Chemical Peels: What Do Dermatologists Say?

Chemical Peels: What Do Dermatologists Say?

Skin Exfoliation is important
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR SKIN FROM HEAD TO TOE

Chemical peels are trendy skincare options for good reason. People who try them rave about their ability to minimize the appearance of dark spots and make skin look softer and fresher.

However, you may have questions if you’ve never tried a skin peel before. Are chemicals peels safe? What will they do to your skin? Here’s what you need to know about chemical face peels.

What Is a Chemical Peel?

As Dr. Susan Bard explains, chemical peels are simply a type of cosmetic treatment that exfoliates the skin. Instead of using rough textures to manually exfoliate the skin and scrub off dead skin cells, a chemical peel uses acid to gently lift away older skin, leaving fresh, new skin behind.

Types of Chemical Peels

Keep in mind that not all chemical peels are equal. Depending on their ingredients, a face peel can be classified as a superficial, medium-depth, or deep peel.

Superficial peels only affect the top layer of your epidermis, so they’re especially gentle. Many people use this type of peel at home, and it can be applied up to once a month or as recommended in product instructions.

Medium-depth peels will affect both the epidermis and the dermis underneath, known as the papillary dermis. It provides more intense results without requiring regular use, but people should only get this type of peel if a dermatologist recommends it.

Deep peels are very aggressive and will thoroughly remove most of the epidermis and a lot of the dermis. Also called skin resurfacing, deep peels are much less common among skin care users.

The Benefits of Chemical Peels

If your goal is smoother, more even skin, chemical peels can be a great choice. They remove dead skin cells to reveal the brand-new cells underneath. If your skin is already in good shape, a chemical peel helps to reveal bright, glowing skin that feels soft and smooth. For those with dark spots or sun damage, a chemical peel can help to minimize the appearance of discoloration and make your skin tone look more even.  Of course, results will vary depending on the type peel.

Potential Risks and Side Effects of Chemical Peels

Chemical peels have a lot of great perks, but there are some potential side effects. Here’s what you should know before you start a face peel, and remember to always consult your dermatologist to determine if a product or treatment is right for you.

Are Chemical Peels Painful?

When you apply a superficial chemical peel, you might feel mild tingling or heat, and your skin may look a little red. Deeper chemical peels tend to cause a stronger stinging sensation, but even these peels should not cause any intense pain.

Is a Chemical Face Peel Good for All Skin Types?

If your skin is sensitive or particularly dry, a chemical peel can cause some irritation and is not recommended. According to Dr. Jessica Krant, patients with dark skin who try deep peels may get uneven pigmentation. Also, chemical peels might not be right for you if your skin is prone to keloid scarring. You can reduce all these risks by selecting a superficial peel instead of a deep one, but when in doubt, consult a dermatologist first and always carefully review product instructions and warnings.

What to Expect With a Home Chemical Peel Treatment

If you’re interested in trying this type of skincare, here’s what to expect.

Choosing the Right Product

Read ingredient lists carefully to find the best peel for your skin. Some contain chemicals like alpha-hydroxy acid that are well tolerated by most people. Another helpful ingredient to look out for is enzymes. Dr. Hadley King explains that enzymes are derived from natural ingredients like pineapple and papaya, so they’re often gentler and more hydrating.

How to Apply It

Applying a chemical peel at home is fast and easy. You just clean your skin and evenly smooth the liquid peel over your skin.  Make sure to carefully follow instructions and warnings on the product’s packaging

Chemical Peel Aftercare

The most important thing to do after a chemical peel is moisturize. This helps to restore your skin’s moisture barrier and prevent irritation. You should also avoid excessive sunlight and make sure to always apply sunscreen when going outdoors.

Rodan + Fields Newest Product for Chemical Peel Treatment

If you want an excellent at-home face peel, check out our Multi-Acid Enzyme Peel. This new chemical peel from Rodan + Fields combines acids and papaya enzymes to create a resurfacing blend that removes dead skin cells five times faster.* Say goodbye to dull skin, and get ready to enjoy skin that is visibly brighter and more even.

