Anti-Ageing, Health and Wellbeing

Due to its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, salicylic acid is the best skincare ingredients for acne-prone skin. However, all skin types can benefit from salicylic acid as it boosts skin cell renewal, smoothes the skin, evens out the complexion and reduces the appearance of wrinkles and lines.

The skin cells turnover rate varies individually and age plays a major role. In babies, the skin renews itself every 14 days. In teenagers, this process takes about 28 days. In adults, it takes between 28 and 42 days. In those age 50 and older, the skin renewal process can take up to 84 days.

A comparison study between the hair-growth-boosting properties of Rosemary Oil and Minoxidil showed that rosemary is equally as effective as Minoxidil in promoting hair growth in people with androgenetic alopecia. Rosemary contains phytochemicals that help prevent the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone.

Pollutants and toxic chemicals trigger free radical formation in the skin. Free radicals can cause oxidative stress which damages skin cells. Some substances known as antioxidants are capable of neutralising free radicals. They protect your skin from oxidative damage. Look for these 5 best antioxidants when you buy skincare products.

Naturally found in our body, hyaluronic acid gives our skin its youthful plumpness. There are different types of hyaluronic acid based on its skin penetration ability. For best results, it is important to choose hyaluronic acid serums and creams that have been formulated with the lowest molecular weight sodium hyaluronate.

Hyaluronic acid is one of the most important components of our skin. It helps the skin to retain water and plumps up cells. It smooths out wrinkles, lines and gives our skin its youthful resilience. With age, it is crucial to amplify skin's hyaluronic acid levels. Find out the 3 most potent hyaluronic acid boosters.

A study published in Toxicology Research Journal suggested that peppermint oil is more effective than minoxidil in promoting hair growth. Peppermint oil has been shown to increase the number and the depth of hair follicles. After 4 weeks, Peppermint Oil improved the hair growth by 92% compared with 55% of Minoxidil.

The skin around the eyes is lacking in oil glands, collagen and elastin. Studies showed that niacinamide increases the production of fatty acids, ceramides and skin's proteins including collagen and elastin by up to 100%. Niacinamide tones and firms up the skin while also soothes and protects it from all ageing factors.

As an anti-ageing scientist who studied at The Institute of Traditional Herbal Medicine and Aromatherapy (ITHMA), London; I am very fond of essential oils. For more than 15 years, I have been developing and perfecting haircare formulas to slow down my own hereditary hair loss.

There are 3 major skin components known as collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid which provide a structure and give our skin its strength, elasticity and resilience. Ageing causes the degradation of these components, however studies showed that these 10 skincare ingredients slow down and reverse the signs of ageing.

In hair follicles, testosterone gets converted to dihydrotestosterone by the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase (5-AR). A study published in the International Journal of Trichology suggested that Caffeine may reduce the activity of 5-alpha-reductase. Hence, caffeine seems to help prevent the hair follicles from shrinking.