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www.thevillagenews.co.za
23 December 2020
MY WELLNESS
SOS solutions for summer skin
H
wonder it is often found in moisturisers, creams and lotions formulated to treat dry skin as well as products designed to reduce stretch marks. Refine’s top pick: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
uman skin is constantly bombarded by external insults. These are capable of inducing the generation of free radicals as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS). Extrinsic skin damage develops due to several factors: ionising radiation, severe physical and psychological stress, alcohol intake, poor nutrition, overeating, environmental pollution, and exposure to UV radiation (the sun).
3. Resveratrol A chemical compound found mostly in the skins of fruits like grapes and berries, peanuts, tea and red wine, resveratrol serves as the plant’s defensive armour. It’s an antimicrobial substance produced by plants to protect themselves from air pollution, infection, intense UV radiation and extreme climate changes. Find it in: SkinCeuticals Resveratrol B E
It is estimated that among all these environmental factors, up to 80% of skin damage is caused by the sun. UV-induced damage to the skin develops when the formation of oxygen free radicals exceeds the antioxidant defence ability of the skin. The only natural innate protection we have in our skin is melanin and enzymatic antioxidants. This is supported by the antioxidants in the food we consume (vitamin A, C, E, etc.) or apply to our skin. The most important strategy to reduce the risk of sun damage is to avoid sun exposure and the use of sunscreens. The next step is the use of antioxidants, either orally or by topical application, to prevent oxidative stress and enhance DNA repair.
(sunscreen), but secondary treatment could be achieved with the use of antioxidants either by oral ingestion of products such as Metagenics Alpha Lipoic Acid, Co-enzyme Q 10 and Vitamin E. Exogenous (from the outside) antioxidants like vitamin C, E and many others cannot be synthesised by the human body and must be taken up by the diet.
Human skin is naked; it is essential that we utilise all the help and support on offer to us. DNA damage results in loss of collagen, elastin and vital skin proteins. The end result of oxidative stress is pigmentation disorders, redness or thread veins on the face, as well as a lax, wrinkled appearance of the skin.
However, it is important to pre-treat the skin with antioxidants before sun exposure. No protective effects are shown when antioxidants are applied after sun exposure. UVR-induced skin damage is a rapid event, and antioxidants possibly prevent such damage only when present in relevant concentration at the site of oxidative stress. In fact, treatment of the skin with antioxidants after the damage was caused by the sun, might cause additional harmful effects on the skin.
Skin DNA molecules are constantly bombarded by free radicals. If the frequency of damaging events exceeds the repair capacity, it can possibly lead to the beginnings of skin cancer. The primary treatment of photoaging is photo protection
Many antioxidants also have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. In general, topical
antioxidants found in creams and serums work by downregulating oxidative pathways that damage the skin. A wide variety of antioxidants can provide substantial protection for your skin. We have highlighted a few of our favourites which are readily available. 1. Vitamin C This antioxidant protects skin from UV damage, stimulates collagen production and lifts away dark spots, revealing bright glowing skin. Vitamin C scavenges and neutralises free radicals, protecting the cell membranes and improving resistance to sun exposure. Refine’s top pick: Lamelle Vit. C Lipid 2. Vitamin E Vitamin E is an important vitamin required for the proper functioning of many organs in the body, including the skin. Aside from being a powerful antioxidant, vitamin E is widely recognised for its ability to accelerate the skin’s healing process. No
“Good days start at night” Karin 028 312 2616 083 261 6093
6 Adam Street Whale Park, Hermanus
4. Alpha Lipoic Acid An organic anti-oxidant compound which protects against sun and stress caused by pollution and other environmental factors. It improves lines and wrinkles, brightens the skin and helps with redness and inflammation. Find it in: NIMUE Alpha Lipoic Activator 5. Sunblock 80% of skin ageing is caused by solar radiation. The latest sunblocks contain not only sun filters, but also comprehensive DNA protection such as glycolase and endonuclease, thus preventing and repairing DNA damage. Together with high levels of antioxidants, these protect, neutralise and repair skin. Keep an eye out for our top pick: Heliocare Oral supplements, Heliocare sunblocks and Lamelle Helase SPF50 This Festive Season we wish all our clients and sunseekers in Hermanus a safe, ‘anti-oxidant’ and merry Christmas. – Dr Michelle Emett and the team at Refine Anti-Aging Clinic, Hermanus
