Pinterest Skin Care DONT'S

 I am a HUGE pinterest fan, I think it is a fabulous app/website...many great ideas come from pinterest. Although there are some things I see on pinterest that make me cringe, and skincare treatments & products are one of them. Please people be careful what you do/put on your skin.Today I am going to bust some of these DIY pinterest skincare myths. 

Pictured above is a DIY microdermabrasion...microdermabrasion is mecahincal exfolation using a diamond wand tip or crystals. There is nothing you can do at home that will provide benefits of a microdermabrasion. I laugh so hard on the inside when my clients tell me they have had microdermabrasions but not done professionally. The biggest one I hear is Mary Kays microdermabrasion (not knocking Mary Kay I love some of their products) & I even sell an exfolationg scrub called Nitty Gritty that has the same crystals used in microdermabrasion. These products have NO comparison to a microdermabrasion treatment done by an esthetician. Read more about microdermabrasions in an older post microdermabrasion blog  




Here are some ingredients found in various DIY skincare treatments & scrubs that are harmful to the skin & here is why:

Baking Soda- Baking Soda has a pH of 9 which is way too alkaline for the skin. This causes moisture loss & strips the skin of its natural barrier. 

Lemon- Lemon is known all over pinterest for brightening the skin & clearing blemishes. However the pH of a lemon is only 2, throwing off the pH balance of the skin & is very irritating. 

Toothpaste- Toothpaste is known as a great DIY spot treatment for pimples...but it is actually harmful. This strips the lipid barrier of the skin. Applying toothpaste directly to your skin is very drying & irritating. This can also cause pigmentation & acne scars. Instead look for a spot treatment containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. My favorite is Skin Scripts blemish spot treatment.  

Vasoline- Vasoline is recommended for dryness but I recently saw a blackhead remover using vasoline. Vasoline is too occlusive for the skin and is very pore clogging. 

Sugar- Sugar is in a lot of DIY scrubs & exfoliants. However sugar is too rough & has uneven jagged edges that can actually tear up the skin. 

Coconut Oil- I am a big fan of coconut oil, although it should never be used by someone with oily acne prone skin. Oils are a big fad in skincare and yes oil does dissolve oil, but coconut oil is not good on acne prone skin unless you want a breakout. 

Rubbing Alcohol- Rubbing alcohol is too drying for the skin to be used daily. It will cause a buildup of dead skin cells.

Milk- Lactic Acid derives from milk but that doesn't mean you should apply milk directly to the skin. Milk can actually spoil on your skin & it is not strong enough to deliver any lactic acid. 

Egg whites- Egg whites sometimes contain salmonella, if you ingest any of this you can get sick. 

Another no no I have seen on pinterest is making your own products & sunscreens. Most of us are not chemist so please do not try making your own products. You most likely will do more harm then good to your skin. Leave it to the professionals people. 

Why you should toss your Cetaphil

Cetaphil is not the holy grail of cleansers it is made out to be. Actually you should throw away your Cetaphil cleanser. 

Cetaphil doesn't have a SINGLE anti-aging ingredient...or ANY beneficial ingrediets for that matter. This cleanser that is so well known has no benefits for your skin. This product claims to be "gentle & non-irritating" but lets review its ingredients. Oh wait there is only 8 ingredients.

1. Water

2. Cetyl Alcohol (fatty acids)

3. Propylene Glycol

4. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (surfactant, strips dry skin & irritating)

5. Stearyl Alcohol (fatty acids)

6.Methyl Paraben (preservative)

7.Propylparaben (preservative)

8.Butylparaben (preervative)

The three parabens listed are actually on the list of cosmetic ingredients to avoid.

So why are so many dermatologist recommending this cleanser? Politics of course....dermatologist have a great relationship with Galderma the company that makes Cetaphil & they send thousands of samles to dermatologist. Another reason this is recommended is it containts no artificial fragrances & dyes. Dermatologist do not have time to research over the counter products to recommend to their clients. Dermatologist also know more about skin care conditions then skin care products. 

This cleanser may not irritate your skin but it is most certaintly not helping your skin. Talk with your esthetician or dermatologist about cleansers that are actually beneficial for your skin. 

Ladies toss away the Cetaphil and start using cleansers with anti-aging ingredients that help your skin.

Happy Monday.

Dry vs. Dehydrated Skin

                           

With spring around the corner it is time to get rid of the dull, itchy & dry winter skin. To do this first you must determine if your skin is dry or dehydrated. MOST of my clients have no idea their skin type or often think they have dry skin when it is really just dehdrated. So lets discuss the differences in dry & dehydrated skin.

DRY SKIN:

-dry skin is a skin type

-genetics play a big role

-lacks sebum (oil)

-small pores due to lack of oils

-feels dry all over the body

-more suseptible to premature aging

-try using a humidifier, gentle exfoliator & rich moisturizers

DEHYDRATED SKIN:

-skin conidtion not a skin type

-lacks water

-can be experienced by anyone

-comes & goes based on diet, products & treatments

-may experience breakouts

-needs water rich products

-key to fix is retaining moisture

-common for oily & acne prone skin that uses harsh exfoliating products that strip the skin of water

-I recommend a hyaluronic acid product, go easy on exfoliation & use sulfate free cleansers & drink lots of water

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 

Winter Skin

Winter means one thing...dry skin! All of my clients, family & friends have been asking tips & tricks to hydrate their skin this winter. In Lexington, KY we have been snowed in all week! This has definitely wreaked havoc on clients skin as well as mine. Here are just a few tips to beat those winter skin blues. Don't forget you can always give yourself an at home facial....I will list steps for that as well. So make yourself a hot cup of tea and enjoy this post.

