It's common knowledge that our skin is the largest organ in our body and plays a pivotal role in our overall well-being–it's our first line of defence against the outside world, while also reflecting our inner health. To maintain overall wellness, we must take extra care to ensure that our skin remains healthy and nourished.
Unfortunately, many people (including some in the skincare industry) don't realize that skin conditions are symptoms of a deeper problem. Premature aging, acne, hyperpigmentation, and even disorders such as eczema and rosacea are all symptoms of underlying issues caused by environmental stressors, hormones, diet, lifestyle, genetics, and more. When you treat the cause of your skin condition rather than just treating its symptoms, you're more likely to experience long-term relief.
At Bella Aura Skincare, we formulate our products to address three of the root causes of skin concerns: ROS, Inflammation, and Dehydration.
Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) are molecules closely associated with premature aging, uneven skin tone, dry or rough skin texture, and inflammation. Everyday irritants such as UV light, environmental pollution and even stress increase the production of ROS in the skin.
To reinforce and repair the damage caused by ROS, it’s recommended to be limited with your sun exposure, generous with your sunscreen application, and apply skincare rich in potent antioxidants. Superoxide Dismutase and Glutathione are incredibly effective at combatting ROS.
Dehydration refers to a deficit of water in the body. Dehydrated skin is dull and flaky, you may also notice that your face feels tight or tingly. If you're experiencing these symptoms on your face or body, it's time to start hydrating!
This condition is not exclusive to dry skin, it can happen at any time to any skin type. In fact, dehydration is very common in oily and combination skin types, as being dehydrated often causes the skin to overcompensate with the overproduction of sebum. It’s important to keep the skin hydrated to maintain its health and vitality.
Unlike the dry skin type, which is lacking in oil, dehydrated skin lacks water. To combat dehydration externally, we recommend water-based skincare that penetrates deeply–look for water-retaining ingredients such as various mosses or Levan. (Read more about Levan as an alternative to Hyaluronic Acid.)
Inflammation is a common concern for many who suffer from acne or eczema. The symptoms of skin inflammation range from mild to severe and may present as rashes, acne/pimples, painful blisters, and breakouts. Inflammation occurs when the body's immune system goes into overdrive trying to protect itself from an outside threat (like bacteria), which results in redness and swelling around the affected area.
Acne and rashes tell an outward story about an inward battle and may become triggered by dietary choices, bacterial or viral infections, poor gut health or prolonged exposure to heat or UV light.
Gentle, antibacterial and antimicrobial actives like Microsilver can help to soothe inflammation, reducing the duration and severity of breakouts, redness and irritation.
The roots of skin problems can be addressed with the appropriate skincare routine. Look for products with potent antioxidants, hydration-boosting ingredients, and anti-inflammatory actives to help protect and care for your skin.
Certain lifestyle adjustments can help your body manage ROS, inflammation and dehydration internally, including:
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getting enough sleep (7-8 hours)
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drinking plenty of water every day (6-8 glasses)
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eating antioxidant-rich foods like blueberries and kale (at least 2 servings per day)
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exercising regularly (40 minutes per day)
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reducing your caffeine intake (less than 400 mg daily)
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cutting back on alcoholic beverages
Remember: your skin will only look as good as you feel, so taking care of your overall health is key to maintaining a healthy and radiant complexion!