DULL, TIRED AND STRESSED SKIN
APPEARANCE
Dull, Tired and Stressed skin looks just that. Imaging a veil over the skin, covering all complexion glows. Skin looks tired strained and no bounce in its step. Skin has overexposed itself and is being scavenged by extrinsic aging. People of all ages complain about a lack of energy. And it’s no wonder. We work long hours making it difficult to manage a personal life, are sleep deprived, and don’t have time to exercise, all while living in a polluted and stress-filled environment. These conditions deplete energy from the body and take their toll our skin too, leaving it dull and lacklustre. To understand the difference between extrinsic and intrinsic aging, look at the backs of your hands. What you see is the result of external, or extrinsic, aging. Now look at the inside of your wrist. The changes you see there are the result of intrinsic aging.
Symptoms may also include:
- Fine lines
- Coarse wrinkles
- Loss of elasticity
- Rough, scaly texture
- Dry, leathery appearance
- Broken capillaries
WHATS HAPPENING?
As we grow older, our cells become weaker and signs of damage are more noticeable, we are also constantly exposed to the UV rays of the sun, so our skin starts to appear dry and dull. This is the result of the outside layer of the skin getting excessive build up and is not exfoliated on a regular basis. Build-up is especially noticed after we have spent the summer in the sun. It is more apparent to women since we realise that our make-up doesn't look as fresh and our foundation begins to fade within a couple of hours. Our make-up and foundation is actually being absorbed into the accumulated dead skin cells, which gives a very tired and unhealthy look to the skin. Also as we age everything slows down and vital nutrients are not delivered quickly or well to where they are needed, a good diet is essential.
Stress - If you are stressed in any way (internally or externally), it is almost guaranteed that your skin will also show signs of this stress. Stressed skin is in need of regeneration and longs to be revitalised. Stress is known to have many negative impacts on our overall health and well-being. When stressed, our skin acts as a virtual mirror of our inner turmoil, thus accelerating the aging process. One reason I promote having a monthly facial treatment is because of its ability to reduce stress and the havoc it can wreak on a complexion. Facial massage that incorporates digital acupressure is especially important because it affects our body’s parasympathetic nervous system, which goes “out of whack” when we are overly stressed. Stressed skin needs intensive care and a supply of enriched ingredients to replenish it.
Sun damage - Exposure to the sun or emotional strain can leave it looking dull & lifeless. Now more than ever, attitudes on aging are being redefined before our very eyes. Babyboomers see the possibility for healthier, longer lifespans and want to look the part. The ravages of sun damage are primarily to blame for premature aging of the skin. And now we are aware that protection is crucial in maintaining skin health, preventing skin cancer and staving off wrinkle formation. Most of us will not look our age at 60, and our children, brought up in a world of sun awareness, will likely retain their youthful looks longer. Vitamin C is a proven free radical scavenger and repairs tissue damaged by the sun.
Smoking - Your skin is a large organ and it needs a lot of circulation. Smoking impairs that dramatically. That's why smokers' skin looks dull and gray. Instead of having Oxy-generated blood delivered to the surface of the skin, they're getting poisons and oxidants.
CAUSES
Build up of dead skin cells - Dryness and lack of proper exfoliation both contribute to skin cell debris.
Exhaustion - Trying to do too much in too little time is taxing both physically and emotionally.
Lack of sleep - For most people, an average of at least eight hours sleep a night is what the body’s immune system needs to fortify itself. Anything less than that and we suffer, whether we’re aware of it or not.
Stress - Our lives are filled with it, both good and bad.
Poor nutrition - When nutrition is good, it enhances body function and maintains steady blood sugar levels throughout the day. When it’s bad, it depletes the system and makes for destructive energy spikes and plunges (which in turn make for not-so-pretty mood swings.)
Glycation - This naturally occurring phenomenon increases as we age. Glycation is a process that occurs throughout our bodies, including in skin tissues, when a sugar molecule bonds with a protein molecule. When this happens, the protein becomes a “glycated protein,” and it becomes weak, brittle or even fractured, making it extremely vulnerable to a free-radical attack. To understand the glycation process and its importance, think of crème brûlée. It is made of cream, eggs (both proteins) and sugar. When the sugar is caramelised on top to make the crusted topping, it actually becomes glycated cream beneath. Likewise, if a diet is high in sugar, it increases the level of glycation throughout the body and skin. When proteins in our skin, mainly collagen, become glycated, skin becomes very vulnerable to the attack of aging free radicals. In addition to a diet low in sugar, the use of treatment creams rich in polyphenols will help minimise the glycation process.
HOW TO REPAIR
While sometimes we can not physically, stop a clients stress levels there are some suggestions that you can make to clients with these skin conditions that help. Skin that is dull and lifeless needs to be emotionally treated as well as physically. Suggest anti-stress relaxing treatments regularly. Suggest client takes up a hobby, exercise or sport. Most people that are highly stressed become depressed and lethargic, so making them move creates physical fatigue not emotional and allows them to sleep better at night. Skincare wise skins that are sundamaged, stressed or lacklustre need boosting. So product ranges that are high in Vitamins A,C and E, Betaglucans, EFA’s, magnesium and energising green tea & coffee(gives skin a natural guarana like effect) are fantastic for repairing cell membranes, increasing microcirculation and collagen synthesis.
