Skin Facts

Many of the external causes of aging skin are determined by the health and lifestyle decisions you make every day. Making unhealthy choices can cause prematurely aging skin, and this makes you look older, faster.

An important part of any anti-aging skin care program is to know what you may be doing that is harming your skin and speeding up your skin's aging process.

Here are 7 habits that contribute to aging skin, making you look older than your years:

1.   Cigarette smoke: Whether you smoke, or you spend time with a smoker, cigarette smoke is damaging -- and aging -- to your skin. Research has shown that exposure to cigarette smoke significantly increases skin wrinkles and dryness. This is partly due to the behavior of smoking, and also because cigarette smoke depletes your body of

Vitamin C

, which is a key ingredient for keeping skin plump and moist.

2.  Sun exposure: Sun exposure is very aging to skin. Unprotected skin that is exposed to the sun becomes more mottled in appearance. Freckles can turn into brown sun spots, the skin takes on a dry, leathery appearance, and wrinkles and sagging increase. The risk of skin cancer is significantly increased by sun exposure.

The good news is that sun damage is avoidable, and if you start now, you can improve the condition of sun damaged skin.
See your health care provider to assess the amount of sun damage you may have, and to rule out possible skin cancers. He or she may be able to prescribe medication that can help to reduce existing sun damage.
If you want to avoid aging skin but don’t want to avoid the sun, make sure you use sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Choose sunscreen with SPF of 15 or higher, and use it all year-round, even on cloudy days. Clouds do not protect you from ultraviolet ray exposure.

3.  Lack of exercise: Living a sedentary life contributes to aging skin, because exercise helps to tone your muscles and get your blood flowing. Exercisesedentary older adults are at higher risk for dementia.

should be an important part of every anti-aging skin care program. Researchers have also discovered that

In addition to the physical benefits of exercise, the benefits of a regular exercise program will show on your face. Having a bright smile and lots of energy will help you look and feel younger, at any age.

4..  Exposure to cold weather: Cold winds and low temperatures contribute to aging skin by making skin dry, so if you venture out in the cold be sure to use a good moisturizer.

It’s important to use moisturizer indoors too, as heated rooms can be very drying to skin. Consider using a humidifier to help keep your skin more comfortable and reduce the aging skin effects of heated rooms.

5.  Alcohol use: Alcohol contributes to aging skin by dilating small blood vessels in the skin and increasing blood flow near the skin's surface. Over time, these blood vessels can become permanently damaged, creating a flushed appearance and broken vessels on the skin’s surface.

6.  Stress: Maybe you’ve heard this expression: “Don’t frown, your face could stay that way.” Stress and worry cause frowning, and over time the muscles in the face actually conform to that movement.

To help reduce aging skin due to stress, be aware of your stress level and try to vary your facial expressions during the day. A good anti-aging skin care program should include meditation, yoga, gentle exercise or other relaxation techniques. Keeping stress in check -- and frown lines and aging skin wrinkles to a minimum -- will help you look and feel younger.

7.  Lack of sleep: Too little sleep makes you look and feel tired. One of the first places lack up sleep shows up is on the face, with dark circles and bags under the eyes, and sagging skin. Lack of sleep is also a major factor in memory loss and symptoms of depression that include low interest in daily activities and negative thinking.

Research has shown that most adults function best with 8-9 hours of sleep each night. Reduce caffeine during the day (with none in the evening), avoid eating at least 2 hours before bedtime, and maintain a sleep routine that includes going to bed at the same time each night. For more sleeping tips, see How to Get a Good Night's Sleep.

If you are having trouble sleeping, for any reason, it’s important to see your health care provider.

While some signs of aging skin are inevitable, there’s a lot you can do to look your best at any age. Taking good care of yourself is the most important step in your anti-aging skin care program.

Skin Cleansing

WHY DO WE NEED TO:

Fact: Using professional products is recommended as you will see a true result and they are full of active ingredients and are highly ant ageing and nourishing for your skin. Your skin on your face and neck should always have facial skincare used on it. Do not use body creams or products on your face and neck as this will damage your skin, your skin on your face and neck is different to your body and is a lot thinner and delicate.

CLEANSE:

This is step one in your daily routine. We need to cleanse our face morning and night to rid away the dirt, grime and pollution that our skin is exposed to of a day and at night is when your skin excretes its natural oils so it’s as important to wash your skin in the morning. Cleansing removes and prepares the skin for further skin treatments; it sets a clean base for your nourishing creams. A cleanser is an astringent needed to remove, protect and nourish your skin.

