The Connection Between Gut Health and Skin Health

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acne, bacteria, balanced diet, bodily functions, dermatitis, digestive health, digestive tract, dysbiosis, fibre, fungi, gut health, gut microbiome, gut-brain axis, gut-skin axis, gut-skin relations, health problems, healthcare practitioners, immune function, inflammation, metabolism, microbes, minerals, overall health, radiant skin, regular exercise, scientists, skin health, skin issues, sleep, stress response, viruses, Vitamin D, vitamin K, well-being

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The connection between gut health and skin health has become a hot topic in recent years, as scientists and healthcare practitioners have come to understand the importance of the gut-skin relations in overall health and well-being. The gut-skin axis refers to the relationship between the gut microbiome and the skin, and how imbalances in the gut can manifest as skin issues.

The gut microbiome is the collection of microorganisms that live in the digestive tract, which includes bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes. These microorganisms play a crucial role in maintaining digestive health, immune function, and overall well-being. When the balance of these microorganisms is disrupted, it can lead to a condition known as dysbiosis, which has been linked to a variety of health problems, including skin issues.

Studies have shown that the gut microbiome can directly influence the health of the skin. For example, a study ^[1] published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that mice with imbalanced gut microbiota had more severe symptoms of skin inflammation and dermatitis than mice with healthy gut microbiota. Another study ^[2] published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology found that patients with acne had a higher prevalence of intestinal dysbiosis compared to those without acne.

One reason for this connection is the fact that the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in regulating the immune system. When the gut microbiome is imbalanced, it can lead to increased inflammation in the body, which can manifest as skin issues such as acne, rosacea, and eczema. Additionally, the gut microbiome is involved in the production of certain nutrients that are essential for skin health, such as vitamin D and vitamin K.

Furthermore, the gut-skin axis is also influenced by the gut-brain axis, which refers to the communication between the gut and the brain. The gut-brain axis is responsible for regulating many bodily functions, including digestion, metabolism, and stress response. When the gut-brain axis is disrupted, it can lead to increased stress and anxiety, which can also manifest as skin issues.

There are several ways to support gut health and promote healthy skin. One of the most important is to eat a healthy, balanced diet that is rich in fibre, vitamins, and minerals. This can help to promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and reduce inflammation in the body.

In addition to diet, there are several other lifestyle factors that can impact gut health and skin health. For example, getting regular exercise, managing stress, and getting enough sleep are all important for maintaining a healthy gut microbiome and promoting overall well-being.

The bottom line is, the connection between gut health and skin health is a complex and multifaceted one. By understanding the role that the gut microbiome plays in skin health, we can take steps to support our gut health and promote healthy, radiant skin. Whether it’s through diet, exercise, or other lifestyle factors, there are many ways to support the gut-skin axis and promote optimal health and well-being.

Sources:

1: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6920876/

2: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7584556/

Five Skincare Mistakes You Might Be Making (and How to Fix Them)

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acne, ageing process, bacteria, breakouts, clogged pores, collagen breakdown, dead skin cells, Decleor Bi-phase Caring Cleanser, Dermalogica Hydro Masque Exfoliant, dirt accumulation, dryness, elastin breakdown, exfoliation, harsh products, healthy complexion, inflammation, irritation, makeup removal, makeup remover, makeup residue, neck and décolletage neglect, neglecting steps, oil buildup, oil overproduction, premature ageing, progress, radiant skin, redness, renewal process, sensitive eye area, skin barrier, skin breathing, skin cancer, skincare mistakes, sleeping with makeup, sunburn, sunscreen, unclog pores, UV rays, wrong products

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Achieving healthy and radiant skin is a goal that many of us strive for, but sometimes we unknowingly fall into common skincare mistakes that hinder our progress. Whether it’s using the wrong products or neglecting essential steps in our routines, these missteps can prevent us from attaining the skin we desire. Today, we’re looking at five common skincare mistakes you might be making and provide effective solutions to help you rectify them. So, let’s dive in and discover how to overcome these skincare blunders for a happier, healthier you!

Sleeping with Makeup On

Sleeping in makeup is highly discouraged due to the numerous negative effects it can have on your skin. When you leave makeup on overnight, it clogs your pores and prevents the skin from breathing and renewing itself naturally. This leads to the accumulation of dirt, oil, and bacteria, which can trigger breakouts and acne. Additionally, makeup can cause inflammation and irritation, especially around the sensitive eye area. Moreover, makeup residue left on the skin can accelerate the ageing process, as it contributes to the breakdown of collagen and elastin, which are responsible for maintaining the skin’s elasticity and firmness. We recommend Decleor Bi-phase Caring Cleanser and Makeup Remover for effective make-up removal.

Over-Exfoliating

Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, promoting a healthy and radiant complexion. However, excessive or aggressive exfoliation can lead to a range of issues. The skin’s natural barrier can be disrupted, causing dryness, redness, and irritation. Over time, this can weaken the skin’s ability to protect itself, making it more susceptible to environmental damage and sensitivity. Excessive exfoliation can  also trigger an overproduction of oil, leading to breakouts and acne flare-ups. It’s crucial to strike a balance and exfoliate appropriately for your skin type and condition, and we recommend Dermalogica Hydro Masque Exfoliant, which offers gentle but effective exfoliation. 

Not Wearing Sunscreen 

Sunscreen acts as a protective barrier against harmful ultraviolet rays emitted by the sun. Prolonged exposure to these rays without adequate protection can lead to various skin problems, including sunburn, premature ageing, and an increased risk of developing skin cancer. Additionally, repeated sunburns can weaken the skin’s elasticity, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and sunspots. Therefore, neglecting to wear sunscreen not only compromises the health and appearance of your skin but also jeopardises your long-term well-being. 

Using Harsh Products

Using harsh skincare products can have detrimental effects on the health and appearance of our skin. These products, often laden with aggressive chemicals and irritants, may provide temporary results but can lead to long-term damage. Harsh skincare products strip the skin of its natural oils, disrupting its delicate balance and causing dryness, redness, and irritation. Prolonged use of such products can weaken the skin’s protective barrier, leaving it vulnerable to environmental pollutants and increasing the risk of infections. Furthermore, harsh ingredients can trigger allergic reactions and worsen existing skin conditions, such as eczema or acne. It is important to prioritise gentle and nourishing skincare formulations that promote skin health without compromising its natural resilience and balance.

Neglecting the Neck and Décolletage

While you may focus primarily on your face, neglecting the neck and décolletage area can lead to an uneven appearance. The skin on your neck and décolletage is thinner and more delicate compared to the skin on your face. This makes it more susceptible to signs of ageing, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging. Neglecting these areas can accelerate the ageing process, making them appear older than the skin on your face. Extend your skincare routine to include these areas by cleansing, moisturising, and applying sunscreen to them regularly. This will help maintain a more youthful and cohesive look.

The Lowdown on Colloidal Oatmeal

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blend, Calming, collagen, colloidal, Colloidal Oatmeal, complex, dermalogica, Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant, Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF50, Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum, Dermalogica Super Rich Repair, elasticity, enzymes, fine lines, hydration, inflammation, irritation, Oatmeal, product, protection, redness, retinoid, serum, skin, soothing, SPF, SPF50, sun, wrinkles

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There are often ingredients in products which sound hugely complex and scientific, but are actually a lot more simple than you think. One such ingredient is “colloidal oatmeal”, which you could be forgiven for thinking was from another planet. However, colloidal oatmeal is simply made by grinding oat grain, or avena sativa, into a fine powder. 

It’s considered an emollient, a substance that softens or soothes the skin, because it contains high levels of fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients shown to benefit the skin. Colloidal oatmeal is used to treat the symptoms of many conditions, including eczema. 

Dermalogica is a brand which has harnessed the power of colloidal oatmeal in several of its products, and we’ve gathered them here to show you what they can do:

Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF50

This multi-functional product from Dermalogica not only gives you broad-spectrum SPF50 sun protection, but it also helps you achieve absolute hydration and help defend against the internal and external causes of skin ageing. Colloidal oatmeal and chrysanthemum parthenium (feverfew) extract calms irritated skin, while yeast extract stimulates wound healing and collagen formation while increasing oxygen utilisation in cells. It can be used as your daily moisturiser for year round protection against sun damage and free radicals.

Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum 

Another product which performs many functions at once, this powerhouse serum from Dermalogica contains a 3.5% retinoid complex which provides a continual release of skin smoothing actives, working at different speeds to address the signs of skin ageing. Colloidal oatmeal is combined with zinc oxide to soothe the skin while providing anti-itch relief to chronically dry skin while palmitoyl tetrapeptide-3 and palmitoyl oligopeptide help to improve skin elasticity and tone while fighting the appearance of fine lines.

Dermalogica Super Rich Repair

This super rich moisturiser delivers immediate benefits to chronically dry, dehydrated and prematurely-ageing skin in a super-concentrated, heavy-weight cream. As well as soothing colloidal oatmeal, the formula includes powerful peptides that stimulate collagen production while an acid-free renewal complex smoothes fine lines for dramatically improved elasticity and tone. Ultra-emollient shea butter and oil of evening primrose replenish skin with maximum hydration, relieving dryness and reinforcing skin’s natural defensive barrier. 

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

The final colloidal oatmeal-rich product on our list is Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant, a unique, rice-based enzyme powder that activates upon contact with water, releasing papain, salicylic acid and rice enzymes to smooth the skin and accelerate cell renewal.  It contains a super-soothing blend of green tea, ginkgo and colloidal oatmeal which calms inflammation, leaving the skin extraordinarily clear and refreshed. Furthermore, Dermalogica’s unique skin brightening complex of bearberry, aspergillus, grapefruit and licorice helps to balance uneven skin pigmentation.

Sea Buckthorn Oil – Why You Need This in Your Skincare

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ageing, Aloe Vera, arthritic joint pain, Asia, bakuchiol, berries, brighten, caffeine hyaluronic acid, cellular turnover, circulation, collagen, cottonseed oil, detoxifies, doll, dryness, elasticity, Europe, fine lines, firma, fortify skin barrier, gentle, healthier, high end, hydrate, hydrated, I make seven fatty acids, impurities, inflammation, ingredients, leaves, lotions, make up, Maritime pine, nourish, pigmentation, pollution, retinoid, rosemary, roughness, Sea buckthorn oil, see fennel, seeds, shrub, skin texture, skin types, skincare, soreness, soybean oil, super charge, tetra vitamin C, tired, tired skin, toxins, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, wrinkles

Photo by munkhbayar dambajav

There are some ingredients – from caffeine to hyaluronic acid to aloe vera to clay – which you shouldn’t be surprised to find in your skincare. They’re commonly used in lotions and potions from the cheaper stuff to the higher end. Some ingredients, however, seem to pop up out of nowhere and sea buckthorn oil is popping up on ingredient lists everywhere for good reason – it can hydrate, brighten and improve skin texture, making it an ingredient that truly ticks all the boxes and can work for all skin types. 

While it may sound like something that comes from the ocean, sea buckthorn oil is extracted from the berries, leaves and seeds of the sea buckthorn plant, which is a small shrub that grows across northern Europe and some parts of Asia. As well as offering excellent hydration, sea buckthorn oil also helps to refine the skin’s texture and contains up to 12 times the amount of vitamin C as oranges, which brightens the complexion.

With this in mind, we’ve searched our shelves to show you a selection of the best sea buckthorn-containing products:

Elemis Musclease Active Body Oil

Elemis Musclease Active Body Oil is specially formulated for anyone with an active lifestyle. Its concentrated formula has ingredients to help ease sore spots and refresh the body. Sea buckthorn oil also protects the body against harmful toxins while sea fennel soothes inflammation and detoxifies the body. Rosemary loosens stiff joints and relieves sore muscles. Maritime pine improves circulation and reduces arthritic joint pain. The combination of oils is highly effective in offering relief from muscle pain and soreness. 

Evolve Organic Beauty Bio-Retinol+C Booster

Evolve Bio Retinol + C Booster is an innovative cocktail of vitamins which helps supercharge dull and tired skin by brightening the appearance of pigmentation, improving cellular turnover, boosting collagen and significantly improving all signs of ageing, tired skin. As well as sea buckthorn oil, it contains ingredients such as bakuchiol and tetra vitamin c to deliver a brighter, firmer, more nourished and renewed overall complexion.

REN Clean Skincare Bio Retinoid Youth Concentrate Oil

This lightweight moisturising serum contains a potent retinoid that works to support the skin’s natural collagen production and cell turnover, helping to smooth the complexion and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The addition of soybean and cottonseed oil work together to fortify the skin barrier, helping to reduce the irritation generally associated with retinol use, while sea buckthorn oil helps nourish, reduce roughness, and combat the dulling effects of dryness or dehydration, for a healthier-looking complexion.

UpCircle Cleansing Face Balm with Apricot Powder

This natural, sustainable balm from UpCircle is formulated for everyday cleansing, to gently remove makeup, pollution and impurities. It leaves skin deeply cleansed, soothed and hydrated and is suitable for all skin types. This cleansing balm is made with the finely-ground powder of discarded apricot stones, a natural by-product of the apricot oil industry and rich in antioxidant Vitamin E. It also contains sea buckthorn oil, which is high in vitamin E, C and Omega 7 fatty acids, and helps skin retain its elasticity. 

Medik8 Mutiny

This gel-like balm melts into an oil upon application to deliver instant and long-lasting hydration to your lips. Formulated in a squalane base, with plant-sourced sea buckthorn oil and multi-weight hyaluronic acid, the lip balm absorbs into lips to replenish lost lipids and leave lips feeling nourished, replenished and moisturised. Once applied to lips, the balm gives a slight refreshing tingle and an indulgent lemongrass natural fragrance.

Five of the Best Ingredients for Youthful Skin

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acidic, acne, ageing, all skin types, allergic reactions, alternative, anti-aging, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, ayurvedic medicine, bakuchiol, blemish prone, breastfeeding, ceramides, Chinese medicine, collagen, combination skin, complexion, dark spots, dehydrated, delicate, dermatology, dry skin, dryness, eczema, epidermis, Eyes, fats, firm, firmer feeling, germs, glowing, healthy, humectant, hyaluronic acid, Indian Babchi plant, inflammation, leaves, lines, lipids, melanin, moisture, oceans, oil based, oily skin, pigmentation, plump, plumper, potent, pregnant, products, Psoriasis, rainforests, reinforce, retinoids, retinol, rosacea, seeds, sensitive skin, sensitivity, skin, skin barrier, skin care, skin cells, skin issues, smoother, sun damage, topically, useful, vitamin A, Vitamin C, water, wrinkles

Photo by Karolina Grabowska

Here at Pure Beauty, we’re well aware of how confusing skincare can feel. There’s a different product for every different skin issue and a wealth of ingredients which vary from things found in your pantry to things found in the deepest oceans or rainforests! Looking at ingredient lists often feels like trying to decipher an unknown language, but there are some key things that you can look for if you’re in the market for anti-ageing products. Here are five of the best ingredients for maintaining a youthful complexion:

Retinol 

Retinol is a form of vitamin A that’s suitable for the skin. It belongs to a group of vitamin A derivatives, known as retinoids. Retinol has multiple uses and can be used to combat conditions like acne and can target areas of pigmentation. It can also reduce signs of ageing and sun damage. Retinoids don’t work equally well on everyone. If you suffer from rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis, it’s probably best to avoid retinol since it can be too powerful on skin that needs a gentle touch – it can increase inflammation, dryness and sensitivity in already delicate complexions.

Try Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid is a humectant — a substance that retains moisture — and it is capable of binding over one thousand times its weight in water. This substance is naturally found in many areas of the human body, including the skin and eyes. Hyaluronic acid helps skin stretch and flex and reduces skin wrinkles and lines. Hyaluronic acid is also proven to help wounds heal faster and can reduce scarring. Allergic reactions to hyaluronic acid are rare, so that means whether you have oily skin, sensitive, dry skin, or combination skin, you have the green light to use hyaluronic acid products.

Try SkinCeuticals H.A. (Hyaluronic Acid) Intensifier Serum 

Vitamin C

Vitamin C can help keep skin looking plump and firm. This is because it’s highly acidic when applied topically and can help to promote collagen production and reduce the appearance of ageing skin. It also contains a property that inhibits the skin’s melanin production levels, two of the culprits that can lead to dark spots and hyperpigmentation, making it an absolute hero at giving you a glowing, healthy complexion. It’s usually found in oil-based products, so may not be ideal for acne and blemish prone skin, but it’s great for pretty much all other skin types. 

Try REN Clean Skincare Glow Daily Vitamin C Gel Cream

Bakuchiol

If you’re looking for an alternative to retinol that can be used on more sensitive skin, bakuchiol is a good place to start. Bakuchiol is found in the seeds and leaves of the Indian Babchi plant and has been used in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for centuries. It also has calming anti-inflammatory and healing antibacterial properties and is even safe for use when pregnant and breastfeeding. It’s a potent-yet-kind ingredient which the British Journal of Dermatology found was just as effective as retinol and significantly less irritating, which is great news for anyone looking for an alternative.

Try Medik8 The CSA Bakuchiol Edition Kit

Ceramides

Ceramides are fats or lipids that are found in skin cells and make up 30% to 40% of your outer skin layer, or epidermis. Ceramides are important for retaining your skin’s moisture and preventing the entry of germs into your body. If your skin’s ceramide content decreases, which often happens with age, it can become dehydrated. Skincare products with ceramides will help reinforce your skin’s barrier and increase hydration, giving you plumper, smoother, firmer-feeling skin with fewer visible lines and wrinkles, as well as fewer signs of sensitivity.

Try Advanced Nutrition Programme Skin Moisture IQ