Typically in our late 20’s – mid 30’s our skin cells slow down and become “lazy”. They no longer regenerate at the same speed in which it used to in our earlier years.
This laziness creates a backlog of dead cells on the surface of the skin and paves the way for the appearance of fine lines, dehydration, premature wrinkles, and dullness. Sun damage endured over the years now begins to reach the surface in the form of brown spots (hyperpigmentation), broken capillaries, and excessive ruddiness.
Skincare tips: Start It Sooner Than Later.
The first step in the anti-aging journey is prevention. It is never too early to start caring for your skin and preparing for what the years will bring. We recommend younger clients begin with a healthy homecare regimen which includes proper cleansing and hydration day and night.
A fresh cleanse in the morning and daily moisturizer with a minimum 20 SPF, and a hydrating eye gel to keep your eye area looking vibrant.
At the end of the day we suggest a double cleanse to first clear the skin of daily environmental buildup/makeup, and then wash the bare skin itself. This routine will keep your skin balanced and protected throughout the day and night.
For younger clients beginning a professional skin treatment schedule, Phototherapy will deliver immediate results. Photofacials aid in the clearance of fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and tightening of pores and texture. With a refresher treatment every 6 months your skin will defy age!
At this stage in the aging process resurfacing and exfoliation are vital in keeping your cells active, and clear of nutrient blocking dead cells.
Changes and Damage to Our Skin.
The changes and damage to our skin do not happen overnight, and everyday time slowly claims its youth. Therefore, once the skin reaches a more advanced stage in aging, reversing the effects of time is a process that also takes time and commitment.
Understanding your skin care products and the interactions of the ingredients with your skin is important when selecting your products. What may have worked a few years ago may not be ideal for your skin now.
Ensure that your products are age appropriate, targeted to treat your areas of concern, and most importantly protect your skin from further damage with minimum SPF20.
PROFESSIONAL SKINCARE AT HOME
Professional treatments should go hand in hand with clinical grade skincare products to help maximize results. This is why we offer 15% OFF all Glo Skin Beauty products in-store with any skincare treatment.
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Gentle extractions between facials helps maintain and boost results of your professional service.
Are you ready to try some DIY extractions?
Supplies
Extraction solution
1 Tsp of baking soda
1 cup (450mL) of water
Steamer
1 litre of boiling water
Large bowl or basin
Large towel
Prepping your skin:
Start with a clean face (cleansed and exfoliated).
Wipe your skin with a toner or Witch Hazel prior to applying the solution.
Mixing & applying the solution:
Combine the baking soda and water until it becomes clouded. The baking soda will quickly settle at the bottom of your mixing bowl. This is fine, just give it a stir again right before you apply.
Using a flat makeup brush, mask brush, or cotton swabs, carefully dab a thin layer of the solution onto congested areas. The solution can be runny, cover your eyes with a tissue if applying to your forehead.
Let the solution set for 5 minutes.
Steaming the pores:
Carefully pour the boiling water into the bowl/basin.
Hover your face approximately 12 inches above the bowl.
Drape a large towel over your head to ensure the steam remains enclosed.
** Combo skin: steam for 5-7 minutes. Oily skin: steam for 7-10 minutes. **
Take short breaks if needed, just make sure to keep the steam under the dome.
Extracting the Blackheads:
Wipe the solution with a damp cotton pad/ gauze, or face towel.
Using your finger or cotton swabs, roll down the side of your nose while supporting the skin on the opposite end.
Sealing the pores:
Soak a small towel with cold water and wring out the excess water. Press the cold towel into your skin to contract the pores.
Although blackheads are not necessarily caused by poor skin hygiene, these darkened little oil specs can make the skin look and feel rough, oily, and dirty. We have countless skin products and methods of removal, but what should we really be looking for when choosing products, ingredients, and services?
In this article we will focus on defining the ‘blackhead’. From selecting the right ingredients to DIY pore cleansing techniques, our tips will help you minimize and control blackheads.
What is a blackhead?
Blackheads are quite simply clogged hair follicles in the skin. These tiny follicles can become clogged due to enlargement and/ or years of buildup.
Our hair follicles are a type of pore found throughout the body, except for the palms and soles. They are most visible in areas with higher oil production or areas where the oil collects throughout the day such as the creases of the nose.
A combination of waste.
Waste can include dead cells, oil, makeup, dirt, etc.
