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Category Archives: Skin Care

Exfoliating Tips for the Mom-To-Be

   Skin Care  Aug 14, 2019  Comments Off on Exfoliating Tips for the Mom-To-Be
Exfoliating Tips for the Mom-To-Be

Pregnancy can be a beautiful experience that is filled with anticipation and excitement. That said, the expectation of bringing a new little life into being is sometimes overwhelming. The hormones of a mother-to-be can take some serious hits, particularly when it comes to how skin reacts to all the changes. With all the items an expectant mommy has on her list of things to do, we thought we’d help with navigating the plethora of skin care dos and don’ts for one of the most common issues during pregnancy. Find out why exfoliating is good for you, as well as some of the best ways to get (or keep) that “pregnancy glow”, while you’re waiting for baby to arrive.

Why exfoliate during pregnancy?

To be fair, some women may experience a healthy glow while pregnant, but that’s not necessarily the case for everyone. Some of us need a little help bringing out the natural glow that we just know has to be there. Hormonal changes during pregnancy are notorious for bringing out acne, increasing sensitivity to topical skin care products and UV rays, which can bring on a form of hyperpigmentation known as melasma. This is when an overproduction of melanin occurs, causing areas of darkened skin on the face and, in many cases, on the abdominal area. Exfoliation helps to get rid of dead skin cells, and it allows creams to penetrate the skin better. It also helps to lighten any dark spots you might be experiencing due to melasma, making your skin look smoother and less blemished.

What exfoliation methods are best?

Because exfoliation can further irritate the skin if done improperly, be sure to consult a skin care professional to help determine your skin type and the best defense against blotchy skin when you’re expecting. Obviously, the less chemicals used on the skin while pregnant, the better, but there are some safe ways to exfoliate during this time.

  • Manual exfoliation – This involves simply using a washcloth to slough off the dead skin cells in the top layer of your skin. After applying a safe facial cleanser, just dampen your washcloth with warm water and gently rub off the cleanser. Fabrics with a plain weave, or crisscross pattern, are great for this job.
  • Exfoliating brush – It works wonders on the whole body for getting rid of the little imperfections hormonal changes can cause during pregnancy. Wet the brush first, then apply your chosen bath or body wash, rubbing gently until the skin tingles. Rinse and pat dry. Jojoba beads also work well with this method.
  • Exfoliating mask – This is effective for keeping your skin refreshed and moisturized, and for keeping baby safe. When applied to clean skin, a clay mask should be allowed to penetrate the facial area and any other areas of concern for at least 10 minutes.

Products and procedures to avoid during pregnancy

Microdermabrasion is a great way to exfoliate, but not during pregnancy. The treatment can be harsh and do more harm than good when you are expecting. Recovery time is often extended, and the increased sensitivity experienced during pregnancy can increase the risk of irritation. It is also important to know the ingredients you should avoid during pregnancy. Retinol A has been linked to birth defects, and it not recommended for use during pregnancy. Tetracycline can affect the development of teeth and bones in babies, so it should also be avoided. Hydroquinone is used for treating melasma, but it should not be used until after the birth of baby or until after breastfeeding has ended. Products with more than 2% salicylic acid should also be avoided, as the risk to babies is questionable.

Final thoughts

Expectant mothers can baby their skin and keep baby safe while waiting for the big day. Although exfoliation is safe for both mom and baby, it is always best to consult your doctor and a skin care professional to determine the best products and procedures for your skin and body. The licensed estheticians at Laura Skin Care are available for consultation. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment and let us help you determine which exfoliation methods are best for you before and after baby’s arrival.

How To Heal A Sunburn Quickly

   Skin Care  Jun 03, 2019  Comments Off on How To Heal A Sunburn Quickly
How To Heal A Sunburn Quickly

In sunny Sonoma County, it’s almost inevitable that you will get sunburned at least once this summer if you’re not careful. Sunburns are painful and unpleasant, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend your entire summer in discomfort though!

The sooner you begin treating a sunburn the better. Not only will early treatment help relieve the pain quicker, but it’ll also help to prevent any serious, lasting damage. This damage can include skin discoloration, wrinkles and even an increased chance for developing skin cancer later in life.

Got a sunburn and not sure where to begin? Here are the top steps for healing a sunburn quickly.

