In one study, participants who slept in rooms scented with lavender rated their sleep 20% better than participants who slept in rooms scented with sweet almond oil. Folklore has it that lavender-filled pillows help insomniacs sleep better. Take a cue from these books and give this floral favorite a try.
Popularized in the 1960s, patchouli now has a new following: those who swear it's a natural sleep aid. Patchouli's natural chemicals boost the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which are known to relieve anxiety and stress, as well as hormones that regulate the sleep cycle. Its calming effects can also keep you from waking up during the night.
As chemistry tells us, "like attracts like," so cleansing with an oil-based formula first can break down oil-soluble substances like makeup, environmental pollutants, excess sebum (oil), and product residue for a deeper clean than your regular cleanser alone. We call this technique the Dermalogica Double Cleanse.
Using an oil cleanser before your regular cleanser helps:
After a long, busy day of makeup, make sure you remove it all before bed. Not only will you protect your white pillowcases from stains, but you'll also ensure that your nighttime moisturizers and serums are better absorbed into your skin overnight.
Don't wear makeup? Then you still need an oil cleanser to remove SPF and daily impurities.
When it comes to removing glamorous makeup, an oil cleanser is your best friend. It helps you avoid damaging your skin by scrubbing too hard. Oil-based cleansers like PreCleanse and PreCleanse Balm gently remove impurities from the environment and all that here:
PreCleanse is a light oil ideal for balanced to oily skin, while PreCleanse Bal m is a rich oil balm ideal for balanced to dry skin. PreCleanse Balm also comes with a double-sided Cleansing Mitt for extra gentle exfoliation.
No one wants a dirty pillowcase. The key to completely removing makeup and other impurities is to double cleanse, starting with an oil cleanser.
#Save the White Pillowcases
]]>30 minutes of unprotected exposure to the sun can negate an entire month's efforts to fight hyperpigmentation
So what can you do about it? Here's how to find out the cause of your brown spots - and what you can do about it.
Ask a Dermalogica skin therapist for a free Face Mapping® skin analysis and consultation to get to the bottom of your brown spots. Once you know your personal triggers, you can find the best treatment. They can even recommend professional treatments that can help you get rid of dark spots faster!
Sunscreen prevents UV light from bringing new spots to the surface - and it also helps control the color intensity of the spots you can see. Apply it daily to get the most out of the treatments you try - just 30 minutes spent unprotected in the sun can negate a whole month's efforts in fighting hyperpigmentation!
There are a number of ingredients that can help fight hyperpigmentation, but vitamin C is one of the most effective. As one of the most powerful antioxidants, it is a highly effective free radical scavenger. New research shows that it can also boost the skin's natural defense system and help it protect itself against future oxidative stress - brightening skin from the inside and out. Just be sure to choose a vitamin C formula that is both ultra-stable and highly bioavailable.
story highlights
- Vitamin C is one of the most powerful antioxidants available.
- However, many products contain unstable forms of vitamin C that are not effective.
- BioLumin-C products use super-stable ingredients for maximum skin benefits.
You probably already know that vitamin C is important for overall health and wellness. But did you know it's also a skincare powerhouse? Vitamin C is one of the most powerful antioxidants on the market - and it lives up to the hype by effectively fighting the major causes of premature aging and giving you brighter, firmer skin.
Here's a rundown of what a daily dose of vitamin C can do for your skin!
Over time, intrinsic (natural) and extrinsic (environmental) factors cause structural changes in the skin that lead to uneven pigmentation. From UV-induced "age spots" to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, dark spots are no problem for vitamin C: it helps address the causes of uneven pigmentation and effectively lightens skin.
Another important benefit of vitamin C is that it renews the skin's surface. It boosts the production of substances that keep the skin firm and help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Vitamin C helps fight the effects of oxidative stress and free radicals by neutralizing harmful molecules. But - and here's the really exciting part - the latest research also shows that vitamin C boosts the skin's natural defense system and helps it protect itself from oxidative stress.
