Your Skin and the Silent Saboteur Stalking it

We have known for quite a while that the sun is Enemy No1 for skin cancer and skin ageing. 

However, there is another silent saboteur stalking our skin every day. What is less know is that air/ozone pollution is also a huge danger to our skin and can also cause pre-maturing ageing and all kind of other health problems.

Take care, it is coming!

We all know about ozone. That is the layer that occurs naturally in the earth’s upper atmosphere and protects us from the sun’s harmful UV radiation. 

There is another ozone layer: tropospheric ozone/ground level ozone/smog. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropospheric_ozone.  It is formed by the interaction of sunlight with hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides, which are usually emitted by motor vehicles, coal fired power stations, factories and veld fires.

Recently it was published that Mpumalanga is the most polluted area in the world, so it is not just something that happens elsewhere, it is here and we need to take note of it. 

Greenpeace says an analysis of satellite data shows Mpumalanga as the “worst” nitrogen dioxide air pollution hot spot across six continents.

Ground level ozone causes damage to the skin via a process called oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress is an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the ability of the body to counteract or detoxify their harmful effects through neutralisation by antioxidants. In other words, ground ozone can cause depletion of natural antioxidants in the skin such as Vitamin A, C and E., therefore damaging the proteins and lipids in the stratum corneum (outermost layer of the epidermis).

The role of antioxidants is to protect the skin against free radical damage caused by environmental aggressors. Ozone pollution causes inflammation which causes of  line lines and wrinkles, excessive oiliness, rough texture and increased sensitivity.

Sunscreen will not protect your skin against ozone pollution. So it stands to reason that we should start looking at ingredients that can help with this problem.

I now routinely recommend using a topical antioxidant such as Vitamin A, C and E.

Vitamin A capsules for and instant skin boost

Vitamin A (retinol)

It has a proven successful record in treating the following:

Fine expression lines

Wrinkles

Acne break outs

Free radical damaged caused by recent UV and Ground Ozone is minimised

Recommended At Home Product:

Vitaderm Skin-Perfection Capsules

Vitaderm Skin Perfection Capsules

                      

Vitaderm Multi Vitamin Treatment Cream

Vitaderm Vitality Booster Mask

 

Vitamin C for cell protection and collagen formation

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)

When natural, biologically-active vitamin C enters skin cells, it results in the following significant well-documented effects:

Formation of sun-spots are reduced and prevented

Free radical damaged caused by recent UV and Ground Ozone is minimized

It causes an Anti-ageing effect by stimulating collagen formation

Skin smoothness is enhanced

Recommended At Home Products:

Vitaderm Radian C Serum 

                         

Vitaderm Multi Vitamin Treatment Cream

Vitaderm Vitality Booster Mask

Almonds are a good source of Vitamin E

Vitamin E (tocopheryl)

Protects against effect of free radicals.

Long term use can even reduce sunburns from exposure to UVB radiation.

Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Reduce the appearance of stretch marks

vitamin e can help prevent the appearance of age spots

Helps maintain the skin’s oil balance during the cleansing process

Reduces transepidermal water loss from skin and strengthens the skin’s barrier function

Recommended At Home Products:

Vitaderm Hydrating Treatment Cream                  

Vitaderm Brightening Treament Cream

Vitaderm MultiVitamin Treatment Cream.

Vitaderm Firming Treatment Cream

Vitaderm  Anti-Oxidant Cream

Vitaderm Aromatic Complex
Vitaderm Lipid Complex

Please contact Gerda at 082 398 9817 for enquiries

The mercury is rising and it is Summer Holidays.-Vitaderm Reflective Sun Barrier SPF 25+ and Vitaderm Reflective Sunscreen SPF 15+

The mercury is rising and it is Summer Holidays and we have to take care to prevent sun damage.-Vitaderm Reflective Sun Barrier SPF 25+

There are so many articles about the dangers of sun exposure and how to prevent and treat it, but it is something that I am very passionate about, so here we go again!

What causes skin cancer?

• Sun tanning also darkens the colour of any scarring, even acne scars, making them more obvious.

• The sun dries the skin out, resulting in dry, scaly patches appearing all over your body.

• Extended exposure to the sun's ultraviolet  (UVA) rays is one of the risk factors associated with eye disorders such as cataracrs. Sunlight reflected from the surface of water or other reflective medium can cause conjunctivitis and keratitis.

• Even a slight sunburn, can inflame your eyes, leaving it red and irritable.

• Only one day of improper tanning will leave your freckles darker, more and more obvious.

• All sun exposure accumulates over time and will sneak up on you later in life.  Bridget Bardot, famous actress and ‘sex’-kitten of the 60’s and 70’s, now refuses to leave her house and to be seen in public as  she looks quite awful due to years of sun- tanning, burning and blistering.

