Tag Archives: skin care

Breaking Out During Seasonal Changes

*Article posted with permission from Blooming Skin Care & Acne Clinic in Bloomington, Indiana.

Autumn Means Acne Flairs for the Blemish Prone
Acne flares seem more common in many of my clients during late September and October. Research surrounding seasonal changes done by French Endocrinologist Alain Reinberg supports that the lessoning length of daylight can trigger hormone fluctuations that contribute to acne flares. My theory, a little too much fun this summer has resulted in a delayed flare.
How could that be? It takes as little as 14 days or up to 90 days for a clogged pore to turn into a pimple. Realistically the stuff you’ve been doing or NOT doing for the last few months, (like you are using your customized home care) are probably contributing.

Think back to all the things you were doing just a few weeks ago.
Summer sun burns and tanning of all kinds can result in acne. They usually pop up several weeks later after those sundried dead skin cells have become trapped, yet again, in the pores.
Summer Heat & Humidity causes the stratum corneum to swell. This puts pressure on the fragile follicle walls.

A high carbohydrate diet – basically, processed foods like bread and refined grains that are quickly broken down into sugar – can have a terrible effect on skin. The theory is that refined carbs cause your insulin levels to spike, which in turn leads to increased sebum production and clogged pores.

Noncompliance! Skipping home care, even if it’s just a few times at camp or at a sleep over, allows cellular debris to start piling up in the pores once again. You may not notice breakout immediately but in the weeks and months to come.

Stress, the BIG one! Doesn’t matter if it’s good or bad stress. Moving, starting a new job, going away to college… all rank right up there as some of the top acne contributors.

1. Swimming Pools-chemicals used to clean pools contain ingredients that aggravate the follicle.
2. Summer Foods-Vacations and BBQ’s are full of acne causing foods. Although certain foods do not cause acne they are a major factor on your acne occurrence and severity.
3. Summer Heat-Bacteria loves a nice warm environment and the heat of summer is like heaven to P.Acnes Bacteria. Your clogged pores have had all summer to “grow” bacteria and now they are manifesting into acne lesions. This is why we tell you to ICE!
4. Sleep Overs/Camps-It’s really hard to stay on track with your home care routines with all this fun stuff going on. Inconsistent product usage WILL catch up with you!

If you find yourself breaking out and would like some guidance, schedule a consultation to start with Christy at Blooming Skin Care & Acne Clinic in Bloomington, Indiana or with your local esthetician.

Silicones: Do They Clog Your Pores?

siliconesSilicones.  They’re either loved or hated. They’ve been demonized and they’ve been praised. Most notably, they’ve been accused of being comedogenic; meaning that they will clog your pores leading to acne breakouts. But is this true?  Today we will separate fact from fiction and learn the truth about silicones and their role in the beauty and skin care industry.

Fact Versus Fiction:

Silicones are class of chemicals known as ‘polymers’. Two basic elements make up silicones: silicon and oxygen, chemically written as SiO.  Silicon is 14th on the periodic table and is the 2nd most abundant element on earth.

Silicones DO NOT clog pores or enter the bloodstream via cosmetics, nor do they bioaccumulate in humans and animals.  The molecule is too large to enter the pore just as in the case of petroleum jelly and is too large to pass through the cell membrane (necessary for bioaccumulation to occur).  However, silicones can INCREASE the penetration of other ingredients in a formula and if these other ingredients are pore cloggers and irritants, then those are the culprits for breakouts, NOT the silicone(s).  On the flip side, if a formula contains non-comedogenic ingredients that are extremely beneficial to the skin, silicones will help to penetrate them and this is excellent news. Time and time again, silicones in studies have been shown to actually INCREASE the healing of acne lesions and DECREASE the occurence of acne scarring.  Silicones also lessen the time it takes for wounds to heal.