*Based on ex-vivo study compared to untreated control after 30 min

Learn more about Rodan + Fields  and how you can get your most radiant skin ever. Trust your skin’s glow to the Doctors and to your consultant who know how to help you get your skin glowing.

Results may vary depending on multiple factors: age, gender, skin type and condition, concomitant products used, health history, location, lifestyle, and diet.

Share this with friends or family members. It will save their skin — and boost their confidence.

PM me for the best options to suit your budget 🙂

*information is taken from The R+F Source.

How to Get Rid of Dead Skin On Your Face Safely

How to Get Rid of Dead Skin On Your Face Safely

Safe Skin Care

Your skin naturally sheds around a million cells a day. Knowing how to get rid of dead skin on your face properly is crucial knowledge for a healthy, fresh complexion. Also known as skin rejuvenation, the act of removing dead skin can be complicated to get right. Wondering where to start? Read on to learn how to do it safely and effectively. 

What Causes Dead Skin on the Face?

The skin is our biggest organ of the body, and is exposed to the outside world. Skin is constantly protecting us from environmental factors including the sun’s UV rays, pollution, changing weather and temperatures. Dead skin is basically dead skin cells that sit on the surface of the skin, caused by the natural cell turnover that’s happening every second.  Therefore, dead skin on the face is caused by environmental stressors, a new skincare product, skin damage or simply the cell turnover rate.

How to Get Rid of Dead Skin On your Face

The best way to rejuvenate and remove dead skin from the face is to gently treat skin with exfoliants or moisturizers, depending on your skin type. Since different exfoliators may not work for every skin type, it’s essential to consider skin type before choosing an exfoliation method. By consistently keeping your complexion free of excessive dead skin cells, skin will look and feel fresh, healthy and vibrant.

Physical Products

An exfoliating face mask or treatment, by default, are heroes when it comes to dead skin on the face. Exfoliators buff away dead skin cells and reveal the new skin layer below. This results in a refreshed and rejuvenated complexion. If skin dryness, redness or other issues are present, rely on moisturizers for a few days before exfoliators. This helps to prevent a damaged skin barrier. Once skin seems hydrated and ready, you can rely on exfoliants to finish the job. If you choose to exfoliate, make sure your skin is ready in that the exfoliant doesn’t damage your skin, lead to breakouts, or increase redness. Examples of exfoliants include peels, scrubs, and microdermabrasion treatments. Sometimes a great exfoliating face wash can even be effective at removing dead skin from the face.

Chemical Products

Chemicals can either make or break your skin’s condition when it comes to removing dead skin. Chemical products can very successfully remove dead skin cells, but they can also dry or irritate skin. Alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids and chemical peels are some of the most common treatments used for removing dead skin on the face. Chemical peels are very popular in salons or as an at-home treatment, and generally affordable and relatively safe. Dead skin cells are usually removed easily, with one treatment being successful at proper removal.

Products to Avoid

It might seem counterintuitive, but there are certain exfoliating products you should avoid for getting rid of dead skin on the face. Exfoliants formulated for use on the body, for example, should never be used on the delicate skin on the face. Peels and other products with harsher, active ingredients should be considered for your particular skin type or left on the shelf for the time being. It is also wise to resist the urge to over-exfoliate, as you could damage the skin barrier and make the skin vulnerable to redness and sensitivity and other reactions.

Consider Skin Type

Remember to read all labels and use products designed and formulated for your particular skin type. By remaining diligent about which products you are using, especially on your delicate complexion, you can avoid the dryness that sometimes accompanies dead skin cells. Becoming well-versed in your skin type and the products, ingredients and skincare routines that suit it, you are fully taking care and control of your skin health. Not sure what your skin type is? Here is a quick guide:

Normal

Normal skin does not show signs of peeling or excessive oiliness anywhere on the face. Normal skin also does not usually show signs of redness, enlarged pores, or feeling of sensitivity.

Sensitive

Sensitive skin is something you can feel, but also something you can see.  Visible or feelings of dryness, redness, burning, or itchiness are signs of skin sensitivity.

Oily

Oily skin is common, especially in younger demographics. People with oily skin have excess oil and shine in their T-zones or all over the face. Large pores may also be visible.

