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Category Archives: Skin Care

The Benefits of Massaging Skin

   Skin Care  Jan 21, 2023  Comments Off on The Benefits of Massaging Skin
The Benefits of Massaging Skin

There’s nothing more relaxing than a facial massage. But did you know that there are more benefits to performing even minimal face massage than simply feeling good?

Here are some of the benefits of massaging your skin.

Stress Buster

Stress puts a strain on your entire body from your immune system to your skin. A lot of times, stress shows up on the skin, resulting in fine lines, wrinkles and those annoying “eleven” lines between the eyebrows.

A simple facial massage performed each morning and night while cleaning your skin can make a world of difference. This eases tension in the face muscles and tissues, relaxing you and reducing the amount of the body’s natural stress response hormone, cortisol. Massage signals the brain to release endorphins, which work to calm cortisol levels.

You’ll notice a difference in the appearance of dark spots, circles under the eyes, enlarged pores and fine lines.

Boosts Skin Regeneration

When cortisol levels are reduced and you’re relaxed, the body can go to work to regenerate the skin.

With an increased ability to regenerate skin at night while at rest, the better your skin bounces back from scarring, dullness, sagging and wrinkles.

Circulation Booster

Massage stimulates blood vessels and helps expel fluid retained in the lymphatic system.

When blood flow and circulation improves, veins and capillaries under the skin receive more blood, ramping up their ability to remove toxins.

These toxins are flushed out and eventually make their way to the kidneys, where they are eliminated.

Drinking more water along with your massage makes this flushing process even more effective.

Helps Lymphatic Drainage

Massage helps reduce toxin buildup in the skin. As the toxins flush away, you’ll notice an improvement in your skin tone and texture.

Effective lymphatic drainage achieved through massage also helps reduce puffiness, dark circles under the eyes and brightens your overall complexion.

An added bonus is that massage stimulates the production of collagen, which is the key protein responsible for skin elasticity and firmness.

Wrap Up

Overall, massage has been shown to reduce tension, combat anxiety, and improve both sleep and focus. We all know that when you feel better, it shows up on your skin and in your life.

For your skin, it can transform from dull and dry to noticeably healthier and glowing.

To get started, schedule a rejuvenating facial massage appointment with the skincare experts at Laura Skincare in Petaluma.

 

Defining Skin Cosmeceuticals

   Skin Care  Jan 09, 2023  Comments Off on Defining Skin Cosmeceuticals
Defining Skin Cosmeceuticals

Although the term has been around for a while, it may be new to you.

Cosmeceuticals is a name coined to describe products that are part of the ever-evolving beauty industry to address skincare problems and concerns.

Read on to learn how cosmeceuticals differ from cosmetics.

Cosmetics vs. Cosmeceuticals

Cosmetics

Cosmetics, commonly referred to as make up, are used to make the outer or surface layer of skin look less flawed and more beautiful.

These products act as a mask or shield used on the skin surface to hide imperfections such as acne or rosacea.

The positive results of using cosmetics are immediate. While skin might look great temporarily, cosmetics don’t do much to address the deeper, internal skin issue.

Cosmeceuticals

On the other hand, cosmeceuticals are formulated to address these bigger skin issues. It’s a blending of both cosmetics and ingredients specifically designed to address and heal skin problems.

There is a lot of science and research that goes into cosmeceutical formulas to make them effective. Whether using a cream, cleansing, toning or serum formula, the products are designed to penetrate into and heal deeper layers of the skin.

Cosmeceuticals work slowly but over time, are designed to give a more lasting, permanent solution to correct skin issues from the inside out.

Cosmeceuticals address skin problems such as acne, rosacea, pigmentation, sun damage, large pores, dry or oily skin and other skin concerns.

FDA Classifications

Another big difference between the two is that cosmetics, with the exception of color additives, do not need FDA approval before going on the market. As long as the products meet FDA-governed guidelines and labeling restrictions, cosmetics are ready for retail sale.

Cosmeceuticals are considered to be both a cosmetic and a “drug,” if it claims to treat or cure a specific condition. While the FDA does not recognize the term “cosmeceuticals,” these products must comply with regulations for both cosmetics and drugs.

An example of a cosmeceutical would be a cream foundation that contains sunscreen. It is both a cosmetic to even out skin tone immediately, and also considered a drug because it contains active ingredients to protect the skin from harmful UV rays.

Basically, it boils down to the intended use of a product which determines if it’s a cosmetic, cosmeceutical or both.

Wrap Up

Although the term might be new, you use cosmeceuticals a lot more than you think. Products ranging from fluoride toothpaste to anti-perspirant deodorants and sunscreen-infused moisturizers and creams.

To address and treat more pressing and serious skincare issues than cosmetics alone can handle, it’s always best to consult with a skincare expert.

To answer your questions about cosmeceuticals and recommend professional skincare products and practices, start the New Year off right with Laura Skincare in Petaluma.

 

 

Why Hydration is the Key to Healthy Skin

   Skin Care  Dec 13, 2022  Comments Off on Why Hydration is the Key to Healthy Skin
Why Hydration is the Key to Healthy Skin

You know that drinking water is good for you. Of all the health benefits water provides for your body, it also keeps your skin plump and hydrated.

Why is hydration so important for healthy skin?

Keeps Dry Skin at Bay

Aside from not drinking enough water, there are many other reasons for dry skin.

  • Seasonal changes
  • Hormonal changes
  • Irritants/Air pollution
  • Aging/Mature skin
  • Harsh skincare products

Remember that dry skin is at greater risk for skin irritations, inflammation, acne and of course, sagging and wrinkles.

The Power of Hydration

In addition to keeping skin plumped up and looking firmer, other benefits of hydration include:

  • Faster flushing and removal of toxins from the skin
  • Increases blood flow to the skin to help even out complexion and skin tone
  • Improves skin elasticity to help tighten up sagging skin
  • Reduces puffiness
  • Minimizes appearance of pores
  • Reduces oiliness of skin
  • Balances pH levels to reduce blemishes and acne flare-ups

How to Increase Skin Hydration

Hands down, the least expensive and easiest way to increase skin hydration is to drink more water. It’s commonly recommended to drink eight glasses per day to reduce the chance of dehydration and accomplish all the things highlighted above that can show up on your skin.

While it may be hard for you to imagine drinking more water each day, remember all the tasty and vitamin-infused options available on the market today. These options certainly make it easier to keep hydration more fun, flavorful and doable.

Remember your ABC’s when it comes to taking supplements to improve skin texture and hydration. Vitamins A, B, C (plus D, E and fish oil) are all skin-loving supplements for healthier skin.

The other ways to increase skin hydration are:

  • Facials
  • Exfoliation Treatments
  • Massage
  • Using lukewarm – not hot – water for washing your face and taking a shower
  • Using gentle products to clean and tone that prevent stripping skin of natural oils
  • Daily use of sunscreen
  • Using hyaluronic acid or hydrating serum each night
  • Adding ceramides or natural oils (e.g., sweet almond oil)

Wrap Up

As you have learned, there are plenty of ways to combat the effects of dehydrated skin. A lot of these changes are not only good for your skin, but for your overall health and well-being.

For professional services, skin analysis and recommendations, reach out to the skin experts at Laura Skincare in Petaluma.

Whether you need help with seasonal or chronically dry skin, we can help restore and keep your skin looking healthy and hydrated.