Posts filed under ‘Skincare Articles’
Oiliness
Why is my skin oily?
One word: genetics
Because you are genetically programmed to have larger and more productive sebaceous (oil) glands. Your skin may also be thicker in texture and not particularly sensitive.
Can exfoliation help control my oily skin?
Exfoliation can be especially helpful to those with oily skin.
In addition to smoothing, improving skin tone and enhancing skin’s receptiveness of oil-controlling ingredients, exfoliation helps rid oily skin of dulling skin cells to help keep skin clear.
Why does my Speed Mapping skin analysis prescribe a moisturizer?
Oily skin requires protection and hydration as much as any other skin condition.
If you attempt to “dry out” skin by not moisturizing after cleansing, your sebaceous glands will produce even more oil to compensate. Applying an oil-free moisturizer after cleansing can help control oil production.
In addition, those with oily skin can still have dehydrated skin, considering dehydrated skin is caused by a lack of water, not a lack of oil. Proper hydration will help maintain water levels in skin.
My skin looks great after completing my skin care regimen in the morning, but by mid-day, I have a slick, shiny surface. How can I stop this?
Making a few adjustments to your skin care regimen can help control oil production from morning until night.
Try creating a “matte kit” that fits conveniently in your purse or backpack for mid-day touch-ups. Your kit should include oil-free lotions or sunscreens containing microsponges that help soak up excess oil. It can also contain wipes loaded with Salicylic Acid (not alcohol!) to help degrease skin, help prohibit acne bacteria, and keep skin feeling fresh.
Does oily skin mean I could start experiencing breakouts?
Not necessarily.
While oily skin is a precursor to the cascade of events that lead to breakouts, it doesn’t mean that you will start experiencing breakouts.
Will I “grow out” of my oily skin?
Yes, your skin could become less oily over time.
Generally as you get older the oil glands shrink and produce less oil, so yes, your skin may become less oily.
I tan to help clear my oily skin. Is this ok?
Absolutely not. Sun exposure is never good for skin.
While it may seem the sun provides a temporary “drying” effect, sebaceous glands will fire into overdrive to help replace lost oil. The result: more oil on the surface than before. Shielding skin from sun exposure with an oil-controlling SPF such as Oil Free Matte Block SPF20 will actually help control oil production and maintain a matte finish.
Following a prescribed regimen that helps control oil production will help minimize your risk for breakouts.
Some products you may be interested in:
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Dermalogica Dermal clay cleanser |  |
Dermalogica Skin prep scrub |
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Super-absorbent Kaolin and Green Clays wick away excess oil and impurities to deep-cleanse the skin and refine its texture. |
Natural Corn Cob Meal and soothing botanicals polish away dulling dead skin cells without over-stimulating. |
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Dermalogica Sebum Clearing Masque |  |
Dermalogica Clearing Mattifier |
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A cooling, refining and deep-cleaning Kaolin and Bentonite clay masque that purifies, absorbs excess surface oil and helps prevent future breakouts. |
A medicated topical treatment that clears breakouts, reduces congestion and controls shine. |
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Dermalogica Oil Control Lotion |  |
Dermalogica Oil free matte block SPF 20 |
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A feather-light lotion containing microsponges to absorb oil on the skin’s surface, helping to combat shine and maintain an all-day matte finish. |
Maintain an all-day matte finish while protecting skin against ultraviolet rays with this ultra-sheer, weightless lotion. |
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Skin Dryness
Is my low/no-fat diet contributing to my dry skin?
Yes, it’s true: your diet could be contributing to your dry skin.
The trend of low-fat or fat-free diets can deprive our bodies of skin-friendly Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs). EFAs are critical to all parts of a healthy functioning body: they help move oxygen through the bloodstream, can help stave off early aging, and keep skin healthy. They also protect against water loss within cells and throughout skin, helping to prevent dryness, keeping skin supple and hydrated.
An EFA deficiency can result in chronic itching, dryness, scaling, and thinning, and can lead to an imbalance in prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are chemical messengers that help control inflammation.
What’s the difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin?
Dry skin refers to skin that’s lacking in oil. Dehydrated skin is characterized by a lack of moisture in the Stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the epidermis).
Traditionally, the Stratum corneum cells are about 10% water. Anything below that is classified as a dehydrated skin condition.
Because dehydration is a lack of water in skin, dehydration can even be experienced by those with oily skin. Whether you’re suffering from dryness or dehydration, a professional skin therapist can prescribe a regimen to help keep skin healthy.
I’ve never had dry skin before. Why do I have it now?
The natural process of aging, environment, and lifestyle choices can impact your skin’s level of dryness.
As we age, the activity of sebaceous (oil) glands begins to slow, causing the skin’s natural hydrators to decline over the years. Aging may also cause blood flow to skin to decrease, causing a drop in oil production.
