Archives 2016

Retin-A vs. Retinol

Both are retinoids and made from vitamin A to promote faster skin cell turnover. They are some of the most proven, effective ways for treating acne to signs of aging.

Retinoids can be prescript by a doctor and can be also found in a range of over-the-counter products. Prescription-level retinoids fall into these groups:

• Tretinoin; brands Atralin, Retin-A, Retin-A Micro, Renova
• Tazarotene; brand Tazorac
• Adapalene; brand Differin

All the groups prevent the buildup of dead cells in the skin’s pores and follicles, Common side effects of using Vitamin A products range from: dryness, redness, irritation and skin peeling to making skin more sensitive to the sun.

Retinol is found in lots of products that don’t require a prescription. Retinol is much weaker than prescription retinoids, unless vitamin A is listed as one of the top 5 ingredients and the product is packaged in an airtight bottle. Neither retinoids  nor retinols should be used by breastfeeding or pregnant women.

To use it, clean and tone your skin. You should be using an AHA or a BHA product. After, your skin is clean and dry apply a dab to your fingertip. It will be enough for your entire face. You can apply it underneath your eyes, but avoid applying it to your eyelids.
Start using the product once every other day at night. If you apply it in the morning, the sunlight during the day will deactivate its potency. If you find your skin tolerates the retinol well, you can start using it every night or you can apply it as directed by your doctor. You may start to notice your skin gets red or flaky as you use the product. Do not stop using it and do not increase the amount you use.

You can and should use either prescription or non-prescription retinol with other anti-aging creams. These should include antioxidants and niacinamide. Be sure to apply an SPF cream for daytime wear after you treat your skin with the retinol at night. Sun damage is one of the greatest contributors to aging skin, so it is vital that you make use of an SPF of 15 or 25. The higher the SPF, the better off your skin will look after several retinol treatments.

While the retinol can make your skin look luminous and young in time, remember you cannot count on using it alone to achieve the results you want. Be sure to follow the instructions exactly as indicated by skin care professionalist or as indicated on the package. Always use it in combination with other anti-aging ingredients and enjoy your beautiful skin.

For more info about skin care treatments visit our website at www.laestetica.co or call us at 415 787 2772

When I was a child, I was told like most other people how a high sugar diet could contribute to acne problems. There are also many other ways in which a person’s diet can affect their skin, and unfortunately it can be hard to pay attention to this fact when everything tastes so good!

Sugar doesn’t just contribute to acne, but it also contributes to skin blemishes and other skin tone imperfections. Starches and sugars are causing rapid rises in blood sugar and that spikes cause the inflammation. A lot of people forget about simple carbohydrates and starches, they think about white breads, pastas, and potatoes but the body metabolizes these foods into sugar almost immediately, which causes your blood sugar to rise.

Gluten is another ingredient in many food items that can affect people’s skin and cause other health issues as well.

Naturally, eating the right healthy foods is going to affect your skin in positive ways, and it’s just as important to know what foods those are as it is to know which ones to avoid.

Alcohol causes redness, dehydration and fine lines look worsen. It affects the liver, which helps the body rid itself of toxins. This can cause the skin to look grey and dry. Other symptoms include: redness between the eyes, droopy eyelids and a dehydrated complexion. Alcohol is also known to create a ruddy appearance on the cheeks and nose due to increased inflammation.

You also want to avoid processed foods as much as possible, which means you should be eating whole foods, organic foods even, and cook whenever possible. Start with breakfast, and make a healthy and nutritious breakfast without all the gluten that cereal contains.

Dairy products can be good for your skin, but not if you’re lactose intolerant or your body doesn’t digest these types of foods well enough. Dairy signs on your skin includes: puffy complexion, dark circles, spots. If you feel bloated or slightly nauseous the next time you drink a glass of milk that might be because of inflammation. Later that leads to puffiness, bags under the eyes and dark circles. Not even mentioning the hormones and chemicals contained in dairy products. They can upset your  hormonal balance too, causing skin cell reproduction to go haywire ?

Remember to pay just as much attention to helpful foods like blueberries, strawberries and other whole fruits and vegetables. Eat the right foods, and you’ll notice a huge difference in the way your skin looks each day.

