Winter Skin

 

Now that the temperature has dropped and the nights have well and truly closed in, it’s time to think about the effects harsh winter weather can have on our skin.

Exposure to the winter elements can cause a number of skin concerns including dehydration, dryness and flaky patches.

It is important to understand the difference between dry and dehydrated skin. Dehydrated skin is caused by a lack of moisture whereas dry skin is caused by a lack of sebum or oil. As the temperature drops, so does humidity, meaning that there is less moisture in the air.  When the temperature and humidity are low the skin is stripped of its natural lipid layer. The purpose of the natural lipid layer is to prevent the skin from drying out. This combined with the drying-out effects of central heating leads to tautness, sensitivity, flakiness and possibly more severely sensitisation and extreme chapping.

A poor or damaged barrier of the skin can lead to breakouts, dehydration, sensitisation, pigmentation and ageing.

Maintaining the barrier function of skin becomes critical during the winter months. Supplementing the skin with additional essential fatty acids and humectants will help to repair the barrier.

Healing the skin is the first step in improving barrier function. Making good product choices is vital. The aim should be not to add moisture to the skin but to keep moisture in. Replenishment and protection is the key.

Years ago heavy barriers creams were used with occlusive ingredients to cover the skin and allow it to heal. More modern products provide many more benefits and we rely much more on actives to repair the skin from a deeper level rather than simple occlusion. 

Environs’ AVST Moisturisers and C-Quence Serums contain vitamins and antioxidants and work at a much deeper level than conventional cosmetic creams. Vitamins A, C and E will benefit a compromised skin through the following:

Vitamin A

·         Stimulates GAGS – locks in moisture

·         Protects and potentates Langerhans Cells – Improves skin immunity

Vitamin C

·         Anti-oxidant

·         Strengthens capillary walls

·         Anti-inflammatory

·         Hydrates

·         Heals

Vitamin E

·         Antioxidant

·         Hydrates

·         Heals

Dry skin is one sign that vitamin A is lacking in the diet. 95% of Women do not get enough vitamin A in their diet.  Vitamin A is vital for healthy functioning of the skin. The easiest way to increase levels is to complement a vitamin rich diet with a food supplement. Advanced Nutrition Programmes Skin Vit A provides a daily dose of vitamin A in an easily absorbable form which is found naturally in the diet and in skin.

For an extra boost of vitamin A in a hydrating format incorporate Environs’ Hydrating Oil Capsules into your evening regime. The capsules are based on vitamin A and beta-sitosterol to counteract the dehydrating effect of the winter climatic changes. These deeply nourish skin at night and promote rehydration and repair.

An essential part of the healing process is to replace depleted lipids. Supplementing the skin with additional essential fatty acids and humectants will help to repair the barrier.

Skin Omegas contain Omegas 3 and 6. They enhance the barrier function of the skin by creating healthy bilipid layers, increase the hydration and smoothness of the skin and are anti-inflammatory to improve skin’s immunity. Supplements feed the body internally, every organ and every cell.

The next step to improve the barrier function is to ensure optimal hydration within the skin. Environ Focus Hydrating Serum contains Hyaluronic Acid which holds up to 100 times its own weight in water. It turns skin cells which are shrivelled up into raisins into lovely plum grapes!

In salon the Environ Hydraboost Treatments is the perfect answer to dry, lacklustre skin. This facial incorporates Hyaluronic Acid which holds up to 1000 times its own weight in water.

In addition to healing and hydrating, inflammation must be reduced and controlled. Colostrum Gel is ideal for any skin condition where the barrier function is seriously impaired, for example eczema, psoriasis and acne as it heals and soothes and supports the immune system of the skin together as well as providing antioxidant protection.

A drop in skin temperature during cold weather can cause the surface blood vessels to dilate (get wider) rather than constrict. This can cause damage to these vessels leading to sore red cheeks and nose. Vitamin C is vital for strengthening capillary walls. Environs’ C-Boost boosts vitamin C levels within the skin to hydrate and heal and strengthen capillaries. It also offers anti-oxidant protection and is anti-inflammatory. Support this with Skin VitC for optimum vitamin C levels and all over body protection. 

