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Category Archives: Skin Care

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.

What Organic Products Can Do for Your Skin

   Skin Care  Nov 20, 2022  Comments Off on What Organic Products Can Do for Your Skin
What Organic Products Can Do for Your Skin

These days, the term “organic” is used a lot when talking about skincare products.

Don’t be misled by labels and claims. While some skincare products claim to be “natural” or “non-toxic,” they aren’t organic.

Find out what organic really means and what organic products can do for your skin.

Organic Defined

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), for a skincare product to be labeled with an organic seal, it must contain at least 95% organic ingredients.

Organic ingredients are defined as those organically farm-grown, adhering to agricultural practices promoting:

  • Ecological balance (biodiversity)
  • Maintenance of soil, air and water quality
  • Elimination of synthetic substances or chemicals, including fertilizers or pesticides

Organic products must also promote sustainability and resource cycling.

Organic products not only use environmentally friendly farming processes but natural ingredients which may include resins, essential oils and especially plant-based derivatives like plant oils or extracts (e.g., aloe).

Vague product labels such as “all natural,” “non-toxic,” or “clean” don’t guarantee that eco-friendly processes are used to create the products. There’s the possibility that the products were produced using chemical pesticides, petroleum-based fertilizers, or non-sustainable packaging.

Other synthetic substances used in the production of skincare products may include:

  • GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) such as antibiotics or growth hormones
  • Sulfates
  • Parabens

Organic ingredients eliminate the worry about toxic synthetics which may alter hormones and increase certain cancer risks. Always read product labels carefully.

Skincare Benefits of Organic Products

Organic products may not always out-perform chemically produced counterparts in the short-term, but they perform every bit as well and, in most cases, are far less harsh on your skin for long-term results.

Organic Skincare Benefits:

Non-Allergenic

Unless allergic to a specific ingredient, organic products produce less skin irritations such as rashes, breakouts, inflammation, and other skin irritations.

Antioxidants

Organic products are free from toxic chemicals and also contain crazy high levels of antioxidants and vitamins.

Skin loving vitamins such as A, C and E are known to heal and restore skin to reduce scarring, balance an uneven skin tone, clear blemishes, and calm inflammation.

Healthier Ingredients

Since organic products must contain 95% active ingredients, they give you more active ingredients powerfully working to refresh your skin.

Feeding skin antioxidant-rich nutrients such as sweet almond oil, aloe and honey naturally soothe and nourish for the long haul.

The effects of organic products over time give you smoother, clearer, firmer, and hydrated skin.

Exfoliating with organic products or treating yourself to a professional facial strips away the dead skin cells at the surface level allowing organic serums and creams the ability to penetrate into deeper layers of the skin.

More Benefits of Choosing Organic Skincare

U.S. Government Regulated

Regulated by the USDA and Federal Drug Administration (FDA) when the product makes claims to reduce lines, wrinkles or increase collagen production. Manufacturers of organic products must adhere to government regulations for labeling and product claims.

Supports Biodiversity

Biodiversity is important because it considers the health and well-being of all living organisms on the planet. This includes everything from soil bacteria to animals and plants. Every effort is made for minimal disruption to the delicate balance of the eco-cycle.

Biodegradable

Packaging made from eco-friendly materials breaks down and doesn’t accumulate in landfills or produce excessive waste.

Cruelty free

Discourages product testing on animals.

Wrap Up

When it comes to skincare, it’s important to do your research in order to make smart, healthy choices for both you and the environment.

When looking for high quality organic skincare sourced and administered by professionals, look no further than Laura Skincare. Let our experts answer your questions about the organic products we use to give you the best, healthiest skin possible.