The A-Z Of Skincare: Part 2

a-z-skincare

Continuing our investigation of all things skincare, this week we talk everything from inflammation to K beauty.

I is for Inflammation

Although a flare up of blotchy, red skin may send us into meltdown mode, inflammation is actually our body’s way of looking after us. When the immune system is under threat, due to attacking bacteria, lack of sleep, bad diet or environmental factors such as exposure to UV light, allergens and pollutants, the inflammatory response triggers the production of fluid in the tissues and increases blood flow, making our skin appear red, raised and often sore and hot to the touch.

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In these instances, turn to skincare containing calming anti-inflammatory ingredients such as turmeric, chamomile, green tea and aloe vera.

Try: Designed to soothe and calm irritated skin Odacite Ca+C Sensitive Skin Serum Concentrate is formulated with chamomile and camelina oil and helps to support skin’s natural healing properties and minimise redness.

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J is for Jasmine

Nocturnally blooming, the jasmine flower releases enzymes that help to soothe and balance dry or stressed-out skin and fade scars or imperfections. Jasmine is also very uplifting and mood enhancing thanks to the flower’s unmistakable fragrance, which helps to stimulate the release of serotonin ‘the happy hormone’ within the body.

Try: Supercharged with its own healing jasmine blend, Clark’s Botanicals Deep Moisture Mask is perfect for dry complexions or skin that needs extra hydration during the cold, winter months. Smooth over cleansed skin as a multi-purpose mask and moisturiser in one.

K is for K Beauty

The K stands for Korean, and refers to the Korean philosophy for beauty which focuses on maintaining a healthy complexion that is utterly flawless and doesn’t require coverage. In fact, the paler and more pristine the skin, the better. Dedicated to skincare from as young as six, Korean women carry out up to 12 steps in their daily routine and opt for thin, watery textures that are easy to layer and give ultimate hydration for plump, porcelain-smooth looking skin.

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From BB creams to bubbling oxygen masks, Korea is renowned for its game-changing beauty innovations.

Try: Inspired by ancient Korean traditions, Erborian – meaning herbs of the orient – combines natural yet effective herbs with advanced technology to create unique formulas that rejuvenate and restore skin’s luminosity. We love the Spray-To-Mask – a gel-like mask made using naturally derived gum that releases its actives onto the skin.

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L is for Lactic Acid

Present in sour milk, beer, sauerkraut, pickles, and other food products made by bacterial fermentation, lactic acid is part of the alpha hydroxy family and works to  gently exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds between cells and improving skin’s ability to produce collagen so it looks younger and feels smoother.

Try: Ameliorate Fragrance Free Transforming Body Lotion contains optimum levels of lactic acid and works to resurface the uppermost layers of the skin on your body, leaving arms and legs silky smooth.

M is for Magnesium

Magnesium is an essential mineral that our bodies use to support energy production. It helps with muscle recovery and spasms, can relieve aches and pains, reduce inflammation, help improve sleep, and slow down the ageing process associated with increased stress levels. Magnesium depletes quickly during times of stress, and experts say that up to 80% of the UK population is magnesium deficient.

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We can up our magnesium intake via our diet; try to include pumpkin seeds, spinach, soy beans, sesame sees, quinoa and black beans in yours, but one of the best ways our bodies absorbs magnesium is through our skin.

Try: Massage REN’s Atlantic Kelp & Magnesium Anti-Fatigue Body Cream onto tired and tense muscles to soothe and increase your magnesium intake.

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N is for Natural Skincare

Natural skincare harnesses the power of plant oils and active ingredients that are extracted from plants as opposed to being produced synthetically. Many people prefer to use natural skincare products that are made without mineral oils, chemicals, preservatives and fillers but instead are packed with concentrated pure natural ingredients.

Try: Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask made from 100% natural and non-toxic, premium organic ingredients. This illuminating mask pulls impurities from pores and gently exfoliates to give skin an instant glow.

O is for Omegas

Omegas are essential fatty acids that are not naturally produced in the body but can be found in a variety of oils and seeds. There are three types of omegas, but Omegas-3 and -6 are most commonly used in skincare. They are best known for their anti-inflammatory properties, which make them especially good for those who suffer with rosacea and eczema. They work to repair the skin’s barrier function, improving moisture levels, which results in softer skin with improved elasticity.

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Try: Featuring five plant oils; grapeseed, apricot, almond, olive and sunflower, all of which contain Omega-3, Emma Hardie Brilliant Facial Oil helps to restructure skin and promote elasticity and moisture.

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P is for Pollution

Our skin is constantly exposed to the damage caused by pollution, be it air conditioning and blue light from computers in offices to free radicals and pollutants. This daily build-up is tough on our skin. Free radicals, caused by pollution, penetrate the surface of our skin and attack the cells and the skin’s own antioxidants, which slows down collagen production and leaves our skin less elastic and more prone to ageing.

Try: To shield skin against harmful pollutants, we recommend Oskia CityLife Booster – an intense anti-pollution defense concentrate that’s clinically proven to protect skin against the ageing effects of pollution.

Q is for Quick Fixes

There are times when we need instant results. Whether it’s an important presentation or a big night out we all want our skin to look youthful and fresh in a flash. In these instances, reach for a sheet mask. Designed to tackle a host of skincare woes, sheet masks deliver targeted ingredients deep into skin and transform tired, sallow complexions in less than 15 minutes.

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Try: Thanks to Patchology’s HydraSurge Moisture System technology, the FlashMasque Illuminate gets to work in a matter of just five minutes and targets the causes of dull-looking skin.