Tag Archive for: hydration

Are you red in the face? The culprits that generally cause facial redness especially during the summer can be annoying but are possible to manage and/or even avoid. Certain topical skincare products as well as warm temperatures, exercising outdoors, certain foods and drinks can encourage facial redness. Dr. G breaks down the culprits with tips and tricks to try this summer.


Exercise induced redness:

  • Occurs when the small capillaries widen to send more oxygen to the muscles
  • Facial redness generally affects those with fair skin more than others
  • Occurs due to the body temperature rising as extra blood rushes to the surface of the skin as a result of working hard

Solutions:

  • Try running indoor at the gym with the AC on
  • Take a cold shower post workout. Not only does cold-water help with redness it cools your body down fast
  • Keep a cold bottle of water and towel with you and use as a compress

Product induced redness:

  • Retinol is a necessary powerhouse but absolutely has side effects. Vitamin A (the ingredient that makes up Retinol) can cause redness, dryness and sun sensitivity
  • If you want to stay on your Retinol regimen, cut back on the number of days you use these types of products
  • ALWAYS wear an SPF + HAT
  • Limit acids, Glycolic, and aggressive exfoliators (go gentle on the scrubbing)

Alcohol + Food induced redness:

  • All alcohol can cause facial redness but wine tends to be the worst due to sulfites, tannins and histamines. * try mixing in a sparkling water or skip the alcohol all together
  • Caffeine (especially if you have Rosacea) but the heat of the coffee may add insult to injury of already redness prone skin
  • Spicy food * Dr. G says “reach for hydrating fruit instead”

Dr. G says increase anti-inflammatory, cooling and soothing ingredients /foods

  • Red Tea (Rooibos)
  • Alpha Lipoic Acid
  • Green Tea
  • Oatmeal
  • Cucumbers

If excessive redness does happen, try applying a cool compress, splashing your face with very cold water, going indoors and allowing your body to cool off. Wearing a little concealer on areas that do tend to get red can help too.

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.

 

Image via stylecaster

Sweat

Claim: Sweating eliminates toxins, alcohol and pollution from your pores.

Fact:  Toxins in the body are broken down by the liver buy levitra canada now and excreted in urine. But if you find saunas relaxing, then bake away—just be aware that all you’re sweating out is water, salt, protein, and nontoxic urea.

Claim: Sweating makes you break out.

Fact: Acne happens when sebum glands become clogged with oil, not sweat. The exception is bacne: A damp sports bra worn too long can push bacteria into the sebum glands, causing zits.

*Sweating (aka exercise) stimulates neurochemical pathways in the brain, resulting in the production of endorphins that act as natural painkillers and boosts overall mood. In addition, working up a sweat stimulates and increases circulation in the body resulting in that post-workout glow. Overall, exercise and working up a sweat is key to keeping inflammation low, increased mood and glow, and controls overall health and wellness. 

Diet

Myth: Drinking a lot of water will keep your skin clear.

Fact: While water is very important for a heathy diet and complexion, it sadly will not stop acne. Acne and breakouts can be caused by all sorts of issues, but are most directly related to hormones and bacteria.

*However, drinking lots of water and staying hydrated will help fine lines and wrinkles appear less pronounced. Skin will look less dull and dry as water also helps to flush salt and pollutants out of the body. Consistent water intake also helps the eyes look clearer.

Fact: Glycation is the main enemy when it comes to the skin and the aging process of the body in general.

*The glycation process, which is basically, sugars (from food and alcohol) breaking down the collagen fibers in the skin, which excels the aging process.

Fact: Foods that feed glycation and cause inflammation in the body and the skin are carbohydrates, fried foods, sugar, fatty meats and alcohol. Limiting the above mentioned triggers and increasing intake of vegetables and fruits high in anti-oxidants and essential fats will keep skin glowing and clear.

Exfoliation

Myth: Acne prone skin should not exfoliate for fear of spreading the bacteria to other areas of the face.

Fact: Exfoliation not only clears up existing oil and bacteria, it also removes dead and dry skin cells and inhibits future breakouts. Exfoliation helps acne!

 *Regular exfoliation helps treat existing scarring due to Acne. Causing a more even skin surface and smaller pores.

Face Oils

Myth: Face oils are only for dry skin and not acne prone skin.

Fact: Argan Oil and Jojoba Oil, which are similar to our skin’s sebum and trick the skin into thinking enough oil has been produced, so that it does not need to overproduce oil/sebum, thus causing breakouts.

Fact: Hemp Seed Oil eliminates blackheads and is anti-inflammatory.

Fact: People with an oily complexion also suffer from acne and scarring.

Fact: Rose Hip Seed + Baobob Oil help to heal, repair tissue and brighten skin due to high levels Vitamin C, Omega-3 + Omega-6 fatty acids and Retinoic acid.

*Acne prone skin should avoid Avocado oil and Coconut oil as they can be too heavy.

Sunscreen

Myth: All sunscreen can cause Acne + breakouts

Fact: Look for a physical sunscreen that contains Titanium Dioxide or Zinc oxide, as these ingredients sit on top of the skin to protect instead of being absorbed. Also look for oil-free, non-comedogenic sunscreens that come in a dry mist application.

*Stay clear of ingredients like PABA which can cause clogged pores and allergic reactions.

Ingredients

Myth: All ingredients are safe, because there being sold.

Fact: Ingredients matter, no only for what they do inside your body but topically as well. Certain widely used and popular ingredients can be the cause of acne, breakouts and allergies.

*There is no governing body that says what is natural or not in the beauty industry. So you must be your own advocate. Read labels, google ingredients and know what they do. 

Fact: Look for naturally derived ingredients that do not contain mineral oils, alcohol , sulfates, silicones, parabens or artificial fragrances.