"DEFENDERS": Invest in a better-looking, future you
We get it; taking care of your skin is not a macho thing to do. Many men let the fear of the unknown and social anxieties prevent them from “caring” about the quality of their future appearance. BRAHSTON hopes to give you a confidence boost with a little more transparent and honest knowledge on the subject. We think with more info most guys will realize that investing in a skincare regimen is simply the logical thing to do.
DEFENDERS
BRAHSTON groups the main types of skincare ingredients into the following three categories: DEFENDERS, BUILDERS, and RE-FUELERS.
Over the next few posts, we’ll share descriptions of each type, and examples of some of the best ingredients in each.
Today’s post will focus on the DEFENDERS.
Skin Health
BRAHSTON classifies DEFENDERS as skincare ingredients that work primarily to protect the skin from environmental stressors, which hurt healthy cells and have a cumulative impact on the signs of aging.
Sunscreens - Natural and synthetic formulas designed to block the sun’s radiation. Only those products with full-spectrum protection (block UVA and UVB radiation) are adequate. Sun damage is the result of two types of light radiation - Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB). Both types of radiation have the ability to cause damage and burn the skin, however, UVA radiation is considered more dangerous as its lightwaves make up about 95% of the UV radiation that reaches the earth. With longer wavelengths, UVA radiation penetrates deeper into the skin’s layers than UVB radiation. As a result, UVA causes greater damage to the innermost part of the epidermis (top layer of the skin) where most skin cancers form due to the resulting genetic mutations and DNA damage from the radiation exposure.
Antioxidants - Natural and synthetic ingredients that protect skin against excess free radicals and sun damage. They help correct signs of aging, prevent sun damage and skin cancer, repair damaged cells, and brighten skin’s tone.
The top antioxidants to look for in your next skincare investment, include:
Lycopene;
Polyphenols;
CoenzymeQ10;
Soy;
Resveratrol;
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3); and,
Advice
To maximize your skincare investment, look for products containing these powerhouse, skin-fueling ingredients. BRAHSTON recommends that you start early, use a few products to address the variety of factors that improve skin health, and stay consistent with frequent use.
Want more info like this? Check out the No B.S. Guide to Healthy Skin for more skincare pro tips.