What ingredients do we need to include in our beauty regimen to see real results? Dermashop/Lasermed manager Penny Jenkinson explains.
The Skin Health and Beauty Pyramid aims to take the guesswork out of purchasing the ideal products with scientifically-proven ingredients for your skin concerns. Without ingredients to protect the skin against sun and environmental exposure, every other step taken to improve skin health would be undermined.
First up, use SPF daily to reduce the risk of sunburn, skin cancer and the signs of ageing. And although sunscreen plays an important role in skin health, SPF is unable to block all UV radiation and cannot block pollution or cigarette smoke, which is where antioxidants come into play. Depending on their concentration and type, antioxidants are able to reduce DNA and cellular damage and provide beauty benefits including enhancing collagen, reducing the signs of ageing and improving radiance.
The third foundation ingredient, DNA enzymes, has been scientifically proven to play a critical role in providing protection to skin cells against oxidative stress from UV exposure and other environmental stressors.
Elements in the Pyramid Core are vital to transforming skin. To combat the changes that come with ageing and UV exposure, retinoids (Vitamin A) and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are essential. Lactic and glycolic acid both have moisturising and exfoliating benefits. While other ingredients that claim to nourish and moisturise often just provide the skin with a barrier to decrease water loss, AHAs have been clinically proven to activate moisture retention within the skin.
Retinoids, such as vitamin A and its derivatives, are able to kick-start cellular metabolism and boost collagen production. Vitamin A is also important to increase cell turnover. When AHAs are paired with retinoids, the two become a transformative powerhouse essential for serious skin change.
The top of the Pyramid– peptides and growth factors – is the icing on the cake. Both stimulate the process that signals cells to make proteins, boosting skin renewal.
Achieving a radiant, rejuvenated, healthy skin is possible with the right products!
Recommended products available at Lasermed and www.dermashop.co.za:
- SPF: Skin Tech Melablock, Heliocare, Bioderma Photoderm, Obagi Professional-C Suncare SPF 30
- Antioxidants: All NeoStrata moisturisers and serums, Zone Day and Night Creams, Dermaquest moisturisers, Obagi Professional Vitamin C serums, Obagi Professional Vitamin C Sun Protection, Obagi Professional Vitamin C Eye Cream
- AHA/PHA: All NeoStrata moisturisers
- Peptides: Dermaquest Peptide Line Corrector, Obagi Hydrate Luxe, Obagi Ultra Rich Eye Hydrating Cream, Obagi Professional Vitamin C Eye Cream
