5 Skincare Mistakes You Might Be Making

We all make mistakes...but skincare should not be one of them. Today I am talking about 5 mistakes you might be making in your skincare regimen. 

1) Leaving the house without sunscreen. 

This is a big NO NO. You should apply sunscreen everyday and every season. UV rays actually reflect off of snow, so yes winter time you need SPF. I recommend at least SPF 30. 

2) Over cleansing, over exfoliating, over medicating.

Even as an esthetician I can be guilty of this sometimes. Especially when a pesky pimple appears, I always want to apply a million products to clear it up. When we over cleanse & exfoliate, we actually can over-strip the skin. When our skin is over-stripped, it produces more oil to compensate. More oil means more breakouts. Cleanse your skin only twice a day AM & PM. Discuss with your esthetician on how many times a week you should be exfoliating. 

3) Not getting an annual mole check. 

It is very important to make your annual checkup at your dermatologist. It could save your life. 

4) Buying products because your friend uses them or sells them. 

Chances are your friend who sells Rodan & Fields or another MLM skincare line is not a licensed Esthetician and is just trying to make extra money on the side. They have no clue what skincare products you should be using. Don't let them pressure you.

Another line I hate is "my friend uses this product and her skin looks amazing so I started using it". Your friends skin type is probably a lot different then yours and you should not use the same product as her. Unfortunately most of the time they just have good genes and that is why their skin looks so good. Always ask your esthetician what products they recommend. I will recommend products I don't retail. I want your skin to look good,  and products to be beneficial for your skin type. 

5) Not using Vitamin C or a Retinol. 

Everyone should be using a Vitamin C serum. It lightens, tightens and brightens the skin. It is "coffee" for your skin, waking it up in the AM & giving your that beautiful glow for the day. My favorite Vitamin C serums are Skin Ceuticals (high budget) or Skin Scripts Vitamin C ($36). Vitamin C is full of antioxidants to fight off those damaging free radicals. 

Retinol or Retin A is a topical vitamin A product. What this does is speed up our cellular turnover rate. Every 28 days our cells turnover, this slows down as we age. Topical Vitamin A will help keep up our cellular turnover rate. You can have your dermatologist prescribe you a retin A or you can get a Retinol (lighter version) from your esthetician. Skin Scripts Glycolic/Retinol pads ($22.50) are my clients favorite. I can't keep them in stock. Use these 3x/week or as directed by your esthetician. 

Start today fixing these skincare mistakes you might be making. Today is the first day of February & that means Valentines Day is right around the corner. Ask your loved one or treat yourself to good skincare products. Your skin is the largest organ of your body, treat it right. 

Ageless Skin Hydrating Serum

Ageless Skin Hydrating Serum

This is one of Skin Scripts best sellers. I haven't had a client who hasn't gone crazy over this serum. Everyone who has sampled it always purchases it. That says a lot in the skincare world. Skin Scripts line is a natural, effective, cruelty free skincare line. The prices are very affordable & the products produce amazing results. This serum reminds me of Skin Ceuticals hydrating B5 gel but a fraction of the cost. The main ingredient is Hyaluronic Acid, which binds moisture to the skin & plumps the skin. This product contains 60% Hyaluronic Acid, making it a wow product. 

Functions:

-Multi-functioning serum that binds moisture to the skin. 

-Balances surface lipids

-Reduce visible wrinkles

-Improves cellular respiration

-Plumps skin

Who is it good for? 

All skin types, especially dehydrated, dry, milia& Acne-prone skin. 

How to apply: 

Morning & Night after cleansing & toning the skin. Apply a moisturizer after to seal the serum in the skin. Usually half a pump to one pump gets the job done. 

How it works on milia? 

Milla is a lack of free water in the skin. Our skin is made of bi-layers which have perfect oil to water balance. Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL) happens when the skin isn't properly hydrated. What happens to oil in bi-layers  without water? The oil crystallizes into hard balls on the skin. This serum puts the water back into the skin. In 4 weeks of using this serum, you can extract the milia. Within 8 weeks the milia should dissolve itself. Drink lots of water and use this serum am & pm to get rid of milia. Use this all the way up to the lash line.

