PREPARE YOUR SKIN FOR THE AUTUMN

By Sarah Siri Blejc, MPharm

»Summertime and the living is easy« - we tend to feel more balanced, which also radiates through our skin. Sun not only has a positive effect on the production of vitamin D in the skin but also induces cosmetic tanning and delayed tanning by increasing melanin in the skin, acting as a natural protection. UV exposure may also improve mood through the release of endorphins*. However, if not practiced carefully and even excessively, there is also a dark side to it. In the following paragraphs, we will focus on this, connecting it to how to care for our skin after the summer and prepare it for the rest of the year.

Summertime - all that glitters is not gold

Excessive exposure to the sun can cause severe photoaging effects resulting in a loss of the skin’s physiological function. It was shown that it increases skin pH and sebum production which affects skin's natural protection. Furthermore, free radicals caused by UV radiation can damage collagen fibers, the supporting tissue of our skin resulting in a decrease in hydration, tonicity, and elasticity. This causes our skin to thicken and it might get rougher, and flakier, it gets more prone to acne and needs more moisture. Just a few reasons why it is particularly important to take intensive care of your skin after the summer.

1.     Skincare from the inside:

We have already covered how to prepare our skin to prevent sun damage in the following article (Link with Article 1). Due to heat and sun exposure, Dehydrated skin can become more prone to acne as the skin produces more sebum to compensate for lack of moisture. This is why a proper hydration is crucial – we have covered many tips in our recent article (Link with Article 2). When tackling “reversing sun damage,” it is essential to include specific vitamins and minerals in your daily diet that show antioxidant effects mitigating oxidative stress or inflammatory reactions caused by UV radiation and free radicals. We can find them in various fruits, vegetables, plant extracts, and food supplements. Vitamin C, for example, protects, soothes the skin, and also supports collagen production. Speaking of minerals, Zinc protects the cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. It is involved in synthesizing and metabolizing proteins, fatty acids, and various vitamins and supports the normal function of the immune system and our skin. I have mentioned including plant extracts in our diet, where I would like to emphasize some that I find very important and are also included in the Pure Skin Seeds product (Link): Turmeric, a bright orange rhizome, contains an active ingredient called “curcumin” which is a natural antioxidant that helps in the management of oxidative and inflammatory conditions. When digesting it, I recommend adding a pinch of black pepper to it, as it improves its overall absorption in the body. Arctium is another exciting plant rich in ingredients that were shown to significantly improve the metabolism of the dermal matrix, improving skin tone.   

2.     Skincare from the outside:

Excess sebum production can result in clogged pores, making skin more prone to inflammation and acne. I have already described a simple yet effective daily skincare routine consisting of 3 steps: cleaning, toning, and moisturizing (Link with Article 2). To free your skin from dead skin cells, it is advisable to use gentle peelings that you could add to your routine once weekly. They improve the skin's radiance and even out skin tone by removing the dry, dead skin cells and uncovering fresh new cells below. You can use mechanical peelings with abrasive structure or chemical peelings, also known as AHA*, BHA*and PHA*. However, exfoliating at home should be done by selecting only gentle mechanical exfoliants; for example, clay mixed with plant powders such as oats or moringa. Chemical peelings require even more careful selection as they may also cause a long-lasting damaging effect if not used carefully and in higher concentration. When using AHA and BHA peelings at home, make sure you don't exceed the concentration of 10% (and 5% in daily use). After exfoliation, the skin is more receptive, and the ingredients can better penetrate the skin. In the following steps (toning and moisturizing), a high moisture supply is important and can be improved by applying ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and allantoin.

To sum up, we should pay attention to our skincare at any time of the year. However, “fall-time” could be perceived as a perfect time to include the suggested recommendations for a smooth transition: supporting our skin’s repairing mechanisms after the summer and preparing it for the harsh winter months ahead.

Glossary:  

* Endorphins are peptides produced in the brain that block the perception of pain and increase feelings of well-being.
*AHA: alpha hydroxy acids – fruit acid
*BHA: beta hydroxy acids or salicylic acid
*PHA: poly hydroxy acids