Hyaluronic acid is like a drink of water for the skin.

What are the benefits of hyaluronic acid on the skin?

Hyaluronic acid is a natural compound found in the skin that has many important functions including,

• holding moisture
• provides cushioning
• aiding in tissue repair
• holding together the skin’s structural components collagen and elastin
• helping create a protective barrier against micro-organisms.

Skin starts losing hyaluronic acid as early as 18, but wrinkles and other skin damage from hyaluronic acid loss doesn’t generally show up until the late 30’s or early 40’s. Preserving or regaining hyaluronic acid is a goal of many skin care specialists.

Since hyaluronic acid holds moisture well, up to 1,000 times its weight in water, it is a commonly used component in moisturisers and serums.

In these formulations, its function is not only to deliver water to the skin, but also to hold it there,

As a large molecule, it doesn’t permeate deep into the skin, but instead stays near the surface where it moisturises the skin’s surface layers.

The loss of natural hyaluronic acid is one of the causes of wrinkles, so the idea of putting it back into the skin as a cosmetic filler to repair these wrinkles, makes sense.

By reducing wrinkles, hyaluronic acid fillers make the skin look younger and increase skin tone, making it look smoother and much more supple.

 What are Cosmeceuticals?

If you want to go beyond pampering and really see a difference in the appearance of your skin, then Cosmeceuticals are the way forward.

Cosmeceuticals are skin treatments that give visible results and provide added benefits that go far beyond other types of skincare products.

The word “Cosmeceutical” entered the general vocabulary in the 1990’s.

Derived from a combination of the words “cosmetics” and “pharmaceuticals”, the word describes a non –prescription product for cosmetic use containing high grade ingredients into your skin offering dramatic results.

These professional grade products have been scientifically researched and tested to ensure they do actually have an effect on the skin.

Cosmeceuticals are a step on from your daily cleanse, tone and moisturise routine, they address skin concerns at a deeper level and protect your skin from external forces, such as the sun and pollution, which can cause premature ageing.

High street cosmetics selling anti-ageing products containing antioxidants, peptides and retinol, do not contain a high enough percentage of these active ingredients to make any real difference to the skin…..also, they are often full of chemicals which can irritate the skin.

 

Here at The Ivy Health & Beauty Clinic  in Teddington, we stock a fantastic range of  products by “Skinceuticals”.

Used regularly, and with the right guidance of our highly trained Beauty and Skin Therapist, Katrina, you will be amazed at the results!

 

HELPFUL TIPS FROM THE BEAUTY THERAPISTS AT THE IVY CLINIC IN TEDDINGTON

While certain beauty short cuts might be helpful time savers, there are some short cuts that are just not worth taking!

Check out the following beauty short cuts to avoid:

 

Sleeping in your make up!

So you come home at the end of a long night and all you want to do is go sleep. Make-up and all. Sound familiar?

While it might seem like the easy option at the time, sleeping in your make-up can be disastrous for your skin.

Get into the habit of regularly removing all traces of make-up before you hit the hay.

Popping Spots!

Nobody likes having a spot on their face, no matter how big or small it is.

But popping them in the hope that they’ll go away quicker is a no-no.

Popping your pimples can cause bacteria to spread and in some cases result in scarring too.

You’re better off leaving pimples alone and reducing their appearance with spot treatments containing salycilic acid or benyzol peroxide.

 

Skipping Sunscreen!

If there’s one thing you should not scrimp on, it’s sunscreen.

Protect your skin from harmful rays by wearing sunscreen, or SPF make-up, when you’re outdoors.

A little bit of extra time and effort spent putting on sunscreen is nothing compared to premature ageing from harmful UVA rays or the increased risk of getting skin cancer.

 

Not washing your make-up tools!

Germs and bacteria can be easily spread by make-up products and tools.

Prevent this from happening by regularly washing and cleaning your make-up tools.

The longer you leave it, the worse it’s likely to be.

It might seem time consuming, but regularly cleaning your make-up tools is a good habit to get into.

 

Get Rid Of Adult Acne!

Suffering from adult acne? You’re not alone!

Here are some effective ways to stop breakouts that will definitely work for your skin;

 

1. Drink lots of water!

Water acts as a cleanser for your body.

Acne starts on the inside and makes its way to the surface. What better way than to clean ourselves from the inside out?!

Drinking water is one great way to stop breakouts.

 

2. Stop Touching Your Face!

It’s common to be sitting at your desk at work and rest your chin on your hand. What you may not realize is when you do this, bacteria from your hands is transferred to your face.

This is how pores are clogged and those not-so-lovely pimples appear.

Also, as tempting as it sounds, don’t pick at your acne. It’s only going to make it red and potentially scar.

3. Wash your face daily!  

No one wants those dead skin cells or leftover oils on their face from the day before.

After a long day, make up, oil and dirt build up, a triple threat that easily clogs pores.

If you would like some advice on the best facial cleanser for your skin, our Beauty Therapists here at The Ivy will be happy to help.

 

4. Eat a balanced Diet

Avoid filling up on sugary foods, excessive amounts of dairy and processed grains.

This will help your complexion as well as your waistline!

A balanced diet full of vitamins and minerals will work to keep you strong, healthy and gorgeous from the inside out.

 

5. The make-up you use can be important too!

Pore clogging cosmetics can combine with your natural skin oils to cause breakouts.