You should be cleansing x2 washes every morning and night and removing cleanser with a warm facial towel., choosing the right cleanser is important as you need to make sure it’s for your skin type so you won’t create problems for your skin such as, stripped acid mantle and a cream cleanser on an oily skin, this will cause more clogging and oil that is unwanted.

Please do not use a soap or body wash on your skin you will damage your skin and strip your acid mantle opening up problems for your skin like, ageing, sensitivity and reactive skin.

Here is a rough guide to help you:

• cream cleanser = dry skin

• foam cleanser = oily skin, breakout skin

• milk cleanser= Dry dehydrated skin

• cleanser= combination skin-oily, normal slightly dry.

TONE:

A tonner is the second step in your skin care routine. A tonner returns your skin ph back to normal or balances your ph level. Your Ph level is your acid mantle on your skin. The optimum Ph level for skin is 5.5. Your skin needs a certain amount of oil to stay waterproof and resistant to infection. To little oil you may have a dry skin (that will lead to problems like wrinkles) to much oil and you have got a slick and problem acne skin. Ph is measured from 1-14 on a scale, 7 being neutral. 1-6.9 being acidic and 7.1-14 being alkaline. The reason for 5.5 is optimal. You want your skin to be able to be resistant to harmful bacteria; between 4 and 6.5 is where you want to stay. Using a tonner you are brining your skin to where it is supposed to be.

A tonner also removes any excess cleanser and acts as a drawing agent for when you apply your serum and moisturizer it will penetrate them deeper into the lower layers of your skin.

Apply a small amount of tonner on to your cotton round and wipe over entire face morning and night before using your serum and moisturizer.

EXFOLIATE:

Exfoliation is to be done on your skin x2 nights a week. Exfoliation is done to remove all dead skin build up. Our skin is an amazing organ and its cell life turnover is working without you even knowing it. We need to remove the dead skin build up so we don’t get problems such as, uneven skin build up, blackheads, rough patches, ageing, and clogged pores and flakey looking skin.

There are many types of exfoliates chemical and mechanical are the main two. Mechanical is where you use your hands with your exfoliate and work it around your skin for a few minutes, your exfoliate usually has small round granular beads that remove and slough off any dead skin cells.

A chemical skin exfoliation is where the exfoliation cream has ingredients such as AHA’s, BHA’s or enzymes that are a applied to your skin left on and act as Pac man eating away and losing all dead skin build up. This gives a deeper exfoliation and is great when used in a course of treatments.

Everyone should be using an exfoliate even if they have sensitive skin there are products designed for all skin types to prevent problems, if we are not exfoliating we are placesing our serums and creams onto dead skin cells therefore not going to see true results with our skincare.

MASK:

A mask is also called a deep cleansing cleanser; a mask is designed to help refine pores, hydrate, and aid in more effective skin care routine. A mask is designed for persific skin types and concerns, a mask should be done 2-3 times a week after you cleanse and exfoliate apply your mask all over your face and neck and leave on for 10-20 minutes, then remove with a warm facial cloth and follow with your serum, moisturizer and eye cream.

A mask is a must have in skin care choose the right mask for your skin type to gain full results.

SERUM:

A serum is just as important as a moisturizer. A serum is applied to your face and neck before you apply your moisturizer. A serum is a silky substance that glides onto your skin full of potent active ingredients. A serum is delivered into the deeper layers of your skin getting to the main concern of your skin; it is hydrating, anti ageing and formulated to meet your skin needs. It aids in extra moisture for your skin and draws your moisturizer deeper within the skin. A serum should be applied morning and night. A serum helps protect your skin from free radicals and ageing.

MOISTURISING:

Your moisturizer also known as you day or night creams is a must have in every skin homecare. We should start moisturizing at the age of 20 to help prevent ageing. A moisturizer is designed to hydrate and nourish and protect the skin form ageing and harsh elements such as pollution, sun, free radicals and environmental factors that damage and age our skin... Choose a moisturizer for your skin type and concern, they all have anti ageing ingredients some more than others depending g on your skin type and concern. Apply a small amount on to face and neck morning and night after your serum. Do not use a body moisturizer or sorbalene on your face as your skin on your face is more delicate and different.

EYE CREAM:

Eye creams, gels or serums are made to use on the eye are only. Do not use your serums and moisturizers around you entire eye area. Your eye area is a more delicate and thin layer of skin, it has no oil glands therefore ageing happens faster there as there is no moisture to protect it. We need to use our professional active eye creams to hydrate, nourish and fight against ageing. Eye creams also help brighten and smooth the eye area. Apply your eye cream morning and night. Choose the right eye cream for your skin type or concern.

