Bikini-Ready Skin Secrets

Getting your BOD bikini ready is always at the top of the list as summer rolls in. Here are tips to help get your body and skin where it needs to be this summer!

• Spray tan! This healthy alternative from sun tanning is a better choice ALWAYS, is the ONLY safe way to tan and will give you the confidence you will need to rock your bikini this summer!
• If you like to wax any area of your skin, do it BEFORE you decide to spray tan at least 24 hours. And if you will be out in the sun (hopefully NOT sunbathing, tis tis!), make sure you pay extra attention to the waxed areas and use sunscreen as directed.
• However, if you can avoid unnecessary sun exposure, then do! Slather on the sunscreen and use as directed. Sun damage is the major cause in premature aging and hyperpigmenting for ALL ages. 
• Exfoliate once a week. This help aid your skin turn over and reproduce new cells and reveal new and radiant skin!

"What's in your beach bag this summer?" 

• Chapstick with SPF and proper sunscreen to moisturize and protect your skin.
• A hat and cover-up  to protect from direct sun exposure.
• Water to hydrate you inside and out.
• Sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays and damage (yes, your eyes are at risk too!).

TEWL & Skin Dehydration

Ever heard of transepidermal water loss and skin dehydration? I'd like to help better explain these two conditions and how they affect nearly everyone, especially during the summer months.

Firstly, the epidermis is constantly exposed to everyday damage extrinsically and intrinsically. Therefore, our skin is made up of a very important layer, the acid mantle. The acid mantle is a protective barrier made up of sebum (natural oils), lipids (protective oils/fat), sweat and water that form a hydrolipidic film to protect the skin from drying out and from exposure to external factors. Within the barrier function of the skin, TEWL or transepidermal water loss can occur. This is water loss caused by evaporation on the skin's surface. Once transepidermal water loss increases, this will cause skin dehydration.

To avoid this dry and flaky skin dysfunction, proper moisturizer and facial treatments are key. Esthetique Peel, is a great treatment for TEWL and skin dehydration, as well as acne, rosacea, hyperpigmentation and sluggish cell turnover. Any one of the many PCA SKIN hydrating moisturizers will help combat this skin dysfunction, including ReBalance, Apres Peel Hydrating Balm, Collagen Hydrator and Silkcoat Balm, to name a few. This also includes Hydrating Serum, a must-have serum for your proper skin care routine.

During these upcoming summer months, be aware of an important negative aspect of sunburned skin. Sunburns often that not, will cause barrier disruption and lead to an increase of transepidermal water loss due to the overexposure of UV rays. The best advice is, of course, avoiding overexposure. If sunburn does occur, turn to hydrating and soothing products, like the ones listed above. This will enhance moisture, help reverse damage and improve the state of the skin.

Bella Skin awaits you!

- Gia

Moisturizing is key!

 

Woops! Don't be like Kim K. this summer! Practice sun protection with SPF.