Summer: how to protect our hair?….yes because, if on the one hand we can't wait to benefit from hot sunny days, with refreshing baths at the sea or in the swimming pool, on the other hand we must also be prepared for the consequences that these factors determine the scalp and lengths. To better understand the damage that our hair can suffer from excessive exposure to sunlight and too frequent contact with salt and sea water, it will be appropriate to say a few words about their delicate structure.
STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF THE HAIR
Each hair is formed by two parts: the bulb or root and the stem.
- The bulb is not visible as it is found in the skin, inside the hair follicle, a particular structure of the skin whose deepest part reaches up to the dermis. At the base of the bulb there are the so-called hair matrix cells, which determine hair growth. At this level there is also the dermal papilla, a structure that contains blood vessels, lymphatic vessels and nervous structures, whose task is to provide nourishment and control to the cells of the hair matrix. The sebaceous glandand the erector pili muscle (or piloerector muscle) are connected to the hair follicle.
- The stem, or the visible part of the hair, is a "dead" structure made up of totally keratinized cells that have lost their nucleus and vital functions.
These cells contain high concentrations of a very resistant fibrous scleroprotein, keratin. The keratin present in hair and nails is much harder than that present in the skin, as it contains a very large quantity of cystine, a sulphur-rich amino acid. It is precisely between the different cystine molecules that disulfide bridges are formed, which give the hair great resistance. Disulfide bridges also called sulfur-sulfur are those that determine and maintain the shape of the hair. When the disulfide bonds break, the cystine molecules separate and the hair becomes brittle.
Other components of hair are:
- water
- Lipids (triglycerides, waxes, phospholipids, etc.
- Minerals (magnesium, zinc, iron, copper etc.
- Pigments responsible for colouring.
By cutting a hair horizontally, you can appreciate its structure, subdivided into three parts:
- The cuticle: is the outermost layer of the hair and is made up of horny cells, transparent, non-pigmented, flattened and arranged like the tiles of a roof. The scales remain adherent thanks to a sticky substance that keeps their cohesion stable, safeguarding the internal structures. The cuticle in fact protects the shaft from the environment and its integrity is very important for the health of the hair. Given the position in which it is located, it is the first to be damaged.
- The cortex: is the intermediate part of the hair, made up of flattened dead cells (cheatinized cells) arranged vertically and in parallel rows. It makes up the majority of the hair and determines its shape and texture. It is rich in melanin (colored pigment). The bark helps give mechanical properties and resistance to the hair.
- The medulla: is the innermost part of the hair, formed by cells larger than the other layers, generally separated from each other by air spaces (the retained air has a protective function against cold) which in some cases may affect the color shade. The marrow may also be present in a discontinuous way or even be absent.
Hair plays the important role of thermoregulation and protection of the scalp, so that, in addition to the undeniable aesthetic appearance, take care of it, preventing its problems, It is essential for our own health.
After having examined the structure of the hair, let's try to understand a little better the sun rays, in particular ultraviolet rays, which are particularly intense in the summer period and understand how they can cause serious damage to the scalp and hair.
ultraviolet rays
Ultraviolet rays are distinguished, depending on their wavelength, in UVA, UVB and UVC. The latter are filtered by ozone and never reach our planet.
UVA rays represent 95% of the UV rays and their irradiation is constant throughout the day and year; UVB rays are more present between April and October and their intensity varies depending on the weather, of the season, time and pollution rate.
The damage caused by UV rays is determined by the fact that they stimulate the production of free radicals, i.e. unstable and highly reactive molecules which, when in excess, can damage the cells of our body, such as the proteins and amino acids present in the hair. In particular, UVA is responsible for the loss of color as it induces photo-oxidation reactions of the melanin pigments, lightening and yellowing both natural and colored hair. Melanin, in addition to giving color to the hair, performs a protective function which is significantly reduced when the phenomenon of photo-oxidation alters its composition.