There are lifestyle changes you can make to help. To break the cycle of sensitisation triggers should be removed. Epidermal (top layers of the skin) barrier integrity may be compromised through the use of hydroxyl acids, soaps and other aggressors.  Controlling such factors will make a difference together with drinking more water and avoiding great changes in temperature, hot baths, saunas and other similar activities.

Stress is one of the biggest factors for all forms of skin conditions. Take time out to receive regular massages and try yoga, meditation or positive thinking.

Take out an Insurance policy and use products to start building the barrier before problems arise.

Why not make an appointment to discuss how Environ and ANP can help your skin through the winter months. We offer full consultations to develop a bespoke treatment programme

Christmas Survival Guide

Christmas is a time for parties, socialising and merriment but it can also be a time of stress and anxiety. Whether you want to be the Belle of the Ball at the Christmas Party or you need some time out from your busy social calendar, follow our Christmas survival guide to get you through the festive season!

Essential Christmas Party Treatments

1.       Spray Tans

Let’s face it, we all feel better with a bit of colour, don’t we? Spray tans are an ideal way of achieving an instant glow without any of the harmful effects of UV exposure. Colour takes approximately 8 hours to develop and can last up to 7 days.

2.       Eyelash Extensions

Whether you simply want a little touch to add a small flick to the outer edge of the eye or a full on set of luscious, long lashes, eyelash extensions are ideal for the party season. They add length and volume to the lashes and definition to the eyes making them really stand out. Having lash extensions also means that you won’t have to wear mascara so if you simply can’t face removing your make-up after that big night out, you won’t wake up with panda eyes the next day! Why not try a few coloured lashes? Subtle but extremely effective!

3.       OPI GelColor

This soak-off pure gel is applied like polish and lasts up to two weeks without chipping. It is cured under LED light in just 30 seconds and is dry immediately so there’s no risk of smudging. OPi GelColor is a pure gel formulation, unlike other gels on the market, which are hybrids. Hybrid gels are not as strong or durable as pure gels. They lose their shine very quickly and can peel away from the nail plate more easily than pure gels. OPI GelColor is available in a number of shades to complement your LBD!

4.       Swarkovski Crystal Pedicure

Christmas is all about glitz and glam so what better time to get a crystal pedicure, as sported by our very own Mayoress of Worthing? The crystals are set in gel so they last for weeks and will see you through the whole festive season.

5.       Jane Iredale Mineral Make-Up

Make-up is the finishing touch to the perfect party outfit. Jane Iredale mineral make-up is ideal for all those parties as it is kind to your skin and won’t clog. It gives great coverage and has amazing staying power, ensuring your look stays fresh long into the early hours of the morning!

6.       Environ Party Facial

The perfect pick me up treatment for skin before that all important big night out.  This facial is ideal for those wanting maximum impact in minimum time. Incorporating our ‘Product of the Month’, Environ’s Hydrating Oil Capsules to get skin glowing and give an added antioxidant boost which is important to protect skin from over indulgence!

Essential Christmas De-Stress

Mention the word ‘Christmas’ and generally you’ll receive the same response - panic! Christmas should be a time of relaxation and joy but every year life just seems to get more and more hectic. Massage is a great way of taking some time out for yourself to recharge your batteries and escape the hustle and bustle.

We offer a range of massage services and have created some great pamper packages to relax and revive you. Check them out on our website (link)

Essential Christmas Survival Products

The festive season is a time of excess: food, alcohol and late nights. We all want to enjoy ourselves but this can take a huge toll on your whole body, including your skin, and morning-after faces can be frightening! Be smart – neutralise the worst effects by drinking four glasses of water before you start to party and alternate alcoholic drinks throughout the night. Try to remove make-up before going to bed. Supplementing is a great way to stay healthy and keep your skin glowing.

