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Combating Dry Skin From The Winter Wind

   Skin Care  Feb 02, 2019  Comments Off on Combating Dry Skin From The Winter Wind
Combating Dry Skin From The Winter Wind

“Dry skin is in!”, said no one…ever. As the winter season blows in, many of us face the threat of dry, flaky, irritated skin from the winter winds that blow through Sonoma County. Those who already battle skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and acne face additional challenges during the winter months. A regular skin care regimen, combined with a diet that complements and supports healthy skin, can make this season much easier to face.

So, what can you do to maintain skin health in the winter? The first rule of combat in keeping your skin healthy is to know your skin type. Applying skin care products that do not meet its specific needs is bound to produce less than successful results. Failing to protect skin against the external factors that can impact skin health, like seasonal weather changes, can also present new problems or exacerbate recurring ones. Then there are the internal impacts that we sometimes tend to ignore or fail to consider, such as the types of foods we eat, and our genetic predispositions.

What Skin Are You In?

How can you identify the type of skin you have? You can find out from your doctor, but there are ways to know without incurring the cost of seeing a dermatologist. Determining skin type at home includes a couple of simple steps.

Steps to Determining Skin Type:

  • Wash your face the night before testing for skin type, and do not use any skin care products or any artificial air conditioning or heat overnight.
  • Before washing your face the next morning, touch your T-zone, which is the area including the forehead, nose, around the nose, and chin. Check to see if it is oily, dry, or damp. Then repeat the process with the C-zone, which is the outer portion of the face. An oily T-zone and C-zone indicates oily skin. An oily T-zone and dry C-zone indicates combination skin. Dryness in both zones indicates a dry skin type. Normal skin will look fresher, feel smoother, and be free of irritation.
  • Look for pore type. Wide, open pores in the center zone and areas that are darker than before, indicates oily skin that is more prone to acne. If your pores are more refined but the skin is tight, dull-looking, and rough to the touch, it is likely to range from mildly to extremely dry.
  • Splash your face with water. If it stings or burns, it is an indication of dry, sensitive, or dehydrated skin that needs extra care. Consulting the licensed estheticians at Laura Skin Care can help you be certain about the type of skin you’re in.

Now that you’ve tested for skin type, here are some ways to combat the effects of winter wind.

Chemical Warfare

Chemical peels are a great weapon against harsh weather conditions. They can help to reduce pore size, diminish fine lines and scars, and even skin tone. Depending on the type of chemicals used, these peels remove dead skin, penetrate the epidermis to address pigmentation problems, and reach into the dermis to moderate skin wrinkling. There are different types of peels but determining which one is right for you is as easy as consulting a licensed esthetician, and it doesn’t hurt to do a little research before your visit. Here are some chemical peels for you to consider.

Alpha Hydroxy Acid Peels

These peels are made from glycolic, lactic, citric, malic, and tartaric acids derived naturally from foods like milk, citrus fruits, sugar cane, and grapes. They are effective at treating dry skin, uneven texture, and mild acne. AHAs are best for penetration of the top layer of skin to brighten it, and they can be used for daily maintenance because there is no downtime required after they are applied.

Salicylic Acid (Beta Hydroxy) Peels

A salicylic acid peel is made from organic salicylates and it acts as an anti-inflammatory that also helps to reduce acne. It can reduce fine lines and wrinkles, while improving overall facial texture because it exfoliates the skin surface and prevents clogging of pores.

Protecting the Inside Ranks

Increasing your intake of foods rich in fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins A, C, D, and E can help battle dry skin from the inside out. Antioxidant and Omega-3 fatty acid high foods include salmon, eggs, tomatoes, kale, almonds and walnuts, red bell pepper, and berries. There are several others, but those mentioned here are a good start to building a solid foundation of internal impacts to improve your skin’s health.

Winning the Battle

You can enjoy healthier skin this winter if you establish a skin care routine that meets your skin’s specific needs. A moisturizer can help protect the skin against the elements. Drinking plenty of water and eating foods that help to replenish the oils the skin needs to retain moisture should also be part of the battle plan against dry skin in the winter. Chemical peels can be a good choice for hydration and exfoliation of your skin. Be sure to choose the peel best for your skin type. Seeing a dermatologist is recommended if you are seeking a more permanent solution to your skin care needs. However, dermatologist visits cost significantly more and usually signify a deeper problem that might have been prevented by regular visits to an esthetician. An ongoing relationship with a skin care professional is a great way to get the best possible results.

Microdermabrasion Could Be Right For You

   Microdermabrasion  Jan 15, 2019  Comments Off on Microdermabrasion Could Be Right For You
Microdermabrasion Could Be Right For You

Even in a temperate climate like Petaluma, exposure to the sun can leave your skin wrinkled, spotted, and uneven in tone and texture. The sun’s ultraviolet rays are notorious for damaging the elastin in our skin and prolonged exposure can cause the skin to sag, bruise, or tear more easily. You can help protect yourself this winter by making microdermabrasion a part of your skin care routine.

