Summer Skin Care Tips

Summer is upon us. What skin care concerns do you have during the summer months? Sunburn? Dry skin? Excess oil? Here are a few skin care tips for keeping your skin beautiful all summer long.

Sunburn: Avoid the sun until the skin has healed completely. Sunburned skin is more susceptible to subsequent burns. Soaking in a bath of cool or lukewarm water laced with a handful of baking soda will ease the burn. Afterward, gently pat on a topical over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to help reduce swelling.

Dry skin: After swimming, rinse with fresh water to remove any salt or chlorine buildup, which can further dry out and irritate skin. Keep subsequent baths and showers short (no longer than 5 minutes) and use a mild cleanser and warm water. Gently use a loofah, washcloth, or exfoliating scrub to slough off dead cells. After bathing, towel-dry and moisturize immediately.

Oily skin: Avoid using bar soap to cleanse your face. The binders that hold a bar of soap together are very alkaline (high pH), which will strip all the water and natural oils out of the skin, causing the surface of the skin to dehydrate. Your skin will then be producing more oil to compensate for the lack of water. Using soap can also cause more break outs as the dehydrated cells being caused from the drying soap can cause a layer of dry skin cell buildup which can trap oil and keep them clogged in the pores. Use a gel-based cleanser instead.

Breakouts on your back, shoulders and chest:  Wash with a body cleanser that contains benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, ingredients that unblock pores and dry up excess oil. Also look for oil-free products that are labeled noncomedogenic, which means they won't clog pores.

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.

Bad Skin Care Ingredients

When it comes to skin care products, you really do get what you pay for. Cheap ingredients are more easily obtained and are often harsh and pore-clogging. Ingredients found on the labels of skin care products are listed in order of quantity. For example, the first ingredient listed on a product label is what that product contains the most of. If you cannot avoid products containing bad ingredients, try to find products that list such ingredients near the end. Also, if you are purchasing products from behind a counter at the mall or from an online store, ask to see the ingredients - you may be surprised at what you find.

Below is a list of some of the worst ingredients found in skin care and makeup:

1. Mineral Oil: Also labeled as petrolatum or paraffin is a cheap base derived from crude oil. Application of mineral oil prevents the skin from breathing. It clogs pores, traps in toxins, and can lead to acne breakouts.

2. Sulfates: Such as sodium lauryl and sodium laureth, are harsh detergents that give cleansers, soaps, and shampoos their lather.  Sulfates can cause eye irritation and skin rashes.

 

3. Synthetic Colors: They appear as FD&C or D&C followed by a color and number on the label. They can cause skin sensitivity and are reported to be carcinogenic.

4. Synthetic Fragrances: Often contain phthalates (pronounced THAY-lates), synthetic chemicals commonly used to stabilize fragrances and make plastic more pliable. There is no regulation for the naming of these fragrances on packaging; they are generally just listed as "fragrance". Avoid products that list fragrance as an ingredient unless the label states that it’s derived from essentials oils, or look for a phthalate-free label on the packaging.

LED Light Therapy Treatment

What is it?

LED Light therapy is an advanced technology in the field of skin treatments which is gaining popularity at a rapid pace. Though there are various anti-aging or acne treatments in the market offering the same advantages, this is a very unique form of skin care treatment which gives it an edge over others. Skin care light treatments do not use a UV lamp for the therapy. Professionals use a much more advanced form of technology to treat the skin problems: Light Emitting Diodes.

How does it work?

LED light therapy uses different colors of light emitting diodes that stimulate the cells in your skin. Different forms of light colors are used for treating different skin problems. For instance, the red light is the most widely used form which can treat wrinkles, fine lines and sunburn. After receiving this treatment, your skin will be more elastic, supple and soft. On the other hand, the blue light is mainly used for treating acne and pimples.

The benefits you can get from regular LED treatments (once a week for up to 6 weeks):

• Promotes collagen production
• Skin texture appears smoother
• Skin appears brighter
• Assists in killing bacteria
• Improves the appearance of aging and sun damaged skin
• Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Reduces superficial hyperpigmentation

The advantages of LED light therapy over other skin care treatments:

• Excellent for all skin types and skin color
• No risk of burning or damaging the skin
• No downtime or peeling
• Progressive anti-aging treatment rather than aggressive

Fresh Faced Skin Care offers a variety of LED light therapy treatments, starting at $35. Our Summer Radiance Facial features a 60 minute LED facial treatment customized to treat acne, hyperpigmentation, redness, or wrinkles for only $68 (save 10%). Offer good until June 30, 2012. Call 302-689-3223.

