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Pigmentation and sun damage - what causes it and how to treat it We all strive to have clear skin but nature has its way of leaving us with frustrating blemishes. Causes: Age spots, skin pigmentation and freckles are forms of pigmented lesions. They are caused by excess production of melanin in the skin by cells called melanocytes. Ageing skin may consist of a combination of changes such as :
Prolonged sun exposure has accelerated this occurrence due to us not protecting our skin or being “sun aware” in our younger years. Skin pigmentation can also occur in pregnant women due to the dramatic hormonal change the body goes through. In some cases skin pigmentation in pregnant women disappears after child birth; however it can have the reverse effect and worsen. NOTHING can stop the aging process, but we can slow it down! Today there are treatments and simple routines that one can follow to assist in slowing down and prolonging the aging process from occurring. Treatment: Here at ASTRALI we use scientifically backed, medical grade skin care – the result of 45 years of cell biology research. Not only are these products created with 100% natural active ingredients but they actually work! How many cosmetic brands to you know that offer a 45 day money back guarantee? Skin needs continual nourishment in order to replenish, repair and maintain a healthy glowing tone. We must accept that there is no such thing as a “magical once off cure” for any age/sun damage. Only by committing to a daily nourishing skin care routine using products with a strong scientific pedigree can the aging process be slowed and existing damage at least partially repaired. Younger looking skin is achievable and that simple! ASTRALI recommends the following products for Sun protection, pigmentation treatment and sun damage. Sun Protection ASTRALI Sun Cream SPF28+ everyday! ASTRALI SunCream Pigmentation Teint Clair Depigmentation Serum (day) TEINT CLAIR protects and moisturises whilst acting as a natural bleaching agent – ideal for depigmenting specific areas OR for whitening the complexion, without harsh chemicals. Saturne Advanced Regenerative Night Cream (night – step 1) SATURNE – regenerative night cream with Vitamins A, B, D, E and F and a complex of minerals is ideal for all skin types including dry, damaged, scars, acne, you name it Saturne will help treat it. Ariane Super Nutritive Cream (night –step 2) ARIANE – extreme nutritive cream is an extraordinary form of concentrated skin care that deeply regenerates, revives and nourishes the skin with a light melt in texture. Containing Vitamins A, C, E, H and most of the B series, all the essential amino acids and minerals – Zinc, Iron, Magnesium, Calcium, Potassium and many more. ARIANE is most effective when used AFTER Saturne.
Epsilon Deep Treatment Serum EPSILON – the strongest regenerative serum in the range also containing a complex of tripetides which prepare the deeper cells to assimilate the nutritive molecules found in further ASTRALI regenerative products. Saturne Advanced Regenerative Night Cream SATURNE – regenerative night cream with Vitamins A, B, D, E and F and a complex of minerals is ideal for all skin types including dry, damaged, scars, acne, you name it Saturne will help treat it. Ariane Super Nutritive Cream ARIANE – extreme nutritive cream is an extraordinary form of concentrated skin care that deeply regenerates, revives and nourishes the skin with a light melt in texture. Containing Vitamins A, C, E, H and most of the B series, all the essential amino acids and minerals – Zinc, Iron, Magnesium, Calcium, Potassium and many more. ARIANE is most effective when used AFTER Saturne. Sirius Revitalising Mask SIRIUS regenerates the basal cells of the skin, bringing vital amino acids and trace elements to undernourished tissues and is exceptionally effective when used after the ASTRAPEEL Gentle Scrub.
