Mirror Magazine

Mirror Magazine

Preventing ageing caused by the sun
By Esther Williams
Eighty to ninety per cent of the signs of ageing, such as wrinkles, sallowness and uneven pigmentation are due to sun exposure. Photo-ageing or pre-mature ageing due to sunlight occurs in people living in tropical regions like Sri Lanka. It is, therefore, essential for Sri Lankans to take more precautions to protect their skin by ensuring that sunscreen is part of their daily regimen.

On a recent visit to Sri Lanka, Neutrogena Corporation's Executive Director for Scientific Affairs, Dr. Yohini Appapillai explained that much research is done on each of their products in the skin and hair care range. "Neutrogena products are not just layering products but treatment products that provide noticeable benefits to consumers."

Dr. Appapillai, a member of the American Academy of Dermatology and Society for Investigative Dermatology, has authored over 50 research papers on the effect of tropical treatment on skin condition and appearance. "Owing to humidity, people in coastal regions are unaware that their skin needs moisturising soon after cleansing. The skin looks better when moisturised and it should be a key step in one's beauty routine. Failure to moisturise may cause flaking and tightness of skin," she says.

"The upper surface of the skin has the unique ability to completely regenerate itself in 14 days in young skin," Dr. Appapillai says, adding that it may vary between 21 to 28 days in others, with a longer period needed as you grow older. For exfoliation, Neutrogena has a gentle treatment using AHA that helps re-texturise as opposed to laser resurfacing or chemical peel that some beauticians recommend.

Acne is a universal problem that 90% of teenagers and a small per cent of older women face. Occasionally, working women are known to break out with it, due to stress. "Acne is not associated with unclean skin but many other factors," Dr. Appapillai assures. She advises that rather than over-cleansing, a mild cleansing bar should be used, besides taking treatment.

A must for oily skin is Neutrogena's mattifier, a creamy gel containing a silicon polymer system that instantly absorbs oil. In a warm, humid climate, freshly applied make-up migrates into grooves in two hours. The mattifier provides a non-slippery matte surface, ideal for brides and those in the film industry as it absorbs sweat and prevents the make-up from 'migrating'.

The research department of Neutrogena Corporation, based in Los Angeles, USA, is currently working on a colour range to suit dark skin, with the backing of Johnson and Johnson, the huge pharmaceutical company. "We discuss formulae and ideas with dermatologists who test each product to ensure that it suits the skin," said Dr. Appapillai who is chief scientific spokesperson for Neutrogena.

Neutrogena products contain vital elements like retinol, Alpha Hydroxic Acid (AHA) and glycolic acid, including the salisalic acid that cleanses pores and whitening agents. It is a good way to deliver the benefits of Vitamin A etc., that the skin is receptive to. Benefits are noticeable in a short time.

Acne, wrinkles, pore refining for those with enlarged pores (similar to orange peel), uneven skin tone and pigmentation are some areas addressed by Neutrogena.

New to Sri Lanka is Neutrogena's fine fairness essence, pore refining cream, cleanser and toner, face lotion, anti-wrinkle cream and pore refining treatment. Their hair-care range includes shampoos and conditioners for balancing, replenishing and volumnising.

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