Stephie Estie

Skin Tip: Foods that May Cause Acne!

Happy Friday everyone!

If breakouts don’t seem to be clearing up, food allergies may be the culprit. Common food allergies include eggs, milk, peanuts and wheat. Eating a diet high in processed carbohydrates, salt and sugar is also thought to cause acne. Keeping a food journal may be useful to determine whether certain foods trigger or exacerbate acne.

Have a great weekend! 

Stephanie 

Disclaimer:  The contents on this website, and any related links, are provided for general informational purposes and should NOT be considered medical advice. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. Please consult a healthcare provider if you have any questions about a particular health condition.  

Blackheads 101!

Hi readers!  Hope your week is going well. 🙂

Nothing crinkles the nose faster than the sight of blackheads taking up residence on your face.  It’s expected during our teenage years when our body is going through changes but sometimes you find that they continue to form on your face well past your puberty stage. So, what are blackheads and more importantly, what can you do to manage them? Let’s take a look.

Blackheads/Whiteheads Defined 

Blackheads and whiteheads fall into a category known as comedones.  A comedone is caused when the follicle (pore) becomes congested with dead skin cells, sebum (oil), and other debris.

Open comedones, or blackheads, are open at the surface and exposed to air. This causes the sebum and debris to oxidize resulting in their dark color.  Closed comedones, or whiteheads, form when the pore is completely blocked and no air enters the plugged follicle.

Blackheads

Causes of Blackheads/Whiteheads 

  • Excessive oil production
  • Build up of dead skin cells
  • Improper cleansing
  • Using products that are not compatible to your skin type

How to Treat Blackheads/Whiteheads 

Thorough Cleansing 

Make sure that when you’re cleansing your face, you also focus on the hairline where blackheads and whiteheads can form.  Also, make sure that your not aggressively stripping your skin with a harsh cleanser as this can cause your skin to produce more oil to compensate for moisture loss.

Regular Exfoliation

Make sure to exfoliate your skin regularly, about 2-3 times per week, to help remove the accumulation of dead skin cells. *Note: Don’t overly scrub skin as this will result in further irritation and you can really damage skin.  Also, if you have inflamed acne, avoid using scrubs and opt for a BHA or enzymes to help with congestion.

Reducing Oil Production

Using a clay based mask about 2-3 times per week,  can help draw out impurities and absorb excess oil. Ingredients such as niacinamide, zinc gluconate, and salicylic acid can help regulate oil production.

Keeping Tabs on Makeup and Skincare Items 

Sometimes certain types of makeup can contribute to the formation of blackheads and whiteheads. Isopropyl Myristate can be a comedogenic ingredient for some.  Using the right skincare products for your skin type also helps.  Whereas mature skin would require a thicker moisturizer, skin that is oily should choose something more light-weight such as a gel or lotion.

Seek a Professional 

Scheduling an appointment with a dermatologist or esthetician is another option if you’re looking for a deep cleaning of your pores. They can utilize different techniques and tools to help facilitate the removal of blackheads as well as guide you to products that would work best for you.

Was this information helpful to you? Let me know in the comments below!

Stephanie 

 

Skin Tip: The ABCs of Skin Cancer!

With May being skin cancer awareness month, use the guidelines below to know what to look for.

Asymmetry  If you draw a line through this mole, the two halves will not match.

Border The borders of an early melanoma tend to be uneven, irregular, scalloped or notched.

Color  Coloring varies from one area to another- different shades if brown, tan, or black- and it can become red, blue or some other color.

Diameter  Melanomas are usually larger than the size of the eraser on your pencil ( ¼ inch or 6mm) but they can be smaller when first detected.

Evolution  Any changes in size, shape, color, elevation or new symptoms such as bleeding itching or crusting.

Always remember, when in doubt, have it checked out!

Stephanie 

Disclaimer: The contents on this website, and any related links, are provided for general informational purposes and should NOT be considered medical advice. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. Please consult a healthcare provider if you have any questions about a particular health condition.

Skin Tip: About Lemon Juice in DIY Skincare!

Happy Friday everyone!

I’ve heard and seen many people post about using lemon juice in DIY skincare treatments due to its vitamin C properties. While lemons do have a high concentration of vitamin C, they have a very low pH which can actually burn your skin.  Carefully formulated vitamin C formulas might be a better option to get your topical dose of vitamin C and if you have sensitive skin, look into magnesium ascorbyl phosphate.

Have a great weekend!

Stephanie   

 

Skin Tip: Spring Clean Your Skincare!

Happy Friday everyone!

While you’re busy doing your spring cleaning, don’t forget to do the same for your skincare items.  Toss out any items that have expired-you might be surprised at what you find!  Also, remember that with the change of seasons, your skin might also experience changes so pay attention to what doesn’t seem to be working for you anymore and find an alternative. Always feel free to contact me with any questions. 🙂

Have a great weekend everyone! 

Stephanie 

Skin Tips: Allergies and Puffy Eyes!

Happy Friday everyone!

We’re into spring and for some of us, that means allergies.  When your eyes feel red, puffy and irritated, place a cold compress or cooling eye packs over them for 5 to 10 minutes to help alleviate them.

Have a great weekend, 

Stephanie 

Skin Tip: Chemotherapy and Skincare!

If a loved one is undergoing chemotherapy treatment, their skin may become more prone to sensitivity or irritation, and you’ll want to choose skincare products that are free of synthetic dyes and fragrances to reduce the risk of a reaction.

Have a great Easter weekend everyone! 

Stephanie 

Skin Tip: Possible Causes of Cheek Breakouts!

Happy Friday everyone!

If you’re experiencing breakouts on your cheeks, it could be indicative of allergies or possible dental infections so if you’ve been consistently breaking out in this area, you might want to get checked out to rule out this possibility.

Have a great weekend everyone! 

Stephanie 

*Note: I will have a special post on Monday with the new Tarte Rainforest of the Sea eyeshadow palette before I take a mini spring blog break, so be on the lookout for that. 🙂 

 

 

Disclaimer:  The contents on this website, and any related links, are provided for general informational purposes and should NOT be considered medical advice. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. Please consult a healthcare provider if you have any questions about a particular health condition.