Beauty
Encouraging
Healthy Skin
When
asked which is the largest organ in the body, most people say the
liver. It is, in fact, the skin! Your skin is made up of two main
layers:
• An inner dermis
containing nerves, blood vessels, support tissues, sense receptors,
glands and hair follicles.
• An outer epidermis containing several layers of skin cells.
As new cells push up
from the bottom layer of skin towards the surface, they gradually
become flattened and harden into a flake of keratin protein. This
produces a tough, waterproof outer layer for the body that is continually
worn away and replaced to prevent build up of scales.
Ageing
Skin
Wrinkles are one of the most obvious signs of age. Collagen fibres
which provided structural support in youth become entangled and
cross-linked, and elastin fibres become increasingly thick, twisted
and branched. The supporting subcutaneous tissues start to thin
and sag so the overlying skin becomes loose. In addition, natural
substances in the skin that attract and trap water (e.g. glycosaminoglycans)
slowly disappear and blood supply to skin is reduced. The overall
result is that skin loses its resilience and elasticity and takes
on a sallow, dull appearance. Aging skin may also become mottled
with age spots and areas of reduced pigmentation. Much of the damage
leading to skin wrinkling is due to your lifetime’s exposure
to the damaging effects of the sunlight as UB light damages cell
structures and triggers the production of free radicals in the skin.
You can help to maintain good quality skin through dietary and lifestyle
changes.
• Avoid excessive exposure to the sun or sun-beds.
• Always wear sunscreen with SPF of at least 16 and which contains
both UVA and UVB sunscreens.
• Avoid smoking cigarettes.
• Eat at least five portions of fresh fruit and vegetables per day
for antioxidants.
• Drink plenty of water for hydration.
• Take regular exercise to improve skin circulation.
•
Ensure you get enough sleep – looking tired can age you by
ten years.
• Limit your alcohol intake.
• Exfoliate dead skin cells weekly.
• Take evening primrose oil which helps keep cell membranes supple.
• Cleanse. Tone and moisturise your skin twice daily.
Moisturisers
Moisturisers are an emulsion of water and oil which sinks into the
skin to slow water evaporation and improve hydration. Moisturisers
range from light lotions or gels to heavy creams according to the
skin type and the age range they are aimed at. Creams often contain
certain additional agents designed to trap water in the skin (e.g.
liposomes) or to attract water from the atmosphere and hold it in
the skin (humectants). They may also contain antioxidants such as
vitamin C, vitamin E, Co-enzyme Q10 or Pycnogenol®.
Pycnogenol® for skin health
Research shows that Pycnogenol® helps to rejuvenate the skin
and has a visible effect on aging. This is because it enters the
skin and binds to collagen and elastin fibres to help protect them
from free radical damage. Pycnogenol® accelerates collagen and
skin recovery in wound healing. It also increases blood flow through
small vessels in the skin to improve the complexion, and helps to
reduce red blotches by damping down inflammation. Scientists have
also discovered that the antioxidant effect of Pycnogenol® reduces
the damaging effect of UV light on the skin, halving the effect
of the sun which is the main cause of facial aging. Clinical studies
have also shown that taking Pycnogenol® helps to lighten over-pigmented
skin areas. It can be taken both orally and applied to the skin
in cosmetic creams for dual benefit.
Our
pharmacists or beautician can advise you on a suitable quality product
either to supplement with or apply to the skin to maintain its health.
Some of our suggestions are featured below.
Bio-pychogenol
tablets 30 £12.25
Bio-pycnogenol tablets 90 £27.95
Evelle tablets 60 £29.95
Q10 Revitalising Cream 50ml £12.95
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