Tag Archive for: Lactic Acid

What to Wear this Winter for a GLOW

The holiday season has started which means lower temperatures, holiday parties, sugar and late nights. This year it is easier than you think to keep skin glowing and young. Take the time to recognize the culprits that make us look drab and tired and then fight them with this years season saviors

The NO glow culprits

  • Lack of exfoliation- causes build up of dead skin cells and appearance of dark spots from sun and uneven skin tone
  • Pollution – environmental, alcohol, sugar, sun. Causes dullness, hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone and wrinkles
  • Dehydration- cause wrinkles, dryness and drab looking skin

This Season Saviors

Exfoliate

Fresh A Peel is our multi fruit acid peel for hydrated and bright skin. The unique combination of Lactic acid and Multi-Fruit Enzymes provide superior rate of exfoliation while reducing the appearance of fine lines, pores, and skin imperfections (and Lactic Acid also pulls moisture to the surface of the skin which creates a plump complexion). Apply to dry clean skin for 2-5 minutes and then rinse with cool water. The finished result will be even, smooth, bright and fresh-looking skin. Don’t forget the neck and chest areas too! Hit the road dead skin cells!!

Treat + Target

Brightening Elixir, featuring Vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid) 9%, Ferulic acid 3%, Vitamin B 3%, and Vitamin E 2% (alpha tocopherol) to protect skin against damage caused by free radicals (including UVA/UVB), increases firmness, diminishes the appearance of fine lines, improves skin tone and boosts hydration for a brighter, visibly healthier complexion. Bye pollution + dullness!

Glow

Fleuressence Native Botanical oil is a non-greasy, golden elixir, which replenishes hydration, may help improve the appearance of skin color, tone and boost radiance. With three unique usage options, Dr. G’s proprietary blend of 100% pure active botanicals, fruit extracts, Kalahari Oil, Mongongo Oil and Baobab Oil, which all deliver powerful Omega fatty acids and Vitamins A, C & E, may help skin against environmental stresses while skin is left looking glowing and hydrated. Fleuressence can be used as a serum for ultimate brightening effects, mixed with a moisturizer of choice or dropped into foundation for an extra radiant complexion!

 

Hydrate

Plant Profusion Night Cream was developed specifically for dehydrated, tired and dry skin. With daily use, skin is deeply hydrated, soothed, and radiance is increased. Delivering a powerful multi-functional anti-aging formula, which combines potent plant stem cells, antioxidants, and nourishing plant extracts to provide superior hydration. Supreme functioning Raspberry and Comfrey plant stem cell extracts along with Birds of Paradise extract may help promote soothing, smoothing and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Can be worn during the day too!

 

Restore

Everyone wants to be glowing this holiday season, but unsightly mistreated, ignored neck and chest skin can ruin an outfit. Plant Profusion Neck Cream is this season savor when it comes to glowing, hydrated, supple skin. Most people simply forget to protect and restore the neck and décolleté area. The neck and chest area show the body’s chronological age of and the sooner restored the better. Plant Profusion Neck Cream is a hydrating and reparative treatment that is loaded with collagen encouraging plant stem cells, lifting and tightening peptides, hydrating pink grapefruit oil as well as Dr. G’s secret delivery system, PURFLORA. Hyper-pigmentation, crepey skin, wrinkles and dehydrated neck-bands beware! If you’re still gift hunting, look no further! And there is no wrapping necessary with the gorgeous gold packaging.

 

 

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Natural summer skin + nails + hair

Summertime means more time outdoors in the sun, water and heat. Taking sun safe precautions is the most important step but what about easing up on all the beauty treatments that can cause annoyance and waste time during summer months. Skin, hair and nails all need a break and summertime is the best time to utilize warm temperatures and humidity.

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As skin regimens change in the winter they also need to be adjusted for the summer. If you live in an area with high humidity ease up on the heavy moisturizers and protective oils. Heavy hydrating products can cause clogged pores and breakouts during warm months. Try transitioning into a hydrating serum that contains lightening agents like Alpha Arbutin or Kojic Acid. Not only will this eliminate one step from your regimen but a treatment serum can also help to protect and reverse sun damage and dark spots. Botanical oils and dry oils can also serve the purpose of a serum, treatment and moisturizer in one. Oils should never contain Dimethicone (can clog pores) so read the ingredients before purchasing.

