February 18th, 2013 • Posted by Shana Irish • Permalink
Our pores are essential to our skin's health, providing the oils that keep our skin soft and supple. Many women, however, look at their face in the mirror and feel plagued by enlarged pores. Large pores ccur for many reasons. Some individuals are genetically predisposed, while others simply aren't cleansing properly. There are a variety of measures ranging from over-the-counter exfoliating scrubs to microdermabrasion that can help reduce the appearance of your pores.
Many instances of large pores are caused by improper cleansing. It is important to cleanse the face in the morning and at night with an oil-free cleanser. Using an exfoliator is also a good addition to your skin care regimen, as it will slough off dead skin cells from your face. Be careful not to over-wash, or over-exfoliate. When skin becomes too dry, the body will create more oil, which will clog your pores again. You may need to experiment to find the best regimen for your particular skin.
Enlarged pores can also be caused by sun damage. Sun causes elastin and collagen to break down, reducing the tightness of the skin, and its ability to tighten up around your pores. It is always important to protect the face from sun exposure.
Some of us are simply genetically predisposed, and no amount of washing or UV protection will really help reduce the look of large pores. However, there are plenty of options available when at-home methods aren't effective. Microdermabrasion is a non-chemical exfoliating procedure that rejuvenates skin. A spray of microcrystal particles stimulates collagen production, creating firmer, smoother skin and significantly reducing the appearance of pores. Laser resurfacing uses a laser to stimulate collagen production to tone and tighten facial skin. Other available options include chemical peels and deep pore cleansing treatments. These procedures are performed by dermatologists and other licensed professionals.
If you are looking for a solution to large pores, you can learn more by scheduling a consultation with THE SKIN SPA. An experienced skin care specialist will discuss the best choices for your skin and medical history, as well as potential risks or side effects associated with pore-reducing procedures.
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January 28th, 2013 • Posted by Shana Irish • Permalink
Are you wondering what the rage is about BB creams and how BB creams work? Also known as blemish balms and beauty balms, these creams have recently taken the beauty world (and the United States) by storm. So what is this amazing new product? A blemish balm is a tinted moisturizer with extra benefits. It contains SPF, disguises blemishes, and soothes and moisturizes skin-some versions even contain anti-aging properties! Depending on your needs, BB creams can replace foundation and moisturizer-depending on your skin type, you can wear them completely on their own!
The History of BB Creams
The first version of BB cream was developed in Germany in the 1950s by dermatologist Christine Schrammek, M.D. (who still sells the original version on her website!) for her patients after they had finished treatments such as skin peels and facials. This BB (Blemish Balm) cream was designed to soothe skin while camouflaging redness with its tinted color. 30 years later, BB cream was introduced to the Korean market, then quickly became popular throughout Asia. Korean celebrities became obsessed with the product, attributing it to their flawless skin and calling it a "miracle cream."
How BB Creams Work
Essentially the ultimate all-in-one product, BB Creams offer strong sun protection, prevent pimples, cover imperfections, and contain anti-aging, skin soothing properties. They also prime the skin and prevent shine (tinted moisturizers never took off in Asia because no one wanted to look dewier in the humid climate). But before now, BB cream was only available in one shade, which made it unsuitable for the US market. Some Korean varieties even contained whitening agents! The most popular brands in Korea have been Missha and Dr. Jart+, and BB creams alone even have their own aisle in Asian pharmacies.
New BB Creams
In order for BB cream to hit U.S. shelves, it had to be developed in a slew of different shades, yet still contain all of the beauty benefits. "BB cream is perfect for a busy woman," says New York City and Miami-based dermatologist Fredric Brandt, M.D. (he looks after Madonna's skin!), who is releasing his own version-Dr. Brandt Flexitone BB Cream-this March. "It has broad spectrum protection that's been approved by the FDA, soothes and moisturizes skin, disguises blemishes, and has anti-aging properties. Essentially, it's a moisturizer, anti-aging cream, sunscreen, primer, and foundation all rolled into one." Dr. Brandt's twist on the popular product? A self-adjusting color that works for women of all skin tones!
So is BB cream right for you? If you want coverage that not only brightens, soothes, moisturizers, primes, and provides UV protection and anti-aging properties, then be sure to add BB cream to your beauty arsenal.
