Category Archives: Skin Care
My grandma? Oh, she was a knockout! Always put together, even if she was just pottering around at home. Watching her do her beauty routine was like getting front-row seats to a magic show. And oh boy, did she have some tricks up her sleeve!
The one that always gets me laughing is her go-to solution when she was out of blush. “Just tip your head upside down, darling,” she’d say with a twinkle in her eye, “a quick 15 seconds and you’ll have the rosiest cheeks in town!”
You see, beauty tricks and ‘secrets’ aren’t a new fad. Our great-great-great-oh-so-great grandmas were pros at it! Think 17th century and even earlier, and you have beauty routines that are the stuff of legend. Want to lose weight? They had a hack for that! Teeth not quite pearly enough? They knew what to do! Skin not smooth? Lice being a party pooper? They had solutions!
Now brace yourselves, because some of their methods were… um, let’s say ‘interesting’. We’re talking everything from the toxic (yikes to belladonna extracts, lead, and mercury) to the pretty icky (hogs grease, bird droppings and urine – eew!), and then the more ‘oh-okay-that-sounds-normal’ kind like egg whites, vinegar, almond oil, rosewater, and lemon juice.
So, let’s buckle up and take a wild ride through the beauty rituals of yesteryears and see how they stack up against what we’re doing today. Remember, the aim of the game has always been the same – chasing after that fountain of youth and beauty. Ready to time travel? Here we go!
Journey Through the Wrinkle in Time: Face and Skin Care Chronicles
Once upon a time, the ladies crafted a face mask to die for – a concoction of egg white, chalk, lead, and vinegar. It promised a smooth, ethereal glow, but dear me, you couldn’t dare smile. Your skin might crack, and oh, the trifling matter of being poisoned. Meanwhile, urine, yes you heard it right, urine diluted with rosewater, lemon juice, and wine was a popular skin cleanser.
Cut to today, we’re rather fond of our lasers, peels, injectables, and the occasional zaps of electrotherapy.
Pout into the Past: Lip Care Through the Sands of Time
Luscious lips The red pout has been quite the rage for centuries, but who knew it was achieved with vermillion from mercuric sulfide? Its side effects included minor inconveniences like tooth loss, gum disease, and organ failure! Some even rubbed their lips with ear sweat to battle dryness – quite the beauty hack, huh?
Nowadays, our lips are pampered with balms, fillers, and sometimes a nip and tuck.
Glimpse into Yesteryears: Eye Care Across Ages
Eyes ah, the windows to the soul. Back then, ladies loved lining their eyes with malachite, soot, copper and other shiny things. Drops of belladonna were favored to achieve that desirable wide-eyed look. The catch? A bit of blindness.
Fast forward to now, and it’s all about the smoky eyeshadow and precision eyeliner for us.
Face Fashion Through Time’s Mirror
Face fashion beauty patches, or ‘mouches’, were the ‘it’ accessories, disguising smallpox scars and lead damage.
In our modern world, it’s silicone patches to iron out those pesky wrinkles and salicylic acid-infused patches to banish breakouts.
Brow Back to the Future: Eyebrow Trends Across Epochs
Brows from lead and burnt cork to mouse skin (yes, you read that right!) for the black brow look, the ladies of the past had their brow game on point.
Modern times see us turning to microblading, growth serums, and vegetable tints for the perfect arches.
Mane Moments in History: Hair Care Time Machine
Our ancestors had a bit of a hairy situation going on. Lacking the nutrition to grow luscious locks, they resorted to wigs constructed on wooden frames, glued with bear grease and beef lard. Yum!
Today, our hair care routine includes serums, nutritional supplements, and occasional extensions – no grease, lard, or rats involved.
Squeezing into the Past: The Hourglass Figure Frenzy
The quest for that dream figure is a tale as old as time. Once upon a time, women used to squeeze themselves into tight-lacing corsets to get the hourglass figure that was all the rage. I’m not talking about the lace-up, cute kind of corsets we occasionally don as fashion statements today. Nope, these were the ‘take-a-deep-breath-and-pray-you-don’t-faint’ kind. They cinched the waist down to dizzying (and organ-crushing) sizes. It wasn’t just uncomfortable; it was genuinely dangerous and could cause real harm to the internal organs. But all in the name of that petite waist, right?
Zap back to the present, and we’ve swapped corsets for more comfortable, less life-threatening options. Modern shapewear like Spanx and Skims has taken the fashion world by storm, offering a safer way to achieve that desired silhouette. And we haven’t stopped at that. We have gym memberships, fitness apps, a variety of diet plans, and even the latest fat-burning aids like Ozempic and Berberine at our disposal. For those looking for a more instant change, there’s the option of surgical nips and tucks.
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So, here we are, centuries later, chasing after the same beauty standards but with new gadgets and gizmos. But let’s not forget good looks may fade, but a good heart? That, my darlings, is a beauty that time can’t touch. That’s the kind of beauty that never withers and is truly forever.
While we love a good stroll through beauty history, the most important glow-up happens inside. Keep that heart of yours beautiful, and it’ll outshine any beauty trend, every single time.
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For more beauty and skincare tips, check out my other blogsor email me at skinsense@skinsensewellness.com. And for skincare services, please visit us at 8448 W. Third Street, Los Angeles, CA 90048. We will be happy to help you with your skincare needs.
“Dear Mother Nature… Please check the thermostat. Someone has set it to hell!”
I vividly remember my very first California summer many years ago. I had just moved to the heart of the sun-soaked state, where the Pacific Ocean’s soothing breeze often served as a solace from the relentless heat. However, that year, the summer intensity trailed well into the night, morphing my restful sanctuary into a sweltering cocoon.
