SKIN FATIQUE
Summer is the time for fun, family and friends, rest and relaxation but amongst all this we need to remember the dangers and pitfalls we can all fall into over this fun festive season.
Skin fatigue is something we all can relate to
- Sun
- Sugar
- Alcohol
- Sleep
Sun can be the most damaging to our skin and our NZ sun gets very hot very quickly and burn time is very short.
Sunscreens protect the skin. They play an important role in blocking ultraviolet (UV) radiation from being absorbed by the skin. UV radiation damages the skin and can lead to sunburns and skin cancer. No sunscreen blocks UV radiation 100%. But they allow you to be outdoors for a longer time before your skin starts to redden. Using sunscreen doesn't mean you can stay out in the sun for an unlimited amount of time. Damage to your skin cells is still occurring
The sun protection factor (SPF) on a sunscreen label is a measure of how well the sunscreen protects against ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. UVB rays are the main cause of sunburns. But like ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, they can also contribute to skin cancer. The SPF on a label doesn't say anything about a sunscreen's ability to block UVA rays.
Higher SPF numbers mean greater protection from UVB rays. But no sunscreen can block all UVB rays. For example, a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays. A sunscreen with an SPF of 50 blocks about 98% of UVB rays.
Pigmentation - Hyperpigmentation Prevention
Our Cellular Level Bright Perfection Formulation: This powerful formula contains Chromabright™ and BV-OSC, which work together to fade pigmentation and suppress melanin production. The result? A brighter and more radiant complexion.
Sunblock's are essential for the reduction in both pigmentation and hyperpigmentation
Sugar
Our skin is made of collagen, a type of protein, that keeps it healthy and supple. With increased intake of sugar, the molecules attach to the proteins and form free radicals. The presence of these radicals, in turn, can cause oxidative damage in our body which is evident on our skin, hair, nails and overall energy levels in the body.”
In skincare circles, this process is known as glycation and can lead to premature ageing of the skin. “Collagen and elastin are vital for the skin to look and feel healthy. With hyperglycemia causing collagen damage, the skin can look dull, devoid of lustre, extremely dry, saggy and wrinkled. Excessive sugar intake can also lead to aggravation of acne as well as viral and fungal infections
Alcohol dehydrates your body, including the skin – and this happens every time you drink. When you drink, the dehydrating (or 'diuretic') effect of alcohol means your skin loses fluid and nutrients that are vital for healthy-looking skin. This can make your skin look wrinkled, dull and grey, or bloated and puffy.
Sleep Our bodies depend on a good night’s sleep for rest and recovery from the stressors of the day. Because the skin is the largest organ of the human body (covering an average of 20 square feet), sleep is vital for healthy skin. Without regular, quality sleep, many people begin to notice an increase in fine lines, uneven pigmentation and reduced elasticity in their skin. Simply put, they look older than their actual years would indicate because lack of sleep weakens the skin’s ability to repair and rejuvenate itself.
During eight hours of sleep our bodies go through three distinct stages that contribute to our overall well being – and aid in the nightly restoration of our skin.
In the first three hours of sleep the pituitary gland produces somatotropin, the human growth hormone. This hormone contributes to the maintenance of youthful and healthy skin. Without somatotropin your skin does not repair as well from day to day. Inadequate somatotropin accelerates the aging process.
Production of the hormone melatonin increases during the next two hours of sleep. Melatonin works as an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from damaging free radicals (unstable atoms that cause illness and aging).
During the final stage known as REM sleep (Rapid Eye Movement), your cortisol levels begin to decrease along with skin temperature. Cortisol is a stress hormone. As the skin cools, our muscles relax and collagen production increases. Collagen is a protein found throughout the body. It makes skin more supple and smooth, easing out fine wrinkles. Good sleep that promotes collagen production allows the skin to make its strongest recovery of the night.