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.

Delving into dehydrated skin
Dehydrated skin lacks moisture. It may be confused with dry skin, which lacks oil. So, how do you know if your skin is dehydrated? The main clues are:

• Itchiness
• Dullness
• Under-eye circles & sunken eyes
• Uneven skin tone
• More noticeable fine lines

The water-retaining issue
Many of my clients tell me that they drink tons of water, yet their skin is still dehydrated. The problem here is that for some reason the skin is not efficiently retaining water. The skin’s top layers act as a barrier that is then coated with a hydrolipidic film that, as the name suggests, is a mixture of oils and water; this prevents excess moisture from evaporating from the skin.

The limits of the hydrolipidic film
Exposure to a dry environment such as a heated home during the winter months, or an environment where there is not enough humidity in the air, can be too much for this thin coating and cause it to be compromised, leading to moisture evaporating from the skin.

The destruction of the skin’s barrier
The popularity of skin resurfacing ingredients in many cosmetic products, harsh soaps, solvents, acids, and retinols all compromise the integrity of the skin’s barrier. Without this barrier the skin loses its ability to retain water, as well as becoming exposed to pollutants and pathogenic bacteria.

How to solve the problem

1. Make sure you are drinking enough water.
2. Turn the heating off during the night and open a window a little.
3. Avoid any foaming cleansers and skincare products with exfoliants or skin resurfacing effects.
4. Apply moisturiser morning and evening, and top up during the day if needed!
   
   

Top Tip: How to choose a moisturiser for dehydrated skin
Moisturisers are meant to do what the name implies, to moisturise, and to help the skin with moisture binding. The most effective moisturisers are the ones that need to be worked into the skin a little, this will allow for the water-binding ingredients to blend with the skin, reinforcing its hydrolipidic film.

Shop the Soveral moisturisers

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.