Essential oils are great in aiding relaxation or giving you an energy boost. However, if you’re pregnant, consult your physician if you are planning on using them as their small molecular structure allows them to be absorbed into your bloodstream and may cause problems.
Have a good weekend and I’ll see you next week,
Stephanie
Hi readers! Anyone else excited that it is Thursday? 🙂
Someone recently asked me about what they can do regarding sun spots. What is commonly referred to as sun spots or age spots is hyperpigmentation. Simplified, hyperpigmentation is caused by an overproduction of melanin (brown pigment that gives skin color) that causes the darkening of the skin. Below are causes of hyperpigmentation along with possible treatments.
Causes of Hyperpigmentation
Treatment Options
Remember that these are guidelines and the treatment option that will work best for you depends on a consultation with a skincare professional/dermatologist.
I hope this was helpful. 🙂
Thanks for reading,
Stephanie
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
Hello readers! It’s a lovely day here in sunny California which is always great but I’m feeling under the weather. At the beginning of the year, I always manage to get sick and though I thought I had broken this spell, I’m sadly mistaken. 🙁 Anywho, I hope all of you are doing well.
I often get asked what my morning skincare routine so here it is. Since I am often testing and trying new items, the product lines I use vary but the gist of my routine is the same.
1) Cleansing– Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel I used this when I was in school and I really liked it so I pick one up every so often when I go to IDI (Dermalogica Headquarters). It’s a basic, soap free cleansing solution that foams but doesn’t feel harsh.
2) Toning– Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner Again, another product I used in school that I liked, I spritz this toner to wipe away any residue left after cleansing- you’d be surprised by what’s left behind after you cleanse! It’s refreshing, doesn’t sting and has the humectant Sodium PCA.
3) Serum– Renee Rouleau Vitamin C & E Treatment I always make sure to incorporate a vitamin C serum in the morning. It gives your skin antioxidants to fight free-radicals, results in a reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, promotes the formation of collagen and can also reduce pigmentation due to its brightening properties. (For more information on vitamin C, click here.) Paired underneath sunscreen, it gives your skin extra antioxidant protection your skin needs from the sun’s harmful rays, which plays a prominent role in the breakdown of collagen. This serum is one of the more hydrating vitamin C serums I have tried and I love the fact that it incorporates vitamin E, which nourishes the skin and enhances the effects of vitamin C. (For more information on vitamin E, click here). Apply to the face and extend to the neck and chest area.
4) Moisturizer/Sunscreen– Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50 A staple in any skincare routine is sunscreen! I’ve purchased this product several times because it combines moisturizer and sunscreen in 1- a true time saver. It’s light-weight, works well underneath makeup and is formulated with antioxidant white tea.
5) Eye Cream– Renee Rouleau Total Eye Repair Cream Using an eye cream is a must to hydrate the eye area, especially during the colder months, to minimize the appearance of wrinkles. This one contains hyaluronic acid and firming peptides. It does not irritate my eyes, which some eye creams tend to do, and absorbs quickly into skin leaving it moisturized without a heavy feel. As for the firming effect, my eye area isn’t lax so I did not notice a difference in this aspect.
Disclaimer: The Renee Rouleau products were recommended and given to me by Renee (thank you!), however, ALL reviews are based on my own honest opinions and experiences.
I hope you found this helpful on how I keep my skin healthy and protected! 🙂
Have a great Tuesday,
Stephanie
Peptides! Retinol! Alpha hydroxy acids!
These are all fantastic ingredients in skincare but do you need them all once? Not necessarily. In fact, using products with too many active ingredients all at once can result in irritated skin. Always introduce these products slowly into your skincare regimen, use small amounts and follow your esthetician’s/docotor’s protocol on how to use them. And, if you happen to experience product overload, stick to a basic routine: basic cleanser, basic toner and moisturizer until your symptoms subside.
Thanks for reading and have a wonderful weekend,
Stephanie
It’s Friday readers which means my weekly skin tip. 🙂
Once you find the right products for your skin, you’re half-way to achieving healthy skin. However, you need to establish a consistent routine to maintain your results. Think of it in terms of a workout routine -sticking to it long term will yield results.
