Living in a fast-paced environment such as Dubai, we are open to and can try the newest ideas and developments in the skin care industry. Everyone wants to be the best, and the competition only gets more intense to have skincare products that are unique and one-of-a-kind. Brands are constantly pushing the boundaries and experimenting with ingredients for what works best or finding new ways to re-invent something. We as a consumer will always want something new and exciting to try. If we take a moment to look back 15- 20 years from 2022, it is clear that the world of skincare is not at the same level as it is now. Over the years, we have taken the time to dissect every aspect to understand the science and innovation behind skincare products in depth.
Consumers especially in this era aren't going to be influenced to buy a product simply because someone claims it is good. We want to understand how it works (the science behind it) and how each skincare product can benefit our lives. For example, Vitamin C is great for anti-ageing, marine collagen helps boost skin’s elasticity and the list goes on.
Now the tricky part is deciding what products to buy. Since we are living in warmer climates, it’s a good idea to purchase hydrating skincare products. Another factor when buying products, especially when you are constantly exposed to high humidity or sun exposure, is to look for products which can help protect your skin from further damage. Using hydrating and protective products in your skincare is a must when living in Dubai. We are around such high temperatures and therefore we have to be proactive when it comes to our skincare. By doing so, we may avoid any premature wrinkles or damage to our DNA.
Hydrated skin
It’s safe to say the ultimate goal for most people is to have supple, smooth and wrinkle-free skin. No one wants to lose their youthful glow. This is the exact reason why it’s crucial for the barrier of our skin to always remain hydrated. When a hydrating product is applied to the skin, your skin cell quickly absorbs the moisture and in turn, gets more plump and bouncy. For example, using products with ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid is great to use within your skincare products to lock in moisture. Hyaluronic Acid is said to hold 1000x its weight in water. Factors that can negatively impact our skin’s hydration can be the type of soap we're using, not drinking enough water and another important factor is the climate we are living in. Humidity and high temperatures don't go hand in hand with maintaining hydrated skin. The heat causes us to produce sweat much more frequently than normal, leading to water loss. We are no strangers to heat while living in Dubai, with temperatures reaching +40 degrees Celsius.
Some go to great lengths to keep their skin hydrated at all times, for example, getting hydrating facial treatment regularly. If you've ever wanted another great alternative that will not cost as much, start investing in hydrating or moisturizing cleansers as well as moisturizers. When buying skincare products, look out for a cleanser with sea kelp as an ingredient or a moisturizer with avocado. Sea Kelp is a type of seaweed that only grows in deep parts of salt water on the coast. It is known to help retain moisture in your skin as well as soften the texture. Avocados are packed with tons of different vitamins and minerals like vitamins A, B, C, D and E. With the help of vitamins C and E, they will help reduce signs of fine lines.
Maintaining hydrated skin is important not only for looks but also for the overall complexion and health of your skin. Having dehydrated skin can feel:
- Itchy
- Flaky
- Dry
- Dull
- Uneven
Besides skincare, you can help keep your body well-hydrated by drinking lots of water. We are suggested to drink 8 cups of water a day. It may seem excessive however, every drop consumed brings you one step closer to optimal skin hydration. Notice reduced wrinkles and improved elasticity when you keep your body well-hydrated.
Protected skin
We need to be proactive with our skin and not wait until there is irreversible damage. Protecting your skin and its condition is about doing what you can to have the most youthful and smooth-looking skin for as long as possible. It all starts with your skincare routine. For example, by including skincare products which include Vitamin C, you are not only slowing down the ageing process but also protecting your skin from UV rays. While Vitamin C helps boost collagen and brighten your skin, it is great to apply as an extra layer of protection from the sun. When adding a Vitamin C serum to your skin, apply it after you cleanse your skin. The next steps to take are to apply moisturizer or SPF to your skin. Voila! You are all set and your skin will thank you later.
How UV Rays Affect the Different Layers of Your Skin
The skin has a total of three different layers, the first is the Epidermis, then the Dermis and the bottom is the Hypodermis.
1. Epidermis: This is the top layer of your skin, where dead skin cells regenerate.
2. Dermis: This is the middle layer of your skin, where we can find the following:
- Nerves
- Collagen
- Sweat Glands
- Hair follicles
3. Hypodermis: The lowest layer of the skin, consisting of skin ligaments, blood vessels and fat producers.
Did you know, there are two different types of ultraviolet rays? They are the UVA (ultraviolet A) rays and UVB (ultraviolet B) rays.
UVA, however, more commonly known as ultraviolet A rays are responsible for the damage to the outer layer of your skin (epidermis). When UVA rays come in contact with the skin cells, they can age at a faster rate than usual. The other form of UV ray is the UVB ray. The ultraviolet B-rays cause more visible damage to the Epidermis layer of your skin. Common visible damages caused are sunburns and inflammation. The effects of UVB rays on the dermis layer include the loss in collagen production, which can impair the skin's ability to maintain its elasticity and youthful appearance. Other indications to look out for that are signs of sun damage is:
- Change in pigmentation
- Rough skin texture
- Redness
As the skincare industry progresses, so should our views on how to take care of our skin. Identifying what ingredients to use, and what works for your skin type are the first steps we should take. Hydration and protection are the two main benefits we should take into consideration when buying your skincare. As we are constantly exposed to high temperatures in the Middle East including Dubai, it greatly affects our skin to be in its best version. Because at the end of the day, who wouldn't want to look youthful forever?
