Tag Archive for: dry skin

Dry/Arid/Desert Climate

Dry and arid desert climates consistently get ranked amongst the worst to live in for the condition of one’s skin. In addition to lifestyle choices like, wearing a hat, sunglasses and sun protective clothing, proper skincare regimen is highly effective in protecting against the issues that arise from this type of environment.

The Issues:

Dry climates dehydrate skin and can invite early onset of wrinkles. With intense sun and high heat, the skin has nowhere to hide. The more sun exposure you have, the more damage you’re doing to your skin. Replenishing hydration and sun protection is extremely important in this type of climate.

The Solutions:

Chose an exfoliation product that targets dead skin cell removal, sun damage and hyper pigmentation. Chemical exfoliators and enzymatic peels target all. Look for Lactic acid (found in Fresh A Peel) as the main active as it actually draws moisture to the surface of the skin, thus preventing additional dehydration and dryness.

Because skin is so prone to dryness in these types of environments, Dr. Goldfaden recommends using anti-aging serums and super hydrating moisturizer. Ingredients such as CoQ10, Alpha Lipoic Acid, and Retinol keep skin tone tight and toned, while African botanic oils, Baobob, Kalahari and Mongongo deliver Omega fatty acids for extreme hydration.

Always protect the face and body with sunscreen 30 SPF or higher. The sun can be very intense in these types of climate, so sun protection is imperative.

 

by

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

by

Get control of winter skin

Winter is here and as temperatures and humidity levels drop, it is important to have your winter regimen in place. Whether you live in a freezing cold climate or a mild balmy one, skin needs more hydration during the winter months. With just a few minor adjustments and additions you will be able to ensure a dewy, glowing complexion all winter long.

Winter truths

  • Humidity levels drop during the winter
  • Hot showers dry skin out
  • Covering your face with a scarf will protect against environmental elements (wind, snow, sun)
  • Oil is a friend to your skin
  • Hydration after bathing is imperative for soft, healthy skin
  • Switching your regimen up is a good thing

Ideas to try

At home or office

Invest in a humidifier. Humidity levels drop during the winter months, thus drying out skin, eyes and hair. Add in artificial heat and you’re doomed. By adding humidity back into the air, you can reverse some of the damage. Cool vapor is the best bet to not only feeling better but looking better too. We recommend leaving it on all the time so that your home maintains an even level of humidity, but if that is not possible, at least sleep with it on!

What to drink

Staying hydrated from the inside out is also crucial. Make sure to increase your liquid ingestion during the winter. Think teas, juices, water and healthy soups.

NO hot showers 

Try to take warm showers instead of steamy hot ones. If you’re thinking a hot shower will feel good after a brutally cold day, a good trick is to turn the shower on very hot and let the bathroom steam up. Then step inside the bathroom and get warm. Then turn the shower back down to a warm temperature. Hot water will dry skin out more.

Post shower

Always apply moisturizer to damp skin. Post bath or shower; try moisturizing your skin while still damp. This allows the skin to capture and seal in moisture.

Switch up your regimen

Take a look at your cleansing and exfoliation regimen. If you’re an exfoliation junkie particularly with physical scrubs, decrease the frequency of use during the winter. Instead try a chemical exfoliator once a week, like Fresh-A-Peel, a favorite of Dr. Oz! On the other days, try introducing a creamy, milk based cleanser like First Aid Beauty or a gentle oil cleaner like Tatcha.

Try trading your Retinol product for our NEW Brightening Elixir, a medley of super charged ingredients to attack pollution and provide superior anti – oxidant protection. Ferulic Acid, which increases the blood flow of superficial tissues, Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), which reduces the appearance of brown spots and boosts collagen production while reducing inflammation. Vitamin B, which increases the production of ceramides and fatty acids (two important components of the skin’s outer protective barrier and Vitamin E, which increases overall hydration to the skin while aiding in healing.

Try adding oil into your winter regimen to get extra hydration and protection. Look for cold pressed, pure oils, such as Baobob, Kalahari, Mongogo and Marula, which all contain Vitamin A, C, E and essential fatty acids and omegas. Our Fleuressence Native Botanical Oil offers all these and more.

If hydrating luxurious creams are more your style, try our Plant Profusion Regenerative Night Cream. This rich cream provides hydration and anti-oxidants that nourish, rejuvenate and plump the skin.

Don’t forget your lips

Chapped lips are a serious issue during the winter for many people. As with your winter skincare regimen, the lips need a winter plan too. Did you know that the lips are the driest place on the body? Lips have no sebaceous glands and zero sweat glands. Here are a few tips to get ahead of the game.

  1. Sleep with a humidifier on as this adds humidity to the air (hydration)!
  2. Exfoliate the lips. Try our favorite Bite Beauty’s Whipped Cherry Lip Scrub. A delicious lip mousse that conditions, fights free radicals and exfoliates by utilizing Resveratrol, Fruit acids and Rice Bran. Do not exfoliate chapped lips.
  3. Wear SPF on the lips even during the winter. UV rays are still prevalent during the winter months.
  4. Do not lick or bite your lips.
  5. Stay hydrated. Humidity drops during the winter so drink fluids and lots of water.
  6. Cover Up! If it’s windy or cold wear a scarf around your mouth and nose area.

Happy hydrated winter!

by