Cold winds and cold temperatures can dry out skin, which is why you may notice “seasonal” dryness. This also applies to air conditioning and forced air heating. Warm, dry air acts like a sponge, soaking up moisture from everything it touches.
Prolonged exposure to sun can also cause water evaporation from skin and contribute to dryness.
Why am I experiencing sensitivity and dryness?
One of the biggest consequences of dry skin is an increase in sensitivity, as dry skin is a precursor to sensitized skin.
When skin is dry, it’s depleted of its natural protective lipid barrier. This lowers skin’s defenses against environmental assaults that can cause a sensitized response in skin, such as itching and redness.
Some products you may be interested in:
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Dermalogica Essential cleansing solution |  |
Dermalogica Daily resurfacer |
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Gently cleanse and deeply condition with this rich, creamy cleanser |
Hydroxy acids and enzymes combine with botanical skin brighteners and maximum hydrators to resurface, smooth and brighten the skin without causing irritation or redness. |
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Dermalogica Skin hydrating masque |  |
Dermalogica Skin hydrating booster |
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Refresh and restore stressed, dehydrated skin with this soothing blend of botanicals. |
This super-saturated hydrating fluid intensely moisturizes even the driest of skin. |
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Dermalogica Super rich repair |  |
Dermalogica Extra rich faceblock SPF 30 |
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Deliver immediate benefits to dry, dehydrated and prematurely-aging skin with this heavy-weight cream. |
A ultra-emollient, nourishing moisturizer and superior sunscreen in one formula. |
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Skin Aging
Can skin aging be reversed?
No matter what you hear, what you read, or what you want to believe, skin aging cannot be reversed. But there are steps you can take to control the situation.
The appearance and signs of skin aging can be minimized, and further skin aging can be controlled. New scientific research has uncovered ingredients that work on a biochemical level to control skin aging, all while minimizing current signs of skin aging. Some of these ingredients include antioxidant vitamins C and E, Glucosamine, peptides, Lactic Acid, Retinyl Palmitate, and of course, daily use of an SPF. Speak with your professional skin therapist about a customized regimen to help control the signs of skin aging.
What are free radicals?
Free radicals are responsible for skin aging in the form of wrinkles, breakdown in collagen and elastin, and inflammation.
Also known as Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), free radicals are highly reactive, unstable molecules that attack and steal from stable molecules. Unstable means the free radicals don’t have an even number of electrons, and are constantly in search of an extra electron to steal to become stable. For every free radical that “steals” from a stable molecule, another free radical is formed, causing a cascade of free radical formation.
Fortunately, antioxidants (Vitamins C and E) can help stop the free radical cascade and control this trigger of skin aging.
Why is collagen important in skin?
Collagen is a protein produced in the body that connects, supports, and helps give firmness and strength to the body’s tissues.
By the time we reach our 30th birthday, we will start to lose 1% of collagen with each subsequent birthday. Collagen production slows as we age, which impacts the skin’s ability to repair itself, triggering a loss of elasticity.
Because of collagen’s role in firmer, taut skin, many skin aging products include ingredients that help stimulate collagen production.
What’s the difference between intrinsic aging and extrinsic aging?
The signs of skin aging are caused by intrinsic and extrinsic factors.
Intrinsic aging is the normal, genetic process of physical change over time, and begins the minute we’re born.
Extrinsic aging is aging caused by external factors like our environment and lifestyle.
Some products you may be interested in:
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Dermalogica Skin Resurfacing Cleanser |  |
Dermalogica Multivitamin power recovery® masque |
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Achieve superior smoothness and ultra-clean skin after just one use with this dual-action exfoliating cleanser. |
Super-concentrated antioxidant vitamins and botanicals dramatically calm and reduce the redness associated with stressed, prematurely-aging skin. |
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Dermalogica Multivitamin power concentrate |  |
Dermalogica Power rich |
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Help reduce the signs of premature aging with this daily dose of topically-applied pure vitamins. |
Restore firmness, elasticity and hydration to depleted skin with Power Rich. Your skin is ready for a comeback. |
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Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF30 |  |
Dermalogica Multivitamin power firm |
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Achieve absolute hydration and help defend against the internal and external causes of skin aging with this medium-weight, emollient daily moisturizer with SPF30. |
Combat visible lines around the eye are with this powerful firming complex |
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Adult Acne
What’s causing my breakouts?
There are many causes behind the formation of breakouts.
Stress, excess oil, excess skin cells, bacteria, hormonal fluctuations, and genetics are all factors that can contribute to acne.
Working with your professional skin therapist, you can help control the factors that contribute to acne. Through your Face Mapping® skin analysis and professional treatment and prescription, your professional skin therapist can help regulate sebaceous glands, promote exfoliation to help shed skin cells to prevent clogging of the follicle, kill acne-causing bacteria, reduce stress, and help soothe inflammation associated with breakouts.
