LASER TREATMENT: AGE SPOTS and SKIN REJUVENATION



Laser Treatment



As we age, the damage to our skin often becomes increasingly more prominent. Some of this damage is simply a natural effect of aging, while some is caused by too much exposure to the sun’s harmful rays.Sunspots are commonly caused due to over exposure of skin to the harmful sun-rays. Also known as age spots, these are tiny spots, usually whitish or brownish in color. These might appear in cluster or alone on the over exposed areas of your skin. While lesser exposure can just lead to suntan, over exposure or repeated exposure to sun-rays can lead to formation of brown or white spots on skin. Though these are very common in people over 35, depending upon the type of skin and the amount of exposure to sun-rays, these also appear in younger people. Unprotected skin is most susceptible to this and many other skin disorders caused due to sun-rays. Opting for the best treatment is essential to refinish your skin and protect it from further damage. For those individuals who want to turn back the hands of time and achieve an even, more youthful complexion, skin laser treatment may be the answer.

Skin laser treatment is offered by dermatologists, plastic surgeons and other skincare professionals. When done by an experienced professional, the success rate of the treatment is very high – and the risk of complications, very low. Patients can also expect very minimal pain during the outpatient procedure and little to no recovery time.

How it Works

Your skincare specialist will use a handheld tool that emits lasers over the treatment area. The lasers penetrate the skin to increase collagen production and eliminate skin discoloration, fine lines and wrinkles. The length of the skin laser treatment depends on the size of the area being treated, but often takes less than one hour. In most cases, however, more than one treatment is necessary to remove the sun and age spots entirely. These treatments are usually scheduled within three to five weeks of each other. But because the treatments produce permanent results, you won’t need to repeat the treatments on a regular basis unless future spots develop.

 

 

Treatment Areas

Typically, laser treatments are performed on those parts of the body that are exposed to sunlight, and are, therefore, susceptible to damage. Areas of the body where laser treatment is typically performed includes the face, neck, hands, upper back and chest.

Retinoids, Vitamin C and Glycolic Acid: How to Combine Anti-aging Products

Combining Different Antiaging Products

Tretinoin (retinoic acid) and Glycolic acid (AHA) are both powerful anti-aging skin care ingredients that make very noticeable improvements in the appearance of the skin by:

• Lighten age spots
• Smooth and exfoliate the skin giving it a more luminous character
• Work to reverse wrinkles by building new collagen just underneath the surface of the skin.

The ultimate anti aging skin care product combination is to use both of these and throw in a strong professional level vitamin C product every 4th day. Each of these ingredients works to rejuvenate the skin by a different mechanism, and thus combination therapy yields more age reversal that using just one alone.

Unfortunately, all these highly effective anti-aging ingredients are irritating.  Only people with really tolerant skin can combine tretinoin and glycolic acid therapy.  People with sensitive skin  have to pick either tretinoin OR glycolic acid.  People who can’t tolerate using tretinoin with glycolic acid can sometimes tolerate using just one of these ingredient with a topical vitamin C product.  This is because the vitamin C is not exfoliating.  Vitamin C is, however, irritating to exfoliated skin so it is still a little tricky.

The reason that it’s tricky to combine these wonderful and effective anti aging ingredients is that the glycolic acid and the tretinoin are both very exfoliating.  Exfoliated skin has a more refined and luminous appearance, but also  absorbs things faster.  Because the glycolic acid and the vitamin C both have an acid pH, they can be irritating to exfoliated skin.  In addition, tretinoin causes a ‘break in’ rash when a person first starts using it.  The skin adjusts in about a month and the rash typically goes away, but skin with retinoid rash gets really irritated from the acid pH of the glycolic acid or the vitamin C products.

GOLDEN TIP

When people want to try to combine anti-aging home therapy, the best way is to start on the tretinoin at night for at least 2 months. When the skin has adjusted to the tretinoin, add professional level glycolic acid during the day.

When the combination is tolerated and can be applied every day, then throw in the vitamin c serum.

To help the skin tolerate this powerful anti aging treatment, it is better to add an antioxidant cream.

Antioxidant Creams

 

Of course, any exfoliating anti aging treatment means that a person MUST wear a 5% or more microsized zinc oxide sunscreen every day, all year, regardless of their planned activities.  Because exfoliated skin allows more damaging sun rays to enter the skin, it is better to wear hat and try to keep the face out of direct sunlight as much as possible.  This is important for skin cancer prevention, and it’s also critical for "anti-aging skin rejuvenation" to be effective.

