Skin Care: This is What you Need to Consider!

Daily body care is a matter of course for most people. But how much care does the skin need? There is no patent remedy. However, the fact is that every contact with water and detergent draws moisture from the skin and weakens its acid mantle. Frequent showers and baths therefore run the risk of drying out the skin and causing it to lose its elasticity.

The ideal skin cleansing

The ideal skin cleansing should be adapted to the individual skin type, age, skin condition and degree of pollution of the skin. For rather dry skin, it is recommended to take a short shower only once a day and to be restrained with bathing. Soap or other alkaline detergents should be replaced by mild, lipid-replenishing washing lotions and creams known as syndets, which are adapted to the pH value of the skin and are less aggressive to its acid mantle.

Free radicals – cell killers for the skin

Free radicals – also called oxidants – are parts of molecules (e.g. of oxygen) that occur in the organism and have become very reactive due to external influences, for example, nicotine, air pollutants or heavy metals. This means that they are constantly on the lookout for other chemical substances with which they can form a bond. In the process, they attack collagen, cell membranes and the lipid layer of the skin. Normally, the body protects the cells against these aggressors with highly active molecular compounds – so-called radical scavengers or antioxidants. If these substances are not present in sufficient numbers or if the free radicals increase, cells are destroyed and those that survive cannot regenerate quickly enough and age prematurely. These processes are particularly evident on the skin: through accelerated aging, premature wrinkling, and tired and sagging skin.

Hope from jars and pots

With promises such as “cell-active”, “moisturizing”, “nourishing”, “pore-refining”, “vitalizing”, the cosmetics industry makes billions in sales year after year. However, the miracle cure that enables eternally young appearance does not exist. However, with a healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet and targeted, consistent care, signs of aging can be delayed. A day cream serves to protect the skin from dehydration and harmful substances. To do this, the cream must supply it with moisture and lipids and help the skin to store these substances. Since UV radiation is one of the most aggressive enemies of the skin, the day cream should also contain a UV filter with a sun protection factor of at least four. The night cream has the task of helping the skin to recover and regenerate and should therefore contain particularly high levels of nutrients and moisture.

What works how in skin care products?

Many substances in skin care products are known by name, but what is behind the name is often unknown. Here is a list of common active ingredients:

  • AHA acids (alpha hydroxy acids) are natural fruit and lactic acids from grapes, apples, olives, lemons and milk. They can penetrate the skin particularly well and accelerate cell renewal. The skin appears fresher and smoother. In the connective tissue, they can favorably influence collagen. Because of their strong irritant effect, AHA acids in higher doses may only be used by experienced beauticians and dermatologists.
  • Antioxidants are contained mainly in moisturizers, makeup and sunscreens. These vitaminsbeta-carotene, vitamins C and E – are designed to counteract free radical damage caused by the sun, pollutants and cigarette smoke.
  • Beta-hydroxy acids are closely related to AHA acids, the best known being salicylic acid. It has a desquamating effect and loosens blackheads.
  • Ceramides are lipids that are used in skin creams. They are an important building material in the fat of the horny layer and form a protective film that makes the skin more resistant.
  • Enzymes are found mainly in moisturizers and masks. Enzyme-based exfoliants are natural active ingredients that gently and thoroughly remove dead cells from the skin surface without damaging or irritating the living cells.
  • Hyaluronic acid is an active ingredient that the body also forms itself. It can store a lot of moisture. Care products with hyaluronic acid are suitable for mature and dry skin.
  • Collagen/elastin are important elements in the skin’s support structure, making it elastic and supple. Creams and masks containing collagen can moisturize the skin surface.
  • Liposomes are so fine that they can penetrate deeper layers of the skin and transport active ingredients such as collagen.
  • Panthenol / pro-vitamin B5 is a special form of vitamin B5. It can store moisture. For skin irritation and sunburn, it has a soothing effect and is therefore included in many skin care products as well as après-sun lotions.
  • Retinol (vitamin A), which is found in a number of moisturizers, is believed to oxidize to retinoic acid on the skin. This, in turn, is thought to delay or reverse some of the signs of aging caused by exposure to light.
  • Oxygen contained in skin care products is thought to boost cell activity and renewal on the skin’s surface. The best way to introduce oxygen to the skin is by taking a brisk walk.
  • Urea – urea – is one of the active ingredients that can bind moisture and should promote healing.