One week to look 10 years younger!

Sunshine
Everyone knows the damage that excessive sunbathing can do but did you know that even on a chilly Scottish winter day you could still be ageing your skin?

Approximately 90% of ageing is due to overexposure to UV light. We see this ageing as skin thins and becomes more fragile, wrinkles become more apparent. It seems to lose elasticity and pigment cells become fewer but larger.

The sun produces UVA and UVB rays which both have a damaging effect on our skins but it is the deeper penetrating UVA rays that cause the most damage to skin cells.

UVA contributes to the number of free radicals in the body (unstable cells which scavenge other cells, causing a chain reaction of damage). Damage to collagen and elastin fibres result in sagging wrinkled skin.

Wear a good sunscreen everyday. If you don't wear a sunscreen in your moisturiser choose a make up brand that includes one such as ID Mineral Make-up.

Great fake tans available on the market today such as Heavenly Bodies spray tan which contains the highest aloe vera content of all; great news for dryer skins.

Smoking
The nicotine that builds up in the body when we smoke is responsible for much of the rapid ageing attributed to smoking. It stimulates the release of an enzyme responsible for the break down of collagen; constricts blood vessels reducing the amount of oxygen and nutrients getting to the cells but also slowing the removal of toxin build up. Nicotine also makes it much harder for the body to absorb certain necessary nutrients like vitamin A and C.

There are many benefits to giving up smoking but if you want to knock 5 years off your age then quit those ciggies now!

NLP (neuro-linguistic programming) is a safe effective way to give up smoking.

Stress
During times of stress, blood flows to 'vital areas' for dealing with that stress; unfortunately our skin is not one of those organs. The resulting lack of oxygen makes our skin much more susceptible to outside pollutants and irritants. This can result in dry itchy patches and high colouring.

The skin is the largest organ we have and when we are stressed it will be the most visual place to show this. Although a lot of the time we blame external factors for playing havoc on our skin our internal mood can have an equally devastating effect. When the stress hormone cortisol is released, inflammation is caused producing cell damaging oxidants. When the cells become inflamed and starved of oxygen the wrinkles will then start to appear. The chemicals released also stimulate the sebaceous glands which lead to clogged pores and spots.

To beat stress you have to find what's right for you. Take time out for a regular massage or a facial and see the difference it makes to not only how you look but also how you feel.

Water
We have all been told at some time in our lives to drink 2 litres of water a day; but while it is not disputed there are many benefits to having water in our diets. Does drinking large amounts of water really make our skin look healthy?

Dehydration in the skin is more likely to be caused by external factors such as astringent cleansing or extreme temperature changes.

It is true to say that by drinking more water the body will be able to remove more toxins; which if there is a build up of are often removed via the skin. This can contribute to acne breakouts. However there is no clear basis in science to suggest that greater water consumption will directly improve our skin health.

Keep drinking for inner body health but look after the outer bit with a sensible skincare routine.

Always go to a qualified skin specialist for advice on what is best for your skin type. Use your free consultation voucher at Ailanto.

By making small changes you can roll back 10 years in one week!! Now that has to be worth the effort!

For prices and availability
Call us now on 07877 233 955

The salon is open 7 days a week and can offer appointments between 10am and 9pm