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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What should I expect before, during, and after a professional exfoliation treatment?
Professional exfoliation treatments are a great way to resurface, smooth, and brighten skin. They can help diminish the appearance of fine lines and hyperpigmentation, all while improving elasticity. Before: Professional exfoliation treatments will begin with a professional double cleansing to remove all traces of oil, make-up and debris. During: Based upon the results of your Face Mapping® skin analysis, your professional skin therapist will choose chemical or physical exfoliants, or both, to deliver the desired result. If you experience any discomfort (burning, stinging) during the treatment, alert your professional skin therapist immediately. Professional exfoliation uses stronger higher activity products, so some tingling is often expected. After: Exfoliation, especially exfoliation with hydroxy acids, may increase your sensitivity to the sun as little as 13% and up to 50%. For this reason, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) requires an application of SPF after any Hydroxy Acid treatment – good advice for your home care regimen as well. Your professional skin therapist will also prescribe an at-home regimen to help you maintain the results.
What’s the difference between physical and chemical exfoliants?
Both physical and chemical exfoliants work to remove dulling surface cells for a brighter, smoother surface. Physical exfoliants use friction together with grains or particles to mechanically remove dead skin cells. This can be achieved through a brush or gentle abrasive ingredients such as Corn Cob Meal, Rice Bran or Oatmeal. Depending on the amount of friction or massage over the skin and the nature of the abrasive, results may vary. Steer clear of scrubs made from ground-up fruit pits or nut shells, which actually scratch and irritate skin. Chemical exfoliants smooth skin by dissolving the intercellular “glue” that attach skin cells to the skin’s surface. Chemical exfoliants can also digest the cells as well. Hydroxy acids like Lactic and Salicylic Acid, Retinol, and enzymes are a few examples of chemical exfoliants.
When shouldn’t I exfoliate?
While exfoliation is recommended for almost every skin condition, there are times when you shouldn’t exfoliate.
Skin that has been recently sunburned or waxed should not be exfoliated. Never exfoliate over open wounds or cuts.
If you have a sensitized skin condition, exfoliation may further compromise your skin’s natural protective barrier. It is important to follow the advice of your skin therapist when exfoliation is a part of your professional treatment and home care regimen.
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.
Create 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 MICROSPONGE® technology that helps 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.
Is my skin sensitive or sensitized?
Sensitized skin exhibits the same symptoms and triggers as sensitive skin, so it’s hard to distinguish between the two.
Sensitive skin is genetically determined and more commonly seen in those of Northern European ancestry. It could be caused by higher levels of histamine in the body and the lower amount of pigment and thinner epidermal layer which provides a less than optimum natural defense barrier against potentially irritating ingredients.
Sensitized skin can affect anyone of any age, skin condition and any race who has been exposed to environmental assault, chemicals, or product ingredients.
All of a sudden I’m experiencing skin sensitization. Why?
Environmental factors, aging and lifestyle choices can all increase skin sensitization.
Cold winds and low temperatures, sun exposure, pollution, and chemical exposure in cleaning and household products can irritate and dry out skin, depriving it of lipids and moisture between cells that keep the protective layer of the skin intact. Without these substances, skin is left unprotected from bacteria and irritant invasion and moisture is drawn out. Dry skin is a precursor to sensitized skin.
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.
Low-fat, no-fat diets can deprive our bodies of skin-friendly Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) that help protect against water loss within cells and can even help prevent dryness (remember, dryness is a precursor to sensitized skin).
Over-cleansing, over-exfoliation or shaving without a protective medium can also weaken skin’s barrier function, leading to skin sensitization.
If you’ve recently switched skin care or make-up products, take note: they could contain artificial fragrances and colors known to aggravate and increase skin sensitization. Speak with a professional skin therapist to find out if your current regimen is causing your sensitivity.
Is it ok to exfoliate sensitive/sensitized skin?
Only your professional skin therapist can determine if exfoliation is right for your skin condition through a complete Face Mapping skin analysis.
More than likely, gentle exfoliation will be beneficial to the health of skin.
What is rosacea?
Rosacea is reddened patches; or small or thick bumps on the skin.
It’s believed that rosacea is caused by an underlying genetic condition involving overactive blood vessels; however, the medical community remains unsure of its cause. Rosacea first shows on skin as reddened areas that come and go when a stimulus is present, but can progress into a permanently red condition with possible pimples and breakouts.
Only a skin care professional can tell you if you have rosacea, or are suffering with skin sensitivity/sensitization. However, there are steps you can take to help control flare-ups:
• Take note of what stimulates flare-ups (extreme weather, stress, strenuous exercise, alcohol, and some foods).
• Staying away from products with artificial fragrances or colors.
