At every stage of our lives, using the correct skin care products is key to looking your best – Mairead Robinson offers some suggestions
You may have found that all this hand washing and sanitizing is taking its toll on the condition of your hands. Also the wearing of face coverings and masks can leave your skin feeling particularly dehydrated. With these new behaviours it is now more important than ever to treat our skin with all the loving kindness you can muster. Everyday in Ireland our skin battles against a host of internal and external factors and now due to Covid-19 restrictions, we are seeing changes in our skin due to the mandatory wearing of masks and face-coverings.
While the majority of people are happy to wear masks to contain and curb the spread of Covid-19, many people are experiencing uncomfortable side effects from the introduction of face-coverings to their daily routine. The masks and coverings can create a humid and moist environment and people need to take extra measures to protect their skin during this time.
Constant daily assault on our skin results in our bodies producing free radicals which cause oxidative stress on the skin and can damage it on a cellular level. To combat these types of pollutants, Avene has two advanced products with both containing a unique combination of powerful antioxidants to neutralise free radicals and help the skin defend itself against oxidative stress. Anti Oxidant Defense Serum ( RRP €31.50) enriched with GP4G, a powerful precursor for cellular energy that boosts the effect of antioxidants, Avène’s Antioxidant Defense Serum optimises skin’s defence against assaults from free radicals to help moisturise the skin, reduce the visibility of pores and prevent fine lines and wrinkles associated with ageing. Antioxidant Water Cream (RRP €29.00). Avène’s Antioxidant Water Cream helps to provide a protective shield for the skin from free radicals, to help prevent signs of ageing, visible pores and improve the complexion of the skin. A high percentage of moisturising agents, including Hyaluronic Acid, ensure skin looks radiant, soft and hydrated for 24 hours.
Some extra tips for wearing masks and face-coverings;
* Always dispose of or wash your mask after use as they will harbour bacteria on them
*Avoid make-up if possible under the mask
* Wash or cleanse your face if possible after wearing
* Introduce protective skincare
* Opt for a breathable mask
Of course it is not enough to use any moisturiser or hand cream on your skin, but it is vital to choose one that is specifically designed for your skin type and maturity. Starting with face creams, I regularly recommend using an age-appropriate product, however it is not always easy to find the right one. I attended a virtual event hosted by Eucerin recently, where the targeting of products to specific ages was clearly laid out, with the Silver range aimed at the first signs of aging, while the Gold range is designed for the more mature skin. This is something I have mentioned previously. Our skin changes fundamentally post-menopause, and the loss of collagen means we need suitably moisture-rich products. While the Eucerin brand is well known for appealing to sensitive skin, since the mid-1990s they have also become leaders in anti-ageing skin care. For those of us in our 50s, 60s and 70s, the Hyaluron-Filler+ Elasticity day and night creams are key skin care products. They plump up the appearance of deep wrinkles and improve skin’s elasticity. The eye cream in this range stimulates collagen renewal in skin offers and visibly lightens dark circles under the eyes. Another of my favourite products in this range is the Elasticity+Filler Facial Oil which is a nourishing face oil for mature skin that delivers multiple anti-ageing benefits. It is a rich formula which makes feel firmer and leaves skin with a satin-like finish.
During the Eucerin virtual event, Dylan Griffiths pointed out how their products are divided between three targeted stages of aging, First Signs; Progressive; and Advanced, and I was particularly interested to hear how our population is aging, and in less than two years time, by 2022, 50% of women will be over fifty years of age. It is obvious that there is going to be a growing interest in age-targeted skin care. The gold range, which I mentioned above, strengthens skin structure, improves elasticity, aging-related redness and microcirculation on a cellular level. Look out for the Hyaluron-Filler+Elasticity range which along with all Eucerin products is available in pharmacies nationwide.
