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Category Archives: Facial

Natural Ingredients to Make a Yummy DIY Face Mask

   Facial  Dec 04, 2019  Comments Off on Natural Ingredients to Make a Yummy DIY Face Mask
Natural Ingredients to Make a Yummy DIY Face Mask

Did you know that you can use several items you probably have in your fridge and cabinets at this moment, to make a delicious and nutritious face mask? There are so many natural ingredients available that have numerous benefits, which will help you to achieve glowing, smooth, and younger-looking skin.

Let’s take a look at some of the natural ingredients (and benefits of) that are easily accessible, affordable, and might already be right in your kitchen.

First, you want to choose a base for your face mask.

Coconut Oil (organic and unrefined): is an amazing moisturizer, has natural anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties, and can be used as a sunburn remedy

Honey: is moisturizing, it’s stickiness can help remove blackheads, has antibacterial properties, helps diminish fine lines and wrinkles, and is rich with antioxidants

Olive Oil: contains antioxidants that help prevent premature aging, helps heal bacterial infections, and is loaded with vitamins that can do wonders for the skin

Yogurt (plain, unflavored, and Greek works best): important probiotics can help even out skin tone and reduce fine lines and wrinkles, may minimize the effects of the sun’s aging free radicals, can help clear up breakouts, and it also has anti-inflammatory properties

Avocado (the fruit or the oil): loads of vitamins, especially ‘E’, helps soften skin and reduce fine lines and wrinkles, reduces inflammation, is an excellent moisturizer, and can also be used to treat wounds or sunburns.

Banana: helps control oil, can treat breakouts and lighten dark spots, is loaded with nutrients, vitamins, and amino acids, which are all fabulous for your skin

Aloe Vera Gel: has huge anti-inflammatory properties, treats burns, cuts, wounds, and sunburns, as well as acne and eczema.

Next, add extras for even more benefit.

Lemon/Orange: brightens skin, antioxidants even out skin tone, packed with Vitamin C, and can be used as a natural astringent

Turmeric Powder: has natural anti-inflammatory properties and helps clear pores and fight breakouts

Baking Soda: brings impurities to the surface to clear your pores and can be used as a natural exfoliant

Cocoa: contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, can be used as an exfoliant, and the caffeine can lift and firm skin

Tea Tree Oil: has natural antibacterial properties, calms inflammation, and helps to treat breakouts

Activated Charcoal: helps to bring all the gunk and impurities inside of your pores to the surface

Lastly, place your mix in a small plastic or glass jar and label it…then you’re done!

Now that you know the amazing benefits these ingredients have to offer, play around with a few combinations or ask Google or Siri to find you specific recipes.

A DIY mask will not only make your face happy, but these make awesome gifts to make others happy and glowing as well.

If you are thinking about getting a facial consultation to figure out your skin type and what it needs to look fabulous, visit Laura Skin Care in Petaluma, where Laura and her team will take great care of 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! 

The Difference Between Sensitized and Sensitive Skin

   Facial  Jul 20, 2019  Comments Off on The Difference Between Sensitized and Sensitive Skin
The Difference Between Sensitized and Sensitive Skin

You may have never really given much thought to the subtle distinction between sensitive skin and sensitized skin. While one is the result of genetics, the other is the result of your environment. Knowing the difference between the two types can make all the difference in how you care for your skin. Here are some ways to make the distinction between skin that is genetically predisposed to sensitivity and issues that can be easily corrected simply by improving certain habits.

Sensitized skin

Poor diet, alcohol consumption, tobacco use, exposure to air pollution, improper use of topical skin care products, and a veritable laundry list of other environmental factors can trigger inflammation and red, irritated skin, causing it to be sensitized. Many people can experience a higher level of sensitivity to topical ingredients if these factors are a part of their normal daily routine. Hot showers and alcohol-based skin products can also dehydrate and irritate skin, resulting in redness and skin that is sensitive to the touch.

Treating sensitized skin

Eating a collagen-rich diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and fish can boost the production of collagen in your skin and ward against the effects of an unhealthy lifestyle. More importantly, limiting such behaviors as smoking and drinking altogether can help prevent sensitized skin. If you are noticing symptoms like redness and inflammation in your skin, a licensed esthetician can help you determine and help eliminate the triggers that are causing it to be sensitized. For people whose skin is sensitized from products being used topically, minimizing usage is recommended. Use less product each night or fewer times each week until the skin can build up a tolerance. Incorporating hydrating ingredients into your skin care regimen and using broad spectrum sunscreen can also help the skin become less sensitized.

Sensitive skin

Genetic predisposition causes sensitive skin, which usually manifests as persistent redness and flushed skin. When the epidermis is very thin, it is not as effective at blocking irritants and allergens, and redness, irritation, and allergies can easily occur. Exposure to UV rays can cause sensitive skin to burn easily as well. Rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis are common in those who have sensitive skin. Psoriasis causes red scaly patches accompanied by itchiness, while eczema and dermatitis present as a dry and itchy rash.

Treating sensitive skin

Sensitive skin conditions may sometimes require prescription medications, but if you use products at home that have a balance of active and soothing ingredients to improve the skin’s barrier function, you can also reduce the effects of these conditions. Try products that have salicylic acid to fight psoriasis, as it can break down the dead skin cells that build up and lead to the scaly patches you experience. Hydration is just as important in treating sensitive skin as it is in treating sensitized skin. Your licensed skin care professional can guide you to products that soothe and calm redness from sensitive skin conditions.

Final thoughts

Whether you were born with sensitive skin or your lifestyle has fostered sensitized skin, using products that address inflammation, dehydration, and a compromised barrier is important to promote healthier skin. Talk to the professionals at Laura Skin Care to find out which products are best for your type of skin.