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I am passionate about skin education and providing the best possible information to consumers.

Basically, I want to demystify the cosmetic industry!

I’m sick and tired of the big guys trying to hoodwink consumers into thinking that their brand is the best just because they have fancy packaging and a good marketing budget.
I have formulated my own range of skin care and makeup (Synergie Skin and Synergie Minerals) and I live by the following rules:

-  It must protect skin from harsh environmental conditions such as UVA and UVB
-  It must provide visible positive change to the skin
-  It must nurture the skin and be free of potential toxins and irritants

It is my calling  to provide sound eduction to my readers and answer any questions on Skin Care and Cosmeceutical ingredients to dispel the cosmetic counter myth.

Please be sure to add my blog to “Your Favourites“, as I am dedicated to keeping you informed and educated!

There has been a lot of media hype surrounding the use of nano-particles in sunscreens and skin care products.

Consumers have been totally mislead into believing that nano-particles are dangerous and toxic if applied to the skin. This si simply not the case- it is the particle that is nano-phased that may be dangerous and NOT the fact that is nano-phased in the first place!

Nano-technology has revolutionised the medical and cosmetic industry and should not be feared.

A nano-particle is defined as a particle smaller in diameter than 100 nanometers. One nanometer represents one billionth of a meter. Nano-technology does not define the chemical characteristics of the particle. It merely defines its size.

For example, nano particles of a toxic chemical such as arsenic would be fatal if inhaled or applied topically in a large enough dose. Conversely, nano- particles delivered by a nebuliser of Ventolin would be life -saving to an asthmatic.

In my opinion as a scientist, there is no problem in applying nano-particles of zinc oxide in sunblock as zinc oxide is part of normal body chemistry and considered non toxic.  I would not, however apply nano-particles of titanium dioxide as it has been reported to induce a free radical response in living cells.

It is essential to question the agenda of those who instill fear into consumers regarding nano-technology. Nano-technology is to be embraced as often the ingredient or drug that has been nano-phased is vital for the well being of the recipient.

Rosacea is an extremely common condition affecting a huge sector of the population. This condition is particularly prevalent with Caucasians of English, Scottish and Irish origin. However it may also affect skins of other ethnicity.

Roscaea is a chronic condition which is treatable but not curable. It may be controlled by certain products and lifestyle choices.

What does Rosacea look like?

Rosacea is characterized by facial redness, particularly on the cheeks and nose. The condition usually occurs in stages.

In the early stages the individual will notice frequent blushing. this often occurs as a child. The flushing then becomes more common and may become permanent. The face may have diffuse redness or there may be visible blood vessels (telangiectasia) present.

Rosacea may progress to a condition called acne rosacea whereby the individual suffers from small red bumps. This looks like acne but there are no blackheads or whiteheads evident and if squeezed and clear fluid exudes.

If left untreated, Rosacea may progress to a conditon called rhinophyma where the nose becomes red and bulbous. It may also affect the eyes in advanced cases.

The following products are recommended for treating Rosacea:

• Topical Vitamin A (Retinol molecular serums are a gentle way to add Vitamin A to sensitive skin)
•  Niacinamide/Vitamin B3. This ingredient increases the immunity of the skin and strengthens damages blood vessels.
• Products that contain anti inflammatory ingredients such as green tea, sea-buckthorn oil, Olive Squalene
• Zinc oxide based mineral sunblocks (Zinc oxide is a natural anti inflammatory)
• Pure mineral makeup containing high levels of zinc oxide is recommended.

The following clinical treatments may be recommended to control Rosacea

• PDT (Photo dynamic therapy) using blue light therapy and 5ALA (amino levulinic acid) in severe cases such as acne rosacea
• IPL or Laser targeting abnormal blood vessels and diffuse redness
• LED (light emitting diode) cold light therapy. This is a very gentle treatment and recommended for chronically inflamed skin

The following lifestyle factors are also recommended

• avoid spicy foods
• avoid/reduce alcohol consumption
• avoid direct sunlight on the face and wear broad spectrum sunblock
• avoid stressful situations

It amazes me that consumers are so focused on the SPF rating on their sunscreen.

SPF is only half of the solution to sun protection. SPF measures burning rays or UVB rays only. SPF is a mathematical equation indicating how long you can stay out in the sun without turning red!

SPF however does not measure your sun protection from UVA rays. UVA rays are far more serious in my opinion. These rays penetrate deeper into the skin. These rays don’t burn so you are lulled into a false sense of security thinking that as long as you aren’t burning the sun is not damaging you. WRONG!!!

What does UVA do?
UVA is primarily responsible for skin Ageing ( A=Ageing)as it breaks down the collagen in our skin. But more importantly UVA shuts down the skins immune surveillance system so it is unable to fight damage by the sun. Many skin cancers and
potentially fatal Melanoma can be caused by UVA damage.

Broad spectrum protection
So next time you purchase sunscreen…….. look for the terms, or UVA/UVB protection. These products not only stop you burning, but they also protect against harmful UVA rays.

Always check the label and ingredient list before you make a purchase.

Antioxidants are crucial to our long term anti-ageing routine.
As we age, our ability to destroy ageing free radicals diminishes. Furthermore many foods are now depleted in natural goodness due to high levels of processing and poor levels of soil nutrients.

We therefore must look at supplementing our anti-oxidant reserves.
We can do this by:
1. Taking internal antioxidant supplements
2. Applying high quality cosmeceuticals on the skin that target the damaged cells
Both internal and topical antioxidants reduce cellular inflammation by neutralising destructive free radicals. There are numerous topical anti-oxidants on the market. The more powerful ingredients include:
• Applying topical Vitamin A (as retinol or Retinol molecular)
• Applying topical Vitamin B3 /Niacinamide
• Taking internal supplements and applying topical Vitamin C (as L-ascorbic acid)
• Taking internal supplements and applying topical pure Green tea

The skin is the most vulnerable organ of our body. We must protect and maintain this organ with high grade antioxidants in the form of skin care products and internal supplements.

I am concerned that consumers are not aware of the difference between Physical and Chemical sunscreens.

Chemical sunscreens absorb into the skin and act by absorbing UV light. They are later broken down in the body and carried in the bloodstream where the by products may be stored in the body.

Physical sunscreens sit on top of the skin .They are not absorbed and they provide a protective barrier to UV light.

There has been evidence that many chemical sunscreens may be harmful and have been linked to hormonal imbalances.

Any sunscreen is better than none at all but give the choice my advice is to opt for physical sunscreen in the form of zinc oxide – a natural mineral that blocks harmful UVA and UVB rays.

This time lapse image shows a client under UV light. The left side has Zinc oxide sunscreen Uberzinc by Synergie Minerals. The right side is a common supermarket chemical sunscreen. Even by early evening the physical sunscreen is still effective. By this time the chemical sunscreen hs fully absorbed into the body and is ineffective.

A picture paints a thousand words!!!!!

Terri Vinson BSc.ACCS

Women are constantly given incorrect information about just what constitutes good skin care.

My first tip is -
STAY AWAY from cosmetic counters and embrace your trusted skin professional.

These individuals are generally fully trained in analyzing your skin and understanding good ingredients that will create change.

The following ingredients are essential for all skin and are designed to protect and change the skin:
Vitamin A- retinol
Vitamin B- niacinamide
Vitamin C- L ascorbic acid
Mineral sunblock (zinc oxide)

Terri Vinson BSc.ACCS