How it works on acne? 

Enzymes help with natural desquamation (shedding of dead skin cells). Enzymes need water to be active. Skin cells on dehydrated skin leads up to a build up of dead skin cells causing acne. Using this serum helps stop acne in its tracks. Many of my acne prone clients use this serum in place of a moisturizer. I like to use this serum and follow up with Skin Scripts light aloe moisturizer. 

Find out why all of my clients & myself love this serum. Contact me at 859.619.2155 to try some today. Positive note it is only $30. WOW

Do I really NEED a toner?

Do you really need a toner? That is a good question. Some toners in skincare lines are completely useless and can even be irritating. With a million things on our to do lists...a long skin care routine is the last thing we need. With previous lines I have used, I was never impressed with their toners, until I tried Skin Scripts. This toner makes me take the extra 3 seconds a day to give my face a nice spritz. 

Let's discuss toner and their benefits. Most toners help remove extra dirt, oil & makeup residue left behind after cleansing. Some toners are designed for certain skin conditions and ingredients to benefit each condition. My problem with lots of toners on the market is they are full of fragrances. Fragrance is a huge NO NO in skincare products and I always stay away from them. They irritate and clog the skin. Another issue with most toners is they are full of alcohol, "astringents" are what they are usually labeled. These dry out the skin and can cause irritation. 

I use to say just skip the toner...then Skin Scripts blew me away (again) with their Cucumber Hydration Toner. The smell is amazing and it has no fragrances. The cucumber extract gives this product that amazing smell. Every time I spritz this on a client, they always comment on how nice it smells. I can't forget to mention Skin Scripts is an all natural professional skincare line with amazing results. 

Functions: 

Re-hydrates the skin while improving cellular function and absorption of ingredients. Cucumber soothes and cools irritated skin. 

Recommended for: 

All skin types including dry and dehyrdrated. Provides probiotic support to skins acid mantle to support acneic skin. 

Benefits: 

-topically reduces discomfort and irritation

-assists in boosting hydration levels 

-balances surface lipids 

Active ingredients: 

 -heavy water: has a high molecular weight to deliver moisture into the skin, preventing trans-epidermal water loss & is hydrating

-cucumber extract: soothe and cool irritated skin

-hyaluronic acid: binds moisture to the skin 

-sodium PCA: boosts moisture to the skin

-borago officinalis seed oil: high concentration of gamma linolenic acid, an omega 6 essential fatty acid, anti-inflammatory 

How to use: 

AM & PM after cleansing spritz onto skin. Either spritz directly onto skin or apply with cotton ball. 

Tips & Tricks: 

-keep in the fridge for a cool spritz 

-use after applying makeup to set your foundation 

-spritz while at the pool, lake or traveling for a refresher 

Take home Skin Scripts Cucumber Hydration Toner for only $20 for a 3.3 oz bottle! 

BENEFITS OF A FACIAL

Many clients who come in for microdermabrasion or other services will ask, what are the benefits of a facial? Well tonight's post is all about the benefits of a facial. A facial is a professional service to improve and rejuvenate the skin. Facials maintain the health and correct certain skin conditions through deep cleansing. The skin is the largest organ in the body, take good care of it.

Benefits of facials:

• Deep Cleanses
• Exfoliates
• Increases Circulation & Detoxifies
• Slows down pre-mature aging
• Treats skin conditions such as dryness, oiliness, breakouts.
• Softens wrinkles & aging lines
• Clears up blemishes & minor acne. 
• Relaxes the senses, nerves & muscles.
• Speeds up the cellular turnover rate.
• Promotes collagen production. 

So what exactly does a facial include? All of my facials are customized to each skin type. I use Skin Scripts products, a natural skincare line that provides amazing results. Ask me about a gluten free facial.I recently switched up my facials and clients are loving it. My facials typically include:

-Skin Consultation: After reviewing your client intake forms, we will discuss your skin concerns & expectations. 

-Deep Cleansing: Using a treatment cleanser, I cleanse the skin of dirt, oils & makeup. This allows me to analyze the skin and determine the best products and treatments for you. 