What causes wrinkles? The sun is the most significant cause of prematurely aging skin (a process called photoaging). Overall, exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight (referred to as UVA or UVB) accounts for about 90% of the symptoms of premature skin aging. The UVA and UVB rays attack the skin structure and produce free radicals (the opposite of anti-oxidants). Most wrinkles appear on the parts of the body where sun exposure is greatest. These especially include the face, neck, the backs of the hands, and the tops of the forearms. Other environmental factors, including cigarette smoke and pollution, may hasten aging by producing free radicals. In large amounts, free radicals can damage cell membranes and interact with genetic material, possibly contributing to the development of a number of skin disorders, including wrinkles and, more importantly, skin cancer. Rapid weight loss can also cause wrinkles by reducing the volume of fat cells that cushion the face. This can cause the skin to sag. Some things you can do to prevent getting many wrinkles at an early age: Avoid spending too much time in the direct sun, especially during the hours when the sun's rays are harshest (between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM). Always wear a sunblock, which helps, but it doesn't block out all the damaging UV rays that cause wrinkles to the skin. Eat Healthy. A diet with plenty of whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and the use of healthy oils (such as olive oil) may protect against oxidative stress in the skin. Fresh fruits and vegetables are absolutely packed with anti-oxidants such as Vitamins A, C and E. You can get these vitamins from a standard vitamin supplement tablet from the supermarket or health shop but be aware that they are synthetic and will not absorb as readily as natural fruits and vegetables. Exercise. Daily exercise keeps blood flowing, which brings oxygen to the skin. Oxygen is an important ingredient for healthy skin. Reduce Stress. Reducing stress and tension may have benefits on the skin. Quit Smoking. Smoking not only increases wrinkles, but smokers have a risk for squamous cell cancers that is 50% higher than nonsmokers' risk. Smokers should quit to prevent many health problems, not just unhealthy skin. Drink pure water – 2 to 3 litres per day. Moisturise the skin, especially during months when the air is drier. Back to the top? Click here OK so we know how to prevent wrinkles but what about the ones we already have? Every day more and more products become available claiming to treat wrinkles. From vitamins and supplements to exfoliants, dermabrasion and chemical peels -- the options can be overwhelming. It is difficult to repair deeply damaged skin that appears with photoaging but it can be done. To begin it is important to use a gentle exfoliant that will remove the dead layers of surface tissue and make way for an easier penetration of active ingredients. We do not recommend dermabraison or micro-dermabrasion they are simply too aggressive – especially on mature skin. Think of a caress as opposed to a punch – which one would you rather?? ASTRAPEEL exfoliant contains vitamins and minerals as well as tiny, perfectly spherical beads that gently remove dead cells without attacking the integrity of the cells below. It can be used 2-3 times per week and 10 seconds is sufficient for the whole face. Once the surface is prepared the introduction of those all important anti-oxidants is vital. Vitamins A, C and E. The following ASTRALI products contain these essential anti-aging vitamins in NATURAL (not synthetic) form, which can be readily absorbed and utilized by the body. EPSILON – the strongest regenerative serum in the range also containing a complex of tripetides which prepare the deeper cells to assimilate the nutritive molecules found in further ASTRALI regenerative products. VEGA – firming cream tightens the face muscles and smoothes the skin with Vitamins A, B, C, F, & H and essential amino acids. CREME DOUCEUR – advanced eye and lip contour cream contains anti-free radical and corrective aging properties specifically targeted to the delicate tissues around the eye and lip area. SATURNE – regenerative night cream with Vitamins A, B, D, E and F and a complex of minerals is ideal for all skin types including dry, damaged, scars, acne, you name it Saturne will help treat it. ARIANE – extreme nutritive cream is an extraordinary form of concentrated skin care that deeply regenerates, revives and nourishes the skin with a light melt in texture. Containing Vitamins A, C, E, H and most of the B series, all the essential amino acids and minerals – Zinc, Iron, Magnesium, Calcium, Potassium and many more. ARIANE is most effective when used AFTER Saturne. More recently, dermatologists have begun to use injectable materials to help soften wrinkles. Botox (botulinum toxin) may soften the appearance of wrinkles caused by squinting or grimacing. Collagen or hyaluronic acid (Restylane, Hyalaform, Captique), may be injected under wrinkles or folds to elevate them. Non-ablative lasers do not break the skin and have minimal side effects but are not very effective. More aggressive lasers such as the carbon dioxide laser may remove deeper wrinkles but require several weeks of healing after a treatment. Finally, for excessively deep wrinkles or folds, a facelift may be used. This surgical procedure is expensive, invasive, and can be dangerous but may also produce results when all other options have been exhausted. All these methods are temporary (lasting weeks to months) and a good diet and skin care range is also required. Healthy eating is the number one way you can improve the appearance of your skin. Eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables each day is essential. Unfortunately, most people don’t eat nearly enough fruits and vegetables, therefore a great way to ensure you obtain all the nutrition you require is by taking a quality, independently tested supplement. Juice Plus+ is the convenient and inexpensive way to add more nutrition from fresh, raw fruits and vegetables to your diet, every day. It is made from the freshest, highest quality fruits and vegetables containing loads of anti-oxidants and carefully tested every step of the way. Juice Plus+ can be ordered through ASTRALI. Please call 1300 853 523. Don’t forget the Sunscreen! Daily protection from the sun is vital in the fight against wrinkles. Choose a Suncream with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or more. ASTRALI SunCream is SPF 28+ and also contains vitamins and minerals that nourish the skin whilst it protects. For lighter day wear – under makeup or in the winter months try ORION day cream with SPF 5.