Silicones are non-irritating, non-sensitizing and they are extremely resistant to oxidation (they won’t go rancid). They are hostile towards microbial and bacterial growth which makes them an excellent wound-healing agent. Silicones are non-allergenic as well-they do not react with the body’s immune system. They are now being used as a replacement for latex (a very allergenic substance) in a wide variety of applications and are also used in treating Atopic Dermatitis and Eczema.

Another rumour circulating via internet pseudo science is that silicones ‘act as a plastic wrap’ and do not allow the skin to breathe. Absolutely false.  Silicones do NOT suffocate the skin trapping bacteria and sweat, as most people have been led to believe via internet scare-mongering and fear tactics. Silicones actually allow for oxygen, nitrogen and water vapors to pass freely, also known as a ‘vapor permeable’ barrier.  What silicones DO do is to prevent TEWL (trans-epidermal water loss): a leading cause of dry and dehydrated skin.  The skin barrier is protected when silicones are applied topically.  Protecting the stratum corneum is critical to skin health.

Silicones do NOT trap sebum (facial oil).  They actually help to absorb excess oil and produce a mattifying effect to the skin.  Silicones can blur the look of fine lines and enlarged pores. This is highly desirable amongst cosmetics users who have oily skin, large pores and are frustrated by oily breakthrough and their makeup not lasting throughout the day.

Silicones ARE biodegradable.  They are not clogging up our environment, such as in the case of plastics.  Silicones will break down into water, silicic acid and carbon dioxide.  Low molecular weight silicones such as Cyclopentasiloxane will break down faster than higher weight silicones such as Dimethicone.  Nonetheless, ALL silicones biodegrade and studies have proven that no adverse effects were discovered to soil micororganisims or plant life that was treated with soil containing high levels of silicones.

As you can clearly see, silicones in the use of cosmetics have gotten a bad rap, and for no good reason and without a shred of scientific proof. Those individuals demonizing silicones are simply uninformed and they continue to perpetuate false rumours which only confuses consumers.

The bottom line is this:

  • Silicones are non-comedogenic & non-acnegenic.  They DO NOT clog pores  OR cause acne breakouts.
  • Silicones are non-irritating & non-sensitizing.
  • Silicones are non-allergenic. They DO NOT cause allergic reactions.
  • Silicones ARE breathable.
  • Silicones are biodegradable.

References:
1. http://www.educatedtherapists.com/dimethicone-in-skin-care-separating-fact-from-fiction/ 

2. http://www.skininc.com/skinscience/ingredients/12-Silicone-Myths-Exploded-269445911.html 

 

Oily Skin Part II: What Can You Do About It?

oily skinIn last week’s article, you learned what facial oil is and I discussed what the causes of oily skin are.  Today we’ll find out if there’s anything we can do about oily skin and what are the best ways to manage it.

First and foremost, you can’t stop your skin from producing oil. Short of taking a prescription drug like Accutane, you can’t just shut off your sebaceous glands.  However, you can get your oil production under control.  Here’s a few simple tips:

