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Vitamin C ~ Why Does Your Skin Need It? August 08 2022

 

When incorporated into your daily skincare regimen, well-formulated products containing vitamin C can provide a range of benefits that keep your skin looking younger and healthier! Although eating a diet rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants is important for overall health it unfortunately isn't very effective in increasing the vitamin C levels in the skin.  The most effective way to increase the skin's levels of vitamin C is to go straight to the source and apply it topically. Here are some of the benefits of using vitamin C on your skin daily:

Increased collagen production ~ As we age collagen levels are reduced and vitamin C is a major line of defense against reduced collagen production, therefore it is critical in the treatment of aging. Vitamin C when applied topically to the skin can reduce both photo aging and chronological aging by improving collagen synthesis in the skin.

Protection from free radical damage ~ Vitamin C provides potent antioxidant protection, shielding skin from damaging free radicals, those rogue molecules that promote premature aging.  We can't escape free radicals, they are in the environment in the form of air pollution, industrial chemicals and UV rays just to name a few. Adding vitamin C to your daily regimen will help protect and fight the damage we face daily.

Natural brightening ~ Vitamin C is also a tyrosinase inhibitor, the enzyme that triggers the production of melanin and causes those brown spots on the skin. The use of vitamin C serum in your daily skin care regime is effective in reducing the appearance of unwanted pigment and evens out overall skin tone creating a smoother healthier looking complexion.

Plant stem cells are another good ingredient to add to your daily skincare routine.  They are proven to boost cellular repair in order to preserve the collagen and elastin in your skin, as well as improve the production of structure supporting cells. Plant stem cells are also rich in antioxidants which are extremely beneficial to your skin's health. Combined with vitamin C they make a up a powerful duo to fight the signs of aging and keep the skin looking young and healthy.

Products like Lira's Bio Hydra C Serum, which contains high levels of both Vitamin C and Plant Stem Cells, when applied daily, is a great choice to replenish your skin's youthful look and feel.

 


Summer Skin Care July 15 2021

As the Seasons change, so should your skin care.  Summer is here and you may already be feeling the changes to your skin. The higher temperatures and humidity can leave our skin feeling sweaty and sticky. In addition to the heat we also have increased exposure to UV rays from the sun. While it isn’t necessary to change your entire skin care regimen it might be smart to make a few changes for the Summer months to keep your skin looking and feeling it’s best.  Here are some suggestions for getting your routine “Summer ready”:

  1. Always use a good SPF, even when indoors. We are exposed to blue light when using electronics and also can get some damaging rays from certain indoor lighting. Using a tinted moisturizing SPF rather than a heavy foundation can feel more comfortable during the hot weather but will still give you some coverage and hydration while protecting your skin from UV rays.
  2. Summer sun can cause an increase oil production and dead skin which can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Switching to a cleanser that contains salicylic acid can help prevent this.
  3. Because our skin is usually less dry in the Summer months, switching to a lighter moisturizer will help keep your skin feeling hydrated but not greasy.
  4. If you aren’t already using Vitamin C it’s a perfect time to add it to your regimen. Vitamin C Serums can be worn under your sunscreen and will help protect you from free radical damage which excellerates the aging process..
  5. Reduce the frequency of harsh scrubs that can cause sensitivity in the sun. Choose a less aggressive exfoliator for Summer.
  6. If you use retinol products you may want to lower the strength during the hotter months. If you choose to stick with the higher strengths be sure to use them at night only as too much retinol can actually increase your risk of skin cancer if it is exposed to sunlight.

If you have questions about your Summer skin care routine please contact us.  We offer free consultations, in person and over the phone.  Let us help you find the perfect Summer regimen for your skin!


What is Microcurrent? July 05 2021

 

Microcurrent is a low level of electricity that mirrors the body‘s own natural electrical currents, triggering chemical reactions at a cellular level to enhance the production of natural collagen and elastin, provide circulatory benefits, and re-educate the muscles of the face.

If that was a lot to absorb then let's just cut to the chase.  How can we benefit from this treatment?  The result is immediate firming, smoothing, and re-hydration of the skin while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Microcurrent lifts, sculpts and tightens, provides immediate results, and has no downtime!

There are 32 different muscles of the face that are manipulated during the microcurrent facial treatment. The treatment lifts, smoothes, tightens and tones. Probes are used to physically move the muscle into the desired position to perform muscle re-education – the process of lengthening or shortening muscles. Having muscle re-education movements performed in a series re-trains the muscles to maintain this new contour. Microcurrent treatment allows the muscles the necessary energy to keep their tension in this new contour.