Does milk cause acne?
This is another misinterpretation: milk doesn’t trigger acne or breakouts. It’s the hormones produced by cows that are found in milk that can actually overstimulate oil glands and cause overproduction of oil.
As cows that give milk are pregnant most of their lives, the natural hormones that occur during pregnancy are found in the milk you drink. The reason that milk products cause acne is because milk contains hormones that “turn on” oil glands. It is not yet known if hormones injected into cows cause any difference in the level of natural hormones in milk.
Does toothpaste really dry breakouts?
Quite the contrary.
New information actually reveals that toothpaste can stimulate breakouts on your chin and around the mouth. Dermatologists say that heavily flavored toothpaste, or toothpaste with high levels of fluoride, can cause breakouts to arise.
I have oily skin. Why do I need a moisturizer?
Moisturizers are vital to every skin care regimen, regardless of skin condition.
An oily skin can be dehydrated, and will need hydration from a moisturizer: this is because dehydration is a lack of water in the skin layers, not a lack of oil. The activity of oil glands can still be normal, or even overactive, in a dehydrated skin. Often times, dehydration in an oily skin can also lead to higher production of oil, so keeping skin hydrated with an oil-free moisturizer can help control overactive sebaceous glands.
I have a breakout right now and want it gone fast! What can I do?
Breakouts always tend to “pop up” when we need to put our best face forward.
If you can, make an appointment ASAP with your professional skin therapist, who can determine if your breakout is a blackhead, and can subsequently extract it. If you have a non-blackhead breakout, your professional skin therapist can treat it with professional treatment room tools.
If you can’t get to a professional, treat the breakout with a topical treatment product containing Benzoyl Peroxide. If you’re allergic or hypersensitive to Benzoyl Peroxide, try a product containing Sulfur. A product containing a natural tint will also help conceal the breakout as it heals.
What’s the difference between a whitehead and a blackhead?
Whiteheads and blackheads are considered non-inflammatory lesions when discussing the various stages of breakouts.
Speak with your professional skin therapist about a customized regimen to help control the signs of skin aging. A blackhead is a clogged follicle opening containing oil and dead cells.
Second, blackheads are not a sign of dirty, or unclean, skin.
Blackheads are blocked follicles that have an opening to the skin’s surface, making them exposed to air, triggering oxidization which makes it change in color (think how an apple turns brown after it’s been cut/exposed to oxygen).
A whitehead, also known as a closed comedone, is not open and has barely any or no exposure to air. Because air cannot reach the follicle, the debris inside the pore does not oxidize and change color.
Does tanning help clear oily skin and breakouts?
Hear this loud and clear: tanning is never good for skin!
Baking in the sun to clear breakouts can worsen breakouts and intensify your chances of long-term scarring and hyperpigmentation (dark spots). They may clear momentarily, but there is an increase in cells when the skin is exposed to UV and this further clogs follicle openings.
Some products you may be interested in:
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Dermalogica Overnight Clearing Gel |
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Dermalogica Sebum Clearing Masque |
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An overnight treatment designed to help clear skin congestion and help prevent future breakouts. |
A cooling, refining and deep-cleaning Kaolin and Bentonite clay masque that purifies, absorbs excess surface oil and helps prevent future breakouts. |
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Dermalogica Oil Control Lotion |
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Dermalogica Concealing Spot Treatment |
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A feather-light lotion containing microsponges to absorb oil on the skin’s surface, helping to combat shine and maintain an all-day matte finish. |
An intense treatment with a natural-looking tint that quickly targets, conceals and helps clear breakouts. |
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Dermalogica Special Clearing Booster |
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This 5% Benzoyl Peroxide concentrate, fortified with Zinc Sulfate, Tea Tree and Sage, controls bacteria, reduces irritation and scavenges free radicals while helping to accelerate breakout clearing. |
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What is Face Mapping?
Face Mapping is a revolutionary approach to skin care. When you receive a one to one Face Mapping session the 14 zones of your face will be analysed. Then, based on the results, your Dermalogica regime will be prescribed for optimum skin care results. While we advise that you visit our premises and receive a free one to one face mapping consultation with one of our trained Dermalogica specialists, you can get the next best thing by making use of our on-line Face Mapping and Consultation card service.
Click here to be re-directed to our Face Mapping page.
Sensitized Skin
Introduction
No other skin condition is more misunderstood than sensitive skin. In fact, almost 90% of the population report having sensitive skin at one time or another! There is, however, a difference between sensitive skin and sensitized skin.
What causes Sensitive skin
Sensitive skin is a genetically-inherited condition that predominantly affects very fair-skinned individuals, usually of Northern European ancestry. Someone with truly sensitive skin is highly prone to blushing, has a very fine complexion and may experience bad hay fever, allergies or asthma.