Article reposted from www.beautylish.com
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January 22nd, 2013 • Posted by Shana Irish • Permalink
Acne affects up to 90% of all people. And while it’s often seen by skincare companies as a strictly adolescent issue, adult acne can come and go throughout a grown person’s life, or be a permanent fixture. For people with severe adult acne, it’s best to see a dermatologist or an aesthetician who can recommend in-office skincare treatments and prescription medication. For those that suffer from mild to moderate adult acne—blackheads, whiteheads, and the rare pustule—an over-the-counter solution will probably do the trick. The majority of the acne treatments available at drugstores and specialty cosmetic outlets contain one of two ingredients: Benzoyl Peroxide or Salicylic Acid.
Breaking Down Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid
In order to make the choice between Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid, let’s get a better understanding of both ingredients.
Benzoyl Peroxide is an organic compound containing two benzoyl groups bridged by a peroxide link. Benzoyl Peroxide is one of the world’s most important peroxides, due to its variable uses: acne treatment, hair and teeth bleaching, food lightening, and much more. To give a better idea of how important Benzoyl Peroxide is, the World Health Organization (WHO) has listed it as an Essential Medicine, or the minimal necessities for a healthcare system. Benzoyl Peroxide certainly has a presence, but what does that mean for your acne?
On acne, Benzoyl Peroxide acts as an antiseptic and oxidizing agent. It effectively kills acne-causing bacteria (p.acnes) on contact while also providing oxygen to the bacteria, which needs an oxygen-free environment to survive. It’s impossible to say whether Benzoyl Peroxide works better for certain types of acne than others, because its efficiency depends on the cause of a person’s acne. If your acne is caused by an overabundance of acne bacteria, then Benzoyl Peroxide might be your saving grace.
Salicylic Acid is an organic acid derived from the plant metabolism process. It’s used primarily for acne treatment, but can also be found in medications for scaling overgrowth like psoriasis, dandruff, dermatitis, corns, and warts. Aspirin contains a form of Salicylic Acid, which explains why you may have heard of making an anti-acne treatment out of crushed up aspirin pills. Since its created during the plant metabolism process, Salicylic Acid is found in many fruits and vegetables. Unfortunately, rubbing mass amounts of guavas or peanuts on your face won’t give you the same results as concentrated salicylic acid formulated for anti-acne use.
For the treatment of adult acne, Salicylic Acid reduces swelling and redness while unclogging blocked pores. It is also an excellent exfoliant, as it encourages dead skin cells to shed quickly. If your adult acne is caused by pores that are consistently clogged with dirt and oil, Salicylic Acid may help clear your skin. It’s less likely to cause irritation than Benzoyl Peroxide, but mild dryness and flaking are common side effects.
Common Brand Names for Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid
Both Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid are commonly found in over-the-counter acne treatments. You’re probably familiar with Clean and Clear, Clearasil, Oxy, Persa-Gel, and ProActiv - all of these products use Benzoyl Peroxide as an active ingredient. Salicylic Acid can be found in Stri-Dex, Noxzema, Zapzyt, and many Neutrogena products. There’s nothing wrong with using Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid together, but you may be in for more skin irritation than you would in using just one.
Other Solutions for Persistent Adult Acne
While Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid pose good first steps against adult acne, not everyone’s face will clear up using a one-size-fits-all regimen. If these products haven’t made a dent in your acne, there are other—more aggressive—solutions available. THE SKIN SPA offers a wide range of premium skincare treatments that can aid an existing anti-acne regimen, or be the first step in a new approach to treating acne.
IPL Photofacial - An innovative treatment that uses Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) to penetrate deep into the skin to rejuvenate the skin’s natural defense system. The IPL Photofacial is a popular option for people with adult acne because in addition to battling large pores, blackheads, and pustules, it also helps smooth out fine lines and wrinkles.
Blue Light Therapy (LED) - As another form of a photofacial, Blue Light Therapy was developed specifically for acne sufferers. The visible violet light destroys acne-causing bacteria deep in the skin, alleviating even the most persistent breakouts.
Laser Skin Rejuvenation - Primarily used to eliminate difficult acne scarring and hyperpigmentation, Laser Skin Rejuvenation can also treat and prevent existing acne by exfoliating pore-clogging skin cells and debris on the surface of the face.
Chemical Peel - A Chemical Peel offers moderate exfoliation, cystic acne treatment, and pore refinement in a single treatment. And contrary to popular belief, chemical peels are highly customizable to make recovery a breeze.
If you’d like more information on what these treatments can do for your skin, THE SKIN SPA is here to help. Email us or give us a call to set up a complimentary consultation!
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