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#1: Styling Habits

One of the most common causes of excess hair loss is caused by the environment we create for our hair. A challenging environment is caused by hair styling tools which require heat, hair elastics, hats which cause friction, as well as hair styles which tug our hair at the hairline such as tight ponytails and the favourable top knot. Not only do these styling habits cause strain on the hair via heat and tension, they can also lead to long term thinning of the hair by consistent pulling and damage.

Tip: Give your hair a break from heat, opt for gentle brushes such as detanglers, and wear your hair out - especially when sleeping. 

#2: Contraceptives

Birth control pills are known to have a number of affects on the functioning of our skin so its no surprise that these tiny pills can cause changes to our hair also. The oral contraceptive can cause those with a predisposition to hair thinning to experience more drastic thinning when taking the pill. In addition to this, according to the American Hair Loss Association, “Women who are hypersensitive to the hormonal changes taking place in their bodies can experience hair loss to varying degrees while on the pill or more commonly, several weeks or months after stopping the pill.”

Tip: If you are concerned about your current course of contraception, now is the time to speak with your doctor about side-effects and alternate options. 

#3: Stress

When we feel stressed we often use the term "pulling our hair out", but that's not actually how stress affects our hair density. Extreme stress can lead to a disruption of the hair's normal growth cycle. To get technical, the "telegon" phase is the end of the hair life cycle. Stress causes hair to enter this phase prematurely making it fall faster than normal therefore shortening the life cycle of individual hair strands.

Tip: Adequate sleep combined with a healthy diet and exercise regime have shown to assist in the natural regulation of the stress hormone, cortisol. 

#4: Vitamin Deficiencies 

Deficiencies in vitamins can lead to thinning hair due to malnourishment and an impaired immune system. Crash diets and eating disorders are often to blame for this as the body struggles to nurture its cells. A Vitamin D deficiency can dramatically affect hair growth while Vitamins B, C, Zinc and Iron are known for helping your hair grow faster and appear luscious and full. 

Tip: Before starting any sort of new diet be sure that the diet meets all of your nutritional needs including vitamins B,C and D. 

#5 Post Partum Hair Loss

While many expecting women experience a surge in hair growth during pregnancy, post-partum hair loss is a very real and common concern for new mums. While it may feel like you are losing your hair, it's actually just your body's way of regulating your hair growth rate. The scientific reason for this is that pregnancy hormones slow hair loss stopping you from shedding the standard 50-100 strands per day. As estrogen decreases post-birth, a shedding occurs as the body starts to revert back to its normal growth cycle. During this time hair can fall quite drastically which can cause alarm. But don't fret, this is a normal process of both pregnancy and post-partum periods.

Tip: If you would like to restore your hair back to its pre-baby glory quickly, Sabal Extract products can help fast track your progress. 

 

If thinning, lack lustre hair is causing you concern, it might be time to switch up your hair care routine. The Neutriderm Hair Enhancer Range consists of a shampoo, conditioner and a lotion, which are formulated to support maximum hair regrowth and strengthening results. These ingredients include: 

• Sabal Extract blocks 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT which is responsible for premature hair loss.
• Mulberry Root Extract has hair growth factors which positively effect the growth cycle.
• Zinc Gluconate supports scalp and follicle health while preventing the overproduction of DHT.
• Zinc Citrate assists in hair regrowth for those who are mineral deficient.  
• Panthenol improves hair elasticity, moisture retention and strength. 

Formulated to nourish the scalp and minimise hair fall, a 90% reduction in breakage can be noticed within one month of using the Neutriderm Hair Enhancer range. 

*Australian Journal of Medical Practice - Female Pattern Hair Loss 

Let's look at the characteristics, treatment, and of course, the ingredients which can soothe and maintain your dry skin quickly. 

Dry Skin Conditions 

Dry skin conditions are among the most common skin concerns seen by Dermatologists. Dry skin can be identified as flaky skin, itchy and tight feeling skin. Dry skin can also lead to more severe skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, which can flare up in times of stress, humidity and extreme drying environments. 

It's important to support dry skin with topical remedies which work with the skin's natural functions. Natural ingredients will  not only support the skin with real results, they can be used long term.

 

Treatment & Maintenance

Treating dry skin conditions comprises of a number of components. These involve restoring the skin barrier to ensure it can heal effectively, minimising inflammation to allow the skin to heal and defend itself, and relieving the discomfort associated with dry skin by soothing and eliminating the need to scratch the skin. A product which can also provide mild antiseptic properties will further encourage cleansing while warding off bacteria and infections which can exacerbate the condition. 

