Do Darker Skin Tones Require SPF?

I’ll make my apologies in advance; I know that I continually advocate the use of sunscreen. I wear SPF50 every day of the year. Summer or winter, in the city or countryside, while on vacation, or in the garden. It has become somewhat of an obsession for me. But something I am asked almost on a daily basis is, Do Darker Skin Tones Require SPF?

Do Darker Skin Tones Require SPF?

Contrary to popular belief, and despite black skin, the propensity for a sun-kissed finish is as pervasive amongst black women as it is amongst their Caucasian sisters. The problem is, it is rarely done safely!

I am highly aware that my dedication to SPF is uncommon. So, it greatly concerns me when women admit that they never wear it when I love it so much and understand clearly the benefits of using it! It is believed that as many as 90% of black women never consider wearing sunscreen, except for the occasions they are on a beach and sometimes not even then. So, the question is, ‘do all skin tones need SPF?’

Since ancient times there is a long-standing belief that exists, a misconception if you like that the high level of Melanin in black skin is all the protection they need in the sun.

It’s often said that black people don’t burn. Consequently, there are many black ladies on holiday that will happily stay on the beach practically from sun up to sun down with no sun protection. They never give a thought about the risk of getting skin cancer. However, they like to moisturise to the hilt (because they can’t be dealing with ash-colored skin).

Protect Your Delicate Skin:

Applying an SPF is considered an integral part of prudent skincare and beauty, but should all skin types observe it?

Dermatologists continuously remind us to wear sunscreen, even under grey cloudy skies. The list of sun-related diseases is of great concern – skin cancer, ageing, pigmentation, and rightly so. There are many inconsistencies about sunscreen and its marketing, even with all the advice and superstars continually reminding us to apply sun protection. Far too many people forget how important it is to use and reapply throughout the day!

People with dark skin pigmentation have skin that is naturally rich in Melanin (especially eumelanin). They have more melanosomes which provide superior protection against the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation.

The Melanin in people of darker skin blocks sunlight naturally. The skin’s epidermal (outer) layer are cells that contain the pigment melanin. Melanin protects the skin from the sun’s ultraviolet rays, which, as we know, burns the skin.

Melanin may help protect the skin from damaging UV rays. However, it may also make darker skin more susceptible to hyperpigmentation, which can be caused by sun damage. Regular SPF usage is one of the best ways to prevent this. Some sunscreen products are now available that contain ingredients to mitigate hyperpigmentation. For patients with stubborn dark marks on the face, it’s advised to look for a sunscreen that contains zinc oxide (found in many tinted formulas). Zinc Oxide protects the skin from the sun, indoor light, and computer screens.

Although dark skin has some innate sun protection due to Melanin, it’s an inescapable necessity for everyone to use an adequate SPF to protect themselves.

Skin Cancer From The Sun:

While sun-induced skin cancer is rare in darker skin tones, it can and does occur and frequently isn’t identified until it’s too late to be treated. When they occur, they tend to be diagnosed at a later stage and, as a result, have a worse prognosis.

For example, one study found an average five-year melanoma survival rate of only 65 percent in black people versus 91 percent in white people. Another showed that late-stage melanoma diagnoses are more common in Hispanic and black patients than in non-Hispanic white patients.

There’s a lower public awareness overall of the risk of skin cancer among individuals of color. Source – https://www.skincancer.org

It may be partially due to a lack of understanding of skin cancer’s various risk factors in people with darker skin tones.

The bottom line is that the only proven way to prevent skin cancer is to stay out of excessive sunlight and use a high-quality sunscreen. If you are dark-skinned, you’re encouraged to wear sunscreen at all times.

Basking In The Sun – All Day Long!

So many of us are instinctively drawn to the sun, long summer days relaxing on the beach, loving how it colours our skin, and enjoying the freedom to wear clothes that allow us to flaunt our tanned bodies.

One summer, hell-bent on getting a glow to end all glows, a dear friend roasted herself almost to a cinder on a beach in the Mediterranean. She applied oil that made her skin sizzle and shine, believing this to be a good thing – and positioned herself directly under the blazing sunlight, following the sun rays faithfully!

By the time the sun went down, she had looked fabulous, a deeper, glossier darker shade of ebony. She complimented herself, how beautiful and smooth her skin looked, and planned to ‘top-up’ her tan each day. However, after taking a shower and drying herself, she noticed her skin begin to peel and how painfully sore her skin was to touch. She soon realised black skin ‘absolutely’ does burn! The remainder of the holiday was not spent on the beach!

Ever since she never goes out in the sun without a high factor SPF. She even applies it to her face when just walking around the town now.

However, we also need to remember the sun isn’t always harmful to us, and precisely why sunlight is good for us. We need vitamin D that it stimulates to protect against inflammation, helps muscles, and prevents rickets, and lowers high blood pressure.

Research has shown that when our skin is exposed to the sun’s rays, a compound is released in our blood vessels that help’s to lower blood pressure.

Sunscreen isn’t the only way to avoid sun damage. You can get excellent sun protection from a floppy hat, sunglasses, and staying out of the sun. One tip is to allow the vitamin D to be absorbed by the torso while keeping your face protected.

(It is always good to have a good ‘After Sun’ with you when sunbathing.

Piz Buin After Sun Instant Relief Mist Spray)

We Are All Sun-Worshippers At Heart!

There are well-meaning skincare specialists who like to educate us on the need to apply sunscreen and remind black people that we are not immune to sun damage!

For many black people, staying out in the sun is not something they do.

I recently went to Barbados, and as the sun was at its strongest, it was mostly the Caucasians in the sun. The locals were back in the cafes, restaurants, and bars by noon and stayed out of the sun until late afternoon.

Aside from the “black skin doesn’t burn” myth, another reason many black women forsake the SPF is that, at some point, we have looked in the mirror and thought, “Oh, look it’s a ghost!” Actually, no, it’s just my SPF!

For so long, SPFs have left an unsightly chalky appearance – some so intense that a decent foundation would struggle to counteract the ghostly grey finish. Unfortunately, so many black people have abstained from sun protection because of this, but now ‘physical’ sunscreens have improved considerably. There isn’t such a big issue with ‘ghosting.’

Beyond protecting skin from sun damage, skin cancer, and premature ageing, applying sunscreen is arguably the key to preventing hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is a sign of photoaging in people with skin of color. The occurrence and re-occurrence are conceivably the biggest skincare complaints I hear from this demographic, also known as age spots or sunspots.

The issue of hyperpigmentation is the main reason SPF is part of my daily skincare program. My beauty regime is crammed with products that address dark spots and discoloration. These include vitamin C, liquid exfoliators, lactic acid, fruit enzymes masks; you name it, I’m sure I use it.

The one thing that I have learned is that you can use all the skin brighteners and pigmentation-busting products available to improve your skin. The simple fact is, if you don’t finish off with a high-quality SPF, you are merely wasting your time! All the age spots, discolouration and scarring issues will intensify if you allow the sun to beat down on them day after day without sun protection applied.

Mercifully, there are now high SPF formula’s on the market that won’t leave you looking pale or risk clogging your pores.

Chemical And Physical Sunscreen:

There are two kinds of SPFs. Physical sunscreen consists mainly of either zinc or titanium oxide or indeed both! It works by sitting on the skin and deflects the sun’s rays. Chemical sunscreen, with ingredients like salicylates and cinnamates, absorbs the UV rays, turns them into heat, and releases it from the skin. If you have a darker skin tone, I find that chemical SPFs work better on this skin tone as they don’t leave that dreadful overbearing residue.

I am currently delighted with Skin Ceuticals Ultra Facial Defense SPF50. This lightweight and easily absorbed hydrating sunscreen helps prevent UV-induced collagen breakdown, UV induced hyperpigmentation, UV-induced dark spots, and other signs of premature aging caused by the sun’s harsh rays.

Especially ideal for sensitive skin La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+. La Roche-Posay will help to find a solution. Even for those with the most delicate and reactive of skin. An ultra-resistant formula specifically developed for sensitive skin; this lightweight facial sunscreen provides broad-spectrum SPF50 protection, assisted with Mexoplex®. A patented filtering system Mexoplex® and La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water that offers maximum benefits.

This Non-greasy and non-sticky sun lotion is applied effortlessly without leaving white marks. It is ultra sand, sweat, and water-resistant. Without stinging your eyes yet still offering very high protection, it is also hypoallergenic.

Sisley’s Super Soin Solaire Facial Sun Care SPF30 is more pricey than most, but the tech behind it is somewhat cutting edge, and it goes on and feels like silk. This sunscreen has been developed so as not to leave a white appearance on the skin. It is Water-resistant, Non-comedogenic, and Naturally scented with essential oils of Sage and Marjoram.

It provides ideal anti-UVA-UVB protection for initial exposure to the sun and those with fair or sun-sensitive skin needing a high degree of protection.

If you are looking for an SPF that is suitable for general everyday use, Paula’s Choice Resist Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense – Broad Spectrum SPF 30. For people with sensitive, oily skin, it’s Lightly tinted mattifying moisturizing lotion protects the skin from the sun. A super-light anti-aging moisturizer with SPF30 protection minimizes shine by absorbing excess oil. It has a gentle mineral-based sunscreen with a potent blend of antioxidants that protect and fortify the skin. The soft matte and sheer tint finish make for the perfect make-up base. This gentle, mineral-based formula has a sheer tint that works superbly for all skin tones that can be worn alone or applied under your foundation. Its lotion texture leaves a soft matte finish that perfectly preps skin, allowing make-up to apply smoothly and evenly (no primer needed).

Conclusion:

Generally, just to be on the safe side, I stick to SPF 50, but I realise that maybe a no-no to some. For those like me who can’t resist the wonderful feeling of sun rays beating down on them, there are now sunscreen sprays, gels, lotions, and creams. With this range of ingenious formulations, there isn’t any excuse not to use SPF when outdoors. Regardless of how much Melanin our skin might have, the reality is black does burn, and if you don’t use an SPF, you just might find that out!

The damage caused by the sun can take years to appear, look after your skin now before its too late.