Here are my top three products to see you through:

Skin Pure – Advanced Nutrition Programme

As the largest organ of your body, the skin is generally the first area to show signs of toxicity and imbalance. Rich food and seasonal tipples can leave skin looking dull and lacklustre. Skin Pure helps to re-energise skin and replace nutrients which are lost throughout the party season. The nutrients in Skin Pure help to metabolise and break down fats, so that any stored toxins are released.

RRP£23.00

Hydrating Oil Capsules - Environ

These are ideal pre and post party. They feed skin with an added boost of Vitamin A in its most active form and provide added antioxidant protection to protect against damaging free radicals.

RRP £39.95

Glow Time BB Cream – Jane Iredale

Perfect if you want to look glam for the Christmas party, this multi-tasking product will save you time and protect your skin. The water-resistant wonder product combines a foundation, concealer, sun screen and skin care cream in one AND without a doubt it’s the highest coverage BB cream on the market, vital if late nights and over-indulgence are catching up with you. With a plethora of fruit extracts and antioxidants this product will not only leave you looking great but will also care for your skin.

So party hard and look after your skin!

For further skin care advice or to find out more about the Environ, ANP or Jane Iredale products, or any of the treatments we offer, please contact the salon on 01903 206600.

The BB Buzz

Occasionally a product comes on the market that takes the beauty industry by storm. The recent explosion of the BB cream is a great example of this, with most of the major cosmetic companies launching their own version. All of us here at Euphoric love them!

So where did BB creams come from?

BB creams were developed by a German dermatologist, Dr Christine Schrammek, in the 1950’s. They were created to protect the skin after laser treatments and their primary aim was to nourish the skin. This is reflected in most of the BB creams on the market today.

What exactly is a BB cream?

BB stands for Blemish Balm and although different brands do vary considerably, they tend to be marketed as an ‘all-in-one’ product. A typical BB cream acts as a foundation, moisturiser and sometimes an SPF, although the level of protection does vary considerably between brands. They’re usually only available in one or two shades, self-adjusting to the wearer’s skin tone.

The coverage and finish also varies greatly between brands. Some brands focus mainly on skincare benefits where products offer very little colour or coverage. The majority give skin a dewy luminosity, although some brands are more matte. Generally the finish tends to be sheer and light.

Euphoric’s Glow Time by Jane Iredale offers much fuller coverage than most other BB creams while still looking natural.

What sets BB creams apart from tinted moisturisers and traditional foundations is their array of skincare benefits. They’re enriched with everything from tea extracts and antioxidants to snake venom! Botanical extracts, such as grapefruit and apple, as contained in Jane Iredale’s Glow Time, are particularly effective as they have a firming effect and brighten the complexion.

Professional-only brands of BB cream tend to contain purer, more natural ingredients than those found on the high street.

Mineral BB creams

Historically mineral foundations have generally only been available in powder form, but brands such as Jane Iredale have offered liquid formulations for many years. Mineral BB creams are a natural extension of this. The fact that they’re in liquid form means they’re ideal for more mature skins as the cream won’t settle in fine lines or accentuate wrinkles - in fact it disguises them.

Mineral BB creams have far less chemicals and irritants than non-mineral products, making them an ideal choice for those with sensitive skin. They also have a ‘soft focus’ effect allowing skin to breathe and can be applied directly after treatments to camouflage redness. The skincare benefits mean they won’t clog pores or irritate the skin, so the result achieved through the treatment is not undone!

Who should use BB creams?

As mentioned previously, BB creams are ideal for mature skin but their versatility means they’re also great for younger skins as they give a fresh, natural finish. There are even versions aimed at men, with a matte finish and very light coverage which is virtually undetectable – which is probably just as well!

BB creams are also great if you don’t have time to apply lots of different products.

Tips for achieving flawless skin with BB creams

·         For best results apply a primer first to minimise pores and create the perfect canvas for your BB cream. Apply your primer after your moisturiser, not before.

·         When using full coverage BB creams such as Glow Time, a little goes a long way. Begin with a pea-sized dot, you can always add more if you need to!

