dry skin

November 10, 2023December 21, 2023

Summer Dream Team: Why You Need To Pair Vitamin C With SPF

A woman holding half an orange over one eye.

Reading Time 5 – 7 minutes

When you think of the perfect summer, you may imagine an escape to a tropical paradise; sitting on a white sand beach with a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) in hand, watching the waves roll in while the warm sun beams down. And your skin? Perfectly smooth, even and glowing, of course.

While you may not have a trip to paradise planned, we can still help you achieve the skin of your dreams this summer – and it’s easier than you think!

When it comes to summertime radiance, you only need to reach for two products to get glowing: a potent source of Vitamin C and a sunscreen. Read on to learn how to make the most of your daily summer ritual with these two essentials.

Why You Need Vitamin C

You likely already know that Vitamin C is an essential part of your diet. But beyond your morning glass of OJ, this powerhouse ingredient can do a lot to enhance your complexion. So what exactly does Vitamin C do for your skin?

When applied topically, Vitamin C can:

Prevent premature aging while visibly smoothing fine lines and wrinkles
Even skin tone by targeting dark spots
Support your skin’s natural collagen production
Brighten your complexion by reducing the redness associated with environmental stress
Neutralise free radicals, limiting skin damage

A bonus? This potent nutrient is often found in bright, juicy and delicious summery botanicals like guavas, rockmelon, lychees, papayas, strawberries, and pineapple.

Why You Need SPF

You probably apply sunscreen when the sun is shining its brightest. But you may not know that it’s important to use sun protection every day, especially when you’re spending lots of time outside. With all the summer fun of lounging by pools, backyard barbeques and frolicking on the beach, you’ll need to layer on your favourite sunscreen before heading outdoors – and be sure to reapply at least every two hours.

To get the most out of your sun care, ensure you’re applying SPF from head to toe, taking extra care to target your décolleté, hands, ears and feet. You can also pick up sun care products for your lips and scalp. And remember, when it comes to sun care, an SPF of 30 or more is ideal.

Better Together: The Potent Power Of Vitamin C With Sunscreen

Some things are better together. Case in point: Vitamin C and SPF!

For all its beneficial qualities, Vitamin C does have one drawback: It’s prone to oxidation, which diminishes its effectiveness. If you’ve used a Vitamin C serum before, you may have noticed that it comes in an opaque bottle or dark amber glass. This type of packaging blocks light from getting in, stopping oxidation before it starts. Not only could Vitamin C oxidise in the bottle, but it may also oxidise on the skin. According to Dr Michelle Wong of Lab Muffin Beauty Science, “Some vitamin C serums that contain ascorbic acid, [can cause] slightly darkened skin after a few days of use. The stained skin looks red or orange-brown, sort of like fake tan.” This tends to be the case when the Vitamin C is not paired with sun protection. But fear not! Layering SPF over Vitamin C helps prevent oxidation.

London-based Cosmetic Dermatologist Dr Sam Bunting explains these benefits on her YouTube channel. “No one gets 100% protection from UV from sunscreen,” she says. “ It’s almost impossible because we tend to underapply [sunscreen], it comes off through the day, maybe we’re not rigorous about topping up. We’re reliant on a second line of attack from an antioxidant serum, like a Vitamin C serum.”

Another perk to this combo? Vitamin C can boost sunscreen’s protective power. Chicago-based board-certified dermatologist Dr Steven Mandrea, explains in an interview with Real Simple that “combining Vitamin C serum and broad-spectrum sunscreens that protect well against UVA rays is more effective at neutralising free radical damage from sun exposure than just using sunscreen alone.”

A Summer Routine With Vitamin C + Sun Protection

Ready to get glowing? This vitamin-rich routine brings on a bright, luminous look for all skin types.

Step 1

Clean With Envy: This cleanser is perfect for smoothing texture without overstripping skin’s natural oils. A milky gel with a juicy scent, you’ll love this cleanser as a new addition to your skincare practice.

Step 2

Solution From Pollution: Bring on the brightness with this serum.

