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Dry VS. Dehydrated Skin: What’s the difference and how to fix it?

10 November 2020

In winter, one of the most common complaints for us is that our skin dries up. But in reality, what most of us are probably experiencing is dehydration. At first glance, ‘dry’ and ‘dehydrated’ seem like two words to describe the same thing. But when it comes to skincare they are completely different skin concerns with different causes. 75% are thought to suffer from dehydrated skin.

What’s the difference between dry and dehydrated skin?

Very simply dry skin lacks oil and dehydrated skin lacks moisture (water) so your skin can be dehydrated, dry or both. Dry skin is a skin type, but dehydrated skin is a skin condition that anyone can experience.

Dry Skin

Dry skin is caused by your genetics, a hormonal imbalance and is classed as a skin type which means that your skin naturally produces less oil than someone with normal, oily or combination skin type.

Dry skin Characteristics

Feels Rough

Feels Tight and Appears Dry, with no oiliness evident

Can Be Flaky

These characteristics rarely change, skin feels dry all year long.

Dehydrated Skin

Dehydrated skin is a skin condition, you are not born with it but it is self-inflicted due to lifestyle habits/changes. It can be caused by simple things like harsher weather, sun exposure, poor diet, air conditioning and using incorrect skincare. All of these can deplete the water content of your skin, leaving your skin gasping for hydration. Dehydrated skin is caused by a shortage of water, not oil, so even if you have oily or combination skin types you can become dehydrated. There is a bit of a misconception that the main cause of skin dehydration is lack of water intake. Water intake certainty has to be considered, but it isn’t usually the primary cause. Only 10% of the water you drink goes to the skin.

Dehydrated Skin Characteristics

Look Dull

Feels Itchy and sometimes irritated

Fine lines (if you gently pinch the surface of your skin, and if you so criss-cross lines like that of an orange, that is a good indicator of dehydration.

Accelerated signs of skin ageing

Dehydrated skin tends to come and go, it does not persist. Another indicator of dehydrated skin is that it’s often accompanied by an excessive production of oil and/or blackheads. Despite this the skin still feels tight.

Key causes of dehydrated skin

Sun

UVA is the main cause in terms of weather when it comes to skin dehydration. UVA causes free radical damage in the cells, breaking down collagen and elastin causing lines and wrinkles.

Incorrect Skincare

Dehydrated can in a lot of cases be caused be the result of using skincare products that contain harsh or skin-sensitising ingredients, which can strip the pH of the skin causing an imbalance.

Air-Conditioning & Central Heating

Unfortunately both of these strip the moisture from our skin.

What can we do to fix it?

For dehydrated skin, assess your skincare routine, and avoid using any harsh, sensitizing products.

Dehydrated skins need moisture (water), the best ingredient that helps to keep water in the skin is called ‘hyaluronic acid’. Hylauronic acid is naturally present in our body, but as we age it starts to deplete. Hylauronic acid is an excellent ingredient to prevent moisture loss and skin ageing (it can hold itself 1,000 times itself in water). The best way of getting this product into the skin is by using a serum as they can penetrate the skin much deeper than your regular moisturiser. Some of my favourite’s serums that contain hyaluronic acid are Alumier Ultimate Boost Serum €74.00, Neutrogena hydroboost €17.46. If you are looking for a more natural alternative that’s right on our doorstep Element 8 Serum €36.00 is a perfect solution, which was launched just before Christmas.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle your skincare routine will help support and plump your skin and help prevent dehydration.

For dry skin use a good hydrating moisturising like Kiehl’s Ultra Face Cream €28.50 and an anti-oxidant rich mask like Dermalogica’s award winning multi-vitamin power recovery masque €47.00.

Product Skin

3 of the best skincare products for mature skin

4 October 2020

1 Clinque Smart Custom -Repair Serum

Spoil your skin with a custom repair serum which is full of anti-ageing nutrients that will tackle everything from wrinkles to pigmentation.

2 Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle resist 24 Day Cream

This 24 hour wrinkle cream by Shiseido protects skin throughout the day from external damage that could possibly result in premature ageing.

3 Olay Pro-X Deep Wrinkle Treatment

This Olay product has won numerous awards. It contains retinyl propionate which is a mild retinol, which renews the skin surface with less irritation.