Dry skin is a very common problem, especially in Winter. Most dry skin is caused by environmental exposures, such as: Weather: Generally speaking your skin is driest in Winter, when temperatures and humidity levels plummet. Winter conditions also tend to make many existing skin conditions worse. But the reverse may be true if you live in the more arid areas of Australia, where summer temperatures exceed 40 degrees and humidity levels drop below 10%. Heaters/Air Conditioning: Air conditioning/heating, wood-burning stoves, space heaters and fireplaces all reduce humidity and dry your skin. Hot baths and showers: Frequent showering or bathing, especially if you like the water hot and your baths long, breaks down the lipid barriers in your skin. So does frequent swimming, particularly in heavily chlorinated pools. Harsh soaps and detergents: Many popular soaps and detergents strip lipids and water from your skin. Deodorant and antibacterial soaps are usually the most damaging, as are many shampoos, which dry out your scalp. Diet: Lack of essential lipids, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc and vitamins A & B in the diet can affect the integrity of the skin. Other factors: including certain diseases, can significantly alter the function and appearance of your skin. These include: Solutions! - Caring for Dry Skin It's a good ideat to buy a vaporiser for your bedroom. This adds humditity to the air while you sleep and can also allievate sore throats and other cold-like symptoms related to dry air. The Vicks Vaporiser Steam system is a good product retailing at about $50 from pharmacies. Avoid the use of tap water when cleansing dry skin. The deposits are too drying on the skin. Dry skin needs plenty of thorough but gentle cleansing, regular stimulation with massage and generous quantities of oil and moisture. It also needs extra careful protection. Washing dry skin with soap and water not only removes grime but also the natural oils and lipids protecting the skin. Instead, use non-detergent, neutral-pH products to cleanse your skin. Avoid using any commercial soap. And always touch your face gently. Double-cleanse with a nourishing cream cleanser, leaving a light, thin trace of it on the skin after the second cleansing. Wipe away the bulk of the dirt, makeup and impurities gently with a tissue (or moist face cloth if you must). It's important to use a moisturiser that replenishes the lipids in your system so a moisturiser that is rich in lipids is essential. Definititon: Lipids (fatty acids and glycerides) Be generous with the cream in the areas surrounding the eyes where tiny lines and crows feet are born. Diet Recommendations for Dry Skin Foods such as garlic, onions, eggs, and asparagus that are high in sulfur, help to keep the skin smooth and youthful. Consume plenty of yellow and orange vegetables. These are high in beta-carotene, an antioxidant and vitamins A & C. Carrots are especially good. Eat foods rich in pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), natural plain yogurt, leafy green vegetables,and wheat germ. Pantothenic acid is need for the synthesis of fats and oils used by the skin. Drink at least 2 litres of quality water every day to keep the skin well hydrated. Avoid fried foods, animal fats and heat-processed vegetable oils. Use cold- pressed oils only. Heating oils leads to the production of free radicals, which have a destructive effect on the skin. As usual, avoid soft drinks, sugar, chocolate, potato chips and other junk foods. Avoid alcohol and caffeine. These substances have a diuretic effect, causing the body and skin cells to lose fluids and essential minerals. SKIN CARE Following the cleanser, a alcohol free Toner is ideal. The Astrali BETA toner is 100% alcohol free and when applied to a cotton pad and wiped over the face - removes all traces of dirt whilst re-establishing the correct pH balance in the skin with essential amino acids. It also smells wonderful! You'll appreciate the natural herbal extracts such as chamomile, ginseng, witch hazel and cucumber. Finally a good moisturiser. For winter we recommend SATURNE Advanced Regenerating Night Cream (though most people use it during the day as well). SATURNE is an advanced, richly textured cream that drenches the skin with moisture and provides the vital elements the skin needs to become nourished. Elasticity is enhanced and the skin becomes firmer, smoother and imperfections are reduced. Did you know that the formula for Saturne was originally developed as a treatment for burns and scaring? Dr Laporte discovered the formula decades ago and was increasingly impressed by the anti aging results it produced. Of course the exact formula remains a closely guarded secret but with a complex of Vitamins A, B, D, E, F, wheat germ, calendula oil, bees wax, sweet almond oil, amino acids, proteins and minerals it's easy to see why skin just