Sleep was elusive, and I couldn’t help but notice the immediate impact on my skin. My once glowing visage turned dull, and the lack of rest was visibly etching itself onto my complexion. This led me to delve into the relationship between summer heat, sleep disruptions, and skin health.
The Sleep-Heat-Skin Triad
Sleep regulation is intertwined with two key processes: homeostatic sleep pressure and our internal circadian rhythm. Interestingly, both these mechanisms are significantly influenced by temperature.
Our bodies naturally cool down at night as part of the circadian rhythm, aiding the onset of sleep. Hot environments impede this cooling process, making it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. The extended daylight in summer can further disrupt our sleep patterns by delaying the production of melatonin, our sleep-inducing hormone.
From a facialist’s standpoint, the connection between sleep and skin health is undeniable. During deep sleep, the body goes into repair mode, releasing growth hormones that help regenerate cells, including skin cells. If you’re not getting enough sleep, these repair mechanisms are interrupted, leading to visible effects on the skin over time.
Here are some ways sleep disruption can affect the skin:
- Dull Complexion & Lackluster Skin: Lack of sleep can lead to poor circulation, resulting in a dull complexion. Your skin may appear lackluster, tired, and less youthful.
- Dark Circles: The blood vessels under your eyes may dilate when you don’t get enough sleep, leading to dark circles. Prolonged lack of sleep can exacerbate this issue.
- Accelerated Aging: During sleep, your body produces growth hormones that help repair damaged cells. Without these hormones, daily small breakdowns can accumulate, resulting in signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, and decreased elasticity.
- Weakened Skin Barrier: The skin barrier function, which is responsible for keeping skin hydrated and protected from harmful external factors, can be compromised with inadequate sleep. This can lead to dry, dehydrated skin, and increase the risk of skin issues such as eczema and dermatitis.
- Inflammation and Breakouts: Lack of sleep can cause stress and hormonal imbalances in the body, which can increase inflammation and exacerbate conditions like acne, psoriasis, and even allergic reactions. Inflammation can also contribute to aging, a concept known as “inflammaging.”
- Reduced Immunity: Sleep plays a crucial role in the proper functioning of the immune system. Chronic sleep deprivation can lower immunity, making the skin more susceptible to infections and diseases. It can also cause flare-ups of immune-related skin diseases such as psoriasis and eczema.
In short, prioritizing sound sleep is an indispensable step toward maintaining a youthful, rejuvenated appearance.
Heatwave Effects on Skin Health
Heat also directly affects our skin by increasing transepidermal water loss, which can result in dehydration, dryness, and a compromised skin barrier. The overall result is tired-looking, lackluster skin that mirrors those restless summer nights.
Reclaiming Your Beauty Sleep: A Summer Guide
Despite the challenges, there are practical measures to mitigate sleep disruptions caused by summer heat and wake up to refreshed, radiant skin.
- Create a Cool Haven: Keep your bedroom cool by opening a window to let in a cool breeze. You can also use thermal insulating blackout curtains to reduce daytime heat.
- Embrace Breathable Bedding: Choose lightweight, breathable bedding and sleepwear. Cotton is excellent as it allows for better air circulation than synthetic materials.
- Freeze Your Sheets: A slightly unconventional tip, but effective. Put your sheets and pillowcases in a freezer for a few minutes to cool them down. Ensure they are in a plastic bag before freezing, to prevent moisture accumulation.
- Hydrate Inside Out: Ensure you’re drinking plenty of water throughout the day to combat heat-induced dehydration. However, limit your intake before bedtime to prevent nocturnal bathroom trips. And use a hydrating night-time skincare regimen to counter the increased transepidermal water loss.
- A Pre-bed Cooling Routine: Consider a cool shower or bath before sleep to lower your body temperature, signaling your body it’s time for sleep. A soothing skincare routine following this – a chilled face mask – can work wonders!
- Deep freeze: Ice packs and frozen wash cloths pressed against any pulse points like the wrists can help make you more comfortable. Apply them against the back of your neck or forehead to cool your body down. Using either one ninety minutes before sleep is enough to kickstart the body’s own cooling mechanisms and allow for a restful night.
- Manage Light Exposure: Use blackout curtains or an eye mask to block out excessive sunlight. Expose yourself to bright light in the morning to help regulate your circadian rhythm.
- Keep Your Blinds Closed: During the hottest parts of the day, consider keeping blinds and curtains closed to block any unwanted heat getting in. White or cream blinds are best for deflecting heat. Open blinds and windows during the early morning or late evening to provide airflow that cools the room before bedtime. A fan in the room can also help air to circulate and is less dehydrating for the skin than air conditioning.
- Find your ideal sleeping position: There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the ideal sleeping position in summer as it varies from person to person, and it depends on various factors including personal comfort and health conditions. However, here are a few options for comfortable sleep:
- Sleep on your back: This position can help prevent facial wrinkles and skin breakouts by keeping your face off the pillow, and it can also help your mattress absorb your body heat, thereby keeping you cooler.
- Elevate your body: Use a few extra pillows to elevate your head and upper body. This can aid in heat exchange as heat rises and could potentially help with issues like snoring and acid reflux, which may worsen in the heat.
- Starfish or spread out: The less your body touches itself, the cooler you’ll stay. Therefore, lying on your back or stomach with your arms and legs spread apart can be a good option.
- Minimal contact with the mattress: Try to minimize the amount of your body surface in contact with the mattress, as it absorbs body heat. A side sleeping position could be beneficial in this case.