·         Tap onto cheeks, forehead, nose, jawline and chin. Blend out with your fingers, a flocked sponge or a foundation brush (for more coverage apply with a sponge or brush).

·         If you prefer a more matte finish, apply a dusting of pressed powder such as Jane Iredale’s Pure Pressed.

Foundations have come a long way in recent years and BB creams, particularly mineral formulations, are the latest innovation. The combination of flawless coverage and skincare ingredients means that despite the hype, these miracle products are not just a fad, they’re here to stay!

Come in and see us so we can match the right Jane Iredale BB cream to your skin, for a bespoke, fresh, luminescent look – just in time for the Christmas party season!

Coming soon…

 

New gel technology polished to perform!

Mark your calendars, mani-maniacs. This September, Euphoric is launching new soak-off gel service, OPI GelColor. A faster-setting, thinner formula than the OPI Axxium Soak-Off Gel we currently offer, it comes in bottles with brush applicators like polish, and cures under light emitting diodes (LED) like those used in your TV remote control. And, says Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, Executive VP and Artistic Director of OPI: “GelColor is just as strong as Axxium Soak-Off Gel”.

GelColor by OPI’s shine-intense shades cure in 30 seconds and last for weeks!

 

From its distinctive bottle and custom brush, to its unbeatably fast application and lightning speed cure, GelColor by OPI redefines the rapidly growing gel service category. And it’s no thicker than regular nail polish.

 

Who is this system designed for?

GelColor by OPI is perfect for anyone who wants a longer-lasting colour finish and is ideal for natural nails.

 

How long, on average, will GelColor last?

On average your GelColor finish will last approximately 2-3 weeks. If your nails are thin and very flexible, it may not last as long.

 

What is the difference between Axxium Soak Off Gel and GelColor?

GelColor is designed for those wanting longer lasting colour.

 

Axxium Soak-Off Gel will give greater strength and protection for those with weaker nails and will also aid nail growth.

 

How easy is GelColor to remove?

Easy! Using the new Expert Touch Remover pad with Expert Touch Remover, GelColor can be removed in in just 15 minutes.

 

What makes GelColor different from other coloured gel systems?

GelColor is a pure gel formulation which means you get a longer-lasting, more durable system than other hybrid brands. Hybrid gels are a mixture of lacquer solvents and gels which can “pucker” or “wrinkle” if applied too thickly, or if the gel settles out towards the sidewall of the nails.

 

GelColor can be applied smoothly and thinly and does not “pucker” or “wrinkle” on the nail.  Hybrid gels are also not as strong or durable as pure gels. They lose their shine very quickly and can peel away from the nail plate more easily than pure gels.

 

GelColor is strong, long-lasting, with a highly durable shine that will last for weeks.

 

OPI GelColor will be available in the following colours:

 

·         Passion  - An enticing pale pink

·         Funny Bunny - A soft white that’s irresistibly sweet

·         Strawberry Margarita - Sip into this bright pink and enjoy!

·         Cajun Shrimp - A flavoursome red with a hint of coral

·         I'm Not Really A Waitress - A vivacious, Chianti red

·         Lincoln Park After Dark - Where midnight meets purple

 

Prices:

 

OPI GelColor Application                                                            £25
OPI GelColor Application – French                                           £28
OPI GelColor Removal with Prescription Manicure              £23
OPI GeColor Removal and Re-application                              £30
OPI GeColor Removal and Re-application - French              £33
Nail Repair                                                                                   £3 per nail

 

 

Be one of the first to try this new treatment and get OPI Colour at the speed of light!

 

Visit our website for exclusive launch offers

.

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I’ve been carrying out Collagen Stimulation Therapy (CST) for almost two years and have recently completed a case study on one of my clients. Now I’ve finished my training for CST Body, I felt this was a great time to give you an insight into this amazing treatment.

“Needling is one of the most advanced treatments we can offer in the salon” – Dr Des Fernandes, founder of Environ.

What is Collagen Stimulation Therapy?

Imagine if you could restore skin tightness, soften fine wrinkles and treat scarring, stretch marks and dilated capillaries without damaging the skin or undergoing surgery, aggressive chemical peels or laser resurfacing…………….

