Lapelle Issue 7

See what is in the latest issue of Lapelle Magazine, there are also many prizes to be won.

 http://www.lapelle.co.za/issue7.php?id=1154

One of the articles in the magazine this month is about what is bad for your skin.

UNDER MY SKIN

10 EVERYDAY THINGS THAT ARE BAD FOR YOUR SKIN

1. Sleeping with make-up on

Apart from the chemicals and potential allergens in some make-up brands, not washing it off before bed has devastating effects, such as clogging pores, disrupting natural repair and shedding (renewal), and drying out skin, leading to accelerated breakdown of collagen and elastin and even oxidative stress.

Trust us: wash your face, every night.

2. Drinking – and eating – too little water

Without water, skin dehydrates, gets damaged and ages quickly. Every cell in your body needs water to metabolise normally, which is why the eight glasses a day rule is one to live by. But there also seems to be some eating more water-rich foods purported better water absorption.

3. Squeezing pimples

Trying to pop a pimple can do more harm than good: you could push dirt and bacteria deeper into the pores, and you may inflame and damage the subcutaneous follicle and skin tissue leading to more inflammation, bleeding and even scarring. Often, this only leads to more breakouts.

4. Skipping meals – the wrong way

Whether you’re just too busy or trying to lose weight, note that experts say skipping meals messes with your metabolism. There is some evidence suggesting controlled restrictive eating on alternate days holds overall health benefits. But note that your skin needs those essential nutrients and vitamins from food, so skip with caution.

5. Your phone and dirty sunglasses

Anything that comes in contact with your face can leave dangerous bacteria and environmental pollutants behind. And of course you hold your phone right on your cheek, and your glasses rest on the delicate spots just under your eyes and on the bridge of your nose. So, please, carry some antibacterial wipes and keep these items clean.

6. Hair products on your skin

It’s no secret that products such as dye and hair spray contain dangerous chemicals. That’s why you shouldn’t ingest them. But the alcohols and lacquers in hair products, including skin penetrators such as propylene glycol, may dry out your skin and wreak havoc over time. Cover the skin on your face and neck with a clean towel when you apply or spray.

7. Excessive chlorine

Mind the pool water: chlorine tends to react with the water in your body to form damaging acids (free radicals), even when absorbed through skin – hence the dry, patchy skin after loads of swimming. Have a soapy shower after your swim and follow up with your antioxidant-rich moisturiser every time.

8. Over-plucking your eyebrows

Naturally, ripping a hair out of the follicle damages the skin a little. But it’s the repeated pinching and pulling on such delicate skin that could harm collagen and elastin fibres. For proper brow plucking, do it after a warm bath or shower, hold the surrounding skin tight with your fingers and gently pull (don’t pluck) in the direction the hair naturally grows.

9. Passive smoking

Yes, even if you don’t smoke, those smoking around you are contributing to your skin ageing. Cigarette smoke is known for causing poor blood-flow in skin, as well as stimulating the production of MMP enzymes that destroy elastin and collagen.

10. Dirty make-up brushes

These are a breeding ground for bacteria. They collect dead skin cells, oils, dirt and old make-up residue, and then you reapply it to your face every day. Try to brush yours after each use on a damp cloth and let it dry properly before storing. Then, wash them with a product for this purpose or anti-bacterial solution at least twice a month.