Considerations for higher temperatures in our daily lives.
As a formulator it is important to be sensitive to the changing world of skin care active ingredients and future needs of clients. There is much more awareness today with so many channels of information bombarding us from every direction.
I take the notion of not worrying about things I can't change. It helps me focus on the things I can really change. In my case formulations can be made better all the time. Reducing waste in production, better packaging and recycling.
The industry is changing with better active ingredients that are environmentally friendly and vegan based. We are seeing a much broader range of truly "Natural" ingredients from countries like Spain, US, France even India. So, what does all this have to do with global warming?
Extreme weather is becoming more common than ever before. Last Winter we had storm after storm with flooding and snow, in Canada the Frazier valley saw apocalyptic flooding erasing towns and roads. Our bodies were exposed to extremes that may be more common in the future.
Let's consider how heat affects our skin. Our bodies regulate a constant internal temperature through perspiration. We all know to stay hydrated when we are outdoors in the sun and so on. The reason for that is our water is given off through, you guessed it, by Trans Epidermal water Loss (TEWL). Under elevated temperature with high humidity our bodies have a hard time regulating our internal temperature because the moisture has nowhere to go. In high temperature and low humidity our bodies give off high amounts of water. Adding to the mix that fiery ball in the sky (Sun) emitting UVA, UVB, Infrared and visible light and our skin starts to react in a negative way.
Extreme cold really dry's our skin out, particularly in single digit humidity percentages. Assuming you don't get frostbite, it is important to take action to heal your skin. Scaling, cracking of the skin and lips is very common.
In Florida we have one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the US. Each year scientists from around the world converge on Central Florida to reveal the latest research. The new findings drive regulation changes and product safety reviews. This has also given us insights on more effective ways to protect and heal our skin. This year promises to be very exciting with how scientists are adapting to our changing world.
The stresses on our skin will become greater. Our skin responds to all and everything we throw at it, temperature, pollution, saturated fats, sugar, Sun as well as our emotions and state of mind. Retinol at one time was the answer for fine lines as well as Botox. Retinol can have adverse reactions for some people, and it makes the skin more sensitive to sunlight. Other alternative derived from fruit such as Bakuchiol (Timeless Renewal Serum), are also better alternative and does not have sun sensitivity. Now for the first time there are Vegan forms of Collagen renewal, Col-Frag Remastered is available in MC Rose Timeless Naturals New Collagen.
Awareness of the dangers the sun and pollution can have on your skin is so important. Protect your face and body with sun blockers as well as UV rated clothing and a hat. Pollution is something we don't think about much, but think of the dust, heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) particles around 2.5 um such as diesel fumes or smoke. These small particles can penetrate the outer skin layer and ultimately end up in the blood stream. Fortunately, there are various active ingredients and antioxidants available to neutralize these external aggressions.
Blue light exposure is a very real threat. It is the LED light from continuous exposure from cell phones, computer monitors and home TV displays. It has been found to add to aging effects of the skin. Opsins are light sensitive cells on our skin that effectively monitor the type of light and intensity. They are designed to activate our natural defenses. One of those reactions is the release of Melanin (dark spots), typically from sun exposure, but now it is known to also respond to long term blue light exposure.
This is interesting because when it's too hot or too cold we will migrate indoors. Many homes have gone to LED lighting to reduce power consumption adding to the blue light issue. I recommend using warm white LED bulbs since they have very little blue content.
In summary the changing environment wherever you live is something we have to learn how to adjust too. It does put additional stresses on our skin care products, like sweating and subzero temperatures. Hyaluronic acid is one such ingredient I have touched on before. If used under low humidity conditions, it can actually dry your skin out. Sweat carries salt which can also adversely affect some products, particularly concealers. The best advice is to let your skin breathe during those times in the day when you are exposed to the elements. Wear protective clothing with an SPF rating and a sun block. Apply your skin care products in the morning for the best defense against the elements, and again at night to repair the daily assaults your skin may have endured.
Danielle Rose
MC Rose Skin Care LLC