1. Moisturize- I cannot stress this enough. I have so many clients complain about dry skin and they are only moisturizing at night...HELLO. Make sure you are at least moisturizing twice a day. Also make sure you are keeping up with your exfoliation treatments. If you remove the dead skin cells sitting on top of the skin, you will maximize your moisturizer. Try switching from a gel cleanser to cream cleanser or switch to a more hydrating moisturizer. 

Instead of your normal moisturizer try this

2.Exfoliate- Exfoliation is the key to healthy, youthful & clear skin. Make sure to keep up with your monthly microdermabrasions, peels & facials especially in the winter. Products will penetrate much deeper with clean, clear pores. I love Nitty Gritty from Clinical Care Skin Solutions. This highly effective formula polishes skin with Aluminum Oxide crystals, which are the same crystals used for microdermabrasion. If you are acne prone, try Scrubzit from the same company. 

Another great way to exfoliate is using a Clarisonic brush.Sure they are a bit pricey for some people, but they are amazing & definitely worth the money. I have had mine for years & it is still in perfect condition.

3. Sunscreen- Yes you need to still wear sunscreen EVERYDAY in the winter. It amazes me everytime someones says they don't need to wear it during the winter. The UV rays don't hibernate, they actually reflect off of the snow. 

4. Bath/Showers- Make sure you are using lukewarm water when taking a bath/shower. Hot water strips the skin and hair of natural moisture & oils. I am guilty of taking extremely hot showers. Make sure you are using an exfoliant not only on your face, but body as well. My favorite cheap body exoliant is Dr. Teals eucalyptus epson salts. You can get this at kroger, target, etc. Mix some in a warm bath or mix a handful into your favorite body wash and gently scrub into skin. 

5. Lips- Nothing is more annoying, painful & unattractive then chapped/cracked lips. Many chapsticks are actually drying to your lips, it feels good temporary but isn't healing long term. I have two favorites for winter lips. The first is hydrating with aquafor. I absolutely love this stuff. Every time I have a laserpeel or deep peel, this is my go to for healing my skin. This stuff is also great for chapped lips. If I have dry skin patches I always moisturize with this.

My second favorite is Clinical Care's Sugar Lips, its a lip exfoliant and plumper. Not to mention it tastes amazing. My husband is the chap stick king and he loves this stuff. 

6. Hydrate- I know I say this all the time but I cannot stress the importance of hydrating your body & skin. Keep a water bottle with you at all times. I used to track my daily intake when I first started to drink more H20...there are a few good apps I used to keep track. Also warm up this winter with a cup of hot tea. My favorite is Yogi Skin Health (for normal skin) and Yogi Skin Detox (for acne-prone skin). Last night I tried Aloe Water for the first time & was blown away how yummy it tasted (I hate coconut water). I love to spice things up with lemon water as well. 

At Home Facials- Try giving yourself an at home facial. Start by cleansing your skin using small circular motions. Next use your favorite exfoliant (Nittygritty, Scrubzit, clarisonic brush). Again, use small circular motions working the exfoliator into the skin. After rinsing, apply your favorite mask. While the mask is sitting on the skin, dampen a facial washcloth & heat in the microwave. I warm mine up in 30 second intervals, make sure to check the temperature before putting on your face. Apply the steam towel & let sit on skin for 10 minutes (this will help remove your mask). If you cannot remove the mask completely, cleanse the skin again. Next apply your serums (Vitamin C, lightening creams, etc.). Apply your moisturizer & follow up with a sunscreen. 

I hope you enjoy these winter skin tips & tricks. If you have any questions regarding your skin type & treatment, message me at skinstudiobymegan@gmail.com

Ultrasonic Facials

I am beyond thrilled to introduce my new beauty tool coming to Skin Studio By Megan. This my friends is the Ultrasonic Skin Scrubber. With the help of micro bubble jet energy, ultrasonic energy and electronic properties of ions, SkinAqua Ultrasonic provides three professional grade skincare treatments in one. 



1. Soft Peel & Cleansing Mode: During the first step, the machine is loosening dead skin cells.The peeling step of this process pulses water quickly into the skin to bring out trapped dirt and oil.

2. Nutrition Mode: During the second phase of ultrasonic, the skin scrubber penetrates product deeper into the skin. This allows the product to reach deeper into the skin than it normally would. 

3. Firming Mode: During the final step of ultrasonic, the machine allows the esthetician to tone and lift the face. This results in elasticity to the skin, eliminates fine lines & wrinkles, and shrinks the appearance of pores.


Benefits of Ultrasonic Facial Treatments:

- Uses noninvasive sound waves.

-Millions of tiny vibrations to remove dead skin cells for clear & radiant skin with no redness & irritation that can sometimes occur with microdermabrasion or chemical peels...making this perfect before a big event! 

-Loosen & remove oil, dirt & sebum from pores and hair follicles resulting in less breakouts & blackheads.

-Noticeably tighter pores.

-Gently stimulates skin to encourage collagen and elastin product, with a series of treatments fine lines & wrinkles will be less noticeable & skin tone & texture become more even.

-By stimulating blood flow the skin gets an instant glow.

-Facilitates hydration & plumps the skin filling out fine lines & wrinkles. Gives the skin an instant "face lift" making it perfect for big events. 

Try this new procedure with NO downtime or redness....add on to your current microdermabrasion for FREE for your first trial....after your first trial add on for only $10....included in all express & custom facials

This new tool literally extracts pores in front of your eyes. Interested in this treatment for at home use? Message me at skinstudiobymegan@gmail.com or call/text 859.619.2155 for information!