There are many enemies out there that are waiting to attack you skin. Some are self inflicted wile other are environmental.
Sun Damage
The suns UV rays cause more skin damage than any other factor. UVA rays can penetrate cloud cover & glass and stay intense throughout the day(even in the winter) and are responsible for skin cancer, collagen breakdown & blotchiness. This is done by creating free radicals whic cause chaos on melanin making cells & degrade collagen and elastin.
UVB rays are responsible for tannin, burning and skin cancer. They are strongest during late spring, summer & early autumn and most intense during 10 a.m and 3 p.m
To prevent further sun damage, sunscreen is really important!(even in winter). Areas that are exposed to the sun on a regular basis definitely need lots of sunscreen. For your face always use a day cream with SPF15 or higher.
Pollution
This isn’t just bad for your lungs & eyes but it can also effect your complexion. This is thanks to chemicals like carbon dioxide and lead which set off you’re old enemy free radicals. People with sensitive skin often find pollution causes rashes and oter reactions, while oily skin can get blocked pores and increased greasiness.
Smoking
I’ve smoked in the past but once I learned what it does to your skin, I quit. This little things cause fine lines around the mouth from puckering your lips, lines near the eyes from squinting through smoke, a greyish complexion caused by nicotine slowed blood circulation; thin skin; slackness and dryness.
Smoking can also lead to a higher risk of skin cancer andslpwer wound healing abilities. Antioxidants like Vitamin C are also harder to absorb. DNA also gets damaged as skin cells repace slower.
Heavy Drinking
We all like a glass of wine, or a pint but did you know heavy drinking can dehydrate your skin and make it look puffy? It also zaps B Vitamins from the body. B Vitamins are essential to maintain health so a deficiency can cause a pale sallow complexion, dryness, slackness & unexplained spots.
Alcohol also dilates blood vessels causing visible broken veins on your face. It can also cause neglect, who feels like cleansing etc when the room is spinning?
Stress
When you are stressed, your body releases stress hormones which causes spots, dry patches, oily patches, sallowness, dark circles & rahses. Try some relaxation techniques to relieve stress. Even 10 minutes with your feet up & a cup of tea can work wonders.
Rough Treatment
Skin is quite resilient but it does have a delicate side. Aggresive treatment can make skin look worn & abused. Picking spots can cause scars; using very hot water can break small capillaries & make skin dry; tugging at skin can break down collagen and elastin fibres which leads to slackness; and using harsh skin products can cause redness and sensitivity
Your Diet
What you eats plays such an important role in how good or bad your skin looks. Skimp on calories or a certain nutrient and your skin suffers, as it does wen you over indulge in fast food. ere are just a few nutrient deficiencies and how they can affect your complexion
- Lack of Protein- Dull dry complexion and poor wound healing
- Lack of Iron- Pale complexion
- Lack of Vitamin A- Dry skin or unexplained break outs
- Lack of B Vitamins- Cracks in corner of your mouth, unexplained breakouts and impaired wound healing.
- Lack of Vitamin C- Poor wound healing, dullness and easy bruising
xxx A great supplement for your skin, hair and nails is Vitabiotics Perfectil. I have been taking this for years and believe it is the reason my skin is good and my nails are strong. While I was pregnant, I had to stop taking it but am back on it now and have noticed a huge difference in my skin.It s available in most chemists but I buy it in Boots for €13.89 xxx
