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Although we can't halt the aging process, we can mitigate its impact on our skin. While wrinkles and sagging skin may not be entirely preventable, with effort and suitable treatments, we can maintain skin health to delay some signs of aging and reduce their severity.

What impacts does aging have?

Wrinkles

Wrinkles, a common sign of aging, result from reduced collagen production and weakened elastin. Loss of muscle mass, skin thickness, and dehydration also contribute. Factors like sun exposure and smoking can accelerate this process.

Sun exposure

Sun exposure is the primary factor causing skin damage. It contributes to various signs of aging, such as wrinkles, sagging skin, dehydration, and skin dis-coloration. Moreover, it is a significant contributor to skin cancer, with the majority of cases in Australia attributed to sun exposure. The detrimental impact of the sun on your skin is genuine and can be extremely serious.

Sagging skin

As we age, our skin tends to sag, resulting in a less plump appearance. Thinner lips, sunken cheeks, and a 'double chin' can indicate sagging, driven by reduced collagen production and weakened elastin over time. Gravity and sun damage are major contributors, with prolonged outdoor exposure leading to a 'weather-beaten' look.

Dry skin

Noticing drier skin with age is quite common. Dehydration, resulting from inadequate water intake, along with sun damage and smoking, is a frequent cause. Hormonal changes and the diminishing oil and sweat glands as we age can also contribute to skin dryness. Dry skin may lead to itchiness, rough patches, and an overall dull complexion, often due to reduced cell turnover leaving more dead skin cells on the surface layer.

Is it possible to rejuvenate aging skin?

The reality is that we can't fully restore aging skin. However, we can address and diminish numerous symptoms associated with aging, enhancing a fresher and healthier appearance, and improving skin texture and radiance. 

Retinoids

Retinoids, highly favored by dermatologists for years, are now widely accessible over the counter as retinol. They operate by enhancing skin cell turnover, encouraging new cell growth for a fresher appearance. Additionally, retinoids slow collagen breakdown, thickening the skin to minimize the likelihood of wrinkles.

Niacinamide

This ingredient has gained immense popularity in skincare due to its various properties. It enhances collagen production, ceramides, and lipids, promoting skin elasticity, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and aiding in repairing a damaged skin barrier. Additionally, it contributes to an even skin tone by minimising redness, blotchiness, and hyperpigmentation. Notably, it regulates sebum production while preserving skin moisture.

Hyaluronic Acid

Recognised for its skin-moisturising advantages, hyaluronic acid extends beyond hydration, particularly in anti-aging. Its mechanism involves absorbing moisture from its surroundings and then drawing it into the skin's surface. For optimal results, it's advised to apply hyaluronic acid products to damp skin, allowing them to utilise the moisture for absorption.

Alternative methods to prevent ageing skin

Apply sunscreen

Sun protection is crucial and should include sunscreen, as well as protective clothing such as hats and sunglasses. A reliable SPF should be an integral part of your daily skincare routine, rather than an occasional practice.

Get adequate sleep

Lack of sleep can result in a tired appearance, including dark circles and bags under the eyes. Additionally, it contributes to skin dehydration and accelerated signs of intrinsic skin aging over time. During sleep, the body undergoes repair and restoration processes, and reduced sleep duration limits the time for these crucial functions.

References

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2186788/

2. https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/skin-cancer

3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2921764/

4. https://www.dermcoll.edu.au/atoz/aging-skin/

In our 2023 State of Skin survey, we discovered that 78% of Australians lack knowledge about the correct order for applying skincare products, 81% are unfamiliar with how active ingredients in their routine work, and 70% lack confidence that their skincare addresses their concerns.

Navigating a skincare routine can be confusing, but our mission is to simplify without overwhelming. We provide enough information for you to feel educated and empowered.

What is a skin care routine?

Addressing the question of a skincare routine may seem simple, yet many people feel overwhelmed, recalling elaborate 10-step regimens seen online. However, it doesn't have to be complicated. Many discover better results with fewer steps, a perspective supported by most dermatologists. Essentially, a skincare routine is a daily ritual tailored to your skin type and needs, often requiring only 3-5 steps for visible results.