Blue Light and Your Skin June 21 2021

 

 

Today we rely on our electronics now more than we ever have.  Most of us are looking at our phones or are in front of a computer screen for many hours in a day. Because our devices give off blue light we are getting more damaging exposure than you may realize.

Some dermatologists believe spending four eight-hour workdays in front of a computer exposes you to the same amount of energy as 20 minutes in the mid-day sun. It's suggested that exposure to blue light can stimulate the production of free radicals in skin contributing to brown spots and hyperpigmentation such as melasma, and possibly to photoaging and the breakdown of collagen, which leads to wrinkles and skin laxity.

But these effects aren't always noticeable right away. According to Ava Shamban, a board-certified dermatologist in Beverly Hills, "It's like sun exposure, the damage is cumulative,". And a study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science states just as blue light can impact your sleep cycle, it can also disrupt the circadian rhythm of skin cells. Your skin's regenerative cycle can get thrown out of whack, potentially causing more skin damage over time.

So what can we do to protect our skin from blue light damage? It really is quite simple. Just like we wear sunscreen outside to protect from the sun we should be wearing a non-chemical sunscreen indoors to shield our skin from the damage we are causing by using our electronic devices.  Zinc, especially in high percentages, is the best defender. 

My recommendation is to find a sunscreen that also contains moisturizer and other good skin care ingredients so you are getting more for your money.  I also love SPF's with tint on days I'm staying home and don't choose to wear foundation.  A little tint covers a multitude of imperfections!

My favorites are Lira (21% zinc) and Dermaquest (18.6% zinc).  Both have regular and tinted moisturizing SPF 30 formulas which also contain antioxidants for additional free radical protection. 

Save 15% on DermaQuest Sheerzinc SPF 30, tinted or regular now through June 30th 2021

 


Why You Need to Try a Pumpkin Peel October 12 2020

You already eat (and drink) pumpkin for its numerous health benefits.
Why not incorporate it into your skincare regimen too? 

Pumpkin contains enzymes, vitamin A, C and K, iron, zinc and so many antioxidants it’s no wonder it’s considered one of nature’s healthiest foods. These ingredients are also what puts pumpkin at the top of my list for skin rejuvenation. A naturally occurring exfoliator, pumpkin provides a gentle, superficial skin peeling that reduces the signs of aging for younger looking skin.

Lira Pumpkin Plus is uniquely formulated with pumpkin enzymes that are infused with retinol and contain super-rich pomegranate and mango antioxidants to fight free radical damage. When Lira Pumpkin Plus is applied to the skin the plant enzymes soften and break down the hardened oil and dead skin cells that build up in the hair follicle trapping the dirt and oil. By exfoliating the dead cells on the surface of the skin it encourages cell turnover and keeps your complexion feeling and looking smooth and supple.The retinol helps fight acne and also fine lines and wrinkles. Zinc contained in the pumpkin also helps control oil in oily/acne skin while the enzymes brighten the complexion.

All skin types can benefit from Pumpkin Plus.  If you haven't tried it you are missing out on a great skin treatment!

 


Is Your SPF Carcinogenic? September 17 2020

The below article is from American Spa. Many of us who are interested in health and wellness have known for years that these ingredients were bad, but now the FDA is finally admitting this!  These ingredients are absorbed into the bloodstream over time and are potentially carcinogenic.

“Newly published U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) research in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that even after one application, several sunscreen active ingredients are absorbed into the body’s bloodstream. The clinical trial tested six ingredients commonly found in chemical sunscreens—avobenzone, homosalate, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene, and oxybenzone—and found that all six ingredients were systematically absorbed, whether administered in a lotion, an aerosol spray, a non-aerosol spray, or a pump spray. The study also found that the active ingredients can stay in the body long after absorption. Although the FDA did acknowledge the need for further research on these ingredients, the organization underscored that the findings of the study do not necessarily indicate that any of the six ingredients are unsafe. Moreover, according to the FDA, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are used in mineral sunscreens, are recognized to be both safe and effective, and additional data on those ingredients is not needed at this time.”

There are alternatives that are safe and also more effective.  Lira Clinical only uses Zinc and Titanium Dioxide, both are earth minerals which are organic and safe.  In addition, the high percentages of zinc allows for longer protection which means less reapplying. Lira has a wide variety of sun protection products to choose from, something for every skin type!

Lira SPF Solar Shield 30 Oil Free ~

Shield your skin from harmful sun damage with this light-weight and essential UVA/UVB protection. This anti-aging moisturizer rejuvenates and strengthens with a silky matte finish and 21% zinc for more physical SPF protection.