There's just one caveat. In order for vitamin C to actually help brighten, tighten, and protect skin, it needs to penetrate the skin - and many formulations contain unstable ingredients that lose their effectiveness before they even come into contact with the skin. To make sure you're getting the most out of your vitamin C serum, choose a product with stable ingredients that get to where your skin needs them most. (Our tip? The super-stable, highly bioavailable BioLumin-C Eye Serum and BioLumin-C Serum!)
Uneven skin tone, called hyperpigmentation, is an irregular darkening of the skin. The cause: overproduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin and hair color. The resulting dark spots are usually perceived as "aged skin" and can make you look more than 12 years older.
]]>Sun exposure: when your skin is repeatedly exposed to UV light, sun damage occurs. Brown spots and uneven skin tone occur because too much melanin is produced to protect the skin from UV light.
Pollution: particles and gases from traffic-related air pollution can penetrate the skin and lead to the formation of brown spots, especially on the face.
Hormones: melasma is hormone-related hyperpigmentation caused by increased hormone stimulation. It most commonly occurs in women who are pregnant (which is why it's called the "mask of pregnancy") or taking contraceptives, but it can also be a reaction to cosmetics or medications.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: this is a darkening of the skin as a result of scarring, which can be caused by acne lesions or skin injuries.
You don't have to spend a fortune on laser treatments and prescriptions. Here are ways to safely and non-invasively lighten your skin and achieve a more even skin tone:
Apply SPF daily. Unprotected sun exposure is the leading cause of hyperpigmentation. Applying a sunscreen or moisturizer with an SPF of at least 30 is the easiest way to prevent new spots. Tip: Look for oleosome technology, which boosts SPF performance.
Exfoliate. Treat existing hyperpigmentation by first sloughing off the dead, dull skin cells on the surface. This allows the ingredients in your serums and moisturizers to better penetrate the skin. Tip: Look for a gentle, micro-fine exfoliator that you can use daily.
Use the right ingredients. Look for products that contain activated charcoal to remove pollutants, oligopeptides, niacinamide and zinc glycinate to control melanin production, and retinol to regenerate skin.
Be patient. There is no quick fix for uneven skin tone. It usually takes at least 30 days of diligent skin care before you see any progress. Successful, 75 percent skin lightening can take up to four months, so don't give up!
Start your fight against brown spots by asking a Dermalogica skin therapist for a free Face Mapping® skin analysis. She will find out what is causing your spots and recommend a plan of action. Pairing it with a professional treatment regimen, such as peels, can even help speed up results.
When your skin is sensitized, its outer protective layer lets irritants, microbes, and allergens through, causing adverse reactions like flushing and allergies. Air pollution particles float in big cities, rural areas, and even in homes. They are small enough to penetrate the skin and can accelerate skin sensitivity and irritation.
Does your environment sensitize your skin?
Air pollution contains microscopic contaminants called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that contribute to the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) or "free radicals." These strip the skin of barrier lipids that help retain moisture and keep out dirt and other impurities. A disrupted skin barrier can lead to increased skin sensitivity, discomfort, and even premature signs of aging.
When skin is exposed to low humidity, that moisture evaporates quickly, leading to dryness, irritation and peeling.
High humidity can also affect the skin. The pores of the skin absorb moisture, which is usually a good thing. However, high humidity can lead to excessive sweat and oil production, clogging the pores with toxins. Plus, high humidity promotes the growth of bacteria and mold, which can lead to skin irritation, redness, and even breakouts.
To make matters worse, humidity can also cause the body to sweat more, which further dries out the skin.
Colder weather, central heating in your home, as well as hot weather and air conditioning can all strip moisture from the skin, leaving it feeling dry, irritated and sensitive. Bitterly cold winds can also draw moisture from unprotected skin. During the winter months, your skin can feel rough, red, tight, cracked or flaky. Ouch!