May 19, 2020July 26, 2023

Wearing Surgical Masks Can Lower COVID-19 Spread

Several studies have been carried out in response to world leaders and the WHO questioning if the wearing of face masks effectively slows the spread of Covid-19.

It has been claimed the wearing surgical masks can Lower Covid-19 spread, and significantly reduce the chances of those with COVID-19 infecting others in their immediate vicinity.

Hong Kong Study On Face Masks:

According to a study in Hong Kong, the rate of transmission of Covid-19 through airborne particles or respiratory droplets lowered by approximately 75% when face masks were used.

“The findings implied to the world, and the public is that the effectiveness of mask-wearing against the coronavirus pandemic is vast.” A leading microbiologist Dr. Yuen Kwok-yung, from Hong Kong University who helped identify the SARS virus in 2003, stated the study was the first of its kind.

Dr. Yuen said that his team conducted the study because he has long supported wearing masks. However, world leaders, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), had questioned their efficiency.

The study saw his team use two cages containing hamsters in different scenarios in a laboratory.

One group of hamsters was infected with COVID-19, and the other group was healthy. A fan was then used to circulate air around the infected animals – some of which did not show symptoms.

Researchers said they found that two-thirds of the healthy hamsters were infected within a week without any masks between the cages.

But when they situated masks on the cage with infected animals, the infection rate dropped to just over 15%.

The infection rate dropped by around 35% when masks were situated on the healthy hamsters’ cage.

The research found hamsters that became infected were found to have less of the virus in their bodies than those who became infected without a mask placed on their cage.

Dr. Yuen told a press conference: “In our hamster experiment, it shows very clearly that if infected, hamsters or humans, asymptomatic or symptomatic, the ones who ‘wear’ masks, protected others around them.”

“That’s the most robust result we showed here. Transmission can be reduced by 50% when surgical masks are used, especially when infected individuals wear masks.”

“Up to this stage, we do not have a safe and effective vaccine. What remains practical is still either social-distancing measures or wearing masks.”

Re-Use Surgical Masks:

Some masks can be re-used, but cleaning them is very important. One way to do this is by ‘steam cleaning.’ Boil a sauce pan of water and find a way to hold your mask over the steaming water for 10 minutes, do not let the mask become saturated. (see photo )It needs to be ‘air-dried’ thoroughly afterward. Once a mask is visibly damaged or badly soiled, dispose of it safely.

steam clean surgical mask — One method of steam cleaning Surgical Mask

Video showing the benefits of wearing a face mask to combat Coronavirus.

boots.com

UK Government Advice On – Wearing Surgical Masks Can Lower COVID-19 Spread

The UK government initially said the wearing of face masks could not protect people. Scientists provide advice to the government, ministers ultimately decide. Still, it has revised its guidance and is now recommending people wear face coverings.

This advice is recommended for people who cannot remain two metres apart in settings such as small shops and public transport. Transport For London had also advised those still reliant on buses and the Tube network to wear face masks.

Boots Protective FFP2 NR Face Masks

Available In Stock

European countries, including Germany and Italy, have said people should wear masks in such public settings. Tourists will be expected to wear masks in shops and on public transport and taxis will only take two people at a time.

At the outset of the pandemic, which started in China, there was a scramble to buy face masks in Hong Kong, where people recollect the SARS impact. Sadly Hong Kong suffered 298 deaths from SARS, second only to mainland China. The territory has so far only reported four fatalities from COVID-19 (at the date of publishing).

People walking around without a face mask in Hong Kong, Japan, or North Korea is seen as irresponsible. Several US states are now advising people to wear them when out.

Read – Simple Mistakes People Make When Using Face Masks

Men Less Likely To Wear Face Masks:

Men are more likely than women to view the wearing of a face mask as ‘shameful’ and not ‘cool’ and that the wearing of a face-covering is a sign of ‘weakness.’ Also, men are more likely to express negative emotions and stigma when wearing a face-covering mask.

It is thought that men are less likely to wear face masks when in public to protect against COVID-19 because it is a ‘sign of ‘weakness.’ Researchers established that more men than women believe that wearing a face mask is ‘shameful’ and not ‘cool,’ this came from a survey of 2,459 people living in the USA.

Participants were asked if they intended to wear a face mask outside the home, engaging in social activities and when around people from another household. The findings revealed that men were less willing to wear a face mask outside the home than women.

It was found that women were more likely to wear face masks during essential activities than men. The study also found that men have fewer intentions to wear a face-covering than women, especially in countries where the wearing of face-covering is not mandatory.

Research does show that both men and women were more willing to wear masks if they live in countries where the law stated they had to.

One reason men are less inclined to wear a face-covering is that they believe that they will be less affected by Covid-19 than women. That is contradicting because official statistics show that coronavirus impacts men more seriously than women.

Preventive Measures for COVID-19 Disease According To WHO:

Based on current evidence, the COVID-19 virus is transmitted between people through close contact and droplets. Airborne transmission may occur during aerosol-generating procedures and support treatments (e.g., tracheal intubation, non-invasive ventilation, tracheotomy, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, manual ventilation before intubation, bronchoscopy)1; thus, WHO recommends airborne precautions for these procedures.

For all, the most effective preventive measures include:

maintaining physical distance (a minimum of 1metre) from other individuals;
performing hand hygiene frequently with an alcohol-based hand rub if available and if your hands are not visibly dirty or with soap and water if hands are dirty;
avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth;
practicing respiratory hygiene by coughing or sneezing into a bent elbow or tissue and then immediately disposing of the tissue;
wearing a medical mask if you have respiratory symptoms and performing hand hygiene after disposing of the mask;
routine cleaning and disinfection of environmental and other frequently touched surfaces. Source: who.int

Your Thoughts On Wearing Face Masks?

Have you considered wearing face-masks when out in public? If you have, have you encountered problems with buying face masks? Have you had to resort to making your face mask, do you feel as safe going out using a homemade face mask? Please leave any comments or questions below, and I will be happy to discuss them with you.

May 15, 2020August 4, 2023

Simple Mistakes People Make When Using Face Masks

Face masks have become part of the ‘new’ everyday uniform around the world following the recommendation from health authorities that people wear them in public. But merely wearing one doesn’t necessarily mean you’re protected ― or protecting anyone else.

Simple Mistakes People Make When Using Face Masks:

The purpose of wearing face masks is to help prevent you from accidentally spreading or catching an infectious disease that, like COVID-19, it is spread through respiratory droplets primarily.

It is estimated that 25% of people infected with the novel coronavirus may not be experiencing any symptoms. And it is for this reason people are now encouraged to wear masks to protect others when they are out in the community.

Knowing that some asymptomatic people could spread the virus before they have symptoms. We now need to live our lives with the view that anyone you meet could potentially infect you. That is the awful reality of this pandemic.

To stop the spread of COVID-19, and avoid infecting yourself, you need to follow essential guidelines when putting on your mask and avoid making these consequential yet straightforward mistakes.

Click – FFP2 Face Masks – Available In Stock

Mask Not Fitting Correctly – Hangs Loosely:

When worn correctly, N95 respirators, the type that doctors use, they are fitted closely to the face. Whether you are using a surgical mask or a homemade mask, you may have the sides away from the cheeks, which are open and fitting too loosely. You do not want the mask to ‘bulge’ out in this way.

The objective is to create a barrier, to keep out as much air/virus as possible. You are not going to achieve a flawless seal when wearing a surgical mask or with a homemade mask. You aim to make it fit as tight as possible and secure enough to not slide down the face.

It also needs to be comfortable on your face. You may have to wear it for many hours, depending on your workplace.

Surgical masks tend to have a bit of gap on the sides, and around the nose, people need to do their best to tighten and close these spaces with the straps or metal strips across the nose where fitted.

A problem for men is if they have facial hair/beards. It can be a hinder to masks from fitting close to the skin. A recommendation for people with beards is to trim them close to their faces or consider shaving them off while the pandemic is spreading. The ‘fuller’ and ‘fluffier’ the beard is, the mask will lose its optimal functionality.

If you cover just the tip of your nose, it’s going to leave air gaps on the top of your mask where contaminated air can go in and out. That’s why its recommended that the mask sits high up on your nose and not the tip.

Your Face Mask Covers Your Mouth Only:

securely fit on bridge of nose — Make sure face mask is fitted securely around the bridge of the nose

If you are wearing your mask too low, so it only covers your mouth, I’m afraid that’s incorrect. You risk becoming infected yourself or making someone else unwell. Some people breathe partially or entirely through the nose; this is one way you can become infected by breathing in viral particles.

Similarly, if you are infected and sneeze with the mask covering the mouth only, you generate respiratory droplets that spread and can contaminate people who are nearby.

If the mask does not cover your nose, you also risk contamination from the mask itself, which is, in effect, collecting germs and droplets on its exterior throughout the day. Cross-contamination could occur from the mask through the nose and into the body as it rubs against the nostrils.

The Mask Comes In Contact With Your Body Or Other Items:

Imagine if the coronavirus is on your hair, forehead, chin, neck, hands, body, or clothes. You then touch these areas with the inside of the mask before fitting it, this now creates a real danger of self-contamination.

If any of these areas are contaminated and then place the mask against the nose and mouth area, the nose has vulnerable mucous membranes – infection can occur. Self-awareness is essential at all times.

Another mistake is to leave it resting on your neck when not on your face.

The mask shouldn’t be around your neck if you’ve already been wearing it. If there was any contamination attached to the mask, you don’t want it coming into contact with the neck area. You may then touch that area with your hand and put it near your eyes, nose, or mouth and risk infecting yourself.

The whole purpose of wearing the face mask is to protect your nose and mouth and to protect others from any coughs or sneezes from droplets.

When you put on and take off a mask, you also need to be careful not to touch the front of the mask. Please do not touch the mask itself, remove the mask by holding the ear loops, ties or elastic that is attached too it.

When you remove the mask, you should place it in a secure bag (mark name on bag) or separate containment area. By doing this, you prevent contamination too or from other sites, and do NOT leave the mask hanging around your neck.

Always Remember to wash your hands or use a hand sanitiser before you put a face mask on, and after you take it off.

