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Category Archives: Facial

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.

Rebuilding Collagen with Skin Firming Techniques

   Facial  Jun 27, 2019  Comments Off on Rebuilding Collagen with Skin Firming Techniques
Rebuilding Collagen with Skin Firming Techniques

You’ve probably never considered aging in terms of the different types. For example, some scientists suggest that there is something known as intrinsic aging. That is, the type that is going to happen no matter what we do, but there is also the little matter of extrinsic aging. It involves the lifestyle we lead and its tendency to accelerate the aging process. This seems to also be the type that takes the greatest toll on our face and skin. With all of the things we put our skin through, such as exposure to ultraviolet rays, smoking, consuming alcohol, or including too much sugar and other refined carbs in our diet, it’s a wonder we don’t kill off all of the collagen our bodies produce. So, what exactly is collagen, and what can we do when we lose it during the aging process?

What is collagen?

Collagen fibers are formed through the natural process of amino acids being linked and wound together, creating the most abundant protein in our bodies. Without this supportive connective tissue, our skin loses strength and elasticity. It is found in several different parts of the body, predominantly in our skin’s dermis, or middle layer. However, the type of collagen found in our skin differs from that found in some other parts of the body. It stands to reason then, that the process of rebuilding this protein can be achieved differently when it comes to the skin.

Collagen regeneration

The skin regenerates itself about every 27 days, but as we age, this renewal process slows as collagen and elastin production slows. Skin then begins to sag and wrinkle. If it is a natural occurrence, what can we do to fight the effects of aging skin? We can help the regeneration process by incorporating some practices into our daily routine. Following these few simple steps can help with replenishing the body’s collagen.

  • Eat foods containing the amino acids lysine and proline. There are large quantities of these two acids in natural collagen, and consuming lean meats, fish, low-fat dairy, egg whites, and wheat germ can help to replenish the body’s supply.
  • Supplement your diet with Vitamin C. The forms of the amino acids necessary to rebuild collagen are hydroxylysine and hydroxyproline, so taking a daily dose of Vitamin C will help to convert lysine and proline into these forms.
  • Damage from UV rays are responsible for much of the collagen loss in your face. Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 or a moisturizer containing sunblock daily.
  • Increase your protein intake, as it supports the growth of collagen. Ideally, women need at least 46 grams of protein daily, while men need at least 56 grams.
  • Find a good retinol cream or lotion and apply it daily. Retinol has been shown to heal the collagen breakdown caused by photodamage.

Rebuilding collagen can be a complicated process, so consult a skin care professional to ensure that you are doing all that you can to rebuild your skin’s collagen.

Firming techniques

While eating healthy and living wisely will help to rebuild collagen naturally, another way to firm up the skin after it begins to sag is by using firming techniques that are professionally applied. One such technique is laser skin tightening. This method for reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and skin laxity is FDA approved. Results of this method may not be as dramatic as those of a face lift, but it helps to stimulate collagen production within the skin. Most people enjoy moderate results without the downtime required for more extensive (and expensive) treatments. A series of laser skin treatments on the neck, face, arms, knees, and abdominal area is recommended for best results. Another minimally invasive firming technique is micro-needling. This procedure involves inserting very fine short needles into the skin. While you can purchase your own micro-needling device, it is best to have this procedure performed by a licensed skin care specialist.

Final thoughts

You don’t have to take the loss of collagen and skin elasticity sitting down. Skin firming and regeneration techniques can help give your skin a younger, more vibrant tone. Eating healthy, using sunscreen and retinol cream, and consuming protein and Vitamin C supplements will rebuild the amino acids that your skin needs to regenerate. Laura Skin Care in Petaluma can help you decide if other firming techniques are right for you. Give us a call today and let us help you get back to enjoying the skin you’re in.