The truth about what really causes your wrinkles!

Exposure to UV (ultraviolet light) - people who spend considerable time out in the sun during their leisure hours or for work tend to age more quickly, especially if proper sun protection is not used

Smoking - smoking depletes estrogen levels in your body and estrogen is what keeps skin plump, youthful and radiant. Smoking also reduces blood supply to the skin, which experts say provides a direct link to accelerated aging of skin

Light skin - people with lighter skin types tend to experience a higher level of sun damage, leading to an earlier visible signs of aging.

Genetic factors - if your parents maintained a youthful appearance longer than the average, you can expect to follow suit as long as you live a similar life style.

Clothes - people who tend to wear hats and long sleeves usually develop wrinkles later in life compared to people of the same skin type who do not.

Lack of Sleep - Researches have detected that when you don't get enough sleep, the body produces excess cortisol, a hormone that breaks down skin cells. Those who get plenty of rest produce more HGH (human growth hormone), which helps skin remain resilient or more "elastic," and is less likely to prematurely wrinkle.



Now that you are aware of the causes of accelerated aging, you can work to control and prolong your youthfulness. All of the above points are all very important factors, but nothing beats good skin care routine. Chemical peels, daily exfoliators along with religious application of SPF 30+ (Sun Shield Moisturizer SPF 30+ Anti Aging Peptide) will give you the foundation for beautiful, healthy skin.

How to Deal with Menopausal Skin

After the steady run of relatively obedient adult skin, the Menopause can often feel like hitting the rollercoaster of puberty all over again.

As our hormones swing out of balance, so does our skin.

For an average of 2 years between the ages of 45 – 55, 80% of women will regularly experience hot flushes, insomnia, aggravated skin and night sweats.

While we can’t offer a miracle cure (let’s face it, who can?), we have got some top tips for relieving the most frustrating symptoms of Menopausal skin.

Hot flushes

The bain of the Menopausal female’s life, hot flushes can strike at any time and usually last for a few minutes.

While some may just feel a short sensation of extreme heat, others will suffer perspiration, faintness and even sickness.

During these hot bouts, the face, neck and shoulders flush red.

Applying a cooling and calming mist or cream to the skin will help relieve these annoying and oppressive symptoms.

Look for ingredients such as green tea, chamomile, hyaluronic acid that soothe, strengthen and protect reactive and flaring skin.

Keeping skin care in the fridge for a cool application can instantly reduce redness and dispel excess heat.

Dry, itchy and lacklustre skin

As Oestrogen levels drop, Collagen production slows down, and the skin needs a bit of extra help staying firm, fresh and toned.

An Essential Fatty Acid (Omega 3,6 & 9) supplement will help condition your skin from the inside out and promote a soft, supple and vibrant complexion.

To combat dry, itchy and aggravated skin, moisturise on a regular basis with an alcohol-free moisturiser and body cream.

Oil produced naturally by the skin that depletes with age, our Natural Squalane Oil is the ideal hydration boost for mature skin.

Insomnia

Though insomnia is not a skin complaint, it can have a direct effect on skin health.

Lack of sleep and the stress it causes often aggravates existing skin conditions and sensitivities, as well as contributing to a general tired, dull and unhealthy complexion.

Lavender is a great organic sleep aid. Keep some dried buds on your bedside table or dot a couple of drops of essential oil into your pillow for a soporific effect.

Also make sure Menopausal insomnia is not made worse by additional stresses and strains.

Yoga and meditation are ideal stress-busters. Try practicing a few gentle exercises before you go to bed to clear and calm your mind.