Easing up on exfoliation during the summer can be beneficial for the skin too. Although important in a healthy skin regimen, exfoliation whether physical or chemical may cause redness and irritation if overdoing. Ditch the acid wipes and pads and try a gentle lactic acid mask once a week. Lactic acid is particularly appropriate for sun damaged skin, dark spots and Hyper pigmentation. Lactic acid molecules are larger than Glycolic molecules so they don’t go as deep as fast, therefore targeting the top layers of the skin (where the darkness appears). Scrubs can take a back seat during the summer too. Over scrubbing can make skin red and dry especially if skin has been exposed to the sun or sea. Save scrubbing for a few times a week ( if needed) and focus more on finding a refreshing, rejuvenating cleanser that gets the skin clean. Gel based cleansers that are formulated without harsh chemicals are the best for summertime.

Gel nails look amazing but they really can cause damage to the nail bed and cuticles. After just a few months of continuous gel manicures, nails are left soft, thin and peeling-usually breaking off after the gel is removed and then not reapplied. Try keeping the nails short by cutting them often which will allow new healthy nail to grow. Always use a hand lotion or nail oil (vitamin E) to moisturize the nail bed and cuticles. Nails are made up of the protein Keratin, try soaking in milk, which has protein and whitening properties.

Over shampooing, coloring and styling-tool use can dry and frizz hair. During the summer the temperatures are high enough and if you happen to live in hot and humid weather you can kiss that blow out goodbye. Try skipping the hair dryer and opting for a damp lose braid. After washing make sure all the water is towel dried out of the hair. If you have curly, frizzy or wavy hair use an anti-humidity product or a keratin based product. Braid hair to the side very loosely and let dry. Humidity can be your friend if using the correct products. You’ll look beach ready in no time. If you have flat or straight hair try a salt or beach spray. Apply using the same steps.

Nothing is more beautiful than being natural Happy summer!

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Peels, Acids And What You Need To Know

Deciding between a peel vs. physical exfoliator and what may be best for you? As we have more and more options in the world of acids we wanted to outline the treatment benefits of the at-home peel ingredients to look out for. Here are some things to keep in mind when deciding which is right for you.

woman-getting-peel

So why peel you ask? Peels can be a nice addition to your regimen because they are not physical exfoliants, which can, if over used cause redness, dryness and irritated skin. A peel is a gentler way to exfoliate during the winter. Peels work by dissolving the top layer/layers of skin, depending on the type of acid, to get the ‘repair’ started. Certain acids such as Lactic, are safe for sensitive skin as they pull moisture to the surface.

Peels are more effective during your 20’s and 30’s, whereas retinoids are better after 40. Acids are different than retinoids. Retinoids cause inflammation to get the skin to regenerate, whereas acids dissolve dead skin cells on the top layers of skin.

A few things to now about peels are :

  • Peels are good for sensitive skin instead of physical scrubs because there is no abrasion.
  • Lower strength acids are less aggravating.
  • Most store bought peels only go up to 10-20% acid, while aggressive in-office peels can be up to 70%.
  • A good peel should tingle but not burn-not. It should not cause redness or dusting(unless in-office)
  • Skin will glow after a peel.

The Acids

Glycolic Acid

  • regenerates collagen
  • smallest molecule-penetrates the deepest
  • thickens epidermis
  • evens out skin tone
  • can be very aggressive
  • derived from sugar

Our favorite Glycolic Acid peel: Sunday Riley’s Good Genes

shopping

Lactic Acid

  • derived from sour milk
  • 2nd smallest molecular
  • more gentle than glycolic
  • removes dead skin cells
  • hydrating (pulls moisture up to top layer of skin)

Our favorite Lactic Acid peel: Goldfaden MD’s Fresh A Peel 

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The Fruit Acids

  • can be citric acid- derived from lemon or grapefruit
  • can be malic acid- derived from apples
  • peels upper surface layer of skin
  • usually combined with glycolic or lactic to be more intense/effective

Salicylic 

  • beta hydroxy
  • treats acne
  • unclogs pores

 TCA (Trichoroacetic acid)

  • can be very intense
  • can days to recover
  • actual peeling skin
  • SPF needed for months after
  • usually performed in office
  • recommended for darker skin individuals
  • helps with pigmentation issues

There are so many wonderful options for peels today! Think about what your skin concerns are and then try a few different types of peels. For a few weeks try pads and then switch to a liquid, one step peel. Sometimes discovering what is best for your skin can be trial and error, so go easy if it is strong acid, as you do not want to overdo.

Happy peeling!

 

 

 

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