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Day: 17 May 2021

17May

Yes indeed, skin conditions tend to worsen during winter. As a result, sensitivity also increases.

The usual suspects are temperature fluctuations, the drying effect of low humidity and the heat of fires. Without enough protective oils, moisture escapes from the skin which leads to dryness.

Unfortunately, this effect intensifies as temperatures and humidity drop. And moisturiser alone won’t help. Luckily, there’s a solution for skin hydration: overall body hydration.

1. Regular exfoliation

Exfoliation clears complexion-dulling dead cell build-up, making way for fresh new cells to emerge. And this not only provides a radiant canvas, but also is good for skin health.

2. Buy good cleansers

Avoid soap-based cleansers in favour of creamy alternatives. Because fact is, fragranced soaps and those containing alcohols will definitely irritate sensitive skin.

3. Moisturise effectively

Apply moisturiser immediately post-cleansing or –showering. Always choose products tailored to your skin type. An oil-based moisturiser will create a protective layer, but women with oily skin should avoid these. The drier environment of winter can actually exacerbate oil production and, when combined with oil-based products, can lead to breakouts.

One of the best ingredients to use in the winter is Hyaluronic acid. Believe me, it holds up to 1000 times its weight in water.

Its light consistency is an absolute pleasure. Plus, it’s a great product for all skin types. 

4.. Eat & sleep for skin health

Healthy eating habits are very important for overall skin health and hydration. Which is why you should eat skin-boosting foods packed with vitamins, minerals and anti-ageing antioxidants. And don’t skimp on 8 glasses of water a day. Finally, a good night’s sleep helps to renew and repair every cell in our bodies.

17May

Alas, we all love the sun. But sunshine gets a bad rap as one of the major causes of hyperpigmentation – otherwise known as ‘liver spots’. This may occur on any skin colour at any age. Other causes may be hormonal fluctuations or injury to the skin.

The age factor

Unfortunately, hyperpigmentation goes with the territory as we age. It mainly occurs in patches where the skin tissue becomes darker than the surrounding skin. The darkening is a result of too much melanin. As our bodies age, the regulation of melanocytes are less controlled and the distribution less balanced. Melanocytes concentrate in certain areas, and when stimulated by UV rays, wherever the cell concentration is higher, the greater amount of hyperpigmentation will occur.

Melasma

Then there’s melasma. Again, the hyperpigmentation in melasma resembles age spots, but are a result of hormonal fluctuations. Pregnant women and those on birth control pills can generate an overproduction of melanin, causing hyperpigmentation. Generally, it appears on the cheeks, forehead, bridge of the nose, upper lip, and chin.

Skin trauma

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation appears when a skin trauma or injury heals, leaving discolouration behind. A great deal of this type of hyperpigmentation is the result of acne which has healed, leaving a dark mark or spot in its wake.

The wonder of IPL

Although skin lightening creams can treat hyperpigmentation, IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) still remains the best option. Creams can fade the appearance, whereas IPL treats it and balances your skin tone.

The way we treat it is with powerful flashes of light in short, polychromatic blasts. The energy created by the light penetrates the dermal layers below the skin’s surface and begins to address the melanin that’s causing the spots. The heat penetrates and attacks the pigment particles, breaking and destroying their bonds. The particles then rise to the surface and form scabs, only to slough off. Thereafter, the body eliminates them naturally.

No downtime

Best of all, IPL requires no downtime post-procedure – just a bit of temporary redness. You’ll see results for minor hyperpigmentation after one session. However, we recommend five sessions for more advanced hyperpigmentation.

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