Skincare is like everything in life, you get out what you put in. If you’re prepared to invest some time and money into your skin you’ll reap the rewards – and you don’t need to walk around like the Bride of Frankenstein with layers of skin hanging off just to achieve a smooth, youthful skin!

Sex and the City Season 5 - Samantha's Chemical Peel

Collagen Stimulation Therapy, developed by pioneering South African plastic surgeon and skin specialist Dr Des Fernandes in 1997, is “the activation of growth factors (without destroying the integrity of the skin) by pricking skin with needles to induce collagen and elastin in skin”. Don’t worry, it’s not as frightening as it sounds!

People are increasingly looking for alternative ways to rejuvenate ageing skin and as more natural methods like skin needling come to the fore, they’re preferable to going under the knife.

Many aestheticians believe laser resurfacing is the most successful way to renew the skin. Laser, like peeling, destroys the epidermis (the outermost layers of the skin) to induce normal post-traumatic inflammatory reaction. This eventually leads to dense production of collagen with subsequent skin tightening; elastin isn’t produced.

Although the epidermis is only 0.2mm thick, it’s our only protection against the environment. Should we be destroying this protective layer in the pursuit of a smooth, wrinkle-free skin? Through our treatments at Euphoric we strive to preserve, protect and enhance the epidermis (look out for my blog “A fascination with exfoliation!”).

Clinical studies have shown needling can be more effective than treatments like laser resurfacing, dermabrasion and chemical peels to stimulate collagen and elastin production. The main advantage is that needling never destroys the epidermis, making it the ideal skin rejuvenation treatment.  

Treatments can also be repeated to achieve the desired effect, as the epidermis isn’t compromised, and can be carried out on those who’ve had laser resurfacing or have very thin skin.

“Needling employs the body’s natural response that, for the first time ever as far as we know, induces regeneration instead of scar formation and can safely be repeated until one gets the desired results,” Dr Des Fernandes.

Another advantage of needling over treatments like peels and laser resurfacing is the short healing time. It can take 10 days or more for the skin to heal following laser resurfacing and two to six months for the redness to fade completely.

Sun sensitivity is also a major concern following laser treatment. Needling doesn’t result in sun sensitivity (although sunlight should be avoided for 10 days after treatment to prevent exposure to free radicals). It’s also not as expensive as laser resurfacing, which can cost £450-£600 for one small area of the face (eg forehead, cheek or neck) and up to £950 for a full face.

Needling stimulates normal collagen production rather than fibrosis (scar formation) which is often the risk with other skin rejuvenation treatments. This is due to the stimulation of one growth factor in particular which promotes scar-less healing due to the way collagen fibres are laid down.

Results are longer lasting than other treatments available like Botox and fillers, which only give temporary results but cost around the same.

Skin is prepared with maximum levels of Vitamin A and C, and treatments are supported with skin nutrients (look out for my blog on beauty food). This will maximise DNA activity and increase cellular regeneration, maximising results. Needling will also increase penetration of any creams applied to the skin following treatment. The majority of other needling treatments on the market aren’t supported by applying active ingredients afterwards.

My concern is that if products are allowed to penetrate deep into the layers of the skin, surely the practitioner should know exactly what the ingredients are?
Research at the Hanover Medical School by Prof Matthius Aust has demonstrated a 658% increase in thickness of the epidermis after four needling treatments combined with Vitamin A and C skincare, compared with a 205% increase following the same number of treatments with no skincare, showing the importance of vitamin skincare in the rejuvenation process.

Skin must be prepared for three months before CST treatment. The higher the levels of Vitamin A used in home care, the better the results.

Needling can be carried out on both the face and body. Successful results have been achieved on stretch marks, burns scars and loose, lax skin. Needling can also be carried out on new wounds as soon as they’ve closed up, to prevent scarring. I’m sure this will be invaluable and a source of great peace of mind to those who’ve had accidents, been hurt or burnt.

