Skin Deep Confidence
Grainne Edwards of Grainne Edwards Beauty & Skin Clinic in Donegal is helping women feel good in their skin again, combining advanced treatments with a warm, expert touch.
Around this time of year, many of our clients complain that their skin is dry, tight and dull. True dry skin (also known as lipid dry skin) is lacking in sebum and lipids which form a natural barrier on the surface of the skin. This skin type is typically genetic and occurs over the whole body, not just the face. Dry skin can also occur naturally as we age, have a low-fat diet or some medical issues.
While many people think they have dry skin (lacking in oil), they actually have dehydrated skin (lacking in water). The fancy word for dehydration is Trans Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL). This is the passive evaporation of water from inside the body, through the epidermis (top layer of skin) to the surrounding atmosphere. Don’t panic, as complicated as it sounds, TEWL is a condition that can be easily revised! While TEWL is a process that your skin is capable of naturally regulating, certain elements can influence how much water loss occurs. TEWL is generally caused by low water consumption, (shock!) but is also impacted by environmental factors such as cold weather, humidity, air conditioning and incorrect product use.
Top Hydration Tips
Drink Up: If your body is shrivelled up inside from lack of water don’t expect your skin to be flawlessly hydrated. It is recommended to drink at least 2L of water per day, and more if you exercise.
Supplements: Are you drinking loads of water but still feeling dehydrated? This means your skin isn’t able to hold onto water and it’s evaporating out into the atmosphere. You’re most likely low in essential fatty acids which act as an internal moisturiser for the skin. Supplements such as Ocean EFA’s from Marie Reynolds London are essential to nourish and hydrate your skin from the inside out.
Avoid harsh products: Do you notice after using a particular cleanser or product that the skin feels tight? Some ingredients can excessively strip away your skin’s natural oils, leaving the skin prone to water loss. Reducing the use of these products, or cutting them out completely can be a saving grace for dehydrated skin.
Humectants: Products termed as humectants help to draw and hold water in the skin. Hyaluronic Acid is probably the most well known humectant and is capable of holding up to 1000 times its own weight in water. Pretty cool huh? Marie Reynolds London’s Skin Quencher is a potent concentration of hyaluronic and squalene allowing the skin to replenish its own natural levels and Ultraceuticals’ Ultra B2 Serum combines vitamins B3 and B5 with Hyaluronic to help support water moisture balance and long-lasting hydration to the skin.
Occlusives: Products that are termed occlusive create a barrier on top of the skin, acting as a seal to prevent TEWL. Marie Reynolds London’s Anoint epidermal oil is a blend of antioxidants and omegas which helps sealing in moisture and promoting the skin to naturally repair itself. Many clients are nervous of oils, I promise a good quality oil will not break you out!
Protect: SPF is your skin’s best friend. Not only does SPF protect you from the harmful rays of UVA, but it also shields your skin from wind, pollution and central heating. IMAGE Skincare Daily Prevention Pure Mineral Hydrating Moisturiser contains natural minerals and peptides that specifically aid in UV-related degradation. Ultraceuticals’ Ultra UV DPM SPF 30 Hydrating daily moisturiser offers protection from UVA & UVB rays is lightweight, fast absorbing and hydrating. The addition of antioxidants and moisturising shea butter makes it perfect for dry skin types.
And finally exfoliating once a week will ensure that you are removing dead skin cells that build up, clog pores and prevent moisture from penetrating deep into your skin. A weekly exfoliation will also help your products do their jobs more effectively.
Gráinne Edwards – Beauty & Skin Clinic
📍 Courtyard Shopping Centre, Unit 1, Courtyard Arcade, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal
📞 00 353 74 9113232 | 🌐 www.gebeautyskin.ie
