Fresh Faced Skin Care

Friday, August 1, 2014

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.


Monday, June 2, 2014

Toner: Is it Necessary?

This question is asked often by my clients: Is toner really necessary?

The answer is this: Yes!

Toner plays a very important role in the cleansing process. 

Do you have pesky blackheads that never seem to go away? Toner may be the answer.


The 3 functions of Toner:


1. Finish the cleansing process- This will ensure that leftover cleanser has been removed, in addition to any remaining makeup, dirt, or oil.

2. Exfoliate the pore- This helps keep the pores clean and free of dead skin cell build-up.

3. Resets your skin's pH- This is possibly the most important role that a toner plays. Your skin has an acidic pH of about 5.5, which contributes to your skin's defense to foreign invaders. Cleansers are alkaline in nature, meaning they have a pH much higher than your skin. This is necessary, as it serves to clean debris. However, when you wash your face with something alkaline, your skin is now fighting to achieve its normal acidic pH in order to function properly. What does this mean? It means that when you use a toner after cleansing, your skin will achieve its normal pH much faster and any skin care products that you apply after will be able to function as they are intended. 

Bottom Line: Toner makes your skin able to accept serums, moisturizers, etc. easier. Therefore, they can work better.


Sunday, December 29, 2013

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

Monday, December 9, 2013

Top 10 Beauty Gifts Under $20

Need a last minute gift for those beauty junkies on your list? 

Here is a list of Professional Beauty Gifts sure to please:



10. Skin Script Ageless Moisturizer: Hydrate and protect your skin with the healing benefits of aloe; Co-Q10 stimulates collagen and tightens the elastin in the skin. 2oz. $15

9. Tassi Hair Wrap: Keeps your hair in place while you wash your face! $15

8. Fresh Faced Skin Care Natural Lip Gloss: Natural & Long-lasting. $18

7. Skin Script Blemish Control Toner Pads: This acne control toner assists the cleanser in cellular turnover bringing oil and debris to the surface of the skin – the salicylic dries the uplifted oil.  This step also removes excess dirt, oil and makeup left after the cleansing process.  Tea tree calms and soothes the skin. 50 pads $17

6. Fresh Faced Skin Care Natural Cream Concealer: A creamy concealer that won't break you out and stays where you put it! $18

5. Fresh Faced Skin Care Concealer Brush: A professional taklon brush that is easy to clean and doesn't harbor bacteria. $10

4. Skin Script Blemish Spot Treatment: This blemish spot treatment rapidly dries each blemish and encourages healing. 5% glycolic; 1% salicylic. 0.5oz. $17

3. PCA SKIN Acne Cream: This 5% liquid benzoyl peroxide acne treatment product penetrates pores to eliminate existing and prevent future acne breakouts. This formulation also contains a host of botanical extracts to soothe breakout-prone skin. $18

2. Fresh Faced Skin Care Natural Lipstick: A natural lipstick availlable in a variety of shades. Creamy texture with staying power. $14

1. Skin Script Lip Balm SPF15: Keeps your lips properly protected. $5


Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Top 3 Reasons Why Soap is Bad for your Face

Reason 1: Your Skin is Acidic, While Soap is Alkaline
Your skin’s pH is between 4.5-5.5 (acidic). Water has a pH of 7 (neutral). Anything above 7 is alkaline. Because soap is extremely alkaline, it disrupts your skin’s pH balance and acid mantle, making it easier for bacteria to grow and thrive.
Reason 2: Soap Makes your Skin Dry
Even if your skin is oily, this does not justify using soap on your face. Soap strips the skin of its natural oils and makes it tight and dry (If your skin is oily, this will cause your skin to produce even more oil!). Washing your face with soap is like washing it with dishwater liquid or detergent. I once had a client tell me her mother made her wash her oily skin with antibacterial hand soap. As a result, her skin actually cracked and bled!
Reason 3: Soap Leaves Residue on your Skin
Soap typically contains animal or vegetable fat. Because of this, soap can leave a film of residue on your face. This ultimately leads to a dull complexion.



When you use a face wash suited for your skin type, you can be sure that it contains ingredients that are required to keep your skin looking its best. While soap works perfectly well for the rest of your body, the skin on your face is much more delicate and can easily start looking damaged. So, ditch the soap and invest in a good quality facial cleanser instead.

Check out my facial cleanser recommendations!

Thursday, September 5, 2013

5 Benefits of Exfoliation

Exfoliation is a process that removes dead skin cells from the upper layer of the skin, revealing the healthy skin underneath. Regular exfoliation can help keep skin looking fresh, removing any dry patches or flakiness. In addition to cleansing your skin, exfoliating on a regular basis (once or twice a week at home and once or twice a month professionally) can improve the results of your skin care routine and help rejuvenate your skin. 

Whether you have dry, normal, oily or sensitive skin, exfoliation can bring new life to your complexion. The removal of dead skin cells helps keep pores from becoming clogged and leaves skin with a refreshed and clean feeling. Why would you want clean and clear pores? Clogged pores can result in blackheads and acne. Likewise, when pores are clogged, they appear larger. Although you cannot reduce the actual size of your pores, you can help to minimize their appearance by keeping them clog-free.

In addition to the immediate visual benefits of exfoliation, the removal of dead skin cells speeds up the skin renewal process, allowing smoother, healthier skin cells to take their place. Not only will this help with fine lines and wrinkles, but it will help to lessen discoloration as well.

There are two basic types of exfoliants: physical exfoliants and chemical exfoliants. Physical exfoliants work to remove dead skin cells by friction. Examples of physical exfoliants include scrubs, microdermabrasion, and dermaplaning. Chemical exfoliants do the work for you by essentially dissolving the "glue" that is binding the dead cells to your skin. Enzymes, chemical peels, and acids are examples of chemical exfoliants. A combination of both physical and chemical exfoliation is an ideal way to address damage in the skin from the top down, as well as from the bottom up.


Top 5 Benefits of Exfoliation

1. Improves the results of your skin care products
2. Keeps your pores from clogging, keeping acne under control
3. Speeds up the skin renewal process, allowing smoother, healthier skin cells to take their place
4. Helps to lessen skin discoloration (uneven skin tone)
5. Leads to visibly brighter skin and softens fine lines and wrinkles


Tuesday, December 18, 2012

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