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Elave survey reveals that most of us have sensitive Irish skin
In a winter skin survey carried out by Gardiner Family Apothecary, makers of the Elave and Ovelle skincare ranges, 7 out of 10 people reported having dry, sensitive and eczema/psoriasis prone skin. This is not surprising when you consider that around 80% of the island’s population have Type I and II skin.
Celtic skin is pale, freckly, sensitive and easily damaged by sun and the ravages of winter weather. People with Celtic skin have blue/grey/green eyes, pale skin, blondish/reddish hair, and skin that burns and peels easily. In 2016, scientists found that our pale skin complexion is inherited from just one man with a genetic mutation who lived thousands of years ago in India or the Middle East!
Common issues faced by people with fair, delicate skin include rosacea – also known as the Curse of the Celts! – photo damage – lines, wrinkles and skin cancer caused by exposure to UV light and environmental pollutants – and keratosis pilaris, which is bumpy, rough skin on the arms and thighs caused by a build-up of keratin that blocks the opening of the hair follicle.
Fluctuations of temperature are particularly damaging to Celtic skin
While you should protect your skin from the environment year-round, the crisp days of autumn and chilly winter weather can be particularly damaging for Celtic skin. Low temperatures and low humidity suck up to 25% of the moisture out of our skin, leaving it dehydrated and vulnerable to soreness, itching and cracking.
Indoors, central heating can dry out the skin, making it dull and itchy. The sudden temperature fluctuation of going from an overheated house into the freezing outdoors increases sensitivity and redness. Biting winds strip moisture and oil from the dermis, weakening the skin barrier. while and snow and ice can actually enhance the damaging effects of the sun.
There are some advantages to cold air. It can act as an astringent, helping to unclog pores, pump up your blood circulation, give you a healthy glow, and promote a better night’s sleep. Winter tends to mean better air quality and opportunities to revive your skin with brisk walks in the cold air. But you still need to hydrate, moisturise and protect your skin.
The biggest trigger for sensitive skin is the environment
Our survey reveals the environment as the biggest trigger for sensitive skin reactions (45%) with the next biggest triggers being new skincare products (19%) and scents and dyes (18%). Half the respondents said they have difficulty finding the right skincare solutions and 1 in 4 feel they just have to live with their sensitive skin.
Other key survey findings included 9 out of 10 who said the most important thing for them is that their face looks good – but that their facial skin tended towards dryness or redness. Half of the people who participated identified moisturiser as the key product in their beauty regime, followed by cleanser (1 in 3).
Winter skin loves lashings of Elave Skincare Essentials
You can help your skin look and feel its best this winter by using the purest, gentlest, cleanest skincare formulations – that means no sulfates, parabens, MI, dyes, scents, alcohol or preservatives. Six convenient Elave Skincare Essentials kits, starting at only €19.95, contain 2 or 3 full size products to help protect your skin.
Elave Skincare’s range of dermatologically-approved free-from natural products is available at gardinerfamilyapothecary.com, Boots, Dunnes Beauty and local pharmacies.
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Christmas, as merry as it is, can be stressful on our skin - late nights, rich food and too much alcohol can all wreak havoc. Bearing in mind that our skin is already being challenged by cold, wet weather, we need to take extra care to make sure our dermis is nourished and protected at this special time of year.