Do not cross contaminate — Caution should be taken so as not to ‘cross’ contaminate when storing masks for re-use

Read – Wearing Surgical Masks Can Lover Covid-19 Spread

Clean Your Mask Properly If You Need To Re-use It:

If you are planning to reuse your mask (as many will need to as they are not easy to purchase), you need to make sure it does not become another contamination zone.

To be extra safe, I would recommend you wash them every day. Homemade fabric masks can go in the washing machine to ensure they are safe to wear in your daily activities.

Medical experts have said that N95/FFP3 masks can be steam cleaned. You can do this by placing the mask over a pot of boiling water for about 10 minutes, do not let the mask become saturated. It needs to be ‘air-dried’ thoroughly afterward. Once a mask is visibly damaged or badly soiled, safely dispose of it.

Click – FFP2 Face Masks – Available In Stock

A research team in China published a study in the ‘Journal of Medical Virology’ on using steam effectively to sanitize surgical masks and N95 respirators.

The sanitization process, which used avian coronavirus of infectious bronchitis virus to mimic the new coronavirus, was simple. Contaminated masks were placed in plastic bags and steamed over boiling tap water in a kitchen pot.

“The avian coronavirus was completely inactivated after being steamed for 5 minutes,” wrote the Chinese researchers, who conducted the study at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China.

The effectiveness of the masks was unaffected by exposure to steam as long as two hours, the Chinese researchers wrote. “In this study, mask decontamination with steam on boiling water is without abrasive physical or chemical action. This can account for its excellent performance in maintaining the masks’ blocking efficacy.”

In addition to not damaging the masks, the steam treatment has other benefits, they wrote. “This measure has other advantages including safety, not requiring special agents or devices, and rapid inactivation of most microbes potentially attached to the surface of masks.”

Have you had problems with buying face masks? Have you had to resort to making your face mask, do you feel as safe going out using a homemade face mask? Please leave any comments or questions below, and I will be happy to discuss them with you.

May 5, 2020July 26, 2023

Hand Sanitiser – Gels and Wipes – What You Should Know

Hand sanitiser, this is a subject that seems to be on everyone’s mind in the never ending daily fight against Covid-19. People are searching for answers, what makes medical-grade hand gel, how to make your own, are hand wipes as effective as a gel? We reveal what matters in the fight to keep your hands clean and protect against COVID-19.

Hand Sanitiser – Gels and Wipes: What You Should Know:

We are all now hyper-aware of hand hygiene due to the coronavirus pandemic. Still, there is some confusion about exactly what works best on removing the virus from your hands, and why? We know that trying to find alcohol-based hand gel is like looking for moondust at the moment! Does it matter the type of hand gel or soap you buy, and what options do you have if you’re struggling to get hold of these products?

The reason soap and alcohol gel work against Coronavirus is to do with the type of virus we are dealing with called COVID-19. It is an ‘enveloped’ virus, and what this means is that the RNA (nucleic acid – the viral genetic material) coated in a lipid (fatty) layer. Soap can dissolve this lipid layer, causing the virus to fall apart and stopping it from binding to our cells. Using an alcohol-based hand sanitiser works in a similar way, deactivating the virus by breaking down the lipid layer.

Click – FFP2 Face Masks – Available In Stock

Which Hand Sanitiser Should You Buy?

Keep in mind that hand sanitiser isn’t the ‘be-all and end-all’ of hygiene. If like millions of people around the world now you are mostly staying at home, hand washing is the best option.

With hand sanitiser, you have probably seen it written that you need at least alcohol content of 60% for a hand sanitiser to work and kill the Coronavirus. You can buy hand sanitisers with varying degrees of alcohol content. The level of alcohol required for it to work and inactivate most types of viruses, including COVID-19, is between 60-95%.

You will find that most alcohol-based hand sanitiser gels contain one or more alcohols in them. And they include Ethanol, Isopropanol – or a combination of the two. You can check the ingredients label to see how much it contains.

The well-known High St brand ‘Carex’ has one of the highest alcohol content, from the information on the label it states: Carex hand gel – contains 70% alcohol. Cuticura hand gel – includes 66% Ethanol.* Dettol hand gel – has 63% Ethanol.

*If you have a Cuticura hand sanitiser, you might notice that on the label it says it contains 56.7% Ethanol. Cuticura state this is the value by weight, this converts to 66% ethanol by volume (the important measure), and above the 60% minimum requirement.

One of the downfalls of hand sanitiser is that it doesn’t work as well on sweaty, greasy, or visibly dirty hands. You need to use a lot to cover the entire surface of your hands thoroughly. Another problem people find with repeated use of alcohol-based hand sanitiser can irritate your skin, too, despite many containing moisturising agents.

Do Alcohol-free Hand Sanitisers Work?

Alcohol-free hand sanitisers are usually in the form of foam. They can be less severe on the skin, but, on the downside, there isn’t as much scientific evidence supporting their action against some viruses, including Coronavirus.

The alcohol-free hand sanitisers commonly contain ingredients such as Chlorhexidine Digluconate or Benzalkonium Chloride.

A study recently in the Journal of Hospital Medicine (March 2020) found these ingredients not as adequate at deactivating viruses similar to COVID-19 (although the study looked at surfaces, not hands).

These ingredients seem to work better against bacteria and viruses such as norovirus. Reemphasizing it is ‘alcohol, detergents, hydrogen peroxide, extremes of pH and bleach that inactivate COVID-19’.

See on – boots.com

How Does Medical-Grade Hand Sanitiser Differ – Do I Need It?

Medical grade sanitisers, such as Defendol, generally have around 70% alcohol. A product like Defendol will be tested to show specific pathogen-killing efficacy relevant to hospital settings. The average person shouldn’t need to use this grade sanitiser, as standard alcohol gels are sufficient so long as you keep in mind to wash your hands regularly!

Hospitals, care homes, and general medical environments understandably need added protection. They will need products that have been certified for these high-risk environments, so it’s best to leave this for those who need it.

Can You Make Your Own Hand Sanitiser?

You can, in theory, make your sanitiser by mixing 3/4 of a cup of rubbing alcohol with 1/4 of a cup of aloe vera, but it’s not that desirable. The reason being is that anything homemade is not ‘laboratory validated’ to the standard of retail hand sanitisers. And importantly, you would need to ensure you use sterilized containers and source some Isopropyl or rubbing alcohol.

Either of these is 99% proof, so a bottle of vodka from your local store won’t do the trick! And like other raw ingredients associated with popular Coronavirus products, it’s challenging to find or to purchase anyway.

The critical thing to remember is to wash your hands after contact with the outside world. At all costs, avoid touching your face or face mask if you wear one before you have washed your hands thoroughly.

Click To Read Our Recommendations on – Intensive Hand Creams

Are Antibacterial Wipes As Effective As Hand Sanitiser?

Some pharmacy chains have been pointing their customers to stocks of antibacterial wipes when their hand gel stocks run out. But is it the same thing?

Hand wipes tend to have less alcohol in them, and more antibacterial compounds in them. These are Benzalkonium Chloride found in ‘Wet Ones’ as well as water and wetting agents such as detergent and surfactant.

Before you purchase the wipes, you should check the range of pathogens the wipe is active against; this can find this on the back of the packet or checking the active ingredients online. These type of hand wipes, and antiseptic creams such as Savlon or Germolene, are more ‘antibacterial’ than ‘antiviral.’ They are designed to work on the skin where bacteria are (usually) the main skin pathogens.

See on – boots.com

Our Conclusion:

Using a Hand Sanitiser, alongside washing your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds, can help you and your family stay clean and protected. Practicing good hygiene can begin with a hand gel kept in your bag for when you’re out and about. Being able to clean your hands when you have no access to soap, hand wash, or water is easy with antibacterial hand gel. When you’re at work, a larger hand sanitiser gel can be kept at your desk or workstation ready for when you need it. Using Antibacterial gel can kill up to 99.9% germs, helping you to stop spreading germs to those around you.

Do you have any other tips for caring for your hands, or a particular hand sanitiser you find protects your hands and skin? Please leave any comments or questions below, and I will be happy to discuss them with you.

May 3, 2020August 6, 2023

Keeping Your Hands Healthy During A Pandemic

No doubt you have seen and heard The Department of Health & Social Care, and the World Health Organisation frequently advising us to wash our hands or use hand sanitizer gels in a bid to stop the spread of COVID-19. The problem you will get from excessive hand washing and using hand sanitiser is that your hands become dry, sore and irritated.

Keeping Your Hands Healthy During A Pandemic – Stop The Spread:

Frequent hand washing is crucial in the fight to stop the spread of the Coronavirus. However, this can lead to damage to the outermost layer of skin (the stratum corneum) if we don’t take supplementary measures. We must all keep our hands clean and free from the virus but, remember to protect the skin at the same time. If you continue to keep the hands clean but don’t look after the surface, you could end up with dry, damaged skin.

It’s essential to keep the skin nourished, so it’s there as an effective barrier. To help you keep your hands healthy, we’ve looked into the most suitable hand cream ingredients and what they do. We also offer tips for looking after your hands, so that the surface continues to appear young and elegant, and keeping your hands healthy during a Pandemic.

How Hand Cream Works:

We all know how general wear and tear leaves the skin on our hands feeling like cardboard by the end of the day. Another of the leading causes of dehydrated hands is when they are exposed to the elements. When you add to this to the increased, and hopefully by now, regular washing, it can cause severe dryness and irritation. The use of a good quality hand cream will help to restore and protect the skin, leaving it feeling moisturized and hydrated.

If you are applying hand moisturizer throughout the day, you do not want your hands to feel greasy so that you can’t even pick up a pen! Look for a hand cream that hydrates but soaks into the skin that allows you can pick up items without them slipping through your fingers!

Here you will find the different ingredients in a typical hand cream that should keep your skin nourished and healthy. We also advise on how to look after your hands while Coronavirus is widespread.

Read Our Recommendations On – Intensive Hand Creams

What’s In Your Hand Cream:

Humectants are one of the three crucial ingredients you’ll find in hand moisturizer, along with occlusives and emollients. The way they work by drawing water from the air and into the skin. Glycerine is a common humectant. It has three hydrophilic (water-loving) alcohol endings, and why it attracts water so effectively.

