BeautyFresh Blog

Beauty Ideas, Tips & Hints

Stressed Out?

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Look Inwards

Stressed lives make for stressed skin. For those seeking solutions, thinking small – very, very small – could alleviate all manner of skin concerns, and it all starts with the intertwined relationship between the skin, the brain and the beneficial bacteria of the gut.

Feeling stressed? With the January blues, festive-fallout and the global pandemic continuing to cause chaos, 2021 is kicking off under a potent cloud of concerns. As worries swirl, counteracting the impact of stress on the skin and the body is becoming a key priority for many.

According to the Office for National Statistics in November 2002 over 75% of adults in the UK felt worries about the effect of the coronavirus pandemic, with over 50% reporting feeling of anxiety or stress.

Anecdotal and scientific evidence has long-linked skin-concerns to increasingly stressful lifestyles and to periods of unique stress. Clients dealing with break-outs, problem skin and sull, sallow or tired complexions may often blame stress as a trigger.

A developing area of skin research suggests that one of the causes of these stress complaints can be traced he body’s internal microbiome. This is the amalgamation of all micro-organisms – including bacteria, fungi and viruses – that live in synergy with the human body. Alongside factors such as antibiotic use and poor diet, stress can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the gut, which negatively impacts the skin.

As skin care professionals treating stressed and problem skin, targeted support of the gut microbiome is a powerful tool: balancing the internal environment to support skin health.

The Advanced Nutrition Programme’s newly launched Skin Clear Biome blends four skin-friendly bacterial strains together with zinc: targeting the gut to skin connection. Formulated for problem skin, it works to balance the internal biome, combating stressed and compromised complexions.

Thinking Holistically

Emerging evidence showing the intertwined workings of the brain, skin and gut links together two commonly accepted adages for skin health: good skin starts from the inside and excessive stress can cause skin problems.

The nuances of the relationship are subject to ongoing study, but mounting research confirms a close physiological connection: responses in the brain trigger changes in the gut, and if the gut falls out of balance, so can the skin.

“The gut-brain-skin axis suggests a mechanism that links gastrointestinal health, [influenced by interactions with oral probiotics], to the health and well-being of the skin,” International Journal of Women’s Dermatology.

As understanding of the axis evolves, innovative methods of enhancing skin health via the gut are emerging. Using probiotics and beneficial bacteria supplements has been demonstrated to have a significant, positive impact on skin health.

Stress Out

A study published in the Journal of Physiological Pharmacology noted that the body’s stress signals have a powerful impact on the intestinal microbiome. Stress signals from the brain trigger the release of neurotransmitters and proinflammatory cytokines: signalling molecules causing inflammation. These molecules can ‘profoundly affect the gastrointestinal physiology’, leading to imbalanced internal flora and an increased likelihood of intestinal permeability. When intestinal permeability is compromised, toxins and other substances seep out of the gut and into the bloodstream, this can trigger skin problems.

Concerns such as break-outs inflammation and excess sebum production have all been attributed to the gut’s physiological response to stress, and imbalances in gut bacteria – known as dysbiosis – have also been found in those suffering conditions such as acne and rosacea.

A Balancing Act

With their nourishing properties for the gut, probiotic and beneficial bacteria supplements, have soared in popularity with wellness focused shoppers. A report from market research agency Meticulous Research in August 2020 noted a 100% increase in Google searches for probiotics during the lockdown in March 2020 with 43% of probiotic takers supplementing for immunity and 17% for skin health.

As clients become aware of the additional potential of probiotics and bacteria supplements to support skin health and stressed skin, their popularity looks set to soar even further.

The Advanced Nutrition Programme’s Skin Youth Biome and newly launched Skin Clear Biome, are sophisticated solutions to add into a client’s regime to assist both the gut and the skin. In addition to bacterial strains beneficial to the maintenance of a healthy gut flora, these innovative formulations contain skin-specific strains shown to have a notable impact on skin concerns. Skin Clear Biome also contains bacteria shown to help alleviate the signs of stress on the gut.

Bacteria For Breakouts

Lorraine Perretta, Advanced Nutrition Programme’s Head of Nutrition, explains that impressive results in testing of Skin Youth Biome inspired the development of the new Skin Clear Biome formulations, designed to target stressed and problem skin.

She explains that balancing from the inside out was the cornerstone of the new formulation: “During the development of Skin Clear Biome, we analysed strains of bacteria that appeared to be playing a role not only in digestive health but also stress, immunity and problem skin” she says. “additionally, we added zinc to this unique mix to further augment its impact on skin”.

The supplement synergises four strains of skin-friendly bacteria with zinc to promote skin. The four bacterial strains: S.boulardii, B.bifidum, L.helveticus and L.paracasei, were selected for their researched abilities to target the causes of problem skin. The strains have been shown to decrease sebum production, regulate inflammation, assist with healing and maintain immunity.

Perretta notes that trials at the IIAA Skin Health Research Centre have yielded exciting results. “Participants in our testing are reporting significant improvement both to their skin and to their confidence,” she says. Testers reported fewer breakouts, decreased oiliness and faster healing, and our skin analysis displayed:

42% reductions in forehead sebum

32% reduction in nose sebum

28% in chin sebum

A Capsule Wardrobe

For clients with problem skin and stressed complexions, Skin Clear Biome’s balancing bacterial matric is a potent first step. The profound impact stress has on the gut can slow down or hinder the absorption of nutrients, therefore, restoring nutrient levels becomes a necessity. As a result, clients will benefit from incorporating skin specific nutrients into their routines.

