Bondi Beauty spoke to experts at Skin Clinic Blyss in Coogee about the two products that delay ageing:
Q:What are the two key key beauty products to delay ageing of the skin?
A:Vitamin A and AHA’s
Q: How does Vitamin A work?
A: Vitamin A is a generic term that refers to retinol, retinaldehyde, retinoic acid or tretinoin. The main function of Vitamin A is to normalize skin function. Vitamin increases cell turnover and is scientifically proven to boost collagen production, reduce wrinkles, prevent fine lines, even out skin discolouration, unclog pores and treat acne as well as psoriasis. It is known as a ‘keratolytic”, a product that removes a plug out of a follicle or sweat gland.
Q:What sort of products have vitamin A in them?
A:Vitamin A can be found in OTC cosmeceutical products as well as prescription only Retin A. OTC cosmeceutical products include retinol and retinyl palmitate and are known to be less irritating than the prescription form of Vitamin A that contains Retinoic acid and is known to be irritating for some skins.
Q:At what age should we start using vitamin A?
A:We would recommend from an early age for prevention of premature ageing – early 20’s. Vitamin A can also be used for those suffering from acne in the teenage years due to its keratolytic function.
Q:Is it expensive?
A:No. As small amounts are needed, a 30g product can last 3 – 4 months. At Skin Clinic@Blyss we recommend Cosmedix DEFINE RRP $99. Prescription only Vitamin A can be as little as $30 plus the cost of a consultation with your GP
Q:And how do we choose the right sunscreen?
A:Choose a sunscreen with broad spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays. UVA increases skin cancer risk while UVB causes sunburn that leads to premature ageing. Your sunscreen should have a minimum SPF 15+ (filters approx. 93%of UV rays) for incidental exposure (when you are outside for a few minutes at a time or driving around) or minimum 30+ (filters approx 97% of UV rays) for more extended intense sun exposure (swimming, exercising, long periods of time in the sun). Look for ingredients such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide,
Dioxybenzone and oxybenzone. Sensitive skin should avoid sunscreens that contain PABA or oxybenzone as well as fragrance. If you will be exercising, choose an SPF that is water resistant.
Q:Should we have a different sunscreen for our face and body?
A:Generally both contain the same ingredients. The difference is texture. Sunscreens for the face are lighter in texture and formulated not to block the skins pores. The answer Yes, it just comes down to personal preference.
Q:How much sunscreen do we need to apply for it to be effective?
A:Most people do not apply enough sunscreen. The Australian Cancer council recommends an average adult apply 35mL or 1teaspoon of sunscreen to each arm, leg, front of body, back of body and face (including neck and ears). This should be reapplied every 2 hours or immediately after swimming, exercising or towel drying.
Q:What other tips do you have for preventing the onset of ageing?
* Correct cleansing – ignored all too often to remove make-up residue, dirt and pollutants that
cause free radical damage. Morning and night
* Home use of topical Vitamin A, AHA’s and antioxidants.
* Everyday use of a quality SPF
* Balanced diet free of processed foods – in particular sugar, as well as limiting alcohol
* Regular in – clinic treatments such as superficial peeling treatments for increasing dead skin
cell turnover enabling active products to penetrate the skin more readily
* use of products prescribed by a skin care professional
* don’t smoke
* exercise regularly
* get enough sleep