It also provides skincare products such as hand creams, a soft, creamy skin-feel – although too much of it can be a bad thing and make a product feel sticky. Other humectants you find in hand creams include butylene glycol, urea, sorbitol, honey, aloe vera, sea salt (Maris sal), and wheat proteins.

Occlusives form a protective ‘physical’ barrier on the surface of the skin to seal water in and prevent it from evaporating or ‘extracted’ by secondary factors such as the cold, wind, or frequent hand-washing. They can also leave the skin feeling greasy and heavy on the surface (petroleum jelly is a good example).

Dimethicone is a popular synthetic occlusive that provides an effective barrier without feeling ‘heavy’ on the skin. It allows a hand cream to feel smooth and flow from the bottle for easy application. Dimethicone is like a liquid plastic seal to help with the skin’s barrier function. It also helps with lubrication, allowing the moisturizer to fill the gaps between the skin cells. Other popular occlusives include beeswax and liquid paraffin.

Emollients soften the skin and stop the skin from drying out in reduced humidity environments or after cleansing. Shea butter is a suitable alternative that serves as an occlusive too. Some other emollients you will find include myristyl alcohol, capric triglyceride (made from coconut oil), and lanolin Emulsifiers. These help to stabilize mixtures of oil and water-based substances by reducing the surface tension of the ingredients from being emulsified so that they blend.

Click – Surgical Face Masks – Available In Stock

If they are not present, you may find water forming towards the bottom of a jar or tube and oil gathering towards the top. Common emulsifying ingredients include glyceryl stearate, glyceryl stearate citrate, lecithin, carbomer, and beeswax. Sensory modifiers convert an unfavorable sensation into a more pleasing one. They include ‘slip modifiers’ or ‘absorbents,’ which help to give hand creams a silky skin-feel as well as excellent oil absorption.

One such slip modifier is tapioca-starch, a modified starch that emanates from the root of the cassava plant that helps ingredients to flow more conveniently from the bottle or tube. If you are regularly applying hand cream, a sensory modifier should mean not having to deal with a greasy residue. Other sensory modifiers include talc and kaolin.

Stabilizers are used in conjunction with emulsifiers to help stop products from separating into their water-based and oil-based components. Sodium carbomer is a synthetic stabilizer and rheology modifier that helps with the viscosity of a skincare product. In essence, your hand cream should have the texture you expect and want from it.

The slight downside, it does have potential environmental consequences. Sodium carbomers are microplastics, which are microscopic (less than 5mm) synthetic polymer particles that are like microbeads, but smaller and finer. They also resist biodegradation. A more eco-friendly substitute for sodium carbomer is xantham gum, which is a natural, sugar-based polymer.

Preservatives added to keep skincare products at their best by eradicating microorganisms, including fungi, bacteria, and yeast. These could taint your cosmetic products and reduce their shelf life. One such ingredient is Phenoxyethanol; it’s synthetically made and works by damaging the cells of the unwanted microorganisms and prevents mold from developing on the inside of the top.

Fragrance, how a hand cream smells can make or break it for some people. Linalool is a typical fragrance in cosmetics; this has a floral aroma similar to lavender and bergamot. It’s a naturally occurring terpene alcohol, but can also be produced synthetically found in many flowers. These ingredients can be allergens, and this is why they are listed.

Anti Bacterial Hand Gel

See on – boots.com

Looking after your hands during the COVID-19 Pandemic:

It’s quite simple; all you have to do is to wash them frequently. Hand washing is the best thing you can do to protect from Coronavirus because it physically removes it if it’s on the skin. Wash your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds, making sure not to forget your wrists and the backs of your hands too.

Use hand sanitizer gel (when hand washing isn’t possible). A gel is preferable to a liquid formula because it remains on the skin for longer and, therefore, more likely to kill pathogens. You may want to look for non-greasy formulations for use during the day. Products containing sensory modifiers like tapioca starch, rice starch, or corn starch do tend to help to lessen the greasiness of a product. Lotions are lighter and more easily absorbed into the skin than creams, and these are good to use during the day when you wash your hands more frequently.

Apply thick hand cream at night. Put a rich hand cream on at night and use it as a night mask for your hands. Doing this, you will help to nourish the skin during the night. Doing this helps to repair the surface if you don’t like to moisturize during the day, or you forget to do so.

Are you struggling to find a hand cream? If you are, a regular moisturizer will also work. Some have very similar formulations. An example of this is Aveeno Skin Relief Body Moisturiser that has an identical list of ingredients to its hand cream version. The price is comparable for more than twice the amount of product (200ml vs. 75ml).

If your skin is dehydrated, cracked, or irritated, talk to a pharmacist about alternatives, as a standard hand cream may not be adequate to deal with the problem.

Biodegradable Hand Wipes

See on – boots.com

Keeping Your Hands Healthy During A Pandemic – Conclusion:

It can’t be emphasized enough the importance of keeping your hands clean. It’s still the number one thing you can do to protect yourself and others from contracting Coronavirus.

But, it’s equally important that you don’t neglect the moisturizing side too. Increased hand washing and the use of hand gel that often contains alcohol can be drying for your skin. Putting a rich moisturizer on overnight and moisturizing after washing your hands should help to keep hands looking young.

Do you suffer from dry hands and irritated skin? How do care and look after them? Do you have any other tips for caring for your hands? Please leave any comments or questions below, and I will be happy to discuss them with you.

August 14, 2019August 5, 2023

Help For Sensitive Skin – Your Diet Can Make A Difference!

Sensitive skin can be genetic. It can also become weakened by extrinsic factors like the sun, pollution, or extreme heat and cold. Other, intrinsic factors may make the skin more reactive too – hormones, age, and stress are all factors that can contribute as does your diet.

Help For Sensitive Skin

With regard to sensitive skin, it’s a true and accurate saying, “you are what you eat.” But, for most people, diet is something that seems to get disregarded as a contributor to skin health and how it reacts to certain foods. Here are our top skin nutrition tips, focusing on the best foods for healthy skin and those you should be avoiding. If you are seeking help for sensitive skin – your diet can make a difference!

Treating skin too aggressively is one of the chief reason why skin reacts. “Even if you do not intend to, you could be overwhelming your skin. The average woman uses 12 different products with 168 unique ingredients every day” according to the Environmental Working Group in Washington, D.C.

What Is Sensitive Skin?

The best way to define sensitive skin is skin that is hyper-reactive to its environment. It will often become red, flaky, spotty and inflamed and feeling itchy, hot and uncomfortable when triggered. The reaction is because, for one reason or another, the barrier function of the skin has become compromised.

There are several reasons why this can happen, and why it is so difficult to find what is the cause of your skin to have an adverse reaction. Sensitive skin can be genetic. It can also become weakened by extrinsic factors like the sun, pollution, or extreme heat and cold. Other, intrinsic factors may make the skin more reactive too – hormones, age, and stress are all factors that can contribute as does your diet.

If the skin on your face feels tight and has a coarse texture feel, it could be dry or naturally dehydrated. Dehydrated skin is precisely what it says: a complexion lacking in water, and moisture.

It could be a result of your diet, the weather, or the products you’re using. (Too much alcohol in a product is a common culprit) But dehydrated skin is a temporary condition, whereas dry skin is a skin type – the one you’re born with and have to deal with your entire life. Dry skin doesn’t produce enough oil, so it’s always in need of a dose of moisture. And when dryness peaks, skin cells can start to lift, causing irritation and itchiness.

Read – Alcohol and Skincare Products – The Facts

Your Diet Can Make A Difference

The skin is the largest organ in the body; the condition of it is a useful guide to a person’s well-being. So, if you have a diet of junk food, processed meals, and sugary snacks, there is every chance this will eventually play havoc with your general health.

So, this type of diet will gradually affect how the skin is going to look and feel. A good beauty regime needs to take into account two things. What we put into the body, and what we apply onto the body.

Read – Mediterranean Diet For Health Benefits

Are Certain Foods Likely To Intensify Skin Irritation?

Research into how certain foods can impact skin health is still limited. But there is ever-increasing evidence that certain foods are more actively associated with sensitive skin and skin damage. Research implies that a diet high in processed or refined carbohydrates and unhealthy fats can lead to premature skin aging.

Even though you’re well beyond puberty, pimples keep popping up the same way they did before you finished school.
Acne occurs for any number of reasons; it could be because of stress, or a lack of sleep. Overactive oil glands will cause pimples to appear or exposure to comedogenic products that tend to cause blackheads by blocking the pores of the skin. But, sensitive skin types are particularly susceptible because they’re naturally prone to inflammation.

Foods To Be Weary Of:

Foods With Additives – Such as food coloring, can trigger inflammation.

Salt – As hydration is such an essential part of maintaining healthy skin, salt, which dehydrates the body, should be reduced.

You can counterbalance eating salty foods by drinking plenty of water.

Sugar – A diet high in sugar brings on inflammation. Sugar binds to collagen through a process called glycation, and this leads to the skin getting stiff. Ultimately, this will lead to premature aging, rosacea, sensitive skin, and acne.

Junk Food – processed fast food tend to have high levels of salt and sugar as well as additives. Avoid not just for the sake of your skin, but your general health also!

Spicy Food – Spicy, hot foods are stimulants; this can increase circulation and raise the bodies’ temperature. The extra heat in the skin may cause it to become aggravated and more sensitive.

Is Skin Sensitivity Due To A Food Allergy?

In some cases, a food additive or a particular food may cause the skin to become sensitive and reactive. Particularly skin that is delicate and vulnerable and this could be a sign that the body is allergic to a particular food. Foods that are known to cause a reaction or ‘trigger’ foods include dairy, gluten, soy, peanuts, and eggs but keep in mind that the problem could lie with other foods too. It is advisable to have an allergy test to find out which foods might be the ‘triggers’ for your sensitive skin.

See Product on – lookfantastic.com

Skin Nutrition – A Healthy Diet For A Glowing Complexion

There are many advantages to choosing a healthy eating plan. Generally, foods that are good for the skin are also the best foods for your overall well-being.

Cutting out processed foods, bad fats, sugar, caffeine and alcohol and increasing fresh fruit, vegetables, and omega 3’s. By doing, this, you will get the added bonus of boosting energy levels, brainpower, healthy hair, and gain control of any weight problems.