It is mainly the ultra violet rays, UVA and UVB which cause the damage. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, gradually destroying elasticity and causing premature ageing. UVB rays cause skin damage and can alter the structure of skin cells, and ultimately lead to possible skin cancer. UVC rays are the most dangerous but as they are blocked out by the ozone layer, they don’t reach the earth’s surface

A few people inherit a high-risk faulty gene, and some families tend to have large number of moles, which may increase the risk that these can become malignant.

Should one wear a sunscreen?

One should always wear a sunscreen when being outdoors, whether it is raining, snowing or shining, not only when tanning! However, be careful not to spend longer in the sun and so increasing the risk of burning.

“Studies are now confirming that sunscreens can protect against non-melanoma skin cancer, but keeping out of the sun completely is the best way to reduce risk”, says Dr Catherine Harwood, honorary consultant in dermatology at Barts and The London NHS Trust Centre for Cutaneous Research.  As this is not quite possible to always stay out of the sun, one should always protect oneself adequately.

Which sunscreen to use?

Sun protection creams/oils are rated according to their sun protection factor (SPF).  It refers to the amount of time a product increases your skin’s natural level of protection.  For example, SPF15 allows you to stay in the sun, without burning, 15 times longer than if you were not wearing any cream/oil, providing that you re-apply it often. However, SPF50+ sunscreen does not mean you can stay out of the sun for longer periods of time, without re-appying it often and you should also use sunscreen in conjunction with other sun protection measures - hats, sunglasses, clothing, shade.

Look at the ingredient in the sun cream.  Any word which end with –cinnamate or –salicytate protects against UVB only.  Avobenzone or Parsol 1789 protects against UVA only.  Oxybenzone, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide protect against both. Please ensure that you use sunscreens that protect against both UVA and UVB rays.

A sunscreen labelled Broad Spectrum offers protection from both UVA and UVB rays.

Vitaderm is offering an extra-special discount on both the Reflective Sunscreen SPF 15+ and the Reflective Sun Barrier SPF 25+, for the month of December 2015

Vitaderm’s sunscreens are non-greasy, making them a popular choice with all.  A reflective sunscreen contains particles that reflect the sun’s rays. This allows the product developers to incorporate fewer chemicals to achieve the required SPF. 

Vitaderm’s sun screen and sun barrier creams contain:

Octyl methoxyciinamte; a FDA approved most popular chemical sunscreen world-wide for excellent UV absorptions capability with a good safety profile.

Bensophenone-3; becoming very popular as manufacturers become ome concerned with potential safety problems with more traditional sunscreen chemicals.

Titanium dioxide; physical sunscreen

Zinc PCA; physical sunscreen

Apply a thick layer 15 to 30 minutes before going into the sun to give the skin time to absorb it.  Reapply every 2 to 4 hours and after swimming or exercise.

One should always wear a sun protection on the face, neck and décolletage, as the glare of the sun that reflects from the dashboard of your car, water, sand and other surfaces, can burn your face without you even being aware thereof.

Sun beds.

The type of UV light used in sun beds can cause all types of skin cancer. 

People who use sun beds are three times more likely to develop melanoma of the eye than those who never use one.  The British Medical Association is now advising people not to use sun beds. It reports that the risk of developing cancer increases by up to 20% per decade of sun bed use before the age of 65.  Makers of sun beds may tell you they are safe, but there is definite evidence to the contrary.  Both fair and dark skins can get cancer. 

In one session of 15 to 30 minutes on a sun bed, you are exposed to the same amount of damaging UVA & B rays that you would have been exposed to, if you were in the sun for one whole day, according to the American Academy for Dermatology.

Other little devils….

Exposure to sun, damage and age the skin prematurely.  This has been proven via scientific studies numerous times.  Not only does it cause wrinkles, loss of elasticity and damage the skin ability to produce collagen and elastin, it also gives the skin a leather-like look and feel. Do you really want to look like tanned cowhide?

The sun bleach facial hair, and as your tan deepens, your facial hair becomes more obvious.

Sun tanning also darkens the colour of any scarring, even acne scars, making them more obvious.

The sun dries the skin out, resulting in dry, scaly patches appearing all over your body.

Extended exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays is one of the risk factors associated with eye disorders such as cataracts. Sunlight reflected from the surface of water or other reflective medium can cause conjunctivitis and keratitis.

Even a slight sunburn, can inflame your eyes, leaving it red and irritable.

Only one day of improper tanning will leave your freckles darker, more and more obvious.

All sun exposure accumulates over time and will sneak up on you later in life.  Bridget Bardot, famous actress and ‘sex’-kitten of the 60’s and 70’s, now refuses to leave her house and to be seen in public as  she looks quite awful due to years of sun- tanning, burning and blistering

Afterwards

Caring for sun-tanned or –burned skin is a must.  It not only calms and soothes, but it also nourishes, repairs and regenerates any skin damage.