Dry

Dry skin often has visible symptoms of peeling, flaking, red areas, and dehydration. Physical symptoms include the feeling of tightness or taut skin.

Combination

The most common skin type, combination skin is known to be oily in the T-zone (across your forehead, down your nose, to your chin) and then dry or normal in the other areas. Lipids are unevenly distributed throughout your complexion.

Preventing Dead Skin on Your Face

The key to preventing dead skin on your skin is by being diligent with skin protection, cleanliness, exfoliation, and moisturization. Always remember that balance is key, and do nothing in excess when it comes to your skin. Products like a facial serum can help keep that balance in between more abrasive treatments. By working with your natural cell turnover and oils, you can improve and prevent dead skin on the face.

In Conclusion

Skin cells have a very short lifespan, so it is completely natural that dead skin builds up on your face. By keeping skin happy and healthy, you may not even notice it very often.

Sources

  1. US National Library of Medicine. Wound Healing and Nutrition: Going Beyond Dressings With a Balanced Care Plan.
  2. American Academy of Dermatology Association. How to Safely Exfoliate at Home.
  3. Journal of Aesthetic Nursing. An introduction to superficial, medium, deep and combination chemical peels.
  4. American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Determine Your Skin Type.

*All referenced results are based on an 8-week U.S. clinical and consumer study.

Learn more about Rodan + Fields  and how you can get your most radiant skin ever. Trust your skin’s glow to the Doctors and to your consultant who know how to help you get your skin glowing.

Results may vary depending on multiple factors: age, gender, skin type and condition, concomitant products used, health history, location, lifestyle, and diet.

Share this with friends or family members. It will save their skin — and boost their confidence.

PM me for the best options to suit your budget 🙂

*information is taken from The Skincare Source.

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How to Exfoliate Without Damaging Your Skin

How to Exfoliate Without Damaging Your Skin

Skin Exfoliation is important

We hear about exfoliation quite a bit as a means of keeping our skin smooth, moisturized, and healthy. After all, how can we get a glowing, healthy-looking complexion if we’re constantly dealing with dead skin cells that pile up?

But knowing that exfoliation is a good idea and knowing how to exfoliate are two entirely different things. Here, we break down exactly what exfoliation is, and how to exfoliate without damaging your skin.

What is exfoliation?

According to Cosmetic Dermatologist Dr. Michele Green, the purpose of exfoliation is to get rid of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin and clear out congested pores to reveal a brighter, smoother complexion.

“Exfoliation plays into the life cycle of skin cells which is about 3 months in children and about 28 days in adults,” she explains. “With age, the dead skin cells that accumulate tend to take longer to shed from the surface of the skin. Dead skin cells build up and clog pores and lead to a dry and dull complexion and rough texture.”

Benefits of exfoliating

The main benefit of exfoliation, according to Dr. Green, is to help speed up cell turnover rate. “Exfoliation also allows serums, treatments, and moisturizers applied afterward to penetrate deeper into the skin and deliver the best benefits,” she explains.

Skin types that are suitable for exfoliation

All skin types are suitable for exfoliation, but you might have to make some tweaks in terms of how you exfoliate based on your skin type. For example, chemical exfoliants, which typically contain beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) and alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) can be great for sensitive or dry skin, according to Dr. Green. AHAs are great for dry skin because they don’t cause irritation, while BHAs are great for oily or acne-prone skin. With normal skin, you should feel comfortable going with a physical or chemical exfoliant.

How to exfoliate without damaging your skin

If you want to exfoliate without damaging your skin, there are a few key components to keep in mind, according to Dr. Green.

“Exfoliating too often or scrubbing too hard can strip the skin’s natural protective barrier and remove the essential oils present that provide hydration and healthy skin,” she explains. “This can lead to redness, inflammation, hyperpigmentation, dryness, infection, or acne breakouts. Stripping the skin of essential moisturizing oils can cause the skin to respond by overproducing sebum, which can then become trapped in the pores and lead to the formation of acne breakouts.”