  1. Get hydrated!  Yes, drinking water is important to overall health but it’s not enough to keep your skin hydrated. You MUST use a hydrating product that’s going to draw moisture to the skin. Look for ones that contain Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid).  This ingredient is like a tall glass of water for your skin.  My favorite is HydraBalance by Face Reality Acne Clinic. Just like the name says, it HYDRATES and it BALANCES.  I just LOVE this stuff!
  2. Start using the correct products for your skin type.  Steer clear of products that are too harsh and that can strip away the lipid barrier of the epidermis (top layer of skin).  Likewise, don’t OVERUSE your skin care products.  Washing your face twenty times per day isn’t going to get rid of the oil; it just compounds the problem.  Oh and when you do wash your face, use TEPID water only.  Water that’s too hot will leach moisture right out of your skin!
  3. If it all possible, get a home humidifier installed to run during the cold months of the year. Dry indoor heating is horrible!  It dehydrates the skin.  If a home humidifier is too expensive, consider getting a small unit that you can run at night while you’re sleeping.  A good brand is Honeywell.  Just be sure to change the filter often enough to prevent mold & bacteria growth!
  4. Don’t even think about using oil as a moisturizer.  I hate to break this to you but oils DO NOT moisturize the skin.  They only create a barrier that helps to prevent TEWL (transepidermal water loss).  Hydrate your skin first with a water-based moisturizer and then you can use an emollient-type of product on top to seal in that moisture.  My favorite is Clearderma by Face Reality Acne Clinic.  I put their HydraBalance on first and then I put on a light layer of Clearderma. Voila!  Instantly plumped and hydrated skin. Me likey.
  5. I can’t believe I even have to say this but…STOP TANNING!  It’s bad for you and your skin. Enough said.
  6. Lastly, consider using an acne-safe oil-control product such as PRIIA’s HydraPrime oil-control powder BEFORE and AFTER foundation application.  It’s specially formulated to absorb excess facial without over-drying the skin and it’s translucent so it won’t interfere with other makeup colors.  Customers have reported that it helps keep the shine away for 6, 7 and even 8+ hours.  *Before applying any makeup products, make sure you’ve let your moisturizer/SPF absorb into the skin.  This means you’ll need to wait about 10-15 minutes.  I’m sure you can think of something to do such as brushing your teeth, putting on your undies or checking your FaceBook and Instagram feeds…

Hey Kelley, what about those oil-blotting papers?  Should I be using these?oily skin blotting papers

Oh I have a love/hate relationship with oil-blotting papers. Why?  Because they’re expensive!  Plus, I’ve seen a few that contain ingredients (besides just paper) that can be a problem for acne-prone skin.  Not to mention I’ve seen gals literally pressing these things into their faces.  You don’t want to do this!  Why? Because your face collects dust, debris and environmental pollution throughout the day.  Pressing a piece of paper into your skin may collect some oil but at the same time you’re forcing all of that gunk into your pores and asking for an acne breakout. Ick.  Instead do this:

  • Save yourself some $$$ and grab a few toilet protector sheets the next time you visit the ladies room.  Don’t be embarrassed!  They’re there for you to use.  There are no rules as to how you use them, right? Cut them up into small squares and carry them in your purse.  Voila!  Oil absorbing sheets for free!
  • When you want to absorb some excess shine, GENTLY lay one of the sheets onto your oily spots and let the paper do the job of absorbing the oil.  DO NOT PRESS it into your skin. When done, throw it out.
  • Lastly, mist a few pumps of PRIIA’s Hydrating Spritz on our Deluxe Powder Buffer Brush and lightly sweep across your face to refresh your makeup and give some extra hydration to your skin.  *Optionally, you can dust on a little extra HydraPrime to help absorb oil throughout the rest of the day.

I hope you enjoyed these tips!  Please feel free to share this post with anyone you know who’s dealing with oily skin! 

PRIIA Business Spotlight: Elements Skin Care & Acne Clinic

We are thrilled to add a new category to the PRIIA Beauty Buzz Blog: PRIIA Business Spotlight. We will be showcasing the FABULOUS businesses who sell the PRIIA minerale-derm line in their salons, spas and acne clinics.  You’ll have an opportunity to get to know these hard-working small business owners and if you’re in their area, please consider contacting them for an appointment.  PRIIA’s wholesale clients are an extremely vital part of our company’s success and we are honored to be a part of their businesses and lives!

Get ready to read all about Rebecca Meyers and Elements Skin Care & Acne Clinic!