Look for non-comedogenic products and wash your face thoroughly but gently every night.

 

6. Clean your Mobile!

Throughout the day mobile phones can be exposed to many surfaces that have bacteria on them.

When using your phone to talk you are putting bacteria close to your mouth and the warmth and moisture creates a great environment for bacteria to thrive and cause acne. Plus if you’re constantly on your phone rubbing it against your face can lead to ‘acne mechanica’ which are pimples caused by friction.

Try and clean your phone with an alcohol wipe or hand sanitizer daily.

The Ivy Beauty Therapists suggest helpful ways to Boost Collagen Levels In Your Skin:

 

One of the best ways to keep our youthful looks and maintain healthy skin is to boost collagen levels.

Collagen is not only a major player in our anti-aging regimen but it’s also responsible for keeping our connective tissues strong and flexible.

 

Skincare

A very popular way to boost collagen levels is through skin creams and serums.

Check for ingredients like retinol, tretinoin and peptides, as they are said to help boost collagen production in skin.

 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3s are known as the “good fats” and help keep skin moisturized by regulating oil production and protecting it from free radicals. In addition to that, these fatty acids help boost collagen production in ligaments and connective tissue and help strengthen them.

 

Sunscreen

This next tip won’t exactly help boost collagen levels but it is imperative to use sunscreen if you want to prevent the degradation of the existing collagen in your skin. Keeping your skin protected from the sun’s harmful rays is a foolproof way to keep your current levels of collagen and prevent further loss.

 

Exfoliate

Skin exfoliation assists in the removal of dead skin cells to improve skin smoothness and tone and speed cell renewal thereby boosting collagen levels. It also allows for increases penetration of active conditioners from subsequent products.

 

Antioxidants

They help protect tissues from free radicals and help to prevent certain diseases. According to a study published by Science Daily, berries and pomegranates were found to promote production of collagen as well as prevent collagen damage in skin!

 

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is another nutrient that plays a major role in the production and maintenance of collagen. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for us and it can’t be synthesized in the body. So if we don’t get enough vitamin C through our diets, it’ll slow down collagen production.

Make it a point to eat foods like oranges, broccoli, bell peppers and dark leafy greens or apply topically to the skin

 

Avoid Yo-Yo Dieting

Another way to preserve collagen and keep skin looking taut and young is to avoid yo-yo dieting. Constantly gaining and losing weight can cause your skin to sag and make the existing collagen in your skin stretch!

Maintain good eating and exercise habits and your hard work will show!

 

 

Tips and advice from our Beauty Therapists at The Ivy Clinic, near Twickenham.

 

Antioxidants are prized for their amazing ability to fight heart disease, cancer and ageing!

 

Here is a top 10 list of the best antioxidant foods;

 1. Berries:

Blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are loaded with antioxidants that may help in preventing cancer, as well as heart disease.

Additionally, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries have ellagic acid, which is a plant compound that fights carcinogens.

Stir berries into yogurt, add them to salads, or eat them au natural for a delicious snack.

 

2. Broccoli:

Along with other veggies such as cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, broccoli contains indole-3-carbinol, which is a powerful antioxidant that breaks down oestrogen.

Broccoli also contains Beta-Carotene, and is thought to be a cancer and heart disease preventative.

Drizzle lightly-steamed broccoli with salad dressing and enjoy.

 

3. Tomatoes:

Tomatoes contain Lycopene which is a powerful antioxidant that can help protect against degenerative diseases.

It does this by neutralizing free radicals in the body.

It is found in red fruits and vegetables, such as pink grapefruit, papayas and watermelons.

Try adding tomatoes to fresh pasta along with olive oil, or add sun-dried tomatoes to soups or mashed potatoes.

 

4. Garlic:

Garlic is one of the oldest known medicinal plants, and is part of the onion family.

It has been credited with fighting heart disease, lowering blood pressure and helping to fight off colds.

Help to keep your heart healthy by adding garlic to soups, stews, or spreading roast garlic on warm bread.

 

5. Spinach:

Spinach can help protect your vision because it contains the antioxidant lutein.

Studies show that spinach-eaters are less likely to get cataracts or macular degeneration.

Lutein, also called the eye vitamin, and is thought to function as a light filter, protecting the eye tissues from sun damage.

Eat spinach salads or add chopped spinach into brown rice dishes.

 

6. Green Tea:

Green Tea has been shown in studies to reduce significantly your risk of stroke, heart disease, cancer and other diseases.

For a new taste, boil soba noodles in green tea or smoke salmon after marinating it in green tea and ginger.

 

7. Carrots:

Carrots are power packed with beta-carotene, a member of the carotenoid family of antioxidants.

This free-radical fighter is also found in yellow-orange vegetables, sweet potatoes, and beets.

 

8. Whole grains:

Whole grains contain Vitamin E, a strong antioxidant.

Eat whole wheat bread, cook brown rice, or eat whole wheat pitta wraps.

 

9. Prunes :

Prunes have the highest antioxidant value as measured by ORAC – the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity.

Prunes have 5570 ORAC units per 100 grams, higher than almost any fruit or vegetable.

 

10. Beans:

Small red beans, kidney beans and pinto beans are rich in antioxidants as well as proteins and fibres. Include them in soups and salads as well as main dishes.