SPOT TREATMENT:

Spot treatments are great for areas such as blemishes, pimples and breakouts. Apply morning and night to the area and depending on your spot treatment it will dry and kill any bacteria on the skin because sing the pimple and help heal and hydrate the area and rid away of imperfections.

SUNSCREEN:

No matter what skin type you have you should be using a facial sunscreen. This is to go on your skin after moisturizing. A sunscreen will protect you against the harmful UV rays and protect you against ageing as well also burning your skin and causing pigmentation... People get scared of having the oily sunscreen feeling on their face but there is sunscreen oil free and designed for the face, a lot of products have a small amount of SPF in them as well.

PROFESSIONAL TREATMENTS:

70% of what you do at home with your skin is your true results, in saying that professional treatments or in salon treatments are just as important. We use more powerful and potent products and treatments that you cannot buy over the counter, Our in salon treatments are designed to give a more powerful result with highly active ingredients, our masks and exfoliatatuion treatments are salon approved only and are great to have in course of treatments for a more professional result. Consult your therapist about having your treatments in salon now. You should be having an in salon treatment for maintenance every 2-4 weeks. We cater to your skins type and concerns. Our newest machines and technology for skin rejuvenation treatments are highly recommended.

Read our brochure for more details or call us in the salon to speak to one of our highly trained therapists.

How do sunscreens work?

Sunscreens work in two main ways:

Many sunscreen products combine a mixture of ingredients to provide a high degree of ultraviolet protection and block or absorb a broad-spectrum of damaging (ultraviolet – A and B) light.

What is UVA radiation?

UVA radiation penetrates deep into the skin, affecting the living skin cells that lie under your skin's surface. UVA causes long-term damage like wrinkles, blotchiness, sagging and discoloration, and also contributes to skin cancer.

What is UVB radiation?

UVB radiation penetrates the top layer of skin and is the main cause of sunburn.

What is Sun Protection Factor (SPF)?

SPF – or Sun Protection Factor – is a measure of a sunscreen’s ability to protect the skin from UV radiation. SPF is calculated by comparing the amount of time it takes to produce the first sign of redness on unprotected skin versus the time taken to produce redness on skin that has been protected. The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) number on sunscreens in Australia range from 2 to 30+. The higher the number, the greater the degree of protection offered.

For example:

If your unprotected skin reddens in 10 minutes then an SPF 30 sunscreen will give you 300 minutes of protection. This an example only and the time it takes your skin to show the first signs of reddening will vary. Fair skin can burn as quickly as four minutes, which equates to two hours of protection from an SPF 30 sunscreen. A common mistake is to follow guidelines on packaging which often recommend an SPF 30 be reapplied every four hours, leaving skin unprotected for 120 minutes!

Currently, the Australian regulatory authorities allow a maximum rating on the label of SPF30+ for sunscreens sold in Australia even if the actual SPF maybe higher. Sunscreens are tested under laboratory conditions to determine their SPF number according to the Australian and New Zealand Standard for Sunscreens (AS/NZS2604:1998).

What about Vitamin D?

Vitamin D can be found in small amounts in foods such as dairy products, cereals with added vitamin D added, and fish. However, skin exposure to the sun provides as much as 80-90% of the body’s vitamin D.1 Vitamin D helps to maintain healthy skin and bones by promoting calcium absorption in the body. Because of the risks of overexposure to UV radiation, consistently and deliberately spending time out in the sun without any form of sun protection when the UV index is 3 and above is not recommended.

A Decade-By-Decade Guide

If you've been using the same skincare products for years, you've probably been neglecting your skin without even realizing it. For every decade of your life, your skin has different needs. (Not to mention that new age-defying creams and procedures can take years off your looks--so what are you waiting for?) The key to radiant skin is figuring out what you may need at which times, so that you're always one step ahead of any signs of aging. Use this guide to get glowing.

20s

What's happening: Skin cells regenerate at top speed, giving you a radiant look. Collagen and elastin, the fibers that give skin its plumped-up look and elasticity, are in tip-top shape. And photoaging (the damage caused by all those years of sun worshipping) has yet to appear. Still, protect, protect, protect should be the skin mantra of your 20s. Also, many women are still battling acne at this time.

Your at-home regimen: The single most important thing is to wear a broad-based sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day.