Results can be achieved after just one treatment, although we recommend a course of six to get the best, long-lasting results. It can take several months to see the full results and the best will be seen six months to a year following treatment as the collagen and elastin factories continue to do their job.

Before CST Body Treatment

4 years after 1 CST Body Treatment with daily use of AVST Hydrating Lotion and AVST Body Oil

Of course needling is not for everyone. Although down-time is minimal in comparison to other procedures, and the treatment is less painful, it really is for those who want real effects for their skin. Rolling needles over the skin to cause bleeding is not everyone’s cup of tea! My brother looked at me very strangely when I explained the procedure to him. But when you understand how it actually works and look at the many clinical studies to back it up, it makes perfect sense. My brother is in fact the ideal candidate for needling, having suffered from acne as a child when he was left with some scarring. If only I’d known then what I know now. But have no fear, he’ll be on my couch undergoing a needling treatment soon!  

So to sum up, the main benefits of CST are:

·         the epidermis remains intact

·         longer-lasting effects than other advanced aesthetic procedures

·         lower risks

·         no sun sensitivity

·         minimal down-time

·         scar-less healing

·         treatments can be carried out repeatedly as the epidermis isn’t compromised

·         it’s less expensive than other treatments

Unfortunately I wasn’t able to experience the treatment on my initial course and have been meaning to carry out treatment on myself ever since I trained.

It’s extremely important to me that I experience all the treatments we offer. This time I was able to have a treatment, which was great as I can now advise clients what to expect through first-hand experience.

Follow my 7-day diary on my own needling experience!

Day 1: 30^th July 2012

Having travelled back from London with my arms wrapped in cling film, I changed into a strapless top as soon as I got home! I did get quite a few odd looks on the train.

My skin is already feeling quite tight and still looks red.

The treatment wasn’t actually painful; it’s hard to describe the sensation. I was quite tense as I didn’t know what to expect but it actually got easier the more the therapist did.

I’ve just applied AVST Body Oil before bed and my arms are stinging like mad!! The skin’s already starting to feel dry to touch.

I have to teach an aerobics class in the morning so I’m hoping it’ll feel better by the time I wake up!

Night all x

Day 2: 31^st July 2012

My arms felt a lot better when I woke up this morning.  They were still quite red but weren’t stinging like they were last night.  I think they look worse than they feel! 

They were fine in my morning class but I taught another two classes in the evening so they were slightly sorer than they would have been after a lot of friction caused by all the punching in Body Combat!  I felt I had to explain to my participants why my arms were red in case anyone noticed so I started the class late after a massive discussion with everyone about body needling!!

Day 3: 1^st August 2012

My arms felt so much better today. They are not sore at all now and are much less red.  You can see the needle marks but because the redness has gone it is only noticeable up close.  They are still slightly tender to the touch and the skin feels dry but I have virtually forgotten that I have had anything done. 

I can’t wait to do my next treatment now J

Day 4: 2^nd August 2012

The needle marks are a lot less apparent today.  The skin is very dry and the flaking has started.  They have also started to itch.  It is not constant but at work I could occasionally feel that annoying tingle that made me want to scratch.  I am trying hard not to touch the area and am making sure I use my AVST Body Oil twice a day.

Sun Safe, Sun Wise

In the first part of this blog we looked at:

·         different types of UV rays emitted by the sun

·         the importance of Vitamin D

·         what SPFs are

Both UVA and UVB rays impair our skin’s immunity and, in combination with the formation of free radicals by UV light, this presents a real danger of skin cancer developing. 

Here we’ll explore what free radicals are and the importance of including antioxidants in our daily defence against them – which means a healthier way to go out in the sun and enjoy it whenever and wherever we can. Despite the lack of English summer!

What are free radicals?

Free radicals are molecules responsible for aging, tissue damage and possibly some diseases. These molecules have lost an electron or don’t have a paired set and this abnormality makes them very unstable; therefore they look to take an electron from another chemical in order to stablise. This sets up a reaction and a snowball effect, which wreaks havoc on healthy tissue, and causes many damaged chemicals. 

