The saying "beauty is only skin deep", insinuates everything may not be as it appears on the outside. This is true for skin, as it goes much deeper than you think. Skin is a multilayered organ and what lies beneath takes a lot of maintenance. To understand how best to look after our skin we should understand what is happening below the surface.
Skin - The iceberg effect
Like an iceberg, what you see on the surface of the skin is a small part of what is going on underneath. There are several layers to the skin most importantly the epidermis and the dermis.
The epidermis
This is the superficial layer that we see and is the one we treat when we use moisturising creams and oils. Important structures in this layer are Ceramides. These are natural oils that protect against environmental factors, such as damaging sun rays, allergens and external aggressors. Ceramides also hold skin cells firmly together, which keeps the water in the skin giving it a fresh look.
The dermis
Sitting below the epidermis, this skin layer provides the foundations that hold up the top layer and prevent it from dropping into lines and wrinkles. It is comprised of a strong matrix of structural proteins, that need constant renewal. One of the key components of this structure is collagen, which is created by the body and found in skin, hair, nails, bones and joints. Collagen accounts for up to 30% of total body protein and 70% of total proteins in the dermal layer of the skin. Here collagen firmly holds the skin up and gives it thickness.
Also within the matrix, there are other important structures such as hyaluronic acid and elastin. Hyaluronic acid works synergistically with collagen and is what is known as a glycosaminoglyan (GAG). This is a type of sugar molecule that attracts water in the collagen matrix. It forms a gel that plumps and hydrates the skin, keeping us looking young. Hyaluronic acid is also an antioxidant so it helps to protect the skin from free radical damage and the UV rays of the sun. Elastin is another protein and with collagen, it connects the tissues giving them strength and elasticity. Just pinch your cheek and watch that snap.
What changes as we age?
Skin has one of the fastest cellular renewals in the body. We are constantly breaking down old cells and rebuilding new ones. However, as we age our collagen and elastin production slows down, so the structure is not as strong and we get collapse; hence the lines and wrinkles. Also, our cells are more prone to oxidative damage and this also reflects in dryness and skin damage like brown age spots. Hyaluronic acid and Ceramide production decline too which also affects skin moisture retention and even skin tone.
How do we maintain skin health?
If the production of proteins, oils and GAGS slows down, then one way to maintain skin health is to supplement. There are so many choices for these types of ingredients on the market it can be hard to choose. Here is some information about some of these options.
Collagen
This is available in many formats and traditionally comes from marine, chicken or bovine sources. Our Vege Collagen is a new vegetarian source of collagen made from eggshell membrane. This is as effective as more traditional sources, but Ovoderm™ eggshell membrane is also sustainably sourced as well as being well researched for proven efficacy. The eggshells, which the eggshell membrane is extracted from, are a waste product of the food industry. Over 1 billion eggshells are repurposed each year to make Ovoderm™ eggshell membrane powder. A great way to reduce waste and benefit the beauty industry.
Studies have shown that Ovoderm™ supports skin hydration, firmness and elasticity. It also protects the skin from the effects of the sun which can lead to pigmentation.
Hyaluronic acid
This is an ingredient that can be supplemented and has traditionally been animal-sourced. Most recently hyaluronic acid can be made by fermentation of plants, making it suitable for vegetarians. In our Vege Collagen product we have used the patented ExceptionHYAL® Star. This is a plant-based hyaluronic acid and has many studies showing it supports skin hydration, elasticity, firmness and benefits for skin texture.
Silica
Silica is a mineral that can help to strengthen the skin. According to research, it works to encourage collagen synthesis and helps enzymes that support skin strength and elasticity. It is also great for hair as it helps reduce hair loss and supports nail growth.1 Our Vege Collagen product contains bamboo as a sustainably sourced ingredient as it is rich in silica. Great for the planet and great for your hair, skin and nails.
Ceramides
The introduction of ceramides into beauty treatments has seen recent popularity. This is to support skin moisture by protecting the skin barrier. However, plant-based ceramide supplements are now available that help support a strong skin barrier from within and help maintain normal skin tone. Our Ceramides product is sustainably sourced from rice extract, which makes them vegetarian friendly and great to take alongside a collagen product.
Vege Collagen:
Sustainably sourced vegetarian collagen to support skin elasticity and firmness. Made from eggshell collagen and with added plant-based Hyaluronic Acid and Silica to support your skin from within.
Ceramides:
Scientifically researched support for skin hydration and smoothness. Formulated with pure ceramide extract to support a strong skin barrier which helps the skin retain moisture and protects the skin from environmental damage.
What else can I do?
What we eat is very important to maintain skin health, as are our everyday habits. Here are our top 10 hacks for keeping healthy skin.
- Cut back on junk or processed foods as they can create oxidative damage.
- The same applies to alcohol, smoking, sprays and plastics.
- Bone broth is a good source of hyaluronic acid.
- Increase lean proteins, as they will be converted in the body into amino acids that can be used to make structural protein.
- Increase fresh fruit and vegetables as they are rich in antioxidants.
- Make sure you have your 8 glasses of water a day to keep your skin hydrated.
- Think about probiotics for bacterial balance or eat more fermented foods. A healthy gut creates healthy skin.
- Protect your skin from the sun.
- Gentle exfoliation removes dead skin cells and encourages skin renewal.
- Always remove makeup before heading to bed.
Hopefully, you have enough knowledge to get started on a great skin maintenance programme. If you need more one-on-one support you can book a free 15-minute appointment with one of our naturopaths, who would love to help you get the next out of your skin.
References
- Araújo LA, Addor F, Campos PM. Use of silicon for skin and hair care: an approach of chemical forms available and efficacy. An Bras Dermatol. 2016 May-Jun;91(3):331-5. doi: 10.1590/abd1806-4841.20163986. PMID: 27438201; PMCID: PMC4938278.
