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 Q. I had a
consultation with a cosmetologist and she suggested a range of
different products to use, to maximise my skin's appearance... I'm
confused about some of the things she went through... can you help me
decipher it? thanks.
As skincare
technology advances, we are constantly bombarded with adverts and
advice. New lotions and treatments promise to leave our complexions
looking 10 years younger, less blemished or more radiant - but often,
the results aren't up to scratch and we end up out of pocket and
disillusioned.
Below
are some skin facts and also some tips behind "expert skincare
advice".
Skin Facts
Your skin is the largest organ in your body.
· It makes up about 15% of your total
body weight.
· Your skin contains half the water
in your body; that's why drinking fresh water refreshes skin.
· Every day we lose about 4% of your
skin cells.
· Skin is made up of three layers -
the epidermis (upper layer), the dermis (middle layer) and the
subcutaneous layer (the lower layer).
Skin Tips
TRUE - Vitamin C increases collagen production
Vitamin C adds oygen to collagen, which helps to boost
its production. To increase your collagen levels, add more citrus
fruits, broccoli, peppers and sprouts to your diet. Use specialty
Vitamin C skin care products.
FALSE - Collagen creams boost
your skin's collagen levels
Collagen particles are too big to be absorbed through
the basal layer and into the dermis where collagen is produced.
Applying collagen to your skin may plump and soften the surface, but
it will have very little effect on collagen production.
TRUE - You can use
anti-aging creams before you have wrinkles
To prevent deep wrinkles forming, experts recommend
using anti-aging moisturisers and eye creams at the first signs of
aging. This is normally around the age of 25-30 when cell metabolism
slows, leading to duller skin and the beginnings of fine lines.
FALSE - A new cream should
improve your skin in two weeks
Skin cells take about four weeks to renew themselves
so it can take this long for a cream to make noticeable changes to
your skin. Mature skins may take even longer to show changes because
your metabolism slows as you age, so skin cells take longer to renew.
TRUE - Serums soften
wrinkles more effectively than creams
Serums penetrate 75% deeper than moisturisers because
they contain smaller molecules. Their active ingredients reach the
dermal layer of skin where the collagen and elastin that affect
the look of the wrinkles are generated. A separate moisturiser is
still needed.
FALSE
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Skincare products work like Botox injections
Botox is injected into the skin's muscles and
paralyses them so that wrinkles cant form or deepen. Creams or serums
can't reach this deep into your skin, but some claim their
ingredients cream similar wrinkle-softening effects by relaxing the
skin's elastin fibres.
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