Your skin is one tough warrior: just imagine the army of invisible skinemies it has to defend itself from every day. Exposure to internal and external environmental factors, as well as personal and social, are causing skin damage and premature ageing. 

But it’s good to note that many of these skinemies can be controlled. This blog is all about knowing your skin’s enemies so you can have the right weapons in your skincare arsenal.

1. Sun

Although we need our daily Vitamin D fix, too much of the sun is destructive to our skin’s health. Skinemies in the form of UVA and UVB rays, and infrared are hazardous to unprotected skin and can cause wrinkles, discoloration, dullness, blemishes and loss of elasticity. UVA rays can penetrate deep into the skin and attack collagen—the protein that is responsible for keeping the firmness of the skin, while UVB rays can burn your skin. The best way to avoid this is to keep away from direct sunlight and use sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection. 

2. Weather and Environment

Dry weather and polluted air can cause damage to skin cells and decreased collagen levels, making it difficult for your skin to regenerate. Air pollutants like car fumes can also increase the production of free radicals, which causes ageing. The skin may also become dry and dirt can clog the pores, causing pimples and blackheads. Moisturisers with thick formulations are great for keeping your skin moist all day and eventually prevent wrinkles caused by dryness. Antioxidants like vitamins A, C and E will also fight the damages caused by free radicals.

3. Poor Diet

Excessive dairy products, refined sugars and fast food can cause inflammation in the body that may speed up the ageing process. Foods that are rich in vitamins are our skin’s natural allies. Your veggies and fruits help make your skin healthier and looking younger. 

4. Stress

High-stress environments are a number-one recipe for ageing. A constantly worried face contributes to facial wrinkles, and people who are overwhelmed with stress are also prone to illnesses that can speed up the ageing process.

Stress can also cause lack of sleep, which in turn can be reflected in the condition of your skin, like puffy eyes, sallow skin, fine lines or dark circles under your eyes. The best way to fight stress is to practice meditative exercises like yoga and get as much rest and sleep as you can. Consider working on your sleeping patterns. Treatments with peptides and anti-ageing serums can help plump up the hollowness on your eyes.

5. Smoking

Smoking is notorious for depleting your skin of oxygen and other necessary nutrients, particularly vitamin C, causing the appearance of lines, wrinkles and skin discoloration. You can start by minimising smoking (if not completely quitting), drinking lots of water, using moisturiser and taking vitamin C and antioxidant supplements. 

Be wary of ingredients that do more harm than good!

Ready to kick off a new skin care regimen? You might not be aware that the product in your hand contains toxic and potentially harmful ingredients. These ingredients might not only fail to nourish your skin but they might also worsen its condition, leading to more wrinkles, dryness, fine lines and ageing. 

• Parabens – They’re a family of chemicals that are used to preserve the shelf-life of your products. They’re known to disrupt hormones, which may cause reproductive issues and breast cancer.

• Pthalates – A group of chemicals that are used to soften and increase the flexibility of plastics in cosmetics.

• Sulfates – Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) or Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) are known to irritate skin and trigger allergic reactions. 

• Certain alcohols – Substances like SD alcohol, ethanol or benzyl can cause drying and strip away your skin’s natural oils. They can cause skin irritation and premature ageing.

• Mineral oil – A known source of mineral oil is petroleum, and it may clog your pores and prevent your skin from cleansing naturally. This may then result in an ageing effect on the skin.

Ready to fight these nasty skinemies? Check out our organic, all-natural skin care range on our online shop. You can also take our free skincare quiz to know which product is best suited for your skin type.