For more info about skin care treatments visit our website at www.laestetica.co or call us at 415 787 2772

SPF- wear it on not?

As an Esthetician I can assure you that you will regret in 20 years from now for not having worn sunscreen when you look at your skin compared to friends and family who have worn daily sunscreen.

Top five reasons you should wear sunscreen:

1. The ozone layer is depleting and our body needs shielding from harmful rays.
2. Skin cancer rates are on the rise and sunscreen has been proven to decrease the development of skin cancer.
3. It helps to prevent skin discolorations.
4. It helps to reduce the appearance of facial red veins and blotchiness.
5. It slows down the premature skin aging and wrinkles.

What about the need for obtaining vitamin D via the sun?

Most people can meet vitamin D requirements of 600 IU per day with daily 30 minutes outdoor activities, twice per week. Same result they can achieve by eating vitamin D rich diet of fish, milk, dairy, liver, eggs or taking vitamin D supplement. So prolonged sun exposure gives no extra benefits of Vitamin D production.

Medications, that increase risks of sun burns and damage.

There are many medications which may make the skin extra susceptible to sun. These include: anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular and acne medications.:

• Doxycycline and Minocycline used in the treatment of acne
• Accutane
• Topical acne products, such as vitamin A (Yes! your Retin A from Doctor office!)
• Benzoyl Peroxide.

Are there any natural sunscreen?

Yes. The newest sunscreens are formulated with either tinted mineralized zinc oxide or titanium dioxide that can bronze the skin or matched to skin color.

Are there any natural spray-on sunscreens?

Yes, Spray-on sunscreen are great for people who don’t like the feel of lotion on their hands or face. Great spray sunscreen to try is a Cosmedix Reflect.

Do I need to reapply SPF every 2 hours?

Yes. Most of the SPF stop working after 2 hours. If you plan to spend ore time outside then you need to reapply it after 2 hours.

For more info about skin care treatments visit our website at www.laestetica.co or call us at 415 787 2772

If you have cellulite on your legs or midsection, you are not alone. There are many people, primarily women, who have found these unsightly types of fat dominating certain areas of their body, leaving them feeling uncomfortable in certain clothing or even being intimate with their life partner.

Shedding cellulite is not the same as exercising fat away, and it is quite the challenge to get rid of it. In fact, depending upon how bad yours is, you may want to consider visiting a cosmetic specialist who may be able to assist you in diminishing the appearance of cellulite on your body.

One of the proactive steps that you must take when it comes to reducing the cellulite that you have is to detoxify your body. Most people today have a strong need for cleansing, even if they do not realize it. This is why you need to investigate a comprehensive detoxification plan that will address all of the systems of your body related to detoxification.

A good cleanse will begin with your bowels and your urinary tract. If you are having difficulties eliminating food in these manners, you could have an excessive amount of toxins lurking inside of you. The bowels are often overlooked though they are vital to good health. If you do not consume adequate fiber to keep your intestines thoroughly flushed out, then you will begin to accumulate fecal matter in the folds of your intestine walls. Left unattended and untreated, the amount of fecal matter will continue to rise. At the same time, this putrid material will begin to become toxic, leaving your sensitive intestine walls to filter these harsh substances back into your body, where you may experience a variety of pains and other discomforts associated with it, including the accumulation of cellulite.

For more info about internal detoxification programs and detox body wraps visit www.laestetica.co or call 415 787 2772

Fad diets and health fads come and go but one that has stood the test of time is the benefits of drinking lemon water. For many years proponents of drinking fresh lemon juice with pure, warm water have claimed that those taking regular doses of this mixture enjoy some amazing health benefits.

Lemons are filled to the brim with Vitamins. C, B-complex vitamins, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and fiber. (Fun fact: they contain more potassium than apples or grapes!). So a regular glass of water with lemon juice helps to keep the bodies vitamin C levels topped up – which is great news for those who suffer during cold and flu season. Secondly warm lemon water is said to aid in digestion – making it the perfect drink to accompany morning cereal.

Just remember that lemon juice can be hard on the enamel of your teeth so it’s important to dilute it with water of any temperature. Drink it first thing in the morning, and wait 15 to 30 minutes to have breakfast to receive full benefits.

