Should I be using a Serum?

This is a commonly asked question in my skin care clinic. The answer is yes. I routinely tell my clients if you only had money to spend on one product, spend it on a serum.

The reason is simple: serums create the most change in the skin. This is because serums contain high concentrations of active ingredients. These active ingredients are often formulated in a low molecular weight or lightweight base. This allows the product to absorb readily into the skin and penetrate deeper than a heavier weight formulation, such as a moisturizer.

There are many different types of serums offered by skin care manufacturers. They are created to prevent the skin from damage, protect the skin from damage, and/or correct damage.

“What is the best serum?”

The answer depends on what concerns you have for your skin. Serums are made with specific ingredients to address specific concerns. For example, if your concern is acne, you may opt for a serum with an exfoliating active ingredient such as salicylic acid to encourage quicker cell turnover. However, if your concern is hyperpigmentation, you would want a serum with known brightening properties, such as licorice root extract.

“How do I use a serum?”

No matter what serum you buy, you must always use it directly on clean skin (immediately following cleansing). This allows the product to absorb into the skin. Otherwise, it will sit on top of the skin and won’t be effective. How often you use the serum depends on the manufacturer’s instructions for use. Applications may be once or twice a day.

Top 5 Skin Care Products of 2013

‘Tis the season of countdown lists. 

Here is Fresh Faced Skin Care’s Top selling Skin Care Products for 2013:

#5 Clearskin by PCA SKIN: This antibacterial hydrator is scientifically formulated with retinol, marigold, lemongrass and cucumber to help soothe irritation, fight bacteria and inhibit breakouts. It promotes a healthy, clear complexion in oily and blemish-prone skin.

#4 Glycolic and Retinol Pads by Skin Script: These pads break up surface oil to refine pores and reveal fresh, healthy skin. Kojic and arbutin lighten sun spots and scars left from blemishes.

#3 Blemish Control Cleanser by Skin Script: This raspberry-based acne control cleanser will increase cellular turnover bringing oil and debris to the surface of the skin; salicylic then dries the uplifted oil. Tea tree calms and soothes the skin.

#2 Acne Gel by PCA SKIN: A gentle 2% salicylic acid acne treatment product that clears existing acne blemishes and prevents the occurrence of future breakouts.

#1 Perfecting Protection SPF30 by PCA SKIN: This revolutionary broad-spectrum UVA/UVB product works to reduce existing skin discoloration while preventing future hyperpigmentation. In addition, potent antioxidants, caffeine and milk thistle work to fight damaging environmental free radicals, inflammation and the formation of sunburn cells. Perfecting protection SPF30 is suitable for all skin types.

Fresh Faced Skin Care would like to thank all of our loyal clients. Your business is very much appreciated. Enjoy a safe and healthy holiday season.

Call 302-689-3223 to order or go online at www.freshfacedskincare.com

Top 5 Skin Care Products of 2012

‘Tis the season of countdown lists. Here is Fresh Faced Skin Care’s top selling skin care products for 2012:

#5 Hydrating Moisturizer by Skin Script: Hydrate and protect skin with the healing benefits of shea butter. Seaweed binds moisture within the skin while aloe soothes, calms and provides hydration. Rose Hip strengthens capillaries and soothes inflamed skin. It promotes deep hydration that protects from environmental damage while relieving the surface signs of aging.

#4 Clearskin Moisturizer by PCA SKIN: This antibacterial hydrator is scientifically formulated with retinol, marigold, lemongrass and cucumber to help soothe irritation, fight bacteria and inhibit breakouts. It promotes a healthy, clear complexion in oily and blemish-prone skin.

#3 Eyexcellence Eye Cream by PCA SKIN: This triple-action eye cream reduces puffiness, dark circles and wrinkles around the eye area. Its combination of three peptides increases collagen production, capillary function and circulation to leave the eye area smooth, even and bright. Moisturizing properties leave skin healthy and hydrated.

#2 Perfecting Protection SPF30 by PCA SKIN: This revolutionary broad-spectrum UVA/UVB product works to reduce existing skin discoloration while preventing future hyperpigmentation. In addition, potent antioxidants, caffeine and milk thistle work to fight damaging environmental free radicals, inflammation and the formation of sunburn cells. Perfecting protection SPF30 is suitable for all skin types.

