Skin Science and Health

Skin Science and Health – May 16, 2021

What Are Free Radicals?

  What Are Free Radicals? If you keep up with all things skin care, you have likely heard at least once or twice about how free radicals are bad news for your complexion. But are you aware of why these molecules are so damaging to your body’s largest organ, and what they are capable of? If not, you will want to keep reading.What Are Free Radicals?Before getting into just how much havoc free radicals can wreak on your skin, we must first explain what they are. Free radicals are highly unstable molecules that are formed by normal bodily functions — like breathing, for instance — as well as environmental aggressors, such as UV rays, smoke, and pollution. These unstable compounds look to pair with a missing electron. In doing so, they can latch onto your skin, create a negative chain reaction on your skin’s surface and induce damage to cells. Free radicals have extra energy in them that can damage neighbouring skin cells and collagen.

Skin Science and Health – June 12, 2023

Skin Ageing May Impact Other Areas and Organs of the Body New Research Finds

Taking care of your skin is taking care of your health too, according to new research. Did you know that skin is your body’s largest organ? In addition to being the physical barrier that protects you from external environmental toxins and stressors, skin is an active immune organ at the front line of your body’s defence. New evidence suggests that as skin ages, it releases inflammatory chemicals that could drive the premature ageing of other internal organs. So it turns out that taking care of your skin is not a merely cosmetic pursuit; instead, it is an important part of taking care of your overall health, and may be essential to fending off illness and disease.

Skin Science and Health – May 22, 2023

Skin Cancer and what you need to know.

Skin cancer accounts for most malignancies across the globe. They are primarily divided into melanoma and nonmelanoma skin malignancies. Nonmelanoma skin cancer includes basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. .One in every three cancers diagnosed in the world is a skin cancer.There were more than 320,000 cases of skin cancer globally in 2020, the most recent figures available from the World Cancer Research Fund International.Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland, with over 13,000 new cases diagnosed every year. The National Cancer Registry of Ireland (NCRI) expects this number to double by 2040.Skin cancer is a disease of skin cells. Nine out of every 10 cases are caused by UV rays from the sun or sunbeds. Over exposure to UV rays, which leads to tanning, redness or burning of the skin, causes damage to skin cells. While much of this damage is repaired some remains and can lead to skin cancer later in lifeYou need to use protection even indoors and behind the wheel of the car, as UVA penetrates through glass .The phrase 'high SPF' sounds ­reassuring, but it may give a false sense of security as a product with this factor only refers to protection against UVB rays, which is not quite enough. So this typically means that you might stay out in the sun for longer as the perception is that you are not burning. In the meantime UVA travels like a X-ray and damages deeper in to the skin. UVA is the primary radiation used in tanning beds. It causes almost all forms of skin ageing , including wrinkles. UVA damages the collagen and elastin in the skin and also generates free radicals.

Skin Science and Health – May 05, 2023

What is Acne?

Acne is one of the worst and most common skin problems in the world. Although acne is generally associated with teenagers and puberty, the fact is that you can get spots at any age. What can you do about them?

Skin Science and Health – May 05, 2023

There’s no such thing as a safe amount of UV light exposure.

Before we explain how SPF is calculated, it’s important to point out that the testing to determine SPF ratings has limitations because it doesn’t always translate to real-world situations. Although the testing is done on people’s skin, the conditions are controlled, and the intensity of UV light is fixed. In the real world (and as explained above) UVB intensity varies while UVA is consistent. The shifting intensity of UVB light impacts how long it will take skin to turn red (burn) with any given sunscreen.

Skin Science and Health – May 05, 2023

What are sebaceous filaments and how to get rid of them?

If you’re seeing small dark spots on your nose, cheeks, or chin, you might think you’re dealing with blackheads. But, if you’ve scoured the Internet for all things blackhead, you’ve likely also come across something called sebaceous filaments and wondered if that’s what you’re seeing – especially if the blackhead products you’ve tried haven’t worked. Blackheads and sebaceous filaments are easily confused because they typically appear in the same regions of the face. They can look similar, too, but they are indeed different. 