What is Microdermabrasion?

One safe, non-invasive procedure that brightens and smooths your skin is microdermabrasion. It is a mechanical exfoliation method that only affects the epidermis by removing the dead skin cells from the face, neck, chest and back area, allowing healthy skin cells to surface. Microdermabrasion requires little to no downtime, and you can see a noticeable difference in your skin after just one treatment with the small, hand-held wand your esthetician uses. However, several treatments are recommended for best results.

Is Your Skin Right for Microdermabrasion?

Winter weather can affect any type of skin. Someone with historically oily skin would likely benefit from a chemical peel, while those with drier skin would have positive results from exfoliation with a microdermabrasion. Combination skin might require a treatment that includes a mixture of both a microdermabrasion and a chemical peel. However, during the winter, all types of skin can become dry and itchy. That’s why this procedure would be effective for any skin dried out by cold weather.

What You Can do to Prepare for the Procedure

Try to schedule your microdermabrasion with a licensed esthetician a few days in advance of having it done, and don’t use other exfoliation methods at home prior to your appointment. You don’t want your skin to be too sensitive when your treatment is performed. Direct sunlight can be damaging to otherwise healthy skin prior to exfoliation, so it is wise to limit your exposure to the sun before the procedure to prevent hypersensitivity afterward.

How to Ensure the Best Results After a Microdermabrasion

It’s also important to limit exposure to the sun after having a microdermabrasion procedure. Exfoliants are not necessary for several days after the procedure has been performed and can actually be harmful, as the dead skin cells have already been removed. Further exfoliation can irritate your skin, and that pretty much negates the results you just paid for! Skin care products are better able to penetrate the skin after it has been through a microdermabrasion, so this can be a great time to start a new skin care regimen that includes a moisturizer that is right for your skin type.

Get Out There and Glow!

Worrying about how the winter weather affects your skin doesn’t have to be a reason for sitting home all season. Microdermabrasion can help keep your skin healthy, smooth, and glowing. Remember to take care of your skin by keeping it well covered when you’re outdoors, and by keeping it well hydrated with a good moisturizer. Contact your local skin care professional to find out if microdermabrasion is right for you.

7 Tips To Keep Skin Glowing During Dry Months

   Skin Care  Jan 02, 2019  Comments Off on 7 Tips To Keep Skin Glowing During Dry Months
7 Tips To Keep Skin Glowing During Dry Months

Winter-time in Petaluma, California means it’s time for some adjustments in your skin-care routines. What many don’t realize is that while winter temperatures are more forgiving than summer temps, the drop in humidity is not! Here are 7 tips to keep your skin happy and healthy this dry winter season.

Choose a Good Moisturizer

Choosing the right moisturizer for your skin type is key to a smooth and healthy experience. When looking at different moisturizers, focus on the ingredients. We recommend using a moisturizer that is natural, oil based and does not contain petroleum as an ingredient. This will help in replenishing the natural oils back into your skin.

Prevent moisture from escaping with cotton-based clothing

Lathering up with the perfect moisturizer or cream is great for your skin, but if you’re finding yourself re-applying throughout the day then you may be experiencing moisture wicking due to the cool, dry winter air. To help prevent this from happening, try wearing cotton based clothing during the cooler months of the year to help keep your skin hydrated and smooth.

Exfoliate as needed

Exfoliation is especially important in the dryer months of the year and is an important step in retaining your skins glow. Removal of dead cells will go a long way in helping your skin absorb and retain moisture from your chosen lotions and creams. How often you exfoliate is entirely up to the needs and sensitivity of your skin. A normal skin type can exfoliate two to three times per week, while those with more sensitive skin may be better off exfoliating only once per week.

Avoid the hot showers

When it’s cold outside it’s really tempting to take a long, hot shower. While this may feel nice at the moment, your skin won’t be happy. Hot showers actually remove a lot of the beneficial natural oils from your skin, which may leave you dry and itchy. To better retain your natural skin oils, lower your shower temperature to lukewarm.

Consider using a humidifier

If you use a heater at all you are guaranteed to drop the humidity in the air even more. To counter this, consider setting up a humidifier. Having a humidifier in your bedroom will help keep your skin moisturized while you sleep, and prevent additional drying out.

Stay hydrated

It may seem silly, but as temperatures drop you’re more likely to drink hot beverages. Who can resist flavored coffees and cocoa? However, it can also lead to dehydration. Which can be a contributing factor to dry skin. Be sure to balance your warm drinks with plenty of water. Hydration plays a key role in keeping your skin happy and healthy.

Moderate your junk food intake

In addition to staying hydrated, eating healthy food can make a huge difference to the look and feel of your skin. Fruits and veggies like cucumbers, tomatoes, apples, and oranges will ensure your body has enough vitamin C and zinc to continue production of collagen and elastin.

With these 7 simple tips, you will be able to avoid the discomfort of this dry season, leaving your skin smooth and soft all year round. Don’t forget to pamper yourself with a luxurious facial, or one of our many other rejuvenating services today!