 

Lira SPF Solar Shield 30 Classic Tint ~

Essential daily moisturizer with SPF 30 for all skin types. Delivers refreshing and nourishing ingredients for skin protection and repair. Provides a healthy glow with beautiful tinted coverage with 21% zinc for more physical SPF protection.

 

Lira SPF Solar Shield 30 Hydrating ~

Essential daily moisturizer with SPF 30 for normal to dry skin types. Hydrates with an array of nourishing botanicals and protects skin with powerful antioxidants. Contains 21% zinc for more physical SPF protection.

 

Lira BB Creme ~

An all-in-one beauty revolution, our BB Crèmes can be used as your daily moisturizer, SPF 30 sun protection and full coverage flawless foundation.

Full of anti-aging ingredients our BB Crèmes are also anti-inflammatory and healing making them the perfect solution for sensitive skin and use after resurfacing treatments.  Contains zinc and titanium dioxide for safe and effective SPF protection.

 

Lira BB Lip Balm ~

Lira Clinical’s ground-breaking BB Lip technology gives you a one-of-a-kind lip experience! Volumizing peptides are combined with topical probiotics balancing and protecting lips with a kiss of color. BB Lip increases hydration with skin compliant botanicals such as shea butter, coconut oil, and jojoba esters for a smooth look and feel. Lips are instantly plump and pucker-perfect for any photo shoot or selfie. Contains titanium dioxide for safe an effective SPF protection.

 

 


The 80/20 Rule May 18 2020

Nothing takes the place of a good facial or skincare treatment by your Esthetician but did you know that 80% of your results are actually from your homecare regimen?  

While you are sheltering in place, and even when you aren't, you can keep that healthy glow by maintaining a regular homecare regimen.  Daily skin care at home doesn't have to be time consuming.  10 minutes a day, 5 minutes in the morning and 5 minutes at night, can make a huge difference in how your skin looks and feels.  Everyone should be doing at least these steps daily:

Do you have a cleanser that you love? 

How about a treatment serum that you can see a difference when you use it? 

And does your sunscreen have a high percentage of zinc for ultimate UV protection along with hydration? 

What about your night serum/moisturizer?  Does it give you the results you are looking for? 

And are you exfoliating twice weekly?  


If you answered "no" to any of these questions we need to talk!  Please call, text or email me and I'm happy to give you some samples to try.  You should love your skincare and it should be giving you noticeable improvement!


Amp Up Your Sunsceen May 12 2020

Amp Up Your SPF. Most of you know how I feel about SPF. You should be using it year round, every day.  But with more time spent outdoors during the Spring and Summer months it's time to amp up your protection! Your sunscreen should be part of your daily regimen so it's important you find one your skin loves! Here are some tips on how to choose the right one:

 

  • When shopping for a sunscreen look for one that also contains a moisturizer.  This makes for an easy 1-step application after cleansing in the morning.

 

  • Always look for a sunscreen that contains a high amount of zinc.  I recommend chemical free sunscreens and zinc, in high percentages, will give you the longest lasting protection because it blocks the UV rays rather than absorbing and neutralizing them.  My favorite sunscreens contain 18-21% zinc!

 

  • Look for a sunscreen for your skin type.  If you have oily-combination skin you will want a lighter moisturizer and maybe even a matte finish.  If you need more moisture look for a heavier consistency that will leave your skin more dewy and hydrated. 

 

  • Tinted sunscreen moisturizers can be a great choice for Spring and Summer because they give a bit of coverage without feeling heavy on your skin like a foundation.  BB creams are also a nice way to protect, hydrate and give coverage all in one application.

If you haven’t found a sunscreen formula you are absolutely in love with yet, take a look at some of my favorites below:
 

  • If you like a light weight, oil free product my favorite is Lira's Solar Protection Oil Free SPF 30.  It feels great on almost all skin types and also works as a nice primer for under makeup.

 

  • For a light tint, a tinted moisturizer with SPF is a great option and my two favorites are Dermaquest's Sheerzinc SPF 30 Tinted and Lira's Solar Protection SPF 30 tinted. Both contain a light tint and deliver hydration and antioxidants to your skin.

 

If you need something that gives a little more coverage, in fact a flawless coverage, the product I am in love with right now is Lira's BB Creme!  It is a 4 in 1 product that gives you hydration, SPF 30 protection, anti-aging ingredients and primer/foundation coverage. This is my go-to year around!


