Category: Skincare

1. The Pigmentation Edit

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 1st Jun 2022

   

   Skin pigmentation can have a variety of causes; however the result can be the same – feeling self-conscious of your skin and desperately searching for topical treatments to lighten areas of concern.

    In my experience, the three leading causes of pigmentation are sun exposure, hormonal impacts from pregnancy or HRT, and side effects of medication. These causes can affect the appearance and longevity of skin pigmentation; however, our recommended treatments are the same.

    Pigmentation patches, often caused when high levels of estrogen in the body react with UV rays (this most commonly occurs during pregnancy or when on Hormone Replacement Therapy) or as the side effects of medications, and are usually temporary. However, if not cared for, they can become permanent. To try and avoid permanent pigmentation you should keep the skin well nourished, and not let it dry out.

    This can be achieved through daily use of our Angel Balm cleanser and restorative mask to deeply nourish and feed the skin, Midnight Oil to nourish the skin through massage (daily facial massage will also help to even out your complexion) and brighten the skin, and finally a Soveral Moisturiser of your choice to keep your skin moisturised and protected – if prone to pigmentation we would recommend using our Formula 2 Moisturiser during the day as this contains SPF 15 to offer sun protection. During pregnancy we highly recommend avoiding unnecessary sun exposure, as sun exposure can cause temporary pigmentation to lock in to scar tissue.

    Sunspots, however, cannot be removed through topical products alone once set in the skin. Persistent massage may help lighten their appearance, but will not remove the sunspot completely. Again, Angel Balm, Midnight Oil, and a Soveral Moisturiser of your choice can be used daily; however the effects on sunspots will vary in comparison to their effects on pigmentation patches.

    The only way to remove sunspots or pigmentation once they have set in the skin is through laser treatment or acid peels. But everything comes at a price – these treatments may severely impact the skin’s natural defenses against UV light and disrupt your acid mantel. They should only be considered once you have received the best advice from your healthcare provider, and are not recommended by Soveral.

    Pigmentation should not be confused with discoloration or yellowing of the skin. If this occurs please seek medical advice. Once under treatment our products may help alleviate the problem.

2. What is ‘normal’ skin?

   Posted on 12:00pm Monday 28th Mar 2022

   
   Alexandra’s April focus: Redefining ‘normal’
   
   The meaning of the word normal has been redefined in many areas recently, namely gender, but what does it mean for skin?

   Irrespective of gender or biological sex, there has never been a clear definition of normal skin and that is most probably because it does not exist. What is “normal” for one person may not be “normal” for another. Having touched thousands of people’s skins I know how one person’s skin may be naturally soft and delicate whilst another may be naturally firm and resilient, I consider both normal. 

   “Normal” skin to me is essentially healthy skin, and we can certainly define healthy skin in a way that applies to everyone. Healthy skin has its metabolic functions in good order; this means that it can look after itself with minimal care. All its layers and components are doing what they have been designed to do, and its barrier consists of a strong microbiome, ready to defend against invading pathogens and keep the skin supple and balanced.

   Here are some signs that your skin is healthy: 

   • Does not feel dry/tight/flaky without moisturiser or oil.
   • May be naturally oily but not prone to acne.
   • Does not generally react to good quality natural skincare products.
   • Is not too sensitive to temperature changes.
   • Does not feel itchy.
   • Can be massaged without breaking out.

   With the increasing trend towards removing skin layers and accelerating cell division, all in the name of ‘perfection’, healthy skin is on the decline. For long term healthy skin that will defend us against pathogens, free-radicals, and stress, the very best thing we can do is to stop attacking it. Instead learn how to support and nourish it. The skin is a living organ – it knows what to do to protect us.

   So, what does healthy skin need in terms of skincare?

   Healthy skin does not need a lot of care per se; maintenance is the name of the game to ensuring its prolonged health.

   For those wishing to go a step further:

   Healthy skin is the perfect foundation from which to slow the effects of ageing. This can be achieved with a dedicated daily massage, drainage, and skincare regime that includes ‘feeding’ the skin in a way that supports all its metabolic functions, just like professional athletes invest in training and nutritional plans to increase performance.

