As we age our bodies will inevitably go through many changes and stages. Our bodily functions begin to slow along with our lifestyles. We begin to notice changes in the way we look and feel.
Slowing of metabolism
One of the first things that may come to mind when considering the aging process is the slowing of metabolism. When we think about the declining rate of metabolism, most will only consider the metabolic rate of the digestive system. But what about the cell metabolism of our skin?
Our bodies are composed of billions of specialized cells. These cells are grouped according to functions, and make up the different body systems and organs within the human anatomy.
The largest organ found within the body is the skin. Its main function is to protect the body from the external environment and regulate body temperature. It is a reflection of your current health, age, and oftentimes your lifestyle.
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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As we slowly integrate fragments of our normalcy back into our lives, pairing your look with a protective mask may be the new norm.
Although masks are great for protection, they are not so great for your skin. You may already have noticed the extra heat and moisture that builds up after extended wear. This environment is ideal for creating clogged pores and skin irritation.
So, what can you do to minimize the damage? Read on as we offer mask skin care tips to follow that will help keep your skin clean and protected…
During wear…
1 | Properly lined and fitted mask.
The inner lining along the border and points of contact should be made of a soft material. The less friction from heavy or coarse fabric, the less chaffing and sloughing of the skin during wear. Disposable masks are typically more breathable and lightweight than fabric masks.
2 | Avoid wearing heavy moisturizers under your mask.
With the added moisture and oil production that will naturally occur underneath your mask, a lightweight moisturizer should suffice.
This lightweight moisturizer provides fresh hydration without the oil content. *Recommended for oily/acneic or normal combination skin types.
An option for Normal Combination/Dry/Sensitive skin types is the GLO Conditioning Hydration Cream – This ultra hydrating moisturizer provides a dose of hydration and lightweight moisture.
3 | Barrier balm or cream if you are experiencing chaffing.
Although the consistency of the product contradicts the previous recommendation, it may be necessary at this point. If your skin has started to show signs of irritation, a proper balm or cream will help create some glide and minimize the friction. You may need to gently clean the skin and reapply through the day.
After wear…
4 | Double cleanse.
This mask skin care tip is very important! It may be a part of your regular routine already, but if not, let’s start today. A double cleanse ensures that your skin is free of superficial buildup and rinsed for a fresh finished.
For Normal Combination/ Dry/Mature skin types, we recommend the Hydrating Gel Cleanser. This hydrating cleanser helps refresh dull skin complexion and cleanse away impurities.
For oily/acneic skin types, we recommend the Purifying Gel Cleanser. this refreshing cleanser dissolves oily buildup without compromising the skin natural pH.
Calming and hydrating the skin covered by your mask will help keep it strong throughout the day and sooth your skin after being exposed to the friction caused by mask wear.
Extended care…
6 | Enzyme exfoliate 2-3 times a week.
Exfoliation rids the skin of buildup that naturally occurs. Having constant friction and pressure from your mask can increase the amount of debris that builds along the seams. A gentle exfoliant with an enzyme will lift away debris without overworking the skin.
7 | Apply a Kaolin clay or zinc mask 2-3 times a week.
Kaolin clay and zinc are excellent for drawing out impurities and balancing oils production without drying the skin. Kaolin clay is also known to relieve skin rashes and irritation making it suitable for even the most sensitive skin types.
Oil-absorbing clay purifies skin and calms irritation while blemish fighting ingredients reduce the appearance of pores and refine skin’s texture.
Our skin does so much for us. Among many other things that it does for us, it provides protection. We hope these tips help you protect it, while it protects you!
Moisturizers or creams as they are often called, are considered a core essential when it comes to a daily skin care routine. Along with the varying formulations and brands available, we also have the option of day and night cream. Let’s talk day vs night cream and find out what makes them unique to their time of day.
So, what is the difference between the two?
Day Cream
The focus of a day cream is to hydrate and protect the skin against environmental damage. Day creams are typically formulated with humectants such as hyaluronic acid that help boost hydration and prevent moisture loss. They will also feature natural antioxidants and UV protection to guard against oxidative stress and sun damage. They tend to be lightweight formulas that wear well throughout the day and under makeup.
We recommend:
Glo Skin BeautyOil Free Moisturizer – lightweight formula offers a healthy dose of hydration and won’t clog pores. Ideal for oily or combination skin.
Glo Skin Beauty Oil Control Emulsion – hydrate and prevent oil build-up throughout the day with this unique moisturizer perfect for even the oiliest skin types. Ideal for very oily/acne prone skin.
Glo Skin BeautyConditioning Hydration Cream –balancing hydration and protection in a silky formula. Ideal for all skin types but oily.
Night Cream
Night creams are your treatment moisturizers. They contain high concentrations of reparative ingredients and moisture. These powerful formulas are not ideal for day wear as sun exposure may compromise the effects of the product. The consistencies may also be thicker and therefore do not wear appropriately under makeup. Night creams deliver their results while you sleep.
When comparing day cream and night cream we can say that your day cream will sustain results and protect the skin, and your night cream will deliver a higher dose of active ingredients and therefore faster results or benefits.
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.
Facials are a great way to keep your pores clean and free of oil or impurities that can cause breakouts. We recommend booking a facial every 4-6 weeks.
Chemical peels are great for skin rejuvenation because they accelerate the cell turnover rate by chemically penetrating beneath the surface of the skin to dissolve away dead skin cells. If you are treating a concern, such as sun damage, fine lines, or hyperpigmentation, we recommend 4-8 sessions.
Photofacials use Intense Pulse Light (IPL) technology to diminish brown spots, redness, broken capillaries, fine lines and other textural damage. We recommend 4-6 treatments when treating the above skin concerns.
Dérmaplane delivers a fine shave that removes the dull surface skin and vellus facial hair as the technician gently grazes a medical-grade scalpel edge over the surface of the skin.
PROFESSIONAL SKINCARE AT HOME
Professional treatments should go hand in hand with clinical grade skincare products that will help to maximize results.
This is why we offer 15% OFF all Glo Skin Beauty products in-store with any of the treatments above.
