we seem to have a duller appearance as we start to age. Product ingredients that help with this are AHA's or alphy hydroxy acids. The are known as :
Lactic acid - from milk
Malic acid - from apples and pears
Citric acid - from oranges and lemons
Tartaric acid - from grapes
Alpha hydroxy acids work mainly as an exfoliator. They cause the cells of the epidermis to become "unglued" allowing the dead skin cells to slough off, making room for regrowth of new skin. Alpha hydroxy acids may even stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. Alpha hydroxy acids are reported to improve wrinkling, roughness, and mottled pigmentation of photo damaged skin after months of daily application. Persistence is the key.
2: Anti-oxidants: I think its ironic how what we need to survive- oxygen is in fact what is ageing us. Similar to how we cut an apple and leave it out in fresh air it goes brown, this is what is happening to our skin if we do not protect it with an Anti-oxidant. Anti-oxidants work by getting oxidized first not our skin cells. So it is vital to have anti-oxidant ingredients on your skin. Examples of ingredients to look for to help with this are Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Rosehip, evening primrose oil, Super oxide dismutase, Sea burdock. It is also very important to have a diet rich in anti-oxidants. Foods include blueberries, red berries, nuts, dark grapes, green and orange vegetables and fish. Increasing the amounts of these foods will also have you on your way to younger looking skin.The process of ageing happens for each and every one of us. What we need to remember is we can make a difference to this process. We have the choice to age gracefully and if we care for our body, our temple we can slow this process immensely.
3: Vitamin A
This ingredient that has been scientifically proven to turn back the clock by decreasing the look of fine lines, pigmentation, acne, as well as helping to decrease the loss of elasticity. I simply love the results. Who doesnt want plumper skin with that glowy dew. When used properly it can also lighten pigmentation but its very important to wear sunscreen. Not the best idea to do all this hard work and then put your newly renewd face in the sun!
Choosing the best type of Vitamin A however is key. The most common form is Retinoic Acid which is also the most aggressive form of Vitamin A and is typically found in prescription strength formulations. This form of Vitamin A can have severe side effects such as redness, peeling and sun sensitivity for many. When mixed with additives such as mineral oil or alcohol, products with these ingredients may exacerbate the very skin conditions you’re trying to treat. A less aggressive form of Vitamin A, Retinol, brings the best of both worlds and is found equally as effective as Retinoic Acid, without the side effects. Using a hybrid Retinol, appropriate for all skin types, CosMedix and Aspect have developed a proprietary chirally-corrected complex that takes vitamin A to the next level. All the same results as using Retinoic acid without the nasty redness and senstivities.Everyone can reap the benefits of this form of Vitamin A, even those with Rosacea and other sensitivities that were not traditionally good candidates for treatment. You wont look back!
4: Vitamin C
How I like to remember this little beauty is C for Collagen building, and that is essentially its main function as well as brightening the skin. (good for those nasty brown spots) This product is for you if you have enjoyed a sun filled life and your skin is looking a little under the weather. It treats dermal ageing (deepr layer in your skin) Again you need to be careful with this ingredient as it is extremely unstable meaning it quickly becomes inactive when exposed to air,water, heat or light. I love to use Aspect Extreme C as this truely amazing product is light years ahead by using a pure Vit C ester that is gauranteed to remain fresh and active. YES! I also like the added ingredient which helps to relax the facial muscles.
5 Sunscreen
This is one of the number 1 anti-ageing products yet the number one less used. A lot of my clients complain they do not like the feel of it on thier skin or it makes them break out. Truth is yes that is the case if you use cheap nasty sunscreens which are also full of chemicals. Lets steer well clear. Its so important to use chemical free sunscreens. They generate free radicals and some are known to be endocrine disrupters. Be careful in your choice of product avoid the ingredients oxybenzone, octinoxate, octisalate, homosalate and octocrylene. The best sunscreens are physical sunscreens which give you full protection by creating a phyisical barrier between your skin and the sun instead of chemical one. My favourite is Cosmedix Reflect. It is chemical free and super light, you don't even feel it on your skin afterwards
I hope this little list of ingredients has you on your way to younger more radiant looking skin. However do not forget to look after your body your number one, your engine. Make sure you are fueling your body with the correct foods and adequate filtered water. You will be surprised at the results of something as simple as drinking quality water. It will make your skin glow and you will have less dehydration lines.
And last but not least look after your being. Keeping stress to a minimum will help pro-long your life and keep you looking younger. Learn to recoginse the signs of stress and take time out. Listen to your body. When we need to rest we must rest.
"There are only two days in the year that nothing can be done. One is called yesterday and the other is called tomorrow, so today is the right day to love, believe, do and mostly live"