Made with two types of water-soluble Vitamin C (so everyone can prevent premature ageing, not just those with lipid-dry skin), and a total of eight antioxidants, this serum is well-loved for its ability to reveal skin that looks youthful, plump and bright.

Tailor By Skin Type

This routine is a phenomenal way to introduce vitamin-rich skincare into your routine. Plus, it ensures you’re protected from the summer sun. But if you have specific skin concerns, you can make these smart switches to cater to your unique skin type and concerns.

Hydrate and Inflate will saturate dry skin with hydration whilst energising from within. A daily skincare staple, this serum features skin-plumping Hyaluronic Acid which boosts the skin’s ability to collect and retain vital moisture. This serum is designed to be used morning and night daily. Better still, this serum supports the skin’s exfoliation function, so you’ll need less frequent exfoliation to help dry skin retain moisture.

Dry skin will also love Filthy Rich. Loaded with nurturing oils, butters and hydration heroes, Filthy Rich is the most nourishing moisturiser that’ll leave dry skin types saying, “Shut up and take my money!” Bringing instant relief to dry, taut and uncomfortable skin, Filthy Rich delivers ultimate nourishment and protection to impaired barriers to create smoother, stronger, more supple-looking complexions. Apply before your SPF.

Oily Skin

Dealing with excess oil, large pores and breakouts? Grab some Light As A Feather. This lightweight formula quenches oily skin without adding grease or shine. Plus, this formula contains shine-reducing actives to help to mattify the skin throughout the day.

Enhance your routine with Calm The Harm. Large pores don’t stand a chance against this dreamy formula’s mix of Niacinamide, Tazman Pepper and Date-seed extract.

Normal Skin

Normal skin should be good to go with the routine mentioned above. But if you like to go the extra mile, these formulas will enhance your bright glow while keeping your skin in perfect balance. Refine Over Time gradually refines the skin over time, evening skin tone for a healthy-looking glow.

For Brighter Days is an energy-enhancing brightening serum with two types of Vitamin C to even skin tone and texture. Harnessing a blend of high-performing botanicals, peptides and pigment-balancing actives, For Brighter Days promotes a brighter, more even complexion.

Sensitive Skin

You may be wondering if it’s possible to go overboard with Vitamin C: in some cases, yes! You’ll want to tread carefully when using Vitamin C on sensitive skin. Start slowly with Solution From Pollution, and consider reaching for Calm The Harm. This calming serum reveals glowing skin without irritation.

Have you tried Vitamin C and your SPF together? If not, I can help you pick out the right products so you’re ready to glow all season long.

September 14, 2023November 9, 2023

How To Make Thin Skin Feel Stronger And Thicker

Is your skin looking thinner, less bouncy and more delicate? There is no question that the thickness of your skin changes with age. Gradually, your skin feels drier and less elastic. And with thinner skin comes a weakened skin barrier. When the skin is healthy, it protects us from irritation, skin diseases and inflammation. But when our skin barrier is impaired, the skin cannot defend itself. Let’s explore how weak, thin skin can compromise the skin barrier and look at repair methods to strengthen and make the skin healthier.

Why Is My Skin So Thin? | How Will Thin Skin Impact Me? | How To Make Skin Stronger & Thicker

Why Is My Skin So Thin?

Ageing

As you age, you may see shifts in your skin texture and elasticity. Your body produces less collagen, so the skin becomes thinner and drier. Collagen is the structural protein that gives skin elasticity, strength and suppleness. Collagen fibres are the sturdy columns that support the top layer of the skin, preventing saggy skin. But with collagen decline comes thinner and less supple skin. You can thank your genetics for how quickly your store of collagen decreases.

Collagen loss in the skin. Young skin has high collagen content. Image depicts a cross-section of young skin showing a smooth surface, collagen and elastin fibres, and hyaluronic acid.

Ageing skin has low collagen. Image depicts a cross-section of ageing skin showing fine lines and wrinkles in the epidermis and dermis.