Video – Ultra-Sensitive skin

The Best Foods For Skin Health

A varied diet that incorporates plenty of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, beans, and omega-three fatty acids is key to keeping your skin hydrated. It will also give the skin all the vitamins and minerals it needs to perform. Research has shown that antioxidant-rich foods have a protective effect on the skin.

Foods that contain the following properties are said to be good for the skin:

Omega 3 fatty acids – these are to be found in oily fish, walnuts and flaxseed oil, and help to replenish the skins natural barrier.

Selenium – this helps protect skin from free-radicals and found foods like Brazil nuts, prawns, lamb, fish beef, turkey, oysters, crab, sardines, and whole-wheat pasta.

Antioxidants – are important for slowing and preventing free-radical damage and maintaining healthy cells. You find these in many different foods, especially colorful fruits and vegetables like berries, beetroot, squash, peppers, tomatoes, and spinach.

Coenzyme Q10 – this essential antioxidant that is required for energy and for cells to work. The body makes it, but as the body ages, CoQ10 depletes. You will find the antioxidant in salmon and tuna, liver, poultry, and whole grains.

Vitamin A – can be found in foods such as leafy green vegetables, carrots, dairy foods, oranges, and melons. It is a vital requirement to help repair the skin.

Vitamin C – helps to protect the skin from sun damage and repair cells. You will find it in citrus fruits, kiwis, papayas, broccoli, and bell peppers.

Vitamin E – said to be one of the most useful vitamins for people with sensitive skin. Vital for relieving skin from sun damage and reducing inflammation. Available from vegetable oils, greens, nuts, seeds, and asparagus.

Vitamin B – is believed to support the skin, hair, and muscle tone; you will find this in dark leafy vegetables, lentils, nuts, seeds, and brown rice.

The Importance Of Fluids

Sensitive skin can be down to the skin being dehydrated. When the skin’s protective layer, or stratum corneum, lacks moisture, it is unable to function correctly. The Stratum Corneum is made up of cells and lipids that, when healthy, form a porous barrier that keeps the skin moist, while also blocking out toxins and free radicals.

If you do not consume enough fluids, then this top layer of the skin is compromised, leading to premature signs of aging. Keeping the body hydrated is a critical part of having healthy skin.

Drinking enough fluids also acts as a ‘flushing system’ in the body to help remove toxins; if these are allowed to build up, it can cause skin sensitivity. Adults need to drink at least eight glasses of pure, filtered water daily to help the body detoxify.

Remember, not all fluids are helpful to your skin; in fact, some can actively increase sensitivity levels.

Fluids To Avoid

Alcohol – Acts as a diuretic that robs the body of fluids and dehydrates the skin.

Caffeine – This is also a diuretic that sucks out moisture from the skin.

Sugary Sodas – They come crammed with refined sugar and chemicals.

When Will I See Improvement?

While some changes, such as increasing your water intake, may have an immediate positive effect on the look and feel of skin. However, most dietary changes will take a few weeks to have a positive impact. Changes to the skin take up to six weeks to renew, so the visible effects from changes in your diet will emerge over time.

For persistent skin conditions, it is advised to talk to your GP or make an appointment to see a dermatologist.

I do hope you have found this post on ‘Help For Sensitive Skin – Your Diet Can Make A Difference!’ to be helpful. If you have any questions please leave them in the comment box below and I will be happy to discuss them with you.

July 18, 2019August 5, 2023

Skin Protection In The Sun – Make Sure You Know How To Stay Protected

Staying covered up in the sun is vital to protect the skin, and applying the correct amount of sunscreen is an important part of forming good sun-safe habits.

Skin Protection In The Sun:

Applying sunscreen is an essential part of your daily skincare routine to avoid sunburn. It is vital that you pick a product best suited to your skin type to get the best protection from the sun.

For most people, a quick ‘slap’ of sunscreen and they believe that is sufficient for the day. In fact, using sunscreen correctly is more intricate than you think. This can be in part down to confusing claims mixed with common misunderstandings that often lead to compromised sun safety.

Some of the most common questions regarding sunscreens are, how do sunscreens work? What is SPF? How often do you need to apply sunscreen? Can you rely on once-a-day sunscreen? And what about the SPF you find in your make-up?

Read our Reviews to help you decide which Sunscreen to use on the face –

* The 5 Best Sunscreens For The Face *

What Is SPF Sunscreen – What Does SPF Mean?

The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) tells you the level of protection sunscreens give against UVB radiation. This is the radiation that causes sunburn and irreversible damage to skin that may lead to skin cancer.

It also provides an indication (not a guarantee) of how long skin with sunscreen on will take to go red and burn in response to UV exposure when compared with unprotected skin.

Let’s say unprotected skin with no sunscreen would typically burn after 10-15 minutes in the sun. But, if you have sunscreen applied with SPF15, this will allow you to be out in the sun without burning for around 150 minutes. This is because it has a factor of 15 times longer than if you didn’t have sunscreen on.

Remember, this is only a rough estimate, and you have to keep in mind your skin type, the strength of sunlight, and the amount of sunscreen you apply. SPF is a measure of protection from the amount of UVB exposure, and it is not actually meant to help you determine the duration of exposure.

For best protection, it is recommended to use a minimum SPF sunscreen of 30, applying the proper amount which is 2mg to cm2 of skin, or about one ounce for full-body coverage. Most people under-apply sunscreen if you only use ¼ to ½ the amount that is required and make the mistake of not reapplying every 2 hours.

The Sun Protection Factor – SPF scale is not linear.

SPF 15 blocks – 93% of UVB rays

SPF 30 blocks – 97% of UVB rays

SPF 50 blocks – 98% of UVB rays

So, the way to look at this is that SPF30 sunscreen gives you 4% more protection than SPF15 sunscreen.

Another way to explain this is –

SPF15 offers 93% protection, this allows 7 out of 100 photons through.

SPF30 offers 97% protection, this allows 3 out of 100 photons through.

So, even though you are not doubling your level of protection, using an SPF30 will block half the radiation that an SPF 15 would let through to your skin.

It can sound complicated but do keep in mind, most dermatologists recommend using an SPF30 sunscreen at all times.

Why Not Use A High SPF In The Sun?

Sunscreens with really high Sun Protection Factor, such as SPF75 or SPF100, do not offer significantly higher sun protection when compared with SPF30. This can mislead people into thinking they have more protection than they actually do.

UVA and UVB are both types of ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Both have been linked with skin cancer, although UVB is the leading cause of sunburn, UVA is known to be the cause of premature aging.

Additionally, to have broad-spectrum protection, the UVA protection should be at least 1/3 of the UVB protection. High SPF sunscreens usually offer far greater UVB than UVA protection, thus offering a false sense of ‘total’ protection.

Not all sunscreens protect you from UVA rays. To check if the sunscreen you purchase has UVA protection you should see on the packet a logo with ‘UVA’ written inside a circle.

Don’t Confuse ‘Water-Resistant’ And ‘Waterproof’ Sunscreens:

About 95% of the sunscreens claim to be water-resistant, but this doesn’t mean they are waterproof.

The European industry guideline for water-resistant sunscreens allows the SPF of a product to drop by 50% after a total of 40 minutes submerged in tap water. However, in other parts of the world, the SPF must adhere to what the sunscreen offers after immersion in water.

That means if you buy SPF30 sunscreen, it can drop to SPF15 or less after you have been swimming. If you are spending the day at the beach or by the pool, be mindful of reapplying sunscreen when you leave the water before sunbathing.

Don’t Rely On ‘Once A Day’ Sunscreen In The Sun:

You’ve probably seen ‘Once A Day’ sunscreen on the shelves of your local pharmacy or supermarket. There is no denying that the idea of not having to reapply sunscreen regularly is appealing.

But when tested ‘Once A Day’ sunscreens to see whether they would protect you ‘all day’ in the sun, it was found that very few are up to the job. The average drop in SPF after it was applied for six to eight hours was 74%.

There is no universal standard that sunscreen manufacturers have to adhere to when making a ‘Once A Day’ claim. When asked, sunscreen companies that offer this ‘promise’ say that they do multiple tests to justify it.

The Cosmetics, Toiletries and Perfumery Association (CTPA) who control sunscreen manufacturers have said that companies are moving away from ‘Once A Day’ claims, and now referring to them as ‘Durable Sunscreen.’ Regardless of how long your sunscreen claims to last, stay safe and reapply regularly.

Don’t Buy A Sunscreen That’s Greasy Or Sticky:

Some sunscreens can feel sticky or greasy when you apply them and difficult for the skin to absorb, often leaving you covered in a chalky white residue. Because they are not pleasant to use, a lot of people can’t be bothered to reapply them throughout the day.

An excellent way to ensure you get into the habit of regularly applying sunscreen is to find one that feels good on your skin. Do this by testing ‘samples’ in stores, choosing one that’s easy to use, provides excellent sun protection, offers high UVA protection, and stick with that brand.

We’ve found five face sunscreens that not only protect from UV radiation from the sun, but they’re also pleasant to apply. To find out which sunscreens will keep you protected without leaving your skin feeling sticky or greasy, click here.

Don’t Apply To Little Sunscreen:

The reality is you are never applying enough sunscreen, most of us use less than half of the amount we should. A sunscreen’s SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is measured using a test that requires a set amount to be applied – 2mg per square centimeter of skin, to be precise.

So, for your sunscreen to offer the protection claimed, you need to apply the correct amount on your body, this means the total sunscreen required for the average-sized adult is 35ml. That is measured out as seven teaspoons of sunscreen. You will use one spoonful for head and neck, one for each arm and leg, one for your back, and one for the torso.

Applying less sunscreen can have a significant impact on the protection you receive. If you use half as much sunscreen, this means you get as little as a third of the claimed SPF. Sunscreen also needs to be reapplied regularly to offer protection to the skin, so slather more on at least every two hours.

How Do ‘Mineral’ Sunscreens Work?

‘Mineral’ or ‘Physical’ sunscreens as they often called use physical blockers, such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, to prevent UV rays from reaching the skin. These ‘Physical’ blockers are made using naturally occurring minerals. If you do pick a ‘Mineral’ sunscreen, it’s essential to check that it includes an ingredient that acts as a sun filter.

