Winter can be torture to your skin, so it is no surprise that many recurrent skin problems are at their worst at this time of year. Dryness can diminish the epidermis' ability to provide protection, leading to seasonal eczema, hypersensitivity and rough skin. With a little care, however, you can keep your skin looking its best come rain or shine.
During dry weather, the key is more moisture, more often. If you use an oil-free moisturizer, consider upgrading to one that contains small amounts of essential oils for a moisture boost, or switch from your summer moisturizer to a richer cream. Depending on the humidity levels, you may also want to apply a weekly hydrating mask to help restore suppleness to the skin. Putting a humidifier in your home and office will also help prevent dehydration, which is especially important if you are constantly exposed to air-conditioners and heaters.
INGREDIENT WATCH
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or fruit acids, are derived from natural ingredients such as milk, olives, apples and grapes. They help speed up the exfoliation process by dissolving the glue that bonds the cells. When choosing an AHA, it is important to consider the form and concentration. Lactic acid (made from fermented milk) and glycolic acid (made from sugar cane), for example, are particularly effective in treating dry skin and dry-skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis, as well as decreasing wrinkles. Regarding the concentration: the higher it is, the more effective is the product. However, AHAs should be used with caution. They can cause irritation and do increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun. If you use AHAs, you need to use a daily sunscreen with SPF15 or higher.
Antioxidants are part of the body's natural defence system, derived from vitamins A, C and E. They protect the skin by attaching themselves to free radicals and neutralizing them. Since your skin is your first line of defence against the outside world it makes sense to arm it with the most potent antioxidants available. Other good antioxidants include grape seed extract, black and green tea extract and lycopene (extracted from tomatoes, red guava, watermelon and the skin of red grapes). Polyphenols or catechins, which are found in green tea, exhibit powerful antioxidant properties. In fact, they are 20 times stronger than vitamin E.
Did you know?
Vitamin C applied topically to the skin protects it against free radicals for two or three days. And, since it does not wash off, it delivers extra long-lasting benefits
Fruit or vegetable pulp can make a wonderful skin treatment. It contains stimulating enzymes that can make the skin look firmer an fresher.
Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) work in much the same way as AHAs. The best known of the BHAs is salicylic acid, which is made from willow bark. BHAs appear to be less irritating than AHAs.
Coenzyme Q10 occurs naturally in every skin cell and helps convert food into energy. Without Co-Q10 - known as the 'fuel of youth' - the body's cells are unable to produce energy. Stress, UV radiation and ageing cause a drop in the natural levels of this coenzyme, while increased levels boost cell activity, regeneration and elasticity.
Enzymes like papain (from papaya) and bromelian (from pineapple) are botanically derived and naturally exfoliate and brighten the skin. Enzyme activators are also being designed to suppress the 'bad' enzymes - collagenase and elastase - that damage collagen and elastin.
Flavonoids belong to a group of organic plant molecules produced by plants to protect themselves from attack by diseases and insects as well as damage from intense UV light. Green tea is rich in flavonoid antioxidants. They are also found in onions, apples and citrus fruits. They mop up free radicals, fight off viruses, calm irritation and help protect against allergies.
Retinoids is a derivative term for vitamin A. Powerful retinoids like retinoic acid are found in prescription-only products like Retin-A and Roaccutane and are used to treat sun damage and acne. Gentler derivatives like retinyl palmitate and retinol can be found in cosmetic creams.
Herb teas are excellent for health and beauty. Green tea, especially, is a superb source of antioxidants.
Vitamins for the skin
Nutrition seems to play an enormous role in minimizing free radical damage. Studies show that after the age of 30, there is a sharp decrease in the number of ingested vitamins that are transported to the skin - and this is when our skin most needs antioxidant protection. However, applying potent, stabilized vitamins to the skin via creams and lotions can significantly help reduce the effects of premature ageing.
Our hectic, modern lifestyle taxes the body and depletes its natural supply of vitamins and minerals. Adding good vitamin and mineral supplements to your diet can boost your immune system and improve the way you look and feel.
THE BENEFITS OF TOPICALLY APPLIED VITAMINS
Vitamin A
- Improves skin elasticity
- Increases moisture content, making skin appear more supple
- Helps to reverse the signs of photo ageing
- Scavenges free radicals
Vitamin C
- Plays a vital role in the production of pro collagen, the building blocks of collagen fibres
- Controls production of hyperpigmentation
- Scavenges free radicals
- Strengthens capillary walls; helps heal the skin
- Boosts skin's immune system
Vitamin E
- Protects skin cells and membranes
- Controls production of collagen
- Appears to promote skin healing
- Relieves skin dryness
- Slows collagen degradation
- Anti-inflammatory
Pro-Vitamin B5
- Encourages cell regeneration
- Stimulates the healing process
- Prevents scarring
- Conditions the skin
Vitamin F
- Restores the skin's natural barrier function
- Maintains optimum moisture levels
Eating a diet rich in antioxidant vitamins and using an antioxidant cream on a daily basis is a wise insurance policy for your skin. Look out for products that contain vitamin A (to act on wrinkles), vitamin C (for radiance and tone) and vitamin E (to improve texture).
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