The heat can also cause skin sensitivities like a heat rash, which occurs when sweat ducts become blocked. The moisture gets trapped under the skin and can lead to a rash in the form of blisters or bumps!
The good news is that the skin - when healthy - filters what's good and what's bad pretty efficiently on its own. And since harsh environmental elements like pollution or extreme weather can't always be avoided, here's how to keep your skin calm, strong and healthy.
Our UltraCalming™ line relieves dehydration and discomfort-so you no longer have to hide behind sensitive skin. Each UltraCalming™ product is also formulated without lanolin, SD alcohol, mineral oil, artificial fragrance or dyes that can aggravate sensitive skin.
]]>Adding an extra layer of moisture during the cold season restores lost moisture to the skin and alleviates the skin's thirst.
Start with Multi-Active Toner, a refreshing facial toner that hydrates with aloe vera and cucumber. Spray onto skin after cleansing to reduce tightness and lock in moisture.
Then apply Skin Hydrating Booster, a superfluid that hydrates and plumps dehydrated skin. Apply 6 to 10 drops directly to skin or mix with your favorite Dermalogica moisturizer.
For an extra boost, apply Skin Hydrating Masque 2 to 3 times a week after cleansing to soothe skin, infuse it with protective antioxidant vitamins and restore moisture to reduce fine lines.
Remember, apply multiple layers when it comes to keeping skin healthy all winter long.
Our top choice for dry skin is Intensive Moisture Balance. This ultra-rich formula is packed with antioxidants, helping to smooth out dryness lines and prevent moisture loss.
Skin Smoothing Cream contains Active HydraMesh Technology™ - a state-of-the-art complex that provides 48 hours of continuous hydration.
Oily and combination skin needs moisture to fight excess oil. Active Moist contains a unique combination of plant extracts that help balance the skin.
A great daily moisturizer with SPF offers it all: long-lasting hydration, broad-spectrum UV protection, and pollution protection. We love Prisma Protect SPF30 because it also supports the skin's natural luminosity!
Choose an ultra-moisturizing daily moisturizer - like Calm Water Gel - to soothe dry, sensitive skin. Its refreshing gel-to-water formula creates a weightless barrier against irritants.
A good moisturiser with SPF does double duty, providing long-lasting hydration and essential UV protection. Our pick is Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF50, which spreads gently on the skin for a flawless finish.
Opt for Super Rich Repair, a deep-acting, peptide-rich skin care cream that helps reduce the appearance of aging.
Lightweight and ultra-glossy, Oil-Free Matte SPF30 is the ideal moisturizer for oily and breakout-prone skin. It moisturizes, prevents shine and provides optimal UV protection.
Brown spots and hyperpigmentation are usually caused by UV rays. So use Pure Light SPF50 daily to hydrate skin and prevent further damage while treating uneven skin tone.
Restore your luminosity and treat uneven skin tone while you sleep with Pure Night. This rich overnight moisturizer helps reduce the appearance of brown spots with an active blend of skin-brightening ingredients.
Sound Sleep Cocoon not only provides radiant skin in the morning, but also contains encapsulated French lavender essential oil activated by movement to help you sleep.
Want to learn more about which skin care products are right for you? Visit your local Dermalogica Skin Therapist for a personalised programme or use our online services.
]]>story highlights
- As skin ages, the natural processes that help maintain youthful features like firmness, tone and radiance slow down.
- The visible signs of aging (spots, fine lines, wrinkles, etc.) are the result of our skin's natural defense mechanisms as well as slowed cell renewal, turnover, activity and recovery.
Our skin begins to age as soon as we are born, but we don't usually think about it aging until it begins to dull, show spots, fine lines, wrinkles, and a loose, crepey texture. The causes of these visible signs of aging are very complex and depend on your genetics and exposome (lifestyle and environment). These are the major events:
As early as our 20s (!), unhealthy lifestyle habits, environmental damage and constant UV exposure begin to compromise the structural integrity of the skin. Our cellular defenses weaken in the face of free radicals, and our natural ability to fight off skin damage diminishes. Cell renewal and turnover also naturally slow down, affecting the radiance of the skin.