Read – Mineral Or Chemical Sunscreen – The Facts

Does Make-Up With SPF Shield Me?

See Product On – Paula’s Choice

Some sun protection is better than none at all, but products will only reach the full SPF when the correct amount is applied to the skin. For any product to provide the SPF that is said on the bottle, you need to use 2mg per cm2. This means about one teaspoon of make-up with SPF needs to be applied to your face!

And, just as with sunscreen, it needs to be reapplied regularly. In reality, you are unlikely to use the correct amount of make-up required. For example, in the case of a foundation with SPF, that would mean a 30ml bottle would only last six applications. When used as part of your regular daily make-up, this isn’t going to be enough to protect you from the sun.

How The Sun Sees You:

Do I Need A Specific Sunscreen For Babies In The Sun?

Sunscreens that are specially formulated for babies and children are less likely to irritate young sensitive skin. However, sunscreen is just one step to take to keep kids safe in the sun.

You need to encourage kids to slip on a t-shirt, splash on loads of sunscreen, put on a hat, and wear sunglasses. These are all excellent ways to help children to remain safe while playing in the sun. Babies skin is so delicate they should be kept in the shade at all times.

‘Sensitive’ to skin sunscreens are available; these tend to use physical blockers, which act as a screen to protect the skin. Chemical absorbers soak up UV radiation but are also more likely to cause skin irritation than physical (mineral) blockers.

There is a long list of ingredients that are used as chemical absorbers. If you are looking to avoid them, the easiest way is to look for products that are labeled for ‘sensitive’ skin rather than search for specific ingredients.

La Roche Posay Sunscreen for Babies SPF50

Read – Best Sunscreen UVA and UVB Protection

Don’t Use SPF To Spend Hours In The Sun:

Although this might sound counter-intuitive, surely using sunscreen is supposed to mean we can spend more time in the sun? No, it definitely is not!

Sunscreen is intended to help protect our skin from the sun during your normal daily activities. It should not be used as a reason to spend long periods in the sun or to help with getting a beautiful suntan.

There is no such thing as having a ‘healthy tan.’ Skin Protection In The Sun Is Vital. If you notice a change in color to the skin through sunbathing, it’s a clear indication that your skin has been damaged from overexposure to the sun.

Research has shown that people who use high SPF stay out for longer in the sun. People who apply sunscreen are also more likely to have been sunburnt many more times than those who avoid the sun.

This comes down to the misconception we have about and use sunscreen. It can only offer so much protection, and you shouldn’t rely on sunscreen alone.

Skin Protection In The Sun has to be your number one priority. You should use sunscreen along with sunglasses, a hat, loose clothing, and frequent relaxing breaks in the shade and staying hydrated drinking water and not alcohol!

I hope you have found this post on ‘Skin Protection In The Sun – Make Sure You Know How To Stay Protected’ to be helpful. If you have any questions please leave them below and I will be happy to discuss them with you.

January 29, 2019December 13, 2023

Dry Cracked Hands Treatment – Maintaining Healthy Skin

The bitterly cold winters wreak havoc with my hands, they always end wintertime looking like something out of a freak show! It’s time we looked into some Dry Cracked Hands Treatment.

TLC and Moisturiser:

My skin reacts terribly to the cold air and severe winds of the British winter, finding my once smooth skin has vanished before my eyes.

Winter seems to take sadistic pleasure in slowly stripping the natural oils from my feeble hands.

All of my positive efforts for better-looking hands undone in the cruel, harsh winter months, leaving them dry, cracked and crying out for TLC and moisturizer!

There are a lot more options other than your standard hand lotion in the cosmetic department these days. The newest generation of hand creams contains a mixture of occlusives, such as petrolatum, that stops moisture from escaping from your skin; humectants, such as hyaluronic acid, which helps your skin retain water; and emollients, such as oils that can do both of these.

And hand creams these days also contain barrier repair ingredients like ceramides, without the proper proportion of ceramides the skin’s barrier can become compromised, that leads to dryness, itching, and irritation. They also have specialized salts to cover the surface like a glove, which prevents vulnerability from the environment like water and other elements the winter likes to put upon them.

Click To Read Our Recommendations – Intensive Hand Cream Reviews

Sensitive Winter Skin:

Almost everyone experiences sensitive winter skin at least once in their lifetime, and as the hands are the most exposed and overworked member of our body, they are often unintentionally abused. It’s generally at night that the results from a long day are felt, hands become red, chapped, even swollen, the surface breaks and cracks and they might even bleed.

This is extremely painful, and if left without proper care and attention can result in infection from this damaged skin. What starts as an oversight on our part through lack of hand moisturizer can quickly become a medical condition.

Remember, winter skin is dry skin no matter what part of the body it is on! Our hard-working hands become dehydrated twice as fast in winter.

Yes, to keep drinking plenty of water in winter is a good idea, but, it can not replace the lost moisture in the hand tissue when it has become so dehydrated, in this situation prevention really is better than cure!

View Hand and Nail Cream – clarins.co.uk

Watch – 6 Way To Protect Your Hands

Washing Your Hands:

Dry winter hand conditions are often agitated even more by the mere act of washing your hands. Of course, we have to wash our hands, hygiene dictates we wash hands numerous times each day; however, do not wash them in hot water, warm water is more than sufficient, and do not let your hands stay wet too long.

Another way to prevent water getting onto your hands is to do all the dishwashing, household chores, washing the car, and pet cleaning, can and should be done while wearing protective rubber gloves, and do remember moisturize your hands after each job to prevent dry, irritated skin from developing. Do this each time your hands are touched by water.

magic gloves — **Magic Silicone Dishwashing Brush Gloves Review**

Avoid all the alcohol-based cleansing gels, as these gels are particularly hard on protective oils that are trying to prevent damage to your hands. If you want beautiful, soft and smooth hands, take care of them and look after them the same way you treat your face or neck.

Dry Cracked Hands Treatment:

cream on hands — **Intensive Hand Cream Reviews**

Your choice of hand creams include balms, lotions, butter, creams, and oils, your decision should be based on what extent your hands are suffering, and on your skin type.

If your hands go from being dry with slightly rough skin to developing minor splits and cracks that are tender or bleeding, then it’s time to move on to more therapeutic moisturizers.

Petroleum jelly is a solid option, or alternatively, you could pick a thick, creamy moisturizer with a formula that contains denser ingredients such as dimethicone, cocoa, beeswax or shea butter.

You don’t have to keep to one product, you may find something more suitable to keep re-applying throughout the day and use a ‘heavier’ moisturizer at night, the important thing is to get that moisture into your hands daily.

Mini Heated Airer + Cover

Click Here For More Details

On The Outside:

If you are someone that stays outside most of your day, either due to work or leisure you may have to find additional ways to keep your hands hydrated.

When preparing to go out, apply your moisturizer, then slide hands into a pair of white cotton gloves, by doing this it will help to keep the moisture in your skin, then put on a second pair of protective winter gloves over the first cotton pair. Your hands will soften while driving, walking, even jogging, etc. and you can keep a jar or tube of moisturizer in your car’s glove box to ‘top up’ throughout the day.

If you are unfortunate to suffer from severe dry hands during the winter months by doing this with the moisturizer and white cotton gloves going to bed, and leaving on overnight, it will bring great relief to your hands, and they will feel amazing again by the morning.

Exfoliate Your Hands:

The exfoliation process will help remove those dry, flaky dead skin cells and encourage the growth of new smooth skin.

Immediately after exfoliating, your hands will feel smooth and soft again, but you have to apply moisturizer, or you risk your hands starting to dry out all over again.

Treat Your Hands To A Manicure:

Largely, the hands are the most hardworking part of the human body and warrant being well looked after.

A manicure may be considered a ‘beauty treatment’ but trimming the nails, removing cuticles, exfoliating and moisturizing the skin during a manicure will all help to make your hands look and feel good at any stage of the year, not just the winter months.

So treat your hands once in a while, they deserve it.

If in doubt – see a specialist!

If you are in constant pain due to painful, dry, cracked or bleeding hands and they are not responding to the advice mentioned above, you should arrange to see a dermatologist.

Do you suffer from dry hands in the winter, how do care and look after them? Do you have any other tips for caring for your hands in winter? Please leave any comments or questions below, and I will be happy to discuss them with you.

jo@yourskincarehelp.com

January 11, 2019August 9, 2023

Best Cellulite Removal Treatment – Maintaining Healthy Skin

It is the one thing that ladies constantly worry about appearing on their bodies, the sight of the dreaded Cellulite! Everyone hates it, and physician’s the world over are on a quest to eradicate the dimpled nuisance that plagues thighs, buttocks, and bellies. Unsurprisingly, misinformation about it is just as common as the condition!

Cellulite For Everyone!

Cellulite – The name for lumpy, pit speckled flesh, also known as ‘orange-peel’ skin due to the uncanny resemblance! Nearly 90% of women will experience cellulite at some point during their lifetime, some women develop cellulite after puberty, although It’s more prevalent in adult women.

Although not a severe medical condition, your cellulite might leave you feeling upset and even leave you too embarrassed to show certain parts of your body which can be a huge problem especially in the heat of the summer!

All women are susceptible to cellulite, the most common causes are believed to be aging, as the skin loses’ elasticity, also, inactive lifestyle and gaining weight have been linked to the dimples and depressions appearing on the surface of the skin.

If you have only ‘mild’ cellulite, you will see it if you pinch your skin in an area that is receptive to cellulite, such as your thighs. More-severe cellulite will be noticeable without pinching and makes the skin look uneven and bumpy with areas of peaks and valleys.

Cellulite is considerably more common in women than in men due to the different way fat cells, muscle, and connective tissue are spread in men and women’s skin.

In women areas of fat deposits build up and become distorted and force up the connective tissues beneath the skin, all the time strong fibrous cords that hold skin to deep-lying muscles are pulling down thus causing the appearance of the characteristic ‘cottage cheese’ look that changes the appearance to the surface of the skin. Doctors refer to cellulite as Edematous Fibrosclerotic Panniculopathy (EFP).