Once the skin's barrier has been restored the skin must be supported daily with a moisturiser which both nourishes and protects. Maintenance is key to ensure the skin maintains its water levels for long lasting hydration. 

 

Ingredients To Look For

• Natural Colloidal Oatmeal is the key multi-functional ingredient used by Dermavive for dry skin products. Natural Colloidal Oatmeal contains saponins which have cleansing and antibacterial properties making it ideal for cleansers and moisturisers. The cellulose and fibre found in the oats neutralise the pH of dry itchy skin, making it effective to soothe and calm irritation upon application. Furthermore, Natural Colloidal Oatmeal is an effective emollient which provides the skin with an occlusive layer to prevent water loss.  
  
• Jojoba oil is naturally rich in vitamins A, B, D & E. Jojoba Oil  boasts anti-inflammatory properties which help to ease and eliminate flaking, chaffing, as well as redness caused by drying, keeping the skin feeling smooth and supple. Jojoba Oil is also known to ease the effects of atopic skin conditions such as eczema and rosacea.
  The complex vitamin B found within the Jojoba Oil allows it to effectively repair the skin and minimise environmental damage to an impaired skin barrier. 
  
• Vitamin E has the unique ability to provide nourishment to the surface layers of the skin while also providing barrier protection properties. Vitamin E has the ability to reduce membrane fluidity, cleanse, and prevent free radical transfer from one polyunsaturated fat to another - effectively protecting the skin. 

Dermavive Dry Skin Crème is a Dermatologically endorsed formula containing a professionally formulated blend of Natural Colloidal Oatmeal, Jojoba Oil and Vitamin E. With the support of the Eczema Association of Australasia Inc. Dermavive Dry Skin Crème is an excellent conjunctive therapy and maintenance product for dry skin conditions. 

 

 

1. Understanding Psoriasis & What It Looks Like 

Psoriasis is a dry skin disorder which is caused by high turn over of skin cells. This condition can cause skin cells to multiply by up to 10 times faster than normal, leaving sufferers with excess layers of dry skin build up on the surface of the skin. 

Psoriasis generally rears its head in early adulthood and will persist in a few specific areas in small or large patches anywhere on the body or scalp. 

Signs of Psoriasis include: Plaques of red skin, often covered with silver or white flaky scales. The skin will present itself as red, irritated, inflamed and itchy. 

 

2. Psoriasis Triggers 

There are a number of elements that come in to play to cause Psoriasis flare-ups. Being proactive with your topical treatments is paramount during times when you may be exposed to or suffer from: 

• Stress which may trigger itching and an incessant need to scratch the skin 
• Allergies which may affect the skin's immunity leading to a flare-up
• Climate/Environment including humid and dry conditions which dehydrate the skin 
• Abrasions to the skin which impair the skin barrier 
• Hormonal changes including pregnancy and menopause 

3. Psoriasis Treatments 

It's common for Doctors to treat Psoriasis with topical Corticosteroids, however, we now know that these creams provide a band-aid fix without any sort of long term remedy. We also know that long-term use of steroid creams can be detrimental to the condition of the skin.

When it comes to providing natural remedies for successful Psoriasis treatment, studies show us that oils are most effective in providing moisturising, nourishing and defensive therapies. Emollients which have been developed to soothe the skin, provide barrier repair therapy which enable the skin to heal. Hydrating body oils provide intense moisture delivery for severe dry skin conditions which initiates immediate relief from irritation and inflammation within the skin - a must for Psoriasis sufferers. 

Dermavive Intensive Body Hydrating Oil is a pH balanced oil which is designed to provide Psoriasis sufferers immediate relief from itching while effectively reducing inflammation via the effects of Natural Colloidal Oatmeal.   

Dermavive Intensive Body Hydrating Oil effectively addresses dry, flaky skin conditions through an especially formulated combination of the following ingredients: 

• Natural Colloidal Oatmeal contains saponins which have cleansing and antibacterial properties. The cellulose and fibre found in the oats neutralises the pH of dry itchy skin effectively soothing and calming irritations. 
• Sodium PCA is a humectant with natural moisturising factors to support hydration levels within the skin. 
• Liquid Paraffin locks moisture into the skin by creating a protective barrier on the skin while  moisturising, soothing and improving the texture of skin. 