Skin Science and Health – April 10, 2023

Ceramides in Skincare

Ceramides create a water-impermeable, protective barrier to prevent excessive water loss due to evaporation, as well as prevent the entry of microorganisms and other environmental aggressors, like pollution. Ceramides are critical for helping the skin retain moisture, protecting it from external forces and, overall, permitting it to properly function. Triple Lipid Restore by SkinCeuticals provides 24-hour hydration, which is key for many skin types including mature, 50-plus skin. Skin hydration levels greatly diminish as we age. It also contains lipids, fatty acids, cholesterols and ceramides to give dry, dehydrated or mature skin a plump, radiant glow. It helps texture and pores look more refined as well. Its patented lipid ratio of 2-percent ceramides, 4-percent cholesterol and 2-percent fatty acids intensely nourishes skin and repairs the moisture barrier

Skin Science and Health – February 18, 2023

Nicotinamide may help prevent certain skin cancers

Nicotinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that has been shown to reduce the number of skin cancers. In a randomised controlled trial performed in Australia (published in the New England Journal of Medicine), the risks of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma were significantly reduced — by 23%. Nicotinamide has protective effects against ultraviolet damage caused by sun exposure. 

Skin Science and Health – December 10, 2022

What causes skin ageing?

Skin ageing is caused by two main processes; intrinsic and extrinsic. They both contribute to the visible signs you may see on your skin, such as fine lines, wrinkles, loss of firmness, and discolouration.  

Skin Science and Health – August 15, 2022

Why We Need Omega-3 in Our Diet

It should not come as a surprise that our ancestors ate a very different diet thousands of years ago than we do today. In particular, they ate a lot more fish than the average human does now. They ate so much fish, in fact, that early humans eventually developed a dependence on the omega-3 that is foundprimarily in seafood—a dependence they passed on to us.

Skin Science and Health – July 16, 2022

Antioxidant to address oily or blemished skin .

A clinical study showed statistically significant visible improvement in skin clarity, skin tone evenness, and post-blemish marks after 4 weeks of using SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF once

Skin Science and Health – June 13, 2022

Free radicals- what are they ?

Free radicals  are naturally-occurring, unstable and highly reactive molecules that latch onto and steal electrons, such as healthy cells, ultimately causing a breakdown in DNA of the skin. External factors trigger and increase their production. More often than not, the damaged cells are those responsible for the natural production of collagen, elastic and hyaluronic acid—all of which form skin’s structure and firmness—and the depletion of this can lead to signs of ageing like fine lines, sagging, dullness and even pigmentation. Just think of a cut apple that’s been left out in the air—that wrinkled discolouration is a result of oxidation caused by free radicals. And the same effects can happen to our skin. 

Skin Science and Health – May 30, 2022

Rosacea Skin Care

Rosacea and sensitive skin usually go hand in hand; however, rosacea is a separate skin condition that causes pronounced burning, itching, and stinging for sufferers, and this can be exacerbated by the skin care products used. Sometimes called Acne Rosacea, it is a non-contagious skin inflammation that exclusively affects the face. 

Skin Science and Health – May 30, 2022

Skin and The Skin Barrier

Blemishes, rosacea, and acne flare-ups can be a sign of a damaged skin barrier, as the bacteria that causes acne is more easily able to penetrate the skin. It all starts with the skin barrier. This is the outermost layer of the skin and the first line of defence.

Skin Science and Health – March 16, 2022

Causes of Hair Loss—How You Can Stop It

Although it is common to lose up to 100 hairs per day, you may be looking at the hairs in your shower drain and wondering if there’s something wrong. Some have noticed hair loss associated with post Covid19. 

Skin Science and Health – February 25, 2022

Hyperpigmentation.

The word hyperpigmentation is the umbrella term that loops together many different types and causes of excess pigmentation issues, from hormonal melasma, sun spots, age spots to PIP (Post Inflammatory Pigmentation) caused by scaring such as acne scaring or injury. 

Skin Science and Health – October 17, 2021

Trans epidermal Water Loss – What is it and How to Stop It

If you are struggling with dehydrated or dry skin, one of the causes may be trans epidermal water loss (TEWL). You're losing water and moisture from your skin. TEWL can lead to a variety of dry skin conditions — including severe dehydration — but there are ways that you can keep your skin hydrated or prevent dryness from occurring in the first place. What Is Trans epidermal Water Loss? To understand TEWL, let's revisit the layers of our skin. Our skin is made up of three primary layers, the outermost being the epidermis (aka what you look at in the mirror). The dermis is the middle layer, and the hypodermis is the innermost layer. TEWL occurs when water passes from the dermis through the epidermis and evaporates through the skin barrier.

Skin Science and Health – October 17, 2021

Skin Barrier Issues

Skin Barrier issues is a causative factor for a lot of skin conditions to include acne, rosacea, dermatitis, sensitive skin etcReach for gentle skincare, avoid active ingredients until you calm the skin down first.

Skin Science and Health – October 17, 2021

What causes skin to age ?

