Pittwater Life January 2018 Issue

Hair & Beauty
Hair & Beauty
The essentials for dealing
with our harsh summer
During Australia’s hot
summer months,
the skin needs the
most support to prevent
pigmentation issues, DNA
damage and oxidative
stress. No matter how busy
or relaxed your summer
vacation time is, the skin
will be requiring a boost
of antioxidants and skin
protective ingredients
both in the clinic treatment
room and at home.
The skin is constantly
producing melanocytes to
help protect our epidermis
from UV damage. As we
age, the skin loses a lot
of its natural resources
needed to protect and
repair it. This happens
more rapidly during the
summer months because
the skin is constantly in
protection mode, which
depletes these natural
resources. Consequently,
it becomes even more
important to help replenish
them and support the skin
during this time.
Because melanocytes rise
to the surface to help protect
the skin from the sun, this
activity naturally goes into
overdrive during prolonged
exposure to UV rays. The
key during the summer is to
find a balance. We have to be
careful not to suppress the
melanocytes, while ensuring
the skin is not overproducing
them – that is when more
permanent discolouration
occurs.
The goal is to maintain
the production, but to find
a healthy balance. When
ingredients designed to
inhibit melanocytes are
used, they are not able to
respond and protect the
cell. Melanin suppressants
may be okay in the
treatment room, depending
on your skin and if you
are compliant with staying
out of the sun. At home,
however, you will want to
limit these to the evening
skin regime, blending
with growth factors and a
treatment cream.
To further support the
skin, antioxidants are
crucial during the summer.
This can be done both
with Sue Carroll
support, and externally
with skin care. Topically
products should be
designed to help reduce
heat and inflammation,
while still ensuring enough
hydration is received by
the skin. At night the focus
for skin care should be
focussed on corrective
support with topicals such
as mandelic acid, arginine
and a mild Vitamin A. Using
a corrective that causes
the skin to become dry
and flaky will actually work
against us at this time of
the year, as it exposes the
epidermal layer, which
makes the skin more
vulnerable to the sun. This
has to be minimized at
this time of the year. The
evening is also a good
time to help neutralize the
melanocyte activity and
help ensure its functioning
optimally.
Being an Australian
usually means being
subjected to an outdoor
lifestyle. In order to
protect, support and repair
our skin this should go
hand in hand with a good
physical sunscreen with
an SPF factor of around
30, a broad-brimmed hat,
sunglasses, light clothing
that will cover most areas
(should not cast a shadow
when held up to the light),
and a healthy dose of
antioxidants topically and
internally. These tips will
help to ensure a healthy,
radiant skin all year round.
Sue Carroll of Skin
Inspiration has been a qualified
Aesthetician for 33 years.
Sue has owned and
operated successful beauty
clinics and day spas on
the Northern Beaches.
info@skininspiration.com.au
www.skininspiration.com.au
with the diet for internal
54 JANUARY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991