skin Archives | Page 3 of 3

Is Exercise Wreaking Havoc on Your Skin?

April 8, 2014

The advantages of exercise are numerous. It increases endorphins, elevates your mood, decreases your risk for disease, controls your weight, focuses your mind, reduces stress, and keeps you healthy and strong.

Beauty bonus: As your heart rate increase, it sends oxygen to your skin and creates a healthy glow.

Pretty great benefits if you ask me. But what happens when you start developing a host of other issues? Dry skin. Sudden breakouts. The dreaded bacne. Not really what you signed up for, is it?

Instead of throwing in the towel, a few adjustments to your skincare routine can make a huge difference.

Here are some guidelines and factors to keep in mind before and after your workout.

Wear sunscreen! Use a broad spectrum SPF of at least 30 and reapply frequently when sweating or swimming, especially when outdoors.

Exercising makes your skin lose moisture so wear a light-weight moisturizer.

If possible, immediately wash your face and body after working out. Alcohol-free towelettes or makeup remover wipes can work to remove sweat and dirt if you can’t wash your face.

If your skin feels dry after cleansing (meaning no oil), try switching to a cream based cleanser. Adding a hydrating mask 2-3 times per week can help.

Combination/ Oily skin can use a gel or foam wash. If you are prone to breakouts, choose a cleanser with acne fighting ingredients- tea tree, sulfur, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and/ or papain (papaya enzymes) are a few ingredients to look for. Using a clay based mask up to 3 times per week can help control sebum and draw out impurities.

Tight-fighting workout clothes sweat and friction can lead to breakouts on your body, especially your back. Adding breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics and showering right after you workout can help. If you’re prone to breakouts on your back, use a salicylic acid body wash, gently exfoliate with a scrub, and spot treat.

Excessive sweating and heat can cause flare ups if you have eczema– something to keep in mind.

I hope this post was helpful!

Feel free to leave a question or comment.

Product Review! Renee Rouleau Luxe Mint Cleansing Gel!

March 12, 2014

Ah, Wednesday. With the spring forward time change, I’ve been having some trouble adjusting. In times like these, I turn to a great “pick me up” product.

Renee Rouleau’s Luxe Mint Cleansing Gel is a morning caffeine fix, but for your skin! The invigorating blend of peppermint, rosemary leaf, and spearmint leaf oils instantly wake up your senses and complexion- perfect for days when you need a refreshing boost to start your day. This light-foaming gel, geared towards oily/combination skin types, glides easily onto wet skin and rinses clean, without leaving skin feeling tight or over-stripped.

Pros

Deep cleans

Gel formula gets rid of oil without being harsh

Perks up the complexion

Comes in an 8 oz bottle- $35.50

For those concerned about these ingredients, it’s formulated without parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, synthetic dyes, gluten or sulfates

Cons

Peppermint can irritate some individuals

Not recommended for those severe redness or rosacea

Sold only online or in Renee Rouleau’s Spas located in Dallas and Plano, Texas

Not suitable to remove eye/waterproof makeup

Overall: I think it’s a great cleanser for those mornings I need an extra pick me up, need to feel energized before a morning gym session or for a refreshing, cool feeling on a hot day

What’s your favorite “pick me up” product?

To Shea!

March 10, 2014

Suffering from eczema, psoriasis or dry skin?

Here is one topical ingredient that can improve and relieve symptoms associated with these skin conditions.

Who: Butyrospermum Parkii, or shea butter

What skin types/conditions it can help: Dry, aging, eczema and psoriasis

Where it comes from: The nut of the karite tree which grows in Africa

Why it’s important: Rich in vitamins A and E (antioxidants) and vitamin F (an Essential Fatty Acid known as linoleic acid), shea butter protects the skin from free radicals, helps minimize the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and is a great emollient. It also has soothing and nourishing properties

How it helps with dry, aging, eczema and psoriasis: Emollients maintain soft, smooth, pliable skin; remain on skin surface to act as a lubricant; reduce flaking; and improve appearance. The soothing and nourishing aspects help repair the skin barrier. Linoleic acid in skin care helps provide anti-inflammatory, moisturizing and healing support.

ACE Skin Health!

February 24, 2014

The adage, “You are what you eat,” holds true, especially when it comes to our skin. Afterall, our skin is a mirror that reflects what is going on internally as well as externally in our bodies. Proper nutrition is not only vital in keeping us functioning properly but it also helps us radiate beauty from the inside out.

There are 13 essential vitamins that are needed for the body to function, which include vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, and vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12. Vitamins are grouped into two categories: fat-soluble and water-soluble. Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) are stored in the body’s fatty tissue and can lead to toxicity if consumed in high amounts. Water-soluble vitamins are used by the body right away, and any left over water-soluble vitamins leave the body through the urine.

In regards to topical application, vitamins absorb into the skin like a sponge. Vitamins A, C, and E seem to have garnered the most interest from skincare companies to makeup lines. How many times have you seen that ‘X’ product now contains vitamin C to help brighten skin and help combat hyperpigmentation? Even when taking vitamin supplements, you can’t help but notice the various beauty benefits purported on the labels.

So what makes ACE important in the skin care realm and overall health?

Stay tuned this week to learn the individual beauty benefits of this triad!

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.

Got Cream In Your Cleanser?

February 17, 2014

Cream based cleansers allow the skin to maintain its natural protective barrier and lipids, making them perfect for normal to dry skin types. During winter, they can also be beneficial for combination skin if your regular cleanser leaves skin feeling dry and tight. When choosing these types of cleansers, look for words like ‘cream’ or ‘milky’ in the name.

My personal favorites: Monarach Beauty Herbal Milky Cleanser and Dermalogica Essential Cleansing Solution.