At the convenience of your mobile web browser on your iphone /blackberry or any phone with a web browser, log on to :

http://m.laroche-posay.com/sg

You can

• Check your daily UVA Risk
• Be informed of the UVA & UV levels daily
• Have a personalized UVA Risk Profile and find out how much is your skin at risk
• Find a suitable La Roche Posay sunblock according to your UVA Risk Profile
• Locate the nearest store to obtain La Roche Posay products

1. SPF – Indicates the UVB Protection Factor -  In a tropical climate like Singapore, it is recommended to use a sunblock above 20 SPF. The Anthelios range in Singapore has got a minimum of SPF 30 and the highest of 50+.
2. PPD – Indicates the UVA Protection Factor – The European commission recommends that any suncare product offers a ratio between UVB and  UVA protection of less than 3. ( Eg: SPF/PPD = <3) Anthelios XL goes beyond that standard and chooses a stricter UVA protection factor with a ratio of less then 2 to better protect its users from the harmful effects of UVA rays.
3. Textures – The Anthelios range has got a wide range of textures from fluids to creams, gels to lotions for you to choose from. Whether you are looking for a sunblock that is suitable for everyday use or something to suit your sporty lifestyle, Anthelios will have a sunblock to suit your needs
4. Fragrace Free, Paraben Free, Minimal Chemical Filters Content – With this, Anthelios can even be used on the most sensitive skin without causing skin allergies and concerns.
5. Tested under Dermatological Control- Anthelios is the most recommended sun protection range by Dermatologists in Europe and has got strict formulation standards that has 18 clinical studies to verify its  efficacy and safety.

So why wait? Go grab your Anthelios now!

The MEXOPLEX system is a brand new synergistic combination of Mexoryl and Tinosorb together with Eldew that makes Anthelios a superior anti UVB/UVA sunblock of choice. With this latest innovation, the ever popular Anthelios face fluids are now more effective in UVB/UVA protection with a PPD rating of 38 ( an increase of 10points over the previous formula). On top of this, chemical filters in the formula are reduced by 15% making it very suitable even for the most sensitive skin.! Another ingredient Eldew, a photostabilizing oil has been added to enable excellent photostability without the need to add filters.

Whether you have normal to combination or combination to oily skin, the new Anthelios fluid face textures offers high cosmeticity that enables soft, supple and easy application!

For people with oily and acne prone skin, the 30 Fluid AC not only doesnt feel oily when applied, but also helps to control oil build up throughout the day! Hooray!

Anthelios 50XL Fluid and Anthelios 30 Ac can be found at Hospital Pharmacies and selected Guardian, Watsons & Unity Stores.

The 6 complete skin analyses:

1. Skin hydration analysis: This high definition sensor carries out over 9 million hydration readings, delivering a high level analysis of the moisture of the skin. This analysis will provide the consumer with a standard status on his/her hydration level, from well hydrated skin (blue) to highly dehydrated skin (red) on a 100 scale.
2. Skin type analysis: The shininess analysis, correlated to a personalized questionnaire and to the results of hydration will help to determine the type of skin of the client.
3. Skin age analysis: Use of patented ageing atlas, evaluation of the skin status by comparison with the morphing technology and revealing the apparent age of the consumer
4. Sun sensitivity analysis: Determines the consumer’s profile via two questionnaires relative to her intrinsic sun sensitivity and her sun behavior
5. Skin sensitivity analysis: By questionnaire Sensitest (patented algorithm), the analysis reveals both the intensity and the origin of the skin sensitivity
6. Skin tone analysis: Use of picture to determine the skin pigmentation (skin tone and heterogeneity), and the level of brown spots via a morphing

The final stage of the analysis is the product recommendation. It is the culmination of the analyzes, providing each consumer with a printed tailor-made prescription, coming with personalized advice. Derma-Advisors will consequently propose a final selection based on the consumer’s preferences.

The Dermo.Analyzer is available at selected Vichy counters:
Watsons Tampines Mall, Watsons Ngee Ann City, Guardian Tanglin Mall and Tan Tock Seng Hospital

Eczema is a skin condition largely prevalent in Singapore. In a more medical context, it can be referred to as an inflammation of the epidermis, and the condition is known as dermatitis. Epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin, acting predominantly as the body’s major barrier against any inhospitable environment. (And yes, that includes being under the sun.) Eczema comes in various forms, differing in the levels of severity, parts of affected areas and sources of allergens. The most common variant would be that of the atopic dermatitis. When atopic dermatitis develops, the stratum corneum (the outermost layer within the epidermis) breaks down. Refer to picture for illustration.