This particular type of pore consists of a tube-like structure in the skin that sprouts hair, excretes oil, and retains a combination of waste within the its tiny canal. This combination includes dead cells, oil, makeup, dirt, and basically anything that can melt into the pores. Over time the debris can become solidified when neglected by being left inside the pore.
Loss of elasticity.
Adding to the cause is the loss of skin elasticity. Over time the opening of the pores can become weakened. This can be due to underlying skin condition, skin trauma, or pressure from buildup. Once the pores have lost their ability to contract it becomes difficult to regain this elasticity without resorting to advanced skin therapy such as LASER or IPL.
Dead keratin, not dirt!
Blackheads may vary in colour, diameter, and depth. However, they all have the same characteristic opening that can be easily spotted. The dark pinpoint that we see at the surface of the skin, is actually a result of dead keratin cells being exposed to the open air (oxidized). This reaction causes a browning similar to the effect caused by leaving cut fruit such as a banana or an apple open to the elements. Contrary to popular belief, the dark tip is not dirt!
Blackheads are different from whiteheads due to the opening being present and the causes vary. If a blackhead becomes infected it can then transition into a pustule aka a “pimple”. Improper extraction and/ or excess pressure are most commonly the cause of infection.
Now that you’re familiar with the composition of a blackhead, let’s move on to some solutions and prevention, and DIY techniques for extraction.
Vascular lesions are due to conditions such as Rosacea, couperose skin, sensitized skin, or skin trauma. These types of conditions are characterized by frequent, consistent redness, and visible redness and broken capillaries. They are most commonly found in the facial and neck area. If left unchecked these conditions can worsen, or mutate the skin’s texture. The following sensitive skin care tips will help you prevent flare-ups.
TIPS on how to calm your skin.
1. Avoid applying heat to the skin. For example: hot showers, heating fan in your vehicle, extended sun exposure.
2. Limit alcohol (especially red wine 😵) consumption when your are already experiencing a skin flush.
3. Use fragrance free and gentle products on your skin.
5. Use soothing mask 2-3 times/ week to hydrate and calm your skin.
6. Keep your moisturizer in the door compartment of your fridge for added cooling effect.
Environmental factors to consider
Weather
Protect skin from sun, wind, and excess temperatures (something we all experience living in Canada). We cannot emphasize how important using sunscreen daily is, even during winter! Throughout the winter months, cover your cheeks and face with a scarf. Wash the scarf/scarves regularly. If possible, replace the scarf every day or every other day to prevent breakouts.
Looking for a gentle care line for your sensitive skin? We recommend the CALM SKIN SET.
Does your skin feel tight, coarse, and easily irritated?
If a visual inspection reveals very small pores, this means your skin is not getting enough oil. This might be the biggest contributor to your dry skin. Very small pores cause the texture of the skin to appear very fine and fragile-looking, particularly in the expression areas.
Dry skin types are usually dull-looking. Foundation-based makeup is difficult to apply because it sits on top of the skin resulting in a “cakey” look.
Here are Dermica’s tips on making the right choices for your DRY skin:
Diet
Eating foods that are high in Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Zinc are a great way to help your skin internally and maintaining good skin health.
Cleanser
When selecting your cleanser, try a cleansing cream, lotion, or light gel. This will ensure that you are not stripping the skin of its vital oil supply. Use lukewarm water to rinse, as hot water can be very drying.
Exfoliant
This process is very important for dry skin. It is prone to building up dead skin cells on the surface, causing it to look flaky and dull. The ideal exfoliant for you would be an enzymatic exfoliant, or chemical exfoliant, and be kept down to a maximum usage of 3 times per week (unless otherwise directed by the manufacturer).
Moisturizer
Restoring the protective barrier and moisture to your skin is the last step in your routine. This is done by using an oil-based moisturizing cream. This type of moisture care will not only give back the nutrients lacking in your skin, but act as the protective barrier keeping moisture in, and external irritants out.
Eye care
Eye care is beneficial in preventing premature aging, and minimizing fine lines and wrinkles. Depending on your age you would either select a gel (18-35), or cream(35+).
Add an AHA boost to your facial for an extra dose of hydration!
Spa Treatments
To maximize results choose a therapeutic skin care service performed by a qualified professional, who can help you understand and treat your skin. A relaxing facial will leave your skin feeling pampered, revived, and give your skin the extra boost it needs to begin a proper regimen.