Lemons are also very detoxifying. They help digestion system to eliminate toxins from the body thanks to pectin fiber. Aside from aiding in digestion a warm lemon juice and water drink can also help reduce inflammation of joints which makes it a favorite with those who may suffer from arthritis or similar conditions.

Those who enjoy the drink also claim that it has almost miraculous effects on the skin – keeping it elastic and helping to maintain a youthful appearance free of blemishes. It also helps maintain the health of the eyes and can assist in fighting eye problems.

The ideal mixture should use one teaspoon of fresh lemon juice in a medium sized glass

For more info about body detoxification program visit our website at www.laestetica.co or call us at 415 787 2772

Today, there are many products on the market that promote anti-aging benefits of the ingredients. The one thing that you need to remember is that price does not always reflect quality, and you want to be certain that the things you choose to use in your skincare routine are made with quality ingredients that have benefits to your skin.

Perhaps one of the most exciting ingredients to hit the market lately is hyaluronic acid. If you purchase a serum that contains hyaluronic acid and a minimal of other ingredients, you are sure to be pleased with the results you will see on your face, neck and decolltage.

The way that hyaluronic acid works to help improve the appearance of your skin is through attracting water to plump up and fill in your fine lines and wrinkles. The products that are made with this powerful ingredient may also minimize the appearance of your pores.

It does not take very much of the serum to have dramatic effects on your appearance. Best used just after washing your face, you can apply a small amount to the areas of your skin that you are most concerned about, such as crows feet and laugh lines. You should let it dry entirely prior to proceeding with your skin care and makeup routine for the day.

The hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. This attraction to water is why the serum is so effective at eliminating the appearance of fine lines, and reducing the harshness of those that are deeper.

If you want a fantastic addition to your routine that will allow you to look younger without having to undergo surgery or other invasive procedures, then a hyaluronic acid serum is the best choice.

For more info about skin care treatments visit our website at www.laestetica.co or call us at 415 787 2772

Many people would agree with the statement that there’s nothing harder than getting up in the morning. While many people flock to obvious ideas like coffee and caffeine, the following are 5 great tips for helping you get up out of bed fast and get you diving into your day instead of struggling to get through it.

Option #1: Set the alarm away from your bed

Everyone has been the victim of their own laziness by hitting the snooze button as soon as the alarm sounds. This is much harder to do if your alarm clock is set all the way across the room from your bed. Once you get up and move all the way across the room it’s harder to just fall asleep again.

Option #2: Look at taking a cold shower

Aside from having an amazing array of positive health benefits from fighting depression to even aiding in weight loss efforts, taking a cold shower in the morning will snap you awake and get you moving.

Option #3: Go with a protein heavy breakfast

Carbs are sugars – and with sugar comes a sugar crash. Protein is a longer lasting source of energy. Not only does a protein heavy breakfast help provide more energy that lasts longer, but you avoid a morning sugar crash.

Option #4: Sit up immediately and “power pose”

Forcing yourself to move and then striking a power pose that floods testosterone and happy hormones makes you more likely to enjoy being up and will push you to keep moving throughout the morning. So strike a pose and start the day off right!

Option #5: Morning affirmations in the mirror

Go to the mirror, put on a big smile no matter how fake, and say out loud that you’re beautiful, you love yourself, and list three things that you are thankful for. By doing this, your body will embrace the new day.

Follow these five options or tips and you will speed up your early morning routine and embrace the new day!

The winter season brings a lot of fun and enjoyment to many people. There is time to play in the snow, enjoy an evening fire, and drinking large mugs of hot chocolate. While it sounds like a great time, there are just as many people who hate Jack Frost and do not remember inviting him over. These people are typically plagued by dry, itchy skin due to the cold winter months. However, you do not have to deal with it any longer! Here are three tips you can start using today that are not going to cost you an arm and a leg.

Drink Plenty Of Water

One of the biggest culprits of dry skin during the cold winter months is the loss of hydration. Considering we do not have the sun beating down on us all day our consumption of water begins to dwindle. Our bodies are mostly water and they still need it, even if it is in the negatives outside. Not giving your body enough water will lead to dry and irritated skin during the winter. In fact, it can lead to more serious issues if you are not careful. So drink plenty of water.