Lifestyle Factors Including Medication

You may develop thin skin from long-term use of specific medications including:

Prescription blood thinners
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen (Nurofen) or naproxen (Naprogesic)
Topical and oral corticosteroids
Over-the-counter aspirin

There are also a number of lifestyle factors that may cause early ageing and thinning of the skin including:

Smoking
Excessive alcohol use
Lack of regular exercise combined with a poor diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates

Sun Exposure

Overexposure to ultraviolet light causes sun damage to your skin, injuring skin cells and reducing collagen and elastin. After many years of tanning (and burning), you might notice your skin is thinner across your face, arms or hands, the parts of the body most exposed to the sun. Other signs of sun damage are age spots, sagging skin, wrinkling or skin cancer.

Tanning Beds

Exposure to artificial radiation sources, such as tanning beds, can lead to skin damage (and thinner skin) and increase the risk of skin cancer. Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is linked to getting severe sunburns, especially at a young age. Tanning causes the skin to lose elasticity and wrinkle prematurely. This leathery look may not appear until years after a tan or sunburn. You may also notice premature signs of ageing, such as wrinkles and dark spots.

Commercial solarium units were banned in Australia on 1 January 2015 after nearly a decade of campaigning led by Cancer Councils. Solariums are not a safe way to tan and significantly increase your risk of skin cancer. If you’ve used a solarium, your skin cancer risk is higher than someone who has not.

Menopause

Lowering of estrogen levels, especially during menopause, is a fundamental contributor to the thinning of the skin. Collagen is essential for maintaining the structure and firmness of the skin. During menopause, a decrease in estrogen causes a drop in collagen levels, moisture retention and oil production. You may notice sagging or thinning skin and fine lines and wrinkles.

How Will Thin Skin Impact Me?

Thin skin will not cause medical problems — it’s only a concern when your skin becomes easily bruised or damaged. As Medline Plus states: “As you age, you are at increased risk for skin injury. Your skin is thinner, more fragile, and you lose some of the protective fat layer.” The skin’s ability to snap back worsens with age, as does the thickness of the dermis. And with thin skin comes bruises and wrinkles.

On top of thinning skin, if you are not looking after your skin at all, then its barrier might be compromised. Of the three main layers of the skin, the hypodermis layer contains sweat glands, fat, and tissue. The next layer is called the dermis, which consists of the blood supply and nerves. The outermost layer is the epidermis, which makes up your skin barrier and defends you against bacteria and dirt. A healthy, functioning skin barrier blocks environmental irritants while keeping in natural oils and moisture.

An unhealthy skin barrier will not defend you from potential skin issues such as irritation, inflammation or dryness. Thin skin is already fragile enough, but not moisturising dry skin and over-exfoliating can cause irritation. Here’s a breakdown of practical ways to achieve stronger and thicker skin.

How To Make Thin Skin Stronger And Thicker

Eat Foods That Help Collagen Production

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for increasing collagen production, making our skin stronger and improving the barrier function of our skin. Vitamin C is found in foods like broccoli, leafy greens and citrus fruits and is necessary for collagen production.

A variety of foods can help your body boost collagen production including:

Chicken
Leafy greens
Berries
Fish and shellfish
Egg whites
Citrus fruits

Use Skin Care Products With Peptides

If you are already happy with your diet, you can make your skin feel stronger with skin care products that contain peptides. Dermatologist Dr. Nancy Samolitis, MD, FAAD told Byrdie: “Peptides are essentially fragmented portions of proteins. So when they’re used in skincare, the objective is for those fragments of collagen to stimulate collagen growth … Complete, non-fragmented proteins (like collagen) are not able to be directly absorbed through the top layer of skin, so these smaller pieces are able to get deep into the cellular level.”

Apply Moisturiser Daily

Turn your attention from exfoliation to moisturisation to make your skin more youthful, firm and resilient. Whether you’re a dry, combination, oily or sensitive skin type, keeping your skin hydrated is the first step to skin health and having a strong skin barrier.

