What are the essentials in your skin?
Elastin works to maintain the elasticity of the skin so it can ‘snap back’ into place. But we produce less of it as we age resulting in sagging under the eyes, along the jaw line and in the neck area. Using a cream or preferably a serum containing ‘retinol’ each day will help to produce elastin.
Collagen. Without collagen our skin is destined to become like an old leather bag. It’s the most important protein in our body as it holds everything together like scaffolding to provide strength and structure. Retinoids stimulate collagen production and cell regeneration. There are lots of creams and serums that contain retinoids so not hard to find. Also various laser and other salon treatments are available that encourage the production of collagen.
Both Elastin and Collagen are really affected by too much sun. So apply a moisturiser that is at least a SPF Factor 30. NB. Smoking and sugar are also very damaging.
Vitamin C is essential for Collagen and Elastin production. Take a recommended 500 grams a day as well as eating Vitamin C-rich foods such as broccoli, kiwi fruit, bell peppers and citrus fruits.
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is vital for a healthy skin. It helps to retain over a 1000 times its weight in water within the skin’s cells. This makes it an excellent moisturizer and it smooths and plumps the skin. It also maintains elasticity, cushions joints and nerve tissues. HA also has an anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effect and maintains the fluid in the eye tissues. Our bodies naturally produce it but that’s halved by our mid-40s. So we have to supplement it. Many creams and serums contain it and it can also be taken orally or injected.
Anti-oxidants are the super heroes of the skin. They fight the free-radicals that cause damage at the cellular level and block elastase that breaks down the essential elastin. They harm the body’s tissue and have been connected to premature ageing as well as cancer. According to leading New York dermatologist, Howard Stern, anti-oxidants work better in a formula with vitamins A, C, beta-carotene and co-enzyme Q10.
Foods that contain high levels of anti-oxidants are Goji berries, wild blueberries, dark chocolate, pecans, artichokes, elderberries, kidney beans, cranberries and blackberries. They are also found in many common herbs such as oregano, basil, turmeric and ginger.
Moisturiser is the most ignored component for fighting free-radical damage to the skin. A good moisturiser prevents dehydration of the skin. Without moisture the skin isn’t able to repair itself and suffers even more damage. The best kind of protective moisturiser needs to contain cholesterol, ceramides, essential fatty acids and niacinamide.
Written by founder Jayne Beaumont