Welcome the Californian (or wherever you are in the world) summer armed with these strategies and you will definitely be able to reclaim your restful nights and revitalized complexion. Remember, radiant skin is a testament to quality sleep, no matter the season!
For more skincare tips, check out my other blogs, visit my website, or call us at (323) 653–4701. And for skincare services, please visit us at 8448 W. Third Street, Los Angeles, CA 90048. We will be happy to help you with your skincare needs.
One of my favorite things about winter is spending time next to a warm and cozy fireplace fire. For me, nothing is more relaxing during cold nights than a warm, crackling fire and a steaming cup of tea in my hands. Who knew that this is one of the surefire ways to join the Toasted Skin Syndrome Club? Luckily, I don’t stay in front of my fireplace too long. That or my sunscreen is just a miracle worker.
For those who are curious, this condition is a skin problem that causes a net-like, discolored, and sometimes itchy rash. The culprit? Prolonged exposure to heat sources, like hot water bottles, heating pads, and, in some cases, cozying up to a fireplace for too long.
When the syndrome was first discovered, wood-burning stoves, working with hot coals or simply sitting way too close to a fire were the culprits. Glass blowers and chefs who have prolonged exposure to heat sources can also develop this syndrome on their faces. But Toasted Skin Syndrome and its association with laptops gained significant attention around 2010 when case reports and news articles highlighted the risks of using laptops directly on the skin for extended periods.
Nowadays, the common culprits may include:
- Use of a laptop on the thighs.
- Seat heaters in cars.
- Heating pads, blankets, or hot water bottles.
- Space heaters.
According to Dr. Daniel Grove, pediatric dermatologist, toasted skin syndrome or scientifically known as Erythema Ab Igne (EAI) can lead to skin discoloration, hyperpigmentation, itching, and burning. Extended exposure can even cause degeneration of elastic fibers and basal cells stimulating the release of melanin.
To keep skin safe when using personal heating devices, here are some tips:
- Use the lowest heat setting.
- Avoid prolonged exposure by setting timers on space heaters and heating pads so they automatically shut off, after a certain period of time.
- Keep space heaters at least 2 feet or more away from your skin and rotate where the heat hits your body.
- When using heating pads and blankets, make sure there is a clothing barrier between the heat source and your skin. Never place heat sources directly on bare skin.
Often, putting on an extra sweater is a better solution to staying warm. Maybe it’s time to invest in some cashmere.
Treating Toasted Skin Syndrome primarily involves identifying and eliminating the source of heat exposure that is causing the condition. Once the heat source has been removed, the skin will usually start to heal on its own.
However, there are some additional steps that can be taken to aid in the healing process and relieve any discomfort:
- Avoid exposing the affected skin to further heat and keep it cool and dry to promote healing.
- Topical treatments, such as hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion, may help soothe itchiness and reduce inflammation.
- Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated and promote healing.
- Apply sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection and a minimum SPF of 30 to the affected area if it will be exposed to the sun. Sunburn could worsen the condition and delay the healing process.
- Avoid scratching as it may lead to further irritation or even infection.
- If the rash persists, worsens, or shows any signs of infection, consult a dermatologist.
Keep in mind that the healing process might take some time, as the pigmentation from the rash can take weeks or even months to fade completely. The key is to be patient and follow the recommended care steps to ensure proper healing of the skin.
For more skincare tips, check out my other blogs, visit my website, or call us at (323) 653-4701. And for skincare services, please visit us at 8448 W. Third Street, Los Angeles, CA 90048. We will be happy to help you with your skincare needs.
“I’ve had so much plastic surgery, when I die they will donate my body to Tupperware.” – Joan Rivers
Growing old is tough… especially on the ego. Just having to hold my book (or whatever I’m reading) out to see the fine prints or hearing myself grunt as I pick up something from the floor… I feel so old! The amount of food that I have always consumed now makes me fat. And when I look in the mirror, I seem to have grown a new wrinkle on my face. Ugh… it’s horrifying! What do I do now?
While none of us can prevent aging, there are a variety of options to ward off the more visible signs of growing old. Among the most popular, of course, is cosmetic surgery. We hear about how it maintains a youthful look and enhances appearance… on our social media feed, in magazines, and in television ads, and see the results on some of our friends and favorite celebrities. It’s so hard to keep up with the ever-changing looks of the Kardashians or remember how they looked before all the nips and tucks.
Cosmetic surgery has become synonymous with the quest for youth and beauty. It has spawned a new aesthetic of desirability and is driven by the need for social acceptance.
Historically, the field has, for centuries, been driven by medical necessity. During World War I, the sheer volume of patients with facial injuries and burns — coupled with advances in blood transfusions and infection control — allowed doctors to experiment with innovative new techniques. Skin grafts, bone grafts, facial reconstructions, and wound-stitching techniques all made dramatic leaps forward.
By the 1950s plastic surgery became more mainstream and by the 1990s, procedures in America grew tenfold into the area of cosmetic surgery. Institutes around the US were offering brow lifts, hair replacement surgery, rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, collagen and fat injections, breast augmentation, tummy tucks, and face lifts. In 1994, there were nearly 400,00 esthetic surgeries performed, many on patients with family incomes under $50,000 a year.
New technology continues to drive the sector’s growth, with some 85% of these procedures (of which Botox and fillers are by far the most popular) considered “minimally invasive.” And in 2022, 15.5 million procedures were performed in the U.S. alone.
