REVOLUTIONISE YOUR BEAUTY REGIME WITH GOLD COLLAGEN®

Heading to Stylist Live this weekend? If so, don’t miss the Gold Collagen^®experience this weekend at booth B36. Minerva Research Labs’ skin experts will take you on a journey into the Gold Collagen^® world with bespoke skin assessments and testing sessions of their latest products.

Minerva Research Labs is mastering the art of nutricosmetics since 2009 and with its scientifically formulated products fundamentally challenges the way consumers look at nutritional supplements and topical beauty products. Dr. Sara Sibilla, Head of Research and Development at Minerva Research Labs is sharing her top tips and product picks to help you keep your lips plumped and hydrated this winter.

The secret to hydrated skin

Skin appearance and texture are influenced by the water content of the epidermis and the dermis, defined as skin hydration. Environmental factors, such as UV rays can contribute to the increase in the production of free radicals and collagen degradation, both of which can cause photo-ageing, affecting the skin’s structure and moisture. Decreased hydration of the skin leads to a dry and scaly surface and can cause skin irritation, inflammation, and other dermatological conditions. Reduced moisture will also lead to the loss of skin radiance and elasticity due to a lack of hyaluronic acid within the skin. This applies to all skin on our body.

Lip service: slowing down the lip’s ageing process

Despite being made of the same layers found in the skin (epidermis, dermis and hypodermis), the structure of our lips is very different when compared to the skin on our face, for example, lips have a much thinner epidermis  and do not have sebaceous glands. Due to these differences in morphology, lips have a poor barrier function and a three times reduced water holding capacity when compared to the skin on our cheeks. Therefore, lips are often poorly hydrated, especially during winter. With regards to the ageing process, this particularly affects the upper lip due to morphological changes in the cutis. The results are a loss of elasticity and hydration and the appearance of wrinkles.

 Top tips to protect your lips from external damage

It is important to protect your lips from external damage: dry, chapped lips are common when the cold creeps in as we consume less water and increase the intake of hot beverages. Deficiencies of specific vitamins such as vitamin A, B2 (riboflavin), C and E, as well as weather extremes of any kind, both hot and cold, can lead to cracking of the lips. In addition, smoking and the excessive use of lipsticks and harsh cosmetics dry out your lips. For all these reasons, lips need a little extra help to stay smooth and healthy.

The most important tip is making sure you have a healthy balanced diet and consume enough water to keep your lips supple and well hydrated from within.  Keeping yourself healthy on the inside will reflect on the outside. Hyaluronic acid and hydrolysed collagen in dietary supplements such as Gold Collagen can support not only your lips, but your overall skin moisture.

Lip balms rich in natural emollients and oils such as almond oil, which contains photo-protective and moisturizing properties, and coconut oil, an antioxidant with moisturizing and healing properties, can help your lips to remain smooth and well hydrated. Antioxidant compounds, such as Vitamin E, provide daily protection against free radicals and external aggressions.

Shea butter has hydrating and soothing properties and contributes to skin healing. Together with beeswax, they protect and repair the moisture barrier of your lips, working as a “shield” and increasing hydration.

Gold Collagen^® Anti-ageing Lip Volumiser

Check if your lip balm has a good UV filter. Organic lip balms reduce the risk of skin sensitivity and allergic reactions, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors and remember: the sun can damage your lips and your skin even when it is cloudy.

A potent blend of oligopeptides can help stimulate collagen synthesis for full-looking lips, restore lip moisture and aid in stimulating collagen production.

Last but not least, exfoliating your lips at least once a week helps to remove dead cells and keep your lips smooth and supple. You could even try making your own scrub at home with lemon juice and honey.  All you need is 4-5 drops of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1-2 drops of honey and a pinch of pink salt. Mix the ingredients together and gently scrub it onto your lips for about a minute, leave it for another minute and wash off gently. After this treatment, apply some coconut oil or aloe gel for soft and well-nourished lips […].” Click here to read full article on the website.