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The Importance of Skin Care

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Most people take skin care completely for granted. When looking at beauty gurus and skin specialists uploading elaborate skin care routines, you may think, “What is the point of all that?” Even if you just use a face wash and shower every day, it may not actually be enough. Here is why it is crucial to care for your skin on a daily basis.

How the Skin Operates

Before knowing the importance of skin care, it is wise to understand what all that the skin constitutes of and the functions of it. The skin has three layers. The first layer is the subcutaneous layer, which consists of fat to insulate the body. The second layer is the dermis, which consists of connective tissues and the like. The last layer which we can visibly see is the epidermis, and its basic function is to protect the inner layers from environmental contaminants. The cells contained in the epidermis layer continually travel from the inner most area of the layer to the surface, and these cells flake off when they reach the outer surface. Thus, the cells in this layer begin to thin over time. This causes less collagen to be produced, making the skin lose its elasticity, and causes the skin to become wrinkly and saggy. Sweat glands decrease and the subcutaneous layer also becomes smaller. UVB and UVA rays cause the epidermis to shrink even further and make the collagen breakdown faster in the dermis layer.

The Importance of Caring For Your Skin

The simple reason to care for your skin is to prevent breakouts. The more serious reasons to care for your skin is to prevent it from drying out and to reduce the chances of skin cancer. Caring for your skin can also make your skin look younger, healthier and glowing for a longer time. Skin sheds on a daily basis, so in order to keep your skin looking healthy, it is important to take the necessary steps for it.

What to Include In Your Skin Care Routine

There are simple ways to improve your skin care routine. Skin care novices also do not need to worry as there are plenty of quick and easy skin care regimes to follow. Here are a few ways to care for your skin in the easiest and best way possible.

Cleansing

This may sound simple, but different skin types will need to be aware of the cleansing method they apply in order to clean dirt, bacteria and dead skin cells. For dry skin, it is advised to use liquid cleansers instead of soap. However, it is still important to keep your skin type in mind, as many liquid cleansers also have moisturizing agents in them.

Applying sunscreen

Application of sunscreen with a minimum of 15 SPF is absolutely essential when heading outdoors in order to avoid skin cancer and other skin related diseases and decrease in elasticity.

Facials

It is recommended to get facials every now and again. Not only is it a luxurious treat but it can also help in different areas relating to skin problems depending on the facial you choose to get.

Serums

Another thing to add to your skin care routine, if you can afford it, are serums. They may include antioxidants and/or retinol which heavily supports skin health by calming down redness and firming the skin and improving its texture.
Check out Infinite Beauty’s wide range of skin care products and services to get the best looking and healthiest skin possible!

Summer to Fall Skin Care Regimen

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Summer to Fall Skin Care Regimen

Beach and pool season has come to an end, but on the bright side, the humidity is going away! Nothing baffles us more than taking our time applying makeup in the morning only to have it melt off by the time you arrive to work.

Going into the fall season, your serums, BB creams, and heavy moisturizers are safe to wear from the heat during the summer. Before you begin integrating your beloved sweaters and boots into your fall wardrobe, it is time to shield your complexion from the low temperatures. As the seasons change, a change in your skin care regimen is a must!

Do you ever wonder why your skin changes during the fall season?

It is important to change your regimen as the seasons change because your skin is always exposed to the environment. That means your skin is more susceptible to changes in the environment than other organs in your body. Fall brings on a chillier climate with more frequent winds with temperatures roller coasting from high to low,and back up high.

Tips for the Best Skin During Fall

Change the following:

1. Cleanser

Changing your cleanser is the step that can make a big difference for your skin. The increased amount of sweat and activity you are doing requires using a stronger clarifying cleanser. Fall and winter call for a more mellow cleanser. If the summer cleanser is too harsh on your skin, switch to a more hydrating one.

2. Toner

The same rules apply to your toner – reach for something more balancing. Be sure to avoid toners that are alcohol based, the alcohol is very drying to the skin.

3. Moisturizer

During the summer we opt for a lightweight moisturizer so it won’t clog pores. During the fall we’re undergoing the process of a transition from warmer days to windy colder days. Less water and blasting the heater takes away that hydration in our skin leaving behind dry, flaky skin that accentuates fine lines and wrinkles.

Incorporate:

4. Exfoliate

Exfoliation is always recommended despite the current season. It is one of the best ways to curtail the appearance of dark spots and keep your skin tone polished.

We have begun to enter into the time of year where our skin produces less oils and becomes more irritable by the environment – rain, wind, and the fluctuating temperature will dull out your skin. Pay attention to when your skin needs reviving.

5. Decrease Pore Size

Due to increased sweating, pores often enlarge. Unfortunately for us that means we will be seeing more pores in the fall.

Try purifying mud mask to absorb excess oils twice a week until you notice a difference. Don’t forget to exfoliate prior to masking!

6. Moisture Rich Masks

Transitioning from summer to fall and winter bring on a more cool, and drier air that your skin will be breathing. Changing your moisturizer alone may not be sufficient enough to keep your skin balanced.

