Skin Care Ingredients 101

SKIN CARE INGREDIENTS 101

Many people know certain ingredients are important in skin care but aren't really sure what they mean. Retinols, Salicylic Acids, Enzymes...we know we need to look out for these products...but do you know which ingredients are best for your skin? Here is a quick breakdown of common ingredients found in products & treatments and which skin type they are most suited for.

Antioxidant- Antioxidants are perfect for EVERYONE. Antioxidants prevent damage of free radicals. Free radicals are chemically unstable molecules caused by environmental pollutants and UV exposure which cause damage to the skin. Basically antioxidants fight off the bad guys. I love getting my antioxidants in with my Vitamin C serum & drinking lots of antioxidant packed foods & teas. 

Enzymes- Enzymes are mild, natural, and great for sensitive skin. Enzymes are ingredients designed to dissolve keratin proteins on the surface of the skin, resulting in exfoliation and softer, smoother skin. I love skin scripts enzymes. They are fruit based enzymes that smell amazing. I love to add them before a microdermabrasion or chemical peel. Here is a guide to Skin Scripts Enzymes that I use in the treatment room. 

Salicylic Acid- This ingredient is perfect for acne prone skin. It is anti-inflammatory &  great for reducing the appearance of large pores. Salicylic Acid penetrates into the pore dissolving dead skin cell buildup and promoting cellular turnover. However this is not suitable for dry skin since it is oil based. I like to use a Salicylic Acid based cleanser (Clinical Care's Cleanszit) along with monthly Salicylic Chemical Peels to keep oil and breakouts at bay. 

 

Benzoyl Peroxide- An acne fighting ingredient that is used to dry and exfoliate. Benzoyl Peroxide releases oxygen which helps in killing the bacteria that causes acne. I love to spot treat with Benzoyl Peroxide (since it can be drying I don't like to apply it all over my face). Be careful B.P can stain your sheets & pillow cases. 

Hyaluronic Acid- Hyaluronic Acid is suitable for all skin types. It binds moisture to the skin for an instant plump. My newest HA product I am loving is Skin Scripts hydrating ageless serum. Skin Ceuticals hydrating B5 serum has to be my all time favorite however. A good HA serum is perfect for extra hydration and preventing TEWL (transepidermal water loss). Skin scripts hydrating ageless serum can be applied all the way up to the lash line, preventing & helping milia. 

  


Lactic Acid- Lactic Acid is a derivative from milk. It is suitable for sensitive, dry & mature skin. It is a hydrating exfoliant that draws moisture from the dermis & surface. This is also a good product for a person with dry skin & acne. It lightens & brightens the skin.

Retinol- A form of Vitamin A to desquamate skin cells. It increases cellular turnover, increases collagen, evens skin tone, clears up acne impactions. Retinol is my favorite product that EVERYONE should be using. Many clients say retinols are too strong on their skin, however decreasing your usage or the percentage of active retinol in the product can help sensitivity. There is usually a form of retinol for everyone (even very sensitive skin). 

Glycolic Acid- This acid dissolves desmosomes between cells to keep skin cells exfoliated. This is a great solution to help purge closed comedones. It clears blocked pores, smoothes texture, and removes hyper pigmentation. I love Glycolic Acid and usually suggest Glycolic Peels to all my clients. 



I am currently LOVING these skin script retinol & glycolic pads. They retail for $22.50...could that price get any better? I have been testing these out for the past few days & I have decided to bring some in to retail so I can share the love with you all! These come with 50 pads that break up surface oil to refine pores and reveal fresh, healthy skin. Kojic and arbutin lighten sun spots and scars left from blemishes. Clear up those left over acne marks, current breakouts & pigmentation while stimulating collagen & elastin for fine lines & wrinkles. Miracle product?...I think so!

Of course there are TONS of ingredients to look out for in skin care products. These are just a few common ones I get questions on a lot. If you have any questions on skin care products or ingredients feel free to ask me. Email me at skinstudiobymegan@gmail.com 

3 WAYS TO STOP THE SIGNS OF AGING ON YOUR HANDS

Here are 3 helpful tips on how to stop the signs of aging on your hands. I cannot stand when I see an older woman with a face free of wrinkles and her hands are covered in sun damage & wrinkles. When guessing the age of someone I immediately check their hands and chest as well as face. With my 24th birthday coming up this month, I have been thinking about what else I need to add into my skincare regimen for anti-aging purposes. I have always used anti-acne products and some do contain anti-aging properties, however I am just using these on my face. I need to start focusing on neck, chest, and hand protection as well. If you are in your twenties or even in your sixties, you can start applying these tips to your regimen today. 

1. SUNSCREEN- All day every day people. Like I mentioned in my post on winter skin 

( http://skinstudiobymegan.blogspot.com/2015/02/winter-skin.html ) you need to wear sunscreen even in the winter. Applying sunscreen to your hands will prevent sun damage and pigmentation problems.

2. Microdermabrasion & Chemical Peels- This is the easiest and quickest service to add on while you are getting a facial, chemical peel, or microdermabrasion...not to mention good on the wallet. I charge $10 to add on microdermabrasion or chemical peel on the hands during a treatment. I recommend doing this about once a month. This is great to start even in your twenties. The best way to avoid pigmentation is preventing it. Getting regular mechanical or chemical exfoliation treatments will help with pigmentation as well as fine lines & wrinkles.

3. IPL ( Intense Pulsed Light )- I would recommend IPL if you already have sun spots on your hands. If they have been there for quite awhile, this is your best option for removal. IPL feels like a rubber band snap. Later I will write a post all about IPL. I love IPL treatments. Your brown spots on the hands after treatment will appear darker then flake off...then nothing but amazing results with no downtime.

Don't forget to always apply a moisturizer to your hands as well as topical antioxidants(love to put my vitamin C serum on my neck, chest & hands). Start using these tips today to keep your hands appearing youthful! 

(photo's not mine)

Why you should be using a Vitamin C Serum

My all time favorite product is Restoration C, EVERYONE should be using a topical Vitamin C serum. Let me explain why....

When you apply Restoration C topically, it stimulates the regeneration process of collagen fibers. It will diminish age spots while your skin regains its natural firmness, smoothness & elasticity. Adds protection against UVB damage. Also contains willow bark extract which is skin clearing & antiseptic.


It lightens, tightens, and brightens the skin. Miracle product ? YES it is.

Usage: 1-2 pumps daily on face, neck & chest. For years I used Skin Ceuticals Vitamin C serum costing me $165...I since have switched over to Clinical Care's Restoration C for a budget friendly price of $60. Don't get me wrong I love Skin Ceuticals products...however saving $100 on a product is fantastic & I LOVE the way the Clinical Care Restoration C feels on my skin. It is not greasy feeling like many Vitamin C products. Clinical Care's C serum is also pharmaceutical grade, meaning it contains a much higher level of the active ingredients then your over the counter C serums. Check out my last post on professional skincare products vs. over the counter skincare products.

Who can use this serum?
Everyone...Restoration C is an anti-oxidant that restores & repairs damaged skin. Perfect to diminish sun spots & age spots. Also helps fight breakouts. 

All of my clients love this serum & the one's using it daily are having amazing results! Interested in getting some for yourself? Call or text me at 859.619.2155 or email me at skinstudiobymegan@gmail.com I can always deliver or ship.