-Steam: Steam softens the skin and hardened oil in the pores, it is also hydrating. 

-Enzymes: Depending on your skin type & conditions, I will choose an enzyme tailored to your skins needs. 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.

-Exfoliaton: Speeds up cell turnover, dead skin cells shed naturally every 28 days (this process slows down as we age). This helps rid the skin of the dead cells to reveal healthy fresh skin. Exfoliation is done manually through a scrub or microdermabrasion or chemically with a chemical peel, depending on your skin. 

-Ultrasonic Skin Scrubber: This little tool is amazing. Check out my blog post here ULTRASONIC SKIN SCRUBBER BLOG 
                                                    Here is its three functions:

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.

-Massage- Facial massage is relaxing and increases circulation.

-Mask: Lowers the temperature of the skin, reduces redness, hydrates & delivers key ingredients. 

-Products: Customized to your skin type, eye creams, serums and a moisturizer will be applied.

-Protect: You will always leave with sun protection at Skin Studio By Megan.


After the facial we will discuss recommendations for future skin care treatments and products. Remember good home care is necessary for optimal results. One facial is not a miracle in an hour, but it will promote healthy, glowing skin. I recommend a professional exfoliation treatment (facial, microdermabrasion, chemical peel) every 4-6 weeks. As I stated earlier, our skin cells shed every 28 days, this helps remove dead skin cells and rid the skin of impurities. 

I found this on pinterest and shared it on my facebook page awhile back & I just love it. 

Latisse & Long Lashes

Let me start by saying I LOVE LATISSE. You know those people with amazing natural lashes? Well I am not one of those blessed beauties. My clients always ask me a billion questions about Latisse so I thought I would clear up some confusion in a post. Here are my most frequently asked Latisse questions. I have used Latisse on and off for years. 

Here is a 4 week before & after of my lashes with Latisse. It's not the greatest before & after but you can see those lashes growing. Side Note: my mascara is super clumpy...I was using cheap mascara (yikes)

Won't that change my eye color? 

The answer is NO. This impression is from when Latisse was originally used for Glaucoma patients, it was injected directly into the eye. Since Latisse has been used externally for lash growth, there has been NO changes in eye color of patients. 

Do I have to get a prescription?

Most med spas or plastic surgeons offices will just have you sign a consent form before purchasing Latisse. 

Do I have to use it forever? 

Yes. Lashes have a growth cycle and do fall out. Once you stop using Latisse & the lashes that grow in will be your regular lashes. However, after I use Latisse for awhile and get my lashes the length I prefer, I only use it every 3 nights to save some product & money. 

If I use it twice a day will they grow faster?

No. However I have heard people swear by using it twice a day the first week. The rep for Latisse told me when I first got into the medical field that it will not make them grow faster. 

How long will it take to see results? 

Most people start to see a change around week 4. 

It is so expensive... how long does it last? 

The 3 ml bottle lasts me anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks. I have learned a few tips & tricks to save my precious prescription.

I always put the one drop of Latisse into the bottle cap. Then I dip my brush into the solution. I swipe over both eyes on the top lash line. I use the same applicator for both eyes to make my applicators last longer. I would NOT advise this if you have any kind of eye infection. 

Are there side effects? 

Working in the medical field prior I have sold lots of Latisse. The only complaint I hear is some people have redness around the lash line. 

Latisse vs. Eyelash Extensions 

I say Latisse all the way. I have performed and received eyelash extensions. Even with the proper technique the extensions can still be harsh on the lashes. Think about it...they are using a glue and eyelash extension applied to your natural lash. It definitely weighs down on your lash. Many of my clients have come to me for advice to grow lashes after years of eyelash extensions. Extensions are lots  of maintenance people...like getting your nails filled in. I think Latisse is a much safer alternative for long luscious lashes. 

Side Note: Use Latisse to fill in your eyebrows from over tweezing. It works like a charm. 

Contact me at skinstudiobymegan@gmail.com to find out the best deals on Latisse in Lexington. Many places have buy the 5ml get the 3ml free rebate going on currently.  