In the 30s, collagen (which keeps skin firm) and elastin (which keeps skin elastic) break down, leading to visible wrinkles. Cell renewal and turnover continue to decline, resulting in a duller complexion and uneven skin tone. Some cells may even become inactive or turn into "zombies" that produce harmful inflammatory toxins that accelerate skin aging.
At 40, skin becomes thinner and its natural protective barrier of lipids is not as strong. Dehydration can be a problem. Depending on hormonal activity, unusual skin signs may appear, from uneven skin tone to skin breakouts. More obvious signs of aging may also appear, such as dark spots and pronounced dullness.
After age 50, the lipid layer of our skin barrier diminishes, leading to less efficient moisture retention and a higher risk of sensitivity and dehydration. Chronic stress and inflammation both inside and outside the body delay skin recovery - leading to permanent marks and longer healing times. Meanwhile, the skin can show noticeable wrinkles, fine lines and discoloration.
To maintain a healthy appearance at any age, it's essential to adapt your skin care routine to your lifestyle and environment. Adjustments are often necessary to accommodate a changing climate, health condition, or new skin care goals. Talk to a Dermalogica skin therapist whenever you notice changes in your skin for tips on how to proceed.
]]>Rich in trace elements and minerals, and with a composition not unlike human blood plasma, seawater arguably has many unique healing properties for the skin. Many skin health benefits are specifically attributed to the Dead Sea, such as treating eczema, psoriasis, and other extreme dry skin conditions. However, it is important to note that these benefits do not come from the "salt" or sodium chloride, but from the high magnesium content found in this body of water.
Still, it's not all good news. Salt in large quantities can be the scourge of drying out the skin of the carnivorous masses in summer. Diluted salt is nearly impossible to remove from the skin with alkaline soap or non-foaming detergents, so even after showering, traces of salt deposits can remain on the skin, stripping it of important moisture. Combined with excessive sun exposure, this leads to dehydrated skin with impaired barrier function - not a good combination!
Chlorine is a toxic chemical that has been used in water systems for over 100 years to combat disease. Because of its disinfecting properties, it is a necessary component of swimming pools and hot tubs. The harsh composition of chlorine strips the skin of its natural lipids, increasing moisture loss from the skin, leading to dehydration. Showering immediately after exposure can help reduce moisture loss by ensuring that the skin is not exposed to prolonged contact.
Another potential risk of chlorine exposure is skin irritation. Although our skin is technically waterproof, it can absorb chemicals from water sources. This means that low-level exposure to chlorine, such as occurs in swimming pools, can cause skin irritation in the form of contact dermatitis. Moisturizing the skin with chlorine-free water before exposure can reduce the amount that can be absorbed and reduce the risk of irritation.
One last tip for swimming this summer: don't swallow the water!
]]>Why does skin peel?
Peeling after a sunburn is your body's way of getting rid of the damaged cells that are at risk of "losing control" and becoming cancerous. Because of this danger, all the damaged cells are instructed to sacrifice themselves through repair mechanisms within those cells. This mass death of cells causes entire layers of damaged skin to peel off to be replaced by other cells underneath.
I have a sunburn, what should I do now?
First, you should take care of the cause of your problem: Get out of the sun immediately. Drink plenty of water, as you may be dehydrated. If your skin is severely blistered, you should see a doctor. Otherwise, it's important to contain the inflammation and try to reduce the damage in the deeper layers of your skin.
Take a cool bath (without added products) and then pat the skin dry. Avoid greasy creams as these can prevent the skin from cooling down and make the situation worse. Instead, apply a generous amount of soothing after-sun gel to reddened areas and then stay out of the sun and heat. Look for ingredients like clove, licorice, lavender, cucumber, and yucca to soothe irritation, pain, and redness. Also look out for an incredible ingredient called Japanese Alder, which speeds up the repair of UV-induced DNA damage. Combined with ingredients like seaweed and hyaluronic acid that hydrate the skin, you'll be well on your way to calmer skin.
