Skin aggressors and how to fight them

As the body's largest organ, the skin serves as a protective barrier between the internal and external environments. However, this barrier is under constant attack from skin aggressors that can lead to damaging effects, including impaired skin function, wrinkling, dark spots, and acne. One of the key ways to maintain healthy, youthful-looking skin is understanding what skin aggressors are and how to combat them.

What Are Skin Aggressors?

Skin aggressors are external and internal factors that can cause irritation, inflammation or damage to the skin. They can lead to a variety undesirable effects to the skin, such as oxidative stress, collagen loss, acne breakouts and premature ageing. These aggressors include environmental factors like pollution, blue light and UV radiation, lifestyle factors like poor diet, smoking and alcohol consumption, and internal factors like stress, hormonal changes and a lack of sleep.

Environmental Skin Aggressors

Environmental skin aggressors are all around us in our daily lives, the most common being UV radiation, pollution and blue light. UV radiation is harmful to the skin because it can penetrate the outer layer of the dermis and cause DNA damage, leading to skin cancer and premature ageing. Pollutants in the air can cause oxidative stress to the skin and damage its natural barrier function. Lastly, blue light can come from digital devices like computers and cell phones, and it can cause oxidative stress leading to photoaging and hyperpigmentationand hyperpigmentation.

How To Protect Against Environmental Skin Aggressors

To protect the skin from environmental aggressors, you can try the following tips:

• Apply sunscreen daily – use a product with broad-spectrum SPF protection like our SPF25 Rejuvenating Day Cream to defend against both UVA and UVB rays.
• Wear protective clothing – long-sleeved tops, hats and sunglasses can help block UV radiation and environmental pollutants.
• Use an antioxidant Face Serum – ingredients like CBG, vitamin C or alternatives like Matrixyl can help mitigate the damage caused by oxidative stress.
• Limit screen time – take breaks from digital devices, especially before bed, to reduce your exposure to blue light.

Lifestyle Skin Aggressors

Lifestyle skin aggressors are factors associated with daily habits and choices, like a poor diet, smoking and alcohol consumption. Studies show that high sugar and fat intake can worsen acne and speed up ageing. Smoking introduces harmful chemicals into the body that can decrease blood flow and inhibit collagen production. Alcohol consumption can cause dehydration and disrupt the skin's natural hydration levels.

How To Protect Against Lifestyle-Related Skin Aggressors

• To reduce the impact of lifestyle-related skin aggressors, you can try the following tips:
• Eat a balanced diet – nutrient-dense foods like leafy greens, whole grains and healthy fats are vital to supporting skin health.
• Quit smoking – seeking support to quit smoking will help reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals.
• Drink in moderation – limiting alcohol intake ensures you maintain proper hydration levels and reduce dehydration-induced skin issues.
• Get more exercise – Physical activity increases blood flow and also cleanses the body of toxins through perspiration.

Internal Skin Aggressors

Internal skin aggressors are factors originating within the body, such as hormonal changes, stress response and a lack of sleep. Changes in hormone levels can lead to acne flare-ups and changes in skin texture. Stress can cause an increase in cortisol levels, leading to inflammation and premature ageing. A lack of sleep affects the skin's natural repair process, leading to worsening skin concerns such as dullness and puffiness.

How To Protect Against Internal Skin Aggressors

To manage the impact of internal skin aggressors, you can try the following tips:

• Practice stress management – deep breathing, meditation and mindfulness exercises can all reduce the impact of stress on your skin.
• Address hormonal imbalances – visit a doctor or dermatologist to identify the root cause of skin issues like acne and get the necessary treatment.
• Establish a healthy sleep routine – The chamomile and lavender scent of our Face Oil will help you wind down to strive for the optimal seven to eight hours of sleep.
• Stay hydrated – Insufficient water intake can lead to skin dryness, reduced elasticity, and a dull complexion.

How To Know If Your Skin Barrier Is Damaged

Recognising a damaged skin barrier is vital for maintaining healthy skin. Be aware of key indicators such as dehydration, dryness and flakiness. Heightened sensitivity, redness and inflammation also suggest an impaired skin barrier, as is the worsening of pre-existing skin conditions like eczema or acne. Observing these signs warrants an evaluation of your skincare routine and lifestyle choices to identify potential causes.

How To Repair A Damaged Skin Barrier

To repair a damaged skin barrier, it is essential to adopt a targeted approach that focuses on replenishing lost ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids. Occlusive moisturisers, humectants and emollients, like the ones in our Rejuvenating Day Mousse, provide the necessary hydration and support for this process. Additionally, incorporating barrier-supportive ingredients, such as niacinamide and panthenol, can enhance the restoration process by stimulating ceramide synthesis and locking in moisture.