Chemical Peel 101 & Giveaway

It amazes me how many clients are scared of chemical peels. I think we have all seen the Sex And The City episode where Samantha's skin looks crazy post peel. I blame that episode for the fear in many clients. I also think the name "chemical peel" scares people off a bit. Tonight we are going to discuss different types of peels & why you should try one at your next appointment. I love alternating clients between peels & microdermabrasion...it is good to switch things up! 

                             

Many clients don't understand there is generally 3 levels of peels...light, medium & deep. Being acne prone and working in the medical field I have tried just about every peel ranging from no peeling to my face falling off in sheets. I have found I have better results doing light "lunch-time" peels more frequently rather than a series of deep peels. Not to mention the down time is much better. Let's discuss chemical peels. 

Benefits of chemical peels: 

-improves skin texture

-reveals healthy glowing skin 

-removes dead skin cells 

-preserves youthful appearance 

-increases moisture retention

-improves skin barrier function 

-stimulates collagen & elastin

-reduces surface pigmentation 

-reduces fine lines & wrinkles 

-reduces acne & acne scarring 

Downtime: 

All the peels I perform at Skin Studio By Megan are "lunch-time" peels. They can take anywhere from 15-30 minutes per treatment. Lunch time peels speed up renewal process on top layer of skin. The downtime is very minimal if any. The skin may appear red after treatment and that will fade within 30 minutes to a few hours. No makeup for at least 2 hours. You also may feel tight & dry for a few days. A few of my peels have minimal flaking for 3-5 days. The downtime is similar to microdermabrasion. 

Types of peels: 

Lactic: 

milk-based 

hydrating & exfoliating 

normal-dry

sun damage 

hyper pigmentation 

lightening 

Glycolic: 

-dissolves desmosomes that hold skin together

-normal, oily, acneic & dry

-minimizes poor size 

-mild-moderate acne 

-pigmentation 

Salicylic: 

-normal, oily & acneic 

-resurfaces & refines skin & pores

-dries up oil

-excellent antioxidant 

-inhibits inflammation 

TCA:

-re-texturizing 

-melasma 

-acne 

-hyper pigmentation 

-evens skin tone 

These are just a few popular peels at Skin Studio By Megan

Remember there are tons of different peels out there. Just because you had a glycolic peel at one office doesn't mean it will be the same at another. Peels vary in pH levels & percentages. 

Giveaway: 

I am giving away a FREE chemical peel to one lucky winner. Here is how to enter. Like the giveaway on Instagram or Facebook. Comment which peel you think is best for your skin type. Share this post. (If private comment that you shared so I will know). The winner will be chosen Monday June 15th. Tag a friend on Facebook or Instagram to be entered twice. 

INSTAGRAM LINK

FACEBOOK LINK

Skin Scripts peels are good for all Fitzpatrick types. Most companies peels are not recommended for darker skin types. 

Here are some testimonies from clients about chemical peels.

 "Best chemical peel experience ever! I've always been so scared to get one done but Megan did an amazing job my skin has never looked or felt better!" -Devan W

"I just wanna take the time to give a huge shoutout to Megan Johnson!!!!!!!! Received a chemical peel and different sorts of her fabulous treatment two days ago, and my face already looks and feels so much better! Thank you Megan you are amazing!!!! If you are having troubles with your skin I recommend setting up and appt. with her!!!" -Hannah G

Why makeup cleansing towels are actually BAD for your skin

Makeup cleansing wipes are every lazy girls dream...I myself can be lazy about washing my face at night after a long day of work or a night out with friends. I used to stash them beside my nightstand,convenient  right? WRONG. I have tried out many different brands of these wipes and have never been satisfied...then I decided to investigate them a little more. Why am I never happy...because these wipes are doing more harm then good.

Lets break down some of the ingredients:

These wipes contain high levels of alcohol which is very drying to the skin & can cause premature aging. 

Most brands contain fragrances which are very irritating to the skin. 

These are packed full of preservatives to make their shelf life longer...irritating to the skin.

Surfactants are detergent like chemicals to remove makeup and grime from the skin. However these surfactants are left just sitting on top of the skin creating a film. Think of covering your face with plastic wrap all night.

Ingredients to avoid in these wipes: 

Phenoxyethanol is an irritant.