loves SATURNE. You may also find the following pages of interest.... Food and Skin Health – How the two are really linked How do I reduce premature aging? Our skin cells are born at the balsale layer the epidermis (the lowest layer). As they move to the surface (away from the blood supply), they change shape and loose vitamins as they age and die. When the dead cells reach the top layer they slough off (desquamation) or we exfoliate them off manually. The life of a skin cell is around 45 days from birth to desquamation. Image shows the 5 stages of the Epidermis. You can see how the cells flatten as they loose nutrition on their aging journey to the surface. As we age in years, our skin cells loose nutrition earlier in this journey so the cells flatten more quickly. This leaves the skin thiner and more fragile. The appearance is less plump and healthy than it once was. Sunlight, while essential, contains harmful UVA & UVB rays that attack the cells and inhibit the protective function of the skin. Our life time of poor dietary nutrition takes its toll as our cells struggle to source and retain essential vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Cell nutrition is the decisive factor in whether you will age gracefully or prematurely.
We collectively eat too much food that is too rich in elements such as sugar, animal fat & dairy products and too few whole fruits, vegetables & grains. Even those organic eaters amongst us will struggle to attain sufficient nutrition. Food is the fuel for cellular health and growth. Poor diet results in retarded cell growth and insufficient nutrition means the cells age prematurely. Did you know that one crop harvest reduces the amount of magnesium in the soil by 48%? How can our foods contain these essential trace elements if they are ever decreasing in the soil? Additionally we eat these ‘bad’ foods at incorrect times of the day. Most of use will have little to nothing for breakfast, an average lunch followed by a large, heavy dinner. The reverse is preferable in terms of size and the content should be considered too. A light dinner with no animal fats or dairy is ideal – a difficult adjustment for us to make but critical if we are to allow our liver sufficient time to repair the system overnight. The liver? What’s so important about the liver? you ask. The liver is one of the most important organs of the body and research shows that its performance is directly linked to state of the skin health. It is the only organ that can completely regenerate itself if given the opportunity to rest overnight. If it’s working to digest heavy foods and alcohol, it has no rest, cannot repair, will tire out and become chronically fatigued. This fatigue results in a more rapid deterioration of cells and accelerates the aging process. Did you know – that just 2grams of butter or animal fat at night can slow your digestive process by 45%? And just 10grams of sugar can slow it by a further 45%? Question: So if I don’t eat the wrong foods at the wrong time of day – is that all I need to do for an anti-aging solution? Oral nutrition is one aspect but it is effectiveness is heavily reliant upon efficient absorption through the digestive tract. If our digestive system is unbalanced it will not absorb nutrition properly. Mouth fulls of multivitamins aren’t going to help if the absorption rate is peaking at 1%-3%. Delivering molecules through the skin is becoming the way of the future in medical science and it’s easy to understand why. By bypasing the gastrointestinal tract a consistent, measured administration can take place without relying on the health of the digestive system. Furthermore, a steady absorption over hours can be preferable to the blood level spikes provoked with oral dosage forms. Did you know – that the body will absorb anything microscopic through the skin? Nicotine molecules can absorb (hence nicotine patches), oestrogen hormone molecule can absorb (hence homone patches), scopolamine patches release the alkaloid prevening motion sickness and so on. We are already seeing Vitamin C patches coming on to the market! From a nutritional perspective, minerals such as magnesium, calcium, potassium and iron have a far lower molecular mass than chemicals like nicotine. This means they can be easily absorbed through the skin system and body. Dr Albert Laporte, the leading cell biologist, has been conducting research on transdermal absorption for over 40 years and is the visionary behind the Astrali International range. But the ability to deliver vitamins and minerals through the pores of the skin is not what makes the range unique. Through is lifetime of research Dr Laporte studied all the internal organ tissues of the human body, looking at their cells, comparing the components of thousands of healthy samples to unhealthy samples and cataloguing the exact cell components required to maintain a healthy