skin Archives | Page 2 of 3

Reader Question: Is It Good To Let Skin Breathe?

September 24, 2014

Q: There are days I like to let my skin breathe so I don’t apply anything on my face. Is this bad?

A: Great question! First of all, skin doesn’t ‘breathe’. It can absorb topical ingredients but it can’t breathe. If there are days you don’t feel like wearing makeup, don’t. I do this from time to time. However, it’s important to at least put on moisturizer and sunscreen every day. SPF protects from the sun’s harmful UV rays and also helps protect from skin cancer. Also, every skin type benefits from a moisturizer because throughout the day and night we tend to lose moisture and even if you hydrate your body from the inside by drinking water, our skin only receives a tiny portion; this is where topical products are beneficial. If, however, you find yourself wanting to let your skin ‘breathe’ because certain products/makeup clogs your pores, you may be using the wrong ingredients for your skin type. Look for products that are non-comedogenic if you have oily or acne prone skin.

Hope this answers your question and if you are interested in how your skin functions, check out this post I wrote 🙂

What Your Skin Does For You!

Thanks for the question and don’t forget to submit one here if you have one! 🙂

Fall Favorites!

September 11, 2014

With fall practically right around the corner, here’s a couple of my favorite things I look forward to this season.

First on the list: pumpkins! With everything pumpkin flavored or scented abound, one of my favorite pumpkin related items are pumpkin peels. With glowing skin as a trend, a pumpkin peel can be a great way to attain this look-more about this in a future post!

Fall makeup trends! Of course you don’t need to adhere to these trends-makeup is after all a representation of your unique style- but here’s a brief overview of what’s ‘in’, this season.

Eyes: Blue shadow seems to be the dominate color followed by metallic silver, bronze and gold liquid shadows and liners. Liner and lashes take inspiration from the 1960’s (think Twiggy).

Lips: Depending on the look you want to exude, lips can range from shades of burgundy, velvet purple or red. Natural lips were also seen everywhere during Fashion Week.

Cheeks: Stick to natural shades of blush (or even bronzer) to balance out the eyes or lips.

Tea! Although any time is a great for tea, I just love the idea of curling up with a cup of hot tea on a cold night to unwind. Yes, I am obsessed with anything lavender 🙂

TV shows: By far one of my favorite shows, Once Upon A Time! Fairy tale stories, villains and awesome makeup. Other shows I am really looking forward to: Revenge, Bones,and Criminal Minds.

Scents: Season scented soaps to envelop your senses with!

Candles! Always a great way to end a day with while sipping tea.

What’s your favorite aspect of fall?

Camping Guide 101!

June 26, 2014

School is out, summer is here and if you’re like my family, camping trips may soon make their way into your schedule. The outdoors can provide beautiful imagery, new perspectives, fresh air but also has some not so nice perks. Bugs attacking you from every angle or inadvertently providing a feast for neighboring critters is something I can do without. So whether you’re out on the road in an RV or truck/car, here are some suggestions on what to pack and some tips I learned along the way.

What To Pack

Mini First Aid Kit

Always a great item to have. You can pick up a few at your local dollar store for, well a dollar. Can’t beat that!

SPF Products

You’ll definitely want to take your broad spectrum sunscreen (make sure the cap is sealed tight- I learned this the hard way!), an eye cream with SPF (if you have one), and lip balm with SPF. Sunburn looks good on no one.

Travel Sized Bottles

You can take your cleanser, toner, moisturizer, shampoo, conditioner and bodywash in tiny bottles so you don’t have to lug huge bottles around, and in case they accidentally get left behind, no major loss there.

Unscented Towelettes/Unscented Baby Wipes

In case you don’t have access to a sink to wash your face, you can use these. A trick I used: I spritzed toner into a towelette and used it to remove the sunscreen, dirt and oil that accumulated throughout the day. Plus, they come in handy to wipe down surfaces, sticky/dirty hands, etc.

Mini Antibacterial Soap

Another good product to have when soap might not be readily available.

