Complexion a tad jaded? Worried about wrinkles? Don’t panic! We’ve come to your rescue with the best prevention tips, treatments and products to nip skin complaints in the bud.
Complexion a tad jaded? Worried about wrinkles? Don’t panic! We’ve come to your rescue with the best prevention tips, treatments and products to nip skin complaints in the bud.
Rosacea
This common skin complaint is characterised by redness on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead, visible blood vessels and bumps or pimples. Possible causes include factors related to blood flow, skin bacteria, microscopic skin mites (Demodex), irritation of follicles, sun damage of the connective tissue under the skin, an abnormal immune or inflammatory response, or psychological factors.
LOSE IT According to skin guru Liz Earle, it often responds well to traditional Chinese medicine, herbalism and homeopathy , but make sure you choose a reputable, well-qualified practitioner.Also try not to use skincare products containing alcohol, witch hazel, fragrance, menthol, peppermint, eucalyptus oil, clove oil and salicylic acid along with harsh astringents and exfoliating agents.
Use it Ole Henriksen Black Currant Complexion Oil, £41 repairs environmental damage with vitamin E while Aromatherapy Associates Soothing Daily Repair Moisturiser, £49, contains safflower ceramides and omega oils, combined with cotton thistle extract and camomile for sensitive skins with a tendency towards redness.
Pigmentation
Skin pigmentation usually occurs as you get older and and is caused by your body producing too much melanin which results in blemishes, age spots and freckles. It can be caused by various factors but the number one cause of pigmentation is sun damage.
LOSE IT Protect your skin from damaging ultraviolet rays and avoid getting sunburn. Never sunbathe without wearing a sunscreen with SPF 30 on your face and make sure your daily moisturiser contains sunscreen SPF 15.
Use it Dermalogica’s C-12 Concentrate, £72.50, contains a blend of peptides, mineral amino acids and botanical extracts help treat and prevent cellular discolouration and melanin synthesis. Antipodes Apostle Skin Tone Correcting Serum £41.99, targets pigmentation with antioxidant-rich Vinanza Performance Plus and kiwi enzyme for healthy cell renewal. Priori’s Brightening Facial Complex, £45, contains Coffeeberry extract to even out skin tone.
Ageing eyes
The delicate eye area is subject to regular blinking, rubbing, and squinting and because it only contains a very small amount amount of subcutaneous fat and no oil glands at all it is one of the first places to show skin damage.
LOSE IT Treat your eyes with care at all times. When applying creams remember to gently ‘tap’ the product into the skin to avoid stretching and pulling the fragile tissues.
Use it Oskia Eye Wonder Nutri Active Serum, £58, contains nutrients and peptides to help rebuild cell health plus plant bio-actives to brighten dark circles. Living Nature’s certified natural Firming Eye Cream, £24, contains nutrientrich active manuka honey to flood the eye area with vital hydration and much-needed nourishment.
Acne
We’re all prone to the odd spot or two and acne affects over 50 per cent of women at some stage in their lives. It is caused by overactivity of the sebaceous glands which can then become infected with bacteria and can be triggered by stress, hormones, diet and vitamin deficiency.
LOSE IT Make sure you stick to a healthy, balanced diet which is rich in foods containing skin-strengthening zinc such as shellfish. Also avoid harsh, detergent based cleansers and consider using a gentle skin cleanser from Dr Hauschka or Weleda.
Use it Nelsons Pure & Clear Purifying Daily Wash, £7.15, has a natural seaweed base that contains an antiblemish and blackhead formula of plant extracts such as tea tree, arnica, hypericum and calendula or try organic Acnaphase Cream, £10.50 from beautynaturals.com that contains propylis, antibacterial tea tree, rosewood and lavender.
Wrinkles
As we get older our skin stops producing cells called fibroblasts which are responsible for the production of collagen and elastin that keeps the skin plump and firm. This, teamed with a decline in the production of hydrating hyaluronic acid can result in a breakdown of the skin’s structure.
LOSE IT Look for creams and serums which contain skin boosting peptides and ensure your diet is rich red, yellow and orange fruit and veg which are a rich source of antioxidants that help to strengthen your skin.
Use it Dr Murad’s Age Diffusing Firming Mask, £59.50, contains golden seaweed which restores skin resilience and Brazilian fruit extracts to promote collagen production to plump skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles. NUDE’s new ProGenius, £58, is rich in vital omega oils 3, 6, 7 and 9 for long-lasting cell renewal and nourishment.
Broken veins
Thread veins are caused when the the blood vessels dilate and engorge with blood more frequently than is normal, and then ultimately stay that way leaving your skin looking flushed and patchy.
LOSE IT Try to avoid triggers that cause flushing such as extremes of heat and caffeine and alcohol. Herbs such as butcher’s broom and horse chestnut, along with antioxidants such as grapeseed extract and bilberry can help to strengthen the walls of veins and prevent damage.
Use it Medic 8 Red Alert Serum, (£29) actively reduces skin redness and contains organic sage extract to sooth and calm redness and broken veins while Natio’s Ageless Organic Rosehip Oil, £16.95, is packed full of essential fatty acids and nutrients to strengthen the skin.
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