Before you commit to going under the knife, it is helpful to understand your motivations: why you want to have cosmetic surgery, what specific changes you want to make, and why they are important to you. It’s also important to have realistic expectations about what the surgery can and cannot achieve. And no matter what kind of enhancement you decide on, a consistent daily skincare routine and regular facial treatments should be in place before and after any procedures are done to support the overall results.
Here is a list of how long the most popular surgeries last:
Facelift – The skin on your face will continue to age after you have a facelift. For most, results will last about 10 years. A facelift works best for people in their late 40s through 60s when signs of aging begin to become prevalent.
A forehead lift (also known as a brow lift or forehead rejuvenation) improves the appearance of the forehead, the brow, and the area around the eyes. The results of a forehead lift typically last anywhere between 5-10 years or longer.
Blepharoplasty or Eye Lift removes excess skin from the eyelids to make the eyes look younger. It can also reduce or get rid of peripheral vision problems. Upper eyelid surgery is good for at least 5-7 years. Lower eyelid surgery rarely needs to be repeated.
Rhinoplasty/nose surgery – will typically last a lifetime. Normal aging may cause some gradual changes in the appearance of your nose but most of the improvements seen after rhinoplasty will be relatively permanent.
Neck Lifts will last between 10 and 15 years, in most cases. But if you opt for this procedure in your early 40s to address problems with the muscle structure in your neck, results will last a lot longer than if you are in your 60s and addressing loose, sagging skin.
Hair transplant – the results of a hair transplant can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years, or longer, depending on the individual. However, it’s important to note that the natural aging process and genetic factors can continue to impact hair growth and may eventually result in additional hair loss.
More than ever, people are focused on their appearance and what they can do to help themselves feel better about their looks. With every snip, pull, tighten, reduction, addition, and injection, we try to conform to the unrealistic beauty standards plaguing the society that we live in. Ultimately, living beautifully is accepting who we are, warts and all. And self-acceptance, being comfortable in our own skin, is the kind of beauty that will last a lifetime.
For more beauty tips, check out my other blogs, call us at Skinsense Wellness at (323) 653–4701, or email us at skinsense@skinsensewellness.com. And for skincare services, please visit us at 8448 W. Third Street, Los Angeles, CA 90048. We will be happy to see you.
‘Tis the season… for a crazy, busy holiday schedule filled with shopping, traveling, hosting, and attending parties. Then there’s the holiday food – an endless array of decadent entrees, spiked beverages, and sweet treats. All these can, no doubt, wreak havoc on your skin and leave you feeling more no-no-no than ho-ho-ho.
Here are some of the ways the winter holidays can affect your skin and how you can counteract it:
Stress
Holiday stress causes your body to produce cortisol which makes your skin more sensitive and reactive. The signs of stress can show up in the form of acne breakouts, hives, and blisters. It can also cause flare-ups in skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis.
When you’re feeling stressed, take some time to relax. Some ways to help you relax and de-stress include yoga, deep breathing techniques, meditation, and massage.
Sweet treats
Sugar and carbs cause inflammation. And too much sugar triggers a reaction in the body called glycation – a process when collagen and elastin break down. On the skin, this shows up as wrinkles, sagginess, and a loss of radiance.
You don’t have to give up sweet treats for good. Slow down and savor small portions of your favorite holiday desserts. Or put a healthy twist on the classic recipes by using honey, maple syrup, or stevia instead of sugar.
Not enough getting enough sleep
With all the excitement the holiday brings, it’s easy to miss a few zzz’s. Your skin repairs itself while you’re sleeping. Not getting enough sleep can result in dull and dehydrated skin in the morning.
Not to mention, a lack of sleep also increases collagen breakdown. Less collagen accelerates aging – this means more wrinkles and decreased skin elasticity.
Try to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night. And give your skin a little pick-me-up with a dose of antioxidants. Don’t book every night with parties and gatherings. If you can, space them out so that you get enough rest in between.
Alcohol consumption
Alcohol can dehydrate your body and your skin. This means the skin loses fluid and nutrients that are vital for healthy-looking skin. This can make the skin look wrinkled, dull, and grey, or bloated and puffy.
The effect of alcohol on your immune system and the way your cardiovascular system works affect the skin too. And it can worsen psoriasis and rosacea.
You can still drink and be merry but limit the amount of alcohol you drink and have plenty of water between alcoholic drinks to avoid dehydration. Also, you can opt for red wine over hard liquors. Red wine has healthy antioxidants.
Air Travel
The low humidity in the cabin of the plane can dehydrate the skin resulting in dry, flaky, or red skin. And if you are sitting in a window seat, you get extra exposure to closer UV rays.
Before you board, make sure your skin is super hydrated – eye cream, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Go make-up-free or minimally made-up face so as not to clog pores. And don’t forget to drink copious amounts of water (60 – 80 ounces of water daily) to hydrate from the inside out. Lastly, avoid alcohol, tea, and coffee and order a light meal.
Harsh winter weather
The cold winter air can cause the skin to dry out exponentially, leading to cracking, chapping, itchiness, and redness. And while room heaters can keep you warm, they should not be your go-to solution for the cold. They turn the air dry and can, in turn, lead to dry skin and allergies.
Use a heavier-formula moisturizer for your nighttime skincare routine. In the daytime, apply a serum and moisturizer under your sunscreen (yes, even in the winter months you still need SPF). Twice a week, give yourself an extra soothing and hydrating mask that you leave on while you sleep.
Again, drink plenty of fluids and include flax or fish oils with your supplements. Exercise regularly as it helps increase the oxygen to your skin, making you feel warm and your skin looking youthful. Refrain from taking long, steamy showers. Instead, keep bath time short and sweet – a 5 to 10 minutes lukewarm bath or shower is much better.