It’s best to start slowly and gradually increase frequency of exfoliant use if you want to avoid irritated skin. “There is nothing wrong with decreasing the frequency if your skin shows any signs of irritation,” Dr. Green says. “It is highly recommended that you discuss with a board-certified dermatologist to determine which exfoliant and skincare regimen would be best for your specific skin type. If you’re experiencing redness, itchiness, or irritation, avoid using any exfoliants until your skin is healed.”

How to exfoliate the face

Before trying an exfoliating cleanser on the face, Dr. Green recommends applying it to your inner arm first.

“If you are trying a new exfoliating product, perform a patch test on your inner arm before applying to the face to ensure that the product will not cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction,” she says. “To perform a patch test, place a small amount of the product on clean skin and leave the area be for at least 24 hours. If there is no skin irritation after use such as redness, swelling, itching, burning, or rash, then the product should be safe to use on the face.”

Exfoliation on the face should be performed two to three times a week, and always remember to use a moisturizer afterward.

How to exfoliate the body

Since the skin on the body tends to be less sensitive than skin on the face, it’s easier to exfoliate it without damaging the skin, but you should still perform Dr. Green’s patch test before exfoliating your entire body. With a really high-quality body scrub, you can exfoliate your body two to three times a week, and be sure to use a moisturizer afterward.

How to exfoliate the legs

With a body scrub and a brush or sponge, exfoliate your legs by using short, gentle strokes on the skin. Just make sure to avoid any areas that have cuts, as an exfoliating scrub can further irritate those areas and slow down the healing process.

How to exfoliate the feet

Exfoliating the feet is different from exfoliating other parts of the body. You’ll want to soak your feet a few times a week, then use a pumice stone to slough off dead skin cells. Be sure to moisturize afterward, just as you would when exfoliating other parts of the body.

How often should you exfoliate?

You should not exfoliate every day, as doing so can cause dryness or irritation. Two to three times per week is the ideal amount.

Exfoliation is an important part of any skincare routine. With the proper attention, care, and the right products, you can say goodbye to dead skin cells and easily exfoliate your skin without irritating it. Enjoy!

*All referenced results are based on an 8-week U.S. clinical and consumer study.

Learn more about Rodan + Fields  and how you can get your most radiant skin ever. Trust your skin’s glow to the Doctors and to your consultant who know how to help you get your skin glowing.

Results may vary depending on multiple factors: age, gender, skin type and condition, concomitant products used, health history, location, lifestyle, and diet.

Share this with friends or family members. It will save their skin — and boost their confidence.

PM me for the best options to suit your budget 🙂

*information is taken from The Skincare Source.

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Vitamin E and Skin Care: Benefits and Products

Vitamin E and Skin Care: Benefits and Products

Dark Spot Corrector

There are a lot of vitamins out there to keep track of. There’s Vitamin C, which is known for being great for our immune systems and promoting collagen production in skin. There’s Vitamin A, which is famously great for eye health (remember always being told to eat your carrots as a kid?) and can help skin health and even prevent breakouts.

Then there’s Vitamin E, a fat-soluble nutrient available in some foods that are also used in quite a few skincare products. But what does vitamin E actually do? Here’s everything you need to know.

What is vitamin E?

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble nutrient found in foods like vegetable oil, nuts, seeds, and leafy green vegetables. In the body, vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, protecting it from free radicals and helping to fire up the immune system.

But vitamin E is also an ingredient commonly listed in skincare products because when used correctly, topical vitamin E can be incredibly hydrating, healing, and protective for the skin.

Is vitamin E good for your skin?

Vitamin E has a handful of benefits for the skin. While you should always do your best to eat vitamin E-rich foods—not just for skincare benefits but for general health benefits, too — a lot of people use topical vitamin E, and dermatologists will often recommend it for skin because of its benefits.

Benefits of vitamin E for skin

So what does vitamin E do for your skin, exactly? “Vitamin E is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant skincare ingredient that is naturally healing, hydrating, protective, and soothing,” says cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Michelle Green, MD. “Vitamin E is most often associated with its ability to intensely hydrate and protect against environmental irritants and pollutants that can cause premature aging of the skin. It’s also commonly used for treatment and prevention of dark spots, fine lines, and dehydrated skin.” Vitamin E benefits for skin go far beyond a quick fix, which is why it is so trusted in the skincare industry.