*Note – Cellulite is completely unrelated to the condition known as Cellulitis, which is a bacterial infection that spreads, and/or inflammation of the skin and tissues beneath.

What Causes It?

As previously mentioned between 80 and 90 percent of women will probably experience some degree of cellulite. So, why do some people get it?

There are a number of possibilities, one being that it is heredity, specific genes are required for the development of cellulite, gender, metabolism, skin thickness, ethnicity, research seems to show that it’s more common in white Europeans.

We also need to dispel the ‘myth’ that only ‘fat’ or ‘heavy’ people get it, the fact is you can have it whether you are overweight or skinny!

Things that may bring it on are:

Poor diet

Fad dieting

Slow metabolism

Lack of physical activity

Hormone changes

Dehydration

Total body fat

The thickness and color of your skin

It can be harder to detect on darker skin if you do have alight skin tone try a self-tanner, it may help to hide the bumps and dimples and make them harder to detect.

Hormonal factors and age:

It’s likely hormones play a certain role in the development of cellulite.

One opinion is that as estrogen levels in women decrease as they approach the menopause, this causes the blood flow to the connective tissue under the skin to also decrease.

Estrogen regulates the body’s production of collagen when estrogen levels eventually begin to waver and drop during menopause, collagen production also declines.

With limited available collagen means weaker connective tissues and thinner skin, creating near-perfect conditions for cellulite to appear. This is why for a lot of women they first see cellulite’s telltale ‘cottage cheese’ skin as they enter the menopause.

Although female hormones can play a role in adding to this pattern of fat distribution, cellulite is not treatable by hormone therapy.

What Can Be Done About It?

So, what is the Best Cellulite Removal Treatment? The difficulty concerning cellulite is that even the experts don’t always agree on treatments, remedies, and causes, making it even more challenging to separate the facts from the myths.

Firstly, Cellulite isn’t a serious medical condition, it is a cosmetic problem and treatment isn’t an urgent requirement, many doctors just consider cellulite to be a ‘normal’ occurrence.

There are no diagnostic tests for cellulite, the visible appearance of cellulite is sufficient to confirm that the condition is present.

If you have serious worries about the appearance of your skin, speak to your doctor, dermatologist or plastic surgeon, they may offer treatments and recommend what options are available to you for cellulite.

Treatments Available For Cellulite:

Sad to say that many places that offer cellulite treatments are only too willing to advertise ‘remarkable’ results. It’s fair to say that most of these treatments do not live up to their lofty claims. Do your research thoroughly if you are considering any treatment or procedure for Cellulite.

No single treatment for cellulite is going to eradicate it completely. The following procedures might improve the appearance of cellulite, some only temporarily!

Although it has been said that weight isn’t a critical factor with regard to cellulite, it is worth bearing in mind that weight loss and exercise can have some effect since the muscles and skin will tighten up as you tone up your body. More defined muscles and a thinner fat layer will make your skin smoother and less puckered!

But, the results and benefits will vary from person to person, your own results depend on how hard and consistently you train, and a change of diet if you are overweight.

Cellulite Diets:

So-called ‘cellulite diets’ that claim to be beneficial in treating cellulite: Promoters of these diets claim that the combination of ‘special’ foods recommended in them can reduce inflammation and increase the circulation in affected areas and so reduce cellulite.

Despite these claims, no studies published in the medical literature have supported these diets. Physicians have reasoned that eating a healthy diet can decrease fluid retention and improve the overall appearance of the skin, but specific diets intended to target cellulite are of no value.

Click – Mediterranean Diet For Health Benefits And Maintaining Healthy Skin

Laser Treatment and Radiofrequency Systems:

Possibly the most promising medical therapy to combat Cellulite is one that uses both lasers and radiofrequency systems.

The U.S. FDA has approved specific light-therapy devices, these combine suction or massage with light therapy, this will give a decrease to the appearance of cellulite.

TriActive:

One of these treatments is known as ‘TriActive’-this is a procedure that mixes suction and manipulation of the skin to improve circulation and lymphatic drainage with low-level laser treatment to boost collagen, and cooling to break up the fat nodules and cool tissues.

This treatment is over a series of ten to fifteen sessions.

Velashape:

Another laser treatment is known as ‘Velashape’ and said to be pretty effective, this works by combining laser and massage therapy. A handheld device is pressed on the surface of the skin that uses infrared light to remold the body and diminish layers of fat improve lymphatic drainage and smooth out dimples.

You should begin to see improvement after roughly four treatments. It’s effective on the thighs – front and back, buttocks, abdomen, and love handles.

This procedure requires multiple treatment sessions and maintenance procedures to sustain the improved appearance. This is a non-invasive treatment.

Cellulaze:

A popular and minimally invasive laser treatment that is called Cellulaze. The doctor injects the numbing solution into the area being treated.

He then inserts a laser under your skin, the laser shoots heat in three directions breaking up the uneven fat deposits. This procedure helps to thicken the skin and stimulate collagen production and improve the skin’s elasticity. The thickened skin should lessen the appearance of the cellulite below. You can expect to see a 75% improvement in your cellulite, and this should last for around one year.

Cryolipolysis:

This non-invasive treatment freezes and kills fat cells. Once they are dead, your body easily removes them. This procedure is usually used for body shaping, but any fat removal can improve cellulite. It can take up to three treatments and 3 – 4 months for you to start seeing results.

Cellfina:

The use of Cellfina was cleared by the FDA-as recent as 2015, it is classed as minimally invasive treatment.

It is a ‘one off’ procedure and the best option for longer-term dimple-free skin and can last for approx’ two years.

Health care professionals perform subcision using a device known as Cellfina. The treatment uses a handheld device to insert a microblade under the skin, the needle-sized device to treat the fibrous tissues that hold your body’s fat together to smooth out dimpling.

It is vacuum-assisted for total control of the depth and area to be improved. Approx’ 20 to 30 individual cellulite dimples are treated during an average 1-hour session. You will begin to see improvement in about 3 days. You’ll have some temporary bruising and soreness to contend with.

The downside: It doesn’t come cheap, you are looking at the cost of some $4K+

Endermologie (or lipomassage or endermology) – Massage treatments:

Various types of machines are available that massage the areas affected by cellulite. The devices use rolling cylinders to gather pockets of skin and apply a vigorous massage inside a chamber to increase blood flow, remove toxins, and reduce any excess fluid.

One such example of massage treatments is Endermologie, a French technique used for cellulite treatment since the mid-1990s. This technique uses an electrically powered handheld device that uses suction, pulls, and squeezes affected areas.

Treatment time typically lasts for 30-45 minutes, and 10-12 treatments are usually required before results can be seen. You will find there is a temporary decrease in the appearance of cellulite, the technique only appears to redistribute the fat rather than permanently alter its form beneath the skin, and studies have shown differing results regarding the effectiveness of this therapy. You will need regular maintenance treatments after achieving the initial result, or the cellulite will return.

At-Home Cellulite Solutions:

Actually, there is a solution that can minimize the appearance of cellulite for a few weeks. A 30 to 60-minute deep tissue massage can knead the surface of the skin just enough to break up fibrous connective tissue that contributes to skin puckering.

If you don’t have a masseuse, you can mimic the technique at home by frequently using a firm foam roller. Use firm pressure to improve your circulation and plump the skin, which should result in a smoother look.

Alternatively, you can purchase an electric handheld machine to massage the affected area. Massagers can do wonders, massagers will speed up circulation, which will improve the appearance of the skin. There are many kinds of electronic massage machines depending on your preference and budget.

Read – NūBODY Skin Toning Kit – Cellulite Treatment

Another home treatment you can try is ‘Dry Body Brushing.’ This is very beneficial for the largest organ of your body – the skin. It may help to diminish the appearance of cellulite, promote toned and supple skin while assisting in removing toxins from the body.

Dry Body Brushing encourages better blood flow, this is said to have a plumping effect on the skin which really helps lessen the appearance of cellulite.
It is best to do this before a bath or shower, it will promote your lymph, helping your body metabolize toxins more efficiently, discouraging fluid retention and cellulite (the two are related to each other).

Chose a medium-firm brush, one that’s about the size of your palm, try to make sure it has natural bristles, avoiding synthetic ones.

Start your brush massage with the soles of your feet. Using a dynamic, circular motion. Apply short, fast upward strokes as you guide the brush over your feet and legs. Proceed to brush upwards as you get to the buttocks, waist, stomach and breast areas.

Use a circular motion on the palms of your hands, then short upward strokes as you brush your hands and arms. When you get to the neck, begin using downward strokes, out to your shoulders, and down your back, then down your breasts, stroking toward your heart. Avoid brushing your face.

The most important groups of lymph nodes are in your neck, armpits, and groin. So, if you are short on time and cannot do the whole body, do a few short brush strokes over those areas,
You should try to spend about five minutes a day on dry brushing and look to do it between two to five times a week.

Topical Treatment:

Cellulite Creams and Serums that contain a variety of ingredients, such as vitamins, minerals, herbal extracts, caffeine, seaweed, and antioxidants, are quite often marketed as the cure for cellulite.

Because cellulite forms below the skin’s surface, it’s difficult to treat topically with over-the-counter creams.

While most store-bought creams may not provide the beautiful results you’re looking for, search for creams that contain caffeine and retinol – Retinol creams that have 0.3% retinol may have the best impact on cellulite as they could help stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, making your skin look tighter, and thicker so reducing the signs of cellulite when applied.

Click – Sisley Le Sculpteur Anti-Cellulite Body Care

It will take several months to see any signs of improvement, and these creams do not come cheap.

Retinol treatments are available to buy online. Do read and follow the instructions carefully.

Treatments to Avoid or Consider Carefully!

A procedure is often called ‘Mesotherapy.’ whereby doctors inject chemicals into the fat layer below the skin to help breakdown the fat to make cellulite less noticeable.

The chemicals used in this procedure include phosphatidylcholine, aminophylline, hormones, herbal extracts, vitamins, and minerals. There is little proof these treatments do very much for cellulite.

Most doctors don’t recommend the procedure as there is a risk of infection, swelling, rashes, and lumpy skin.

The Decision:

Even though there’s no simple answer for unblemished skin yet, that doesn’t mean you can’t be positive and more confident in your body, cellulite or not.