#1 Blemish Control Cleanser by Skin Script: This raspberry-based acne control cleanser will increase cellular turnover bringing oil and debris to the surface of the skin; salicylic then dries the uplifted oil. Tea tree calms and soothes the skin.

Fresh Faced Skin Care would like to thank all of our loyal clients. Your business is very much appreciated. Enjoy a safe and healthy holiday season.

Call 302-689-3223 to order or go online at www.freshfacedkincare.com

Reducing Skin Pore Size

Do you suffer from large pores? Why do some people have large pores, while others have small pores? Genetics plays a big role in pore size. Also, certain areas of the body, such as the nose and forehead generally tend of have bigger pores both in men and women secreting more sebum (oil). At times, these openings become jammed with dirt and dead skin cells leading to the formation of blackheads and whiteheads; therefore making these openings appear even larger.

Unfortunately, there is no magic wand which can shrink these pores to the preferred size. However, there are a number of products and treatments available which can help you accomplish your goal of smaller looking pores.

• Schedule professional skin care treatments every 4-6 weeks: These treatments go beyond simple cleansing to remove oil and debris caught in the pores.
• Wash your face every night using an appropriate cleanser for your skin type.
• Apply a water-based moisturizer during the day and evening. The moisturizer will help balance the oil in the skin. 

Look for skin care products containing the following ingredients:

Retinol: A derivative of vitamin A to help reduce oil production in the glands and encourage skin exfoliation.

Salicylic Acid: Penetrates the follicle, reducing the number of pore blockages and breakouts in the skin.

Glycolic Acid: An Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) for skin exfoliation.

As always, consult your skin care professional for the best product recommendations.

Help Reduce Facial Redness

Whether your skin is irritated or simply flushed, redness can be a symptom of many skin conditions. Exposure to the sun and wind are common causes of skin redness. However, skin may also become red due to contact with an allergen or irritating substance. Facial redness can often be uncomfortable or even embarrassing. Mild skin redness over a prolonged period of time can even damage the skin by promoting wrinkles and discoloration.

Reducing facial redness may take a combination of avoidance techniques and soothing skin care products.

Things to Avoid:

1. Hot or Spicy Foods
Hot drinks or hot and spicy foods can trigger a red face and a heavy sweat for a huge number of people.

2. Caffeine
Caffeine is a terrible cause of facial flushing and redness in general around the face. Try to cut it out as much as possible as it literally dehydrates your body and the tiredness as a result can cause redness, flushing and hot flashes.

3. Smoking
Similar to caffeine, cigarettes dehydrate the body and have the very same side effects. Drink more water if giving up smoking. It is difficult, but obviously do make an effort to give up smoking whenever you can.

4. Sun

Protection from the sun reduces existing inflammation and prevents further damage. Going back out in the sun with a sunburn or skin irritation can worsen redness.

5. Irritating Cosmetic Ingredients

These include alcohol, witch hazel, menthol, peppermint, eucalyptus oil, clove, cinnamon, geranium, fragrance, and perfume. Discontinue using skin care products that cause burning or stinging. This is important for acute inflammation and may cure instances of chronic redness. To avoid buying similar products in the future, check the ingredients before you toss the bottle.

Things to Do:

1. Protect Against Environmental Factors

An SPF of at least 15 applied to bare skin or under makeup will significantly reduce sun damage. In winter months, switching to a richer moisturizer and covering exposed skin will limit skin redness.

2. Learn What Allergens and Irritants You Are Sensitive To

By knowing what affects your skin, you can limit exposure or avoid them altogether. The longer skin is subjected to irritants, the more susceptible it is to irritation, with the reaction often getting worse each time.

3. Use Calming and Soothing Cosmetic Ingredients

These include sea whip, chamomile, and azulene. If you have dry skin, apply moisturizers immediately after showering to retain moisture. If your skin tends to be oily, use a cleanser that cleans thoroughly but does not dry out your skin.