Your lack of hydration could be due to genetics; you might be just born with a dry skin type. However, if your skin type is actually oily, combination, sensitive or normal, dryness could be caused by anything from air conditioners or hot showers to weather. Help your skin stay strong by applying moisturiser after cleansing. This step helps lock in moisture and protect your skin from the environment.

Are you struggling with thinning skin? To find out more and get personalised solutions book a Skin Consultation & Analysis today!

July 5, 2023November 9, 2023

4 Signs Your Skin Is Dehydrated And How To Fix It

A woman splashing water on her face over the bathroom sink.

8 minute read

Does your skin feel more flaky and sensitive than usual? Has your natural radiance been zapped from your complexion? If this sounds like the state of your skin, it may be dehydrated. Here are the signs of dehydrated skin and my recommendations for how to fix it.

What Is The Difference Between Dry & Dehydrated Skin? | 4 Signs Of Dehydrated Skin | How To Fix Dehydrated Skin | A Mini Three-Step Routine For Dry Skin

What Is The Difference Between Dry & Dehydrated Skin?

Dry and dehydrated skin share many of the same signs and symptoms, but the differences are pretty distinct. Here is a quick breakdown of how these two skin care problems differ:

Dry Skin

Classified as a skin type, Dry skin is genetically inherited. Professional Beauty Therapy (Australia and New Zealand 2nd Edition) defines a dry skin type as fine and lacking in sebum. The characteristics of dry skin are:

the pores are small and tight
the skin texture is coarse and thin, with patches of visibly flaking skin
there is a tendency towards sensitivity (broken capillaries often accompany this skin type)
premature ageing is common, resulting in the appearance of wrinkles, seen especially around the eyes, mouth and neck
skin pigmentation may be uneven, and disorders such as ephelides (freckles) usually accompany this skin type
milia are often found around the cheek and eye area.

In addition, conditions such as hormonal imbalances or underactive thyroid can inhibit sebum production and contribute to a dry and lacklustre complexion. While you can’t change a dry skin type due to genetics, you can improve its appearance by adding oil-infused products to your skincare routine.

Dehydrated Skin

Historically described as a skin condition, dehydration is the lack of free water in the skin’s outermost layers, the Epidermis. It causes the skin to look thick and dull and accelerates skin ageing. Exposure to external elements (weather and seasonal changes), unhealthy diet (inadequate fresh produce) and lifestyle choices (alcohol or caffeine consumption) contribute to dehydrated skin. These factors deplete your skin’s water content, resulting in a less supple appearance. A key takeaway is that dehydration is a lack of water — not oil. Even oily skin types can be dehydrated. Thankfully, it is easy to fix dehydration with topical treatments and lifestyle changes.

4 Signs Of Dehydrated Skin

Not sure if you’re struggling with dryness or dehydration? Here are four telltale signs that you have dehydrated skin:

1. Itchy Skin

Have you ever returned from a ski holiday or a day at the beach and felt an unrelenting need to scratch? External elements like wind and extreme temperature changes can zap moisture from the outer layer of your skin, causing a tight, itchy sensation, often accompanied by flaking, regardless of the amount of oil on your skin’s surface.

2. Increased Sensitivity

Sensitivity is one of the most severe effects of dry skin. When your skin’s moisture barrier is compromised, it cannot effectively shield your body from environmental stimuli. As a result, irritants like bacteria and pollution can pierce its top layer, causing symptoms like redness, itching, and irritation to develop.

3. Dull Skin

Does your skin have an overall dull and tired appearance? Dehydration affects your skin’s ability to perform essential functions like cell turnover. Without adequate hydration, your skin does not shed its most outer layer frequently enough, and dead cells accumulate on its surface, contributing to clogged pores, congestion and a lacklustre complexion.

4. Fine Lines & Wrinkles

To manually test for hydration, Professional Beauty Therapy (Australia and New Zealand 2nd Edition) recommends viewing the skin under a magnifying lamp, using visual and touch diagnostic techniques to analyse Hydration: A slight squeeze will show a crêpey or fine-lined surface between your thumb and pointer finger if dehydrated. Dehydrated skin often displays accelerated signs of ageing; however, unlike smile lines or crow’s feet, these wrinkles appear as a network of tiny, triangular fine lines.