Diet

Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids can improve the condition of your skin remarkably in a matter of just a few weeks. Omega-3s are responsible for keeping skin cells well lubricated, thereby contributing to a rejuvenated appearance. Try to add foods like; salmon, walnuts, olive oil, soybeans, navy beans, kidney beans, winter squash and ground flaxseed to your regimen.

Supplement

Besides eating healthy diet you can take some supplements too. If your skin lacks these essential fatty acids it can be dry all year round. Oils rich in omega-3, makes joints feel better and skin look younger and fresher. Health.com suggests a supplement that contains 180 milligrams of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 120 milligrams of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) taken three times daily for the best results.

Invest In A Good Moisturizer

Your skin is going to need all the help it can get during the winter months and having a premium moisturizer is the best way to get started! Be sure to have different moisturizer for summer and different for winter. During winter most of us need richer creams to protect the skin. Think about your moisturizer same way as you do with clothing. Protect your body with coats and gloves when its cold. Make sure your cream or serum has hyaluronic acid in it.

Avoid Hot Water

Taking a hot shower or bath breaks down the lipid barrier in your skin and makes it easier for your skin to lose its moisture. Taking warm or lukewarm baths and showers are best for preventing parched skin.

A good way to get more hydration is to use humidifiers inside your home. Leave it on at night while you sleep and reap the benefits all season long by using it regularly.

Limit Exfoliation

While during the summer, it’s important to scuff away dry skin by exfoliating it regularly, in winter you need to ease up on the process. Try exfoliating your face and body just once a week or once every two weeks. You will still get smooth skin without damaging already stressed skin.

So you’re wondering why exercise is important to your health? How on earth can straining your body be good for you? Whether you agree with the principles of exercise, there is no getting around the fact that it’s good for you, and here is why.

For starters, it provides you with much needed energy. The older you get the harder it becomes for your body to generate energy. By exercising regularly you enable your body to stay active in this respect. The effects of aging won’t be nearly as powerful when you participate in a regular regime. See it as a natural way to stay young for much longer.

Secondly, exercise helps you to control your weight. Did you know that something more than 60 percent of Americans are struggling with today. The moment you move past a healthy body mass index serious health issues come into play, such as diabetes, joint pain, blood pressure and hearth conditions.

What about your mental state? Did you know that if your body is in a bad condition then your mind is going to follow. While some people get depressed because they are stressed, others get depressed for no reason. But once the body is maintained the mind is going to stay healthy with it. Exercise is one, if not the best way to fight off feelings of low self-esteem and stress. In fact, it builds confidence every time you do it.

Listing all the benefits of exercise and why it has such a great impact on your health will take a very long list, but do yourself a favor and read more about it. You’ll be surprised at how pushing your body just a little bit can make you enjoy life so much more. Better yet, give it a try and see how you feel after a week.

Healthy and radiant skin is one of the most sought after things by most people and especially women. After all, healthy skin is beautiful and we all strive to be beautiful. Now, with that said, the best way to get healthy skin would be to focus on the types of food that you eat. We will now take a closer look at what you should be eating if you want to have beautiful skin that is soft, supple, radiant and free of blemishes.

The first food that we will look at are dark green leafy vegetables. Vegetables like spinach, kale, arugula and lettuce are extremely good for you and contain tons of vitamins and minerals that are great for your skin. So, make sure that you eat your greens on a daily basis in order to get soft and radiant skin.

Another great food to eat to have glowing skin are carrots. If you juice fresh carrots and drink a glass or two every other day, this will go a long way in making your skin radiant. However, make sure not to over do it since you can make your skin become orange if you drink too much carrot juice.

Next, you should eat oatmeal on a regular basis for healthy skin. Oatmeal has lots of vitamins and helps to keep you full while keeping your blood sugar stable. Having a stable blood sugar level is important for healthy skin since a spiked blood sugar level can cause the increase of androgens in your body, which causes wrinkles.

In closing, don’t forget to drink tons of water and limit your processed food. Minimum water intake should be ½ your body’s weight in ounces daily, example: if you weight 120lbs, you should drink minimum of 60oz of water daily. And keep that habit forever!