Is there a specific order to your skincare routine?

Achieving an effective skincare routine doesn't require complexity; consistency is key. It's crucial to get the order of your routine right; randomly applying products leads to unnecessary money expenditure and time. The specific sequence aims to enhance the efficacy of your skincare products.

What are the steps in the morning routine?

Begin your daytime skincare routine by cleansing to remove overnight sweat and grime, followed by applying a moisturiser. For oily skin, opt for an oil-free formula, while those with dry skin may prefer a thicker option. Finish with a generous application of sunscreen to safeguard your skin.

1. Cleanser

Washing your face with a cleanser in the morning can help keep clogged pores at bay. In addition to eliminating sunscreen, makeup, excess sebum, and accumulated residues throughout the day, cleansing also primes the skin for toning, moisturising, and any additional treatments you may want to apply. 

2. Toner

Toning is often underestimated in skincare routines. Yet, adding daily facial toning is a valuable step, bridging cleansing and hydrating stages. It provides an opportunity for extra hydration and skin-supporting benefits, completing the cleansing routine. Toning balances and invigorates the skin, enhancing its overall appearance and preparing it for hydration.

 3. Moisturiser

Use a lightweight moisturiser to seal in hydration for the day. Apply the desired amount based on your needs.

4. Sun Protection

It's essential, regardless of the weather, to apply sunscreen daily with a minimum SPF 30 (higher is preferable). The Cancer Council of Australia emphasizes sunscreen as a crucial measure for reducing the risk of skin cancer. Ensure you apply an adequate amount, around 1 teaspoon (equivalent to 5ml), to cover your face and neck.

*Advanced additional steps to your basic morning routine

In addition to your basic routine, consider incorporating a few steps to elevate it. Despite being labeled as advanced, it is quite simple.

Serum

When applied in the morning, it partners with your sunscreen to defend against free radicals, the culprits that damage skin cells due to UV rays and environmental stressors like air pollution.

Eye Cream 

Eye cream is applied before moisturiser and sunscreen, allowing potent ingredients to penetrate before applying a heavier moisturiser. Eye cream typically addresses dark circles, puffiness, fine lines, and wrinkles while firming and smoothing skin texture. Apply a pea-sized amount to under the eye, and gently message. Eye cream provides a hydration boost, aiding in premature aging prevention. 

What are the steps in the night routine?

Similar to the morning, an uncomplicated evening skincare routine order doesn't need to be lengthy. The basic evening skincare routine maintains a consistent format for all skin types. 

1. Cleanser

Similar process to the morning routine where you will be washing off any dirt, makeup or contaminants on your face from the outside exposure. You may want to repeat this process called double cleansing to ensure all makeup has been removed.

2. Serum

This is where your effective active ingredients play a role. The choice of serum depends entirely on your targeted treatment. 

In addressing aging concerns, retinoids is a stand out. Retinoids accelerate cell turnover, offering benefits for premature aging, pigmentation, acne, skin texture, and more.

If your primary goal is to hydrate your skin, seek ingredients that focus on hydration and repairing the skin barrier, such as hyaluronic acid.

Niacinamide is an excellent choice for a versatile ingredient. It aids in reducing inflammation, minimising the appearance of pores, and maintaining skin hydration.

3. Moisturiser

Regardless of your skin type, it's essential to lock in these benefits with a moisturiser.

*Advanced additional steps to your basic night routine

Eye Cream 

Ensure you apply it prior to your other serum and moisturiser, gently massaging it into the skin.

Chemical Exfoliation

Exfoliation requires caution to avoid overdoing it. Chemical exfoliants, like glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids, are gentler and more effective than physical exfoliants. Start sparingly, gradually increasing frequency based on your skin's response—beginning with once every few weeks and progressing to once a week if needed. These ingredients help remove dead cells, reduce breakouts, blackheads, pigmentation, and unveil brighter skin.

Spot Treatment

If your serum falls short on breakouts, use a benzoyl peroxide spot treatment directly on blemishes to reduce them and calm inflammation.

