Blog Post For Laura Skin Care Petaluma, CA

Understanding and Treating Hyperpigmentation

Laura Pagliaroni Facial May 09, 2022 Comments Off

Hyperpigmentation by definition is a common issue in which darker patches of skin appear in and around surrounding skin. It’s caused by underlying skin cells that overproduce the melanin pigment.

While cells produce melanin to protect skin from the harmful effects of damaging UV rays, too much melanin sometimes results in uneven, darker patches of skin.

Hyperpigmentation shows up in the form of freckles, age spots or acne scars. It can manifest anywhere on the body, but typically appears on the torso, hands and especially the face.

If you want to get rid of a blotchy, uneven skin tone, read on to find out the causes and treatments for this condition.

Why You Have Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is caused by the overproduction of melanin, which is a pigment responsible for the color of our skin. Typically, it’s a harmless condition and affects anyone of any age or skin color.

Various causes for onset or worsening of hyperpigmentation include:

Overexposure to sun
Heredity
Aging
Medications
Acne scarring
Pregnancy or other hormonal changes

Types of Hyperpigmentation

The most common types of hyperpigmentation are:

Sunspots

Results from overexposure to the sun in the form of freckles, solar lentigines (age, liver spots) primarily on the face and hands.

Overexposure to the sun or tanning is hyperpigmentation in action. While a tan looks healthy, it’s actually sun damage and your skin responds by overproducing melanin for protection. A tan may look great until you start seeing patchy, muddled areas of darker-colored skin.

Post-Inflammatory

Changes in skin pigment resulting from skin trauma or inflammation (such as acne).

Melasma

This type of hyperpigmentation is caused by hormonal changes; there are varying degrees of melasma.

As you get older, you may have more of an issue with hyperpigmentation. This is because as you age, melanin tends to pool together to form age spots. As the skin (especially on the face and hands) loses hydration and thins, it’s easier for dark patches of skin to form and become more obvious.

Treatments for Hyperpigmentation

Now that you know what hyperpigmentation is and possible causes for why you have it, let’s look into the treatment options to restore your skin back to an even tone.

Skin Bleaching/Lightening

For very mild cases of hyperpigmentation, there are many over-the-counter products available to help lighten the skin. It’s important to follow directions to the letter to avoid poor results, harm or damage to your skin.

The main ingredients most commonly found to lighten skin are those containing hydroquinone, kojic acid, vitamin B-3, C or natural extracts like licorice or mulberry.

Vitamin C, a strong antioxidant in the fight against free radicals, not only slows down melanin production but also gives you a brighter complexion and firmer skin as it boosts collagen production.

Retinoids

When thinking retinoids, retinol is what most likely comes to mind. All retinoids are derivatives of vitamin A.

Over time with consistent use, retinoids penetrate deeper into skin layers, increasing the skin cell turnover rate which reveals new, more evenly toned skin underneath.

Because they increase skin sensitivity, retinoids are best used in the evening to avoid sun exposure. It’s also recommended to use a high SPF cream before heading outdoors in the morning.

Retinoids can cause inflammation, dryness and peeling of the skin so use according to directions. Pregnant or lactating women should never use a retinoid without first checking with a doctor.

Skin Peels

Skin peels should be performed by a licensed professional and according to your skin type and condition.

By using skin-healthy acids, peels work by removing damaged skin layers to reveal healthier, more evenly toned skin underneath.

It’s important to see an expert for any type of peel to prevent permanent damage and trauma to the skin such as burning, redness and even scarring, especially for those with sensitive skin.

LED Treatment

Another non-invasive treatment that produces great results is to treat the affected area with LED light.

Also known as a “photo facial,” LED treatment has been shown not only to lighten dark skin patches, but also to stimulate collagen production for firmer skin. As an extra bonus, LED light treatments also help minimize the appearance of large pores and fine lines.

For maximum results, treatment by an esthetician is recommended.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is an effective treatment method which involves a thorough, non-invasive exfoliation of dull surface layer skin to expose more evenly toned skin underneath.

This procedure requires the attention of an expert to not only deliver maximum results but prevent any potential skin damage.

Conclusion

Whether too much sun, aging or your genes are responsible for hyperpigmentation, treatment can restore your skin and boost your self-esteem.

In Petaluma, call on the skincare professionals at Laura Skincare to treat all your hyperpigmentation concerns and conditions. For the best results, we offer facials, microdermabrasion, peels and LED treatments to help restore your natural, even skin tone.

Hair Removal Gives You a Confidence Boost

Laura Pagliaroni Waxing Apr 19, 2022 Comments Off

With sunny, hotter days right around the corner, it’s the time of year everyone has been waiting for. It’s time to break out your spring wardrobe and showing off more skin.

According to a report Grand View Research, the hair removal products industry is expected to reach USD $3.2 billion by 2025 globally.

Here in the United States alone, people drop a lot of money each year trying to find ways to remove unwanted hair from all over their bodies.

Why? Because smooth, hairless skin is the status quo these days. When you fit into what the majority of people consider socially preferred and basic grooming standards, you’ll naturally feel more attractive and your confidence soars.

