Flawless finish
Change of season, stress and hormonal imbalances are some of the factors that affect skin. Here’s what you need to get your radiance back.
As we age, our skin loses its ability to bounce back. Picking not only pushes more bacteria into the skin (which will prolong the life of the pimple), but it may also cause lasting scarring and pigmentation because of inflammation.
Melasma, or pigmentation, is one of the biggest skin concerns linked to hormonal changes. Mainly found on the forehead, nose, cheeks and upper lip, melasma usually occurs during pregnancy or with the use of some oral contraceptives, says aesthetic physician, Dr Sly Nedic. When the body releases more oestrogen than usual, an imbalance occurs that causes the melanocyte cells in the skin to produce more melanin. Because melanin is responsible for skin colour, too much of it causes an uneven skin tone.
If you’re pregnant or on oestrogenbased birth control, limit your sun exposure and apply a good sunscreen daily. Over-the-counter treatments can be helpful to a certain extent, but Dr Nedic advises you not to focus solely on them. Because this kind of pigmentation is brought on by hormonal imbalances, it’s better to try to rebalance your oestrogen levels for a longterm solution – but only with the help of your dermatologist or aesthetic physician.
ADULT ACNE
Though likely something you thought you’d left behind in high school, acne can still rear its ugly head in adulthood. Research has shown that adult acne is a common skin issue among women. Acne is caused by bacteria; throw a hormonal imbalance into the mix and you have the perfect environment for the condition to flourish. The culprit? Androgen. This hormone is responsible for kick-starting puberty, and it is believed to regulate the functioning of certain organs and the synthesis of oestrogen. It has also been shown to play a key role in the prevention of bone loss. Treating adult acne is not always easy – because excess production of androgen may well be part of an underlying health problem such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or insulin resistance. It’s best to pay your doctor a visit to establish what is causing your breakouts.
Topical treatments will be a great help in reducing the effects of androgen, but it is important that you find out what the underlying causes are. Because an excess of androgen can enlarge pores and cause sebaceous glands to produce more oil, regular exfoliation is also key. Old skin that is not regularly removed may clog pores, which can lead to the formation of a pimple. As tempting as it seems, it’s especially important not to extract pimples on your own. Get a pro to do it.
STRESS AND YOUR SKIN
Skin is always the first place signs of strain appear. When your body detects stress, the adrenal glands release cortisol and adrenalin, also known as the fight or flight hormones – great for when you’re in a dangerous situation, not so great when you’re just having a hard time at work.
While most of us might have experienced the odd pimple close to a deadline, others suffer debilitating skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and keratosis pilaris (chicken skin) as a result of stress. What’s worse, continued strain can aggravate them. Avoid triggers of anxiety if you do have one of these conditions, and follow a strict but gentle routine to care for your skin.
These conditions are believed to be autoimmune diseases, and although not life-threatening, they can cause severe discomfort. Consult a dermatologist for advice and treatment.
WATCH YOUR DIET
A glowing complexion is not only for the surface, but is skin deep too. What you eat plays a significant role in the health of your skin. Follow a balanced diet, drink lots of water and get enough sleep. Your body needs all the energy and strength it can muster to heal and repair itself.
Fight acne: Berries are a great source of nutrients antioxidants. Dark ones are really good for the skin, especially where acne is a nuisance.
Boost collagen: Kiwis have high levels of vitamins, perfect for soothing acne and giving you healthy skin with fewer signs of ageing. This mini powerhouse boosts collagen production and reduces the appearance of pigmentation. Add one to your salad or smoothie.
Get a glow: Popularly known for their eyesightboosting properties, carrots are also high in beta-carotene that help give skin a healthy glow. Throw some carrot, ginger and apple into your blender for a smoothie.
Reduce pimples: Vitamin A is found in dark leafy greens, red peppers, sweet potatoes, milk and eggs. It helps to neutralise pimple-causing infections and boost cell reproduction. Add these foods to your daily eating plan for quick, visible and long-lasting results.