5 of the Worst Bad Habits that Lead to Acne

Contrary to popular belief acne isn't just about putting the best products on your face( although this does help tremendously)  It takes a balanced approach to solve any acne situation, and you must take more precautions if your condition is severe.

One of the most frustrating things about dealing with bad skin is when you accidentally make it worse!  Here are a few tips you shuld heed caution to in order to keep your skin healthy and looking great.

1. Popping Pimples
It's a very tricky situation when you've decided to pop a pimple.   The thought process is that if you can, you'll get rid of the blemish quickly.  But popping pimples will lead to further breakouts and the spread of bacteria.  It will also leave your face discolored and possibly scarred.

2.Excessive Washing
Logic would dictate that if you keep your face clean you would prevent blockages and rid yourself of excess oil.  Unfortunately, a lot of people go way overboard and they end up drying their skin completely with too much daily washing.  Only wash twice daily and please avoid using hot water.

3. Sun Tanning
It does not matter if you have acne or not- it's very important for you to stay protected under the sun's harmful rays. There is a common myth that tanning with get rid of acne, while it may hide the problem with darker skin tones- this is not a cure.  Please use sunscreen we recommend our Green Tea SPF 30

4. Smoking
Too many negative aspects to this to list, increasing acne is low on the importance scale.  If you smoke, please seek guidance to try and quit.

5.Looking in the Mirror
Some folks spend way too much time staring in the mirror.  Don't let acne be your life look for good treatment plans and stick with them for long term results.  Our Fusion Peel is a great choice for acne.

Does Neutralizer Burn?

A young woman did her first 70% Glycolic Acid full body peel last night and said she pretty much needed to rinse it off immediately. She poured the baking soda/water mix all over to neutralize the peel but said it felt like she poured gasoline on herself and lit a match!!! Is it supposed to burn?

The baking soda contains sodium bicarbonate which is a very strong base. When it is introduced to the acid (Gycolic acid) it reacts to form a salt (and water) which is called a neutralization reaction. This reaction is exothermic (releases heat). This heat combined with the salt formed would definitely cause quite the discomfort but it quickly subsides. After neutralization you should always flush with cold water. This will soothe the skin and remove the salt, then apply your serums.  Hope this helps!

5 Easy Steps to Hydrated Summer Skin

 

This past week the sun has been out in force, encouraging everyone to spend more time outside.

But while the constant rise in temperature and increase in sunshine is definitely welcomed by many, it poses many hazards for your skin as it struggles to stay hydrated.

There are many ways you can stay on top of your skincare this summer, keeping it soft, supple and with a sunny glow.

1. Exfoliate

Exfoliating your skin helps to improve and remove any  dead skin cells by reducing flakiness and exposing the younger, smoother skin.

By using an product such as our Glycolic Micro Scrub at least two times a week this can help clear the pores, leaving skin feeling cleaner and revitalised.

Scrubbing in gentle circular motions will also assist in improving circulation, keeping skin glowing and also possibly break up unwanted cellulite around your body.

2. Moisturize

Moisturizing is an essential component in achieving hydrated skin. In the harsher summer weather it pays to have both a day and night moisturizer, both of which will have different purposes.

The day serum delivers nutrients deeper into the epidermis & higher concentrations of actives.

Meanwhile a night moisturizer should be much heavier, but also gentle on the skin with no harsh chemicals, meaning you can keep it on all night as it penetrates deeper into the skin.

3. Chemical Exfoliants

The use of a chemical exfoliant such as Glycolic Acid can be used for those times when your skin needs a quick pick me up.

These Chemical Peels work well when used once bi-weekly week along with a regular moisturising routine, giving skin back its glow.

4. Protect yourself from the sun

The biggest threat to your skin during the summer is undoubtedly the sun.

This is why it is imperative to invest in sun screen with a high level of UVA and UVB protection, shielding your skin from harmful rays, as well as damage, such as burning and increased ageing.

Applied regularly sun screen can also help in your daily moisturizing routine, allowing you to top up your skin's moisture levels on the go.

5. Drink lots of water

Finally one of the absolute musts if you want to keep skin properly hydrated is drinking plenty of water each day.

Carrying a bottle with you and drinking little and often is a sure-fire way to ensure you're getting enough water.

Please read before you try to lighten your skin

A recent warning issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) says that the common ingredient in skin lightening products — mercury — can have adverse effects such as kidney damage, reduction in the skin's resistance to bacterial and fungal infections, anxiety, depression or psychosis and also peripheral neuropathy.

The warning is especially serious  as a large portion of the dermatological market consists of skin lightening products. Apart from mercury, the creams may also contain harmful ingredients such as hydroquinone and ammonia. 

 Hydroquinone leads to permanent disruption of melanocytes, which produces melanins.

After long term use, some cells become permanently inactive resulting in white patches.

Some creams have raw acid in the form of ammonia. Ammonia is a bleaching agent which burns the skin. Not surprisingly, advertisements for lightening creams come with a shade card to mark the stages in the progress from dark to a lighter skin. Regular use of such products may loosen the skin and lead to wrinkles.

Next time, look before you purchase. The names to look for on the cover include mercury, Hg, mercuric iodide, mercurous chloride, ammoniated mercury, amide chloride of mercury, quicksilver, cinnabaris, hydrargyri oxydum rubrum (mercury oxide), mercury iodide. Directions to avoid contact with silver, gold, rubber, aluminum and jewelry may also indicate the presence of mercury.

We recommend our Arbutin Discoloration Duo. Tyrosinase is an enzyme at the root of pigment. Without it, you wouldnt have any color and an over abundance of it makes more color.

