Skin + The Menstrual Cycle

Approximately every four weeks, skin regenerates itself, with new growth in the epidermis pushing up older cells primed for exfoliation. Working alongside that time frame is the menstrual cycle, a process that sees oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels fluctuate, causing a variety of different effects on skin. The four phases of a menstrual cycle are the menstrual phase, follicular phase, ovulation, and luteal phase, and each bring their own skin changes.

News | Paula's Choice Launch 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum

The Paula's Choice 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum has landed in the UK.

The Lowdown | Extrinsic Ageing

Extrinsic ageing refers to skin ageing caused by environmental factors and lifestyle choices. It helps explain why some people age prematurely and can look ten years older than their genetic age. UV exposure, pollution, smoking, and a poor diet are the most common causes of extrinsic ageing.

The Power of Vitamin C

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is considered to be one of the best skincare ingredients in the anti-aging arena. It is an antioxidant-rich power player that works well with all skin types - brightening and tightening and improving skin texture.

Ingredients 101: Vitamin C

Scientific Name: Ascorbic Acid

Natural or Synthetic: Both

The Science: Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that is found in certain foods. We don't store or accumulate vitamin C in our bodies, so we have to get it from food and other sources. Foods high in vitamin C include berries, kale, broccoli, citrus fruits and tomatoes. Although vitamin C is found naturally, it can also be produced in a laboratory.

Vitamin C is essential for overall body health; it helps protect cells and keeps them healthy and it helps to repair and regenerate tissues. Vitamin C also protects against heart disease and cancers, aids in the absorption of iron, helps wound healing and supports a healthy immune system.

Beauty Benefits: Vitamin C is a big skin healer, helping to repair damaged and dry skin. The hero ingredient also plays a major role in the production of collagen. As you know, when you age, collagen breaks down and wrinkles begin to form. So getting your vitamin C fix, both internally and topically, helps to keep premature skin-ageing at bay. Vitamin C is also known to treat UV damage and lighten dark discolouration, such as skin freckles and age spots.

Finally, vitamin C is one of the most effective nutrients at helping to grow and strengthen hair. It also strengthens nails and helps them grow.

Warnings: Vitamin C is considered safe to use topically

Found in: Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate 50ml (£49.00 John Lewis / $60.00 Nordstrom). This super serum contains an impressive 10.5% pure vitamin C, helping to create a smoother, clearer and refreshed appearance. It has a thick consistency (well, thick for a serum) that applies easily and leaves skin with a velvety smooth finish. The best thing about this treatment is that it makes good on its promise; it really does reduce my fine lines!

Ingredients 101: Coffea Arabica Seed Oil

Natural or Synthetic: Natural

Origin: Coffea arabica seed oil is extracted by cold pressing the green coffee beans from a coffea arabica plant

Location: Coffea arabica originates from the southwestern highlands of Ethiopia, however today it is cultivated worldwide

Beauty Benefits: Coffea arabica seed oil contains a high concentration of essential fatty acids, sterols and vitamin E. This makes it a powerful antioxidant that can protect against skin damage, as well as deeply hydrate the skin and assist in the prevention of inflammatory skin disorders.

The ingredient is also known to increase elastin and collagen production. In fact, a recent study found that, when used topically, coffea arabica seed oil causes significant improvements in the appearance of wrinkles, firmness, redness and skin texture.

Warnings: Coffea arabica seed oil is safe to use topically

Found in: Philosophy's new Time In A Bottle 40ml (£55.00 John Lewis / $74.00 Sephora). This lightweight anti-ageing serum features a breakthrough DNA renewal complex that supports healthy DNA function by helping to promote skin's natural renewal and protection processes. Unlike other serums, you have to activate this one yourself by pouring in a vial of high-potency vitamin C, using an adorable mini funnel - very sciency!