The perfect antidote to skin that is stressed, dehydrated and in need of "a boost". Consider this range as an energy treatment for the face, giving tired looking skin a natural, radiant look. It gives lacklustre complexions vitality and energy. Use products with Vitamin E, C, Beta glucans and magnesium.
Vitamin E - is the most important antioxidant in the body that protects cell membranes and prevents damage to membrane-associated enzymes. It can be found in vegetable oils, especially sunflower oil, grains such as wheat germ, brown rice and oats, nuts, dairy products, meats and margarine.
Vitamin C - is the most abundant antioxidant found naturally in the skin. It is commonly found in vegetables and citrus fruits. Much like vitamin E, vitamin C is important in repairing free radicals and preventing them from turning into cancers and accelerating aging. There has been some new support from the university research sector plus some very impressive clinical studies in treating hyperpigmentation with vitamin C.
But let’s review some basic facts, no matter how redundant, followed by recent discoveries.
OLD NEWS: Vitamin C is an antioxidant – thus shielding the skin from free-radical aging (along with vitamins E, D and A).
NEW NEWS: Combined with oliometric proanthocyanidines (whew!) such as grape pip extract and reduced forms of dihydrolipoic acid, the free radical shield of ‘C’ is so powerful as to be considered prosthetic against photoaging and carcinogenesis by many research dermatologists.
OLD NEWS: Vitamin C is an antioxidant – thus shielding the skin from free-radical aging (along with vitamins E, D and A).
NEW NEWS: Combined with oliometric proanthocyanidines (whew!) such as grape pip extract and reduced forms of dihydrolipoic acid, the free radical shield of ‘C’ is so powerful as to be considered prosthetic against photoaging and carcinogenesis by many research dermatologists.
OLD NEWS: Vitamin C promotes collagen proliferation in the skin – thus firming the skin progressively.
NEW NEWS: Vitamin C indeed does ‘kick-start’ the amino acid chain in the fibroblast cells to manufacture new collagen fibers, and the skin can regain improved tensor and firmness. But further studies have shown recently that citric acid (not to be confused with ascorbic acid, but also contains ‘C’) improves glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in the skin tissues by increasing the skins’ thickness. Studies conducted by Dr. Leyden of Pittsburgh University and others have shown that citric acid increased GAGs. Both hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulphate were increased in the dermis or test-treated skin as well.
Beta glucans - Here is an ingredient that we can get our teeth into! Or at least our Langerhans cells like to get their teeth into beta glucans. It makes them as strong as Popeye the sailor on spinach and they can lash out with their long dendrite arms with those hungry little macrophage mouths on the end and gobble up anything that is not supposed to be in the skin. For many reasons beta glucans are nature’s miracle. Gleaned from yeast cell wall extracts, these expensive little healers can reduce inflammation from severe sunburn in less than 30 minutes. You should see what they can do on post-surgery scars and second-degree burns. We are researching slowing down the plaque-like lesions of psoriasis using beta glucans. The reason would surprise you because it has nothing whatsoever to do with beta glucans’ healing power.
Magnesium - is the fourth most abundant cation in the body. 60% is located in bone, the rest in extracellular fluid (carefully regulated) and soft tissue (mostly muscle). Magnesium possesses a range of functions and affects various systems within the body. For example, Cells needs magnesium present in order to bind to enzymes, before energy is liberated (cell function). Magnesium promotes efficient blood flow (microcirculation) in muscular tissue and is necessary for energy production in cell metabolism.
7 of the BEST things to do about tired or dull skin:
1. Proper daily skincare regimen with:
Energizing ingredients to bring new energy and radiance to the skin.
Exfoliants (glycolic acid, salicylic acid) to do clear away dead skin cells.
Antioxidants (Vitamin C, green tea, grape seed extract, pomegranate extract) to neutralise aging free radicals.
Yellow dock and burdock root to purify the blood which helps keep skin clear and radiant.
Exfoliants (glycolic acid, salicylic acid) to do clear away dead skin cells.
Antioxidants (Vitamin C, green tea, grape seed extract, pomegranate extract) to neutralise aging free radicals.
Yellow dock and burdock root to purify the blood which helps keep skin clear and radiant.
2. Environmental protection from the outside: Daily use of full-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen protection helps prevent dull skin as a result of environmental damage. Protect yourself from the sun -- use sunscreen and avoid direct sunlight between the hours of 10 and 2. Also don’t smoke, your skin is a large organ and it needs a lot of circulation. Smoking impairs that dramatically. That's why smokers' skin looks dull and gray. Instead of having oxy-generated blood delivered to the surface of the skin, they're getting poisons and oxidants.