specimen. He then set about the enormous task of finding the naturally occurring vitamins and minerals from plant and marine sources to create the cellular recompostion of the organs themselves. Once identified, these ingredients were incorporated into a cream that could be applied and left on the skin, allowing the nutrients to absorb into the system and replenish the specific organs. Dramatic results were documented – even when mineral deficiencies had not been previously obvious to the individuals. So, whilst some products will treat the skin with vitamins, NO OTHER PRODUCT provides exact quantities of specific vitamins and minerals (100% natural) in high enough concentrations to treat the skin beyond the surface. WELCOME TO OUR SPECIAL "MOTHERHOOD EDITION" From stretchmarks to crazy skin, to hair loss and the most common complaint of all - the declining bust line. The unique products of the ASTRALI range are designed with mothers in mind - treating a variety of issues associated with pregnancy, motherhood, menopause and everything in between. So whether you're a mum or about to become one, ASTRALI have an offering to see your skin and body through all the phases of life. (Topics covered in this edition) Do stretch mark creams really work? Hairloss in women??? It's more common than you think.... Natural and beyond - what's better than simply natural products? Stop the sag - get your beautiful bust back. The facts about bust firming products.
Most of us are very sceptical when it comes to the effectiveness of stretchmark creams and many of us have had disappointing results that further fuel the scepticism. At the heart of the matter is the fact that majority of so-called stretchmark creams are not actually treating the marks for what they really are - scars. Scar tissue is a difficult and time consuming condition to treat and most stretchmark creams don’t recognise this. Instead they use aggressive glycolic acids to strip away the skin layers, useless synthetic collagens that cant be assimilated properly by the skin system, or shea butter lubricating treatments in the hope of prevention. Very few have clinical data representation or compelling photographic evidence and even less offer any sort of money back guarantee. ASTRALI is different and understand that stretchmarks need to be treated in the same way as scars. You may be interested to know that the original formula that forms the basis of the ASTRALI range was originally developed by Dr Albert Laporte over 50 years ago whilst working in the burns unit of a Hospital in Paris as treatment for BURNS & SCARRING. This underlying technology is based on his lifetime of research and intimate understanding of cell biology. ASTRIE stretchmark serum is an exclusive formula ASTRIE stimulates mitochondrial (cellular) respiration by over 187%, resulting in a superior firming and restructuring action. An increase in cellular respiration improves the efficiency in the way the cells store and transport energy. This is the first step in nourishing the damaged scar tissue, as the exhausted skin metabolism is being stimulated correctly, ready to repair. ASTRIE also contains several amino acid chains (proteins). Amino acids are the ‘building blocks’ of the body. They build cells, repair tissue, form antibodies to combat invading bacteria & viruses, carry oxygen throughout the body and participate in muscle activity. So what does ASTRIE contain? And YES, we offer a money back guarantee! Click here to read more about ASTRIE Visit our BEFORE & AFTER page illustrated with photographs from clinical studies in France. You may also find the following pages of interest....
Women primarily loose hair for two reasons – hormonal imbalance and/or stress. Frequently the two factors occur at the same time, making the hair loss worse. Women who have recently given birth or are approaching menopause are the most likely to experience severe hair loss. It is worth noting that stress on its own is sufficient to cause hair loss too. From a hormonal perspective, hair growth generally returns to is regular growing cycle within six months of the hormonal balance being restored but there are several things you can do to have a healthier head of hair.... Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables. If you are looking for a product to treat hair loss you may like to consider the ASTRALI hair collection, consisting of a gentle treatment SHAMPOO – mild enough for everyday use by the whole family but effective in alleviating conditions such dandruff, eczema and itchy scalp; HAIR AMPOULE designed to treat sever cases of dandruff, psoriasis and hairloss; and ASTRAGENE hair lotion which is clinically tested to reduce hairloss by up to 30% whilst stimulating hair growth. Visit our BEFORE & AFTER page illustrated with photographs from clinical studies in France. You may also find the following pages of interest....
