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Is your skin looking and feeling weathered thanks to the sudden temperature change? You're not alone. A staggering 93% of men and women surveyed noted a decline in skin health in the cooler months*. 

Here are our tips for surviving winter with soft, supple and youthful looking skin.

1. Moisturise

During the cooler months, the skin can become compromised due to dry indoor environments and battling the outdoor elements. One of the key contributing factors which exacerbates the appearance of ageing is dehydration. Dehydration means your skin contains less than 10% water.

Supporting the skin barrier is vital in maintaining moisture levels and to avoid dehydration in challenging conditions. Moisturising the skin morning and night is the easiest way to encourage plump, youthful looking skin.

2. Brighten Dull Skin

If your skin is looking dull there are plenty of options beyond exfoliating. A skin whitening crème can be used in the cooler months to brighten dark circles and skin darkening which may have appeared during summer. Skin whitening crèmes come in a variety of forms and many have a dual anti-ageing and brightening effect. Natural ingredients which do not lead to photosensitivity are the kind to look for.

3. Opt for Antioxidants

Antioxidant rich creams are great for the skin on the face as well as the body. Antioxidants help to fight off free radicals which wreak havoc within our skin and accelerate the signs of ageing through cell damage. 

4. Sun Protection

Just because the skies are grey doesn’t mean that UV radiation isn’t still damaging to the skin. We know that UV radiation is responsible for premature ageing and the rapid acceleration of wrinkles, that's why protecting your skin year-round with a sunscreen or moisturiser is vital for defending the skin against environmental damage. Overcast days, windy days, you name it. You still need to apply sunscreen.

Time-strapped? Here's an all-in-one product to make life easy... 

If you’re looking to cover these hacks using just one product, Neutriderm Moisturising Lotion ticks all of the boxes. Vitamin E is rich in antioxidants which support skin functioning via intense hydration and barrier protection – to ensure long lasting skin softness and plumpness. Vitamin E has also shown photoprotective properties to protect the skin against environmental damage while encouraging an even skin tone.

Ingredients

• Vitamin E Tocopherol Phosphate - when applied topically helps to hydrate and protect skin from damage caused by free radicals with photoprotective properties. 
• Sodium PCA - increases the water content of the skin's surface by drawing moisture from the surrounding air. 
• Glycerin - a humectant used for its ability to draw water into the outer layer of the skin for increased hydration levels. 

*Talk Health Winter Skin Care Survey Results 2016

Rich in antioxidant properties, Neutriderm Moisturising Lotion has been known to provide the skin with long lasting hydration as well as minimise the appearance of wrinkles and the early signs of ageing caused by environmental damage. 

Are you ready to experience the benefits of Vitamin E yourself? Purchase your Neutriderm Moisturising Lotion here.

 

Most of us know that in order to achieve healthy, strong skin, we need to balance its pH. But do you really understand why? And how? 

Let's take a look. 

Firstly, what is pH?

pH is measured on a scale of 0-14. 0 being very acidic and 14 being very alkaline. For the skin to remain balanced, the skin's pH must stay slightly acidic with a pH of 4.5-5.5.

Alkaline pH:

If your skin is too alkaline, it may feel dry and be more prone to showing signs of premature ageing such as deep wrinkles and UV damage. Often skincare products like soaps and foaming cleansers can raise the skin's pH too high.

Acidic pH:

If your skin's pH levels are too acidic it may feel oily, be prone to breakouts and inflammation. These symptoms can be caused by over-exfoliating, using peels or acid-based cleansers.

Why is it so important?

1. Hydration. When skin is too alkaline it struggles to maintain moisture which leads to dry and tired-looking skin.

2. Ageing: When the skin’s pH is imbalanced the skin becomes stressed. When the skin is stressed it becomes vulnerable to attack from nasties like bacteria and free radicals which can cause inflammation and oxidative stress - skin ageing. 

3. Defence: Balanced pH levels mean common skin stressors, allergens and irritants (ingredients in skin care) are less likely to trigger skin conditions that are instigated or exacerbated by a poor barrier function. 

How do you restore it?

Restoring the skin’s pH is easy. The fastest way to do this is to redesign your skin care regime with pH balanced products only. To bring your skin back to the perfect balance your skincare products should range between 4.5-6 pH. A pH balanced cleanser is the ideal place to start. 

To achieve a slightly acidic pH level of 4.5-5.5, astringents, harsh toners and soaps must be avoided. Soaps for example tend to have a pH (between 8-10) which is far too acidic and can damage the skin. Therefore, a cleansing bar, which is a soap-less soap is best to cleanse while restoring balance to the all important acid mantle. 

