Stephie Estie

Summer Must Have: Skincare!

Summer Skincare

Happy Tuesday readers!  Hopefully everyone had a relaxing and fun weekend and to all U.S. readers, a safe fourth of July. 🙂

With summer here, I thought it would be a good idea to create a ‘Summer Must Have’ series in which I  feature products I love and think would be great for summer.  From skincare to hair tips and beauty essentials, it will be a well-rounded guide.

First up is skincare.  Sun protection is key anytime of the year and while I’ll share my picks for sunscreens, find out what products are great when you have too much fun in the sun.

Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 47

If your skin is on the drier side, this sunscreen just may be what you’re looking for.  It’s hydrating yet light and is a physical sunscreen with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, making it a nice alternative to those whose skin don’t react well to chemical sunscreens. Argan and jojoba oils help keep skin hydrated while green tea and vitamin E provide antioxidant support. *Note: If you’re acne prone or sensitive to any kind of fragrance (synthetic or natural), this may not be the best option.

Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid-Lotion Sunscreen 

Acne prone and oily skin types may love this sunscreen.  Though it smells like a traditional sunscreen it does not have that thick, greasy texture.  As the name implies, it feels like lotion (just a tad bit thicker) absorbs quickly and leaves the skin with a mattifying feel.

Renee Rouleau Bio Calm Repair Masque 

This light, chamomile tea scented gel mask soothes skin and reduces sensitivity and inflammation with oat kernel extract bisabolol and chamomilla recutita flower oil.  A versatile mask that can be used after sun exposure or skin treatments including chemical peels and lasers. Also perfect for rosacea flare ups that tend to be exacerbated by the summer heat.  Just apply a thin layer to clean skin, leave on for about 10 minutes and rinse off.  My favorite tip: store in the fridge for an extra cooling effect.

Dermalogica After Sun Repair

Another great product to use if you’re sunburned, this gel greatly reduces redness and calms skin irritation caused by UV exposure or waxing.  This product is left on and is formulated with lavender, cucumber, chamomile, yucca and algae extract to restore moisture loss and aid skin recovery.  Can be used on the face and body (avoid eye area) alone or underneath a basic moisturizer and can be reapplied as needed.

What are your favorite summer skincare items?

Stephanie

 

 

Skin Tip: How to Combat Bacne!

Happy Friday!

Make sure you extend your exfoliating routine to your body too!  Exfoliating your back and spot treating it with a clay mask can help combat the on-going struggle with acne on your back, otherwise known as bacne.

Happy Fourth of July to all and may you have a blessed weekend!  Stay cool, hydrated and protected!

Stephanie  

 

Skin Tip: Delay Premature Crow's Feet!

Happy Friday everyone!

Wearing UV protection sunglasses not only keeps your eyes protected from sun damage but can also prevent premature crow’s feet caused by constant squinting.

Stay hydrated, cool and protected! 

Stephanie 

Skin Tip: What to do Before Diving into the Pool!

Happy Friday everyone!

If you happen to find yourself using the pool this weekend, keep this tip in mind.  Chlorine exposure can cause skin irritation but rinsing your skin with non-chlorinated water beforehand can lessen this risk.

Wishing everyone a Happy Father’s Day Weekend! 

Stephanie 

 

Skin Tip: Fatty Alcohols!

It’s Friday which means my weekly skin tip!

Stearyl alcohol and cetearyl alcohol are known as fatty alcohols that can function as humectants, drawing water to the skin, providing a soft and smooth appearance in the skin.

Thanks so much for reading and please tune in everyday next week starting Monday as I will have a special post up.

Have a good weekend,

Stephanie

 

The Acid Chronicles: Lactic Acid!

 

Lactic Acid 1

Happy Tuesday readers!  Hoping your weekend was great!

Awhile ago, I posted on alpha hydroxy acids, otherwise known as AHAs and why they are important in skincare. (In case you missed it or need a refresher, click here)  Lactic acid was one of the AHAs mentioned and here’s why this ingredient is great.

Who: Lactic acid

What skin conditions can it help: Aging and hyperpigmentation

Where it comes from: Derived from milk/sugar

Why it’s important: Lactic acid functions as a humectant, which attracts water and hydrates the skin.   It breaks down the bonds between cells that allow for easier exfoliation of the skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles.   It also reduces hyperpigmentation due to its ability to suppress the formation of tyrosinase ( the enzyme involved in melanin production).  Because its molecular structure is bigger than glycolic acid, it’s an ideal ingredient to use for those who have sensitive skin because it permeates into the skin slowly, reducing the chances of irritation and inflammation.