And no, it's not okay to go out in the sun again the next day! Remember that your skin is still healing, so it needs to be protected from direct sunlight for a few days. Remember that the skin is a good chronicler. Even with a good after-sun product, irreparable damage may have occurred in the form of premature aging or skin cancer that may not show up until later. Think twice the next time you decide to "just 10 more minutes" - your immune system is listening!
If you show signs of excessive skin flaking, you should see a professional skin therapist who will most likely prescribe a soothing cleanser, toner, and protective moisturizer to begin the recovery process. Sunscreen is a must: wear a sunscreen with the physical UV blockers titanium dioxide or zinc oxide that will not irritate the skin.
After the skin has recovered, start with a gentle exfoliation that is suitable for daily use. If you want a more intense exfoliation, go for non-abrasive scrubs that contain chemicals like salicylic or lactic acid. Combine a gentler regimen with a professional exfoliation treatment from a professional skin therapist to get smoother skin without unwanted side effects.
Give your eyes a boost: BioLumin-C Eye Serum infuses the skin around the eyes with vitamin C to significantly brighten and visibly tighten.
Whether you're low on sleep, struggling with allergies, or just stressed out, Stress Positive Eye Lift is our top choice for reducing the visible signs of stress, hydrating, and brightening eyes.
Intensive Eye Repair is enriched with phytonutrients and vitamins A, C and E to protect the delicate eye area from environmental damage and is perfect for reducing wrinkles caused by dehydration.
Fight the premature signs of aging with Age Reversal Eye Complex. Its micro-encapsulated retinol technology works overnight to smooth the appearance of wrinkles and crow's feet.
Firms the appearance of lines and wrinkles: MultiVitamin Power Firm contains powerful, skin-boosting antioxidants that protect and repair skin.
Prevent and repair sun damage in one step! Total Eye Care with SPF15 protects skin from daily damage and helps conceal dark circles.
Want to learn more about which skincare products are right for you? Visit your local Dermalogica skin therapist to receive a fully tailored regimen for you.
]]>STORY HIGHLIGHTS.
- Even a quick shower or bath can help you relax.
- If you follow a few simple steps, bathing can go from a chore to a highlight of your day.
Many of us are not aware of it, but body care plays a big role in our cultural history. Over the centuries, bathing and showering rituals have served not only hygiene, but also healing and cleansing, as well as relaxation and socializing.
Nowadays, squeezing a relaxing bath into our busy schedules often seems like an unattainable luxury. In reality, it's more relevant than ever: some studies even suggest that people who regularly take a bath are happier and less stressed than their peers!
Fortunately, it's surprisingly easy to make your next bath a relaxing experience. Follow these easy-to-implement steps to bring calm and balance to your day - whether you're taking a five-minute shower or a relaxing bath.
Every Minute Counts
Most days, we don't have time for an extensive, relaxing bath experience. There's nothing wrong with that! Even a quick shower or bath can contribute to a healthy night's sleep, relieve tension, and even boost creativity.
Prepare the Ambience
Start every bath or shower with a clean bathroom and a calm environment: choose soft lighting, a scented candle or relaxing music. Think about your bath products, too; soothing fragrance profiles like those in the Dermalogica Body Collection can also help create a relaxing atmosphere.Hydrate
Especially if you're enjoying a long bath, keep a glass of water available on a bench or tray to help you stay hydrated.
Bathe Cleanly
In keeping with traditional Japanese bathing culture, we recommend taking a short shower before bathing with a skin-conditioning cleanser such as Conditioning Body Wash. This allows the bath to be entirely devoted to relaxation and immersion.