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Product Skin

‘Glass skin’ is in and contouring is out as skincare sales soar

17 August 2020

Guide to Glowing Glass Skin

Korean skin care trends have been all the rage for the last few years. In fact, we have Korean skin care to thank for our love of everything from double-cleansing to sheet masks. And the latest K-beauty trend to make waves is known as glass skin. Glass skin is meant to evoke the idea of a crystal-clear piece of glass, meaning it’s all about skin that is supposed to look super-clear.

Last month, the term ‘glass’ skin rose to popularity on the Internet after Los Angeles–based makeup artist Ellie Choi’s glassy selfie went viral on Instagram. Since then, skin-care fanatics have been searching for the techniques and products that yield that luminous glow. The average Korean’s skincare routine is 7-11 steps, so as you can imagine it doesn’t come easy.

Want to give this skin care trend a try?

The glass skin trend is all about cleansing and layering lightweight, hydrating skin care products to help create the appearance of glowing, dewy skin— with no or minimal makeup. The main aim is to disintegrate dull, dead skin cells and keep skin hydrated to the maximum. To try the glass skin trend yourself, follow my skin care guide below.

Double Cleanse

As with any skin care routine, the first step should be using a facial cleanser. For a truly poreless complexion, you’ve got to dissolve every trace of makeup, oil, sweat, dirt, and pollutants before calling it a night. Start with an oil based cleanser and then do your second cleanse with a more hydrating cleanser.

Exfoliate

If you want to try to achieve the look of glass skin, the next step in your skin care routine should be reaching for an exfoliant. Try and use one with alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), which “unglue” dead skin cells and refine pores without irritation, as opposed to the more aggressive physical exfoliants you’ll find in facial scrubs.

SPF – Sun Protection Factor

During the day—rain or shine—use a broad-spectrum sunscreen to guard against fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation like Preventation daily moisturiser 30+ SPF €46.50 or if you are prone to dark spots of pigmentation La Roche Posay’s Pigmentclar UV SPF 30 might work well for you.

Moisturise, Moisturise, Moisturise.

The secret to get the crystal, clear, glass like skin is to hydrate the skin internally and externally. Find a nourishing moisturising and if necessary supplement with an oil at night, like Eminence Facial Recovery Oil to really lock in the moisture. I have really noticed a difference since I have started using oils on my skin, you only need 2-3 drops on your face so a little goes a really long way. We all know it, but drinking lots of water really does help plump up the fine lines and hydrate the skin!

Apply a highlighting Shimmer and you’re good to go!

Now that your skin has been properly cleansed, exfoliated, and hydrated for a glowing finish, all that’s left to do is add some sheen by adding some highlighter like Elf Baked Highlighter €7.25 to accentuate your cheekbones and brow bones.

Face Product Skin

3 of the Best Sunscreens (SPF) for your Face

18 June 2020

Best Sunscreens 2017, According to Health's Editors | Health.com

You will have heard it a million times before: wearing a face SPF every day is key to healthy skin. I wish I knew the full effects that the sun had on my skin years ago so I could reverse back time and I would have used SPF on my face from age 16. A good sunscreen blocks the harmful effects of the sun’s UVA and UVB rays, which wreak havoc on the health of our skin and its cells, leading to decreased collagen and elasticity, fine lines, pigmentation, and an increased risk of skin cancer if an SPF is not used. In the past, SPFs have been sticky and greasy, quick to clog pores, and prone to leaving dark skins ashy. The good news is that now, thanks to much-improved formulas and innovative technology, there are plenty of facial sunscreens that protect your skin while also being a pleasure to use.

3 of the best SPF’s for your skin

Kiehls

Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily Defense SPF 50 €41.00

Doubling up as both a moisturiser and an SPF 50 sunscreen, Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily Defense is an industry favourite, perfect for those with sensitive skin thanks to its oil-free, fragrance-free formula. It doesn’t leave a chalky residue either, making it a good choice for darker skin tones.

La Roche Posay

La Roche-Posay Anthelios AC Anti-Shine Matte Fluid SPF 30 €19.50

If you suffer from blemishes, you may find that sun protection leaves your skin feeling greasy and prone to breakouts. La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios AC Anti-Shine Matte Fluid is specifically designed for people with those concerns, offering a non-comedogenic, feather-light formula with a velvet finish alongside SPF 30 protection.