The important thing to understand from all of this is that living a healthy, well-balanced lifestyle will encourage you to look and feel better about yourself.

It’s amazing that every medical condition can be improved by decreasing stress, eating well and exercising regularly, making cellulite less noticeable is an added bonus.

If you are considering treatment for yourself, talk to a qualified/registered dermatologist or plastic surgeon, find out all that you possibly can from them about the whole procedure, and still do your own research online before making a decision on the best cellulite removal treatment you will use.

Have you suffered from Cellulite? Have you tried any of the treatments mentioned or have you tried any other procedures? Did anything help to reduce your Cellulite? I would like to hear your story. Please leave any comments or questions below, and I will be happy to discuss them with you.

jo@yourskincarehelp.com

November 9, 2018November 24, 2023

Detox Body and Skin – Maintaining Healthy Skin

If you thought that a ‘detox’ was something you did just to benefit your inner body, its time to think again. With the busy festive season fast approaching, now is the perfect time to get your skin in pristine condition. A Detox Body and Skin diet means you benefit internally and externally from one cleanse.

What is a Detox Diet?

A Detox diet means that you eliminate unhealthy foods, and replace them with food that is pure and natural. They usually last from 3 to 21 days, and the results are amazing and very beneficial to your general well-being. The process of detoxification is not as easy as it seems, especially if you are a fan of sugar, processed foods, and caffeine. We know to begin with cutting these products from your diet is going to be tough and challenging.

Here is a little something that you may not know, the liver and how well it is ‘functioning’ has many implications that may lead to epidermal problems.

So, you want to improve the appearance of your skin, a good place to start looking is at your gut since digestive well-being directly impacts your complexion.

The liver that is best known for breaking down amongst other things’ alcohol is closely connected to how healthy or poor your skin is looking.

Alcohol, as well as being high in sugar, is toxic to your body’s own ‘detoxifying’ cells, this can hinder your system’s own ability to ‘cleanse.’

A troubled liver can lead to your skin becoming dry, itchy, inflamed and cause acne to flare up.

There is a proverb in traditional Chinese medicine, it is believed that “if your liver is in harmony, then the rest of your body will be in harmony as well.”

Video – Detox your Body in 1 Day!

What can I do to help my Skin? – Detox Body and Skin – Maintaining Healthy Skin

Consequently, it makes sense that a good place to start your cleanse would be to cut back on the alcohol intake, excessive alcohol will lead to a buildup of toxins in the liver,

Everything that we consume is processed through the liver, so we really need to think carefully about what we eat, drink, and even the air we breathe, it’s vitally important to keep it as healthy as we possibly can, your skin is a representation of what is going on inside of your body.

All of that means if we overload the body with crude substances, whether they are environmental pollutants, inflammatory foods, or alcohol, the results of these are going to show up on your face. If the liver is unable to break down toxins, your body makes every effort to remove these toxins through other ways, such as pores in your skin.

Every day our skin is exposed to various external pollutants – smoke, fumes and UVA/UVB rays to name but a few, it is nearly impossible to avoid encountering toxins on a daily basis. In actual fact, air pollution is now being associated with visible signs of skin damage.

As the skin is the largest organ of the body, toxicity can often manifest itself in conditions such as breakouts, eczema, or dermatitis.

That said, the right topical treatment can certainly help. Look for an antioxidant-rich serum and day cream to fight free radical damage and serve as a shield between the face and the elements. By preventing the toxins from reaching the skin’s lower layers, you actively protect against the breakdown of essential elastin and collagen – which means skin stays ‘younger’ for longer.

Unfortunately, we find in many skincare products chemicals are put into them to restore estrogen levels, these will also need to be removed by the liver!

What Toxins affect your Skin?

Its a frightening thought, but we are exposed to toxins nearly every day of our lives, not only in the air, water, and food but many other ways too, such as personal products that we use. Toxins can also be found in the pesticides that we apply to our lawns, there can be harmful residue on our food, solvents found in paints and cleaning products.

Most plastic products contain the chemical Bisphenol-A, better known as BPA and phthalates, these are odor-free liquids that do not evaporate quickly, they are used primarily to make polyvinyl chloride (PVC) soft and flexible, these are commonly called the ‘everywhere chemicals’ because they are used in making countless plastic products that we are in contact with and use every day.

We all try our best to live free of these dangerous substances, but the truth is some are unavoidable.

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Relax, everything is under control!

On the plus side, we can relax a little in the knowledge that we do have organs that work hard to clear these toxins from our body. The most significant organs used to detoxify the body are; the skin, lymphatic system, digestive system, the kidneys, and the liver. But, the liver is the most important organ when it comes to clearing these deadly toxins, it protects the body from harmful substances by decreasing their toxicity and making them ready for discharge.

When the liver and other organs the body uses to detoxicate are not operating correctly, this may lead to poisons forming in the body. This increase also happens when we are exposed to more toxins than our body can cope with. We will notice when our body isn’t dealing with the excess levels as we may see skin rashes and itching, acne especially hormonal acne, inflammatory conditions such as eczema, constant headaches and generally the whole body aching.

The Fat Factor:

The liver is not only responsible for dealing with toxins, but it is also used for breaking down fat. If you indulge in a very unhealthy diet, drink excessive amounts of booze the liver may struggle to cope with the overload, the fat will instead circulate in the bloodstream, and it ends up getting into the sebaceous glands.

Another problem that occurs if the liver is ‘overloaded’ is Cholesterol and triglycerides which are fatty substances that travel around in our bloodstream, can end up getting into the tissue and ‘storing’ themselves there, when this happens, it can disrupt the oil on your skin, known as sebum and this becomes very stressful on your complexion.

The quality and quantity of the fats in your bloodstream have an impact on how thick that sebum is, the thicker it is, the more likely it is to clog pores, this results in chronic breakouts.

If a contented liver equals radiant skin, how exactly can you help both organs perform at their best?

It all comes back to healthy eating and lifestyle.

Detox Through Your Diet:

You can start with simple changes to your diet, this can be a great start towards a healthy liver, and to keeping your skin clear. It is the liver that is responsible for breaking down hormones so they can be adequately eliminated and maintain a healthy balance.

Therefore, helping the liver combat hormonal imbalance is one of the most essential things’ we can do. If the liver becomes full of fatty buildup or strained, all the right things’ you are doing won’t be beneficial until the liver is cleansed and restored. If you suffer from hormonal acne, this is especially relevant for you.

Over the course of time, our body can become unbalanced, our hormones and digestive system need to be purified, by doing this it enhances the functions of the organs and helps us regain a balance.

Consider taking the following measures to help to cleanse the liver:

During your detox, you will need to provide healthy nourishment to your body to help support your liver, kidneys, and colon.

You should consider staying on a healthy diet for a very minimum of three days to see some benefits to your skin, but remember the longer you are on it, the better your skin is going to look, and your body feeling invigorated.

Here is a list of food and drinks that would be beneficial when detoxing:

Cruciferous vegetables – especially broccoli, also cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussel sprouts.

Sulfur-containing foods – onions and garlic.

Fiber-rich fruits – bananas, oranges, apples, mangoes, raspberries, and strawberries.

High fiber vegetables – beans, peas, and Potatoes with skin.

Antioxidant-rich foods – Artichokes, Raspberries, Kale, Red Cabbage, Beetroot, and Spinach.

Herbal Teas – Red Clover, Burdock Root, Ginger tea, and Cayenne Pepper tea.

You should eat organic food, drink filtered water and choose non-toxic skincare products.

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To aid your liver in removing unwanted toxins that may be in the process of being absorbed into the body you can use Lemon Juice. Lemons contain a lot of vitamin C that boosts your immune system. Warm Lemon water in the morning helps your digestion, it flushes out toxins and cleanses the liver and is an easy way to give a little extra help.

Try to avoid obvious reactive foods. These are foods that can lead to inflammation, this, in turn, can lead to many symptoms and ailments, including persistent skin problems such as acne and eczema.

The most common reactive foods include Dairy products, Eggs, Peanuts, Gluten, Alcohol, Caffeine, and Sugar.

When you decide to give the body a ‘cleanse’ it is an excellent time to take a break from these foods, and you will see for yourself how much these can impact your overall health.

To obtain the best results from your detox, you have to ensure that your bowels and kidneys are working effectively to remove toxins released during the cleanse. For bowels, as we mentioned earlier fiber is vital. For kidneys, it’s imperative to drink plenty of filtered water. Also, the skin releases toxins when you sweat, so it’s a good idea to exfoliate and ensure clean pores so you can sufficiently release toxins and discard dead skin.

While you are on your skin detox, you have to be more careful with what you eat. For this period it is essential to adapt to a healthy balanced diet. Stay off dairy products, fried foods, and try to cut out sugar, these will all lead to blocked pores and dull looking skin, for the duration of your detox. Instead, opt for foods that are going to assist your body, eat lots of fruits and vegetables, and don’t forget to keep up the water intake!

All essential to overall health and wellness.

Drink Lots of Water – and Only Water!

Drinking enough water daily (minimum 6 – 8 glasses per day) is vital for your overall health, it helps with your circulation, digestion, absorption, and excretion, and promotes a healthier, hydrated, younger-looking, and radiant complexion.

This amount is the daily recommendation to help eliminate toxins from your body and remain hydrated, few people actually drink this much, and to make matters worse, they are drinking dehydrating liquids like coffee, sugary juices, and alcohol.

But if you are trying to help your skin, maybe taking a break from these beverages, at least while you are detoxing, you should try swapping your morning cup of coffee for a hydrating and skin-clearing green tea.

Read – Benefits of Drinking Water For Your Skin

Glowing Skin

The solution when detox body and skin is implementing what you have benefited from it, and introduce it into your everyday life, by doing this you can continue to see results long after the detox is over. By putting more care and effort into your daily skincare, and try to keep up with facials and occasional spas, add a selection of healthy foods into your diet, your skin smooth and glowing, and you will feel the changes in a few days.

With minor changes like these, hopefully, your skin won’t need a detox very often!

What are your preferred methods of detoxing? Please leave any comments or questions below, and I will be happy to discuss them with you.

jo@yourskincarehelp.com