We’re all vulnerable to exposomes, it's inevitable. The key is knowing how to manage them effectively through simple rituals that protect your skin over time, and we're here to help empower your skin to bounce back from stressors in your daily life.
What are exposomes and how do they affect skin?
The air pollution during your daily commute to work. The sun exposure when you’re at the beach. Even how late you went to bed last night. All of these are examples of exposomes: the external everyday factors that can impact the health and appearance of our skin.
What you’ll notice though is that most of these environmental factors are all around you. We’ve all done a late-night binge-watching Netflix. Or stayed under the sun too long because the sand and surf were too tempting to pass up. We’re human, and life would be boring if we didn’t get to enjoy the things we love.
So, the first step to managing the impact of exposomes? Accepting that it’s part of everyday life. You don’t need to completely change your lifestyle to accommodate it. The solution lies in understanding exposomes and making little changes to your lifestyle that provide positive effects over time.
There are seven exposome factors to be aware of:
Clouds of smoke and dust on a windy day (air pollution)
Whether you’ve accidentally walked into a cloud of cigarette smoke or felt the wind in your hair while driving, being exposed to air pollution is quite common. These microparticles can adhere to skin and over time, increase the appearance of wrinkles and loss of skin elasticity.
Manage it by: using skincare products with antioxidants that protect skin from environmental stressors. The Herbal Recovery Bi-Phase Serum is rich in vitamin E and Kakadu Plum, the highest source of vitamin C. Together with Holy Basil, Iris Root, Echinacea and Black Elderflower, this serum helps protect, brighten, and hydrate skin for a radiant, healthy-looking complexion.
Fun in the sun (ultraviolet radiation)
It’d be rude not to make the most out of a sunny day. But when you’re having fun outside, sometimes, we forget about sun protection and how UV rays can impact our skin. UVB rays can cause sunburn on the skin’s surface, while UVA rays can penetrate deeper, speeding up the ageing process and the risk of skin cancer.
Manage it by: applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily. Don’t forget to reapply sunscreen every two hours too.
Treating yourself to greasy food and drinks (poor diet)
We’ve all done the last-minute run to a fast food chain after a wild night out or indulged in takeaway food because cooking is too much of a chore right now. But we are what we eat, and too much greasy food can take a toll on our skin.
Manage it by: having a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, with the occasion night for takeaway food only. Fruits and vegetables such as oranges, strawberries, red meats, leafy greens and nuts all help to protect the skin from oxidative damage caused by free radicals like air pollution.
Last-minute projects and deadlines that cause stress (psychological stress)
Life sometimes gives us lemons. It could be multiple deadlines at work. Or maybe you’re nervous about a big job interview. When we’re stressed, our body produces extra cortisol that can weaken our skin barrier.
Manage it by: taking time out of your day to pause. Life doesn't always have to move fast. Stress reduction techniques like meditation, deep breathing and massage can calm you down and clear your mind. Our Herbal Recovery Eye Oil Roll-On not only provides a soothing massage experience for the eyes, but also revitalises and improves skin tone with Poppy Extract.
Having a few too many wines and beers during the weekend (alcohol consumption)
You work hard every day, so you deserve to let your hair down and enjoy the occasional glass of alcohol. However, consuming too much of it can dehydrate the skin and accelerate the process.
Manage it by: replacing alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic options like a virgin cocktail.
Sleepless nights due to a busy fast-paced lifestyle (lack of sleep)
Sleepless nights caused by stress, taking care of kids and the occasional binge-watching of TV shows can dull your complexion.
Manage it by: getting enough sleep and having an early bedtime. The TV isn’t going anywhere, so consider prioritising rest to help replenish and restore your skin. Our Herbal Recovery Face Oil features adaptogenic herbs of Holy Basil to support the skin moisture barrier, while Tomato Fruit Extract protects the skin from environmental aggressors for better resilience against free radicals. Pair it with the Herbal Recovery Eye Cream, which uses antioxidant Silk Tree Extract to reduce wrinkles and Japanese Cedar Bud to moisturise.
The changing weather – rain, hail or shine (temperature changes)
Microbiome is the balance of microorganisms living on your skin's surface. Being exposed to ever-changing weather and hot environments can make your skin susceptible to inflammation and redness.
Manage it by: checking the weather before going outside and preparing accordingly. If it’s hot, don’t forget a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. If it’s cold, protect your skin with scarves, beanies an