And plug in a humidifier to add moisture to the air and prevent dryness.
Finally, splurge on a comforting winter facial to keep your skin shiny and bright until spring.
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For more skincare tips, visit our website, call us at Skinsense Wellness at (323) 653-4701 or email us at skinsense@skinsensewellness.com. And for skincare services, please visit us at 8448 W. Third Street, Los Angeles, CA 90048. We will be happy to see you.
“Let me make something very clear… your skin.”
Being an aesthetician for over three decades, I know that taking care of our skin is the ultimate act of self-care. But I’m also a real person with real skin issues of my own, so I know first-hand just how confusing skincare can be. From understanding why you just got hit with a major case of adult acne or keeping abreast of the latest science behind skincare, to figuring out whether the latest buzziest ingredient is the panacea to all your skin woes (as they claim to be), I’m here to help.
I love my clients to bits but here are a few of the common confusions I stumble upon in my conversations with them at the salon.
Not knowing the ingredients in their skincare products.
One thing I find myself asking on every spa visit is “what performance ingredients are you currently using?” The answer is invariably, “I don’t know.”
As consumers, we are inundated with hundreds of skincare products every time we go to the store. And most skincare brands will put certain phrases like hydrating, clarifying, or anti-aging on their labels to grab your attention and stand out in the sea of products. With such simple labeling, it should be easy to find a product that will address your skin concerns, right? Not exactly! Often times you may end up choosing a product that claims to produce a specific result and end up with lackluster results if any at all.
One way to combat this misinformation is to be an ingredient sleuth – be a more informed consumer to find the products that will help in achieving your skincare goals.
Influenced by skinfluencers.
Social media can be a great resource and tool. But sometimes misinformation is circulated as facts, and before-and-after images can be photoshopped. It can be hard to tell who’s spreading dangerous skin care lies and who’s trustworthy… the number of followers does not always mean they know what they are talking about.
While there are skinfluencers that are licensed estheticians or dermatologists, remember that your skin is as unique as you – unique genetics, environmental exposure, and sun damage. Skincare needs to be individualized to your specific skin type. Consult with a board-certified dermatologist or a licensed esthetician who can customize your skincare regimen for optimal results.
Judging a skincare product solely by its ingredients list
The ingredient list on a skincare product can be helpful, especially if you have allergies or sensitivities. They tell you what’s in the product, in a roughly descending order, but not everything. Among the things it doesn’t tell you is the concentration of each ingredient (unless the ingredient is active), how much of the ingredient there is, how the ingredients are formulated together, the grade of an ingredient, and where the brand sources its ingredient.
Furthermore, markers like “dermatologist-tested” or “clinically proven” are fairly prevalent but are actually meaningless as there are no industry standards for designations for terms like these.
Beyond marketing and branding, skincare products are only as good as what they are made of and how they are formulated. The quality and combinations of ingredients are therefore very important. Choosing products from a reputable skincare brand can be helpful since each component may be designed to work in conjunction with the others and you can be more assured of the product’s quality.
Switching products too often
Change can be a good thing… but not when you are switching your skincare products too often. Skincare products take time to do their job. So when you have finally chosen the product for your skin stick with it for at least 3-4 months.
The skin’s outer layer, the epidermis, takes 4 weeks to completely renew. Once your skin goes through this cycle 3-4 times then you’ll have given your skin enough time to start making the real long-term changes and the results more visible.
Oily skin does not equal hydrated skin
It is important to note that although the words “dry” and “dehydrated” are often used interchangeably, the two indicate very different underlying issues when it comes to your skin. While dry skin lacks sebum (something oily complexions have in abundance), dehydrated skin lacks water. If you skip out on regular moisturizing, it can do more harm than good.
It’s important to find a moisturizer that does not add oil to the skin but is hydrating. Look for products that are lightweight and contain water-loving ingredients like linoleic and hyaluronic acid.
Finally, here are a few pieces of advice I repeatedly tell my clients.
- The order of things. You should apply your products starting with the lightest product to applying the heaviest product. Apply cleanser first followed by toner, serum, and moisturizer. During the day, sunscreen and makeup come next.
- Layering is great but don’t overdo it. Your skin doesn’t need six products in the morning and six in the evening. The skin can only absorb so much at one time. Using fewer products ensures better absorption and effectiveness of the ingredients you’re putting on your skin.
- And finally, DON’T PICK!! Doing so could crack, damage, or wound the skin and cause hyperpigmentation. If you feel the need to pick, see a skincare professional.
For more beauty and skincare tips, call us at Skinsense Wellness (323) 653–4701 or email us at skinsense@skinsensewellness.com. And for skincare services, please visit us at 8448 W. Third Street, Los Angeles, CA 90048. We will be happy to see you.
“You can’t help getting older. But you don’t have to get old.” – George Burns
50 is the new 40… I’ve heard it too many times before, if only it were true… well, maybe it is for the very few who are genetically blessed with eternally youthful-looking skin. For the rest of us mere mortals, we just have to keep trying these anti-aging products and skin-glowing treatments on the market to see which among the latest ingredients or technology delivers real results.
Among the latest treatments I came across, the claims about the Light Emitting Diode (LED)therapy certainly sounded appealing to me. They’re touted to treat everything from wrinkles, redness, and signs of aging to acne, scarring, and dark spots. Besides, it is popular among celebrities and social media influencers, posting selfies with their LED masks. So, let’s take a look at some of the details that will shed light on this skin treatment innovation.