With gaps in our stratum corneum, the skin becomes more easily irritated. These gaps also makes it easier for bacteria and viruses to enter the body, weaken the immune system and render the human body more susceptible to infection. Though the cause of atopic dermatitis had not been medically proved as yet, the disease seemed to result from a combination of genetic (hereditary) and environmental factors. Emotional factors, such as stress, play a part in aggravating the condition but do not function as a source. In Singapore especially, where the weather is frequently warm and humid, the condition is more likely to be triggered into red bumps/ rough itchy patches. Additionally, there are two main categories of aggravating sources:

-          Irritants are substances that directly affect the skin and, when present in high enough concentrations with long enough contact, the skin turns red and itchy. Specific irritants affect people atopic dermatitis to different degrees. Over time, many patients will learn how to identify the irritants causing the most trouble. For example, frequent wetting & drying of the skin may obliterate the skin barrier function. Certain cosmetics and perfumes, or even wool or synthetics fibers on your clothes may also work to irritate the skin. If you are a patient of eczema, you need to be particularly observant to irritants that trigger your condition.

-          Allergens are substances from food, plants, animals or the air that works to inflame the skin because the immune system overreacts to the substance. When people with atopic dermatitis come into contact with an irritant or allergen they are specifically sensitive to, inflammation producing cells become active. There, you may be able to observe broken skin and some oozing from the affected area. If that happens, the itch may become overbearing and unconscious scratching will only deteriorate the condition further.

Treatment

When it comes to treating atopic dermatitis, dermatologists are mostly concerned about consistent moisturizing and proper, yet gentle cleansing on the face and body. Remember, our skin is our barrier – our first line of defense. It protects us from microscopic invaders such as bacteria, viruses and other potentially harmful organisms and toxins. Usually, patients diagnosed with atopic dermatitis will be encouraged to use a recommended moisturizer. Moisturizers forms a protective coating that reduces the amount of water lost through the skin, This, in turn, reduces dryness, itch and cracking skin.

Depending on the patient’s signs and symptoms, it may be necessary to apply moisturizer 4 or more times a day. Moisturizer should always be applied after a shower or bath while the skin is still damp. This helps to lock in moisture.

Gentle cleansing is also encouraged especially given the harsh environment, sebum and impurities accumulate. If they are not regularly removed, they can oxidize with air and in turn, becomes factors which irritate sensitive skin.

On my last note, do keep in mind that although eczema is a chronic condition, it can be contained without recurrences given the right and proper moisturizer and cleanser. Consistency in maintaining your skincare regime is crucial as well.

La Roche-Posay’s Recommendation

The Toleriane range is La Roche-Posay’s first complete hygiene and skincare program for all sensitive skin. Its efficacy charter endorses 0% fragrance, preservative and alcohol, and 100% Thermal Spring Water that is naturally rich in Selenium.

•    Toleriane Purifiying Foaming Cream is more suitable for combination to oily skin, since the lathering effect   from the soap content will render the skin dry.  
•   Toleriance Softening Foaming Gel, on the other hand, will be more apt for normal to combination skin.
•   Toleriane Fluid – a light moisturizer that should be applied day and night for sufficient hydration.
•   La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water can be used daily to soothe and protect the skin.

This piece is researched upon and written by La Roche-Posay with references.

A good skincare regime starts with proper cleansing with suitable products. Unfortunately, given our busy day-to-day schedules, many of us have neither the time nor expertise to understand our skin and to find products that are suitable.

See, facial cleansing should be an essential ritual: first thing in the morning and last thing before you sleep, even in the absence of make-up. Boring as it might be, this basic routine is indispensable for the balance of your skin.

Balance here refers to the pH level. A well-balanced skin should attain a pH level of about 5.5; only then it is considered healthy/physiological. That’s how the name of our cleansers came about.

If you have sensitive skin, then you should also know that every day, on our skin’s surface, sebum and impurities accumulate. If they are not regularly removed, they can oxidize with air and become factors that irritate your sensitive skin, causing it to be more vulnerable as well as react more quickly and severely to aggressions.

Hence, in order to prevent the oxidation process, gentle and regular cleansing is thus necessary – this is where La Roche-Posay’s Physiological Cleansing line comes in.

At the heart of our formulas, we have,

• La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water.

Soothing, softening, anti-irritating and anti-free radical, it is the ideal partner for sensitive skin

• Copolymers, stemming from eye drop formulation

Active cleansing ingredients used in formulations for use on the eyes. Non-ionic surfactants, stable and neutral, these active cleansing ingredients have very good tolerance – which respects sensitive skin.

In a nutshell, La Roche-Posay’s range of Physiological Cleansers uses minimal ingredients to achieve maximal effects.

Available in stores soon!

2009 had been quite a year for La Roche-Posay.

The market for dermo-skincare products have grown, c0nsumers are becoming smarter and we are growing fast. In mid September, this blog was launched as a communication initiative to reach out to our end consumers more effectively. Its purpose was  to educate, inform and interact.

And we have been very happy with the number of responses and feedback.

So our team here at La Roche-Posay would like to extend a BIG thank you to all of those who have been supporting us! We will definitely continue to work hard.

Best Wishes,

LRPSG

Water and the skin

The skin is a living organ that accounts for 20% of all the water in the human body. The dermis consists of 70% water supplied via the network of blood vessels that runs through it. The epidermis contains 15% water which is fundamental in the creation of the hydrolipidic film which acts as a protective barrier. As the epidermis contains no vessels, water is absorbed via the dermis, which acts as a reservoir from which the epidermis draws the water it requires for hydration.