Medications

Make certain to pack your medication if you take any; there are little tiny plastic containers you can purchase to store them in. You might want to also keep Benadryl on hand in case of allergies and aspirin or ibuprofen. Some camping sites have small stores that provide these items but they tend to hike up the prices a bit.

Bug Repellent

My ‘perfume’ for the trip and a total life saver! There are also ones you can hang outside your tent- sorry bugs, you’ll need to find your victims elsewhere.

Warm Clothes

Regardless if the weather is super hot during the day, keep at least a jacket, an extra pair of socks, and pants to keep warm in case the temperatures decide to drop at night.

Tips

Do be sure to pack away any edible items lest you want to attract unwanted strangers. Trust me, animals can and will find a way to open bags and boxes. Store items in coolers or plastic containers and make sure to secure them.

Activities like hiking or fishing mean long periods of time out in the sun, so make sure to take along your sunscreen to reapply and prevent sunburn. Hats and sunglasses are great to take along too.

Keep hydrated to help control your heart rate and blood pressure as well as regulate your body temperature.

Nothing beats coming back from a day-long activity and firing up the grill to cook a delicious meal. One caveat? If you did get sunburned, the heat generated from the grill can further aggravate an already irritated complexion. Keep some aloe vera gel (and maybe some ibuprofen) handy if this is the case.

Camping or any other outdoor activity is always an adventure from making smores to setting up tents. Enjoy it, stay sun protected and safe, and embrace the experience- you’ll be home in no time.

What do you pack for your outdoor excursions?

Father's Day Skincare Gift Ideas!

June 12, 2014

Men’s skincare is too often overlooked but can make a world of a difference-and a great Father’s Day present! So weather you’re still looking for gift options or you’re a guy who wants to step up his skin health, take a glance at some of the options below!

$52; sephora.com; getjackblack.com

Jack Black Core Collection

I’ve purchased and gifted this set several times and it always seems to be a crowd-pleaser. This trio includes a facial cleanser, shaving lotion and face moisturizer with broad spectrum SPF 20. It’s fragrance and alcohol free and perfect for men who want a simplified routine.

$38, ulta.com

Dermalogica Shave System

This shaving kit includes two shaving creams (Pre-Shave Guard and Soothing Shave Cream) which can be used alone or together to help soften the beard. Other items included in this kit are Daily Clean Scrub, an exfoliating cleanser which helps minimize ingrown hairs; Post-Shave Balm, which helps control oil and reduces redness that can occur after shaving; and Daily Defense Block SPF 15 is a matte sunscreen.

$22, dermstore.com/ PCA Skin Representative

PCA Skin Total Face Wash Face & Body Cleanser

A 2-in-1 product for men on the go! This gentle foaming cleanser is formulated with lactic acid to exfoliate, moisturize, and help prevent ingrown hairs and also doubles as a body wash in one easy step. Antioxidant vitamin E improves the barrier function of the skin; soothing aloe, allantoin, and bisabolol help to calm skin; and tea tree oil provides antiseptic properties.

$48, sephora.com; $56 ulta.com

Anthony Logistics For Men The Essential Traveler Kit

This kit features an array of products that are perfect for those who travel or for those who want to get a feel for the products. The Glycolic Facial Cleanser exfoliates and loosens dead skin cells to achieve a closer shave; the Shave Cream calms the skin and includes anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects; All Purpose Facial Moisturizer contains antioxidants vitamin C to brighten skin and vitamin E to help nourish skin; Invigorating Rush Hair + Body Wash incorporates Pro Vitamin B5 which promotes tissue healing in skin and helps to retain moisture ; Advanced Formula Lip Balm SPF 25 Mint and White Tea soothes, protects and conditions lips.

$20, sephora.com; theartofshaving.com

The Art Of Shaving Alum Block- Unscented

If you’re prone to nicks and cuts, this may be a product to check out. The alum block helps stop bleeding from minor cuts and delivers antiseptic properties.

Have you tried any of these products? What did you think of them?

I am always looking for and researching new lines so if you have a skincare line you use and love, do share!

Can Fat Help Dry Skin?

May 27, 2014

The dreaded F-word: fat.