Combining Skin Clear Biome with Skin Accumax, award-winning skin supplement for problem skin, is a potent option for those suffering with problem skin. Adding the benefits of Vitamins A, C and E which support skin health and clarity to Skin Clear Biome’s beneficial bacterial matrix.

Skin Vit C is another smart addition for those suffering from severe stress. When the body is stressed, it triggers the fight or flight response in the adrenal gland, which uses a lot of vitamin C. Replenishing vitamin C can help brighten stress-dulled skin, and provide additional support with its antioxidant and immune supporting properties.

THE IMPORTANCE OF EXFOLIATION!

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The world of exfoliators can feel a little complicated, yet it is without doubt the best thing you can do for your skin to get that radiant and glowing complexion. Polishing away dead skin cells delivers a deep-down cleanse, restores a smooth and less wrinkled canvas, re-texturises uneven skin tone and decreases pore size.

In our younger years skin renewal occurs every 28 days and dead skin cells fall off without any help, but as we age cellular renewal slows down dramatically and by the time the cells reach the surface, they are far too tired to remove themselves. As a result, they are left clinging to the skin surface accentuating every little skin imperfection – and what’s worse is that these dead skin cells will block your other skincare products from properly absorbing into your skin rendering them useless. If that wasn’t enough to deal with, as you get older, there’s decreased blood flow through the dermal capillaries. Fewer nutrients reach the epidermis, leading to thinning of the epidermis and a reduction in the barrier function. These changes lead to increased water loss and dry skin and skin cells end up receiving 30 percent less natural moisture!

There are two types of exfoliators in the skincare world: – Physical exfoliators and chemical exfoliators.

  • Physical exfoliators contain granules and are designed to buff the surface of the skin forcing dead skin cells to be eradicated. The downside of this type of exfoliator is that they can be abrasive causing micro-tears on the skin which in turn destroy the skin’s protective barrier, creating irritation.
  • Chemical exfoliators have become the ‘brainchild’ of the exfoliating world and contain gentle acids or enzymes which cleverly dissolve the glue that bind the dead skin cells to the skin’s surface melting them off the skin and revealing a clear, fresh and radiant complexion without causing any irritation.

 

Gatineau scientists have been revered in the skincare industry for their exceptional exfoliator innovations and they definitely did not disappoint when they crafted Gatineau Peeling Expert Pro-Radiance Anti-aging Gommage! Unveiled over a decade ago and yet year on year it continues to be bestowed the most ‘innovative’ exfoliator! In 2018 it won the Top Sante award for the ‘best exfoliator’! Originally developed purely for the professional salon trolley it was created first and foremost for its high performance and efficacy in Gatineau’s professional anti-aging facial treatments and due to its phenomenal results and sheer client demand it was eventually transported into the retail line-up.

 

A highly concentrated and sophisticated treatment product, Pro-Radiance Anti-aging Gommage is renowned for its exceptional age defying technology and has been expertly formulated to deliver smooth, soft, and radiant skin in just one treatment. This ingenious exfoliator is suitable for all types of ageing skin but because it doesn’t contain ANY granules it is also suitable for sensitive and delicate skin types too!

Deemed either a quick fix or a luxurious facial treatment this incredible granular-free gooey yet indulgent cream (you could be forgiven into thinking it was even a mask) is powered by a blend of naturally derived enzymes which offer a professional peel from the comfort of your own home.  But it really is so much more than just an exfoliator.  It is a true multi-tasking product – I mean exfoliators are designed to remove dead skin cells but the Pro-Radiance Anti-aging Gommage goes one step further and actually replaces the dead skin cells with an abundance of skincare goodness. So in fact it ticks two boxes – that of an exfoliator and that of an anti-aging face mask.  It really is absolutely genius!

 

And the abundance of ‘skincare goodness’ comes from the addition of two super-powered oils – Jojoba and Sunflower Seed Oil. The combination of these nutrient-packed oils flood the skin with restoring antioxidants and conditioning essential fatty acids which are not only vital to bolster the skin’s natural oil content but equally to diminish the visibility of wrinkles.

And then you have the ‘new berry on the block’ – The Lingonberry – which has an entire story of its own and is hailed for its anti-ageing properties.  Known by the scientific name ‘vaccinium vitis-idaea’, Lingonberries are considered a ‘super fruit’ by the Nordics and a real ‘health promoting berry’ due to the fact they are grown during short but very intensive summers with 24 hours of sunlight. The oil that is extracted from the seed is packed with exceptionally high amounts of anti-oxidants (in fact 5 times that of the mere cranberry), plus plant sterols and essential Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids which enables the skin to retain hydration, elasticity and MOST importantly density. (So, it will strengthen that fragile thinning skin).

And then there’s the refreshing scent of menthol which not only revs up the micro-circulation awakening sluggish skin but restores the complexion vitality and that gorgeous rosy bloom.

And I just love the two techniques in which you can use this wonder product.

For time poor:  Apply a thin layer to the face, neck and décolleté and massage in until it turns from a glue like/ gum texture to a slightly slippy texture, then use gentle strokes to buff it off. Watch the dead skin just fall away and then rinse the excess.

For that cosy night in:   Apply a thick layer to the face, neck and décolleté and leave it to sink into the skin for at least 30 minutes.  Once the Gommage becomes translucent, loosen the edges and peel the mask off.  You will feel like you have lifted the lid on a brand new skin!