Initially, LED therapy was used exclusively for the needs of science. The application of lamps was intended to grow plants in space shuttle missions. But then it was discovered that a certain wavelength promotes better tissue regeneration and can be useful in healing wounds. Overtime, LED therapy has spread to cosmetology and is now actively used to treat skin diseases and fight wrinkles.
The lights are generally classified into three wavelengths: ultraviolet, visible, and infrared. And according to how many LEDs and wavelengths in the device being used, you can treat pigmentation, aging, and acne skin. Here’s a rundown of the different LED light therapy benefits:
Blue Light Therapy
Blue light therapy has a shorter wavelength and can be very effective when applied topically to kill the acne-causing bacteria known as Propionibacterium acnes or P acnes. These bacteria found in the sebum and oil glands cause inflammation and breakouts on the skin surface. The good news is that P acne is sensitive to blue light and can be eliminated with this kind of therapy. Coupled with proper cleansing and treatment regimens, it offers a safe alternative to antibiotics and harsh topicals.
In addition, blue and red light treatments can be combined to treat acne conditions – heal the skin, diminish scarring, and reduce inflammation. The treatment is great for occasional breakouts too. It takes just a few minutes to get great results when used at home.
Red Light Therapy
Red light belongs to the higher wavelength component of the visible light spectrum. Red light therapy, or RLT, exposes you to low levels of red or near-infrared light for treating certain conditions, such as skin and muscle issues. It can speed wound healing, reduce scarring, stimulate collagen production, promote firmness, and improve skin texture.
Red light therapy can also be used to relieve chronic pain and some sports injuries. In fact, there are now red LED light beds that athletes and some medical professionals use for this purpose.
RLT, known by several names: photobiomodulation (PBM), low-level laser therapy (LLLT), biostimulation, and soft laser therapy, is a popular therapeutic option. It is provided at various facial clinics, wellness centers, spas, and athletic centers. RLT devices for home use are also widely available. The safest way, however, to get this therapy is through a qualified practitioner or aesthetician.
Results from using red light therapy take longer but are noticeable after 4–6 weeks of regular application.
Green Light Therapy
Green light therapy helps to lighten hyperpigmentation spots for a brighter complexion and the soothing effect has anti-inflammatory properties. It is used to treat dilated capillaries, loose skin around the eyes, under-eye circles, hyperpigmentation, and sunspots, especially on the hands.
Because green light waves penetrate more deeply than blue light, it is recommended that the application of green light to the face be done in a salon.
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Light therapy is painless, non-invasive, and requires no recovery time. Red, blue, and greenlights can be used on all skin conditions and ages with no side effects. However, I would highly recommend seeking the help of a skincare professional for a series of treatments in the salon and adding a hand-held or even a full-face unit to your skincare routine at home.
At our salon, we have been using the handheld units during our facial treatments to great effect and have also been retailing them to many clients for home use.
For more beauty and skincare tips, call us at Skinsense Wellness (323) 653–4701 or email us at skinsense@skinsensewellness.com. And for skincare services, please visit us at 8448 W. Third Street, Los Angeles, CA 90048. We will be happy to see you.
“Skin-vestment – the act of putting time, effort, and money into your skin to keep it healthy and glowing.”
Dear Marion… how much time should I spend daily on my skincare routine for it to be thorough and effective? Sincerely, Mrs. trying-hard-not-to-be high maintenance.
In my previous blog, I shared a few beauty shortcuts for when you find yourself in a time crunch. But if you really want to see brilliant results from your skin products and regimen, it’s always best to put in a sufficient amount of time every day on your skincare routine – both daytime and nighttime.
It may sound like high maintenance but, in reality, each step is necessary to achieve healthy, youthful-looking skin. So even with a busy schedule – juggling kids, a partner, and work – it is important to carve out that essential “me time” to take care of your skin.
Here is a basic plan that works out evenly for both the a.m. and p.m. skincare regimen.
MORNING ROUTINE – geared towards protection from the elements.
Step 1: Cleansing
Massage the cleanser into your skin for at least 30 seconds to a minute, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. You can rinse your face immediately, unless your cleanser contains active ingredients such as AHAs, or alpha hydroxy acids, then follow the product instructions.
Adding a silicone brush to cleansing 2-3 times a week ensures your pores stay unclogged and your skin super clean.
Wait for the skin to feel completely dry before moving on to step two. But, if you are using a toner containing hyaluronic acid, apply it immediately after cleansing while your skin is still damp. This seals in an extra layer of hydration.
Step 2: Toning
Yes – toners are important! They restore the pH of the skin, get rid of impurities and excess oils, shrink the pores, and prepare the skin to better absorb other products, such as serums and moisturizers. Some toners are also a humectant, which means that they can bind moisture to the skin.
It is most effective when applied with damp cotton, rather than sprayed on, and usually takes around 20 seconds to apply.
Step 3: Serum
Serums are lighter skin care formulations than moisturizers. Because they have thinner viscosity they are absorbed more easily and feel light on the skin.
This step should take around 30 seconds or the time it takes to smooth the product over the whole face.
Step 4: Eye Cream
The skin around your eyes is thinner, very delicate, and the first to show signs of aging. So apply creams specific to the eye area to avoid damage or irritation. If you are extremely sensitive or wear contact lenses, gel formulas may be more suitable.
It should take around 30 seconds to apply a specific eye product.
Step 5: Spot Treatment
Treat the areas with acne, blemishes, dark spots, age spots, or uneven skin tone one by one to help to reduce redness or discoloration and speed up your skin’s natural healing process.