Skin ageing is caused by a combination of different factors, both internal and external. Understanding the way that internal and external factors affect skin’s structure and function can help to inform skin care choices and prevent premature skin aging. Internal factorsYoung skin has a thick epidermis and a strong network of collagen fibres.Mature skin has a thinner epidermis and a weakened network of collagen fibres.

Skin Science and Health – October 17, 2021

How does skin change over the years?

Skin is a living organ and undergoes significant changes during a person’s lifetime: from the delicate skin of a new-born baby, through the teenage years when some are acne-prone, to the wrinkles of later life. Each stage has its own demands and skin care should reflect these changing needs. Choosing appropriate products to cleanse, protect, nourish and repair skin at each of these stages will help to keep it healthy and ensure that your skin looks and feels its natural best, whatever your age. How is skin different at each age and stage?

Skin Science and Health – August 20, 2021

The Difference Between UVA and UVB Rays.

  When it comes to UV rays, we know one thing for sure: They mean trouble for our skin and health. Premature signs of aging and skin cancer are two of the major side effects of sun damage. What you might not know, though, is the difference between the two main types of rays, UVA and UVB, and how they can each affect skin. Understanding this can help you better protect your skin.The Basics of UV Rays The sun makes contact with the earth using two different types of rays: ultraviolet A (UVA, or long wave) and ultraviolet B (UVB, or short wave), according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Neither, of course, is visible to the naked eye, but they’ve both been proven to cause skin cancer, eye damage, a diminished immune system and premature ageing in the form of wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots. The Difference Between UVA and UVB Rays. UVA rays account for 95% of the rays we are exposed to. They’re always present — even on cloudy days — and can penetrate through glass like windows. They reach deep into the skin, which can cause an immediate tanning effect (depending on your skin tone) and are responsible for causing signs of aging, such as wrinkles and loss of elasticity, to form. UVA rays can also contribute to the development of skin cancer. Most UVB rays are filtered by the atmosphere, but they are a threat on sunny days and/or at higher altitudes. UVB rays cause surface-level damage, quickly burning and gradually tanning the skin, according to the World Health Organisation. These rays play a bigger role in the development of melanoma or other forms of skin cancer.What Are UVC Rays? There’s a third type of radiation that’s stronger still: UVC rays. Luckily UVCs don’t typically penetrate the ozone layer to reach our skin.How to Protect Against UVA and UVB Rays. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, our understanding of UVB and UVA rays is constantly evolving. This is why it’s important to stay vigilant by always wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen, which protects against both types of rays. Look for the phrase on the packaging of your sunscreen. If it doesn’t explicitly say “broad spectrum,” look elsewhere. One of our favourite broad-spectrum sunscreens for the body is from La Roche-Posay.  For the face we have three key offerings;    SkinCeuticals https://www.nualawoulfe.ie/collections/skinceuticals Heliocare  https://www.nualawoulfe.ie/collections/heliocare-spf Dermaceutic https://www.nualawoulfe.ie/collections/dermaceutic-skincare  

Skin Science and Health – August 01, 2021

Skin Barrier Issues.

Your skin barrier is the lipid matrix found in the outermost layer of your skin, the stratum-corneum, and essentially sits on top of this layer. When healthy, the skin barrier helps keep moisture in and external irritants out (e.g., UV, free radicals, bacteria) - acting as your skin’s bodyguard.What is the skin barrier?The skin barrier, or moisture barrier, is mainly composed of three lipids: ceramides, cholesterol, and free (AKA essential) fatty acids. These lipids work together to prevent water loss and to protect your skin from the environment. Damage to the skin barrier occurs in the form of miniscule cracks through which moisture can easily escape and irritants can enter more easily.Signs your skin barrier is damaged:When your skin barrier is healthy, your skin generally looks plump and smooth and feels soft to the touch. If you have oily skin that’s also dehydrated, that’s a common sign that you may have a damaged skin barrier. (Yes ... Your skin can be both oily and dehydrated.  

Skin Science and Health – July 24, 2021

Pigmentation - the story continues.

Hyperpigmentation is an umbrella term used to define common skin conditions — including post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), melasma and sun spots — in which patches of skin become darker than the surrounding area. The darkening of the skin results from an excess in melanin — the natural pigment that determines skin, hair and eye colour — and frequently appears on the face, hands and other parts of the body regularly exposed to sunlight.

Skin Science and Health – July 24, 2021

Pigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is defined as darkening patches of skin. This occurs when the skin produces more melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour. Sun damage is the main cause of pigmentation. The initial melanin production from sun exposure acts as a natural sun screen to protect from harmful rays. However excess UVA/UVB exposure disrupts the melanin production, which leads to increased pigmentation.