Just fake it!

Fake tanning is so easy these days, with the self-tanning lotions being one of the most used products in beauty salons word wide.

Be good to your skin......it may have to last until you are 100!

Be good to your skin-stay safe in the sun!

Do you only use one bottle of sunscreen every summer? Well, please read further and hopefully I can convince you to be more liberal with that SPF!

What is the difference between UVA and UVB rays?

Both are ultraviolet rays that are able to penetrate your skin, but causes damage in different ways.  

UVB rays causes sunburn and can penetrate the deeper levels of the skin, damaging DNA and can trigger the growth of cancerous skin cells.

UVA rays damage the elastic fibres in the skin, causing pre-mature aging. However, according to Dr Mark Birch-Machin, senior lecturer in dermatology at the University of Newcastle- upon- Tyne, UVA light is now recognised as having the ability to radically alter the health of our skin-cell DNA, due to the free radical damage it causes, thus causing cancer.

Should one wear a sunscreen?

One should always wear a sunscreen when being outdoors, not only when tanning! However, be careful not to stay longer in the sun and so increasing the risk of burning.

“Studies are now confirming that sunscreens can protect against non-melanoma skin cancer, but keeping out of the sun completely is the best way to reduce risk”, says Dr Catherine Harwood, honorary consultant in dermatology at Barts and The London NHS Trust Centre for Cutaneous Research.  As this is not quite possible to always stay out of the sun, one should always protect oneself adequately.

Which sunscreen to use?

Sun protection creams/oils are rated according to their sun protection factor (SPF).  It refers to the amount of time a product increases your skin’s natural level of protection.  For example, SPF15 allows you to stay in the sun, without burning, 15 times longer than if you were not wearing any cream/oil, providing that you re-apply it often.

Apply a thick layer 15 to 30 minutes before going into the sun to give the skin time to absorb it.  Reapply every 2 to 4 hours and after swimming or exercise.

One should always wear a sun protection on the face, neck and décolletage, as the glare of the sun that reflects from the dashboard of your car, water, sand and other surfaces, can burn your face without you even being aware thereof.

Look at the ingredient in the sun cream.  Any word which end with –cinnamate or –salicytate protects against UVB only.  Avobenzone or Parsol 1789 protects against UVA only.  Oxybenzone, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide protect against both.

New legislation states that sunscreen can no longer be rated higher than 50+ and should protect agains both UVA and UVB. One should use at least a SPF25 on your face everyday if you do "normal' things, eg going shopping or just commuting to work.  If you are going to be outdoors for longer times, use a higher SPF and apply lots and lots and again and again and again......

Ageing and the sun/ sun beds.

Exposure to sun, damage and age the skin prematurely.  This has been proven via scientific studies numerous times.  Not only does it cause wrinkles, loss of elasticity and damage the skin ability to produce collagen and elastin, it also gives the skin a leather-like look and feel. Do you really want to look like tanned cowhide?

What about sun beds?

People who use sun beds are three times more likely to develop melanoma of the eye than those who never use one.  The British Medical Association is now advising people not to use sun beds. It reports that the risk of developing cancer increases by up to 20% per decade of sun bed use before the age of 65.  Makers of sun beds may tell you they are safe, but there is definite evidence to the contrary.  Both fair and dark skins can get cancer. 

In one session of 15 to 30 minutes on a sun bed, you are exposed to the same amount of damaging UVA & B rays that you would have been exposed to, if you were in the sun for one whole day, according to the American Academy for Dermatology.

A few people inherit a high-risk faulty gene, and some families tend to have large number of moles, which may increase the risk that these can become malignant. 

Other little devils

• The sun bleach facial hair, and as your tan deepens, your facial hair becomes more obvious.

• Sun tanning also darkens the colour of any scarring, even acne scars, making them more obvious.

• The sun dries the skin out, resulting in dry, scaly patches appearing all over you body.

• Extended exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays is one of the risk factors associated with eye disorders such as cataracts. Sunlight reflected from the surface of water or other reflective medium can cause conjunctivitis and keratitis.

• Even a slight sunburn, can inflame your eyes, leaving it red and irritable.

• Only one day of improper tanning will leave your freckles darker, more and more obvious.

• All sun exposure accumulates over time and will sneak up on you later in life.

Afterwards

Caring for sun-tanned or –burned skin is a must.  It not only calms and soothes, but it also nourishes, repairs and regenerates any skin damage. Vitamin C creams are a sure way to help with the after care on sundamaged skin.

Just fake it!

There is no such thing as a healthy tan. Your "tan" is nothing but a warning sign from your skin that you are abusing it, and one should take it to heart.

Fake tanning is so easy these days, with self-tanning lotions being one of the most used products in beauty salons world wide. 

Be safe and enjoy our beautiful summer weather!