REFRENCES

1. https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/sun-safety/about-sunscreen

2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0965206X16300031

3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583892/

Skin cleansing importance.

Summer, with its leisurely pace, can affect our skin, being about 64% water. This article explores seasonal skincare, emphasising the importance of sun protection and recommending routines for various skin types.

The crucial need for sun protection

Sun exposure is commonly categorised as either intense, such as during extended outdoor activities, or incidental, like during quick walks or brief moments in the garden. Research indicates that incidental UV exposure is more likely to result in sunburn, emphasising the risk when we are less conscious of sun damage.

In summer, we recommend consistently applying your chosen sunscreen. Our Protective Facial Lotion SPF25 provides medium broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. With a lightweight, non-greasy finish, it's ideal for daily use. For complete care, pair it with the pleasantly scented Protective Body Lotion SPF50.

Summer care for oily skin

High temperatures and humidity can trigger an increase in sebum production, resulting in a shiny skin appearance, particularly with added perspiration. Additionally, air conditioning units can contribute to oily skin in summer by prompting parched skin to produce more sebum in an effort to rebalance.

Consistent deep cleansing aids in eliminating dead skin cells that may clog pores. However, moderation is crucial, as excessive exfoliation can strip the skin and stimulate sebaceous glands to produce excess oil.

Summer care for dry skin

While dry skin is often linked with cold weather, it's also common to face dryness and dehydration in the summer. Factors like perspiration, humidity, controlled indoor climates, sun exposure, and chlorine can lead to moisture-depleted skin, manifesting as itchiness, flakiness, irritation, or a sensation of 'tightness'.

For dry skin in hot weather, we recommend a simple daily routine that preserves or adds moisture at each step.

Other skin care considerations

Diet factor

Regardless of your skin type, staying hydrated is crucial, especially after sun exposure. Boost your water with cucumber, lemon, or mint. Foods rich in omega-3s, like fish and walnuts, can also enhance skin moisture.

Temperature monitoring

Using hot water can remove the skin's natural oils. Whenever feasible, avoid turning the hot water tap to the maximum. Likewise, taking a moderate approach to air-conditioning or artificial heating can prevent dehydration.

After sunset

Nighttime is ideal for replenishing moisture lost during sleep. For dry skin, use a rich hydrator before bed to restore moisture. Oily skin individuals should minimise makeup in warm months to prevent clogging pores. Always remove makeup in the evening and regularly wash bedding to maintain a healthy complexion.

The skin barrier acts as a protective shield, preventing harmful aggressors and maintaining skin hydration and balance. This blog post explores the significance of the skin barrier for healthy skin, the factors impacting it, and ways to strengthen and protect it. 

What is the skin barrier

Your skin's outermost layer, the skin barrier, consists of dead skin cells, lipids, and proteins. The lipids act as a protective shield, retaining water and blocking harmful substances, while the proteins provide strength and flexibility to the barrier.

 The skin barrier function

• Safeguarding the skin against environmental factors—shielding it from detrimental substances like dirt, dust, and bacteria.

• Ensuring skin hydration—hindering water evaporation from the skin.

• Guarding the skin against infections—preventing harmful bacteria from infiltrating.

• Preserving the skin's pH balance—an essential aspect of skin health.

 Factors that impact your skin barrier

• Exposure to pollution, UV radiation, and extreme temperatures can compromise the skin barrier.

• Using high-concentration products with ingredients like acids and exfoliants can disrupt the skin barrier.

• Dehydration - Skin becomes more vulnerable to damage when dehydrated, losing its natural moisture.

• Aging leads to thinner skin with reduced moisture retention, weakening the skin barrier.

Indications of a compromised skin barrier

Experiencing a weakened skin barrier may result in symptoms like dryness, itching, redness, and inflammation, making you more prone to skin infections. 

Solution: LE VESINET day and night cream

Introducing your skin barrier support system with our product range, designed to counteract skin aging from environmental and stress-related factors. It aims to prevent skin barrier damage and aid the skin in adapting to stress. Healthier, less stressed skin experiences fewer disruptions in its natural functions.

