Self Care 102- Skin Care

Moving into the second quarter of  2021, we are all feeling hopeful with more people getting vaccinated, cases of Covid-19 starting to decline and a new President who is busy with the issues facing the country and not twittering. As we cautiously venture back out into the world,  it might be a good time to reevaluate our self-care routines. I've spent some time reading about new advances, trends and philosophies in skin care during the pandemic, and although I've always been diligent about taking care of my skin, (even a bit of a skin care junkie, always trying new products) I've learned a lot. I am surely not a dermatologist or aesthetician but think there's some info here that is helpful in taking care of yourself.

Skin changes dramatically as we age, because of how our cells function, or lose function, and is reflected in how we attempt to correct and prevent the damage in our skin care regimens. While office procedures can offer quick fixes ( Botox, fillers, peels, laser treatments and even surgery), the right daily skin care is most important for a fresh and lasting result.

Almost weekly it feels like we hear about new skin care ingredient that will our skin for the better. Some are a lot of hype, but others genuinely make a difference  skin for the better. 

A well-designed skin care regimen should contain the following ingredients:

Retinoids to increase cell turnover and stimulate the specific cells to make collagen. Most Derms consider Retin-A or retinols the gold standard in skin care. For super sensitive skin plant-based alternatives such as Bakuchiol provide comparable results.

Antioxidants to protect against the constant attack on skin cells by environmental issues, smoking and all forms of light. These harmful rays cause oxidation within the cells, which contributes to aging. Vitamin C is a powerhouse ingredient with antioxidant properties to protect against free radicals, while reducing sun damage, brightening skin tone and fighting inflammation.*

Hylauronic Acid (HA) is a molecule that occurs naturally in the skin binding to water and collagen to plump you skin and give it a glowy effect. As we age, we lose collagen and HA naturally and skin becomes dehydrated. HA is often found in moisturizers,masks and serums to help increase moisture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) to help gently exfoliate dead skin layers, stimulating skin turnover and assist in better absorption of your products.

Broad-spectrum sunscreens with iron oxides, antioxidants and active mineral ingredients protect against damaging light rays.

Peptides are amino acids that make up certain proteins needed by the skin. They assist in building more collagen which can mean younger-looking, firmer skin. They are naturally occurring in the skin, but are also in some skincare products for a boost.

There is no quick and easy fix to slow down the effects of aging. It takes consistency and commitment. Your skin care regimen is the most important part of your overall anti-aging plan. One of the good things to come out of this pandemic is the philosophy that "less is more". You need just a few good products suited to your individual needs rather than a medicine cabinet-full. Most dermatologists will tell you the keys to a daily routine are cleanse, tone, treat, moisturize and protect.

Finding products that combine several of these ingredients and can do more than 1 thing will help streamline your routine. Finding a line you love and following their own regimen makes life easy (they've done the research and combine the ingredients for you!) Also, if you are watching what you eat to be healthy, you may want to watch what you put on your skin, too. Look for clean, non-toxic ingredients, like those in BeautyCounter www.beautycounter.com/juliemorales1, Naturopatheca, Follain, True Botanicals, Tata Harper and more. Check online for clean skincare or Sephora. Be aware natural, green or organic does not necessarily mean clean. 

Colorscience makes two of my favorite sun protection products that multitask. Face Shield Glow is a tinted moisturizer and/ or primer for a healthy glow. I keep a Sunforgettable  brush in my car to remember to use on my hands when I'm driving or if I'll be outside and need extra protection later in the day. Because it is a powder it does not go bad if left in a hot car.

Taking the time to find the right products to take care of your skin will keep you looking as young on the outside as you feel on the inside! "60 is the new 40" is my mantra. (For my younger readers, starting your routine early will keep you looking ageless and healthy longer) 

*While vitamin C provides sun-protection benefits, it's not a substitute for sunscreen. Apply a moisturizer with an SPF or a separate SPF lotion daily.

Always look forward to hearing your thoughts :)

  Getting both doses of the vaccine has brightened my outlook for 2021.

My day to day life will get a little more interesting than the last 12 months. I am proceeding with caution and a mask, but so excited to start seeing friends again. I have had a lot more time to read about and try new things this past year and thought I'd share some random things that I've been playing with and doing that might interest you, too.