Although many think fat-free is the way to go, if you find that not even topical ingredients help your dry skin, take a look at your diet. While fats are given a negative connotation, they are a crucial component of good health as it helps your body retain heat, lubricates the skin and assists in absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K.

Not All Fats Are Created Equal

So does this mean you can overly indulge in french fries? Wishful thinking, but no. Fried foods don’t make the cut. However, the benefits you’ll reap from the good fats just may outweigh this notion and allow for the occasional treat.

Enter essential fatty acids (EFAs). EFAs are acids the body can’t manufacture on its own and therefore need to be obtained through our diet. EFAs are necessary for brain and body development, metabolism, and hair and skin growth. At a cellular level, EFAs are important because cell membranes hold water in, and the stronger they are, the better your skin cells can retain that moisture. A deficiency in EFAs can result in dermatitis (eczema), reduced barrier function, scaly skin and increased moisture loss.

EFA Types: Omega-3 and Omega-6.

Linoleic acid is an omega-6 that is used to make important hormones and maintains the lipid barrier of the skin. Linoleic acid is found in oils made from safflower, grapeseed, sunflower, corn, soybean, borage and flaxseed but is also found in raw nuts, seeds and legumes. *It’s important to note that high amounts of omega-6 can promote inflammation, so low amounts are key. The typical American diet has an excess of omega-6.

Alpha-linolenic acid is an omega-3 that is a popular nutrient for healthy skin and reduces inflammation. The Mediterranean diet is high in omega-3. Sources of omega-3 rich foods include salmon, mackerel, tuna, herring, trout, cod, fish oil, walnuts, flax, pumpkin seeds and algae.

Dry skin, for the most part can be reversed with topical and ingested supplementation. 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.

Do you notice a difference in your skin with certain foods you eat or don’t eat? Do share!

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.

How Well Do You Know Your ABCs?

May 20, 2014

May is Skin Cancer Awareness month. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, “skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States…[and] over the past three decades, more people have had skin cancer than all other cancers combined.” Since Ultraviolet Radiation (UVR) is responsible for 90% of all skin cancers, taking preventative measures decreases your risk factor for this potentially deadly disease. Here’s what skin cancer is, the different types, what to look out for and guidelines to prevent it.

About Skin Cancer

Skin cancer happens when DNA becomes irreversibly damaged, giving way to the growth of abnormal skin cells that are capable of invading and destroying surrounding normal skin cells and tissues. When the damaged cells multiply, a visible tumor is typically formed.

The difference between a benign tumor and a malignant tumor is that benign tumors are non cancerous, they won’t usually grow back when removed, and the cells do not invade the surrounding tissue, whereas malignant tumors are cancerous, can grow back after they have been removed, and they invade tissues, organs and metastasize (invades surrounding tissue).

Types of Skin Cancer

Melamoma

Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer because of its ability to metastasize and spread to lymph nodes, blood, distant tissues and organ systems. If it is detected and treated early, it is almost always curable, but if it’s left untreated, it can often be fatal.

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

This is the most common form of skin cancer in the U.S. It can manifest itself like open sores, red patches, pink growths, shiny bumps or scars, or a brown or black lesion that could be mistaken for a mole. Considered to be the most benign form of skin cancer as it grows the slowest and is the least likely to metastasize, removal can lead to scarring or disfiguring.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

Squamous Cell Carcinoma chiefly affects the superficial layers of the epidermis (top layer of the skin). This type of skin cancer is characterized by a red, rough or flaky appearance and causes the skin to thicken. It is most common in areas frequently exposed to the sun, such as the rim of the ear, lower lip, face, bald scalp, neck, hands, arms and legs. 97% of SCC does not spread, however if metastasis occurs, scarring, disfigurement or death is probable.

Actinic Keratosis (AK)

Actinic keratosis can be a precursor to skin cancer that if left untreated, can develop into SCCs. The appearance of AK is rough and scaly, and they can be tan, red, pink or flesh-colored. Studies have shown that 60% of squamous cell carcinomas began as actinic keratosis.

ABCDEs of Melanoma

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.

