Why do we have dark circles?

Extra thin eye skin allows you to see the blood vessels.  An inset bone structure (deep set or hollowness around the eyes) can cause a shadow.  Leaky vessels and blood leaks from capillaries can cause eye dark, because of excessive blood.  After surgeries, severe bruising under the eyes can form which can give a rust-colored stain under the eyes.

What happens when you have lack of sleep?

Lack of sleep decreases circulation and can cause it to appear dull, lifeless, and lack of circulation under the eye can make under-eye circles become more apparent.  Lack of sleep makes the skin look pale and tired, dull, and lifeless.  When the circulatory system is compromised and stagnant, the blood movement slows down it then areas aren’t properly draining.

Massage eye cream in circular motions.  Use an eye device to really get things moving.  Eye creams that have vitamin C can help increase capillary strength which helps make vessels healthier.  Healthy blood flow prevents accumulation of blood under the eye.  Retinol and peptides are also helpful in collagen building and support tissue renewal process.  Be careful not to treat the eyes with a face retinol as it can prevent translucent skin from the stronger retinol, so it’s best to stay with a retinol eye cream that is designed for the eyes.

** Promote Age Defy Eye Creams & Eye Device

What are clogged pores?

They can consist of blackheads, whiteheads, and little clogged pores in the form of bumps on the skin often on the forehead or jawline.  As skincare professional, my goal is to remove surface dry cells, relieve trapped oil and dead skin that stays trapped and congests the pore.

When most people are trying to clear their skin, the skin becomes dry and results in dry dead skin buildup.  This dead skin barrier traps oil in the skin therefore starting a cycle of new breakouts.

The tricky part is that some traditional exfoliants such as scrubs can be too harsh and too stripping to the client’s barrier. Also, stay away from natural scrubs, as the granules are too large or can have sharper edges (such as apricot pits or walnut husks).  Looking for scrubs with microbeads that easily glide or sand the skin that rolls across and doesn’t irritate are the best choice. If that barrier becomes stripped, then the skin will compensate and increase the oil production thereby increasing the breakouts.  It can be a vicious cycle so there is an art to exfoliating skin that is breakout prone.  If the skin appears bright red, irritated or raw, then the skin has been over exfoliated.

Having a skincare professional helping choose the right exfoliants is very important.  There are many options such as liquid exfoliants or professional treatment exfoliants such as microdermabrasion, chemical peels or dermaplaning.

The after math and clean up

Dark, red marks are the “after acne” can be really frustrating for someone that has gone through all the obstacles of getting their skin clear, but now they have the daily reminder in the mirror.  Increasing exfoliation will help fade these marks.  The goal is to remove damaged cells to make room for the formation f healthy cells.  Also, delivering lightening ingredients deeper into the skin by professional Microneedling can speed up the process of fading and remodeling the depressed or inverted acne scars.

Book your resurfacing treatment today.  Remember progress equals happiness and seeing your skin improve before your eyes will be a great step forward!

If you have ever tried choosing a sunscreen lately, you may be overwhelmed by the buffet of sunscreens available at any store. Sunscreen is a key product for your anti-aging arsenal and to protect your skin.

The best type of sunscreen is the one you will use! I always tell my clients that if they like the feel, smell and texture of the sunscreen then they are more likely to wear it. So, feel free to choose the formula you like best—as long as it meets the SPF minimum and is broad-spectrum. All types of formulas are available to meet the needs of your skin and your lifestyle. Here are a few things to consider for choosing your perfect formula:

• Cream formulas work well for our clients with dryer skin and for the face.
• Hypoallergenic or sensitive formulas may work well for sensitive skin. For covering areas with hair—such as an exposed scalp or a man’s arms or legs—a gel formula may glide on easier. Sunscreen sticks neatly cover ears, noses, and under the eyes.
• Gels are good for hairy areas, such as the scalp or male chest. No one wants matted down hair, so I find gels are the best solution
• Sticks are good to use around the eyes. Eyes are one of the main areas of our face that are forgotten about. The eye area is so delicate and it should be a priority to protect it as well as always make sure your wear your perfect shades.
• Sprays are sometimes preferred by parents since they are easy to apply to kiddos. Be careful to not inhale the spray sunscreens as I would imagine they are not great for lungs. The main challenge with spray sunscreens is it is easy not to use enough to adequately cover the are especially on a windy beach. Be aware to never spray sunscreen directly on to your face and instead, spray the sunscreen into your hands and then apply to your face.
• Oil-free formulas work well for oily skin or breakout prone skin. They are lightweight and fast absorbing while providing hydration.
• Sport sunscreen is non-greasy, lightweight and water and sweat resistant. The biggest benefit is it is made not stay put and not run into your eyes. The formula is designed to be heavy-duty protection while being active outdoors but still allows your skin to breathe.
• Physical/Mineral sunscreen is the classic formula of lifeguards and dermatologists. The challenge is that it used to dry white. These are formulas of the past! More modern formulas use a technology that delivers a unique dry, clear finish. The physical formula is ideal for daily use.

Remember, a convenient application guideline is to apply one teaspoon of sunscreen to your face and scalp and to each arm, and two teaspoons to your torso and to each leg. For all ages, be generous when applying sunscreen—and reapply at least every two hours and after swimming or sweating. I prefer a palmful of product is recommended to adequately cover exposed skin areas. Enjoy the sun this summer and practice safe sun!