Image Prevention + matte €47.50

I am currently using this SPF and loving it. It is available in matte which is oil-free for oily, acne skins or the regular prevention + for all other skin types. It’s a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen that delivers high sun protection. It doubles as a protective primer to create a healthy glow before makeup application. It smells amazing.

Celebrity Featured Posts Makeup Product

This is the foundation behind Meghan’s glowing skin

20 October 2019

I’ve often looked at Megan Markle’s flawless skin and wondered how her skin looks so glowy all of the time. Her former make-up artist has revealed the foundation behind her gorgeous complexion. Lydia Selleres worked as Markle’s make-up artist for two years. In that time, she revealed that the actress was ‘in-the-know’ about beauty, and when it came to her base products she knew what she liked – and what she didn’t. “Every time I’d do her make-up, she’d say, ‘Can we just make sure my freckles are peeking through? I don’t want a ton of foundation,’”. With that in mind, the make-up artist would always opt for Giorgio Armani’s Luminous Silk Foundation, as the formula could easily be sheered out with a Beautyblender.

The medium coverage foundation is available in 24 shades and having tried it, I can tell you it lives up to the hype. As it does does cost €49.00, I tend to keep this foundation as my ‘going out’ foundation!

This is the type of base that results in people commenting on your glowing skin and asking what foundation you’re using. Another advantage of this base is the fact you can apply one layer for daytime but it’s completely buildable so you can use it for a night time look too.

Celeb Interviews Featured Posts Product

Chat all things beauty with Roz Purcell

17 March 2019

Roz Purcell launched her debut cookbook in February 2018 ‘Natural Born Feeder’, a healthy living and nutrition book. To mark the launch of her book ‘Natural Born Feeder’, Roz opened a pop up shop on Baggot Street, which raised €11K for Capuchin Day Centre for Homeless People. She also runs a successful blog where she posts lots of healthy and tasty recipes. Roz has also been one of Ireland’s high profile models over the last decade.

Roz took time out of her very busy schedule to find out the secrets to her amazing skin and what’s in her make-up bag.

Sara: What is your skincare routine and what products do you like to use?

Roz: My Skincare regime is pretty minimal! My only golden rule is to rule is to remove my make-up every night – I will never fall asleep with it on. I take my make-up off with water wipes or bio miracle. At night, I use Image MD reconstructive cream and in the morning I wear Image daily SPF.

Sara: What is your favourite product?

Roz: Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream, my lips get chapped very easily, especially as this weather is so changeable. It is like a protective layer and makes them nice and glossy and plump.

Sara: What make-up products are you currently using and loving?

Roz: From years of getting my make-up done, I’ve formed a collection of products I feel really work for my skin and suit my colouring and skin type.

For my foundation, I love Charlotte Tilbury foundation in Light Wonder, it’s really light and works really well for my skin.

I always use a MAC cream blush in ‘Lady blush’ for my cheeks and lips.

For my lips I usually just opt for gloss and I love Mother Pucker from Soap and Glory and I line my lips with a neutral lip pencil from MAC in Whirl.

For my eyes, I love Inglot gel pots for eyeliner, they stay put all day and night! I really like MAC eyeshadow in copper tone which I love for every day wear. I use YSL false lash effect mascara as it gives really thick lashes. I use MAC Lingering pencil for my eyebrows.

Roz feels that good make-up brushes are essential and her personal favourite brushes are from Callanberry, ‘They don’t shed, they are amazing’, says Roz.

Roz uses Chanel mousse pot as a bronzer and also favours Chanel as her powder.

Sara: Have you any make-up tips that you have picked throughout your modelling career?

Roz: Invest in a good set of make-up brushes, as it all about blending when it comes to good make-up application.

Sara: What is your favourite make-up product that you couldn’t live without?

Roz: It has to be Chanel Bronzing mousse. It gives you such a healthy glow without covering your skin. It’s super natural.

Sara: What is your desert island product?

Roz: Definitely Sun Protection Factor (SPF). I use Image daily for a nice glow too.

Sara: What is your favourite beauty treatment?

Roz: Microdermabrasion. I get a treatment when I feel my skin is tired and need a pick up, it really clears out my skin from a build-up of make-up and makes a huge difference.