Sensitized Skin
What most people suffer from is in fact sensitized skin. Rather than a result of our genetic make-up, sensitized skin is a reflection of our environment, lifestyle and physiology. Pollution, stress, hormonal imbalance, cosmetic allergies, alcohol, a poor diet and over-exfoliation can all cause the sensitized skin condition. The good news is that sensitized skin can be treated. The bad news is that, left untreated, the skin’s response can actually result in permanent cellular damage, which can lead to premature aging.
How can I avoid trigger factors?
A few lifestyle modifications can usually solve most people’s skin sensitization. Maintaining the skin’s barrier function is vital, so remember to always apply your Dermalogica moisturizer after cleansing, and whenever your skin feels tight or dry – Dermalogica Barrier Repair was developed with this specific goal in mind. Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster is the ideal addition to your skin care regimen to optimize the water level of your skin. Also, always avoid over-exfoliating your skin – remember, more exfoliation is not better! If you notice redness or tightness that lasts more than a few hours, you should discontinue the use of your exfoliant for a few days. Sun protection is also critical because sensitized skin is even more vulnerable to UV damage. Lastly, avoiding trigger factors such as hot drinks, spicy foods. msg, alcohol, caffeine and cigarettes can help your skin recover and rebuild its normal resistance.
What can I do for my skin when it’s sensitized?
The first step to treating sensitized skin is to notice that you are experiencing it. The signs usually come in the form of a tightness, redness and slight swelling of the skin. If you believe you do have sensitized skin then a useful place to start is to avoid all the trigger factors explained above. Whilst doing this, you also need to follow a special regimen to help your skin recover. Cleansing with Dermalogica UltraCalming Cleanser, an extremely gentle gel/cream and tissue-off formula, will remove all irritants from the skin’s surface. Follow with Soothing Protection Spray to mist on anti-ozonate protection that’ll help shield the skin from further assault. Barrier Repair provides the last step, creating an invisible silicone barrier against the outside world. Your Environmental Control regimen doesn’t replace your existing skin care routine – think of it as an emergency response.
Some products you may be interested in:
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Dermalogica Ultracalming cleanser |  |
Dermalogica Soothing protection spray |
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Extra-gentle cleansing, healing and protection for skin aggravated by environmental influences. |
Mist on this environmental shield to immediately reduce the redness associated with stress, pollution, climatic extremes or allergies. |
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Dermalogica Barrier repair |  |
Dermalogica Climate control |
| Our Silicone-based moisturiser melts gently into sensitized skin to soothe and help repair damage from environmental aggressions. |
Take charge of your microclimate! Whether you’re in harsh outdoor cold or intense indoor dryness, your skin will be safe from chapping, redness and dryness. |
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The Magic of Exfoliation
Introduction
Not many people are aware that the skin is, in actual fact, the largest organ in the body. Another interesting fact is that the human skin produces roughly one million skin cells every minute. This equates to over 5 billion skin cells per day!
These facts re-enforce the need for proper exfoliation when it comes to maintaining and enhancing the quality of your skin. This article looks at what exfoliation actually is and how it can be used to improve the look and health of your skin.
What is Exfoliation?
Put simply, exfoliation is the process of removing cells from the skin. When we exfoliate we not only immediately refresh the skin’s appearance but also stimulate cell renewal. There are many techniques that can be used to carry out this exfoliation process. Among them are scrubs, peels, masques and dermabrasion.
Does everybody need to Exfoliate?
Every single person on the planet exfoliates naturally. The way this natural process occurs, however, will vary from person to person and depends on factors such as age and skin type. Teenagers completely regenerate their external layer of skin, on average every 14 days. By the time you are 40, however, that rate has increased to 30-40 days. If you are in any doubt as to which exfoliant to use and how often to use it contact your local skin care specialist. Another way to find out which skin care products are right for your skin type is to use our on-line dermalogica face mapping service. This service will analyse your skin condition and recommend a core regimen to suit your skin type.
What are the benefits of Exfoliation?
Exfoliation has many different benefits. As well as promoting skin cell renewal it will improve the quality and tone of your skin, making it look fresher and healthier. Exfoliation can be us to improve many different skin types. It can be used to help treat acneic, aging, and dry/dehydrated skin and can also be used to treat hyper pigmentation
Can you over Exfoliate?
Many people are of the belief that the more you do something the higher level of results you achieve. This may be true for some things but it is not true for exfoliation. If you over-exfoliate you will no longer be removing dead skin cells you will actually be scrubbing away the protective barrier of the epidermis. This can result in permanent sensitization, premature aging and various different other concerns. The amount of times you need to exfoliate will depend on the strength of the exfoliant, your age and the skin condition you have.
Perfect Skin Care Dermalogica UK offer a wide range of high quality products to help you with this exfoliation process. Click on the link if you would like to find out more about these Dermalogica Exfoliation products.
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