Incorporate a moisture rich masks with your weekly skin care regime. If you can to go the au naturale route, make your own using ingredients from your kitchen. Avocados, bananas, oatmeal, yogurt, honey and work great an at home mask.

7. Continue to Hydrate your skin!

Drinking water falls under the hydration category, especially during the dry weather. Although it’s no longer warm, don’t forget to drink glass after glass to continuously replenish our bodies. We still are in need of that extra boost, and serums do just that!

 

Retinoids: The skincare ingredient explained…

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Retinoids: The skincare ingredient explained…

What are retinoids?

Retinoids are a class of compound vitamins extracted from vitamin A, that is frequently used in skincare. Listed in the order of potency: retinoic acid, retinaldehyde, retinol, and retinyl palmitate. The ingredient retinoic acid is the active form of the chemical that can be easily used on skin, however almost always requires a prescription like tretinoin. 

Effective retinoids tend to be more irritating, so a less potent one doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a bad thing. By using a weaker form, it could be more effective because it won’t irritate the skin as much, and the chances of repetitive use will be higher.  

Types

Retinoids come in more than one shape or form, the few different types that add to the misconceptions are tretinoin, retinol, and retinyl esters. What makes them slightly different is because of the chemical compounds. They’re all conveniently available over the counter and less potent than tretinoin. Retinol, (often in everyday products) is a lighter form of retinoid.

Suitable skin types

Seen as a powerful plumping agent on maturing skin, or for those who have been subjected to premature aging by the sun, retinoids are remarkably effective on acne battling skin.

The best time to incorporate them

Popularly known as an anti-aging ingredient, the benefits vary – considering introducing them into our skincare routine sooner than later. Did you know that skin loses on average 1 percent of collagen per year starting in your mid-twenties? Incorporating retinoids in your late-twenties and on is an appropriate time to add to your routine skincare.

How to use them?

Opt for an over the counter product that has at least 0.1 percent retinol and read the entire ingredient list or ask at the counter what the product contains. The amount of retinol may be increased to 0.3 percent or 0.5 percent as your skin builds up the tolerance to it.

Drawbacks

Common side effects will include stinging, peeling, burning, and irritation upon initial contact with skin. As you begin to build up a tolerance by steadily using it a few times a week, you will get to gauge and see what you can manage – if the product makes your skin sore, chose to give it a rest. If your skin can endure retinol, you can choose to up the number of times you’re using it per week. For sensitive skin type or those that suffer from inflammatory skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis, consult with a dermatologist before using as the products can possibly cause further skin problems.

 

Repair Sun Damaged Skin

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Prevention isn’t always 100% foolproof, unfortunately, there is no way to stop the sun from emitting harmful UV rays from hurting your skin. With that being said, it’s crucial to utilize the natural remedies and effective treatments to repair your damaged skin.

1. Our Signature Facials

The extraction, massage, exfoliation mask, and steam application during a facial treatment leads to skin revitalization, or in other words – fresh, rejuvenated skin. This improves the appearance of the skin, giving it a healthy, balanced, and robust glow.

2. Lemon

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade! Or use them as a solution for everything!

Lemon juice is a wonderful route for an organic remedy to sun damage on your skin, neck, and chest. The acidity in the lemons known as alpha-hydroxy pushes for cell production and nourishes the skin.

A little lemon juice on a cotton ball is just enough to stimulate all natural cell healing, production, and regrowth. Gently swab the damaged areas and leave on the skin until dry for about half an hour. Wash with warm water to hydrate skin before applying moisturizer.

Disclaimer, when using lemons to skin back to health, watch out for irritation after initial use. DO NOT leave on further than 30 minutes, doing so can further damage to your already affected skin.

3. Vitamin C

The three benefits of this vitamin:

  1. Rejuvenates skin by encouraging fresh, healthy cell regrowth
  2. Tackles premature aging of the skin by preventing free radicals that can damage collagen
  3. It discourages enzyme tyrosinase that plays a role in the formation of melanin that is guilty of producing dark spots.

Excess sun exposure increases free radicals that impede collagen production and accelerates aging. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that shields against the damage from ruining your skin. To prevent skin discoloration, reach for products such as lotions and serums that contain vitamin C. Consuming foods with vitamin C such as kale, kiwi, or oranges can help as well.

4. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is the holy grail – it has been highly praised for its many uses and we’ll tell you why. It’s loaded with healthy fatty acids and vitamin E. The fatty acids moisturize the skin naturally and the vitamin E works as an organic antioxidant that aids in diminishing inflammation from UVA and UVB rays from the sun.

A little goes a long way, so use sparingly. You can store it at room temperature or in the fridge. It works great as a moisturizer on sun damaged skin. You will notice a difference in your overall tone and complexion soon after applying a small amount a few times a day.