The best example of free radical damage is rust on an iron object. Thanks to the work of Dr Denham Harman in the 1950s, we now know humans can also rust!

Dr Harman was the originator of the free radical theory of aging. The concept that free radicals were involved with the deterioration of human biochemistry was the biggest advance since the discovery of germs, and goes beyond the aging process. Free radicals are now known to be involved with cancer, heart disease, arthritis and perhaps as many as 80 diseases not caused by "germs".

Damage by free radicals has been linked to premature ageing and wrinkling. Collagen and elastin are compromised, causing our skin to be less resilient and more wrinkled. Damage to the DNA of skin cells is responsible for mutations altering melanin production.

I should point out that Dr Harman is now in his 90s and still working in his laboratory, whereas many of those who criticised his work are now dead!!!

Sunscreens 

In the first part of our sun safe blog we looked at Environ’s RAD sunscreen and explained it’s broad spectrum (it protects against both UVA and UVB) with a lower SPF to minimise the amount of chemicals needed.

When a sunscreen’s applied, the energy of the UV rays is ‘mopped up’ according to its wavelength. Sunscreens can mop up UVB energy easier than UVA. 

RAD is approximately 80% reflective and 20% absorbent. Reflective sunscreens sit on the top of the skin and reflect UV rays away. Sun reflection is more effective than chemical absorption; however some rays will still penetrate and damage our skin. 

The rays which have penetrated are then absorbed by the chemical sunscreens. During this process the sunscreen itself can, in fact, become a free radical.

Free radicals and antioxidants

Antioxidants form a vital part of our daily defence against free radicals. We should use a brigade of both oral and topical antioxidants to work in different phases so when a free radical develops, the antidote is right there. 

The greatest free radical challenge occurs in our skin every day, as it’s our largest organ and it’s what protects us from our environment (see my first skin blog). Oral antioxidants can’t get high levels directly to the skin so sun-exposed skin needs topically applied antioxidant protection to allow us to stop this free radical challenge as quickly as possible. There’s no time to call in the brigades!

Antioxidants don’t block UV rays entering the skin; they’re beneficial within sunscreens as they stabilise free radicals.

RAD was unique as it was the first sunscreen to contain antioxidants. It was developed in 1991 and it wasn’t until 2011 that another company brought out a sunscreen with antioxidants. The antioxidants will mop up the free radicals created as the chemicals absorb UV rays as well as the free radicals created by UV rays themselves.

Skin Defender from the Advanced Nutrition Programme contains nine separate antioxidants together with immune system support to sustain and speed up growth, repair and renewal, and enhance natural sun protection. Used in conjunction with RAD, Skin Defender protects cells from radiation and protects against sunburn. 

I will talk more about oral antioxidants in my blog on beauty food.

Exercise sunscreen caution

Sunscreen use should be practised with caution. Some chemicals in sunscreens inhibit the release of chemicals responsible for pinkness of the skin following UV exposure, and so people believe they’ve been fully protected. In reality the Langerhans cells (responsible for skin immunity) have been damaged and sunburn cells have developed. 

Worldwide the greatest increase in melanoma has been in countries where sunscreens have been heavily promoted like Queensland, Australia, where the medical establishment has vigorously highlighted sun safety (Garland, Cedric F., et al American Journal of Public Health, April 1992).  Drs Cedric and Frank Garland of the University of California have pointed out that while sunscreens protect against sunburn, there’s no scientific proof they protect against melanoma or basal cell carcinoma in humans.

Finally, the lady responsible for testing and rating sunscreens in South Africa actually uses RAD herself! That in itself is testament for what a great product RAD actually is.

All together, this highlights the importance of adopting a multi-faceted approach – feed your skin with the vitamins and antioxidants it needs, both topically and orally, protect your skin with both RAD and Skin Defender and, of course, practise safe sun! 

Call us or pop in and see us and we’ll explain more about the Environ range of products.

And don’t forget to send us in your favourite sunbathing photos, showing how you’re practising safe sun, via Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest.