What goes through your mind when you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror?
Do you lament the changes that come with the passage of time, or do you celebrate the beautiful face looking back at you?
Our Society and Culture holds a rather narrow view of beauty. A view that is focused solely on appearance and often equated with youth and perfection.
While there is nothing wrong with taking steps to enhance our beauty and maintain our looks, when we adopt a restricted view of beauty, we can easily become self-critical.
We compare ourselves to impossible ideals, and overlook the beauty that we already embody.
Sometimes we need to prompt and remind ourselves to enlarge our concept of beauty.
Each age has its own allure.
Whether it’s the bloom of youth, the elegance that is midlife, or the golden years of wisdom.
Stories, experiences and growth all encapsulate something of beauty.
It is not only our appearance which matters, but also the kindness we extend and the way we make others feel.
It is the strength we find during challenges, the empathy that connects us, and the resilience we dig into when life gets challenging.
Let’s embrace a concept of beauty which celebrates life itself.
One which doesn’t shy away from the inevitable process of ageing, but is mindful of looking after ourselves and our skin as we age gracefully.
Skin and Ageing
Decrease of Natural Moisturising Factors
As we age, our skin undergoes a variety of structural and biochemical changes that can contribute to dryness and other signs of ageing.
One of the most significant changes is a decrease in the production of natural moisturising factors (eg. hyaluronic acid and glycerol).
These substances help to attract and retain water in the skin, providing it with the hydration it needs to look and feel healthy.
Ageing skin will also experience a decline in the production of sebum, the skin’s natural oil. Sebum helps to lubricate and protect the skin, and provides it with essential fatty acids to help maintain its barrier function. When sebum production decreases, the skin can become dry, flaky, and prone to irritation.
A face oil is a great product to incorporate into your skincare routine, to ensure suppleness and help compensate for a decrease in natural moisturising factors.
Our super berry face oil is easily absorbed, allowing its antioxidants to travel deep into the layers of the skin where ingredients work to fight free radicals (cause of fine lines and wrinkles).
Breakdown of Collagen and Elastin
Another significant factor in skin ageing is the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers in the dermis, the middle layer of skin.
These fibers provide the skin with its strength, flexibility, and elasticity, helping to keep it smooth and firm.
However, as we age, the production of collagen and elastin decreases, and existing fibers begin to break down. This can lead to a loss of skin volume, sagging, and the development of wrinkles and fine lines.
Our Collagen Honey Face Mask is a plumping and firming mask which may help to reduce fine lines and improve elasticity of your skin.
Environmental Factors - Sun Exposure and Pollution
In addition to these internal factors, environmental factors such as sun exposure and pollution can also contribute to skin dryness and ageing.
Exposure to UV radiation from the sun, for example, can damage collagen and elastin fibers in the skin, leading to premature ageing and an increased risk of skin cancer.
Pollution, meanwhile, can generate free radicals that damage skin cells and accelerate the ageing process.
We recommend use of our BB Cream which has SPF 30+. It contains hyaluronic acid (mentioned above as a natural moisturising factor) and is now available in three shades.
Key Ingredients for Ageing Skin
To minimise the effects of ageing on the skin, it's important to protect it from environmental damage and to use skincare products that are specifically formulated to promote hydration, boost collagen production, and protect against oxidative stress.
Key ingredients to look for in anti-ageing skincare products include vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and collagen which can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin texture and tone, and enhance skin hydration.
Our Blueberry Vitamin C Serum is a soft and light serum packed with rich organic nutrients to smooth out wrinkles, refine pores and to give you radiant skin.
As always, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, will also help to keep the skin looking youthful and healthy.