4 Key Tips for Springtime Skin Care April 11 2020

1. Lighten up! If you are one of those people who deals with dry skin no matter the season, you can probably disregard this. For my Normal/Combo/Oily skin clients, this one will most likely apply to you. With warmer weather typically comes more oil production, meaning your skin will require a lighter moisturizer and maybe a lighter weight cleanser as well. That is not to say you should stop moisturizing altogether. In fact, neglecting to moisturize your skin can result in and imbalance which leads to excess oil production.  So be sure to find a lightweight moisturizer that keeps your skin happy, healthy and balanced. If you want something that will hydrate your skin amazingly well, while remaining perfectly lightweight, look no further than Lira's Hydra Infusion.  It works great under their Solar Sheild Oil Free SPF 30!

2Start fresh! The cold weather causes buildup of excess dead skin cells on the face, hiding that springtime glow underneath. Exfoliation is key for fresher looking skin so be sure to encorporate a good scrub to your regimen.  I recommend Lira's Mystiq Illuminating Polisher a couple of times a week. And a good tip for scrubs is to use them in the shower.  I keep mine there so I won't forget and it's so much less messy in the shower!

3. Brighten Up!  The gray months and so much time spent inside tend to bring on a change our skin, especially around the eyes.  We often notice darker circles under the eyes and maybe even a few more lines and wrinkles that weren’t there before. Be sure to use a good eye cream that promotes the growth of new collagen leaving the sensitive skin around your eyes bright, firm and glowing.  Lira's Perfecting Eye Creme is my favorite, it has wonderful anti-inflammatory ingredients that heal and brighten around the eye area.

4Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen! I can’t stress it enough. Summer may not be here however exposure to the sun’s rays even in spring accelerates the aging process and increase your risk of skin cancer. Use a daily, facial moisturizer with SPF to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. I highly recommend a chemical free SPF with a high percentage of zinc to get the best protection. Lira's Solar Sheild Oil Free SPF 30 contains 21% zinc for maximum sun protection without chemicals.  It's lightweight but also hydrating and it acts like a primer and smooths the skin making it a great primer for under foundation.


Spring Cleaning April 04 2020

 

This is part 1 of my series of information and tips for staying beautiful and organized with your skin, products and routine while we all shelter in place. Today I wanted to share some tips on how
to do some Spring cleaning of your skin care products and cosmetics. 
Love it or hate it, it's time to clean up those drawers!

 

 

  • Tip 1: Spring Clean. Do you like Spring cleaning? Be it a general clean up of your home, to weeding out your closet, skincare, makeup and more, it is such a great time to declutter and reorganize. Here are some things to consider when going through your skin care products:
  • How long has this been open? If you can’t place a date to how long a product has been open (or at least a general idea of when), it is time to toss it. Much like your food, your skin care products will eventually expire, which can render them useless (or worse, a burden) to your skin. Makeup, particularly eye makeup, can collect bacteria over time so be sure to toss anything that is no longer fresh.
  • Do I really use this? As a clinical esthetician and skin care business owner, it has become natural in my life to be trying out the latest and greatest products on the market. This means I have had to become accustomed to focusing on which products to keep, and which products to toss. If I will most likely not have a need for that product, away it goes. Take a look into your beauty bag (or drawer) and really consider if you are using that product. If the answer is “no but what if…” it is time to say goodbye.
  • Will I use this in the Spring/Summer? If you are like me, your skin care routine changes with the seasons. I tend to reach for heavier, more moisturizing products in the Fall/Winter months, and more lightweight, oil free options during Spring/Summer. If you aren’t going to use those products after the weather changes, and if you know the product will be expired by the time you’d like to use it again, resolve to throw it away once you are no longer using it. 
  • But I feel like I am wasting money. Something that I have come to learn about skin care is that it is very trial and error in nature. What works like magic for your best friend might do nothing (or worse, negative things) for your skin. That being said, it is always wise to be smart with your money. Seek out samples whenever possible, and speak with your esthetician (me!) before purchasing a product to discuss whether or not a product might be appropriate for your skin type and skin care needs.  And if a product isn't right for your face then often times you can use it elsewhere on your body.  For instance a heavier cream that is a favorite during the winter months might be best used on your neck or chest or body during the summertime.

 

 

And after you're done with your Spring Cleaning it's a good time to assess your needs for Spring/Summer.  Free consultations are always available at The Skin Studio and now, during this social distancing we can do them via phone call, text, email or messenger.  I am here for you to make the transition into the warmer months and to be sure you have all the right products to
STAY BEAUTIFUL!


Fall is here and it's time to scrub the Summer away! September 19 2016

 

 

Hopefully you had a great Summer and we know it probably involved either a pool or a beach and hopefully some sunscreen! It’s ok, having fun in the Summer is exactly what you should be doing. Enjoying time with friends and family at the beach, at the pool, camping, boating or hiking. Whatever your outdoor pleasure, summer should be spent having fun.