 

Resolution #1: Exfoliate Your Body Daily 

Did you know you can jump-start the skin renewal process by encouraging dead skin cells to shed via exfoliation? Products containing Retinol will help you shed old dull skin cells making way for the younger skin cells to come through. Make it a habit to use an exfoliating body wash and look for body moisturisers containing Retinol to supercharge your efforts. Retinol will dissolve the bond between the dead skin cells and the surface of your skin allowing them to effectively regulate and lift away. 

 

Resolution #2: Hydrate Straight After Your Shower 

Restore the moisture to your skin when it needs it most. This means straight after the shower.

Hot water can strip the skin of precious oils and moisture and lead to dehydration of the skin. For this reason, post-shower is the best time to replenish your skin's vital water levels. Look for a moisturiser that contains hydrating ingredients such as Glycerin or Tocopherol which will restore moisture levels while locking the moisture into the skin with barrier protection capabilities. 

 

Resolution #3: Brighten Up Those Imperfections 

If uneven skin tone is a concern, opting for a product that contains brightening ingredients is a fast way to hydrate and brighten in one. Look for a product that contains both Retinol to encourage cell renewal along with brightening agents such as Tetrahydro Diferuloylmethane which is derived from Tumeric. This is a natural brightening addwdgent known to enhance skin tone and lighten areas of pigmentation commonly found on elbows, knees, and sensitive areas of the body as well as scarring.

 

Resolution #4: Know What You're Putting on Your Skin

One of the key things to remember, is to nourish your body. It's a two-way relationship. If you want your skin to look its best, encourage it to function optimally with the correct nourishment inside and out. Reading the ingredients list on your products is vital to encourage optimal skin health. We recommend using products with fewer ingredients and look for those active ingredients that really work. Do your research on the ingredients of a product before you buy! 

 

Neutriderm Brightening Body Lotion is a multi-function body lotion which works to effectively restore moisture, encourage cell renewal and skin tone. This antioxidant-rich product is designed to achieve optimal hydration and an even skin tone thanks to the following professionally endorsed formulation: 

• Retinol - stimulates cell turnover and corrects skin tone
• Glycerin - Draws water into the outer layer of the skin from within for intense hydration
• Tocopherol - strengthens the skin's protective barrier to prevent moisture loss
• Tetrahydro Diferuloylmethane - a derivative of turmeric used as a skin-whitening ingredient with rich antioxidant properties
• Benzoic Acid - known for its soothing and intense moisturising properties
• Trehalose - an antioxidant with moisturising and water binding properties which increases and maintains hydration

Dermatologically endorsed and formulated to nourish your skin with superior ingredients, this dual acting hydrating and brightening body lotion is an easy way to step up your skin routine in 2020. 

 

 

 1. So what is an Antioxidant? 

Antioxidants protect the skin from environmental damage and pollutants which can compromise the skin's integrity. They actively work to defend the skin when under attack. How good is that?

They do this by neutralising free radicals before they can cause harm to the skin. Antioxidants essentially latch onto the free radicals acting as a barrier between the free radical and the healthy skin molecule. In doing so they discourage damage to the skin molecule which minimises inflammation within the skin and lays the foundation for optimal skin health. To top it off, healthy skin can better defend itself against external pollutants, UV damage and dehydration further increasing your skin health. 

 

2. The Hero's of Antioxidants

The most potent forms of antioxidants include Vitamins E, A and C. These guys pack a serious antioxidant punch! 

Vitamin E in particular (often referred to as Tocopherol Acetate or Tocopherol Phosphate in skin care) is one of the most effective antioxidants found in skin care products. Vitamin E has a unique multi-function action of successfully delivering antioxidants to the outer layers of the skin while providing barrier protection to the surface of the skin which helps to maintain moisture retention. 

The form of Vitamin E to look for is Tocopherol Phosphate. Tocopherol Phosphate is a naturally occurring form of vitamin E, as opposed to Tocopherol Acetate which is synthetic. While both have the ability to provide anti-ageing and healing benefits to the skin, Tocopherol Phosphate is in a class of its own. This is due to its ability to reduce membrane fluidity, cleanse, and prevent free radical transfer from one polyunsaturated fat to another - reducing further free radical damage to the skin. One of the only moisturisers to contain Tocopherol Phosphate is Neutriderm's Vitamin E Moisturising Lotion. 

