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The Amazing Benefits of Getting a Chemical Peel

   Facial Peel  Nov 06, 2019  Comments Off on The Amazing Benefits of Getting a Chemical Peel
The Amazing Benefits of Getting a Chemical Peel

There are so many skin products out there claiming to have the exact same result but include very different ingredients and with a huge range of price. More specifically, there are way too many anti-aging products out on the market to even count. Not only that, but skin care professionals continuously are coming out with new non-surgical and surgical procedures and treatments to create a supple and youthful look. One thing that hasn’t gone out of style in the skincare world is the good ole chemical peel, which has been around since the mid-19th century. 

The term ‘chemical peel’ sounds a little harsh and may turn certain people away cringing. But like many skincare treatments, there are alternate options for those with sensitive skin. The alternate may be using mild products or doing a mini-treatment instead of the full version. There are so many skin types out there and various factors that play a role in whether or not someone may have a reaction to a treatment or procedure. For most people though, the benefits of getting a chemical peel outweigh the disadvantages and negative side effects.

Here are quite a few fabulous advantages to getting a chemical peel done:

  • Diminish the look of acne scars
  • Improve the appearance of age spots
  • Aging skin is replaced by smoother and less wrinkled skin
  • Crow’s feet are diminished in appearance 
  • Hyperpigmentation and melasma (tan, brown, or grey areas on skin) can be treated and will lessen in color and appearance 
  • Scars that are mild can improve in appearance 
  • Sun-damaged or wrinkled skin can be treated and a new layer of smoother, less wrinkled skin will appear
  • Sagging skin is treated the same as wrinkles or sun-damaged skin
  • Treat certain kinds of acne, rosacea, and enlarged pores
  • Peels can make your skincare products work better
  • Peels are low-risk and more cost-effective than other procedures
  • You can customize your treatments based off your skin type 

Now that you know the reasons why you should try the peel—you should also be aware of the types so that you can make the best choice for your skin.

According to the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, these types are: 

The Superficial or Lunchtime Peel: Alpha-hydroxy acid or another mild acid is used to penetrate only the outer layer of skin to gently exfoliate it. The treatment is used to improve the appearance of mild skin discoloration and rough skin as well as to refresh the face, neck, chest or hands.

The Medium Peel: Glycolic or trichloroacetic acid is applied to penetrate the outer and middle layers of skin to remove damaged skin cells. The treatment is used to improve age spots, fine lines and wrinkles, freckles and moderate skin discoloration. It also can be used to smooth rough skin and treat some precancerous skin growths, i.e. actinic keratosis.

The Deep Peel: Trichloroacetic acid or phenol is applied to deeply penetrate the middle layer of skin to remove damaged skin cells. The treatment removes moderate lines, age spots, freckles and shallow scars. Patients will see a dramatic improvement in skin appearance. The procedure is used on the face and can only be performed once.

No matter what decision you choose to make, always speak with a dermatologist or esthetician before going through with a procedure or treatment and always use products that will work with your skin type or any other factors that come into play. Now that summer is over and you are ready to treat your skin, visit Laura Skin Care in Petaluma and receive a consultation and find out if getting a chemical peel is right for you. 

How the Sun Damages Your Skin

   Facial  Oct 20, 2019  Comments Off on How the Sun Damages Your Skin
How the Sun Damages Your Skin

Between tanning beds, beach trips, gardening, and kids’ soccer games, your skin is getting more sun than you think. Damage can even occur from the sunlight that enters your car while driving. You may believe you are safe from the rays, but the sun can be sneaky and get you in ways that you weren’t expecting. Even this late into the year. 

UVA vs. UVB Rays

In order to fully understand how the sun damages your skin, you’ll need to know the difference between UVA and UVB rays and how they affect you. 

Skin is composed of three layers: the epidermis, or outermost layer; the dermis, or middle layer; and the subcutis, or bottom most layer. The dermis contains collagen, elastin and other fibers that support the skin’s structure. It is these elements that give skin its smooth and youthful appearance — and that are damaged by UV radiation (Skin Cancer Foundation).

According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, ultraviolet radiation is energy emitted naturally from the sun and is also emitted from tanning beds. There are two types of UV light that contribute to sun damage and skin cancer:

  • Ultraviolet A (UVA) has a longer wavelength and is associated with skin aging.
  • Ultraviolet B (UVB) has a shorter wavelength and is associated with skin burning.

When protecting yourself from the sun, you want to make sure to block both UVA and UVB; do not treat one as less harmful than another. 

