SKIN CONCERNS

Ageing Skin

Firstly, aging is a privilege not everyone gets, so let’s be joyous about getting older and share all the wisdom that comes with it.  There is no product that will turn back the clock but there are products that can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, plump your skin and give you a lovely glow.  We recommend the following products:

1. Retinol also known as Vitamin A.  Rebuilds collagen, repairs sun damage and is your night time skin saviour.  There are varying degrees of vitamin A and if you have previously used it and reacted badly it may be that you haven’t found the right one for you yet.  So don’t be put off.  Our 1% Retinol + Rosehip oil Night Serum contains Retinyl Palmitate which is the least irritating of the retinoid family, a great option for those with sensitive skin.  It also contains a luxurious blend of Rosehip and Jojoba oils which leave the skin feeling nourished, protected, and radiant.  Do consult with your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before using retinol and build up slowly when using it especially if you are new to Retinol.
2. Matrixyl 3000 (palmitoyl tripeptide and palmitoyl tetrapeptide) are proteins that are part of the building blocks for cell communication and restoration.  When used on the skin it will stimulate collagen synthesis and hyaluronic acid production which is a component responsible for water retention (skin plumping).  This will work to refill wrinkles naturally from within the skin and aid the removal of impurities.  Our Matrixyl 3000 Super Serum also contains Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C so your skin will be protected and hydrated.
3. Vitamin C + E will give you antioxidant protection for your skin from damaging free radicals caused by UV exposure.  It also inhibits melanin production in the skin to help lighten hyperpigmentation and brown spots and even out skin tone.  A hero product by far and one to use for prevention as well so get this into your skincare routine.  Try our 5% Vitamin C + HA Day Serum to protect and radiate your skin.
4. SPF 30-50+ is a must for every skin type.  It won’t fix the damage but it will prevent it from happening in the first place.

Acne

There are different types of acne see below:

• Hormonal either just starting your period, perimenopausal, menopause, boys with raging androgen, all of this can cause an overproduction of oil, slow shedding of dead skin cells, creating the perfect breeding ground for acne.
• Bacteria – Propionibacterium Acnes is the bacteria we are talking about here.  Clogged pores are all it needs and it is the perfect environment for acne to spread.
• Sensitivities – allergies, reactions to products, reactions to foods/environment, stress and an overworked immune system will cause inflammation providing potential breeding grounds for acne.

Don’t

1. Pick red spots or cysts, they aren’t going anywhere and they will scar your skin.  Very gently pop a white head by pressing down and inward to apply pressure, don’t force it to come out, it's not ready yet.  
2. Say no to foaming cleansers or alcohol based products. 
3. Using oil free products will strip your skin of moisture and leave you inflamed and sensitive.
4. Avoid mineral oil and shea butter as they can clog your pores.

Do

1. Use plant based oils as they tend to be lightweight and noncomedogenic (they won’t clog your pores). Sunflower, almond, jojoba and rosehip oils are a good choice.  Bioactive oils are your friend as they will also work to improve any scaring.
2. Topical exfoliants (think Glycolic Lactic, Malic, Citric and Tartaric ) alleviate blocked pores, dead skin cells, trapped hair follicles and reduce your acid mantle to the lower end of the scale which will strengthen your first line of defence to the acne.  Prevention and treatment.
3. AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) will brighten your skin by gently exfoliating the surface and correct discoloration from acne scars.  It can also increase product absorption  The most effective types are Glycolic and Lactic but salicylic is better for oily/combination skin types. 
4. Niacinamide is an anti-inflammatory that works to reduce the swelling and redness associated with acne.  It works to regulate the amount of acne-causing oil being produced by the glands in your skin.  As Niacinamide regulates skin tone it can also help fade the red, purple and brown marks that acne can leave on the skin.  Our Niacinamide + AHA Rescue serum  contains added Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid it will also help collagen synthesis and improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
5. Benzoyl peroxide (BHA beta hydroxy acid) is an oil-soluble acid that will penetrate the pore to kill off the bacteria specific to acne.  You will find this in spot treatments but go easy as it can dry out your skin.
6. Your gut health is so important when it comes to skin health, so consider supplements alongside a balanced diet. Probiotics are your friend, especially if you are on antibiotics.  I am a firm believer that your skin is a reflection of your diet and lifestyle.   When buying your probiotic supplement, you should seek one that has strains of both Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus and contains around 10 billion CFU (colony forming unit).  You can read more about how to improve your gut health here.  Omega 3 and 6 oils will help acne, psoriasis and eczema as well.

Dehydrated Skin

Dry and dehydrated skin can be similar in appearance but the causes are different with the most common being a damaged skin barrier and a lack of water found in the skin.   You may notice fast absorption of moisturiser and your makeup disappears and goes a little patchy as your skin absorbs the water in foundation?  The skin will feel tight and blackheads and spots can be visible?  The skin tone may appear ashen and pores can be enlarged. The Environment  (such as windy, cold or dry air) can make matters worse and so does eating the wrong foods, drinking too much caffeine and alcohol and not drinking enough water, so please do get hydrated.

Do

1. Use Hyaluronic Acid, just a small amount of it is capable of helping the skin retain a significant amount of moisture.  Our Vitamin C + HA Day Serum contains Hyaluronic acid and Vitamin C which will act as a protective shield against free radical damage that comes from daily exposure to sunlight, pollutants, and stress.  By neutralizing the production of melanin and halting changes in pigmentation your skin will have a more even tone.
2. Our Matrixyl 3000 Super Serum is another friend to add into your skincare regime.  The peptides contained within will encourage collagen synthesis and repair the skin barrier thus reducing fine lines, sagging and dehydrated skin.
3. Ceramides (fatty acids) will work to mend a damaged skin barrier. Jojoba contains up to 96% ceramides so get yourself a good facial oil.  Rosehip oil benefits all skin types, but is especially good for dry, sensitive, devitalized skin.  Apply after your face serum.
4. Upgrade your moisturiser to something suitable for dry skin, look for products using the words ‘nourishing’ or ‘hydra.  Remember moisturisers lock in the moisture.
5. Do use balms, oils and milk cleansers.

Don’t

1. Use harsh scrubs or foaming cleansers.  The bubbles should be in your sink not on your face!
2. Drink plenty of water and maintain a balanced diet.
3. Consider supplements such as Omega 3 and 6 oils as they do help with conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.