Longevity Magazine

eating well during a pandemic

Before you start second-guessing your eating habits, we’re telling you that it’s okay to eat what makes you feel good during this time. The core meaning of nutrition is fueling up with healthy, feel-good foods. But we’re not going to give you a long list of nutrients, vitamins and supplements, because there’s no quick fix to boosting your immune system, increasing longevity and maintaining your weight. There’s just power in knowledge, routine and consistent action. Feeling confined to our own spaces is overwhelming and, at times, claustrophobic. Depending on our personality and environment, we may not be getting as much activity as we’d like. As a result, our mental, emotional and physical wellbeing is being put to the test. Also, motivation levels are low, and being cooped up for days on end,…

put up your barrier

Dr Tarryn Jacobs, a specialist dermatologist at NoviSkin The global pandemic has made us hyper-aware of our personal hygiene and health. New daily preventive measures, such as rigorous hand hygiene and the use of masks, has given our skin a lot to adjust to. Repeated handwashing and the use of sanitizers can damage proteins in the upper layer of our skin (epidermis), and cause changes in the lipids that naturally preserve and protect the skin. It’s no surprise, then, that dermatologists are seeing a resurgence of hand eczema. There has also been an uptick in cases of skin irritation and the worsening of existing primary skin diseases, related to mask-wearing. To maintain the health of our skin, our living barrier, we should combine our preventive actions with protective and care actions. The role of…

a healthy skin is key to a healthy body

Sian Hartshorne, dermatologist, consultant and president of the South African Society for Dermatologic Surgery Probably the most amazing organ in our body is the skin. It protects us from many dangers, and connects most functions inside the body. But even more important, a healthy, well-functioning skin is key to maintaining a healthy body and mind. Our skin is our presentation to the world; the healthier we look, the healthier we feel. But as we age, the skin loses its clear texture, glow, elasticity and plumpness, which is exacerbated by sun exposure. One of the most important factors in maintaining skin health is moisturization. Cleansing with harsh products such as soap can dry the skin. A very simple and old-fashioned cleanser is ung emulsificans, which has no preservatives or fragrance. Apply to the skin…

aesthetics in the time of covid

Dr Anushka Reddy, a GP with a special interest in cosmetic dermatology and advanced aesthetics, president of the Cosmetic Doctors Association of South Africa, and a certified Radiesse and Botulinum toxin injections trainer 2020 has been a challenge for all of us worldwide, and not least for the aesthetics industry. All aesthetic clinics closed during the Level 5 lockdown, although most reopened during Level 4, offering services such as Botulinum toxin injections for bruxism (teeth grinding) and migraines. Clinics were also able to assist patients who were struggling with acne, and offer these patients treatments to avoid long-term scarring. In these difficult times, I believe aesthetics has an important role to play as people deal with the anguish and anxiety associated with COVID-19. Since time immemorial, looking good has been linked to…

can knowing more about your dna improve your lifespan?

Danny Meyersfeld, founder of DNAlysis We lived in a very different era when the late Freddie Mercury sang the iconic words “Who wants to live forever?” It seems that, today, living longer, or anti-aging, is the phrase on everyone’s lips, and while it may seem like science fiction, we’re at the point where we can access more information about how to improve our lifespan and encourage healthy aging. The answer is a cheek-swab away – DNA testing that provides medical practitioners and patients with the tools and information they need to achieve a healthier lifespan. Healthcare has undergone an immense shift in approach, moving from a disease-management model to one that encourages optimum health and disease avoidance. Thanks to advances in human genomics and DNA tests, specialists are able to look at your…

5 black-owned sa beauty brands

In spite of being the biggest contributors to the beauty industry, women are rarely behind the scenes. A case in point, it was only in 2018 that Revlon appointed its first female CEO and president, Debra Perelman, in the brand’s 86-year history. And despite this win, the cosmetic industry is still predominantly white. This results in its perpetuating Eurocentric standards of beauty, which triggers colorism and hair policing. As a result of a changing climate, many beauty brands have disclosed their number of black employees. L’Oréal put its figure at 7% (840) black employees working across its brands at corporate level. Estée Lauder’s black representation overall is at 12%, 4% at executive director position and above, and 14% executive officers. NYX has six black employees in leadership roles. Sephora has 14% black…