Prevention Guidelines

Use broad spectrum sunscreen every day (SPF 15 or higher) and reapply every 2 hours or so, especially when outside
Seek shade, if possible, between 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Do not burn
Avoid UV tanning and UV tanning booths
Wear protective clothing, hats and sunglasses
Conduct yearly exams with a dermatologist and self-exam

I hope this post was helpful and remember: when in doubt, have it checked out! It’s better to be safe than putting your life in jeopardy.

What's Your Type?

May 8, 2014

Our skin types are genetically determined. However, to the joy of some and the dismay of others, they can change over time, or you can have a combination of several all at once. Dry skin and a few breakouts here and there? Yup. As weird as it sounds, it can happen.

Do you know your skin type(s) or do you just recall what someone once told you your skin type was and have clung to that notion ever since?

Here are six common skin types and their characteristics to help you determine-or at least give you an idea of- of what would be beneficial to your skin.

Normal

Normal skin (oh the lucky ones!) has a good oil-water balance and is soft and plump. It has a healthy glow and color, with fine texture, small pores and no congestion . Maintenance and preventative care are your main goals.

Combination

I personally fall into this category and let me tell you, it can be gosh darn frustrating. Combination skin is characterized by an oily T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) while the cheeks tend to be on the dry side, causing a flaky appearance. The goal is to control areas prone to oiliness while moisturizing areas that are dry, and to keep skin well exfoliated to help combat breakouts and dryness.

Oily

Oily skin is characterized by an all over greasy shine, visible pores, coarser skin texture (akin to that of an orange), little wrinkling (silver lining, no?), blackheads/whiteheads, breakouts. Controlling sebum production, and clearing out the pores is key. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin are good at providing hydration.

Acne

Not just for teenagers anymore as the number of adult acne is rising. Symptoms range from blackheads/whiteheads, breakouts, painful cysts, inflammation and sensitivity . Causes of acne can be genetic or a hormonal imbalance. Deep cleansing facials, proper home regimen and soothing the skin are goals. Avoid excessive or harsh cleansers as it can make acne worse.

Dry

If the Sahara desert would be envious, then you probably have dry skin. Where oily skin produces a mass amount of oil, dry skin doesn’t produce enough. Visible dryness, small pores, tightness,and a propensity to wrinkles are indicators of dry skin. Cleansing creams or milky cleansers are ideal as they don’t strip the skin while ingredients like shea butter or borage seed oil are great moisturizers.

Sensitive

Sensitive skin is identified by fragile, thin, red skin that has an impaired barrier function and more reactive capillaries. It’s easily irritated by products (even sometime water) and exposure to heat and sun. Avoid excessive rubbing, heat, exfoliation, or extractions. Use calming, soothing ingredients like aloe vera, panthenol (pro-vitamin B-5), bisabolol, and niacinamide.

Has your skin type been consistent or has it undergone major changes throughout the years?

Why Squeaky Clean Can Be Mean

May 6, 2014

At some point, whether it be morning, mid-afternoon, or evening- perhaps even all three- we walk ourselves over to the sink or shower to cleanse our face. The accumulation of sebum, dirt and environmental pollution can leave our skin feeling grimy and we think that tight, squeaky clean feeling after cleansing means we have gotten rid of it all. Often, the choice of said cleansing is soap, and well, why not? It’s convenient, fairly inexpensive, and if it’s tough enough to remove oil and dirt from our body, hey, why not extend its use to our face, right?

Wrong!

Aside from removing debris and oil, soap tends to remove the fats between the skin cells known as intercellular lipids. Our skin has what’s know as an internal cellular matrix,which is the lipid (fat) substance between cells that protect the cells from water loss and irritation. Excessive removal of these lipids results in dry skin and skin disease.

Take a quick trip back to your chemistry class by glancing at pH (potential hydrogen) scale below.

The pH scale measures the acidity or alkalinity of any substance that contains water and extends from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Anything below 7 is considered acidic and anything above 7 is alkaline. Soap also has a high pH level, 9-11, while the natural pH of skin can range from 4-6. Since sebum and sweat create a barrier on the skin’s surface known as the acid mantle, this protects against certain forms of bacteria and other microorganisms. Extreme variations in pH can damage the skin’s barrier functions and cause sensitivity, aging, dehydration, and can worsen skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Also, highly alkaline solutions can form an insoluble film, leaving skin feeling dry, irritated and itchy.