5 Reasons Why Your Skin Care Routine Is Important  

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The Importance Of Skin Care

What is your skin care routine, or better question is, do you have one? Or do you go to bed each night without being concerned with your skin? You don’t put too much thought into your skin care routine, but the reality is, you should. The importance of skin care is not overrated, considering we all know the skin is the largest organ of the body. It works every day to protect and prevent our bodies from harmful elements. Almost frequently, our skin advises us if we are healthy, or suffering from maintaining a healthy lifestyle. In contrast to other crucial body systems, your skin is exposed to the outside environment causing skin problems due to irritants in the air such as automobile exhaust, smoke from chemical factories, pollution, and sun damage due to excessive exposure in daylight.

Getting To Know Your Skin?

It’s in our nature as a woman to take care, groom, and pamper ourselves to look the best we can. As procedure to best care for our skin, we need to properly classify what type we have. Products are precisely designed to work for different skin types. I.e. using a heavy moisturizing face wash made for dry skin type would break out oily skin.

There are three main categories: Normal, oily, and dry. Occasionally you will see “combination” as a type, which is the most common one.

Prevention is easier 

Forestalling potential skin problems now is easier than attempting to solve skin problems in the future. Taking time to concern yourself in a daily skin care routine takes less time than having to address it in the future as a consequence  due to negligent in the future.

A Skin Care Routine Is More Cost Effective 

When you address and take care of your skin health, you avoid in the future such as, acne scars, deep wrinkles, hyper pigmentation, and other underlying skin issues. A daily skin care routine can prevent unwanted trips to the dermatologist or plastic surgeon.

Beautiful Skin is A Lifelong Process

Good skin is a lifelong process, and developing a daily skin care routine beginning today will nourish beautiful skin for the future. The decisions you make today will benefit you in the long run.

When You Look Good, You Feel Good

Having clean and healthy skin can lift your confidence and keep you looking and feeling your best! Your face is the part of you that others see upon first meeting you, so go forth with your best face forward. A daily skin care routine can guide you to this.

A Skin Care Routine Can Assist In Implementing Other Healthy Routines

Adding a skin care routine to your other healthy lifestyle routines can help you develop better habits all around. This can include oral, hair, scalp, and personal hygiene routines. Do them all together so you can look good, and feel amazing!

Have you been convinced now to nourish your skin with a daily routine? It’s never too late to develop a skin care routine that is suitable for you and can keep your skin healthy, glowing, and looking great for years to come!

 

Skincare ingredients

Skincare Ingredients that should never be used together

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Vitamin C, Retinol, Sunscreen….

It’s as if all skin concerns have a solution nowadays. Looking to minimize the appearance of fine lines? Try retinol. Want a moisturizer that will keep your skin glowing and supple? Reach for something containing hyaluronic acid. Need to fade dark spots and renew skin? Look for vitamin C.

So many active ingredients, yet determining when and how to use these products can be a struggle particularly when you’re trying to find a routine that fits your skin type.

Amongst all active ingredients, sunscreen, vitamin C and retinol are the three that are suitable simple for everyday skincare. (It’s recommended to consult with a dermatologist to see what’s best for your skin type.)

The Do’s and Don’ts of how to integrate them into your daily routine:

  • Do combine Vitamin C + Sunscreen
    • Vitamin C and sunscreen are pair up well. Make sure to apply serum before sunscreen in the morning, and retinol cream in the evening.
  • Don’t combine Vitamin C + Retinol

Products that contain Vitamin C act as an antioxidant that can help fight skin damage caused by sun exposure and other environmental pollutants. Vitamin C is known for agents that brighten dark spots, collaging building to reduce fine lines, and overall appearance of skin.

Retinol and retinoids can improve brown spots and fine lines over time, but however can typically make skin more sensitive to light exposure.

It’s best to steer clear from mixing both ingredients and choose to use vitamin C serum in the morning and retinol cream before bed. That way both ingredients can work to their full potential without clashing.

Don’t combine Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids + Retinol

Alpha and beta hydroxy acids are commonly used in exfoliating products. It acts as a buffing agent removing the top layer of skin to improve discoloration over time. Retinols treat acne and aid in diminishing sun spots, fine lines, and wrinkles.

Using both at the same time can disrupt your pH level causing excessively dry, red and irritated skin. To avoid irritated skin, it is suggested to use them at various times of the day or even better, different days of the week.

Don’t combine Benzoyl Peroxide + Retinol

Retinol and Benzoyl used together are ineffective because both ingredients cancel each other out being incompatible. Any irritating products that contain acid should not be used with retinol such as a recent chemical peel or laser treatments.  

Don’t combine Benzoyl Peroxide + Vitamin C

It’s not recommended to use Benzoyl and vitamin C products together because they can offset each other’s effects, i.e. benzoyl peroxide can oxides the vitamin C.

Combine Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids + Vitamin C CAREFULLY

Both hydroxy acid and vitamin C products can potentially work together since they both can perform in acidic environments. Being they are both made of acidic formulas, the combination of both can irritate the skin more.

Vitamin C and salicylic acid can work together for oily skin type, but it’s recommended to wait a few minutes in between applications.

Lastly the most important skincare product for all skin types is hands down sunscreen. SPF of 30 or greater is optimal, and remember to allow time to dry in between moisturizer.

Sun protection is key: if you aren’t wearing sunscreen, oils, retinols and vitamin C won’t work to its full advantage.