So, the fix is to control this enzyme and nature has blessed us with a natural ingredient to do so.

Its known as Alpha Arbutin and it is great at suppressing tyrosinase.

How Daily Facial Cleansing Can Be the Easiest Part of the Beauty Routine

Daily facial cleansing may appear to be the simplest and easiest part of the beauty routine, and if done correctly can promote a healthy glow. “Finding the right cleanser for your skin type is very important but that is only the first step,” says Dr. David Bank, President of the New York State Society for Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery. “Equally important is knowing how to properly cleanse your face.” Below Dr. Bank gives you the top ingredients to look for in a facial cleanser for different skin woes. 

• ACNE-PRONE: Look for cleansers with salicylic acid, glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide or sulfur. These ingredients will gently exfoliate skin while removing bacteria and dirt that can clog pores and form acne.
• ANTI-AGING: Look for cleansers with alpha-hydroxyl acid, vitamins A, B, C and E, and green tea extract. They will exfoliate skin, removing dead skin cells and help new cell growth while repairing skin damage due to environmental assaults.
• SENSITIVE SKIN: Cleansers that contain lactic acid, glycerin or hyaluronic acid will work to clean the skin without provoking irritation.
• DRY SKIN: Ingredients like vitamin A, C and F and hyaluronic acid work best for dry skin as they help hydrate the skin by holding moisture and drawing it deep into the skin.
• REDNESS: Aloe vera, soy and chamomile are ingredients that are gentle and moisturizing enough to the skin so irritation will not occur while cleansing.

The second step is learning how to properly cleanse your face. Below are seven simple cleansing rules to clearer, brighter and younger looking skin.

1. Start with Clean Hands: Keep bacteria and dirt from hands at bay by washing hands and then be sure to rinse ALL of the soap off before moving on so that chemicals from the hand soap do not react with the sensitive skin on your face.

2. Remove all make up: Gently remove all make-up with make-up remover towelettes or a cotton pad soaked with olive oil. Removing make-up first allows for a more thorough cleaning.

3. Lukewarm Water: Start with a warm water flush to open pores and loosen dirt. Caution: Water that is too hot can shock skin and cause broken capillaries.

4. Activate the cleanser: Apply face wash onto fingertips of one hand. Rub hands together to form lather; this helps to activate the cleanser.

5. Clean: Work fingertips in a circular motion along the face and neck. It is important to be gentle so that skin does not get irritated. By rubbing in a circular motion you massage the face, stimulating the blood and oxygen.

6. Rinse: Rinse cleanser off by splashing lukewarm water on the face. Do not rub face as this can cause irritation.

7. Pat face dry with a clean towel: Cotton towels work best because they have less of an abrasive nature. Also, wash towels after each use as bacteria clings to washcloths and towels.

Chemical Peels Throughout Time

Chemical Skin peels are used these days to improve the skin’s overall appearance, by removing the initial surface of the skin, allowing rejuvenated smoother skin to grow in its place. But were they using them in the old days?

In Ancient times, Cleopatra was known for bathing in sour milk. This practice was common in that time. Why sour milk? Sour milk contains lactic acid, one of the ingredients used in chemical peels today. The Egyptians were also known for bathing in old wine to achieve the same effect. The old wine contains a tartaric acid. This fruit acid is used in skin peels now a days.

From the 15th Century on, pale skin became a fad, which in turn made skin whitening creams and chemical peels very popular. They began using these creams and peels after the Greeks introduced the effective ingredient lead oxide in these products.

In the 1950’s dermatologists began administering medium depth, and deep peels which weren’t available until this time. When they administered these peels they used ingredients such as trichloroacetic acid, resorcinol, salicylic acid and phenol. These ingredients are still used today in chemical peels.

Chemical peels have been around forever and there is only one reason why: They work. Try one today and reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, even pigmentation, and rejuvenate the appearance of your skin!

WHAT ARE CHEMICAL ACID PEELS?

Chemical acid peels are a classification for different types of chemical treatments that are used to remove dead skin cell and make the skin smoother.

Despite the word “peel” nothing peels off during the procedure. The chemical solution that is applied to the skin dissolves the upper layer of the skin. As this tissue is dissolved, a wound forms this causes new tissue to grow in response to the body’s natural healing process.



The type of acids used in a chemical peel can include trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and alphahydroxy acids (AHAs). The type of acid used is determined according to the individual patient’s needs and wishes.

Alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) such as lactic and fruit acids can produce the lightest of the peels as they are the mildest form of acid. These acid peels are normally used to treat fine wrinkles, dryness and uneven skin pigment. AHA acids are often mixed in less concentrated forms with a cream or lotion that can be used on a daily basis. AHA peels include AHA Kojic, Glycolic Acid, and Lactic Acid.

Medium-depth peels use Trichloroacetic acid (TCA). A TCA chemical peel works well for stretch marks, mild acne scars and can be used to remove mild acne. With TCA peels sometimes more than one peel is needed to get the results that are desired.

TCA peels are the best to treat acne scars. The chemicals in this are stronger than other acids such as lactic and work on the deeper layers of the skin. When peels are used to treat acne scars, a qualified estethician should be consulted.

AHA peels can cause redness, irritation and stinging which disappears in a few days. TCA peels will not bleach the skin but patients are advised to avoid exposure to the sun for several months to protect the new skin.  Patients are also advised to avoid sun exposure.A person who has frequent blisters or cold sores may not be a candidate for a chemical peel.

The results from peels can last anywhere from six months to one year. This depends on the type of peel and the area covered. If acne scars are treated or a large portion of the skin is treated additional treatments may be needed and these are usually performed about three months apart. Find all types of at-home chemical skin peels at Skin-peel.com.