Discover the product range HERE.

Vitamin E, an antioxidant renowned for its hydrating, soothing, strengthening, and protective qualities, is a key ingredient in numerous Le Vesinet skincare products. This blog post delves into the significance of Vitamin E for the skin, outlining its benefits, applications, and how Le Vesinet integrates it across a variety of products.

What is Vitamin E?

Vitamin E, a crucial antioxidant for skin health, enhances hydration and reinforces the skin's barrier. Typically present in oil or cream formulations, it can be sourced from avocados, pumpkins, and wheat germ oil. The prevalent form in cosmetics or topical moisturizers is commonly known as Tocopherol.

The Advantages of Vitamin E for Skin

It offers excellent hydration by functioning as both a humectant, absorbing water into the skin, and an emollient, trapping water within the skin. Renowned for its soothing, healing, and photo-protective attributes, Vitamin E plays a crucial role in preventing UV-induced free radical damage to the skin and may contribute significantly to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Benefits of Vitamin in Skincare

Fortifies – Enhances the skin barrier, ensuring its health and integrity, preventing moisture loss.

Moisture Attraction – Acting as a humectant, Vitamin E attracts and draws moisture into the skin, enhancing its suppleness.

Moisture Retention - Assists in locking in moisture, enhancing the skin's ability to retain moisture for long-lasting hydration.

Anti-Aging – Combats the impact of free radicals and UV-induced damage, preventing premature aging.

Recovery - Vitamin E aids in enhancing skin moisture, particularly beneficial for damaged or irritated skin.

Calming - With its anti-inflammatory properties, Vitamin E conditions dry and rough skin, providing relief from irritation.

How to apply Vitamin E skin care

Concerning facial applications of Vitamin E, it is commonly included in moisturizers, hand creams, and various skincare products as one of several ingredients. Hence, it can be applied regularly, even on a daily basis for many skin types. Individuals with sensitive skin may consider conducting a patch test before regular use.

A thorough and well thought out skin care routine requires moments of time. However, time taken from proactive self-care yields results. 

 The objective of exfoliation

Exfoliation is a crucial aspect of skin care. While dead skin cells are naturally shed in this outer layer, exfoliation assists in their removal, promoting effective cell turnover.

Exfoliation for different skin types

Drier skin types also benefit from thorough exfoliation, addressing a dull or patchy appearance and preparing the skin for hydration.

Exfoliation is advantageous for sensitive skin, but caution is needed: a gentle approach is essential for skin prone to reactivity. Research suggests that individuals with sensitive skin often have a thinner stratum corneum, making the skin more susceptible to irritation from aggressive exfoliation.

Prior to applying any exfoliant to sensitive skin, perform a patch test to ensure compatibility with your skin.

Physical and chemical exfoliation

Chemical Exfoliation

A chemical exfoliant disrupts the bonds between skin cells, expediting the shedding process. Some focus solely on the skin's surface, while others can penetrate pores, assisting in the removal of dead cells, debris, or sebum buildup.

These exfoliants work by diminishing corneocyte adhesion, breaking down interactions among surface cells. Hydroxy Acids, including Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta-Hydroxy Acids (BHAs), contribute to a mild chemical exfoliation. Water-soluble AHAs like Lactic Acid and oil-soluble BHAs like Salicylic Acid help clear congestion. Proper usage of these chemical exfoliants enhances skin texture, leaving it softer and smoother.

Physical Exfoliation

Physical exfoliants, often recognised as the most familiar type, typically exist in granular formulations. These exfoliants should be applied gently to the face or body to effectively remove dead cells from the stratum corneum—the outermost layer of the skin.

Frequency of exfoliation

iI's advisable to stick to a twice-weekly routine. Exfoliating too frequently can strip away healthy cells from the stratum corneum, potentially compromising the skin's natural protective barrier and causing dryness and irritation.

Our skin acts as the interface between ourselves and to the world where it is in constant point of contact with the environment surrounding us.