The time this step will take depends on how many blemishes you have, but approximately it should be around 20 seconds for the application. Let the treatment dry before moving on to the next step, which could take at least one minute. Otherwise, the treatment will end up migrating to other parts of your face.
Step 6: Moisturizer
Apply the moisturizer to the face, neck, and chest.
The cream must absorb completely before moving to the next step, so wait about two minutes, or at least until the skin doesn’t feel sticky to the touch.
Step 7: Sun Cream
This is the step that should take the longest in a skincare routine. If applying it to the whole body, spend at least two minutes thoroughly applying it, and be generous. If it’s just the face and neck, a minute or two should be enough.
Then wait about 10 minutes before applying makeup. Applying makeup too soon can disrupt the sunscreen and reduce coverage and efficacy.
Total time for daytime routine: 20-30 minutes, before applying makeup.
NIGHTTIME ROUTINE – geared toward repair and rebuilding.
Repeat steps 1 through 5 from your morning routine.
Step 6: Treatment
Apply serums that contain any of the plethoras of active ingredients currently available – ATP, stem cells, peptides, minerals, antioxidants. This is a sure way to support the skin while you sleep. Choose a few of the ingredients to alternate every night and follow instructions by the manufacturer or as advised by your aesthetician, to avoid any reactions and get the best results.
Allow five minutes before the next step.
Step 7: Night Cream
Apply the cream over the face and neck, which should take around one to two minutes.
If you want to use a facial roller or gua sha tool, this is the moment to do it. Then wait at least 10 minutes before going to bed, so all the products that have been applied don’t end up on the pillow.
Total time for nighttime routine: 20-25 minutes.
“Invest in your skin. It is going to represent you for a very long time.” – Linden Tyler
For more beauty and skincare tips, call us at Skinsense Wellness (323) 653–4701 or email us at skinsense@skinsensewellness.com. And for skincare services, please visit us at 8448 W. Third Street, Los Angeles, CA 90048. We will be happy to see you.
“Dear body hair, if I’ve been waxing, plucking, and shaving every time you show up, I think you should get the hint.”
Shaving cream, razors, tweezers, hair removal cream, wax strips, scissors — the list goes on and on and on. But no matter what I use to get my body hair off, it seems to grow back almost immediately. It’s exhausting! I almost gave up on achieving hairless nirvana.
Removal of body hair has a long and complex history, dating all the way back to The Stone Age, 100,000 years ago. Cavemen used flint blades, seashells, and other sharp objects to shave off all body hair. Hair removal then was done for practical reasons: to prevent frostbite (especially during the Ice Age, when the unending winter would make the water freeze on their body hair), to remove a potential breeding ground for parasites like mites and lice, and to take away any advantage an adversary might have in a brawl by grabbing.
The practice of removing female body hair can be traced back to ancient Rome and Egypt. Some of the first razors, made of copper, were used in Egypt and India around 3000 BCE. Egyptian women removed their head hair and considered pubic hair uncivilized. Upper-class Roman women of the sixth century BCE used tweezers, pumice stones, and depilatories to achieve the desired degree of hairlessness, while Egyptians of Cleopatra’s time used a sugar mixture in a method similar to waxing and sugaring techniques used today. Elizabethan women removed their eyebrows and hair from their foreheads to give themselves longer brows. Think Elizabeth I.
Fashion trends and even war have been part of the growth in popularity of hair removal, and it has long been used to classify a women’s place in society throughout history.
There are several ways for people to de-fuzz and get rid of body hair. Here are 7 of the most popular methods.
RAZORS
Shaving is quick, easy, convenient, and inexpensive. There are now specially manufactured women’s razors with fewer blades. Although shaving is painless, it can cause cuts or razor burns, skin irritation, and ingrown hair.
To avoid these issues:
- use a body scrub before shaving to lift the hair
- shave after a shower when hair is soft, and the skin is free of any excess oil or dead skin cells that may clog the blade
- always use a shaving gel or cream to protect the skin,
- shave in the direction the hair grows to avoid razor burns
- rinse the razor after every swipe to avoid irritation
- and make sure to apply a body lotion when finished.
DEPILATORIES OR HAIR REMOVAL CREAMS
These creams contain alkaline ingredients that break down keratin in the hair, applied like a body lotion, and within a few minutes wiped off along with the unwanted hair. Painless, inexpensive, easy to use, and the good news is that nowadays they smell much more pleasant – unlike the rotten egg scent of the older versions.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work. Some users have reported that it doesn’t remove all the hair the first time around. In addition, those with sensitive skin may experience discomfort and skin irritation – from a mild tingling or a burning sensation to a rash.
It’s always best to test the product on a small area of your skin before using it to see how your skin reacts.
WAXING
There are many kinds of wax available today. Cool, warm, crème, hard, resin – the list is a long one. They all work pretty much the same – wax is spread on the area you want to remove hair from and a strip of cloth is then placed on top of the area and pulled off quickly so the hair, including the follicle, gets pulled along with it. The result is a smooth, hairless skin that lasts 3-4 weeks. If done regularly over a period of time, results may last longer as the hair root weakens and the hair becomes finer.
However, depending on your pain tolerance, waxing can be painful as the hair is pulled off from the root. Also, waxing can cause inflamed hair follicles, redness, ingrown hairs, and skin irritation. So, it would be best to splurge on the process and go to a salon. In between salon visits, use a body exfoliant regularly to reduce ingrown hairs.
SUGARING
Sugaring is an ancient method of removing unwanted hair that has become popular in recent years. Most products contain sugar, lemon, and water, and are heated to make a sticky syrup that can cling to hair to help pull them out, similar to waxing. It is said to brighten tattoos in some instances.
