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Author Archives: Laura Pagliaroni

The Benefits of Massaging Skin

   Skin Care  Jan 21, 2023  Comments Off on The Benefits of Massaging Skin
The Benefits of Massaging Skin

There’s nothing more relaxing than a facial massage. But did you know that there are more benefits to performing even minimal face massage than simply feeling good?

Here are some of the benefits of massaging your skin.

Stress Buster

Stress puts a strain on your entire body from your immune system to your skin. A lot of times, stress shows up on the skin, resulting in fine lines, wrinkles and those annoying “eleven” lines between the eyebrows.

A simple facial massage performed each morning and night while cleaning your skin can make a world of difference. This eases tension in the face muscles and tissues, relaxing you and reducing the amount of the body’s natural stress response hormone, cortisol. Massage signals the brain to release endorphins, which work to calm cortisol levels.

You’ll notice a difference in the appearance of dark spots, circles under the eyes, enlarged pores and fine lines.

Boosts Skin Regeneration

When cortisol levels are reduced and you’re relaxed, the body can go to work to regenerate the skin.

With an increased ability to regenerate skin at night while at rest, the better your skin bounces back from scarring, dullness, sagging and wrinkles.

Circulation Booster

Massage stimulates blood vessels and helps expel fluid retained in the lymphatic system.

When blood flow and circulation improves, veins and capillaries under the skin receive more blood, ramping up their ability to remove toxins.

These toxins are flushed out and eventually make their way to the kidneys, where they are eliminated.

Drinking more water along with your massage makes this flushing process even more effective.

Helps Lymphatic Drainage

Massage helps reduce toxin buildup in the skin. As the toxins flush away, you’ll notice an improvement in your skin tone and texture.

Effective lymphatic drainage achieved through massage also helps reduce puffiness, dark circles under the eyes and brightens your overall complexion.

An added bonus is that massage stimulates the production of collagen, which is the key protein responsible for skin elasticity and firmness.

Wrap Up

Overall, massage has been shown to reduce tension, combat anxiety, and improve both sleep and focus. We all know that when you feel better, it shows up on your skin and in your life.

For your skin, it can transform from dull and dry to noticeably healthier and glowing.

To get started, schedule a rejuvenating facial massage appointment with the skincare experts at Laura Skincare in Petaluma.

 

Defining Skin Cosmeceuticals

   Skin Care  Jan 09, 2023  Comments Off on Defining Skin Cosmeceuticals
Defining Skin Cosmeceuticals

Although the term has been around for a while, it may be new to you.

Cosmeceuticals is a name coined to describe products that are part of the ever-evolving beauty industry to address skincare problems and concerns.

Read on to learn how cosmeceuticals differ from cosmetics.

Cosmetics vs. Cosmeceuticals

Cosmetics

Cosmetics, commonly referred to as make up, are used to make the outer or surface layer of skin look less flawed and more beautiful.

These products act as a mask or shield used on the skin surface to hide imperfections such as acne or rosacea.

The positive results of using cosmetics are immediate. While skin might look great temporarily, cosmetics don’t do much to address the deeper, internal skin issue.

Cosmeceuticals

On the other hand, cosmeceuticals are formulated to address these bigger skin issues. It’s a blending of both cosmetics and ingredients specifically designed to address and heal skin problems.

There is a lot of science and research that goes into cosmeceutical formulas to make them effective. Whether using a cream, cleansing, toning or serum formula, the products are designed to penetrate into and heal deeper layers of the skin.

Cosmeceuticals work slowly but over time, are designed to give a more lasting, permanent solution to correct skin issues from the inside out.

Cosmeceuticals address skin problems such as acne, rosacea, pigmentation, sun damage, large pores, dry or oily skin and other skin concerns.

FDA Classifications

Another big difference between the two is that cosmetics, with the exception of color additives, do not need FDA approval before going on the market. As long as the products meet FDA-governed guidelines and labeling restrictions, cosmetics are ready for retail sale.

Cosmeceuticals are considered to be both a cosmetic and a “drug,” if it claims to treat or cure a specific condition. While the FDA does not recognize the term “cosmeceuticals,” these products must comply with regulations for both cosmetics and drugs.

An example of a cosmeceutical would be a cream foundation that contains sunscreen. It is both a cosmetic to even out skin tone immediately, and also considered a drug because it contains active ingredients to protect the skin from harmful UV rays.

Basically, it boils down to the intended use of a product which determines if it’s a cosmetic, cosmeceutical or both.

Wrap Up

Although the term might be new, you use cosmeceuticals a lot more than you think. Products ranging from fluoride toothpaste to anti-perspirant deodorants and sunscreen-infused moisturizers and creams.

To address and treat more pressing and serious skincare issues than cosmetics alone can handle, it’s always best to consult with a skincare expert.

To answer your questions about cosmeceuticals and recommend professional skincare products and practices, start the New Year off right with Laura Skincare in Petaluma.

 

 

Preventing Cool Weather Acne Flare Ups

   Acne  Dec 18, 2022  Comments Off on Preventing Cool Weather Acne Flare Ups
Preventing Cool Weather Acne Flare Ups

As temperatures go down right around this time of year, the potential for acne flare-ups goes up.

With so much to do in time for the holidays, there’s little time left to deal with acne.

Find out what you can do to prevent those cool weather acne flare ups.

Why Acne Worsens in Cooler Weather

If you’re prone to acne or blemishes, you know that a flare up can occur at any time. However, in some cases, cooler weather seems to make it worse.

This is due to increased oil production (sebum) in the sebaceous glands to compensate for dry conditions from heating your home. As you turn up the thermostat, the air dries out more, right along with your skin.

When extra sebum, which is sticky, mixes together with dead skin cells left behind on the outermost layer of your skin, it blocks pores and results in acne flare ups.

Preventing Cool Weather Acne

Here are some other things you can do to reduce those cool weather flare ups:

Keep Skin Clean

If you don’t normally wash your face every morning and night, cooler weather is the perfect time to start.

Clean skin is important because it helps remove bacteria, dead skin cells and excess oil from your skin, reducing the risk of a flare up.

Gentle Products

Steer clear of harsh cleaning and exfoliants that strip away too much of your skin’s natural oils.

Instead, use gentle, organic products that do the job without overly drying. Indulge in a moisturizing mask once a week to pamper while retaining moisture in your skin.

Keep Skin Hydrated

If your skin isn’t hydrated, it’s at even greater risk of becoming dry.

Dry skin is far more susceptible to acne breakouts.

Keeping skin hydrated not only helps keep a plump, healthy look, but minimizes the chance of acne taking hold.

No Touching

As we learned from the COVID experience, your hands touch all kinds of germ and bacteria laden surfaces all day, every day.

Touching your face transfers the bacteria directly on to the skin and increases the risk of a bacteria-induced breakout.

Wrap Up

While it’s very important to take an active part in cooler weather skincare to prevent acne flare ups, it also helps to consult with a professional.

A professional esthetician can give your skin a jump start to face those cooler temperatures, in addition to making product recommendations to keep your skin healthy and blemish free.

In Petaluma, call Laura Skincare to schedule an appointment before the holidays.