Safety of vitamin E skincare products

We know that vitamin E can be a hydrating, beneficial part of a skincare routine. But are there any safety concerns we should be aware of? Dr. Green says that in general, vitamin E is considered a safe skincare ingredient. “Vitamin E may potentially cause skin irritation in some individuals, though,” she says. “Those who have oily skin or who are acne-prone may want to avoid products that contain vitamin E as well since there’s potential for clogging the pores and causing or exacerbating acne breakouts.”

If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, Dr. Green suggests first starting with a moisturizer that contains vitamin E so you can figure out if you have any reaction to it. If you notice breakouts or another skin issue, back off of it and talk to your dermatologist about it. Consider products for sensitive skin if irritation is an ongoing issue.

Products with vitamin E for face and skin

There are tons of vitamin E-based skincare products on the market. “The best way to reap all the skincare benefits of vitamin E is by using a moisturizer or oil blend containing it since vitamin E is soluble in oil,” Dr. Green says.

In addition to moisturizers, because it is easily absorbed in the skin and is very hydrating, vitamin E is also often added to sunscreens, eye creams, anti-aging formulas, lip serum and even some makeup. You might be surprised by how often vitamin E is actually listed in skincare products – you may already be using a product that contains it without knowing it.  It comes in formulations of both cream or lotion to suit your product texture preferences.

Incorporating vitamin E into your skincare routine

Because vitamin E is generally non-irritating and is available in so many products, most people find they can seamlessly incorporate vitamin E into their skincare routine.

“Vitamin E is commonly used in skincare products, and it may already be a part of your regular skincare regimen simply because it’s added to so many products already,” says Dr. Green. “Incorporating the ingredient into your skincare routine can be as easy as adding a nighttime moisturizer with vitamin E in it.”

She adds that the benefits of vitamin E can be further enhanced by using it in tandem with vitamin C. “Vitamin C is a powerhouse antioxidant ingredient. When combined, the skin will be left feeling and looking youthful, radiant, and beautiful,” Dr. Green says.

If you’re thinking about incorporating vitamin E into your skincare routine and have any questions, don’t be afraid to talk to your dermatologist. They can help you address any concerns you might have, and help you decide if it’s the right ingredient for you.

Sources

What is vitamin E and what does it do?” National Institutes of Health. Accessed 7/27/2021.

Dr. Michelle Green, MD, a cosmetic dermatologist and chief resident in Dermatology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine

Learn more about Rodan + Fields  and how you can get your most radiant skin yet. Trust your skin’s glow to the Doctors and your consultant who know how to help you get your skin glowing.

Results may vary depending on multiple factors: age, gender, skin type and condition, concomitant products used, health history, location, lifestyle and diet.

Share this with friends or family members. It will save their skin — and boost their confidence.

PM me for the best options to suit your budget 🙂

*information is taken from The Skincare Source.

Send Me a Message

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Dark Spot Corrector

And why am I reading about it everywhere? Hyaluronic Acid has been trending lately within the beauty and skincare world. But we have known about its incredible skin benefits for years. It’s become the gold standard in hydrating skin and improving visible signs of aging. But what is Hyaluronic Acid anyway? Don’t be scared away by the hard-to-pronounce name! This ingredient is, in fact, produced naturally within our own bodies.

What is Hyaluronic Acid, and how does it help skin?

Hyaluronic Acid is a natural substance produced by our body to bind water to keep tissues well balanced, moist, and hydrated. It exists in our skin and joints. Hyaluronic Acid is essential because it’s one of the main substances that help our skin look fresh, plump, and youthful.

Applying HA is like giving your skin a heaping glass of water. In fact, HA not only provides immediate benefits to the skin, it also helps the skincare products layered on top work more effectively to deliver even better results you can see and feel.

When should I start using Hyaluronic Acid?

Typically, the body’s own production of HA starts to decrease in your late twenties. Which makes then a good time to start adding Hyaluronic Acid (HA) into your skincare routine for its anti-aging benefits. But HA is great for all skin types and ages. It’s beneficial for people who experience dry skin because of its hydrating powers. And it can also help to calm sensitive and blemish-prone skin.