Causes of dehydration

When the water content of the epidermis drops to below 10%, the hydrolipidic film cracks, and becomes rough and permeable. The epidermis hardens. The skin loses its elasticity and becomes less supple. Dehydration occurs.

Dehydration can either be intrinsic or caused by external factors related to climate (heat, cold, wind). If this condition is not corrected, the barrier function of the skin is altered. The skin becomes fragile and more vulnerable to all types of aggression.

Signs of dehydration

Dry skin is very often dehydrated evenly over the whole face. The reason for this is a lack of natural moisturizing factors, elements situated at the surface of the skin and whose role is to retain water. In people with normal and combination skin, dehydration is more marked in areas where the skin is the finest and most frequently exposed to environmental factors such as the sun.

Some of the common signs of dehydrated skin are:

• Fine lines at the cheekbones and forehead
• Rough skin surface
• Flaking and scaling
• Feeling of tightness

Who are vulnerable to dehydrated skin?

The term dehydration often evokes dry skin. Yet, all skin types can be dehydrated.

Dry skin often becomes dehydrated. This is because they lack the natural moisturizing factors normally found at the surface of the skin and whose role is to retain water. Dry skin is finer and particularly sensitive to the sun.

However, oily skin can also become dehydrated: anti-seborrhoea (excessive secretion of sebum by sebaceous glands) cosmetics and locally irritating anti-acne treatments can damage the skin barrier and thus increase moisture loss.

If a normal or mixed skin becomes dry, this is generally the result of extrinsic or environmental factors such as cold, dry weather or frequent exposure to UV rays. Oxidation of surface sebum makes this skin more sensitive to the sun.

Can water dehydrate the skin?

As surprising as it may seem, prolonged or repeated contact with soft water, especially hot water, is a major cause of skin dryness. The hydration of the stratum corneum (the uppermost layer of the skin and epidermis) from daily baths or showers is very short term (a few minutes), followed by reactive dehydration that lasts much longer. Prolonged contact with water removes natural moisturizing factors elements. This causes a reduction of the ability of the stratum corneum to retain endogenous, or internal, water. Therefore, it is always necessary to dry the skin well to prevent dehydration.

Dehydrated skin versus dry skin

Dry skin lacks lipids (oils) and needs to be nourished. Dehydrated skin lacks water. Dry skin can also be dehydrated and therefore need to be both nourished and moisturized.

Caring for dehydrated skin

• Remove your makeup and hydrate your skin daily.
• Drink at least 1 litre of water per day; a good way to prevent skin dehydration.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Smoking and drinking excessively dehydrates and damages your skin, accelerating the ageing process.

La Roche-Posay’s recommendations

The Hydraphase range of products offers triple rehydrating efficiency by providing intense, long-lasting and targeted hydration to the skin.

• HYDRAPHASE XL Light offers intensive rehydration combined with the highest level of protection against daily UV rays.
• HYDRAPHASE Masque is an intensive rehydrating treatment for the face to be used once or twice a week.

Knowing the type and degree of sensitivity of your skin helps you identify the right products to use and minimize the risk of uncomfortable reactions on the skin.

FOR INTOLERANT SKIN

Toleriane offers purified formulas with a minimum of ingredients to calm even the most sensitive, intolerant skin. Free of the principle causes of such reaction, which include fragrance, preservatives and alcohol, the Toleriane range is clinically proven to reduce the three major signs of intolerant skin: rash, stinging or burning and tightness.

• La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water, rich in the antioxidant selenium, soothes and strengthens skin.
• Glycerin retains water in the epidermis to ensure a long-lasting hydration
• Squalane, an emollient that gently moisturizes skin, protects from external aggressors.

FOR REDNESS-PRONE SKIN

Rosaliac is the first skin perfecting anti-redness program for thin, redness-prone skin. The moisturizer works synergistically to neutralize rednes, relieve discomfort and restore luminosity.

• Glycerin retains water in the epidermis to ensure a long-lasting hydration
• Vitamin CG, a collagen synthesis activator, helps to strengthen fragile blood vessel walls
• Vitamin B3 fortifies the skin against external irritating factors and climatic variations
• La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water, moisturizes and soothes for restored skin comfort

Rosaliac is clinically tested to reduce breakouts and redness by 34% while restoring the skin’s moisture.

FOR DEHYDRATED SKIN

Hydraphase offers targeted, long-lasting hydration for dehydrated skin. The products helps restore skin’s moisture balance, while soothing and protecting with a cool, refreshing texture.

• Time-release polymer traps water and releases it throughout the day
• Glycerin retains water in the epidermis to ensure a long-lasting hydration
• Patented filtering system with Mexoryl XL protects the skin against UV rays
• La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water, rich in the antioxidant selenium, soothes and strengthens skin

The Hydraphase product line is clinically tested to provide a 11% increase in hydration immediately, and after 12 hours continues to provide a 10% increase.