Temperature is important
Whether you're bathing or showering, avoid making the water too warm: Overheated temperatures can dry out your skin and potentially cause skin conditions like eczema or rosacea to flare up. A good guideline for temperature is close to your own body temperature: 98.6 degrees.
Don't overdo it
Take some time to relax, but no longer than 30 minutes: Prolonged showers or baths can strip the skin of its beneficial oils and disrupt its natural lipid barrier. If skin feels dry after a bath or shower, help it rebuild its barrier with a nutrient-rich, replenishing oil likePhyto Replenish Body Oil.
After a Bath
If possible, take a moment to wind down after your bath before getting back to your daily routine: read a book, drink some tea, and relax for as long as your schedule allows.
Wipes only smear dirt, bacteria, oil, and makeup onto your face. They loosen some of the buildup, but don't remove it completely. Then the debris gets stuck in your pores. Yikes. Although using cleansing wipes is faster, you're more prone to missing a spot and sleeping with makeup, which can lead to breakouts. Plus, wipes contain ingredients like Specially Denatured (SD) Alcohol 40B and denatured alcohol, which can evaporate quickly and dry out your skin.
Oil-based cleansers can attract, deconstruct and dissolve layers of fat-soluble substances such as excess sebum (oil), waterproof makeup, environmental pollutants and product residue. The cleanser melts into the skin and dissolves buildup in hard-to-reach crevices around the nose or between the lashes - places a wipe simply can't properly clean.
Use a cleanser like Dermalogica's PreCleanse or PreCleanse Balm to:
Don't cheat your skin by settling for a makeup remover. Wash your face first with an oil-based cleanser and then with your regular cleanser to get extremely clean skin!
]]>Contrary to what you've heard, the dark pigmentation under your eyes doesn't get darker when you're tired. It just looks darker because the skin above it is dehydrated and allows dark "circles" to show through. Resist the urge to just cover them up. Instead, drink plenty of water and apply a brightening skincare product like Stress Positive Eye Lift, which is specially formulated to restore luminosity and hydration to the delicate skin under your eyes.
Tired skin stores water near the eyes to maintain fluid balance, which is another indication that you're sleep-deprived: Puffy eyes. Not only do they scream "I'm tired," but they also cast shadows on the eye area that can make dark circles look even darker. A cool compress can help; you can also use Stress Positive Eye Lift to brighten and decongest your eyes.
Like dark circles, fine lines are caused by dehydration of the skin when pH levels are out of balance due to lack of sleep. On tired days, use a high-quality moisturizer on your face and body after you drag yourself out of bed. Use a special night cream like Sound Sleep Cocoon before you head back to bed. The extra moisture will make fine lines less noticeable, and the essential oils activated by movement will help you get some much-needed rest.
1. Skip the soap bar!
Opt for a soothing, creamy cleanser without soap, like UltraCalming Cleanser, which is less irritating to the skin.
2. Skip the bath water
Extremely sensitized skin can be too sensitive to water, especially hot water. Avoid excessive showering or bathing, and ask your dermatologist about cleansers that are suitable for removal with cool, damp cotton.
3. Get physical - with sunscreens
Daily sun exposure can irritate the skin, but so can chemical sunscreens. Opt for a physical sunscreen, such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, with an SPF of 15 or higher. Better yet, use a sunscreen that contains skin-soothing ingredients like green tea or licorice.
4. Avoid irritants
Using or mixing too many products that contain known irritants such as artificial fragrances, dyes and lanolin can worsen sensitivity, redness and irritation. Also, avoid cleansing with abrasive products such as scrubs or loofahs.
5. Turn down the heat
Avoid foods known to stimulate blood flow, such as alcohol, caffeine, hot spices, artificial sweeteners, red wine, tomatoes and dairy products. They could trigger these episodes.
6. Go Green
Using a moisturizer with a green, natural mineral tone (not an artificial color), alone or under makeup, can counteract redness. (Try Redness Relief SPF20.)