How To Fix Dehydrated Skin

Before outlining a skincare routine, these other lifestyle tips might help you.

1. Avoid Caffeine And Alcohol

Two of the worst culprits for dry skin are caffeine and alcohol. Both drugs are diuretics, which endanger the health of your skin by reducing its water content. By preventing the hormone vasopressin, which is crucial for rehydration, alcohol adds insult to injury. If you can’t picture starting your day without a cup of coffee, don’t worry: Most people agree that drinking a glass of alcohol in the evening and one to two cups of coffee each day is acceptable.

2. Best Products For Dehydrated Skin

To fix dehydrated skin, you must address your skincare routine and overall health. That means hydrating from the inside out as well as treating dehydration topically.

3. Buy A Humidifier

You might need to add moisture and turn off the air conditioner. Humidifiers are usually quiet and work in the background, evaporating water using a heating element. They form steam that gets vented into the air, creating humidity and moisture to help those with dehydrated skin.

4. Skip Strong Acids

Exfoliation is a no-fail way to brighten a dull, dehydrated complexion but for dehydrated skin, I recommend avoiding strong acids that could cause irritation. Healthy skin takes between 30 and 120 days to renew depending on age, and dehydrated skin takes even longer. Proper exfoliation accelerates skin cell turnover by sloughing dead cells from the surface to reveal the new, healthy cells underneath. As the skin isn’t strong enough for strong acids at this stage (they will penetrate too quickly and cause irritation as there is no barrier), the best methods for exfoliation are enzymes and physical exfoliants as they work on the surface of the skin. I recommend a more gentle exfoliating option below in the skincare routine.

A Dehydrated Skin Care Routine

You must address your skincare routine and general health in order to treat dehydrated skin. This entails both hydrating internally and topically to cure dehydration.

1. Wash With A Gentle Cleanser & Lukewarm Water

The best way to cleanse dehydrated skin is with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water. Choose cleansers free of harsh chemical additives that can strip the skin of beneficial moisture and aggravate sensitivities. Clean With Envy by Dermaenergy is a foaming cleanser with pineapple enzymes to help gently exfoliate the skin while washing it. Luxuriously foaming, it instantly lifts daily dirt, grime, make-up and oil for a deep cleanse without leaving the skin feeling stripped or squeaky.

2. Use A Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is remarkably effective in replenishing dehydrated skin. This miracle ingredient is a humectant that helps bind and retain moisture, keeping skin soft and pillowy. According to the Milady Skin Care and Cosmetic Ingredients Dictionary (4th edition), hyaluronic acid’s water-absorption abilities and significant molecular structure allow the epidermis to achieve greater suppleness, plasticity, and turgor.

Huge molecular-sized HA remains on the skin’s surface giving vital water to these enzymes. Hydrate and Inflate by Dermaenergy contains three (3) essential sizes, a small, medium and large molecular-sized Hyaluronic Acid. By delivering hydration to all layers of the epidermis, the result is superiorly saturated, soft, hydrated skin.

4. Use A Gentle Exfoliant

As mentioned earlier, avoid harsh exfoliants that contain strong acids. Instead, opt for a gentle enzyme or acid exfoliant containing a lactic and mandelic acid blend. Derived from milk and almonds, these mild alpha-hydroxy acids are key ingredients in Dermaenergy exfoliating serums: Shed The Dead and LQD Exfoliant.

5. Protect Your Skin’s Outer Layer

According to internationally acclaimed dermal science educator Florence Barrett-Hill, “Epidermal hydration is directly affected by … fluid intake. If that fluid intake is not maintained at an acceptable level, all secretion, respiration and transpiration functions of the skin will eventually become impaired.” The key is preventing water from leaving your skin by keeping its moisture barrier intact and healthy. One of the best ways to achieve this is with a topical treatment like Dermaenergy’s Filthy Rich. This rich formula contains Aquarich, which builds a breathable film on the skin to protect it while helping to reinforce the skin’s own Natural Moisturising Factors. Vitamin F prevents transepidermal water loss and locks in moisture where your skin needs it most, so you can expect instant relief against dryness and tautness.

