🔆Summer Skin! 🔅

What happens to your skin when you fly? Formulation Chemist & Skincare Expert Bruce Green says that the number one problem is dryness - like a ‘flying desert!

Aircraft air is recirculated and most of the time, chilled which leads to low humidity. Your dehydrated dermis becomes increasingly dry, in defence the skin provides more oil which in turn can exacerbate acne – in all skin types.  

To combat this problem, I recommend using an un-fragranced moisturiser with an SPF rating (such as SOS H20 Day Cream SPF 30) – remember that aeroplane windows are not UV proof and you are nearer the sun with lower atmospheric filtration.

So moisturise before you fly and then a top up with an SPF 50 as you travel (SOS SPF 50 would be perfect). That action will also act as a skin barrier from potential irritants and airport environmental pollutants. Also avoid contact with your face against inanimate surfaces in the aircraft and airport lounges as there are lots and lots of surface bacteria about.

The stress of travel and lack of humidity can also play havoc with your eyes, lips and nose. The mucus membranes dry out with the sometime unpleasant side effect of a nose bleed. Dry lips and itchy eyes can also be a problem. SOS Lip is a saviour product and always have eye drops with you for red eye relief.

But as you are going on holiday, your spirits are lifted and with a little bit of forward planning, you will have a fantastic time. So let SOS help you with your holiday smiles!

Summer Breeze

A great song but sometimes the summer and all that it involves can cause problems and discomfort for and to the skin. 

Common problems:

Rosacea –

Sometimes called acne rosacea, but its not acne. Characterised by red inflamed looking skin, particularly on the cheeks, nose and forehead. Most common in women – the exact cause is unknown but it is thought that heat and sunlight stimulate the release of chemicals that encourage the enlargement of blood vessels. Some doctors recommend oral or topical antibiotics – I don’t.

Avoid extreme temperatures – use thin film SOS Serum and add a moisturising sun block such as SOS SPF 50 Sun Cream. The thin film technologies are processes for depositing and processing thin layers of cream onto the skin and means a little goes a long way. 

Cut out caffeine and do not use facial scrubs or alcohol-based cleansers - I recommend SOS Cleanse.

The answer is sun free soothing and cooling.

Eczema –

Sometimes called dermatitis. It is characterised by dryness, redness and itching of the skin. With breakout spots being elbows, knees, face, neck and upper chest. It can be triggered during the summer months as a result of high pollen counts, certain food allergies and stress. The answer is as rosacea; soothing, cooling and sun shade.

SO summer is here, enjoy the blue sky, fragrant summer flowers and warmer days. Stay calm, get regular exercise, eat a balanced diet and get enough sleep – the beautiful you will shine through.

SOS is always on your side!