The combo anti-aging skincare regimen is:

Morning

1. Wash with a gentle cleanser 
2. Hydrating Antioxidant cream
3. Glycolic acid product or vitamin c serum
4. Moisturizer if needed (eg. A Daily Moisturizing Face Cream)
5. Sunscreen

Night time

1. Wash with a gentle cleanser as above
2. Hydrating Antioxidant Cream
3. Daily Moisturizing Face Cream of choice if needed
4. Wait 15 minutes then Tretinoin (begin every 3rd night and gradually work up to every night)

If a person cannot tolerate both tretinoin and glycolic home therapy, then they can combine tretinoin at night, Vitamin C Serum during the day and have occasional glycolic acid peels done carefully by a skin care professional.  

WARNING: The exfoliation achieved with tretinoin makes the peels tricky and the skin care professional needs to be experienced with this situation.  The risk is that the peel may be go too deep and injure the skin, potentially causing scarring.  

RETINOIDS: Anti-aging Vitamin A

Retinoid

Studies have shown that the vitamin A derivatives known as Retinoids (retinoic acid) unplug pores, help clear up acne, reduce fine lines, boost the production of collagen, lighten brown spots and freckles, and improve skin texture.

Before and After Using Retinoid Creams

The retinoids – which have even been shown to help treat precancerous skin lesions -- is sold by prescription only under names that include Renova, Retin-A, and the generic Tretinoin.

A retinoid should be the foundation of any topical antiaging regimen.

Men and women should make a retinoid part of their evening regimen beginning in their 20s.

The downside is that retinoids can initially cause dryness, flaking, and redness.

Dermatologists say that starting out slowly, applying a pea-sized amount of retinoid every second or third night, can help your skin adjust to the powerful ingredient.

Or consider an over-the-counter cream, gel, or serum containing retinol. This nonprescription version of a retinoid works more gradually and gently but is still effective in rejuvenating your skin.

Serum Containing Retinol

Vichy LiftActiv Retional HA

Bombarding your skin with lots of different ingredients can be irritating. What’s more, used in combination, some ingredients will cancel out each other’s benefits.

For example, the acid in salicylic or glycolic acid breaks down ingredients like retinol, hydroquinone, or Vitamin C. More is not necessarily better.

 

The products necessary for beautiful skin aren’t glamorous, and include a simple cleanser, sunscreen, moisturizer, and a retinoid or retinol.

Skin Benefits of Tretinoin (Retinoic acid)

1.  Increased collagen stimulation: Avoiding Wrinkles

Tretinoin directly stimulates collagen formation by inhibiting collagen breakdown.  It increases extracellular collagen formation by 80% in the papillary dermis when used for 1 year!  The clinical effects relate to smoother and softer skin texture with a decrease of fine lines and wrinkles. So, it is one of the best anti-aging cream we can find.

2.  Protection from sun exposure

Tretinoin prevents breakdown of collagen from ultraviolet exposure.  It is still important to sun protect with an effective sunscreen.  

Apply Retinoids at Night and Sunscreen in the Morning

3. Treatment for Acne

Topical retinoid medications are useful for treating blackheads and whiteheads by helping to open clogged pores. Examples of these are tretinoin (brand name Retin-A), adapalene (brand name Differin) and tazarotene (brand name Tazorac).

Before and After Using Tretinoin

4.  Improves Pigmentation

Tretinoin increases cell turnover thereby removing epidermal cells containing pigment (melanin) giving a less pigmented appearance.  This increase of cell turnover also allows better penetration of a topical bleaching agent (hydroquinone) when used in combination.

It is important to remember to clean the face 20-30 minutes before application of tretinoin since application while the face is damp will increase sensitivity.

The third generation retinoic acids are the newest additions, adapalene (Differin) and tazarotene (Tazorac).

Adapalene (Differin) has less retinoid dermatitis than tretinoin, but it works primarily for acne and does not help a lot for photodamaged skin.

 Tazarotene (tazorac) has similar results as tretinoin in that it helps improve wrinkling, pore size, textural irregularities and hyperpigmentation.

So my recommendation is to use a form of retinoic acid at night before you sleep. There are generics available for Retina-A (tretinoin).  Apply a thin layer of tretinoin to your face and neck to help stimulate dermal collagen and help with cell turnover.

From time to time, your skin will peel, in which case, skip one night and reapply the next night.  To some degree you can think of topical retinoids as your own chemical peel.

MINERAL MAKEUP: Healthy Makeup



MINERAL MAKEUP



Mineral makeup is a new cosmetic trend that emphasizes natural health and being eco-friendly by using organic ingredients. Mineral makeup is mostly made up of natural minerals. It does not contain any chemicals, additives, animal byproducts, talc, oil, synthetic fragrances, and other manufactured skin irritants. Mineral makeup is made by pulverizing sterilized minerals into a fine powder that is mixed with natural pigments to produce various shades.





