New Years Resolution: Goodbye Dullness! (details inside - what to avoid)

January 17, 2014 David Fredrickson

As we get older, the rate of skin-cell turnover starts to slow and the pace at which these cells are shed isn't the same all over your face. Cells in the T-zone where there are more oil-glands tend to get replaced faster than the skin on the sides of your face.

Add in winter woes and the result?

Dull, dry skin that reflects light unevenly.

WHAT TO AVOID: EXCESSIVE EXFOLIATION & CHEMICAL PEELS

Excessive exfoliation and chemical peels are extremely common answers in the skincare industry to every problem from fine lines, scarring, acne, and hyperpigmentation. They are born from the idea that the skin needs help with cellular renewal and regeneration. When we apply acid or excessive exfoliation to the top layers of the epidermis, we are forcing the process of epidermal turnover which interferes with the skin's natural ability to function, causing inflammation and the underlying dermis to divert is valuable resources towards repairing and restoring the compromised upper layer of skin.

YOUR SOLUTIONS:

Nourish your Skin ~ Just like the rest of the body, the skin needs certain nutrients to function efficiently. If it doesn't receive them, it will go into survival mode just as if you are dieting and cut calories too dramatically. When the skin doesn't get the nutrients it needs, it is forced to prioritize.

The skin must choose between fully repairing the skin or slowing down the natural exfoliation cycle (think about a bear going into hibernation). The result - without the proper nutrients, the skin is allowed to thin.

The most beneficial ingredients do one of three things; increase circulation (the skin’s only source of food/nutrients/immune cells/building block materials), stimulate fibroblast activity (the only way to make collagen, elastin, GAG’s needed to rebuild/repair the skin), and provide antioxidants to help neutralize the 24-hr a day attack on our cells from free radicals. To try: Renew AHA + Vitamin C Exfoliating Cleanser

Gentle Exfoliation ~ While you never want to force exfoliation or exfoliate too often, there are products designed to help your skin carefully break apart the clusters of dead skin cells safely and without irritation or inflammation to the skin. To try: soPure Clarifying Mask

Nourish your Body ~ Drink plenty of water and take in a sufficient quantity of antioxidants to nourish your skin from the inside-out.

Some to try:

Vitamin C This well-known vitamin is essential to collagen production, protects your skin from UV damage and helps scars heal. Eat: Lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, particularly citrus fruit such as lemons, oranges and grapefruit, kiwi, cabbage and parsley.

Vitamin A Vitamin A is the most important vitamin for healthy, radiant skin and also protects against UV damage. Eat: Liver, eggs, butter, and brightly-coloured fruit and vegetables such as mangos, melons, peppers, and carrots.

Vitamin E Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant with a great ability to repair sun damage. It traps aging free radicals and acts in harmony with Vitamin A and Vitamin C to protect cell membranes, which are the main target of free radicals. Eat: Nuts such as walnuts, hazelnuts and almonds, whole grains, cereals and vegetable/plant oils.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin) Vitamin B3 is crucial in your body's ability to produce energy, metabolize fats, and repair DNA. Eat: Fish such as swordfish, salmon, and tuna, beets and green vegetables such as brussels sprouts, spinach and broccoli.

Beauty Ecology