• Wearing sunscreen anytime skin is exposed to daylight.
• Keep alcohol intake to a minimum.
• Don’t over-cleanse or excessively scrub skin.
What is an ingrown hair?
Ingrown hairs (Pseudofolliculitis barbae) appear on skin when hair is cut, and the hair grows back in at an improper angle.
The process of cutting the end of the hair shaft through shaving can force hair back into its follicle, or even cause hair to double over on itself, re-entering the same follicle and growing inward instead of exiting the surface. The hair shaft can also grow and enter another follicle.
The body recognizes this ingrown hair as a foreign body (similar to the way it would a splinter), and triggers an inflammatory response that includes redness, pain, and a raised area that resembles a pimple that can fill with pus.
What happens to skin when it’s shaved?
Simply put, shaving is a form of mechanical exfoliation.
Shaving triggers a high level of visible irritation on the skin and can serve as a form of over-exfoliation and lead to a compromised lipid barrier. When the skin’s lipid barrier is compromised, there is an increase in moisture loss, which leads to dry, scaly, cracked, sensitized skin.
Skin dryness can increase skin’s susceptibility to a various number of shaving concerns, including Pseudofolliculitis barbae (ingrown hairs and razor bumps), razor burn and sensitivity.
What’s the difference between Invigorating Shave Gel and Soothing Shave Cream?
Both Invigorating Shave Gel and Soothing Shave Cream are ideal shaving mediums for your skin care regimen.
Invigorating Shave Gel is an oil-free, cooling gel that soothes, hydrates and protects against razor burn. The clear formula allows for optimal visibility of areas to be shaven. Soothing Shave Cream is a rich, non-foaming formula that soothes and calms while enhancing skin’s natural protective barrier.
While both products are designed for all skin conditions and beard types, Invigorating Shave Gel is more suitable to clients with oily or breakout-prone skin, or who prefer to shave with a gel. Soothing Shave Cream is more suitable to those with heavier beards, sensitive or sensitized skin, or to clients who prefer to shave with a cream.
Can I use your products if I use an electric razor?
Yes. Shave system products can be used by those who shave with electric razors.
Products that will fit into your electric razor regimen include Clean Bar, Daily Clean Scrub, Post-Shave Balm, and Daily Defense Block SPF15.
Will a professional skin treatment really help with my shaving concerns?
Absolutely.
A professional skin therapist can deliver a treatment to help minimize irritation, redness, ingrown hairs, and razor burn associated with shaving. He or she can also help control oily shine or dryness, and even provide tips on how to shave, which will help you manage and control shaving concerns. Lastly, a professional skin therapist can prescribe a customized shaving regimen to minimize nicks, cuts, redness and irritation while protecting skin from dryness and skin-aging UV light.
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.
What is hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is the result of an overproduction of melanin.
Melanin is what gives skin and hair its color, and amongst other benefits, helps protect skin against damaging UV light and absorbs heat from the sun. However, an overproduction of melanin leads to a mottled, uneven skin tone. Overproduction of melanin is stimulated by excessive sun exposure, hormones, or scarring.
1) Sun exposure: When skin is repeatedly exposed to UV light, sun damage occurs. Brown spots appear as a result of too much melanin being produced to help protect skin from UV light.
2) Hormones: Melasma is hormone-related hyperpigmentation caused by increased hormone stimulation. It is most commonly experienced by women who are pregnant (which is why it’s also known as the “mask of pregnancy”) or taking contraceptives, but can also be a product of reactions to cosmetics or medications.
3) Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation: This is a darkening of skin that’s the result of acne scarring or skin injury due to inflammatory response in skin. The cells associated with melanin production are closely linked with the skin immune system cells; meaning you can’t stimulate one without stimulating the other.
What is Hydroquinone?
Hydroquinone is a topical ingredient popular for skin lightening.
It’s classified as an over-the-counter drug in the United States and has been used in concentrations up to 2% within products designed to lighten skin.
While it is popular, there are many concerns regarding its safety. It is estimated that one-third of the population is allergic to Hydroquinone, and skin may become photosensitized with prolonged use, causing an actual darkening of skin.
Throughout the years, many highly respected administration agencies have recognized Hydroquinone as a potent cytotoxic (substances toxic to cells) agent with potential cancer-causing, DNA-altering properties.
Why is sun protection important to effective treatment of hyperpigmentation?
When a hyperpigmented area is exposed to UV light, more melanin production is triggered on a cellular level, causing further darkening.
Ironically, melanin production and further darkening of skin is just your skin trying to protect itself from UV light. But this can cause the strictest of brightening regimens to fail to produce results. Daily application of a minimum of SPF30 will help shield skin from UV light to control melanin production on a cellular level.