  1. What is the name of your business?
    Elements Skin Care & Acne Clinic
  1. Where are you located?
    Anchorage, AK
  1. How long have you been in business?
    9 1/2 years 
  1. What types of esthetic services do you offer?
    I am a certified Acne Specialist and I offer acne consultations and treatments, as well as long-distance acne coaching.  I also offer clinical facial treatments & peels and DermaSound skin resurfacing.
  1. Why did you choose to offer PRIIA to your clients?
    I own an acne clinic and providing the right makeup for my clients is imperative in successfully getting them clear.  If someone is doing everything else appropriate for their skin but still using the wrong makeup (which most makeup is), it keeps them from achieving the results they are working so hard to get.  Before I found PRIIA, I struggled to find a makeup line that met my criteria: didn’t clog, was moisturizing and provided full-coverage for acne-prone skin.  PRIIA is 100% acne-safe and always will be, created by an acne specialist who is highly educated about acne (most manufacturers are NOT educated about acne).  Not only will the entire line NOT clog pores, the ingredients are actually beneficial for the skin: anti-inflammatory, soothing, anti-bacterial, anti-aging and even hydrating.  The PRIIA line has everything my clients are looking for (foundations, concealers, primers, brushes, etc.) and I especially love that the makeup is luxurious as well as completely functional.

  2. What is your favorite PRIIA product and why?
    The foundation creme sticks, hands down!  Being in Alaska, we are constantly combating dry skin issues.  My clients love the dewy and more moisturizing application and finish of a cream versus a powder and it had previously been really difficult for me to find them an acne-safe creamy foundation, let alone one that had such a beautiful, flawless finish.  There are many happy women in Alaska right now!
  1. What do your clients think of the PRIIA minerale-derm line?
    So far, my clients are really happy with the PRIIA minerale-derm line.  I’ve introduced it to all of my new clients, have switched over some existing clients and still have many others to transition into it.  Everyone loves the packaging and convenience of the tubes, is fascinated with the brush-on application technique and really, really loves the finish and coverage of the mineral creme sticks and concealers.  Nearly every single person I apply it to in my office cannot believe how beautiful their skin looks and they purchase it on the spot.  A really common response after application is a disbelieiving, “WOW!”.  Not only is this makeup healthy for the skin, it provides a beautiful finish too- very important with acne.  I’ve had several clients reach out to me on their own to tell me how much they are loving their new makeup- we are all really happy!

Here’s Rebecca proudly displaying her selection of the PRIIA minerale-derm line.  Thanks Rebecca! You can find Elements Skin Care & Acne Clinic in Alaska by using our retail locator .

Rebecca Meyers

PRIIA Business Spotlight: Envision Acne and Skin Care Center

We are thrilled to add a new category to the PRIIA Beauty Buzz Blog: PRIIA Business Spotlight. We will be showcasing the FABULOUS businesses who sell the PRIIA minerale-derm line in their salons, spas and acne clinics.  You’ll have an opportunity to get to know these hard-working small business owners and if you’re in their area, please consider contacting them for an appointment.  PRIIA’s wholesale clients are an extremely vital part of our company’s success and we are honored to be a part of their lives!

Get ready to read all about Nikolett Ivanyi of Envision Acne and Skin Care Center!

  1. What is the name of your business?
    Envision Acne & Skin Care Center
  1. Where are you located?
    189 US HWY 9 South
    Manalapan, NJ 07726
  1. How long have you been in business?
    3 years so far.
  1. What types of esthetic services do you offer?
    We specialize in teen and adult acne treatments. Our unique Acne Free Skin Program ™ will clear up the skin in 90 days without the use of antibiotics or prescription medications. 
  1. Why did you choose to offer PRIIA to your clients?
    I have been looking for a make up line for years that I can safely offer to my acne clients. We tried many, but never found one that will provide full coverage, is non-comedogenic and is also reasonably priced. Luckily, one day I stumbled upon Priia and decided to give it a try. I was amazed by the coverage of the Loose Mineral Powder Foundation. It looks beautiful on the skin and provides a very natural look. I also love the fact that every single product from the line is 100% acne-safe and non-irritating for sensitive skin types. 
  2. What is your favorite PRIIA product and why?
    My favorite product is the Essential Cover Loose Mineral Foundation in Honey color. It helps even out my skin tone and covers any unwanted pigmentation. My clients always complement on how perfect my skin looks when I’m wearing Priia. In the summer time I like to dust a little Vacation in a Jar Mineral Bronzer over my foundation to achieve a nice bronze finish. 
  1. What do your clients think of the PRIIA minerale-derm line?
    My clients love how the foundation perfectly matches their skin tone. They also get excited about the great selection of acne-safe blushes and bronzers too.