There are many natural products available on the market today primarily using herbal blends of oils and extracts that smell wonderful and don’t contain any nasty synthetic chemicals, so whilst they wont hurt you, are they actually helping you? It’s worth looking deeper into a range to find out what science actually lies behind it. Have the products been manufactured by a Naturalist with great intentions but limited knowledge of biology and no scientific background? Undoubtedly natural is the best (and most will say the only) way to go but what could possibly be better than products that are simply just natural? Beyond natural, there are products that still contain wonderful natural ingredients but are also scientifically designed to actually provide the body with an INTERNAL benefit, not just cover the surface with coco butter and seed oils. The skin will absorb anything microscopic which is why many modern medicines are finding the skin delivery approach the most effective route for the administration of certain treatments. Taking a tablet and expecting an overworked digestive system to assimilate the contents in an optimal fashion is wishful thinking. The digestive system is retarded from absorbing vitamin supplements effectively, where as if they are delivered through the skin they can go directly to where they are needed most via the blood stream. ASTRALI have been utilising the skin delivery methodology for decades and are leaders in the field. By having specific quantities of specific vitamins, minerals and amino acids (naturally extracted) delivered into the body via the skin system, internal deficiencies can be much more effectively addressed. This is because they do not have to pass through the digestive system that is constantly in a state of dysfunction from processed foods and the poor dietary content of the ‘modern diet’. ASTRALI products are the results of over 50 years of scientific research by French Cell Biologist Dr Albert Laporte. The range is designed to replenish internal vitamin and mineral deficiencies by delivering these essential nutrients through the pores of the skin. Treating the system from within ensures healthier cells and beautiful skin. This philosophy enables the ASTRALI products to lend themselves as treatment products beyond the superficial cosmetic approach. Click here to read MORE about how ASTRALI products work and how they are made. You may also find the following pages of interest....
Breasts are wonderful things but unfortunately not a lot is taught about breast care. Unless we’re talking about self-examination, disease prevention or issues with breastfeeding most of us don’t really give our breasts a lot of attention, or maintenance. As we age our bodies are depleted of vitamins and minerals, our skin and muscle cells degrade, age more rapidly and recover more slowly. There are not many places on our body where this is more evident than the bust. Pregnancy and breastfeeding further deplete the body. Weight gain, lack of exercise, poor diet and incorrect support also impact the bust system. A sagging bust affects self-confidence and can also be physically uncomfortable but most women just resign themselves to acceptance or head to the cosmetic surgeon. The good news is that you don’t need to feel helpless. There are plenty of 'bust firming’ products on the market but with a bit of research you will find that they all pretty much just claim to firm the skin (and sometimes the tissue) surrounding the bust. Now although this is a good start – did you know that only 35% of the bust ‘lift’ actually relies on the skin and muscle? So what’s responsible for the other 65% ?.....The level of nutrition in the mammary gland! So, whilst these other products might provide some benefit, they are only treating a third of the problem. ASTRALI has designed three bust care products (GAMMA, IOTA & CYBELE) that certainly target the skin and muscle tissue but additionally and uniquely deliver the specific vitamins, minerals and amino acids through the skin that the mammary glad requires for optimal health. This proprietary blend is based on decades of cell biology research by Dr Albert Laporte and is so effective that many women experience up to 1cm of lift in not the first couple of days or weeks but the first couple of HOURS. Additionally the bust will become firmer, fuller and more supple to the touch. The results enjoyed are regardless of age but are particularly effective for women who have breastfeed. The products should be applied daily for several months until the desired results are achieved. It is worth noting that this is not a hormonal treatment but a vitamin treatment. As with all our products, we offer a money back guarantee so you can feel confident with your purchases. Visit our BEFORE & AFTER page illustrated with photographs from clinical studies in France. Please email us at info@astrali.com.au if you have any questions or would like further advice on the correct products to meet your needs. You may also find the following pages of interest....(Click on the questions below that interest you) Do I really need a “proper” cleanser? Why? How often should I be cleansing? How do I know which cleanser is right for my skin? Which ASTRALI cleanser do I choose?