As summer winds down you may be noticing that, while your skin may have a golden glow, it isn’t as vibrant as it was in May. Summer fun can take a toll on your skin.  Excess sun exposure, humidity, and sweating can bring with it all sorts of complications that compromise the skin’s optimal beauty.

A majority of the time, the best way to go about reviving your skin is to scrub Summer away. Exfoliating your skin offers a number of benefits that will put a smile on your face and a healthy glow on your skin. Removing the excess debris and dead skin cells offers a variety of benefits that will give you a refreshed, revitalized look for fall.

Our favorite facial scrub here at The Skin Studio is Agera's Microderma C SystemThe luxury 2 piece kit combines Vitamin C crystals and activating gel to gently sweeps away dead cells, immediately leaving skin smooth and radiant. The Vitamin C crystals exfoliate manually without scratching or irritating the skin to smooth fine lines and wrinkles and improve the overall texture, while further exfoliation and stimulation is produced by the AHA activator gel. Use regularly it increases cell turnover which decreases with age.

 

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Skincare's Dirty Dozen May 17 2016

Do you know what to look for when purchasing safe skincare and personal care products?  Unfortunately many products are labeled “gentle” “natural” and “organic” but still contain toxic and potentially harmful ingredients.  Because the industry is not well regulated many companies are misleading consumers with their labels claiming to be safe when in reality they are really not much better than all the other products out there.  Many companies get away with using the word organic on the label if 70% of it is certified organic.  Unfortunately this leaves 30% of the ingredients that can potentially be toxic.

Our skin absorbs the products we apply topically and when toxic/harmful ingredients get into your bloodstream they can cause all kinds of problems, from allergies to hormonal disruption and even cancer.  Not only can these chemicals be toxic to your body but they are often harmful to the environment and wildlife as well.

Because most people aren’t experts on ingredients it’s nice to have an Esthetician who you can trust to point you in the right direction, or a company you completely trust to purchase from.  But if you are out shopping on your own you should at least know the top ingredients to avoid in your skincare and personal care products.  Here is the Cosmetic Dirty Dozen:

 

  1. BHA and BHT - Used mainly in moisturizers and makeup as preservatives. Suspected endocrine disruptors and may cause cancer (BHA). Harmful to the environment and wildlife.
  2. FD&C colors and pigments (coal tar dyes) - Look for p-phenylenediamine hair dyes and in other products colors listed as "CI" followed by five digits. The U.S. color name may also be listed (e.g. "FD&C Blue No. 1" or "Blue 1"). Potential to cause cancer and may be contaminated with heavy metals toxic to the brain.
  3. DEA, MEA and TEA – Suspected carcinogens used in creamy and foaming products, such as moisturizers and shampoos. Easily absorbed through the skin and can accumulate in the organs and brain. Harmful to the environment and wildlife.
  4. Phthalates - Used in many personal care products. Suspected health affects include damage to liver and kidneys, birth defects and reproductive toxicant. Harmful to the environment and wildlife.
  5. DMDM Hydantoin and Urea - Used in a variety of cosmetics. Slowly release small amounts of formaldehyde, which can cause cancer, joint pain, headaches, allergies and more.
  6. Parabens - Used in a variety of cosmetics as preservatives. Have been found in breast cancer tumore. Suspected endocrine disrupters and may interfere with male reproductive functions.
  7. Fragrance - Any mixture of fragrance ingredients used in a variety of cosmetics — even in some products marketed as "unscented." Some fragrance ingredients can trigger allergies and asthma and some are linked to cancer. Some can be harmful to the environment and wildlife. Look instead for products fragranced with essential oils.
  8. PEG (propylene glycol) - Used in many cosmetic cream bases. Can be contaminated with dioxane, which may cause cancer.
  9. Petrolatum - Used in some hair products for shine and as a moisture barrier in some lip balms, lip sticks and moisturizers. Can be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which may cause cancer.
  10. Sunscreen chemicals – Look for avobenzone, benzphenone, ethoxycinnamte and PABA. These are common ingredients used in sunscreens that are known free radical generators and believed to damage DNA and possibly lead to cancer.
  11. Sodium laureth sulfate -Used in foaming cosmetics, such as shampoos, cleansers and bubble bath. Can be contaminated with dioxane, which may cause cancer. Also look for related chemical sodium lauryl sulfate.
  12. Triclosan - Used in antibacterial products, such as toothpastes, cleansers, antibacterial soaps and antiperspirants. Suspected endocrine disrupter and may contribute to antibiotic resistance in bacteria. Also has been linked to cancer. Harmful to the environment and wildlife.