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How To Keep Your Skin Healthy This Summer In UAE
Did you know that your skin is the largest organ on your body? It is made up of made up of several different components, including water, protein, lipids, and different minerals and chemicals. It’s also called as the body’s window to the outside world. Your skin is a visible reflection of what’s happening inside your body and is an indicator of your overall health. It’s job is crucial: to protect you from infections and germs. In fact, your skin will regenerate itself approximately every 27 days.
The skin is composed of three layers- the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis.
Epidermis: The Outer Layer of Skin
Epidermis is the outermost layer of our skin that produces melanin and creates our skin tone. It also responsible on providing a waterproof barrier, preventing germs and pathogens from entering the immune system or damaging muscles and bones. As the outer visible layer, it gives insight into any malfunctions underneath the surface—in the form of acne breakouts, rashes, blemishes, or wrinkles.
Dermis: The Middle Layer of Skin
The dermis is a complex combination of blood vessels, hair follicles, and sebaceous (oil) glands. Here, you’ll find collagen and elastin, two proteins necessary for skin health because they offer support and elasticity. This layer also contains nerves that sense pain, touch, and temperature.
Subcutaneous Fat: The Skin's Fatty Layer
This layer hosts sweat glands, and fat and loose connective tissue. The subcutis is responsible for conserving your body’s heat and protecting your vital inner organs.
And hence here in United Arab Emirates, we are in the middle of a very very sunny season. Our skins are exposed to dryer conditions and EXTREME UV ray exposure. Not to mention that the weather has not been that nice lately, I’m talking about the sandstorm that engulfed the whole of Dubai for several days. Our skin gets exposed to extreme humidity, pollen, and allergens.
So how do you keep your skin healthy despite the summer season here in the region?
Use Sun Protection to protect your skin and long-term health
Since that it is extra sunny in UAE, it’s important to note that exposure to UV light is the leading cause of skin cancer. Aside from skin cancer, sun damage also causes wrinkles, blemishes and age spots.
You can opt to use a mineral sunscreen which contains Zinc Oxide and Titanium Oxide- a combination that deflects UV rays, or a chemical sunscreen which are commonly known as oxybenzone, avobenzone, etc.
Hydrate and Hydrate and Hydrate
The blazing heat of summer can cause trans-epidermal water loss, or simply an excess evaporation of water from your skin. So be sure to drink your water- 8-ounce glasses per day which is equal to 2L or half a gallon per day. It’s also beneficial to include water rich foods in your diet such as watermelons, strawberries, and cucumbers.
Prioritize your gut and skin microbiome
Have you ever heard of gut-skin axis? It is when there is something wrong in your digestive system, it looks to your skin to eliminate the toxins which results to acne, eczema, and dermatitis. Watch out for refined sugar and processed foods because they are the ones that create havoc in the gut. The best way to feed our gut is to include fermented, prebiotic foods in your diet and include lots of vegetables to it as well.
Next one is the skin biome, similar with our gut it needs balance and order as well. Harsh soaps and scrubs can strip away some of the essential oils and bacteria that are necessary to your skin microbiome. Be sure you use mild and gentle cleanser such as Vanav Aloe Vera Cleanser together with a gentle cleaning brush- Vanav Bubble Pop Cleanser while cleaning your face.
Vanav Bubble Pop Cleanser is made of soft fine bristles that gently cleanse the skin and removes all residue. And the good part is, you can use and cream, gel or oil based cleanser with Bubble Pop!
Don’t forget to Cleanse and Exfoliate
During summer season, our skin glands tend to produce more oils due to hot and humid temperatures. You will need a good cleanser to take out the oil, makeup, and dirt that you had picked up through out the day. Take note to find products that benefit your skin type, it is important to use products that are gentle and non-abrasive. Vanav Aloe Vera Cleanser is a hydrating cleanser that keeps your skin moisturized while cleaning deeply your pores.
Since our skin sheds cells constantly, which is a good thing. Without the body’s natural replenishment of skin, you’d have layers of dead skin cells on top, making your skin look dull, dry, and cakey. Exfoliation is the act of removing dead skin cells from the outer layer of your skin, often with the help of a grainy substance, exfoliating tool, or chemicals. While these cells would eventually fall off on their own, a scrub or exfoliant can help clear them away sooner to make your skin look lighter, brighter, and more youthful. Dermatologists suggests exfoliation 2-3 times a week.
“Fountain of Youth” – Collagen
As we age, our bodies production of collagen decreases. Taking a collagen supplement can help slow your skin’s aging process and reduce dryness and wrinkles. We can get collagen from protein in our diet such as beef, chicken, fish, and eggs, or from a supplement – collagen is often used in powder form.
In an effort to increase collagen in the body, you will want to limit inflammatory foods in your diet such as refined sugar and artificial trans fats, which can cause a breakdown of the natural collagen that we have. This can result in dry, stiff skin.
As a remedy to collagen loss, a facial massage or the use of a jade roller (check out Vanav Rollin Up) can encourage collagen production by improving blood circulation and stimulating lymphatic drainage. A facial massage will stimulate the movement of lymph fluid, alleviating facial puffiness and firming your skin.
Since our skin sheds cells constantly, which is a good thing. Without the body’s natural replenishment of skin, you’d have layers of dead skin cells on top, making your skin look dull, dry, and cakey. Exfoliation is the act of removing dead skin cells from the outer layer of your skin, often with the help of a grainy substance, exfoliating tool, or chemicals. While these cells would eventually fall off on their own, a scrub or exfoliant can help clear them away sooner to make your skin look lighter, brighter, and more youthful. Dermatologists suggests exfoliation 2-3 times a week.
Invest in Antioxidants Agents
Since the pandemic hit last 2019 the Active Ingredient-Retinol hit blockbuster in the market. Vitamin A is a form of Retinol which is not found abundantly in the body, so you will need to obtain it from outside sources, ideally from the food in your diet, but also from supplements. A common source of vitamin A is derived from beta-carotene, a pigment found in carrots and sweet potatoes.
Benefits of Vitamin A:
- Anti-aging effects on the skin – Retinol binds to retinoid receptors within skin cells, activating genes that regulate collagen production and help reduce wrinkles and fine lines
- Improved cell production and turnover
- Help in treating acne, eczema, and sun damage spots
Aside from Retinol we also have another main player which is the Vitamin C. Aside from vitamin C boosting our immune system it is also famous to eliminate hyperpigmentation, wrinkles and prevent photoaging due to exposure to UV rays.
What to look for in a Vitamin C serum:
- Form: L-ascorbic Acid
- Concentration: 10-20 percent
- Ingredient combo: L-ascorbic acid, tocopherol (vitamin E) or glutathione, ferulic acid.
- Packaging: Dark or tinted glass bottles with airless delivery.
Check out Vanav Vitamin C Night Cream which is made of 10% Ascorbic Acid- it will nourish your skin leaving it radiant and hydrated.