Though your skin may be less irritated than with waxing, you may still experience some irritation and inflammation with sugaring. As with waxing, keep the skin clean after treatment to help avoid infection in the ingrown areas.
THREADING
Threading has been around for centuries where twisted cotton threads are rolled over hairlines to pluck unwanted hair. It is a very skilled procedure that can remove the tiniest of hairs and gives a very precise, clean result that lasts for two to four weeks. It’s great for clients who prefer to avoid chemicals and heat.
However, threading only works on flat surfaces, like the brows.
ELECTROLYSIS
For more permanent options, electrolysis removes hair and prevents hair growth. A teeny tiny probe is inserted into your pore, zap it with electricity to kill the hair follicle, and tweezers to pull out the dead hair.
Make sure you go to an experienced electrologist – there is a risk of scarring and hyperpigmentation in the wrong hands. Although time-consuming and more expensive, electrolysis is the only permanent hair removal process endorsed by the FDA.
LASER HAIR REMOVAL
Laser hair removal uses a concentrated beam of light (laser) that is absorbed by the pigment of the hair damaging the tube-shaped sacs within the skin (hair follicles) that produce hair. This damage inhibits or delays future hair growth.
Multiple sessions over the course of a few months may be needed to see long-term results. The upfront costs of the procedure will be way more expensive than a pack of razors, but the results gained from a series of treatments are long-lasting. And the procedure gets rid of ingrown hairs.
However, there is a risk of hyperpigmentation so once again, go to a reputable laser clinic that can use the right laser for your skin type.
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Whatever hair removal option you choose, make sure you are doing it correctly, and don’t forget to take care of your skin. In this way, you get the best results.
For more beauty and skincare tips, check out my website, call us at Skinsense Wellness (323) 653–4701 or email us at skinsense@skinsensewellness.com. And for skincare services, please visit us at 8448 W. Third Street, Los Angeles, CA 90048. We will be happy to see you.
“I would rather be late than arrive ugly.”
My mornings often feel like a race against the clock. Get up (okay, I admit I snoozed maybe once or twice), hurry up, and go. With the frantic rush to get out the door or get on the early Zoom meeting, I find myself rushing my morning routine. But there are personal hygiene and some beauty routines I just can’t skip, especially now that I’m older. It seems like, with age, it takes longer and longer for me to primp to look good.
I’m sure a lot of women – wives, mothers, professionals, etc. – feel the same way I do. But just because you are crunched for time, doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice looking gorgeous. So, I gathered a few beauty shortcuts of my own and from my always impeccably groomed clients to keep you looking pretty in no time.
BODY
- Shower the night before.
- Shave the night before to cut your shower time in half the next day. But if you shave in the morning, use an oil-based gel instead of your typical shaving cream. It will give you an easy shave while also moisturizing your skin so you can skip putting on lotion afterwards.
- If you skip the shower, use a damp cloth on the areas where smells tend to gather (a.k.a. your pits) and don’t forget the deodorant and perfume to stay fresh all day!
FACE
- Early morning mask treatments – when you first get out of bed, splash your face with tepid water and apply both an eye and face mask. (Keep the eye mask in the fridge for extra de-puffing benefits). Then you can go about your normal early morning rituals and be getting a mini facial at the same time.
- Simplify your make-up routine – Moisturizer, mineral powder with SPF, and lipstick.
- Skip the foundation. Dab concealer under eyes, down the bridge of the nose, on your chin, and on any problem areas like dark spots or pimples.
- Get a lash perm and lash and brow tinting – tint lashes and brows every month to save using mascara and eyebrow pencils. Lash perms are also great and can last for up to six weeks.
- Smudge eyeliner for an instant smokey eye – simply line your eyes using a creamy eyeliner and smudge with your ring finger. In just a few seconds, you’ll have a simple Parisian look.
- Use a tinted lip balm for blush – dab a tinted lip balm on your cheeks and blend for a creamy blush alternative.
- Choose a lip stain – one quick pat on the lips in the morning as you’re running out the door, and you don’t need to re-apply throughout the day.
HAIR
- Apply dry shampoo before your head hits the pillow at night. The shampoo will work itself into your strands overnight, resulting in clean, healthy-looking hair in the morning.
- Use silk pillowcases to prevent messy morning hair and keep your strands smooth while you sleep.
- Have a manageable cut that matches your hair type – straight or curly – saves having to fuss or curl.
- For bouncy beach waves, braid your hair after your shower at night and leave them in while you sleep. In the morning, undo the braids, spritz the resulting waves with a little texturizing spray, and scrunch with your hands.
- Wear your hair in a nice ponytail, braid, or bun.
- And, hats, hair pieces, and hair ties are all great accessories to have on hand.
NAILS
Dry nail polish fast with ice water. If you’re going to an event or getting ready for a date, and you didn’t have time for a mani, soak your freshly painted nails in a bowl of ice water for a minute; the cold will dry them quickly.
CLOTHING
- Choose your outfit the night before, this includes accessories like jewelry, shoes, bags, belts, etc.
- Steam your clothes in the shower to get rid of wrinkles. Hang the wrinkled clothes from the shower rod. Then go about your normal bathroom routine. Fifteen minutes later, wrinkle-free clothes.
So, even when you just rolled out of bed, no one will have to know.
For more beauty and skincare tips, check out our blogs, call us at Skinsense Wellness (323) 653-4701 or email us at skinsense@skinsensewellness.com. And for skincare services, please visit us at 8448 W. Third Street, Los Angeles, CA 90048. We will be happy to see you.