Propylene glycol is an irritant.

2-Bromo 2 Nittropane-1, 3-Dio are anti-microbial agents that carry the highest hazard rating in Skin Deep Ingredients Database. 

Damaging while using: 

These wipes are okay every now and then if you are traveling or camping but daily usage is actually doing more harm then good. Sure they are simple, cheap & quick but it is SO worth it just to get out of bed and give yourself a good cleanse. Here are some reasons why: 

-Eye makeup can sometimes be a pain to get off. Constant pulling & tugging of the skin to get all your mascara off is very damaging because the eye area has such delicate skin. You are actually causing aging by rubbing those wipes harshly. 

-Yes these wipes remove makeup but they also remove natural oils of the face which protect our skin. 

-Any products you apply after using these wipes will not penetrate the skin properly due to the film left on the skin. AKA you are wasting your products. 

-Using these wipes means you are essentially just wiping the bacteria on your face back & forth....gross. 

-Because of the film left on the skin from these wipes, your skin cannot breathe. 

-These wipes cause dryness, redness, irritation, premature aging & acne. No thanks

-Soaked in potent chemicals 

All in all these wipes are a no no. If you are  going to use these wipes make sure to rinse with water immediately. If you are traveling or camping dampen a paper towel and gently wipe the water on the skin to remove the film. 

Nerium...the FATAL scam

                                                     

      

The pushy, uneducated sales reps: Last week I had a potential new client come in for a skin care consultation. After arriving twenty minutes late we continued into her skin care consultation. She then approaches me asking if I have heard of a line called Nerium.. ARE YOU SERIOUS? She then tells me she is a brand representative and I nicely (as nicely as possible) denied her from contiuing on. Nerium is the WORST most toxic product on the market and today we are going to break down why.

First off their pushy sales representatives DRIVE ME CRAZY. There is nothing worse to me then MLM product lines...except Nerium, its the worst! MLM is a multi-level-marketing pyramid scheme. Basically you buy into a company, get commision for your sales & have people sign up "under your team" and get commision for them joining. Now I am not going to knock all MLM lines because there are a select few that actually have decent products (nutrition, makeup, etc.) but what kills me are these woman selling skin care products with NO PROFESSIONAL LICENSE. They have no education on the anatomy of the skin at all...so why would anyone in their right mind trust them to educate them on skincare. Sure they have a webinar or some training, but they are NOT licensed skin care professionals...most of them are at home moms trying to make an extra buck and get a new lexus. 

Now lets get into the actual product. MLM product lines are not regulated by the FDA. Another red flag to me is the "automatic reorder". If the product worked you wouldn't need to use this sales tactic. Nerium claims to reverse wrinkles in two weeks. This is impossible. It takes 90 days to build collagen, not 14. Also this product doesn't penetrate deep enough to actually reverse the signs of aging.

Now lets talk ingredients. Nerium consists of Nerium Oleander leaf extract which is TOXIC...so toxic if you ingest it, it is fatal. Who in their right mind would apply a product to their skin that is FATAL. Nerium Oleander is a deadly plant and so deadly one leaf can kill a small child. Not only would I not put this on my face, I wouldn't keep it in my house. Reps claim that they use small amounts in their product and it cannot reach the bloodstream. However the company will not release how much of this toxic deadly plant is actually in their product....RED FLAG. They also will not release any of their scientific research...HELLO why not? I would never use a product which company will not release their research to the public.  There is no evidence that this product has any anti-aging benefits. 

The second ingredient found in this product is aloe barbadenis...just a fancy form of aloe vera. The rest of the ingredients can be found in any basic over the counter terrible skin care products. 

What about all these "wow" before and after pictures? Nerium Oldeander leaf is a skin irritant that causes swelling of the skin. If your skin is swollen & inflammed, your fine lines & wrinkles will appear smoother. However, having your skin in a constant state of inflammation is terrible for your skin. There is also a law suit against Nerium with actor Ray Liotta who has never used or heard of these products till he saw his before & after pictures posted everywhere with Nerium. Clearly lots of photoshop went down since he has never even heard of this product.