It’s a real self-confidence killer to constantly wonder if you’ve removed all that unwanted hair and spending oodles of time trying to get rid of it.

Here are some hair removal options to give your confidence a boost.

Shaving

While shaving is a tried-and-true method for removing hair, your smooth skin doesn’t last for long.

Shaving is a fairly quick process for removing hair, but you have to shave several times a week. As it grows back, you’ll feel the stubble on your legs, armpits or anywhere else you’ve shaved.

There’s the cost of shaving gel, razors and lotion to smooth on the freshly shaved areas to moisturize and protect the skin.

There is the risk of nicks, cuts, ingrown hairs, rash, itch and skin irritation.

DIY Waxing

Waxing at home has come a long way from the gloppy, messy, painful DIY experiences of the past.

Yet you are still at risk for burns, ingrown hairs, inflammation of hair follicles, rashes or bumps.

With DIY waxing methods, it may be difficult to reach certain areas of your body or get the results you are looking for without extra time spent tweezing stray hairs.

Professional Hair Removal Treatments

If you really want to amp up your confidence levels, a visit to a skincare salon is the answer.

When applied by a professional, the salon quality wax and treatment gives you a higher level of confidence that all the hair will be safely removed.

Although you have some of the same risks of skin irritation as with DIY methods, the risks are drastically reduced in the hands of a professional. Using high quality low temperature wax makes a big difference in the overall experience, you’ll be able to see a noticeable difference in the results.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, removal of unwanted air gives you the confidence to wear those skin-baring outfits, enjoy smooth skin and simply show off your best-groomed self.

This spring, nip your hair removal issues in the bud with the help of a professional esthetician. In Petaluma, call Laura Skincare to schedule your waxing appointment today.

Refresh Your Skin for Spring

Laura Pagliaroni Skin Care Apr 09, 2022 Comments Off

Spring is a time for a fresh clean start and renewal, which includes your skincare routine.

Change up your routine to face the season with a vibrant, healthy springtime glow!

Weather Changes that Affect Skin

As the weather heats up, skin is more prone to become oily and sweaty, which causes breakouts and acne. Spring is also a season ripe with pollen and airborne allergens, triggering skin allergies or irritation.

Spring Skincare Routine

With more humidity and natural oils returning to your skin, it’s time to tweak your skincare routine. Try these spring-friendly tips.

Toss Old Makeup and Skincare Products

If you haven’t used certain products in a while, toss them.

Old makeup is a breeding ground for bacteria which you’d be applying directly to your skin. This could cause breakouts or skin infections.

It’s important to either wash your makeup brushes once a week or toss the old shabby ones. Washing your brushes with lukewarm water and a gentle soap takes only minutes.

Exfoliate

Cooler temperatures and heated air dry out skin, which is why it’s important to exfoliate. In the colder months, your skin dries out, flakes and looks dull with a buildup of dead surface skin cells.

While at-home exfoliation efforts help, chemical skin peels go deeper to improve skin texture, appearance, reduce breakouts, and clear away dead skin cells.

Chemical peels remove top level skin layers to treat and correct skin imperfections, and promote cell regeneration which reveals fresh, healthy skin underneath. Skin peels clear the way for skin to better respond and absorb nourishing and hydrating skincare products.

Moisturize

Switching to a lighter moisturizer in warm weather helps skin look hydrated and moisturized instead of greasy and heavy. A lighter moisturizer consistency helps keep pores clear allowing the skin to breathe.

Use More Sunscreen

With warmer temperatures and more sunshine, skin exposure to UV rays increases.

Since the sun is one of the top culprits for damaged and prematurely aging skin, it’s critical to slather on a 30+ SPF sunscreen. A broad spectrum sunscreen helps protect from both UVA and UVB rays.

Protect Your Eyes

Wear sunglasses to provide extra protection around the delicate skin around the eyes. Eye protection cuts down on squinting which causes wrinkles and fine lines.

One of the ways the sun’s UV rays damage skin is by breaking down collagen, so keeping the eye area moisturized, hydrated and protected is a good defense to combat damage to the skin around the eyes.

Add an eye cream or gel to your skincare routine to give you more protection for this highly delicate and easy-to-wrinkle area.

Brows and Hair Removal

Cleaning up your look and getting ready for revealing more skin means hair-free, smooth skin. If you haven’t booked a waxing appointment, call an esthetician for lasting, professional results.

While at your appointment, consider cleaning up your brows and removing any facial hair.

Less is More: Makeup for a Fresh Spring Look

Wearing heavy foundation and powder in warmer weather can spell big trouble for your skin. The heavy makeup clogs pores and leaves skin more prone to irritation or acne.

Instead, choose a lightly tinted sunscreen or face powder.

Wash all your makeup off each night and follow up with a creamy night moisturizer and soothing eye gel.

Conclusion

Put your best skin forward with a visit to Laura Skincare in Petaluma, CA. From chemical peels to waxing, our experts are ready to jumpstart your spring skincare routine.

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