                                                       Niacinamide

If you keep up with what's new in skin care,you may have heard about niacinamide and if not, meet the ingredient that is the new buzz in skin care. It is a form of B3 and quite the multi-tasker for skin. It fights inflammation and works as an antioxidant protecting the skin from environmental stressors that can cause irritation. It's been found to calm rosacea, eczema and acne. It is gentle enough for sensitive skin but also strong enough to help treat acne break-outs. Niacinamide helps produce more ceramides ( the fatty molecules that strengthen the skin's barrier) creating plumper, more hydrated, smoother skin,which means less visible lines and wrinkles. It helps with hyperpigmentation ( brown spots caused by the sun) and is more gentle than hydroquinone. It doesn't work overnight, but you will see a difference in about 8 weeks or sooner. Look for products with niacinamide at the top of the ingredient list to get the most benefit. Be mindful you could have some irritation if used with retinon A or vitamin C-- this has not happened to me, but I try to give my products a little time between layering. I like The Ordinary's 100% Niacinamide Powder and mix it with my day and night creams. Paula's Choice and First Aid Beauty also have highly rated Niaminacide products. 

                                       Face masks- both kinds LOL

  My 6 year old granddaughter reminded me that masks are  a fashion accessory now. It looks like even though things may ease up, we will still wear masks for the foreseeable future. Why not make them fun? There are so many places to find fun and unique masks to express your personality or match your outfit or even support a cause. Most retailers, clothing websites and even sites that support causes or give back to organizations supporting healthcare workers https://www.insidehook.com/article/gear/where-to-buy-face-masks.  

      

Face masks for skincare are important now,too. Taking care of your skin that may be under a mask all day is a good idea. The variety of choices in facial masks has increased over the past few years. They can moisturize or exfoliate. There are sleep masks and sheet masks. You can make your own with food in your 'fridge and pantry or go crazy exploring them at Sephora.I used to mask once a week, but with more time I was masking every few days. I found I like the moisturizing sleeping masks a lot.

The Peloton App

I like to be outside ( especially if I can't be in a class- like recently) to get exercise. I have walked, jogged or rode my bike almost everyday since the pandemic began. I do not have a Peloton bike but my daughters do and told me about "the app" . No matter if you have the bike or not, you can get the app for $12.99 /month and take hundreds of classes on your phone, laptop or even your big screen tv ( the best). The classes range from cycling ( which I have used riding outside), running,cardio, strength training,pilates,barre,yoga, meditation and more. They vary in times from 5 minutes of core or stretching to 10,15,20,30,45 or 60 minute workouts. I love being able to do 20 minutes of strength training and then 20 min of core. I like their walking and running outside workouts. I enjoy being able to mix it up and being able to do a live class or on my own schedule. And if you have a Chase credit card you can get credits toward the monthly subscription. You can also support local gyms and studios through their online virtual workouts, if you are not ready to go back in person.

                         Revlon One Step Volumizing Hair Drying Brush

I've mentioned this before, but it is really a game changer when it comes to saving time drying and styling your hair. So much easier than with a brush in one hand and a blow dryer   in the other. This dries, styles and reduces frizzies all at once. Great for styling after shampooing or for reviving your hair between washings. Find it at Amazon,Target,Walmart or Ulta

                                                      Binge Watching

Broadchurch looked a little unexciting on Netflix every time it popped up, but it is a good English who-done-it with interesting twists and relatable characters. I recommend turning on your closed captions on your tv for those tricky English and Australian accents. We kept turning the tv louder to understand, which was not so effective, until a friend recommended this. LOL

Think you might like Imposters now on Netflix also and search for Good Behavior on TNT- an oldie but goodie with great characters so bad they are good and fun to watch. We re-discovered Designated Survivor- suddenly very current. I assume you have watched Emily in Paris,The Queen's Gambit, Ted Lasso and The Crown by now? The pandemic has turned binge-watching into quite the leisure activity. My Australian favorites include A Place to Call  Home and Offspring (thanks Phyllis and Lori). Waiting anxiously for Billions to come back on Showtime and starting The Undoing , which I hear we will enjoy and excited because I read the book, You Should Have Known years ago that it is based on and loved it.

                                                  SIO Beauty Patches

Are these all over your Facebook like mine? I read up on them and decided to give them a try. These medical grade silicone patches are "clinically proven to help reduce the signs of aging."

I'm on the fence as far as real results. I like the eye patches and the ones around the mouth and do see a difference after using, but not sure it is long lasting yet.I was disappointed in the neck strip-which I had high hopes for ( almost ready for turtlenecks). I also don't love sleeping in them but prefer to use at home for a few hours at a time so I can maintain my night regimen-no skin care products are recommended with the patches. I'd love to hear what others think. Check this out siobeauty.com

Love to hear your suggestions and what you think about it all:)