If plump, soft, healthy looking skin is what you're after, this is a unique antioxidant and one to look for when purchasing creams, oils and serums.

 

3. Who Can Benefit From Antioxidants in Skin Care? 

Antioxidants are beneficial for a variety of skin concerns. Commonly praised for their ability to help fight ageing and build the skin's immunity thanks to fighting free radicals, antioxidants also play a vital role in supporting skin which may suffer from:

• Inflammation
• Dry and dehydrated skins 
• Atopic skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis 
• Ageing and premature ageing 
• Environmentally damaged skin including pigmentation 

Inflamed and compromised skins negatively impact the skin's rejuvenation process. By calming inflammation, antioxidants create the environment for skin to repair itself and correct visible damage. Healthy skin is less likely to show the visible signs of environmental damage which includes dry skin, signs of premature ageing, pigmentation and more. Antioxidants are essential for the integrity of all skins to ensure they function at their best. 

 

Neutriderm Moisturising Lotion is an antioxidant-rich product designed to restore and maintain moisture levels within the skin for long lasting hydration thanks to its dermatologically endorsed formulation: 

• Vitamin E Tocopherol Phosphate - when applied topically helps to nourish and protect your skin from damage caused by free radicals. 
• 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. 

Here are our fastest healing nappy rash remedies which focus on preventing and healing nappy rash quickly. 

 

 

Use a High Absorbency Nappy
Most nappy rashes are caused by a wet nappy rubbing against a baby's skin. Finding the right nappies for your bub can be trial and error - there are so many options! Being spoiled for choice is a luxury, but how do you choose the right kind for you?
If your baby is prone to nappy rash, a high absorbency nappy with excellent moisture whicking capabilities is vital. We recommend looking for nappies that claim to be "high absorbency".
Nappies that feature the "wetness indicator" will also help to minimise time spent in a wet nappy. The wetness indicator which usually presents itself in a line at the front of the nappy will change colour once it gets wet to indicate when it's time for a change. 

Nappy-free Time!
In addition to keeping your baby's bottom dry with a high absorbency nappy, some time without a nappy is vital as well. As the weather warms up, some nappy-free time can do wonders for your little one as they embrace the feeling of no nappy at all. This could be part of your daily routine for 30 minutes either before or after bath time. 

Wash With Non-irritating Baby Products
What you wash your baby with is important for maintaining harmony within your little one's skin. If your little one is experiencing inflammation, washing with water alone will be the least irritating way to bathe. If you do choose to use a baby wash, a product that is pH balanced, derived from natural ingredients, and soap-free (to avoid stripping precious moisture from an already irritated area) will have the gentlest affect on the delicate skin of your little one. Look for dermatologically tested products which are specifically formulated for sensitive skins. 

Use a Colloidal Oatmeal Nappy Rash Cream 
A pH balanced nappy rash cream like Dermavive Nappy Rash Cream will not only soothe the skin with its natural colloidal oatmeal anti-inflammatory properties, it will also provide a protective barrier between your baby's skin and their nappy. This helps to heal nappy rash in two ways. The first being that it provides a physical barrier from the friction of a wet surface, which protects the skin and gives existing nappy rash the chance to heal. The second being its ability to provide barrier protection to maintain moisture within the skin and heal the surface of the skin with its active ingredients. 
A pH balanced product will also help to regulate the acid mantle which is responsible for helping the skin defend itself against external irritations as well as bacteria. 

 

Dermavive Nappy Rash Cream contains the following active ingredients to help heal your baby's nappy rash, FAST!

• Natural Colloidal Oatmeal contains saponins which have cleansing and antibacterial properties. The cellulose and fibre found in the oats neutralise the pH of dry itchy skin, making it effective to soothe and calm irritation. 
• Sodium PCA is a humectant with natural moisturising factors to support hydration levels within the skin. 
• Zinc Oxide acts as a skin protectant to provide effective barrier protection as well as providing antibacterial relief. 
• Almond Oil is a vitamin E rich oil that delivers superior soothing and healing properties to chapped, dry and compromised skin.  

Dermavive Nappy Rash Cream is the only formula on the market which contains both Colloidal Oatmeal and Zinc Oxide making it a unique dual-acting nappy rash remedy. 

*Reference: Diaper Rash The Bottom Line, Children's Hospital Los Angeles