Stressed skin? - what does this mean and what can I do about it?!

AUTHOR - DR. DAVID JACK

Oxidative Stress

Oxidative stress relates to the creation of ‘free radicals’ in the skin, which are molecules that can damage DNA. Many things can stimulate oxidative stress, including UV radiation from the sun, hypoxia (low oxygen levels) related to smoking and inflammation, for example. Oxidative stress also can reduce levels of collagen and elastin in tissues. The best way to tackle oxidative stress is with antioxidants, which include vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E resveratrol and glutathione, among others.

Product recommendations:

• SkinCeuticals Resveratrol BE
• Dr David Jack Good Morning!
• Rodial Vit-C Brightening cleanser

Inflammation 

Inflammation goes hand in hand with oxidative stress. It relates to tissue injury of any type, with the release of growth factors in tissues which cause increased blood flow and activation of cells that can cause a reduction in collagen and elastin levels. Skincare to reduce inflammation centres mostly around Vitamin E, which also has an antioxidant effect, vitamin B5 (panthenol) and gentle antioxidants that reduce redness such as azelaic acid.

Product recommendations:

• Alpha-H vitamin E
• SkinCeuticals Phyto-Corrective
• La Roche-Posay Cicaplast

Glycation

Glycation refers to the process where body proteins (such as collagen and elastin) are damaged by excess glucose molecules in the bloodstream binding to the proteins and causing their structure to change. The body then recognises the proteins as abnormal and stimulates an inflammatory reaction around them. Skincare to reduce glycation mostly includes antioxidants but supplements to control glucose levels and deliver high levels of antioxidants via the bloodstream are important to consider.

Product Recommendations:

• Dr David Jack SkinShake
• SkinCeuticals AGE Eye complex
• Holland and Barrett L-Carnosine

DNA mutation ageing

DNA mutation is caused largely by inflammation, ageing and UV damage. Protection against damage is the main thing here, so choosing a good, broad-spectrum SPF that both protects against UVA and UVB is extremely important. The combination of vitamin C and E together has been shown also to have a protective effect against future damage.

Product Recommendations:

• Sunday Riley CEO Glow
• Dr David Jack All Day Long
• Reviv Soleil Superiéur SPF 50 PA++++

Useful Resources

SkinCeuticals Resveratrol BE
Rodial Vit-C Brightening cleanser
Alpha-H vitamin E
Holland and Barrett L-Carnosine
Sunday Riley CEO Glow
Reviv Soleil Superiéur SPF 50 PA++++