Tag anti-aging

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

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

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