Are you unsure what skincare to choose and feel overwhelmed by all the products on offer?
Do you have concerns about your skin?
Have you been using the same skincare products for years?
Do you want to improve the appearance of your skin and the way it feels?
I will try to make it easier for you, let’s take it right back to the basics of our skin. Now, I’m not a dermatologist so I won’t be diagnosing skin conditions, but I will help you to understand a bit more about how your skin works and what some of the buzz words in skincare mean for our skin.
I think we often overlook the tough job that our skin has, its needs are often neglected and ignored. Yes, it is designed to do the work, protecting your internal organs, regulating your temperature, being a storage and waste removal facilitator, and be responsible for your sense of touch but a little bit of TLC doesn’t go amiss.
I like to think of skin like a sandwich – stay with me here!
There are three main layers, but we will focus on the top two today:
Epidermis – outermost layer we can see
Dermis – Inner layer
Subcutaneous layer – attaches to the muscles and organs
The Dermis is the filling in our sandwich and provides structure for the skin, blood vessels, nerves, hair roots, sweat and sebaceous glands (responsible for the skins natural oil - Sebum) and provides nourishment and waste removal for the Epidermis.
Now for the science bit, two key proteins are found here, Collagen and Elastin which provide our skin with strength and elasticity giving the appearance of a firm, smooth complexion.
Surrounding these proteins is Hyaluronic Acid (yes that one from the advert with Eva Longoria ‘Hy-a-lur-onic’)
Hyaluronic Acid attracts and binds hundreds of times its own weight in water which keeps skin cells hydrated, functioning and plump looking.
Unfortunately, Collagen, Elastin and Hyaluronic Acid naturally deplete with age and damage, which is a major cause of fine lines and wrinkles.
TOP TIP - We can’t stop time, but we can take measures to prevent further damage, particularly from the sun. Using an SPF every day will go a long way to help protect your skin and keep it looking more youthful for longer.
Back to the skin sandwich - we are now on the bread lid aka the Epidermis.
This top layer of your skin consists of even more layers of cells which are held together with lipids/fats, like ‘Ceramides’ - another key word in the skincare industry.
Skin cells mature and move up through the layers to the very top where they flatten and die and then are shed. Dead cells on the surface can make the skin look dull which is where exfoliation comes in. Simply removing the top layer of dead cells with a gentle scrub or peel reveals the fresh cells underneath improving the appearance.
You also may have heard of the ‘acid mantle’ which is a safety barrier made up of sebum (naturally produced oil/ceramides/fatty acids) and sweat. This acts as a roadblock trying to prevent bacteria and other undesirables from entering the body. To be most effective this needs to be slightly acidic (PH 5.5) and when out of balance this can have a negative effect on the skin.
New skin cells are constantly being made but, like everything, the process slows down as we age so when you are in your thirties it takes about as many days as your age for your skin to renew.
Along with genetics and age, our hormones play a massive role in the appearance of our skin, our occupations, lifestyle/hobbies, environment and how we treat our skin all contribute to the overall picture.
What can we do to look after our skin and help it look good?
Cleanse – remove any dirt, makeup
Hydrate – skin cells need water to function
Protect – use SPF daily to prevent damage from the sun
Discover your skin type and choose products to suit the condition of your skin – ask for help if you need it.
Think about what is realistic for you. Don’t spend lots of money on a 12 -step skincare routine when you know you won’t keep it up. Keep it simple and consistent.
All skin types/conditions benefit from hydration. Consider a Hydrating Serum before using moisturiser. Moisturisers create a barrier to lock in the hydration.
Even on cloudy days harmful rays can penetrate our skin so help protect against those nasties and apply SPF every day
Treat your skin kindly, be gentle with it
Book a facial and ask the therapist for advice, they will be more than happy to help you find what is right for you. And you get the added benefits of relaxation and time for yourself!
I hope that this has been helpful and if you have any thoughts/questions please don’t hesitate to contact me claire@claireellistherapy.co.uk
Best Wishes,
Claire
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