It’s never too early to start hydrating your skin regularly. As the skin loses its moisture, ingredients like HA work to help the skin stay happily hydrated. It works like a sponge to retain water and keep your skin’s moisture levels high.

Other than aging, your lifestyle may affect your skins’ health. Environmental factors like pollution, smoke, the sun’s rays, and more may decrease the amount of HA in your body. This is why it’s essential to add Hyaluronic Acid to your daily skincare regimen to boost the effectiveness of your other skincare products.

Whether you’re interested in HA for its anti-aging benefits like visibly improving fine lines and wrinkles or you’re experiencing dryness, this universal ingredient can help boost the results of any routine.

I understand HA has lots of benefits for the skin, but how exactly does it work?

Hyaluronic Acid is mostly known for benefits like alleviating dry skin and reducing visible signs of aging, like those pesky fine lines and wrinkles that start to appear as we age. When is skin is dry, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles can become more prominent. Hydrated skin helps reduce the visibility of these visible signs of aging

HA can be used in the form of a topical treatment (applied directly on the skin), a supplement, or through injections. Topical applications, like through a serum, are less invasive and deliver immediate visible results. It can take much longer to see visible results from supplements. Adding a serum like Rodan + Fields Active Hydration Serum into your Regimen is an easy way to work HA into your skincare routine and experience its benefits. HA transforms dry skin into younger-looking, younger-acting skin. You can typically start to see results in a week after first use. Remember, results also vary based on your skin condition, age, gender, lifestyle, etc.

Can I use Hyaluronic Acid in place of a moisturizer?

Let’s start by learning about the difference between hydration and moisturization when it comes to skincare.

Simply put, we can say that a hydrator equates to water, whereas a moisturizer has more to do with oil. Dryness in your skin comes from a lack of oils. Dehydration comes from lack of water. All skin types need hydration. Dry or dehydrated skin can lead to visible dullness and flakiness. Hyaluronic Acid is a perfect hydrator because it helps bring water to the skin’s surface using humectants. Moisturizers, on the other hand, lock the moisture in and work to protect the skin’s natural oil barrier. Keeping skin hydrated can help boost radiance, improve texture and overall smoothness.

Since hydrators and moisturizers work to address differing skincare needs, it can be beneficial to use both HA and a moisturizer separately as two different steps in your skincare routine. For best results, we recommend that you apply anHA serum after toner and before any moisturizers.

Should I use Hyaluronic Acid in the AM, PM or both?

When you first start to use it, it’s better to do so at night. For best results, apply daily after your cleanser and toner. You can also use it during your morning routine if you have dry skin.

How long after I apply an HA product, like a serum, should I apply moisturizer or other products?

With any routine, it’s recommended to let your skin dry between each step before layering on the next product. Formulations are made for layering. And layering in the correct order is more important than timing. However, some prefer to wait 30 to 60 seconds between steps. Your skincare routine should center around your preferences.

Is it too much to use a serum with HA and then apply a moisturizer with HA afterward?

No, it’s not harmful to use HA in multiple products. What’s most important is applying products in the right order to ensure ingredients and formulas can work in tandem to provide the best visible results.

Can Hyaluronic Acid cause acne?

If you are worried about adding a new ingredient to your skincare routine, it never hurts to reach out to your doctor to make sure it is right for you. Everyone’s skin needs are different.

Is it true that too much HA can lead to drying out my skin?

Hyaluronic Acid is a hydrating ingredient. Using HA once or twice a day shouldn’t be an issue. If you experience any drying, it never hurts to reach out to your doctor.

Learn more about Rodan + Fields and how you can get your most radiant skin yet. Trust your skin’s glow to the Doctors and your consultant who know how to help you get your skin glowing.

Results may vary depending on multiple factors: age, gender, skin type and condition, concomitant products used, health history, location, lifestyle and diet.

Share this with friends or family members. It will save their skin — and boost their confidence.

PM me for the best options to suit your budget 🙂

*information is taken from The Skincare Source.

Send Me a Message