Yes absolutely! Most of us know someone who swears by the “I just use soap and water” routine but the reality is that their skin would look even better if they had adopted a more comprehensive routine. If they actually happen to have good skin to boot, it will have more to do with the luck of good genetics than anything else. Ordinary soap is not designed in the same way as proper cleansers. It leaves deposits of carbonate salts and traces of soap scum on the skin, which can cause irritation. Additionally, it will create a barrier on the surface that prevents vitamins and minerals from penetrating the skin. This limits the effectiveness of any moisturising or treatment products that follow the cleansing process. Not all cleansers are created equal either. Most are simply a combination of water, some sort of surfactant (surface-active agents), emulsifiers, moisturisers, fragrances and preservatives. When selecting a cleanser try to choose one that goes beyond the basics and actually adds some nutritional value to your skin, rather than just doing the bare minimum. Natural antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and amino acids are a great start. You can take it to the next level by selecting a cleanser that has been scientifically (not synthetically) formulated. Relying on research and information from reputable and experienced practitioners will be far more successful for you than ‘natural’ potions and mixtures concocted in someone’s backyard and sold at the local market.
Daily cleansing in vital to prevent the build up of sebum (oil), dirt, makeup and pollutants that clog the surface cells. Improperly cleansed skin can manifest itself in acne, blackheads, whiteheads, excessive oilyness etc. However, over cleansing should be avoided – even if the skin is oily. So, twice a day is ideal – during your morning routine and in the evening before going to bed. If you’re exercising heavily in the middle of the day a third cleanse is advisable.
Choosing the right cleanser for your age and skin type can often be a daunting task. Not only are there thousands of products on the market but also within any given range there will often be several types of cleansers. These will include cleansers for dry, oily, combination, acne and sensitive skins. The questions then become - What if I have sensitive dry skin? Or, what if I have combination skin that is dry in some places but oily in the t-zone with the occasional pimple on the chin? It can all be very confusing and often a hit and miss result follows. One way to determine your skin type is to wash your face (just with water) and pat dry. Wait for an hour, and then press a tissue to your forehead, cheeks, chin and nose. If your face is not shiny and there's no oily residue on the tissue, you have normal skin. If your face looks/feels tight or is flaky and there is no oily residue on the tissue, you have dry skin. If your face is shiny and the tissue reveals an oily residue, you have oily skin. Many people have combination skin: the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) is oily but the cheeks are normal or dry.
ASTRALI make it easy for you. You will not find a variety of cleansers for different skin types to cause confusion. There are just two – ALPHA and DERMASTRAL. You can use one, or the other, or even both - depending on the season, your environment, personal preference and lifestyle. ALPHA is a milk cleanser designed for skin that would be considered normal to dry. Having given those basic guidelines, every individual is different. We have many customers that will swap around from ALPHA Milk in the Winter to DERMASTRAL Liquid in the Summer because everyone’s skin changes slightly from season to season. There are also those that like to cleanse with DERMASTRAL in the morning (when the skin is oily from sleep) and then use ALPHA during their evening routine. The best way to find out which cleanser or combination you prefer is to try a SAMPLE. They can be ordered for just $3 each and the cost is fully redeemable on your subsequent full product purchase – which essentially makes them FREE. We always try to include some extras for you too! :-) Let’s take a closer look into what makes the ASTRALI cleansers different. ALPHA is rich in glyco proteins. It is very important to note that glyco proteins are NOT glycolic acids - which many people find harsh on the skin. Glyco proteins occur naturally in our bodies. They are what our skin cells use as food! So, by having a cleanser that is enriched with glyco proteins you are actually feeding your skin whilst gently cleansing it. You are also stimulating the body’s natural desquamation process to reveal newer, fresher skin. (Desquamation is the medical term used to describe the shedding of dead skin cells from the surface.) Click Here to read more about the application techniques DERMASTRAL contains collagen hydrolysat and five amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of the body. They build cells, repair tissue, combat invading bacteria, carry oxygen throughout the body and participate in muscle activity. When a protein is broken down by digestion the result is 22 amino acids. 8 are essential which means they can not be produced by the body, so we rely on food to provide them. The advantage of DERMASTRAL cleanser containing amino acids is that oily and acne prone skin can be treated gently and very effectively without over drying the skin Click Here to read more about the application techniques Please email us at info@astrali.com.au if you have any questions or suggestions. You may also find the following pages of interest.... |
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