Sara: Any last bit of advice?

Roz: Practice a look that works best for you, not for a celebrity you like, we are all different and it’s important to get to know your face and what colours work with your skin etc. Make-up is to enhance your features not cover them!

Best Non-Surgical Anti-ageing Treatments

13 March 2019

As the human body ages, there is a loss of subcutaneous fat that can lead to fine lines and wrinkles. One of the other contributing factors is sun exposure that leads to skin discoloration and fine wrinkles. I have put together a list of non-surgical anti-ageing treatments that can be used to keep your skin looking young and healthy.

Injectables

1. Dermal Fillers

Fillers can give effective and immediate results to plump up an area that has lost volume. It can fill in deep folds under the skin, create fuller lips and cheeks. It can create an appearance of a fuller skin.

Traditionally, collagen was used for dermal fillers, but Hyaluronic Acid (Restylane, Juvederm) is more popular now as it occurs naturally in the body.

2. Muscle Relaxers

Botulinum toxin (Botox, Dysport) temporary paralyzes the muscles, appearing to give a smooth appearance to the fine lines and wrinkles. It doesn’t really help improve the skin tone or texture. It works best on the upper third part of the face especially around the eyes and forehead.

4. Fat Melting

Using Deoxycholic acid (Kybella) injection helps the fat break down and absorb into the body. This is used to target the sagging fat under the chin.

Skin Treatments

These procedures can give your skin a smoother appearance with reduced fine lines and wrinkles. It is basically a method of removing the top layer of skin in a controlled manner.

1. Chemical Peel Treatments

The exfoliating chemical is applied directly to the skin. It causes the skin to shed resulting in fresher skin cells. When using a higher concentration of chemicals, it emulates a skin wound causing the body to increase collagen production. The new skin is tighter and helps reduce fine lines, small scars, skin discoloration, and sun damage.
Popular beauty brands make lower concentrations of glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, and trichloracetic acid that can be purchased easily online or at beauty stores to be used at home. Some people can get adverse reactions, so it is advisable if you are using over 20% to go to a recognised clinic.

2. Dermarolling

Dermal rollers boost collagen production.

Jade facial roller reduces inflammation and boosts collagen production. They have been known to be used in ancient China. The jade stone is believed to have natural healing properties. Recent beauty trends have shown a renewed interest in the jade and rose quartz rollers. The recommended usage is to roll your face after applying night cream and serums on a clean face.

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Microneedling face roller system has small needles that cause micro-tears in the system, leading the body to promote collagen production to heal the area.

3. Dermaplaning

This is the process of gently scraping off the top layer of skin that contain dead skin cells so that the underneath brighter complexion can be removed.

4. Microdermabrasion

This is the process of removing the top layer of skin using crystals or diamond tipped wand to exfoliate the skin. Similar to chemical peels, it helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin texture.

Laser/Other Treatments

1. Laser Procedures

This procedure is used to improve the overall wellness of the skin, targeting fine lines, skin tone, and texture. The damage caused by lasers promote collagen promotion that helps plump up the skin. The laser procedures can be used to target the skin at varying depths, depending on the desired result.

2. IPl & other heat-based treatments

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) uses intense light to heat the epidermis and dermis to stimulate collagen production. It requires a series of treatments that show gradual improvement. It is best for improving skin tone and texture.

Other heat-based treatments include the use of:

3.Radio-frequency (Thermage) can smoothen, tighten and improve the appearance of skin. It is an expensive procedure which can last a couple of years.

4.Ultrasound (Ultherapy, HIFU) can help lift and tighten skin.

5. Jett plasma uses plasma to stimulate and contract the skin, causing tightening and lifting

5. Personal LED anti-ageing device

LED light therapy offers a lot of benefits and their effect varies based on the varying coloured lights and their varying wavelengths. There are also handheld LED-based devices that can be used at home. It is painless and requires minimal to no recovery time.

Infrared helps reduce inflammation, accelerate healing and promote circulation.
Amber helps build collagen and elastin.
Red helps reduce inflammation and promotes circulation.
Blue destroys acne bacteria, preventing new breakouts while treating existing ones
They require multiple treatment sessions before you see start seeing results.

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Photo by PHOTOGRAPHY Toporowski

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