Considering the information above and knowing the skin on our face is a lot more delicate than the skin on our body, using facial cleansers that are soap-free or pH balanced are best.

I hope this post was helpful in explaining why using soap to cleanse the face isn’t an ideal option.

Have a great Tuesday!

What the Milia?

April 24, 2014

If you’ve ever examined your skin and noticed tiny, white hard bumps that resemble sesame seeds, most likely you have a skin anomaly known as milia. No need to panic though. Milia aren’t harmful, they’re just more of a complexion nuisance, and boy, are they stubborn!

Milia are usually found around the eyes, cheeks, and forehead and occur when oil, debris and dead skin cells become trapped beneath the surface of the skin. Although they resemble whiteheads, milia won’t go away easily because they don’t have an escape route, meaning they’re not in the pores but rather ‘stuck’ under the outer layer of your skin. Therefore, trying to extract them yourself is NOT recommended since you can damage surrounding tissue and cause scarring.

So what options are available?

First, let’s examine the common culprits. Milia can be genetic and can also be caused by using too-rich ingredients such as mineral oil, lanolin, and isopropyl myristate. If milia are prevalent around the eye area, make sure your eye cream and/or makeup remover is free from these ingredients.

Now, on to the treatment. Thoroughly cleansing your face at night (read: more than just splashing your face with water) can help keep them from forming. Mild exfoliation (enzymes are great for this!) and using a serum or cream with either hydroxy acids (lactic, glycolic, or salicylic) or retinol can also help. If this solution doesn’t work (and frustratingly, it often doesn’t) or you want faster results, visit a dermatologist or esthetician where they can remove milia with a lancet.

Do you have milia? What treatment worked best for you?

What Your Skin Does For You!

April 17, 2014

For the most part, I write about skin and how to take care of it. Investing time in a skincare routine, along with adopting healthy lifestyle choices, leads to skin health, enhanced appearance, protection from skin cancer, and prevention from premature aging.

However, have you ever stopped and wondered what your skin does for you?

Confession: Before esthetic school, skin to me was just…well…skin. I knew it encased our organs, protecting them from falling out and responded to sensation but my knowledge about the subject was limited. So what did I learn?

Skin, also known as the integumentary system, is the largest organ in the body and has six primary functions: sensation, protection, heat regulation, excretion, absorption and secretion.

Sensation: Our skin contains sensory nerve endings that respond to touch, pain, colds, heat and pressure. These nerve endings detect stimuli, sending messages to the brain to react as a protective defense mechanism or to react in a positive manner.

Protection: Skin is a thin but strong protective barrier to outside elements and microorganisms. Sebum (oil), lipids (fat), sweat and water make up what is known as the acid mantle. The acid mantle has a pH of about 5.5 and this acidic level protects us from pathogens, irritation, and from the skin drying out.

The most fascinating aspect of skin is its ability to repair itself when injured, protecting the body from infection and damage from injury.

Heat Regulation: The body’s internal thermostat is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Sweat glands release heat from the body through perspiration to keep us from overheating. Through evaporation on the skin’s surface, the body is able to cool itself. To protect ourselves from the cold, our blood vessels constrict and decrease the blood flow. The body’s fat layers help to keep the body warm.

Excretion: Sweat glands excrete perspiration and help detoxify the body by ridding it of excess water, salt and unwanted chemicals.

Secretion: Sebum (oil) protects the surface of the skin and lubricates both skin and hair. It’s responsible for keeping skin soft, protecting from outside elements, slowing down the skin’s evaporation of water, and maintaining water levels in the cells.

Absorption: Absorption of water, oxygen, and ingredients are essential for skin health. Select topical products help keep skin moisturized, nourished and protected.

So there you have it. A tiny, simplified glimpse of what your skin does, regardless if you take care of it or not.

Showing it some consideration and TLC a few minutes a day does not seem that like that much work after all, does it?

Happy Thursday!