• Soap-less soaps are less alkaline than a regular soap so they are gentle on the skin.
• Soap-less soaps are formulated with a neutral pH which is far less irritating to sensitive skin types.
• Soap-less soaps are more nourishing for inflammatory skin conditions such as dry skin, or acne-prone skin, as they do not strip the skin of natural oils like a regular soap. 
  
  Dermavive cleansing bars are a gentler alternative to removing dirt and excess sebum from the skin while supporting the skin with pH neutral ingredients for optimal skin functioning. 

 

Dermavive Cleansing Bars are pH neutral which support the acid mantle for healthy skin. They do not contain any soap or artificial soap and have both cleansing and antibacterial properties to dissolve dirt, oil, grime and other debris within the skin while maintaining a perfectly balanced acid mantle to encourage harmony within the skin. 

Purchase Dermavive Cleansing Bars here.  

 

With hand sanitizer now part of our daily hygiene regime, it's important to understand how these antibacterial gels are intended to be used and exactly how they keep us COVID-free. 

Has your new hand hygiene regime affected the quality of your skin? Approximately 800,000 Australians currently suffer with eczema with numbers expected to increase due to excess hand washing due to COVID-19. 

To help you avoid hand eczema and drying, here are some tips to encourage supple, soft hands. 

1. Avoid Soaps 

Dermatologist Professor Rod Sinclair emphasises the importance of hand washing as the most important step to killing the virus. "But if you have hand eczema or vulnerable hands you can certainly overdo it", he warns. 

For this reason, selecting the right product is important. Soaps (in bar and liquid form) are known for stripping the skin of natural oils. The reason for this is due to the high level of fats and oils used in the formulation of soaps. When we expose our skin to frequent washing and antibacterial gels we reduce the skin's precious oils which provide our skin with natural protection and hydration. 

2. Use a Cleansing Bar  

While a cleansing bar may look just like a soap, its benefits lie in its formulation. Formulated with pH neutral ingredients, cleansing bars effectively cleanse without leaving a dry or chalky residue like a soap can. Cleansing bars contain less oils and fats compared to soaps. They utilise a gentle lather to lift and wash away impurities without allowing them to reattach. Nourishing ingredients then act to support and hydrate the skin rather than dry it out, all while supporting the all-important acid mantle. 

3. Moisturise after washing 

When the skin is hydrated it can better protect itself from the symptoms of dry skin. Professor Sinclair advises thoroughly drying and moisturising hands after washing. “If we put moisturiser on 5 times or 10 times a day - the more the better," advises Sinclair. 

A moisturiser which contains a blend of hydrating and barrier protective ingredients is vital for repairing and restoring water levels. Moisture locking ingredients include Colloidal Oatmeal, glycerine, vitamin E and aloe vera. We recommend keeping a hand cream or nourishing lotion handy for some post-hand washing TLC. 

4. Maintain the pH balance

Natural ingredients such as Colloidal Oatmeal are generally less alkaline which do not disrupt the pH of the skin. The pH of our skin directly impacts the acid mantle which is responsible for protecting our skin against external influences such as bacteria, pollution and allergens. 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. Therefore a cleansing bar, which is a soap-less soap (when compared to a regular soap) is best for the pH of the skin. 

5. Ingredients to look for 

Professor Sinclair suggests keeping it simple in terms of ingredients as "Some people will be allergic to fragrance or will find the preservatives in the moisturisers can sting... the simpler the better". 

• Natural Colloidal Oatmeal: Long used for its ability to hold water on the skin, this moisture locking ingredient can deliver similar anti-inflammatory and healing results to topical steroid creams without the negative effects of long term use
• Sodium PCA: A natural humectant known for holding several times its weight in water, to support optimal hydration levels within the skin
• Citric Acid: Breaks down the protein bonds between dead and living skin cells, causing the older, dead cells to lift away revealing the younger cells beneath 
• Vitamin E: Delivers antioxidants to the outer layers of the skin. Vitamin E helps to reduce free radical damage and protects the body’s cells therefore protecting the skin against ageing, inflammation, and sun damage

Designed specifically for dry skin, pH balanced Dermavive Dry Skin Cleansing Bar contains a unique formulation designed to replenish hydration levels without stripping the skin of vital oils like regular soaps can. Dermavive Dry Skin Cleansing Bar is fragrance, soap, paraben (preservative) and lanolin free, and will not cause irritation or drying due to the nourishing benefits of Colloidal Oatmeal and natural moisturisers. 