Microscopic studies have also shown that UVB rays cause the rupture of disulfide bridges between the keratin fibres in the bark, which determine the mechanical strength of the stem, Thus making the hair weakened and subject to rupture at the minimum trauma.
EFFECTS ON SCALP AND HAIR
Poorly protected by a photo-oxidized melanin and weakened by the alteration of the integrity of the fibrous proteins of the cortex, the hair is discolored, dry, brittle and rough to the touch, giving the hair a dull and ruined appearance.
Even the scalp is not free from consequences of excessive exposure to sun rays. In fact, it can be subject to dehydration or even burns which can damage the follicles and compromise the health of the hair shaft. Even without causing burns, however, the intense action of the sun's rays can alter the activity of the microcirculation, which is fundamental for the nutritional supply to the hair matrix and its consequent growth and act on particular proteins, le desmogleine, which have the task to retain the hair inside the follicle and whose degradation anticipates hair loss. It is therefore no coincidence that, after a few weeks, many are afflicted by abundant fall.
If we then also add the stress caused by salt water, sand, possible chlorine which amplify the already aggressive action of the sun, we understand that it becomes essential to show up at the summer appointment with hair in good shape which we will try to maintain, protecting it with products specific based on natural principles very similar to their structure, in order to provide resistance and the ability to prevent and possibly remedy the damage of summer atmospheric agents.
IKS TRICOLOGICA LINE FOR THE CARE AND PROTECTION OF SKIN AND HAIR
The IKS tricologica line, based on active ingredients of plant origin, offers its products RESTRUCTURING, Good allies all year round for the maintenance of health of scalp and hair, but particularly suitable for the summer season.
REPAIR CREAM RC
It is a regenerating and nourishing cream, with a strong restructuring and hydrating action. The presence of Avocado Oil, rich in vitamins A, E and B, gives body and shine to the hair, protecting it from external aggressions such as wind, cold and sunlight. Aloe Barbadensis Extract, with its anti-inflammatory and refreshing effect, hydrates and soothes dry and dehydrated scalp. Gingko Glycolic Extract Biloba, with a high content of flavonoids, acts on the hair as a protective agent against oxidative phenomena, blocking the formation of free radicals and intervenes on the permeability of the capillaries, reactivating the peripheral circulation. Hydrolyzed soy and quaternized wheat proteins provide great nourishment and hydration to skin and hair.
Used after the specific shampoo IKS, has a conditioning and restructuring effect on scalp and lengths, especially if subjected to stress by chemical or environmental agents.
KERATINE HK
It is a complex of proteins, amino acids and keratin oils of plant origin that act directly on the damaged areas of the hair, regenerating its structure and making it shiny and resistant. The presence of wheat and rice proteins, rich in essential amino acids useful for the production of keratin and collagen, allows an important repairing, hydrating and nourishing action while the extract ofThe Verde, rich in polyphenols, caffeine and vitamins B1, B2, C effectively counteracts free radicals and stimulates microcirculation, improving the supply of nutrients to the hair bulbs.
Applied directly on the hair before the beach, protects from the sun’s rays and from bathing in salt or freshwater. Washed with the specific shampoo IKS, leaves hair soft and silky. It can be used in synergy with Repair Cream for a deep restructuring of the lengths and hydration of the scalp.
MINERAL ACID MA
Normalizes the balance of pH and brings the right amount of mineral salts (zinc and magnesium) to the skin and hair. Thanks to the chamomile extract, it has an important anti-inflammatory and refreshing function and effectively combats itching. Thered vine and blueberry glycolic extract, rich in flavonoids, antioxidants and anti-free radicals, regenerate and tone the skin, promoting an increase in capillary resistance. The hydrolysed proteins of rice and wheat perform important restructuring, hydrating, nourishing and antistatic actions.
Used before drying, it relieves skin irritated by sun and sweat, restoring the balance of lost mineral salts and returning the pH to its normal values and moisturizes the lengths that become soft and without electricity. It can also be used on dry skin in case of itching or burning.