MINI SERIES: COLLAGEN #4

#4 Vitamin A and Collagen

Vitamin A influences up to a thousand of the body's genes and it is essential for the normal function of ALL skin cells. It induces the genes for collagen production - healthy lattice-type collagen I and ll. Vitamin A also increases NMF (natural moisturising factors) in the skin, and improves the quality of elastin. According to research, vitamin A is effective in preventing and treating the collagen loss caused by photo damage. It found that treating the skin with vitamin A prevents the loss of type 1 and type 2 collagen caused by UV exposure. Furthermore, the role of peptides, cannot be ignored. Peptides are made up of amino acids, which can help form collagen, elastin and GAGS (moisturising factors). Introducing moisturisers that contain a combination of Matrixyl 3000, Trylaqen and Matrixyl Synthe 6 peptide complexes, can help to smooth out lines and wrinkles and restore collagen levels, making the skin appear plumper and smoother.

Active Vitamin A Treatment

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Adapted from an article in the IIAA Bulletin April 2018

MINI SERIES: HORMONES - THE EFFECTS ON SKIN AT EACH STAGE OF LIFE #4

FORTIES - THE PERIMENOPAUSE

The lead up to the menopause can be a tricky time. Perimenopause is the phase before menopause actually takes place and normally lasts between 3 - 4 years. During this phase, hormone production begins to decline and fluctuate.

Declining oestrogen levels mean skin becomes thinner with more pronounced wrinkles such as those on the upper lip. Loss of collagen and elastin combined with reduced volume (subcutaneous fat) and bone shrinkage results in loss of structural integrity and the face literally sliding south. The severity of these symptoms will depend on UV exposure from childhood, genetics, lifestyle as well as medication which will each have an impact on the quality of skin.

The hormones that help regulate the sebaceous glands, such as oestrogen also start to decline, leading to stubborn breakouts or acne in some women. This is further aggravated by the slowing-down of the skins cell renewal process in more mature skin. As excess skin cells build

up, blocked pores already clogged with sebum, are further irritated causing inflammation.

STEPS TO TAKE

Balance from within

Look at your diet. Balance blood sugar levels with a combination of vegetables, wholegrains with lean protein foods including meat, fish, eggs, nuts, lentils and fibre. Cut down on caffeine, sugar and alcohol. Smoking is a no no.

Get physical

The decrease of hormonal levels means increased risk of osteoporosis so keep moving with daily exercise such as walking daily for at least 30 minutes. Building in weight bearing exercise is essential to help strengthen bones. Exercise is also great for beating depression and anxiety and boosting your libido.

Supplement your diet

Introduce a good multivitamin to ensure appropriate levels of magnesium, vitamin D to channel calcium to the core of the bones and ensure daily essential Omega 3 to help With dry skin, low mood and depression.

Next in the series: Fifties - Skin and the Menopause

Source: IIA Bulletin March 2018

MINI SERIES: HORMONES - THE EFFECTS ON SKIN AT EACH STAGE OF LIFE #3

TWENTIES/THIRTIES - HORMONES & PREGNANCY

Did you know that from 26'ish women will see a different type of hormonal acne - deep, cystic bumps in the chin and jawline area and products won't work as well on these hormonal breakouts. Other female-only hormonal changes include pregnancy, the contraceptive pill and PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome).

Many women experience acne or skin breakouts Just before 'that time of the month' as when hormonal levels fluctuate this in turn, stimulates the sebaceous glands. The contraceptive pill. that contains artificial hormones oestrogen and progesterone, may cause photo-sensitivity

In some women and result in pigmentation. The onset of pregnancy, is another trigger for hormonal changes that may lead to pigmentation and sometimes acne. Managing skin concerns, whilst pregnant can be very difficult as some treatments/remedies may have to be avoided.

Wrinkles and pigmentation usually start to appear as a result of damage done to skin in teens. The skin will start to appear dull as already skin cell turnover will be slowing down. Now is the time to start investing in active products and treatments to ensure firmer, younger looking skin. Having regular vitamin A based treatments and gradually increasing the dosage can help encourage healthy cell production. Using vitamin A and C orally can also enhance collagen synthesis.

Tips;

Use a mild oil based cleanser and avoid scrubs.

Start to introduce vitamin C orally and topically for strong healthy collagen formation.

Get your skin analysed and follow with a tailored skincare programme.

Introduce vitamin A orally and topically to help keep skin looking healthy (skin care expert to advise during pregnancy).

Protect the skin from the sun at all times and use an antioxidant based sunscreen.

Next in the series: Forties - The Perimenopause

Source: IIA Bulletin March 2018