This dermatologically endorsed cleansing bar can be used when washing hands to actively wash away bacteria and impurities ensuring the skin’s environment is not conducive for bacteria or infections. Soap-less soaps can be used safely by all ages for dry skin relief and as a preventative remedy. 

 

Are you ready to ditch dry hands and replenish your skin with a cleansing bar that not only washes away germs but supports your skin? If you are ready to experience the nourishing benefits of Colloidal Oatmeal you can purchase your Dermavive Dry Skin Cleansing Bar here. 

 

With the average Australian woman spending $300 per month on beauty, it seems our face regimes absorb the lion's share of the beauty budget. But what about moisturising your body? Did you know it's just as important to hydrate your body with the right ingredients, especially as we enter the cooler months? 

Here are some tips Dermatologists wish you knew when selecting your moisturiser. 

 

1. pH is important 

Balancing the all-important acid mantle is the key to supporting the core functioning of the skin. When we use acidic products, this throws out the pH of the skin which puts the skin into damage control. When we apply a pH balanced moisturiser to the skin, the skin is not disrupted and therefore functions well. When the skin functions well it appears youthful, feels smooth and bouncy and maintains hydration. 

2. Not all moisturisers are created equal 

There are three classes of moisturisers. These consist of emollients, humectants and occlusive. 

• Emollients prevent evaporation of water by forming a protective layer on the surface of the skin. This minimises moisture loss and supports long term hydration
• Humectants have an emollient effect but work in a different way. Humectants attract and draw water into the surface layer of the skin from deeper within the skin or the atmosphere
• Occlusive agents are utilised to block moisture loss entirely

A moisturiser which contains a balanced blend of emollient, humectant and occlusive agents will provide the skin with superior moisture retention with minimal moisture loss in drying environments. 

3. Hydrate for overall skin health 

Hydrated skin is healthy skin. When the skin is hydrated it can better protect itself from the symptoms of dry skin, as symptoms of itching, tightness and feelings of discomfort subside. Furthermore, well hydrated skin can better protect itself from inflammatory flare ups especially for those prone to dry skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis. 

4.  Gradual results over quick fix 

Don't always go for the product that promises the most drastic results in the shortest timeframe. Just like going to the gym, long-lasting results take time. If your skin feels dry or even inflamed, you don't have to opt straight for a steroid cream, there are natural remedies available to you which can provide you with immediate relief. We recommend trying a natural based moisturiser for two weeks before proceeding to anything more drastic. The results you gain in this timeframe may surprise you. 

5. Natural is always best 

Natural ingredients are always best as they are often recognised by the body and are less likely to induce a reaction. As a first point of call, natural remedies should always be tried first. Ingredients which naturally retain water within the surface layer of the skin and create a protective layer to prevent moisture loss include some of the following: 

• Natural Colloidal Oatmeal: Long used for its ability to hold water on the skin, this moisture locking ingredient can deliver similar anti-inflammatory and healing results to topical steroid creams without the negative effects of long term use
• Sodium PCA: A natural humectant known for holding several times its weight in water, to support optimal hydration levels within the skin
• Glycerine: A natural humectant utilised for its ability to draw water from the skin's deeper layers into the surface layer of the skin to support long lasting hydration
• Light Mineral Oil: An emollient used to treat and prevent dry skin with an ability to moisten and soften the skin upon application
• Isopropyl Myristate: An emollient utilised for its ability to strengthen the skin's natural moisture barrier, preventing water loss from the surface layer of the skin

Dermavive Moisturising Lotion is a pH balanced lotion which has been designed to increase hydration and softness of the skin via a blend of the above mentioned ingredients. This dermatologically endorsed formula provides immediate relief from the symptoms of dryness, including inflammation, itching and discomfort. This lotion can be used safely by all ages (including infants) as a daily moisturiser on all parts of the body for smooth, supple, hydrated skin.  

 

Are you ready to include a moisture locking body moisturiser into your daily routine? If you are looking to nourish, hydrate and protect your skin with the nourishing benefits of Colloidal Oatmeal, you can purchase Dermavive Moisturising Lotion here.  

 

Are you struggling with excess build-up on your scalp, or feeling self-conscious about flaking?

Dandruff is one of the leading scalp concerns among women with 50% of the population suffering from the condition at some point.

 

 

There are two forms of Dandruff. One is caused by too little oil on the scalp known as Dry Dandruff, while the other is caused by an excess of oil which exacerbates a natural fungus on the scalp called Malassezia. This form of Dandruff presents as a stickier, thicker version of Dry Dandruff.