Conclusion: So ladies & gentlemen..please throw away this toxic fatal product. If there was such a fabulous miracle all-in-one product that Nerium claims to be estheticians, dermatologist, and doctors would be selling it everywhere. Instead we all strongly dislike this product & everything the company stands for. This product was given me to sample however there is no way I would apply this to my body or face. This product smells terrible. Also, you are given a list of ingredients that you cannot use with Nerium. Salicylic Acid was on the list and as an acne suffer, I could never go without my Sal. Acid. 

This product has no scientific research provided for the public, is toxic & fatal when ingested, causes inflammation of the skin in a negative way and is expensive.

Lastly, there has been lots of feedback on several forums about people using Nerium having cardiac issues. Once they stop using the products their issues stopped. Clearly the cardiac issues are linked to the poisonus fatal plant they are rubbing all over their face daily. 

IS YOUR MAKEUP CAUSING ACNE?

MAKEUP & ACNE 

Many teens & even adults who suffer with breakouts have a love/hate relationship with their makeup. They rely on it to cover up blemishes & acne marks however it's just causing more. Today we are going to talk about the best makeup for acne prone skin & what to look out for when shopping for foundations.

Acne cosmetica is the term for acne caused by makeup. Cosmetic induced breakouts are usually on the chin & cheek area more than the forehead. Acne cosmetica can take months to form making it confusing as to which products are causing the breakouts & irritation. 

Tips to prevent acne cosmetica:

-Wash makeup brushes/applicators frequently.

-Opt out for a powder base makeup over a liquid. Plus powder absorbs excess oil.

-Mineral makeup: if it itches that means it's irritating 

-Keep face bare when possible.

-Always remove makeup before bed..and I don't mean those terrible makeup cleansing wipes..WASH it.

-Avoid thick or solid makeup products like sticks, pancake cream, or cream to powder foundations/concealers.

-Look for fragrance free products. Hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic do not always mean these products won't clog your pores. These terms are often a marketing ploy & still can cause breakouts.

Here is a list of popular foundations with pore clogging ingredients proven to make acne worse:

-Clinique Acne Solutions (I have tried this one...it tore my skin up)

-Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid

-Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder-

-Mac Studio Fix

-Bare Minerals matte

Let me just tell you all...lots of my acne clients of all ages say they wear mac...all estheticians call mac MACNE. Throw it away....now. 

Great foundations for acne prone skin:

-Glo Minerals 

-Jane Iredale

-Priia Mineral Makeup

-Makeup Forever HD foundation & Mat Velvet

-Clinique Stay Matte 

-Cover FX mineral Foundation 

My all time favorite is Glo Minerals pressed base powder. Apply it with their finishing sponge ($5 sold separate) for great coverage & healthy skin. Find this at your local plastic surgeons office, dermatoligst office or medspa. 

List of popular pore clogging ingredients:

-artificial fragrance

-mineral oil

-artificial color

-petroleum

-wheat germ oil

-algae extract

-carrageenans

-red algae

-potassium chloride

-sodium chloride

-sodium lauryl sulfate

-isopropyl myristate

-hexadecyl alcohol

-laureth 4

-lanolin

Now the lists could go on & on for pore clogging ingredients & makeup but this is a small list to help you. Be sure to read the labels & check ingredients instead of falling for the marketing scheme of "non-comedogenic" & "hypo-allergenic".  

Eyelash & Eyebrow Tinting

With summer slowly but surely approaching I thought it would be a perfect time to do a post on eyebrow and eyelash tinting. This is my most popular add on service...it's quick, safe & easy on the wallet! Biosmetics Intensive tinting only uses natural ingredients (like sunflower oil) and contains no coal tar or other prohibited materials. The tinting extends the full length of the eyelashes which may have been faded by sun and water over time. The color lasts anywhere from 4-6 weeks. This is perfect to enhance your natural beauty & great for no make up days at the pool, lake & beach!

Here are some of my clients before & after pictures:

This month I am running a special on tinting. Get both your eyebrows and eyelashes tinted for only $30 (save $5). The appointment only takes around 15-25 minutes. To take advantage of this offer text or call 859.619.2155. 

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. 

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