4. Apply Cool Compresses

Soft washcloths dipped in cool water make effective skin care compresses for sensitive facial areas.

Professional Product Spotlight

PCA SKIN Anti–Redness Serum
Product Overview

This unique serum has proven benefits for patients with sensitive skin, rosacea, barrier dysfunction and sunburn. Clinical studies have shown that twice-daily use of PCA SKIN® anti-redness serum results in a 14% decrease in transepidermal water loss (TEWL) over a four- week period and a 50% reduction in redness over an eight-week period.

Key Ingredients

Aldavine
Capparenols and Bisabolol
Directions

After cleansing and toning, apply one to two pumps of anti-redness serum over entire face, focusing on areas of persistent redness. Follow with the appropriate PCA SKIN® moisturizer with SPF in the daytime and moisturizer in the evening.


Get your anti-redness serum today, only at Fresh Faced Skin Care!



 

How To: Apply Skincare

Cleansers, moisturizers, and serums….oh my! How much of each product do I apply and in what order do I apply them? Arranging your skin care products seems relatively easy, but can be difficult to understand which products follow which. To receive the maximum benefits of an effective skin care routine and quality skin care products, it is important you know how to apply them correctly. The way a skin care product is applied has a great influence on its efficacy.

As a general rule, apply products with a thinner consistency before the thicker products. This is because products with heavier consistencies can block the lighter-weight products from penetrating the skin and doing their job. The only exception to this rule is prescription topical medication. Anything medicated or with a clinical purpose (including acne creams) should go onto a clean face first so that it can penetrate the skin most effectively.

Here are some tips to apply skin care products correctly:

Step 1: Cleanse

Before applying any skin care product on your face, make sure it is clean of all dirt and debris. Apply a pea-sized amount of a mild cleanser to clean your face and flush out all dirt, dead skin cells and toxins from within the skin pores. Don’t forget about your neck!

After washing your face with a cleanser, don't wipe it dry completely. Rather, gently pat with a soft towel so that it is still a bit damp (not dripping wet.) The active ingredients of skin care products penetrate better when the skin is moist. Please note:  prescription products should only be applied on completely dry skin.

Step 2: Tone

You can spray toner directly onto the skin or apply the toner to a cotton pad and pat (don’t rub) your face and neck gently. The purpose of toner is to restore your skin’s pH and remove any leftover residue from your cleanser.

Step 3: Treat

Apply serums, gels, and any topical spot treatments to clean skin and let them soak in (about 2-3 minutes). Remember, treatment products are highly concentrated. Therefore, you only need to use a small amount. One or two drops/pumps are all that is needed. Gently apply with your fingertips in an upward, circular motion. More than one product may be used and they can be applied together.

Step 4: Nourish and Moisturize

Using the tip of your ring finger, gently dab eye cream or serum around the orbital socket of the eyes. The size of a grain of rice is all you need for each eye.

Apply moisturizer (if needed). A nickel-sized amount is sufficient.

Step 5: Protect

Slather on a quarter-sized dollop of sunscreen all over your face and neck (don’t forget your ears) and let it set for a few minutes. Apply your makeup after.

Additional Steps: Exfoliants and Masks

Exfoliate your skin at least once or twice every week on clean skin to remove the layer of dead skin cells from the skin surface. Do not exfoliate more than 4 times a week. This could lead to skin irritation, breakouts, or itchiness.

A purifying or hydrating mask may be used on clean skin once a week.

 

Professional Product Spotlight:

Skin Script™ Retinol 2% Exfoliating Scrub, with Kojic

This scrub is a powerful cellular turnover scrub with Retinol (Vitamin A) and jojoba beads to clean, soothe and polish the skin. The retinol encourages the breakup of blackheads and clogged pores, jojoba beads gently exfoliate dead skin cells, while kojic lightens age spots and blemishes left from scars.

Retinol 2% Exfoliating Scrub Benefits:

• Lessens Visible Aging
• Lightens Discolorations
• Provides Chemical and Physical Exfoliation
• Promotes Collagen Synthesis
• Assists in Healing and Rejuvenating

Available only at Fresh Faced Skin Care! Call 302-689-3223.