While Dandruff in all its forms cannot be cured, there are ways in which we can manage the condition and keep symptoms at bay.

Symptoms: White or yellow flakes on the scalp, overly oily scalp and hair, dry scalp, itchy scalp.

 

Key Causes of Dandruff:

• Excess oil production
• Build-up of dead cell matter on the scalp
• An increase in yeast like fungus overgrowth: Malassezia
• Sensitivity to hair care products (contact dermatitis)
• Dry skin

 

Treatment:

Firstly, we need to control the overgrowth of fungus, Malassezia.  A shampoo that contains Climbazole is vital for addressing this concern. Climbazole is a topical anti-fungal agent known for its ability to suppress Malassezia without interfering with the natural functions of the scalp.

Once the fungus and excess build up have been removed, the scalp can begin to function optimally without interference. An Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is recommended for initial treatment to keep the condition at bay while nourishing the scalp to minimise dryness and encourage a healthy scalp and hair.

Hair Care: 

When exposing the scalp to anti-dandruff ingredients, the hair can become dry and brittle as excess oil is regulated. Some ingredients may also leave hair strands vulnerable to drying. It's important to ensure your Anti-Dandruff Shampoo contains ingredients which will nourish the scalp while maintaining moisture within the hair strands themselves. This will ensure the hair maintains a healthy condition allowing for ongoing use of the Anti-Dandruff Shampoo without detrimental effects. 

Product Recommendation

Neutriderm Anti-Dandruff Shampoo contains a potent anti-fungal to kill the multiplying cells and reduce the rate of bacteria growth. Neutriderm Anti-Dandruff Shampoo leaves the scalp clean as it eliminates excess oil and Dandruff flakes on the scalp and hair shaft. The shampoo has a rich lather for a thorough clean, conditions the hair like a professional shampoo, and is suitable for all ages and hair types including coloured hair.

Ingredients:

• Climbazole 1%: Anti-fungal agent which removes Dandruff-causing Malassezia
• Citric Acid: Anti-microbial to assist in minimising Malassezia while lifting away dead skin cells
• Polyquaternium 10: Conditioning and moisture-retaining agent for silky smooth hair

Have you ever looked closely at your pores? These tiny delivery channels are responsible for the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to our skin, yet we rarely pay them the attention they deserve.

 

Among the hysteria of Coronavirus, it’s important to adhere to practical and sensible advice to limit its spread. Here are some tips to limit your chances of contracting COVID-19 as well as some information on the virus itself. 

 

What is Coronavirus? 

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness caused by a new virus. Symptoms range from a mild cough to pneumonia. Some people recover easily, others may get very sick very quickly. - health.gov.au 

What are the symptoms? 

• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Fever
• Difficulty breathing (severe cases)

Who is at risk? 

Those at risk of complications caused by the virus include the elderly, those with impaired immunity such as diabetics, and those with pre-existing medical conditions.

What should you do if you think you have it? 

It’s important to stay at home if you feel unwell. However, if you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention from the appropriate clinic or your local doctor. In all instances, be sure to call in advance and diligently follow the directions of your local health authority.

 

STEPS TO AVOID CATCHING COVID-19

1. Wash your hands frequently

Regularly and thoroughly wash your hands with a soap-free cleansing bar. As an additional germ-fighter, clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub in between washes.

Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills germs including viruses.

2. Maintain social distancing

Maintain at least 1 meter (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing, and avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Why? Small liquid droplets become airborne when someone coughs or sneezes. These droplets may contain the virus which can then contaminate others in close proximity. It is therefore recommended to maintain at least three feet of distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing to avoid breathing in liquid droplets.

3. Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth

Avoid touching your face or sneezing or coughing into your hands.

Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up and carry many germs and viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.

4. Practice respiratory hygiene

Respiratory hygiene refers to covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then disposing of the used tissue immediately.

Why? Airborne droplets spread the virus. By following good respiratory hygiene, you protect those around you from breathing in or contracting viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19 from objects.

    5. Follow CDC recommendations for using a facemask.

Firstly, the Centre of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not recommend a facemask for people who are well. This is not recommended as a remedy to protect oneself from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.

Instead, facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. It is also crucial for those working in healthcare and aged care facilities to wear masks around their patients.

 

For further information on COVID-19 head here. 

Like so many of us, between washing, blow drying and styling our hair, it's easy to neglect your scalp. But do you know the difference between a healthy and not-so-healthy scalp?