Here’s Nikolett proudly displaying her selection of the PRIIA minerale-derm line.  Thanks Nikolett! You can find Envision Acne and Skin Care Center in New Jersey by using our retail locator .

Nikolett Ivanyi 1           Nikolett Ivanyi 2

PRIIA Business Spotlight: Tucson Acne Clinic

We are thrilled to add a new category to the PRIIA Beauty Buzz Blog: PRIIA Business Spotlight. We will be showcasing the FABULOUS businesses who sell the PRIIA minerale-derm line in their salons, spas and acne clinics.  You’ll have an opportunity to get to know these hard-working small business owners and if you’re in their area, please consider contacting them for an appointment.  PRIIA’s wholesale clients are an extremely vital part of our company’s success and we are honored to be a part of their lives!

Get ready to read all about Brenda Griffin of Tucson Acne Clinic!

1. What is the name of your business?
Tucson Acne Clinic

2. Where are you located?
1254 East Paseo Alegre
Tucson, Arizona 85719
This is in north central Tucson- about 3 miles from the University of Arizona with easy access from the U.

3. How long have you been in business?
Since 2003.

4. What types of esthetic services do you offer?
We specialize in helping those who suffer from acne obtain clear skin and keep it that way.  We also offer waxing, chemical peels as well as anti-aging facials.

5. Why did you choose to offer PRIIA to your clients?
We chose Priia because it is a supreme make-up option for all of our clients.  First and foremost because it will not clog the pores of acne sufferers.  Anyone can wear Priia and look beautiful!

6. What is your favorite PRIIA product and why?
Priia About-2-Pout Lip Glosses are my personal favorite.  They go on silky smooth, no thick sticky feeling, will NOT clog pores around the mouth area and look beautiful! Second favorite would be the Priia Essential Cover Crème Mineral Foundation.  Feels light, looks amazing and clients can’t get enough of it.

7. What do your clients think of the PRIIA minerale-derm line? 
Once clients try Priia they love it!  They appreciate that they can purchase it while they are here and do not have to go out and find fabulous make-up that will not clog their pores and looks so great on.

Here’s Brenda proudly displaying her selection of the PRIIA minerale-derm line.  Thanks Brenda! You can find Tucson Acne Clinic in Arizona by using our retail locator .

Brenda 1Brenda 2

Can Oily Skin Be Dry At The Same Time?

True or False: Oily skin be also be dry at the same time.

Answer: True.  The dryness that is felt is actually dehydration which is a skin condition (not a skin type).  The surface of the skin is lacking water.  This condition is usually caused by using and over cleaning with harsh soaps, too much sun exposure, overly hot water and either using the wrong type of moisturizer or non at all.
Woman washing face To treat this type of condition, stay away from harsh facial cleansers containing sulfates and alcohol that strip the skin’s surface of it’s natural lipid barrier.  Instead, look for a mild foaming cleanser with natural surfactants from plant derived oils and extracts such as Decyl Polyglucose which is made from corn, glucose and starch.

If you decide to use a toner after cleansing, use one that will balance the skin’s pH and is free from alcohol and synthetic fragrance.  Natural hydrosols are wonderful as toners. One of my favorites is organic rose water hydrosol.

