Healthy Skin is In

As the largest source of ultraviolet (UV) rays in our lives, the sun is the biggest perpetrator of environmental damage that can negatively impact skin health. Exposure to UVA and UVB rays creates oxidative stress in the epidermis that can alter cellular behaviour and encourage the development of dark spots, heighten levels of dryness and also break down connective tissue deeper in the skin, such as collagen and elastin in the dermis, that allows for the progression of fine lines and wrinkles. Sun exposure is also responsible for triggering the abnormal growth of skin cells that leads to the most serious skin condition: skin cancer. Did you know that 85,000 Canadians are diagnosed every year? In some cases, such as with a bad sunburn, sun damage announces itself loud and clear, and suddenly. But most often, it operates silently behind the scenes, accumulating over many years before revealing itself. Practicing daily sun protection gives skin its best long-term defence against UV. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30 as the final step in your morning skin care routine will help minimize damage. Just be sure to apply enough – which is probably more than you think! 1/3 to ½ a teaspoon of SPF is recommended to cover the face and neck.

Millions – that’s how many microorganisms inhabit our skin. In a collection that’s unique to each of us, a variety of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and mites creates our skin microbiome which plays a key role in skin barrier health. When the microbiome is balanced with harmony between good and bad bacteria, skin can function properly and protect itself against allergens and irritants. Moisture levels are maintained, and skin feels soothed and strong. But when the skin’s microbiome is off balance, unwelcome elements can get past the barrier and disrupt cell functions. This can lead to loss of moisture, inflammation, and increased fragility. Environmental factors, such as exposure to extreme cold weather, low humidity or harsh soaps that strip away natural oils and lipids, can aggravate your skin’s microbiome. Internal factors, such as stress which raises cortisol levels, can have a negative impact, too. If your skin has been sending you SOS signals (think: it’s extra dry, irritated, itchy or red), or if you have an inflammatory skin condition, such as eczema and psoriasis, your microbiome could benefit from a helping hand. Using a reparative night cream with prebiotic ingredients, such as Vivier Derma-V, can help to soothe and strengthen skin while restoring bacterial balance. The award-winning blend of antioxidants, hydrators, barrier boosters and peptides, is also ideal for recovery from sensitizing treatments, like chemical peels, IPL or microdermabrasion.

Our skin is an incredible organ that is always intuitively adapting and renewing itself. When injured, skin can typically bounce back in a few short weeks – but that doesn’t mean it can’t use a boost along the way. When it comes to a cut, scrape, or burn, how you treat your skin can impact the healing process and life-long result. Vivier V-STAT Advanced Repair Gel is designed to create the right environment to prevent scarring. Specially formulated with petroleum jelly and silicone, the fragrance-free gel contains also the important Polyamine-DAB®, the polyamine precursor to our skin cells and our own growth factors which helps to effectively reduce healing time by repairing damaged skin and meanwhile preventing scarring. Suitable for all ages, including babies, a tube of V-STAT is a must-have for any household first aid kit.

Healthy skin is beautiful skin. From preventing the effects of sun damage to balancing skin’s microbiome and speeding wound healing, simple changes to your skin care can have a lasting, and visible, impact on your skin health.