Skin Science and Health

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. 

Skin Science and Health – June 08, 2021

Human Skin -Microbiome and Acne.

Research in to microbiomes of the human body , to include skin and gut tell us that a diverse and physiologically important array of bacteria, viruses, fungi and archaea make their home on the skin. Typically, a person has around 1,000 species of bacteria on their skin. And, as might be expected from such a large area — roughly two square metres for an average adult — the skin offers a variety of distinct ecosystems, which create conditions that favour different subsets of organisms. We harbour roughly the same number of microbes as we have cells. This complex ecosystem is crucial to our health, affecting many processes including immunity, child development and bone density regulation. Research in this area has been extensive, with exciting work on how the microbiome develops, its influence on brain and behaviour and implications in both contributing to and treating various disorders.A person’s gut microbiome is seeded in early life according to the bacteria they are exposed to and how successfully these microbes colonise the intestines. Populations of bacteria in the gut are highly sensitive to the food we eat, so sensitive, in fact, that changes in species variation and gene expression appear within three or four days following a major sift in diet.

Skin Science and Health – April 05, 2021

The impact of sun damage on skin- ageing

Unprotected sun exposure is the number one cause of premature skin ageing. If you do not  believe this - look at an area of skin that is rarely exposed to the sun and compare to an area of skin that is front and centre when exposed to UV damage.   UVA / UVB.  UV radiation is part of the light spectrum that reaches the earth from the sun. It has wavelengths shorter than visible light, which are classified as UVA and UVB rays. Both types of radiation damage the skin in different ways. UVB ( shortwave radiation) these are responsible for burnt, redskin, whereas UVA,(longwave radiation) can penetrate deeper in to the skin and cause DNA damage.    Sun damage can have short and long term consequences, depending on the level of the damage. The immediate visible signs of sun damage is sunburn, redness, dryness, peeling. In more severe cases it may show with blisters, along with nausea and dizziness.

Skin Science and Health – January 26, 2021

The Science behind daylight/ darkness and restful sleep.

What can you do to optimise light for better health? The simple rule of thumb is to expose yourself to as much daylight as possible during the day (without looking directly at the sun!), as little light as possible in the evening, and absolutely no light when you sleep (i.e. sleep in complete darkness).

Skin Science and Health – January 25, 2021

Antioxidants Explained.

Antioxidants - When we’re exposed to UV, pollution or other stressors such as smoke and chemicals, free radicals form in the skin. At a cellular level, these free radicals can kick off a chain reaction that causes a huge path of destruction and often, ultimately, the death of the cell.

Skin Science and Health – January 07, 2021

Lipids such as Cholesterol, Essential fatty acids and Ceramides and their role in ageing skin.

Essential fatty acids, Ceramides and Cholesterol are all naturally occurring lipids in the correct ratio in healthy skin. Lipids are the good fats in your skin that make it look healthy and young; as you age, your skin loses them, causing dullness, dryness, and wrinkles. These healthy fats play a critical role in maintaining a healthy functioning skin barrier. The skin barrier is Crucial for this skin barrier function is the lipid matrix in the outermost layer of the skin, the stratum corneum.