Synthetic ingredients have a negative impact on the skin causing such problems as acne, blackheads, clogged pores, skin irritations, and dry skin. As well, some artificial colors are known as carcinogens. With natural makeup, there is a significantly reduced risk of allergic reactions and acne break outs. The minerals in the makeup consist of titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and iron oxide. Iron oxide gives color to the makeup. Titanium and zinc are a natural anti-inflammatory, and titanium dioxide is a natural sunscreen and provides an SPF of 15 to 20.




 

Most mineral foundations consist of a foundation, concealer, powder and sunscreen. It is great for women with sensitive skin as it provides enhanced skin care. Manufactured make-up tends to be heavy on the face and can cake up on the skin. Organic makeup’s texture is lighter, more natural, and allows your skin to breathe. It is based on a hypoallergenic loose powder that naturally nourishes and protects the skin.

Mineral makeup does not enhance wrinkles like traditional powders. If you have fine lines, wrinkles, or crow’s-feet, the minerals will not accentuate them, but instead, aid in smoothing and covering them up. As well, it is rich in vitamins, antioxidants and ingredients that hydrate the skin and conceal wrinkles. The result is silky, soft, smooth, and healthy skin with a youthful and glowing appearance.





There benefits of wearing organic make over manufactured mass produced makeup are numerous. It does not harm and aggravate the skin with damaging chemicals, oils and chemical additives. As well, it does not obstruct the skin’s pores or create a breeding ground for bacteria, and it protects the skin from damaging UVA rays. It provides the wearer with a natural appearance.



NATURAL APPEARANCE WITH MINERAL MAKEUP





Organic makeup is fast becoming the new choice in beauty care as the ingredients benefit the skin. Most women report that wearing mineral makeup feels like they are not wearing any makeup at all. The minerals benefit the skin as they soothe and alleviate itchy, inflamed, red, bruised, and flaking skin. It also cools the skin and promotes quicker healing time. It will not aggravate your skin even if you sleep while wearing it. As well, it is an affordable way to nourish your skin and get the same quality of skin texture as you would in an expensive spa.

 

For people with sensitive skin or eyes, mineral eye makeup is an excellent option. In some cases people with sensitive skin or allergies have reported reactions to mica or bismuth oxychloride, so always check the labels carefully and either avoid these ingredients or get a sample to test before purchasing.

 

 

 

 

Benefits of mineral makeup

Mineral makeup doesn’t contain any magic ingredient that heals the skin. Its core ingredients, such as mica and titanium dioxide, are used in most makeup. However, it doesn’t have fragrances or binders that may irritate the skin. It may also be beneficial for people who have acne, since titanium oxide has anti-inflammatory properties, and it doesn’t clog pores. Titanium oxide is also used in sunscreen, so it does have some sun protection (but not enough that you don’t need additional sunscreen).

Mineral makeup’s powder formulation also makes it easier for women to choose (or at least mix) shades that approximate their natural skin tone.

 

Disadvantages of mineral makeup

Some people say that the colors can look ashy on darker skin tones. Others complain that it can dry the skin, and may accentuate wrinkles.

Additionally, mineral makeup isn’t something you can apply in the car. You need to pour a bit of the powder from the  lid of the container, and use a kabuki brush or a large fluffy brush to apply.





  

Mineral makeup has transformed the cosmetic industry. It used to be only available at chic spas, but now mineral makeup is available to everyone. In the past few years, mineral makeup has become extremely popular with women of all ages. Wearing mineral makeup will make you look and feel fantastic.

ACNE: How to Prevent Acne

ACNE AND ITS PREVENTION

ACNE

Acne vulgaris (cystic acne or simply acne) is a common human skin disease, characterized by areas of skin with seborrhea (scaly red skin), comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), papules (pinheads), pustules (pimples), nodules (large papules) and possibly scarring.

Acne can occur in people of all ages, but will most often appear when someone is going through episodes of hormonal fluctuation, which commonly takes place during puberty, menstruation or pregnancy. Acne can be both embarrassing and painful, but can be eliminated using a regular skin care routine that cleanses the skin without irritating it, medicates the skin without causing unnecessary damage, and hydrates the skin to prevent dryness, which can lead to an overproduction of oil.     

HOW TO PREVENT ACNE

1.  Cleansing

Using a chemical-free soap formulated for sensitive skin types, which will clean the skin without irritating it. Wet your face well with water, and lather your hands with a natural, sensitive skin soap. Spread the lather onto your face, smoothing it around the entire affected area. Avoid scrubbing the lather into the skin, which can cause irritation. Rinse off the lather with warm water. Repeat two times per day.

