Aging and Mature Skin: Preventive with 3 Easy Steps!

Like anything else in the world, as time goes on, things begin to breakdown. However, if you consistently maintain a routine, you will prevent premature damage. That's right, I'm talking about premature skin damage.

Aging, a.k.a mature skin are changes of the skin structure due to degradation and elasticity over time. Included is a combination of multiple physiological and environmental factors. Aging/mature skin is categorized by two types of aging: intrinsic and extrinsic.

Intrinsic aging refers to the physiological breakdown due to genetics and the passage of time. There is a natural loss and a decrease of fat tissues, elastin, collagen and cell turnover (the rate your skin naturally exfoliates and reproduces) over time.  

Extrinsic aging refers to environmental factors and it is considered preventative. Sun exposure, unhealthy lifestyle, gravity, environmental pollutants and chronic inflammation contribute to the breakdown of the skin's structure. Over-exposure to any of these factors will increase the likelihood of premature aging. 

How to control and prevent mature and aged skin?

1. Gently exfoliate and increase cell turnover: exfoliation may include a simple scrub, mask or peel. Vitamin A derived and botanical products will increase cellular proliferation, allowing healthy cells to reproduce quicker.

2. Increase skin proteins and hydration: products with AHA, peptides, botanicals and vitamins are key ingredients to look for in a skin care line.

3. Inhibit pigmentation and protect from UV exposure- UVA/UVB spectrum sunscreens are mandatory.

Here's a little food for thought: Studies have shown that extrinsic aging is responsible for up to 85% of aging/mature skin.

PCA SKIN’s medical grade products incorporate the latest in medically and scientifically researched ingredients to nourish, hydrate and rejuvenate skin, delivering optimal results. Free of color additives, synthetic fragrances, harsh alcohols, comedogenic oils and other known sensitizers, they are designed to deliver results without irritation and are especially effective for helping to treat such varied skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, hyperpigmentation, rosacea and fine lines and wrinkles.

Makeup Tips to Prevent Breakouts!

Occasionally my clients will talk to me about random breakouts that they may have. I usually will bring up the "makeup talk" and explain to them how to keep clean and sanitary makeup to prevent random breakouts.

General Rules

• Make sure you have clean hands before applying your makeup.
• A key tip that most do not do is: clean your brushes every week! You can use a makeup cleanser, your facial cleanser or any sanitary cleanser that is applicable.
• Use disposables if need be and immediately throw out when done.
• Don't share makeup.
• If makeup looks off, changes in color or smell, toss it!
• If you can't remember when you bought a piece of makeup, toss it!

Expiration Dates

• Eye Shadow: generally, good for 12 months after opening. 
• Eye Liner Pencils- 12 months after opening; however, to keep clean and sanitary, sharpen the pencil after every use. Liquid- 6 months.
• Mascara- 3-6 months, remember don't pump! This causes more air in and will dry it out. Twist instead.
• Lip Stick/Gloss/Liner- generally 12 months after opening. Keep out of direct heat.
• Powder/Foundation/Concealer/- generally, 12 months after opening. Some experts may say, 12-24 or even 36 months but for me that is too long of a time to keep that type of makeup that is applied all over the face. And if you were sick during those months or had breakouts, the makeup may have lingering bacteria and be contaminated. 
• Blush/Bronzer- recommended good after 6-12 months. Again, treat it the same as powder/foundation. This is a great place for bacteria to live.

How to Clean Your Brushes

1. Use warm water.
2. Apply a dime-nickel size amount of cleanser (brush cleanser, facial cleaners, antibacterial soap).
3. Gently lather the brushes, rinse until the water is clear and clean. You may even want to fill up a bowl or the sink up with warm water and cleanser and let the brushes soak for 5-10 minutes.
4. Gently squeeze out any excess water.
5. Lay out the brushes flat on a clean towel to air dry.

Facial Skin vs. Body Skin

Although our body's largest organ is the skin, not all of the skin is treated the same. Here are some tips and facts:

• The skin and scalp contain the majority of the skin's oil production (sebaceous glands). Lower oil production contributes to dry skin (i.e. the body). Moisturizing is extremely important and crucial during the harsh winter months to combat severe dryness.
• Epidermal skin (facial) is typically .12 millimeters thinner than the skin on the body, at .60mm.
• The skin on the body is not frequently exposed to the climate and weather. This, in combination with dryness, can create less cell turnover (shedding). This can lead to extreme dry and dull conditions if not properly treated by exfoliation at least once a week (maybe twice a week if severe but consult a beauty professional) and moisturizing.