See you next week,
Stephanie
Hello readers! 🙂
We’re pretty much all familiar with the term dehydration. Dehydration occurs when your body does not have as much water and fluids as it should but did you know that the same concept applies to your skin? If your skin has ever felt dry or taut, you may be experiencing dehydration. It’s important to note that dehydration can occur on all skin types (yes, even oily).
The difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin is that dry skin lacks oil while dehydrated skin lacks water. (To learn more about skin types click here)
Appearance
Dehydration can be characterized by:
Causes
Skin that is dehydrated can be caused by:
Treatment
Keep in mind all the possible causes and adjust accordingly. (FYI: For dietary concerns ALWAYS consult a medical professional and/or registered dietitian before implementing any changes in your diet to verify there are no contraindications with certain medical conditions or medications.)
Also, maintaining a skin care routine appropriate for your skin type that includes humectants (water attracting ingredients) such as glycerin, sodium PCA, sorbitol and hyaluronic acid.
Click here for product recommendations, including those with oily skin.
I hope this information was helpful and as always if you have any questions/concerns, feel free to ask me. 🙂
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.
When you have oily skin that’s feeling a little bit dry and tight, switching to a heavier moisturizer results in hydration but at the same time can also make you breakout. Mixing a few drops of a hydrating serum formulated with hyaluronic acid into your moisturizer increases your skin’s water content (something all skin types can benefit from), adding moisture without the heaviness of an oil.
My favorite to use is Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster but brands like Kate Somerville, PCA Skin, Renee Rouleau and Dr. Dennis Gross carry similar products.
Thanks for tuning in and I’ll see you next week,
Stephanie
Most people’s resolutions at the beginning of the year are to eat healthier. If you need an extra incentive to eat less processed and sugary foods, consider this. A diet high in sugar accelerates the aging process and can result in inflammation, puffiness and loss of skin radiance.
Have a lovely weekend,
Stephanie
Good morning readers!
Here in SoCal we’ve experienced a drop in temperature, albeit I’m sure everyone else probably laughs at our concept of ‘cold.’ 🙂 Regardless of where you’re located, you may have noticed a change in your skin. Combination skin may start to feel more dry and dry skin may have a lot of flaky patches scattered throughout. Here’s a few tips that will help winter skin woes.
Sun Protection!
If you’ve been following my blog for a while, then you know SPF is an absolute must- rain, shine or snow. Winter doesn’t eliminate the sun’s harmful rays. In fact, even participating in snow activities can produce severe skin damage because snow reflects UV rays. Use an SPF of at least 30 and if you need help deciding which sunscreen is best for you click here. Don’t forget lips need SPF too!
Moisturize!
All skin types can benefit from a moisturizer. Skin has a higher propensity to loose more water during colder months causing the skin to become dry. Switching to cream based cleansers and heavier moisturizers with argan or shea butter can be great remedies for dry skin. Humectants such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid are also great in that they attract and retain moisture levels within the skin.
Diet!
Studies have shown a connection between dry skin and essential fatty acids (EFAs). Incorporating good sources of EFAs, such as salmon, avocado or almonds can help. (Click here for more information on EFAs). However, ALWAYS consult a medical professional and/or registered dietitian before implementing any changes in your diet to verify there are no contraindications with certain medical conditions or medications.
Avoid Hot Showers!
Although a long, hot shower may sound like the perfect solution to end (or start) a day, hot water can damage the skin barrier. A damaged skin barrier is more susceptible to increased sensitivity, inflammation, dryness and an aged appearance. Keep showers short and warm.
Exfoliate!
Exfoliating gets rid of dead skin cells that can accumulate on the skin, causing a dull and flaky appearance. Scrubs with jojoba beads are a good at home option while chemical peels containing lactic acid are excellent professional treatments;sensitive skin may benefit from gentle enzyme peels. However, if your skin is cracked, hold off on exfoliating as you can further aggravate your skin. Focus on hydrating and repairing the skin barrier and consult a dermatologist and/or esthetician for further guidance.
How do you switch up your skincare routine when colder weather sets in?
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.