Tag Archive for: Anti-Aging

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Spring Resolutions: solutions to internal + external skin issues



Internal

The Bummer: Breakouts + Irritation

Say goodbye to sugar, it is NOT your friend. Sugar is addictive and present in almost everything! Pay attention to your daily sugar intake. Even that ‘healthy’ green juice you’re drinking may have extra sugar.

Idea!

Dairy intake not only affects the digestive system but also the skin. Try quitting dairy for a month and see how your skin glows brighter.

The Bummer: Dehydration

Watch alcohol intake. Alcohol has dreadful and hazardous effects on the body and skin. Alcohol dehydrates eyes, skin and inside of the body. Alcohol has a bad effect on Vitamin A, B3 and Vitamin C, which are all imperative antioxidants for healthy skin and organ function. Alcohol also affects blood sugar levels and can raise blood pressure.

Good eats:

  • Leafy greens
  • All berries
  • Lettuce
  • Raw spinach
  • Tomato sauce
  • Bell peppers
  • Cucumbers
  • Pineapple

The bummers: fine lines, dullness + loss of elasticity

Eating healthy can also reduce pollution effects on the skin and the body. Eating a diet high in anti-oxidant rich foods such as leafy greens and berries and foods high in essential fatty acids (salmon, avocado, almonds) shows on your face as well as internally.

Steer clear of foods that encourage and cause Glycation. The Glycation process, which is basically, sugars (from food and alcohol) breaking down the collagen fibers in the skin and therefore speeding up the aging process. Glycation equals loss of elasticity and collagen, which equals sagging skin. Foods that feed Glycation and cause inflammation in the body and the skin are carbohydrates, fried foods, sugar, fatty meats and alcohol.

External

The Bummer: Breakouts

  • Everyday pollution from industrial soot, car exhaust, the ozone layer, second hand smoke
  • Not washing your face after the gym
  • Not taking off your makeup at night
  • Bad ingredients (Say NO to: PEGS, mineral oil, alcohol, silicone)

Idea:

Exfoliate and detoxify those pores and follow with treating skin with an anti-pollution, anti-oxidant serum. Try our Brightening Elixir!

The bummer: Fine Lines

  • Chronological age- you can help DNA by using targeted skincare products and protecting skin from sun and pollution with SPF and an anti-pollution, anti-oxidant rich serum.
  • Sun damage- Exfoliate, treat with a serum (think Vitamin C, Vitamin B and Ferulic acid) and protect with an SPF.
  • Smoking- just don’t do it! And if you did then follow the steps above to erase the signs. Smoker’s skin is usually dull, gray and showing signs of loss of collagen and elasticity.  Exfoliation followed with a treatment serum can help reverse the damage.

The bummer: Dullness

  • Not exfoliating
  • Dehydration

Idea:

Try our Doctor’s Scrub or Fresh-A-Peel (lactic acid)!

The Bummer: Irritation

  • Overuse of acids and Retinol
  • Incorrect choice of moisturizers

Idea:

Ease up on aggressive acids and treatments. Try a nourishing oil that has brightening effects. Think cold pressed oils full of Omegas fatty acids. 

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Seasonal Hydration and your Skin type

As spring approaches we are teased by up and down temperatures. Every season we discuss how to adjust your skincare regimen and spring can be particularly tricky due to the unstableness of the weather. Hydration is still a major concern during the spring but sunnier, clearer skies lead to more sun damage and pollution.

When discovering how to change your regimen it is important to know your skin type. Below are the most common skin types and a few seasonal changes to try.

Combination Skin

Combination skin simply means there are two or more skin issues occurring at the same time. Combination skin is usually oily in the T-zone (forehead and nose and chin), while other areas are dry and/or flaky. This is a very common skin type. Signs that you have combination skin would be large looking pores, shiny skin and blackheads. The term ‘combination skin’ can also be used when referring to the presence of wrinkles, rosacea, dryness or breakouts that are present in certain areas of the face.

Dr. G says:

“Remember the most important step in a combination skin regimen is exfoliation. Exfoliation helps fight the build up of dead skin cells and bacteria and will help ward off breakouts, excessive oil and large pores.”

Changes to try:

  • Flip-flop your exfoliation products. If you usually use a physical scrub, try an acid peel or wipes and vice versa
  • Use anti-oxidant serums to spot treat the different problem areas of the face. Warmer weather means the skin can withstand more aggressive treatments.

 

Oily Skin

Oily skin types usually display dull or shiny skin, a thick complexion, blackheads, pimples, or other blemishes. Oily skin types are very prone to acne.

Dr. G says

“The good news for oily skin types is that they tend to develop fewer wrinkles as they age.”