7. Put down the cigarette
Smoking is like suffocating your skin from the inside out; it inhibits the body's ability to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the skin and constricts blood vessels. This makes the skin more susceptible to sensitivity.
8. Relax.
Techniques like deep breathing or smiling can help reduce redness, especially if it's triggered by nervous reactions like embarrassment. Also remember that blushing is nothing to be ashamed of. For many, it is a sign of youth, health and vitality. That's why people have tried to mimic it with makeup, crushed berries, and even beets!
story highlights
- Oily skin needs balance
- Excess oil may indicate that your skin is actually dehydrated
- Oily skin is genetic - but there's a lot you can do to keep the oil in check
When it comes to oily skin, there are many myths that can make treating oily skin an exercise in frustration. Read on to learn the truth about excessive oil production - and to understand how you can really keep oil under control.
Back to basics - start with a creamy, soap-free cleanser, a moisturising spray with humectants and a protective moisturiser with at least SPF 15.
Soothing complexes such as oats, ginger and red hogweed work on sensitized skin to reduce uncomfortable sensations.
Nourish your skin while you sleep with a peptide serum rich in argan oil and containing fatty acids, plant sterols, vitamin E and ferulic acid to strengthen the lipid barrier.
Reduce the temperature of your bath and shower, use bath oils and apply a moisturizer immediately after showering (within 3 minutes).
Don't bathe too much, don't exfoliate too much, and don't be too hard on your skin. Treat it gently and with respect!
Avoid licking the lips as the digestive enzymes and bacteria in saliva can damage the lips. Use a nourishing balm with shea butter and avocado.
Peptides are chemical messengers that tell our cells what to do. All peptides are made up of amino acids that are used by the skin to build proteins such as collagen, elastin and keratin. These substances are what hold the skin together and keep it firm. Peptides can also control factors that affect skin tone, sensitivity, hormonal activity and more.
Biomimetic peptides can be added to cosmetic formulas to achieve specific results such as wrinkle reduction, hydration or skin barrier restoration.
Your skin seems to be most affected by....
a) the environment
b) product buildup
When do you devote the most time to skin care?
a) In the evening
b) In the morning
What are you more concerned about
a) Aging skin
b) Dull skin
There are many types of exfoliants, but the most common are for home use and for professional use.
Exfoliants for home use (e.g. scrubs, pads and brushes) are usually relatively mild, inexpensive, quick and easy to use. Most of them, such as Daily Microfoliant® and MultiVitamin Thermafoliant™, use small particles to remove dead skin cells from the skin's surface. Leave-on treatments likeDaily Resurfacer smooth the skin with hydroxy acids and enzymes that dissolve and digest dead skin cells.
Professional peels, such as Dermalogica BioActive™ Peel, typically remove dead skin cells with highly effective topical formulations of acids and enzymes. These peels usually provide better results after a series of treatments.
Which method is best for you depends on your skin condition and concerns, as well as personal preference, time and money. In general, the more sensitive your skin, the less friction and frequency you should use.
To find your ideal exfoliation method, get a personalized prescription from a Dermalogica skin therapist or compare our peels.
AvoidAbrasive Exfoliators
Avoid exfoliators that contain sugar, salt or nuts as they can tear and irritate the skin. Instead, look for scrubs that contain jojoba, corncobs, rice bran or microbeads. These are gentle enough for dry, aging, sensitized, or genetically sensitive skin. (If you have oily skin, you should choose an oil-absorbing scrub made from clay like kaolin or diatomaceous earth.)
Exfoliate inthe morning
If you exfoliate at home, it's best to do so before applying moisturizer, anti-aging treatments, sunscreen or makeup. (Tip: Exfoliating can also help makeup last longer.) "Products applied to the skin immediately after exfoliation can work more efficiently because the skin has been cleared of all cellular debris," King says.
