Page 20 - You Magazine – Issue 1

Meg says the other factor which controls the breakdown of collagen is UV exposure and the resilience of the skin to repair itself. UV is the biggest factor in ageing our skin.
Men who believe it is only women who benefit from a regimented skincare routine may be surprised to learn that the men’s skin care market is projected to top $60 billion by 2020.
While this is primarily driven
by younger men interested in facial creams, masks and serums, it’s not just those in their 20s or 30s who stand to benefit from introducing such products into their daily maintenance schedule to reduce the impact ageing has on their skin.
The way forward
Meg says whether you have cared for your skin all your life or chosen to ignore it, it’s never too late to begin a healthy skincare regimen. The first step to improving tone and texture is to de-stress the skin which in turn will decrease inflammation, increase blood flow and stimulate cellular repair.
This allows water to be retained and the skin to begin to function as nature intended, she says.
This begins with you learning
to manage your own stress, ensuring you receive sufficient sleep every night, and undertaking regular exercise.
The next step is to take an honest look at your diet by decreasing sugars and limiting your alcohol and processed foods consumption while upping your intake of oily fish and greens. Nor does it hurt to increase your intake of specific foods that can help you to achieve naturally radiant skin such as dark chocolate, coconut and red capsicum.
Drinking at least two litres
of water each day daily will help rehydrate the skin by assisting your digestive system flush out toxins from the body. It also assists to combat a variety of skin issues including psoriasis and eczema.
Using a high factor sunscreen every day not only helps protect your skin from harmful UV rays but will also help retain current collagen levels.
Lastly, Meg says when it comes to third party skincare products the best thing you can do for your skin is to remove any
products with nasty chemicals and fragrances from your skincare shelf along with harsh scrubs and products containing strip the skin.
“Use a gentler enzyme-based cleanser and exfoliator. Harsh scrubs will not help with the dullness in the long term – in your 20s and 30s yes, but now you need gentler products, allowing you
to concentrate on antioxidants, especially Vitamin C to give you a glow and assist with water retention.”
Instead, Meg suggests, try choosing product ranges with delivery systems attached to their ingredients so you know “the goodies are reaching the correct area in your skin”. Moisturisers should contain high levels of Shea butter, fatty acids or ceramides while soaps should be avoided at all costs, she says.
“You want to choose products which will not dry your skin out. Normal soaps are a good example of this along with many shower and bath gels. Bath gels can
also increase the chance of slipping whilst wet. Have a play around and choose products for sensitive skins.”
oil
Helpful ingredients to look for when caring for older skin
Trioxolane
Builds strength, immunity and repairs. Works well to defeat large pores, pigmentation and improving skin texture.
Vitamin A
Stimulates, repairs, and is essential for the maturing skin.
Antioxidants
Especially vitamin C and
zinc assist in many of the
skin’s functions including the stimulation of collagen and elastin.
Vitamin B
Helps with oily, acne prone skin
Cleansers
Choose gentle enzyme-based products, including body washes.
Enzyme mask
Apply a weekly enzyme mask for added stimulation and nourishment.
Lightweight makeup
Makeup should be lighter
in weight; primer followed by pressed powder with the addition of some blush and bronzer at times.
Source: The Skin Clinic
20 MAY 2020 You