Apply a cold compress

Applying a bag of ice (make sure you do it safely) or a cold, damp towel to the sunburnt area for short periods of time is one of the best ways to quickly remove the heat from your skin. By doing so, you will alleviate most of the burning sensation.

Stay hydrated

After any time in the sun, especially time that results in sunburn, you need to rehydrate your body by drinking plenty of water. Staying hydrated will also help your skin begin to heal itself by providing the nutrients your skin cells need.

Moisturize

Sunburn dries out your skin cells and can cause that unpleasant peeling and itching. In order to help prevent that, moisturize often to help your sunburnt skin heal. Applying a moisturizer with SPF will also help you to continue to protect your skin from any further damage.

Protect Your Skin

It’s important to protect your skin from further UV damage when you go outside with sunburn. Try to avoid sunlight as much as possible while you heal and wear clothes that fully cover your body. Also, continue applying sunblock to prevent an additional burn.

Leave it Alone

Depending on the severity of your burn, you may develop blisters and peeling spots. The best thing you can do is leave them alone. If you mess with sunburn related open wounds, you risk exposing yourself to a potentially dangerous infection. It can also lead to scars and skin discoloration, not to mention longer healing times.

Decrease Inflammation

The final way to help your skin heal quickly and efficiently after a bad sunburn is to decrease Inflammation. You can do this by taking medications such as ibuprofen and wearing loose, airy clothing that doesn’t restrict your skin.

Final Thoughts

Getting sunburnt is never fun, which is why it’ so important to take the necessary precautions. Instead of sunbathing, treat your skin to a freshening microdermabrasion. Call us today at Laura Skin Care and schedule an appointment today!

Five Tips for Healthy Summer Skin

   Skin Care  May 24, 2019  Comments Off on Five Tips for Healthy Summer Skin
Five Tips for Healthy Summer Skin

In just a few short weeks, spring is out, and summer is in! No doubt, you’ll be showing more skin at the seasonal pool parties or backyard barbecues you’ll attend. You should also be prepared to deal with the effects of the summer sun on your skin. Here are six tips for making the season more bearable when you get out and enjoy it.

H2O is your friend

We all know that the summer heat can cause dehydration when we indulge ourselves in a little too much outdoor fun. The best way to be proactive about this is by drinking plenty of water. Eight 8-ounce glasses per day is recommended, especially if you consume considerable amounts of caffeinated products. Filtered water can help maintain the moisture balance in your body and it also helps with detoxification.

Hydrate your skin

Just keeping your body hydrated internally isn’t enough to ensure that your skin is appropriately hydrated for facing the higher temps of summer. One way to raise your skin’s level of hydration is to apply intensive masks in tandem with boosters or toners. Boosters work well before applying a moisturizer to the skin, and a toner spritz under your moisturizer can help even out porosity. It’s also a good idea to use moisturizers with SPF for added sun protection.

Exfoliate wisely

Performing exfoliation in the mornings before applying toner, moisturizer, or makeup will help to remove dead skin. It prevents skin debris from congesting your pores and it improves hydration. You can expect clearer, smoother skin after exfoliation. Of course, for longer lasting results, consult your local esthetician to schedule an appointment. They can recommend the best products for your skin type.

Apply sunscreen frequently

There are more than enough sunscreen formulas and technology to help you find the right one for your skin. The trick is to be sure to apply enough of it, and to do it frequently. After your first daily application, you should re-apply about every two hours and try to avoid excessive exposure to the mid-day sun. The recommended amount for your face is approximately a teaspoon, while about the amount of a shot glass is suggested for the rest of the body.

Treat over-exposure quickly

So, you forgot to use the sunscreen and you’ve been in the sun all day. Don’t panic because you can repair the damage that is done. Use soothing botanicals or cooling gels to help avert peeling and reduce swelling and redness. At the first sign of sunburn, which varies from one skin tone to the next, apply whatever remedy you choose generously on the over-exposed areas. It is important to treat your burn quickly to avoid the risk skin cancer.

Final thoughts

Summer is a great time to enjoy outdoor activities, but you should be careful not to stay hydrated inside and out. Exfoliating your skin regularly and wisely is one way to clean it and keep pores unclogged. Using sunscreen and limiting your exposure to UV rays is important for maintaining healthy skin all summer long. Don’t hesitate to contact us here a Laura Skin Care of Petaluma for all your skin care needs.