   I designed my range with this in mind, every step is there to support and encourage the skin to regenerate in a healthy way, making it more resilient, and ensuring there is nothing for it to worry about – other than just regenerate and be happy!

   With every boxed Soveral product we offer an information leaflet with instructions on how to do a daily face massage and a full skincare maintenance routine designed to also improve its performance.

   Top Tip: Get your pH right

   Check the pH of your skin to ensure it is well balanced by doing the following simple steps:

   Cleanse the skin efficiently, then wait 10 minutes.

   Spray Floral Rain and allow to dry naturally.

   How does it feel? If the skin feels tight or tingly, it is likely that it is out of balance.

   If you are looking to understand your skin better, or to create a bespoke regime for your healthiest skin, book in for a consultation or a treatment and we will talk you through the perfect steps for your skin.
   
   
   

3. Welcome to the world of Omegas

   Posted on 12:00pm Monday 28th Feb 2022

   

   We cover this briefly in our March Soveral Monthly (scroll down to sign up) but here we delve into Alexandra’s knowledge of all things omega…
   
   Omega in Greek refers to end or tail. In oil chemistry it refers the end of the molecular structure of an oil. The number is determined by counting how far along in this structure there is a double bond. For example, in omega-3 the double bond is repeated after three carbons in the chain. It is this that gives each oil its unique profile.

   THE HIGH OMEGAS
   The higher the number, such as Omega-9, the heavier the oil is as it has longer carbon chains. These fatty acids are excellent lubricants to help the skin stay pliable and are part of the skin’s barrier. The skin naturally makes lots of these high omegas as they make up roughly 30% of the skin’s fatty acids.

   Over-production of Omega 9 gives way to oily skin and sometimes acne breakouts. When the skin is lacking the lower Omegas, which it cannot produce (it gets it from diet) it compensates by overproducing Omega-9, often resulting in blocked pores. Therefore, using oils with Omega 6 and 3 is a way to help the skin to find balance.

   Under-production of Omega 9 gives way to dry skin that is often flaky. This happens with ageing and becomes more pronounced with the menopause. This together with the decline in collagen is a great contributor to accelerated ageing. In this case, using oils rich in Omega 9 is of great benefit for the skin.

   THE LOW OMEGAS
   The lower the number, such as Omega 6 and 3 the lighter and more easily absorbed the oil is. This is great because the skin cannot readily make these omegas, we are dependent on getting them from our diet, or topically, and our skin needs them for its healthy functions. When massaged on the skin, these small omegas, especially Omega 3 can penetrate deep into the skin, offering it its regulatory and anti-inflammatory properties.

   It sounds wonderful… but there’s a hitch. These short chain fatty acids can easily oxidise, and once they do, it means rancid oil, which feeds the bad bacteria – not a good thing for acne prone skin or skin that becomes easily inflamed, such as eczema or psoriasis. To avoid this from happening, we run a natural and organic antioxidant from rosemary through our oils to preserve their wonderful properties.
   
   HOW I FORMULATE WITH OMEGAS
   Each product is perfectly balanced, offering the skin a readily bioavailable source of fatty acids to deeply nourish it as well as offering it protection by helping it reinforce its natural barrier. Sunflower seed oil is the base of many of my formulations, but this is not just any sunflower oil, it is an organic oil that is very high in omega 6 in linoleic acid, which often the skin is deprived of.

   TOP TIP
   Find out which oils your skin likes and you will know which omegas your skin needs.
   Avocado – High in omega 9
   Apricot Kernel – Blend of Omega 9 and 6
   Sunflower – High in Omega 6 and 3
   
   Each are available as organic base oils for you to blend at home – shop our vegetable oils

   Omegas in our products:
   For high omegas: Angel Balm.
   For feeding the skin a balanced Omega ratio: Midnight and Forever Young oils.
   For the low omegas: Spotless Gel, Bespoke Oils.

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