3. Proper diet and good nutrition, supplement may be needed for protection from the inside:
- B-complex Vitamins to help fuel the body and increase circulation when energy dips.
- Ginkgo biloba, L-Carnitine and Co-Q10 for instant invigoration to boost overall energy.
- Curcumin to help improve mental clarity and alertness.
- Vitamin A to minimise production of excess pore-clogging skin cells.
- B-complex vitamins to encourage tissue repair.
- Zinc to aid cell repair and reduce inflammation.
- Yellow dock and burdock root to purify the blood which helps keep skin clear and radiant.
- Antioxidants such as grape seed extract, Vitamins A, C and E to neutralise aging free radical damage.
- Ginkgo biloba, L-Carnitine and Co-Q10 for instant invigoration to boost overall energy.
- Curcumin to help improve mental clarity and alertness.
- Vitamin A to minimise production of excess pore-clogging skin cells.
- B-complex vitamins to encourage tissue repair.
- Zinc to aid cell repair and reduce inflammation.
- Yellow dock and burdock root to purify the blood which helps keep skin clear and radiant.
- Antioxidants such as grape seed extract, Vitamins A, C and E to neutralise aging free radical damage.
4. Drink plenty of water: Eight 8 oz. glasses of water a day is optimum to flush toxins from the body, help renew tissue, and fight fatigue. Skin care can't be any simpler than this. Water helps in flushing out the toxins from the body, hence keeping it clean and making it less prone to disease.
5. Sleep: Getting a full eight hours may be an impossible demand on new parents and others. For your physical and emotional health though, do what you can to get on a regular sleeping schedule. If you’re able to take an afternoon nap every once in awhile, by all means, do that too.
6. Exercise: Stress-relieving exercise keeps you looking good and feeling good in numerous ways. Happily, summoning the energy to exercise actually creates more energy rather than depleting it. Plus, it will enable you to sleep better.
7. Professional care: Regular facials by a qualified esthetician can help boost circulation and tone to dull and tired skin.
4 of the WORST things to do about tired or dull skin:
1. Sugar and simple carbohydrates: Sugar creates an unhealthy cycle. Grab something sweet, your blood sugar spikes, and you get a temporary surge of energy. Very quickly though, your blood sugar plunges beneath where it was before and suddenly you feel exhausted, grumpy, and can’t concentrate. So you go for something sweet again.
2. Caffeine: Reaching for coffee, tea and sodas (regular and diet) offers a temporary lift followed by a much longer drop. Caffeine’s diuretic effect further dehydrates your body and depletes your skin.
3. Smoking: Smoking is one of the worst kinds of environmental damage there is because the burning toxins are literally in your face, up close and personal.
4. Tanning: Whether outdoors or in a sun bed, even if you don’t burn, all tans are damaging to your skin and to your health. If you can’t live without the glow, self-tanners are both cosmetically pleasing and safe.
WOW
• A couple of drops of lavender on a tissue and placed in pillowcase is great for insomniacs.
• Cut back on sugars in your diet as it accelerates glycation.
• Magnesium is the forth most abundant element in your body, stressed skin needs magnesium in order to increases circulation and cell energy deliverance.
• If you MUST smoke, ensure that your are taking adequate supplements to help restore the damage being done. Vitamin C and E is vital, both topically and internally.
• Ensure that your diet is rich in nuts, fish (salmon and tuna are best) and royal jelly. Your body DOES not make essential fatty acids naturally, it is only consumed through foods we eat!
7. Professional care: Regular facials by a qualified esthetician can help boost circulation and tone to dull and tired skin.
4 of the WORST things to do about tired or dull skin:
1. Sugar and simple carbohydrates: Sugar creates an unhealthy cycle. Grab something sweet, your blood sugar spikes, and you get a temporary surge of energy. Very quickly though, your blood sugar plunges beneath where it was before and suddenly you feel exhausted, grumpy, and can’t concentrate. So you go for something sweet again.
2. Caffeine: Reaching for coffee, tea and sodas (regular and diet) offers a temporary lift followed by a much longer drop. Caffeine’s diuretic effect further dehydrates your body and depletes your skin.
3. Smoking: Smoking is one of the worst kinds of environmental damage there is because the burning toxins are literally in your face, up close and personal.
4. Tanning: Whether outdoors or in a sun bed, even if you don’t burn, all tans are damaging to your skin and to your health. If you can’t live without the glow, self-tanners are both cosmetically pleasing and safe.
WOW
• A couple of drops of lavender on a tissue and placed in pillowcase is great for insomniacs.
• Cut back on sugars in your diet as it accelerates glycation.
• Magnesium is the forth most abundant element in your body, stressed skin needs magnesium in order to increases circulation and cell energy deliverance.
• If you MUST smoke, ensure that your are taking adequate supplements to help restore the damage being done. Vitamin C and E is vital, both topically and internally.
• Ensure that your diet is rich in nuts, fish (salmon and tuna are best) and royal jelly. Your body DOES not make essential fatty acids naturally, it is only consumed through foods we eat!