Everything in Bulk
When it comes to exfoliation, more is not better. Over-exfoliating can lead to dehydration of the skin and make it more susceptible to sensitization, irritation, accelerated aging and UV damage. Most people only need to exfoliate their skin a few times a week. If you prefer to exfoliate your skin more often, use a mild exfoliator that is suitable for daily use.
Follow our expert tips for radiant results after a chemical peel.
]]>Chemical peels remove the outer surface of your skin to reduce visible signs of aging, acne and discoloration. At the same time, the skin underneath becomes brighter and smoother. Peels range in strength from mild to intense, with some professional formulas available for at-home use, while others are only available at a salon, spa or clinic.story highlights
- Depending on your skin's sensitivity, you may experience tingling, burning, itching, dryness, redness or tightness after a chemical peel and notice peeling or flaking within a week.
- Proper post-exfoliation skin care can help minimize the sensations or visible side effects of a peel, making it easier than ever to incorporate this highly effective skin treatment into your lifestyle.
What it does: Exfoliation removes dead, dull skin particles to prevent congestion and improve hydration with toners and moisturizers.
When: In the morning before applying toner, moisturizer, SPF and makeup. Tip: Makeup lasts longer on exfoliated skin!
And don't forget: Apply a moisturizing body cream after exfoliating to seal in moisture, and always protect freshly exfoliated skin with SPF (as recommended by the FDA).
Recommended: Daily Microfoliant®, moisturizing body cream.
How: Boost the moisture content of your skincare routine with intensive masks that you can use once or twice a week. Boosters are excellent and work best when applied under a moisturizer. Toners are a refreshing prep for moisturizer and balance out skin porosity. Tip: Refresh at your desk, in the car, at the gym, or on the plane with an invigorating toner splash!
Recommended: Antioxidant HydraMist, Skin Hydrating Booster, Skin Hydrating Masque.
Why: Higher temperatures and more time outdoors lead to internal dehydration, which can lead to headaches and dizzy spells!
What you can do: Eight 8 glasses of plain, filtered water daily will help maintain critical hydration levels in your body and skin, and support detoxification. Tip: If you drink caffeinated beverages, you need to triple the amount of water!
Recommended: Plain and pure water!
Why: It's not enough to apply sunscreen: you need to apply enough, and often. Studies show that most people don't apply nearly as much daylight protection as they should.
How much? A teaspoon for the face. For the body, about as much as you can fit in a shot glass.
How often: reapply every two hours. Tip: Stay out of the midday sun from mid-morning until late afternoon whenever you can.
Bonus: Today's sophisticated formulas and technologies allow you to choose a sunscreen that's customized to your skin condition. That means you can opt for oil-free, mattifying formulas, extra-softening formulas for dry skin, or chemical-free formulas for sensitive, reactive skin.
Recommended: Oil Free Matte SPF30, Super Sensitive Shield SPF30.
What: You forgot sunscreen, didn't apply enough, or got caught in the sun.
What'snext. Unfortunately, the damage is done, but you don't have to suffer in pain! Soothing botanicals and cooling gels can help prevent peeling and soothe redness and inflammation.
How? Apply cooling balms generously to exposed skin, preferably at the first sign of a pink glow.
Prevent: A single sunburn doubles your risk of melanoma - remember to have your skin examined by a doctor annually and perform a self-exam once a month to detect early warning signs of carcinoma and malignant melanoma. Watch for a new growth or skin change.
Recommended: After Sun Repair.
What Damages Skin: UV light causes photoaging in the form of brown spots, rough skin, and wrinkles, whether you've burned your skin or not. When sunlight comes into contact with the skin, it causes a cascade of damage (including the shedding of barrier lipids) that leads to inflammation, the production of reactive oxygen molecules that interfere with healthy cell growth, and the stimulation of collagen-destroying enzymes.
What to do? While a tan is a popular summer look, it does indicate damage. Bombard your skin with age-fighting ingredients to reverse any damage and further protect it from the aging effects of UV radiation.
Recommendation: Power Rich™, MultiVitamin Power Recovery® Masque.