As far as acne goes, "many women have more problems with acne in their twenties and thirties than they did in their teens," says Alan Kling, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City. There are basically two types of acne: blackheads and whiteheads, and red bumps. Blackheads and whiteheads are usually treated with retinoids, which include medicines called tretinoins. Red bumps are usually treated with antibiotics, whether it's a pill, or topical cream or gel. These come in both prescription and over-the-counter preparations. Benzoyl peroxide is one type. To prevent breakouts, use a cleanser that contains glycolic acid. Products that contain sulfur, which includePayot's matifying and purifying range, can also prevent breakouts. Finally, make sure products such as sunscreen and foundation are non-comedogenic, which won't clog pores, to prevent flare-ups.

30s

What's happening: Your skin may become less oily, even dry in some places. But acne breakouts are still common. You may also begin to notice that your skin looks different in your 30s, even though you may not be able to pinpoint why exactly. For one, cell regeneration has already started to slow, making skin look a bit dull. Collagen and elastin aren't being produced as rapidly either, so you might start developing a few fine lines. (Don't panic. There's plenty you can do.)

Your at-home regimen: Continue using non-comedogenic cosmetics and moisturizers. Also, start using anti-aging products now. In the morning, wash with a gentle cleanser, followed by a vitamin C cream to repair and prevent further damage and, if your skin is dry, a moisturizer. Finish up with sunscreen. At night, rinse with a mild cleanser. If you're still acne prone, follow up with whatever products you use to combat breakouts beyond your cleanser. Women with drier skin can start applying retinol creams, to help reverse damage (you may want to apply every other night at first, since any vitamin A product can be irritating).

40s

What's happening: Skin tends to get drier at this age. Also, wrinkles around the mouth and eyes will become apparent.

Your at-home regimen: Moisturizer, anti-aging creams and a sunscreen are staples. In the morning, wash with an alpha-hydroxy (AHA) cleanser to remove the dead outer layers of skin, followed by your antioxidant and sunscreen (a must since AHAs make you more sensitive to the sun). Still need moisturizer? That's fine, just allow for any additional moisture obtained from your other skincare products. In the evening, use a gentle cleanser and then apply an over-the counter retinol product. On alternate nights, you might use a glycolic acid or a copper peptide, another antioxidant.

50s & Beyond

What's happening: Skin is probably losing its plumpness and tone. You may also notice more irregular pigmentation and "age spots." Rosacea, a chronic skin disorder affecting as many as 14 million Americans, is more common. While the cause is unknown, it may begin as a tendency to flush easily and progresses to persistent redness in the center of the face. As it becomes more severe, acne-like pimples may appear and small blood vessels under the skin may dilate, resulting in burning, stinging and itching.

Your at-home regimen: You can follow the same routine as in your forties, but be sure to use a prescription vitamin A product, such as Renova as long as it does not interfere with your rosacea. Talk to your doctor if you suspect you might have rosacea. Standard treatment includes oral antibiotics and topical creams.

Procedures to consider: First, be sure to visit your dermatologist for a skin examination since a suspicious looking spot may be an actinic keratosis, a pre-cursor to skin cancer.

At this time, another procedure you may want to consider is collagen injections, used for softening lines and dealing with early degrees of muscle loss around the mouth. You'll need a skin test a few weeks prior to see if there's any kind of reaction, such as redness, itching or puffiness. This means you will have red and/or puffy areas for a few days until the saline is absorbed by surrounding tissue. The effects last from six weeks to four months.

20's

1. A gentle cleanser. If ongoing problems with acne, use only oil-free facial products.

2. Toners can irritate the skin and probably don’t do much. However, [you] may find that they help reduce the shiny oil film, and make the skin feel 'fresher’.

3. Consider [a moisturiser] with Anti-oxidants (including Vitamins A, C, E, green tea etc): these are emerging as important ingredients to help prevent ‘free radical’ attack on skin cells from sun, pollution, smoking etc.

4. A good fake-tan. (We hear you!)

30's

1. Again, sunscreen is the most important skin protector.

2. Gentle cleansers

3. Moisturiser, esp those containing proven ‘anti-ageing’ ingredients to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and other signs of ageing eg. AHAs: these strip away the dead outer layer of skin cells resulting in a fresher and smoother appearance... and also stimulate the production of new collagen, and Anti-oxidants (including Vitamins C, E)

4. Vitamin A creams... absorb UV, so they should only be used at night, washed off in the morning and a sunscreen applied.