For moisturizing and sun protection, look for products that are non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) and non-acnegenic (won’t cause breakouts).  They should have a lightweight texture to them.  Oily dehydrated skin needs humectants (water binders) not emollients.  Oily skin makes enough of it’s own natural emollient in the form of sebum.  The best humectant ingredients to look for are: sodium PCA, glycerin and my favorite, hyaluronic acid (50 kDa).  All of these ingredients not only attract water to the skin, they bind it there.  Typically these ingredients are found more in serums as opposed to traditional moisturizers.

 

Beauty True or False: Oily Skin Needs LESS Moisture Than Dry Skin Part 2

In my last post, I asked, “Do oily skin types need LESS moisture than dry skin types?”

The answer to this question is NO.  I can also say the answer is FALSE if I were making the statement that oily skin needs less moisture than dry skin.

Oil and water levels within the skin are 2 very different things.  Did you know that over 78% of individuals with oily skin types are actually DEHYDRATED.  This creates a vicious cycle: the skin is oily yet dehydrated (lacking sufficient moisture) and then begins to produce more oil because of the imbalance.  This process will continue to repeat itself over and over until the problem is addressed and corrected.

The plain and simple truth is that ALL skin types need the proper amount of hydration to look their best and stay balanced.  Oily skin types should look for a water-based moisturizer, whereas dry skin types should look for a emollient-based moisturizer.

If you have oily skin, your best bet would be to use a water-based hydrator first and then apply an acne-safe moisturizer. You can also apply a few drops of high linoleic safflower or sunflower oil over top in order to “seal” that moisturizer within the skin’s surface.

 

The Top 5 Reasons Why YOU Should Visit A Skin Care Professional

Everyday your skin is bombarded with dirt, debris, stress, bacteria, UV rays and environmental pollution which cause pre-mature aging, inflammation and overall poor skin health and appearance.

Healthy, unbroken skin is the first defense against disease.  Professional care for the face- one of the areas most exposed to the environment- is a critical step to good health.  Professional treatments of this area by a licensed esthetician provides a barrier to illness, a purposeful immunity, and a radiant, glowing YOU.

Facialmassage Need more reasons WHY you should consider receiving professional skin care treatments?  Here are the TOP 5…

 

1. Skin is analyzed by a trained and licensed professional.  Studies show that 60% of people define their skin type and home care products incorrectly.  A licensed esthetician is trained in skin analysis to provide accurate information, create an appropriate treatment plan and make proper home care product recommendations to enable you to meet your skin care goals.

2. Deep cleansing of the skin by a professional rids the skin of dirt, debris and environmental pollutants in order to allow your skin to maintain a healthy balance and enhance its ability to fight off disease and aging.  It also enables the skin to better utilize the products applied for nourishment, exfoliation and protection.

3. Deeper exfoliation and penetration of products with professional equipment, techniques and products work to allow beneficial ingredients to penetrate deeper into the skin for faster and greater results.

4. Professional facial massage dilates the vascular system, encouraging it to bring vital nutrients and moisture to the deeper layers of the skin and to remove waste and toxins produced during normal cell metabolism.  This stimulation also brings a “healthy glow” to the skin that only a professional facial massage can produce.

And lastly…

5. Professional extractions are performed when needed.  Acne and breakouts can be spread, and scarring caused, by picking.  An esthetician is trained to perform extractions when needed and in the least invasive and most safe and effective manner.  The skin is properly prepped and extractions are done with optimal results and minimal discomfort.

Professional facial treatments can be relaxing and rejuvenating, a much needed prescription for our hectic daily and stress-filled lives, especially since stress plays a major role in many skin care and other physical disorders.

Worried you can’t afford having professional skin care treatments?  Don’t be.  Most professional skin carePumpkinfacial treatments start in the range of $55 to $75 for a basic facial and are recommended every 6 to 8 weeks.  For about a $1 to $2 per day, a professional skin care treatment is easily within your grasp.  If you go out to eat more than once per week, cut back to one night per week.  Opt for the small latte at the coffee shop instead of the large.  Basically, where there’s a will…there’s a way.  Do this for yourself- your mind, body AND your skin will thank you.