“Unprotected exposure to UVA and UVB damages the DNA in skin cells, producing genetic defects, or mutations, that can lead to skin cancer (as well as premature aging.) These rays can also cause eye damage, including cataracts and eyelid cancers.”

How to Fully Protect Yourself from the Sun’s Rays

  • Purchase broad-spectrum sunscreen that has both UVA and UVB protection.
  • The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using an SPF of 30 or higher and choosing a water-resistant type.
  • Wear a hat when outside in the sun; there are even clothing options with UV protection that you can purchase at various stores. 
  • Water, snow, and sand reflect the sun more so than in an area without one of those factors, therefore you will want to make sure you are fully prepared and protected.
  • Stop going to tanning beds and sun-bathing; you may want to go back to work showing off your beachy tan after a long vacation, but realize that there could be long-term health consequences in the future because of the UV rays.
  • Install UV-blocking film on your car windows as UVA rays can still reach you through glass, although UVB cannot. 

When stepping out into the sun, start getting into a good habit of applying broad-spectrum sunscreen and planning ahead to ensure you and your loved ones are properly protected from the harmful UVA and UVB rays. Remember–you may be having fun in the sun in that moment, but those moments will catch up to you one day. Be sun smart! 

In the meantime, if you would like to diminish the appearance of any skin damage you notice, contact Laura Skin Care and book an appointment for a microdermabrasion or skin firming and regeneration session or a chemical peel! 

Autumn 2019 Makeup Trends

   Skin Care  Oct 01, 2019  Comments Off on Autumn 2019 Makeup Trends
Autumn 2019 Makeup Trends

It’s already fall y’all, which means pumpkin spice and everything nice along with sweater weather and football games galore! It also means it’s about that time to switch out your makeup pallets—from bronzer to neutrals and from peach to plum, a new fall season means another reason to shop, experiment, and choose a new look to go along with that oversized Burberry cape and those tan, suede ankle booties. 

It can be difficult keeping up with trends from season to season, but that is why we have the experts! Allow all of those stylists, artists, fashionistas, bloggers, and vloggers to work harder so that you can look smarter. 

Here are the top autumn 2019 makeup trends according to Harper’s Bazaar:

  • Matte Red Lips: Red gloss is out and matte is in. Red is a traditional autumn and winter color, never going out of style. Wear it to work with a neutral ensemble for a vibrant pop of color or with a sassy dress for a night out on the town. You cannot lose with your good friend Red. 
  • A Flush of Blush: That natural look with a slightly flushed tone is definitely in. With that slight pink in your cheeks, people will assume you are warm from drinking that yummy pumpkin spice latte or exploring a corn maze on the best date of your life! This trend does not have to stop with your cheeks—it is applicable to your lips and eyes as well. This look is versatile, as there are quite a few shades of flush that will make you blush in the most perfect kind of way. 
  • Graphic Eyes: Want to get crazy and creative? “Retro-meets-futuristic” is the feel for this makeup trend. Unleash your inner makeup artist and get kooky with those peepers. Watch YouTube videos, take a class, or get your eyes done professionally in order to make a big statement. Whether it be lines, colors, or add-ons, you can do whatever your heart, or your eyes, desire. 
  • Smoky Neutrals: Go au naturel with earth tones. The good thing for all of us is that neutrals usually go well with any skin tone—so everyone can be in style this season! 
  • Dewy Lips: Dewy lips equal young and hydrated-looking lips. Experts advise staying away from those cheap and sticky, gloopy glosses and investing in high-quality shades for your lips. 
  • Shots of Neon: Colors, colors, everywhere! Are you young? Or really, really hip? Or are you trying to experiment with something different? A burst of color around the eyes may seem unconventional, but the trend-setters say it is en vogue. Go choose your color and get with the program! 
  • Minimalist-to-Maximalist Glitz: You cannot decide. You look through magazines and google the latest and greatest and are still are having a difficult time choosing. Why not just mix and match? Well, a natural, basic look combined with a bit of sparkle and spunk is in. You win. 
  • In addition to these amazing ideas, all-over rose and plum tints will be trending as well this autumn, and Bambi lashes are still in—so work those eyes! 

Whether you follow trends to a tee or just want to try something new, these seasonable makeup trends will have you looking spectacular and will have heads turning. If you would like a facial done before you apply your new autumn look, visit Laura Skin Care in Petaluma, where there are five enticing  options to choose from. Schedule your appointment now so you can get the fall ball rolling!