At Home-Spa Scrub Recipe

To keep the body fresh and renewed, exfoliation is key. Don't have a body scrub? Make one!

Scrub Recipe

1/2 cup oil- you can use extra virgin olive oil (good for your health and skin), almond oil, grapeseed oil or any type of massage oil you would like. Choose one with little to no fragrance if adding essential oil. A natural foods store would be a great choice to find any of these oils.

1 cup sugar or fine sea salt- both are gentle and perfect for removal of dead skin layers.

5-15 drops essential oil (optional)- this will be an added bonus for the skin, mind, body and soul depending on the essential oil you use. Lavender is calming and relaxing, lemongrass is refreshing, rosemary and peppermint are stimulating. Again, any natural food store should carry essential oils.

Mix ingredients well in a bowl. Texture should be moist and hold well together but not overly oil. There may be a small layer of oil that rises to the surface, this is expected. Find a decorative jar or container for your yummy creation! Perfect gift for any occasion. Exfoliate once a week, this amount should last you for about a week. ENJOY! :)

Lets Talk: Hyperpigmentation!

Hyperpigmentation- a darkening of an area on the skin. Hyper- is the over stimulation and production of pigment- or a.k.a. melanin cells responding to the reaction of the body's immune system. This reaction triggers melanoctye activity to protect the skin's DNA from damage and mutation.

Causes

1. UV-induced hyperpigmentation (sun damage, "liver spots")- overexposure to the sun, tanning beds, fluorescent and ambient lighting. How to identify: spotty, freckle-like.

2. Melasma- induced by hormone fluctuations. A.k.a, the "pregnancy mask," melasma can be associated with oral contraceptives, pregnancy, thyroid dysfunction and menopause, to name a few. This may or may not subside once the hormone imbalance is normalized and balanced. UV exposure may worsen melasma. How to identify: large, dark, symmetrical patches and jagged borders.

3. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation- pigment is deposited as a result of surface irritation, inflammation or abrasion of the epidermis. How to identify: darkened areas around the sites of trauma. Examples of trauma include but are not limited too: acne, dermatitis, eczema, bug bites, ill-fitting undergarments and other clothing friction may cause discoloration such as "bra burn."

So after all this information, you may be asking, how do I control hyperpigmentation? Gentle exfoliation. Using gentle peeling agents that inhibit melanin cells to produce, which cause the darkening of the skin, will help treat this skin condition. Multiple chemical peel treatments to lift  and lighten pigmentation will control the hyperpigmentation, the reason? With natural cell turnover, if the hyperpigmentation is not treated routinely, deeper pigment will rise to the surface of the skin and making it darker once again. PCA skin peels are a great tool that have inhibitors (lighteners) for the melanincytes. And don't forget, sunscreen! :)

Look Good...Feel Better Session @ Cordelia Knott Wellness Center

Today's session was fun, fun, fun! We had a wonderful holiday theme with many surprises. The other volunteer and I brought gifts and goodies. I love to bake and I had to to make something special...peanut butter blossom cookies, YUM! We were very excited that all of the women could make it! I enjoyed giving the women skin care tips, makeup makeovers and having some good 'ol girly fun! The smile on their faces are so worth it!

If you or someone you know has cancer, please let know about LGFB and the great programs/workshops from the American Cancer Society. LGFB is completely  FREE and available in throughout the OC!

Gia, xoxo

Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen!

Dermatologist, Dr. Jennifer Linder of PCA skin recently discussed the topic of sun damage and the most common body parts that can give away your age. She puts emphasis on skin care prevention and how important it is to wear sunscreen, especially at an early age.

The most common areas of damage are the neck, chest and hands. Most often these areas are where sun damage is found and negatively contribute to the aging process. PCA skin chemcial peels are an inexpensive and positive way to reverse the damage. And more importantly, wearing sunscreen is how to prevent the damage. Check out the full discussion below with Dr. Linder!

http://www.abc15.com/dpp/lifestyle/fashion/your-hands-and-neck-can-show-your-age