A Mini Three-Step Routine For Dry, Winter Skin

Perhaps you don’t have dehydrated skin, but you’re dealing with dry skin symptoms, such as cracked, flaky or itchy skin. These three products in my three-step routine will save your skin and keep your skin smooth and supple all winter long.

Step 1: Skin cleansing is essential to refresh and maintain a healthy complexion

Use Clean With Envy as the first step in your AM and PM skincare routine. Thoroughly massage a pearl-sized amount over your wet face, neck and décolletage, and rinse. If you keep your cleanser in the shower, you will never forget this essential step! This sulphate-free foaming cleanser thoroughly cleans the skin without stripping the precious barrier while pineapple enzymes work to unclog pores and balance oil flow.

Step 2: Use A Hydrating Serum

For your second step, apply a layer of the Dermaenergy Hydrate and Inflate as part of your AM and PM routine. Apply to cleansed skin over your face, neck and décolleté area before moisturiser and sun protection (AM). This serum enhances hydration on all skin types and soothes inflammation, particularly for those with dry and dehydrated skin.

Step 3: Apply A Moisturiser

For your final and third step, assess the correct level of oil the skin already produces to help determine which Dermaenergy moisturiser is right for you. If your skin already has a high production of oil, then adding additional oil is unnecessary. A combination skin type needs a small addition of oil. If the skin is lipid-dry, then we need to add more oil. I recommend moisturising as part of your AM and PM routine. Apply moisturiser to cleansed skin following serum application and before sun protection (AM). Dermaenergy moisturisers lock in serums and drive the active ingredients deeper into the skin. They contain Blue Light, an urban antioxidant protecting against damaging digital devices.

For a skincare routine tailored to your unique skin type and concerns, book a Skin Analysis & Consultation.

August 2, 2017November 10, 2023

Why is my skin so dry?

Dry, dehydrated skin can be a temporary problem – one you experience only in winter, for example – or a lifelong concern.

Dry skin, also called xerosis, is a very common problem in modern life, affecting people of all ages, even infants. Scientists agree – because of a sharp decline in the Stratum corneum lipids (lipids are fats that are essential for the structure and function of living cells), especially the significant drop in ceramides (one of the more important structural components of the lipid barrier), by the time we reach age 40, our skin will almost certainly be dry and/or dehydrated.

However, some people experience the trials of a dry skin condition before they reach this time in their life. An increasingly stressful lifestyle coupled with continual exposure to the sun, wind and chemicals in the environment contribute to dry, dehydrated skin in people of all ages.

What is dry, dehydrated skin?

Dry skin, or slipped skin, generally refers to skin that is lacking oil, whereas dehydrated skin is characterised by the lack of moisture in the Stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the epidermis. Typically, cells that comprise the deepest layers of the epidermis have about 80% water content, while cells of the Stratum corneum are about 10% water. Anything below 10% is perceived as dehydrated.

Both dry and dehydrated skin is often irritated, inflamed and itchy, and it is generally worse in areas with relatively few sebaceous (oil) glands such as the arms, legs and torso, as well as the cheeks and eye area.

There is also a widespread misconception that dehydrated skin is the opposite of oily skin. “Dehydrated” refers to lack of moisture (not a lack of oil), while “oily” refers to levels of sebum or oil on skin. While adequate sebum does help maintain water levels on skin, oily skin can be dehydrated. Dehydrated skin may lack water only in the outermost layers of the epidermis while maintaining normal levels in the deeper layers.

Other symptoms of dry skin can include a feeling of tightness or tautness, especially after showering, bathing or swimming, skin that feels and looks rough rather than smooth, slight to severe flaking or scaling, fine lines, cracks that can sometimes bleed, and severe redness.

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