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Is your soap drying your skin? Leaving it feeling stripped of its natural oils? This is a common concern of avid soap users, but before you switch your beloved bar of soap for a gel cleanser, there is an alternative - and while it may look and feel like soap, it's actually soap-free! 

 

1. What is a Soap-less Soap? 

A soap-less soap, technically known as a Syndet (which stands for synthetic detergent) and most commonly marketed as a Cleansing Bar, contains no oils or fats - which are known to strip the skin's natural moisture and raise the pH of the skin.

The ingredients used in soap-less soaps however are formulated to bind with dirt within the skin to wash away impurities without removing the skin's natural oils. They do this with a pH balancing formulation which is designed to maintain harmony within the skin. When the skin's acid mantle is regulated with the use of pH balanced skin care, the skin functions at its best. 

It's important to note that the soap industry is unregulated and therefore some Cleansing Bars do in fact contain soap - so always read your labels carefully. 

2. Why is pH vital for skin health? 

The pH of our skin directly impacts the acid mantle. The acid mantle is responsible for protecting our skin against external influences such as bacteria, pollution, allergens and environmental damage such as UV rays. It also counteracts the effects of nasty skin care ingredients. For our skin to remain balanced, the acid mantle will need to remain at a slightly acidic pH level of 4.5-5.5. 

3. Why do Soap-less Soaps make great cleansers? 

Soap-less soaps are gentle on the skin's acid mantle as they are less alkaline than a regular soap. Rather than containing a pH that ranges from 8-10 like a regular soap, soap-less soaps are formulated with a neutral pH which is far less irritating. Not only are soap-less soaps more nourishing for inflammatory skin conditions such as dry skin, or acne-prone skin, they minimise the stripping of the skin's natural oils, therefore causing less disruption to the skin's acid mantle. These products are a gentler alternative to removing dirt and excess sebum from the skin while supporting it with anti-inflammatory ingredients which offer natural cleansing actions called saponins. 

4. Which skin types benefit from a soap-less soap?

Oily Skin: Sebum rich pores require a cleanser that will regulate the overproduction of oil. A soap-free soap can do this without the stripping affects of a regular soap which would generally lead to itching and over-drying. We recommend Dermavive Oily Skin Cleansing Bar to regulate and nourish without stripping those precious oils completely. 

Dry Skin: Moisture-poor skin is prone to flare ups and inflammation. A nourishing pH balanced soap-free cleansing bar can hydrate the skin with its moisture restoring properties as well as cleansing the skin of dirt and bacteria. For long-lasting hydration we recommend Dermavive Dry Skin Cleansing Bar which will restore moisture levels and reduce the common irritations of dry skin instantly. 

Acne & Sensitive Skin: Soap-free cleansing bars are designed specifically for skin's that react to high pH products. Inflammatory skin conditions such as acne generally react to harmful ingredients. For reactive skin conditions we recommend the Dermavive Acne & Sensitive Skin Cleansing Bar. With a colloidal oatmeal base, it will reduce flare ups, maintain moisture levels and fight bacteria. 

 

Is oily skin getting you down? There's good news and bad news for oily skin sufferers. The good news is that people with oily skin tend to age slower than those with dry skin - hello! 

The bad news is that oily skin can lead to breakouts and acne well into adulthood. That's right, these youthful skin traits are not exactly the kind you want following you into your thirties and forties.  

More good news though, there are three key ingredients that work together to control oily skin for good, so let's explore the causes and uncover the solution to your oily skin woes. 

 

What causes oily skin?  

Oily skin occurs when the skin over-produces natural oils and sebum. While we need this vital moisture for healthy skin, when the sebaceous glands go into overdrive, it can cause a long list of problems. Too much sebum can lead to clogged pores and even acne. Most acne sufferers will have an excess of sebum, a thick waxy substance which clogs their pores. As the pores clog, the sebum beneath the surface struggles to push through which leads to blocked pores, breakouts and painful cysts. 

Signs of oily skin include: A shiny complexion, acne, breakouts, blind pimples, uneven skin tone, and dull skin tone. 

 

The key ingredients to regulate oil flow 

1. Azelaic Acid

A naturally occurring acid, Azelaic acid is known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. When oily skins lead to pimples, an anti-inflammatory is vital to relieve swelling and redness and to ultimately promote healing. Azelaic Acid is an effective anti-inflammatory which also provides antibacterial properties to clean bacteria from your pores which are known to exacerbate acne and rosacea - another oil related skin disorder. 