How it’s used: Lactic acid can be found in skincare products (i.e. cleansers, toners, moisturizers, serums) and also in professional treatments like chemical peels.  *Like any other exfoliating agent, limit use to a few times per week, wear sunscreen and use caution when using ingredients containing retinol as this can irritate skin.

If you follow my Instagram, you’ll recognize the picture below when I took the Cosmetic Chemistry course at UCLA.  The vial on the right-hand side is what natural lactic acid looks like.

Lactic Acid

I recently joined Twitter (@stephieestie) so feel free to follow me on there too! I’m still learning how to use it, FYI, but I’m sure I’ll get it in no time. 🙂

Thanks for reading,

Stephanie

 

Skin Tip: Hidden Acne Triggers!

Did you know that potential acne triggers can include synthetic bed linen like polyester that trap bacteria and sweat?  Make sure you are changing your sheets often and using cotton is best.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

Stephanie  

Skin Tip: Ingredient Lists and Antioxidants!

It’s Friday readers and that means my weekly skin tip! 🙂

Those of you that have been following my blog for a while now know that I am a huge advocate for antioxidants in skincare ingredients, especially vitamin C.  However, if you happen to read the label and see that the antioxidants are listed towards the bottom of the list, chances are they were added to preserve the product and not intended to be active ingredients.  Sometimes, this could be the reason why a certain product that claims to ‘fade spots’ or ‘help brighten your look’ isn’t as effective as you would like it to be. For a guide on how to decipher other names for antioxidants vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E, click on each link.

Have a great weekend everyone and don’t forget to check out my giveaway by clicking here. 🙂

Stephanie 

Why AHAs Are Important in Anti-Aging Skincare!

Hi everyone!  How was your weekend?  My week is off to a great start.  I was able to attend a special event at the International Dermal Institute headed by Jane Wurwand who is the founder of Dermalogica.  Such an amazing and inspirational woman!  Her motivational speech was beyond fantastic and she has a lovely sense of humor and heart.  Also, I found out I won the giveaway hosted by Maiko from SkinConciergeMaiko! Yay!  Check out her blog for other awesome reviews and tips. 🙂

Alright, enough about that.  Let’s get right to the topic of today’s post which is alpha hydroxy acids or AHAs.

What are Alpha Hydroxy Acids?

Technically speaking, alpha hydroxy acids “are a group of water-soluble carboxylic acids that work to release the desmosomes that hold skin cells together.”  Hmmm. I fear I lost you guys. 🙂 In plain English, they are naturally occurring mild acids used as chemical exfoliants that help shed off dead skin cells.  They are hydrophilic (attracted to water) and are pH dependent meaning they require a lower pH to be effective.

Why are they Beneficial?

AHAs are highly coveted and present in many anti-aging products/treatments for the following reasons:

  • Allows for easier exfoliation
  • Increased cell turnover (hello glowing skin)
  • Stimulate fibroblasts to produce collagen and elastin (something that decreases over time)
  • Firm the skin
  • Smooth and improve skin texture
  • Reduce lines and pigmentation
  • Leads to a more youthful appearance and feel
  • Increase ceramides (hydration)

*Note: Overly and aggressively exfoliating the skin can result in sensitive itchy red skin.

What are the Different Types of Alpha Hydroxy Acids?

  • Lactic acid– derived from milk
  • Glycolic acid-derived from sugar
  • Citric acid- derived from citrus fruits
  • Tartaric acid- derived from grapes
  • Mandelic acid- derived from bitter almonds
  • Malic acid- derived from sour apples

*A special note on AHAs:  Overly and aggressively exfoliating the skin, with or without AHAs can result in sensitive itchy red skin.  Also, when using AHAs, you’re more sensitive to the sun and more prone to burning so sunscreen is crucial! 

I hope you found this information helpful and as always, if you have any questions, feel free to ask me. 🙂

Have a good Tuesday,

Stephanie

 

Skin Tip: Exfoliate While Adding Hydration!

Using exfoliants that contain lactic acid not only help remove dull, flaky skin but in the long term, they also provide added moisturizing properties that makes this perfect to use in colder weather.  Always follow up with SPF and use them 2-3 times per week or as otherwise directed.

*Side note: If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll see I decided on purchasing the Real Techniques blush brush to replace my MAC one.  Thank you all so much for your help!  I appreciate all the suggestions! Be on the lookout for a review soon.

Have a safe and warm weekend and as always, I’m here for any questions you guys have. 🙂

Stephanie