Out & About February 2017

Do you understand the acids used in skincare products? There is such a wide range of products on the shelves that is a complete minefield to know what is going to work best for you. Victoria Lee sheds some light on the choices, along with the benefits of certain ingredients to help you narrow down the search for a product that will make a difference.

prematurely due to exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun. It exfoliates skin and can improve the texture and colour of the skin. It penetrates oil-laden hair follicle openings and, as a result helps with acne. Skin care products containing hydroquinone are referred to as bleaching creams or lightening agents and are used to lighten hyperpigmentation, such as age spots and dark spots related to pregnancy or hormone therapy (melasma or chloasma). Kojic acid is a more recent remedy for the treatment of pigment problems and age spots and it has a similar effect as hydroquinone. Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A. Here’s why skin responds to skin care products with retinol: vitamin A has a molecular structure that’s tiny enough to get into the lower layers of skin, where it finds collagen and elastin. Retinol is proven to improve mottled pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, skin texture, skin tone and colour, and your skin’s hydration levels. If you’ve heard of fish referred to as brain food, you can thank DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol). This substance is naturally produced in the brain, but DMAE is also present in anchovies, salmon and sardines. DMAE in skin care products shows remarkable effects when applied to skin, resulting in the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles. So there you have it – a very brief over view of the different ingredients that are results driven. It’s always best to consult a qualified professional with good training and knowledge to make sure you are using the right product for your skin and it’s needs. Diverse Beauty has more than 20 years experience in skin care and we are keen to educate you to help you get the right products. Take advantage of our special offer for our readers – buy one facial get one free.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a gel-like water-holding molecule that is the space filler and cushioning agent that is found in our bodies already. So it is not unusual to see this ingredient in skin care products. One of the huge benefits is that, as we already have it in our system so our body recognises it and knows what to do with it. Our bodies roughly contain 15 grams of HA and it is found in virtually every part of the body. With such a widespread occurrence, it is logical that it also has multiple functions. Scientific studies have shown that HA improves skin hydration, stimulates production of collagen in skin, works as an antioxidant and free radical scavenger, maintains skin elasticity, cushions joints and nerve tissues, has an anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory activity and maintains the fluid in the eye tissues, which may help to protect against various possible eye concerns. Roughly one third of HA is degraded and synthesized on a daily basis. This is where the problems arise. Decreasing levels of HA are known to accompany the ageing process and it is estimated that by the time we reach our mid- 40s, the synthesis of it is roughly half of that required by the body. Alpha-hydroxy acids (glycolic, lactic, tartaric and citric acids) are found in many creams and lotions and AHAs help with fine lines, irregular pigmentation and age spots, and may help decrease enlarged pores. A side-effect of alpha-hydroxy acids is sun sensitivity, so for that reason, sunscreen should also be used every morning. It is advisable to start with a product with concentrations of AHA of 10 to 15 per cent. Also, make sure you ease into it. You want to get your skin used to alpha-hydroxy acids, so you should only initially apply the skin care product every other day, gradually working up to daily application. Beta-hydroxy acid (salicylic acid) has been studied for its effect on skin that has aged

Victoria Lee from Diverse Beauty www.diversebeauty.co.uk T: 01635 728036

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