Skin Cancer Affects Everyone

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, 1 in 5 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime. There are different kinds of skin cancers, and the most common cause for each of them is sun exposure. The different skin cancers are categorized under three main types.

Basal cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common kind of skin cancer. More than 90% of all skin cancers in the U.S. are basal cell carcinomas. It is most often found on areas of the body that are always exposed to the sun, such as the head, neck, and arms. It grows slowly and rarely spreads elsewhere in the body, unless it is left untreated. If caught early enough, basal cell carcinoma is very treatable. Look for flat, shiny, waxy areas on the skin.

Squamous cell carcinoma develops in the squamous cells of the skin, which are in the upper layers of the epidermis. Like basal cell carcinomas, they are often found on the areas of the body that are most often exposed to the sun, including ears, neck, and lips. Squamous cell carcinomas tend to spread more than basal cell carcinomas. They are more likely to advance into fatty tissues of the skin, as well as lymph nodes. As with basal cell carcinoma, if caught early, squamous cell carcinoma is quite treatable. Look for small lumps with a reddish, rough surface.

Malignant melanoma is the most serious kind of skin cancer because it may spread rapidly to other organs. Melanoma accounts for 75% of all skin cancer related deaths. Melanoma develops within the melanocyte cells, the skin cells that are responsible for making skin pigment. Malignant melanoma is more common in people who get occasional, high-intensity sun exposure. People who sunbathe on vacations or during brief sunny periods in cold climates may get such exposure. Look for abnormally large moles, a mole that changes color, size and texture, or one that feels sore to the touch.

It is commonly thought that those with darker skin don't have to worry about skin cancer. In fact, everyone is at risk. Even though darker skin produces more melanin, which translates into more protection from the sun, people of any race or ethnicity can develop skin cancer. For this reason, it is important to wear sunscreen, and check your body for signs of cancer on a regular basis, no matter what your skin tone.

There are more and more cases of skin cancer every day. However, many cases can be prevented by avoiding ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure- or at least limiting it. Sunlight emits both UVA and UVB rays, which both contribute to skin cancer. Full-spectrum sunscreen protects against both types of UV rays. Additionally, skin cancer can be prevented or at least caught early by paying close attention to any changes on your skin.

PCA SKIN Sunscreens

Ask Fresh Faced Skin Care about our variety of cosmetically elegant sunscreen formulations.

What are These Bumps?

Milia are small, whitehead-like blemishes that often appear under your eyes, on your cheeks or around your mouth. These small bumps occur when dead skin cells are trapped beneath the skin’s surface. The result is a small, pearl-like bump. Milia are more stubborn than regular acne.  Picking or squeezing them can lead to scarring or their reappearance.

There are several ways to help prevent milia:

1.    Exfoliate the top skin layer regularly (3x per week). Since milia appear when your skin isn't exfoliating itself naturally, you need to slough away all the dirt, oil and dead skin cells that can cause milia. Gentle exfoliation helps make eventual removal of the milia easier because the skin layer around the milia becomes thinner, with frequent, yet gentle exfoliation.

2.       Wear a sunscreen of at least SPF 15 or higher every day. Exposure to the sun day after day begins to thicken your skin, making it harder for it to naturally exfoliate by expelling dead skin and oil through the pores. The resulting milia are even more difficult to get rid of because your skin becomes too thick to drain the milia.

3.    Switch your beauty products. Using products that are too rich for your skin may be the source of your milia. The skin around your eyes is thinner than your face and it is very easy to smother it if you are prone to milia. Simply switching the type of product you use to an oil-free formula can help your milia to disappear.

4.    Seek professional exfoliation every 4 to 6 weeks. Microdermabrasion or an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) peel helps soften the skin so that the skin’s natural exfoliating process can expel dirt and oil.

Make an appointment with your dermatologist or esthetician if exfoliating, peels and lifestyle changes aren't enough to clear up your milia. Some milia are so deeply embedded in the skin that they cannot come out naturally and need to be extracted by a professional.

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!