 

The best way to take care of oily skin is to exfoliate frequently. Look for AHA cleansers (lactic, glycolic or fruit acids) or a BHA or Salicylic acid (would be most appropriate for acne sufferers). Clay masks can also be very helpful in controlling oil production. There is a misconception that oily skin doesn’t need to moisturize. If the skin is very oily an oil free moisturizer will help keep the sheen of the skin down. However facial oils, especially silicone free and dry oils can also be beneficial.

Tips to try:

  • Invest in an oil free SPF
  • Reintroduce an oil free moisturizer during warmer months (especially if you live in humid climate)
  • Try a clarifying mask-look for soothing ad detoxifying ingredients Camphor and Sulfur

 

Dry Skin

Dry skin types can be defined as skin that itches, has scaling, redness or dry patches. Dry skin types may also just feel tight, itchy and lacking in hydration. During the spring, dry skin can still feel in need of extra hydration. Introducing a multi-tasking oil to your daily regimen can be beneficial. Look for oils that hydrate and brighten, which are good for coming out of the dead of winter and targeting dull skin.

Dr. G says:

“Eating a diet high in omega fatty acids and hydrating fruits will help internally to battle dry skin.”

Tips to try

  • Place a small humidifier near the bed while sleeping
  • Only exfoliate 1-2 times per week
  • Try a creamy cleanser

 

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The Eye Notes part 1

During the month of February we are going to take a deeper look (no pun intended) at the eye area and why it often shows the first signs of age. Below are the common complaints and issues everyone struggles with, how to prevent and battle them. Take a look…

Image via About Style

Puffiness

What causes it?

The skin of the eye region is much thinner and more delicate than facial skin and contains less collagen to begin with. Thinner skin is more prone to filling easier with fluid, thus causing puffiness. As we age so do the muscles of the eye regions. The muscles in the eyelids will begin to sag from normal aging and gravity and may appear hooded, adding to the puffy appearance of the eye.

Solutions:

Use anti-inflammatory ingredients such as caffeine, Red Tea, oatmeal, caffeine, and cucumber. Try and eat a diet low in salt and sleep with your head slightly elevated to ward off edema.

Dark circles

What they are?

The break down of the fibrous network composed of proteins, elastin, and collagen, resulting in thinner skin in the eye region as you age. Facial expressions like laughing, frowning or rubbing further contribute to the destruction of the skin proteins and stimulate the formation of wrinkles (crow’s feet), dark circles, and bags under the eyes. Dark circles usually mean there is lack of microcirculation.

What causes them?

Dark circles can be hereditary, from allergies and rubbing the eye area. Dehydration and lack of sleep can sometimes cause them as well.

Solutions/prevention:

Retinoids (Vitamin A), brightening ingredients such as Vitamin B, Vitamin K, Arnica, Soy and Rice Bran Peptides. Riboflavin and protein heavy ingredients such as Quinoa can help tremendously.

Under eye wrinkles

What causes them?

Facial expressions like laughing, frowning or rubbing further contribute to the destruction of the skin proteins and stimulate the formation of wrinkles (crow’s feet).

Solutions?

Always wear protective eyewear/sunglasses when outdoors. Always wear SPF. Try not to pull or stretch that area of the eye, particularly when removing or applying makeup. Hydrate and treat the eye area with Retinoids, Vitamin C and protein rich ingredients such as quinoa extract.

 Crows feet

What causes them?

The natural aging process causes them due to expressions like laughing, smiling and frowning. Facial expressions like laughing, frowning, tugging and rubbing can contribute to the destruction of the skin proteins and stimulate the formation of wrinkles (crow’s feet).

Solutions?

Try to limit the amount of tugging and rubbing on this area. Be particularly careful when applying or removing makeup. Do not over expose this area to sun, always wear sunglasses and a hat along with SPF for protection. Try and get an ample amount of sleep, eat a low salt diet, use topical Retinoids and peptides, Vitamin C and protein-rich ingredients to aid in the rebuilding of the skin. Sleeping on a silk pillowcase may also reduce the tugging of your skin on cotton.

 Crepey + Sagging skin

What causes it?

Not unlike wrinkles, crepey and sagging (a natural part of aging), skin is due to a loss of collagen and protein fiber breakdown. As we age our body produces less collagen thus skin begins to lose elasticity and plumpness and becomes more susceptible to the tug of gravity. Crepey and sagging skin can occur on both the lids and under the eyes.

Solutions?

Try to limit the amount of tugging and rubbing on this area. Be particularly careful when applying or removing makeup. Do not over expose this area to sun, always wear sunglasses and a hat along with SPF for protection. Try and get an ample amount of sleep, eat a low salt diet, use topical Retinoids, Vitamin C and protein rich ingredients to aid in the rebuilding of the skin. Sleeping on a silk pillowcase may also reduce the tugging of your skin on cotton.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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