2. Salicylic Acid

When the skin over-produces oil and experiences a high skin cell turnover, the layer of dead skin cells further blocks the release of sebum, leading to further breakouts and blockages. Salicylic Acid is used to remove this layer of dead skin cells to allow the skin to continue to release sebum without blockages. When applied to the area affected Salicylic Acid dissolves the top layer of dead skin cells eliminating the acne-causing bacteria and the cause of blocked pores. 

3. Chamomile Extract

Oily skin can often appear inflamed and aggravated. A natural calming ingredient is vital for taking the heat out of the skin and encouraging a healing environment. Chamomile possesses this natural healing property, as well as anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties which make it vital for the healing and deterring the return of acne. Chamomile Extract has the ability to reduce skin irritants by neutralising free radicals, making it helpful as a hypoallergenic for sensitive skin types.  

 

To best tackle oily skin concerns, we recommend a product that contains all three of the above ingredients such as Neutriderm Oil Regulator Lotion. This dermatologically endorsed formula will help you regulate the oil production within your skin easily and effectively thanks to its tried and tested formula.  

 

 

Between managing our skin regimes in the cooler months, it's no surprise that our scalps get neglected. In fact we rarely pay much attention to our scalps at all until we encounter flakes on our shoulders or a desire to itch - it can be unsightly, frustrating, and embarrassing!

 

 

1. Firstly, why is my scalp dry? 

Dry scalp is a result of inadequate oils and sebum on the scalp. When our skin lacks these vital oils, dead skin cells dry out and flake off. This can cause intense irritation and can leave our hair feeling dry simultaneously. This drying process is the same that occurs on our faces when we suffer with dry skin concerns. The skin works like a factory, and when things slow down or speed up within, problems occur on the surface.

Signs of dry scalp include: an itchy scalp, irritation, dry hair, small white flakes which are visible but disappear when you wash your hair. 

 

2. Is dry scalp the same as dandruff?

No. Dry scalp is merely a dry skin condition which tends to lessen after washing the hair. Dandruff occurs when excess oil production encourages the growth of a fungus that naturally occurs on our scalp. This fungus feeds off excess oil and dead skin cells and creates a visible flaky build up. The fungus itself needs to be treated in order to eliminate the problem, therefore making it more resilient to treatment than a simple case of dry scalp. To avoid dry scalp escalating to dandruff it's important to treat it in its early stages with a specifically formulated shampoo. 

 

3. Colloidal Oatmeal cures dry scalp fast 

With a number of impressive skin benefits, this natural ingredient contains a powerhouse of properties which will alleviate your dry scalp symptoms instantly. 

The benefits of Colloidal Oatmeal in a shampoo: 

Moisturising: Containing polysaccharides, colloidal oatmeal nourishes and moisturises the scalp encouraging a healthy environment for both skin and hair. 

Anti-itch: BetaGlucan is a powerful anti-inflammatory known for its fast healing and antibacterial benefits. 

Barrier Protection: Vital for barrier repair therapy, lipids help to protect the skin from moisture loss and counteract drying environments and conditions.  

Cleansing: Containing Saponins to clean the skin, these lift away the dead skin cells making way for oils to move through the hair shaft without causing congestion which leads to flaking. 

Anti-irritant: Avenanthramides soothes the skin and minimises the need to scratch which exacerbates the problem. 

 

To get to the bottom of your dry scalp condition, we recommend nourishing your hair with a product designed to specifically target dry scalp concerns. Start using a colloidal oatmeal shampoo like Dermavive Dry Scalp Shampoo today and ditch the itch for good! 

 

Most of us are familiar with the frustrations of dry skin, especially when our skin gets itchy, flaky, feels "tight" or inflamed. It's not pretty. If this sounds like you, you certainly aren't alone in your dry skin dilemma, but before you label yourself as having "dry skin", it could simply be a case of skin dehydration.

The good news? We know of a dermatogically endorsed product that can help tackle both dry and dehydration concerns. But first, let's start with the facts. 