Cleansing

2.  Medication

Using a 2.5% or 5% benzoyl peroxide cream, which will clear acne without causing severe side effects, like peeling or burning on the skin. Squeeze an amount of benzoyl peroxide cream onto your fingers roughly the size of a large pea. Smooth the cream gently onto your face until it has been absorbed completely into the skin. Repeat two times per day.

Benzoyl Peroxide Cream

Use Benzoyl Peroxide

3.  Hydration

Using an oil-free moisturizing lotion, which will moisturize the skin without clogging the pores. Squeeze an amount of oil-free moisturizing lotion onto your fingers roughly the size of a dime. Smooth the lotion gently around the face until it has soaked in. Avoid rubbing the lotion into the skin, which can cause irritation and can aggravate acne. Repeat this step twice a day to prevent acne.

Proactiv- Oil Free Moisture

Neutrogena-Oil Free Moisture

             

4.  Exfoliation

Exfoliation is extremely important for good skin as it gets rid of dead cells, thus help to prevent Acne. If skin pores get blocked with the dead cells, it traps all the oil and the bacteria  forming a pimple. The process of exfoliation helps  eliminate all the dead cells leaving the skin clean and fresh. Exfoliation helps prevent the outbursts of acne.

Exfoliation

5.  Don’t leave on makeup while going to bed

Remember not to sleep with your make up on. This will help your skin breathe also will not block your pores causing damage to your skin.The most essential thing is to treat acne before it’s too late. Early treatments will not only prevent acne scars but also prevent acne outbreaks.

Remove Makeup

 DIET TO PREVENT ACNE

Diet For Acne

1. Drink lots of water

Increase your water consumption as water helps to moisturize your skin. Dry skin produces a hormone called androgen. Androgen produces lots of sebum i.e. oil that leads to clogging of pores. And clogged pores mean more acne.

2.  Lower the intake of caffeine

Caffeine has the tendency to dehydrate your skin. And dry skin is more inclined to pimple outbursts. Moreover, caffeine works as a stimulant which  gives rise to androgen that produces sebum.

3. Consume Vitamin C and Zinc

Eat food that has lots of zinc and vitamin c in it. Foods like beans, meat and fruits reinforce and take care of your skin from the acne damage. These foods  help to  improve the healing power of your skin.

4. Consume organic foods

Include organic foods in your diet as there are no added chemicals and preservatives which harm your body and skin immensely. Consume fruits and vegetables which are rich in Vitamin A. Apricots, avocados, guava, cherries, oranges, watermelons, broccoli, carrots, turnip, sweet potatoes, peas, Spinach are all excellent sources of vitamin A.

 

When troubled from regular acne breakouts stop eating fried fatty foods like butter, cheese, ice cream, pork, sausages, salami, ham and all other red meats.

Simply make switches in your diet, keep a constant eye on whatever you eat, I am sure you will be able to have a healthy looking skin free from acne.

TIP:

If you notice acne  breakouts on your skin, you can shrink them by using ice cubes. Place two or three cubes of ice in a cloth and hold it touching the affected skin for around 8 to 10 minutes. The cooling effect of the ice will reduce swelling and prevent Acne breakouts.

                 

Use Ice Cubes for Acne

HOW TO HIGHLIGHT YOUR FACE: Magazine Look

 

Highlighting your face makes your skin glow, helps to minimize or maximize facial features and gives you that finished sheen you see in magazines.

It makes you look healthier, glowy and gorgeous when you illuminate the right places of your face.

All you need is a product at least 2 shades lighter than your skin and it should contain slight shimmer to make you glow.

You should be careful where to highlight, as highlighting makes pop the area. If applied on wrong places, it will make you look older, shiny or greasy.

There are plenty of highlight products, in cream, liquid or powder form.

NARS Illuminator

MAC Color Base-Pearl  (My favorite for cheekbones and browbones)

MAC Paint Pot-Painterly

If you haven't bought any yet, you can use a nude/vanilla color eye shadow for highlighting. 

MAC Vanilla Eyeshadow

Places to highlight:

1)Top of your cheekbones

2)Under your eyes (after concealing dark circles)and corner of your eyes

3)On your browbone

4)Center of your forehead

5)Straight down the middle of your nose

6)middle of the top of your lip

7)Your chin



Highlighting your face







- If your product is in powder form, you will need a highlight brush.

Highlight brush

- If it is creamy, you can use your hand as well as using highlight brush depending on its consistency.

- You can use smaller highlight brushes if you like.

Small Highlight brush



Highlighted faces



You can obtain that "Magazine Look" you've been looking to with illuminating the right places of your face correctly.