Can you sense spring is almost here? As far as I’m concerned, it’s good riddance to winter!
At ESK we launched another e-book. This time it is about acne. I’m not sure whether you have had a chance yet to check it out? It’s really awesome (thanks to Emma our graphics queen!).
The other thing that happened was that I turned 54. Yes, I’m a Leo! That didn’t dampen my enthusiasm for my beloved nerdy science journals. I’ve picked the eyes out of the latest research for you!
The perfect vitamin C - according to the experts
We at ESK get mega irritated by dodgy claims by skincare companies. And I went back to the entire reason I started ESK Evidence Skincare this week when I spotted a new review of Vitamin C in its myriad skincare forms published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.
The authors reminded us that vitamin C functions as an antioxidant, neutralizing and removing harmful free radicals from ultraviolet (UV) radiation and environmental toxins, boosts collagen formation and structure and inhibits tyrosinase, thereby reducing pigmentation.
The bottom line?
Only L-Ascorbic Acid gets the tick with evidence for all of the above and being able to get INTO the skin.
The trick?
Look for these qualities; pH <3.5, limit exposure to oxygen (look for an airless pump), and minimal water content (so check the ingredient panel. All contain water but it shouldn’t be the first ingredient - that should be an oil!).
Ideally it should be combined with vitamin E and even better, with Ferulic Acid as well. Boom! Check out our vitamin C range for the best available evidence based Ascorbic Acid serums.
Hydrate and brighten your skin with this 16% L-Ascorbic Acid Serum. Vitamin C's sun damage reversing abilities are boosted when Vitamin E is added. Adding Ferulic Acid boosts it to still further for your best glow.
C Forte
The importance of skin barrier in pigmentation
I always love a good pigmentation study and this one published in The Journal of Dermatology was a cracker.
The authors from Central South University, in Changsha, China pointed out that if you look at spots of melasma or pigmentation under the microscope, they have more trans epidermal water loss.
This is linked to problems with skin barrier function.
The authors concluded that we should see pigmentation as a complex problem where there is an interplay of lots of skin changes that need to be addressed together for maximum effect.
That includes ensuring your skin barrier function is optimised!
Think niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and evidence-based ceramides. And keep away from abrasive skincare or skincare with a high pH!
Pigmentation Kit
This ultimate anti-aging and pigmentation kit delivers deep hydration, targets hyperpigmentation and age spots.
- Fade pigmentation and age spots
- Brighten dull skin
- Repair visible signs of aging
Eczema? Take care of your brain!
A UK study has found that people with eczema have a 27% higher risk of dementia than people without eczema.
In a study of 1.8 million people who were followed over time. We saw 57 cases of dementia emerge per 10,000 “person-years” among people with eczema during follow-up (12.1% of the population) compared with 44 per 10,000 person-years in people without eczema.
The authors of the study couldn’t say exactly what is responsible for this link, but ruled out the use of steroid creams.
So if you get eczema, doing everything you can to prevent dementia is really important. We’re talking a healthy diet, exercise, good blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes control as well as using your brain!