 

1. The signs that you really have dry skin

Dry skin occurs when the sebaceous glands fail to produce enough natural oils. Dry skin is a skin "type" and can be hereditary or linked to atopic skin concerns such as eczema and psoriasis. Dry skin types will require added hydration to support the sebaceous glands and to provide the skin with the vital barrier protection it needs to maintain the oils within the skin and minimise further evaporation.

Signs of dry skin include: rough feeling skin, redness with inflammation, irritation, itching, tightness and flaking. 

 

2. How do I treat dry skin quickly?

The easiest way to help reduce the symptoms of dry skin types is to moisturise as often as possible. For best results do this straight after the shower when the skin is slightly damp. This will help the skin absorb the ingredients in your dry skin lotion. 

For truly dry skin, you will need a lotion that is designed to restore lipids - one that provides the skin with superior barrier protection. Choose a moisturiser such as Dermavive Moisturising Lotion which contains natural colloidal oatmeal. This formulation provides immediate relief from itching and relief from inflammation while providing the barrier protection your skin requires to stay supple and soft. 

 

3. Could it just be dehydration? 

While dry skin lacks oil, dehydrated skin lacks water. Dehydrated skin is not a skin type, it is simply a condition that occurs when our skin lacks essential water levels. Dehydrated skin can be a result of low internal hydration as well as exposure to the elements. There are a number of ways to support dehydrated skin and the best way is to start within by restoring internal hydration levels. 

Signs you have dehydrated skin include: dry patches, dullness, dark circles, fine lines may appear more noticeable. 

 

4. How to restore hydration topically

Dehydrated skins will benefit from a lotion, such as Dermavive Moisturising Lotion, that works to restore the water levels within the skin in the way of a water-based formula. A pH balanced lotion that contains natural colloidal oatmeal can treat both dry skin and dehydrated skin.

 

5. Is colloidal oatmeal the answer for both dry and dehydrated skins?

Colloidal oatmeal is famous for its ability to soothe, heal and protect. It also provides the skin with intense nourishment offering long lasting hydration as the ground oats are readily absorbed by the skin. This is thanks to colloidal oatmeal's ability to retain moisture within the skin over a long period of time. 

The cellulose and fibre from the ground oats has the ability to neutralise the pH of dry itchy skin. This makes it an effective lotion for treating itching and inflammation associated with dry flaking skin concerns as well as atopic skin conditions. 

For most of us, having a full head of healthy hair is the epitome of hair goals. Our hair plays a huge role in our confidence and when we notice it feeling less than luscious, it can leave us feeling, well, a bit flat.

So why are you seeing more hair in your hair brush than usual? 

Frustratingly, almost 50% of all women will experience overall volume loss due to a combination of styling habits, ageing and hormones before they reach 50 years of age. So it isn't just our skin care regime that needs a shake-up as we age, it's our hair care as well.

 

My hair is thinning! Why?

If you are experiencing volume loss and thinning it can come down to a number of factors. Compromised hair often suffers from cuticle damage which can cause our hair to appear thinner through breakage. Hair compromisation can be caused by dry scalp conditions as well as external factors such as heated styling tools and bleaching.

On the other hand, hormonal imbalances through times such as pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopause can cause disruptions in our hair growth patterns. For example, pregnancy can cause a surge in hair growth due to high levels of estrogen which prolong the growth phase. This is commonly followed by dramatic hair fall during breastfeeding as our hormones re-balance.

As we age and go through hormonal changes such as menopause, we experience a rise in testosterone which converts to DHT. DHT damages hair follicles and triggers hair loss by physically shrinking the hair follicle. DHT is the most common cause of actual hair loss in women. 

 

How do I restore my luscious mane? 

One of the most common skin concerns during winter is eczema. Eczema can cause a lot of frustration as it is both physically uncomfortable and hard to treat. While many resort to a steroid cream as prescribed by their physician, the good news is that there are plenty of natural products and remedies available to alleviate the symptoms associated with eczema. 

Why is eczema worse in winter? 

• extra layers of clothes
• indoor heating/ dry environments 
• hot baths
• cold winds 

To counteract these, we've listed a few ways to help you end your eczema frustration this winter. 

Winter is here, and with that comes the perils of dry skin, unwanted redness, and the dreaded itching and flaking that we associate only with the coolest part of the year. While we enjoy curling up by the fire, heated blankets, and warm cozy interiors, these elements combined with cold winds can leave us looking and feeling a little worse for wear. So how do we minimise the affects of the winter spell?