Even though the skin around the eyes ages 30% faster than the rest of your face there are wonderful products and steps to take that reduce the signs of aging in this area. Here’s some tips to help your eyes age beautifully: Start using an eye cream in your mid to late 20s. Preserving the moisture in the eye area (there are no sebaceous glands) helps to fight fine lines from developing As you get older, use eye creams that also firm and help the cells in the skin function better. Use an eye cream morning and night - every day. And at night use on the lid - actually apply a small amount from the brow to the crease and it will wick over the lid. That helps minimize crepiness. Use an eye makeup remover that conditions, repairs and treats your skin - start this early and your lashes will stay in good shape, too. Using a product just to remove makeup and not give you other benefits is not worth the long-term negative impact to your skin or lashes. Wear an undereye concealer that has the same benefits as an eye makeup remover - one that treats as well as covers. Sometimes it’s the little things that add up and really help - take that approach with your eyes to age beautifully.

Refresher on Skincare Especially for Winter

We are hearing more and more about blue light exposure. So what is it and what can it do to us? Blue light is HEV - high energy visible light, the light that comes from the sun, computers and other light sources. The reason it is getting so much attention is that it is the most energetic visible light, and can result in the most biological effects in organs exposed to the sun and other light sources, which are mainly your skin and eyes. Too much blue light can lead to the following problems: Eye Strain - causing eye strain and fatigue ultimately causing damage to the retina and back of the eye inner lining Skin Stressor - increased exposure to blue light can cause premature aging of your skin. This is caused by inflammation and free radical production from the light - similar to what the sun light can do. Sleep Disruptor - believe it or not, blue light is necessary for vital functions like regulating a healthy circadian rhythm ( the body’s natural wakefulness and sleep cycle). However too much blue light disturbs that cycle causing sleepless nights and daytime fatigue. What can you do? Blink more when on the computer to moisturize your eyes Reduce the brightness on your devices Use your SPF everyday no matter if you go out or not Limit screen time or purchase protective shields such as anti-reflective yellow glasses Use a screen protection cover that carry the Eyesafe brand of certification. For more into visit the Eyesafe website.

Bakuchiol is very popular as natural skin care products continue to grow. Research has shown that bakuchiol has a range of anti-aging benefits for skin. It can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, help restore firmness, refine skin texture and even out skin tone by reducing discoloration. Bakuchiol has a pronounced calming effect on skin making it a good option for those whose skin shows signs of sensitivity. The soothing and calming properties of bakuchiol could help those with acne-prone skin. Bakuchiol is a natural skincare ingredient found in the leaves and seeds of the Psoralea corylifolia plant. Bakuchiol has its roots in Chinese Medicine, and the latest research shows topical application has unique benefits for all skin types. Research has also shown amounts or concentrations of bakuchiol in products should be between 0.5-2% to get visible benefits.

Collagen is a key element in keeping our skin plump, firm and thick. Since we are not producing as much collagen as we age, our skin thins out, gravity takes its toll and the sagging begins. When cosmetic threads are placed, the body thinks it needs to heal the area so it jumps starts the “healing response” and begins the natural production of collagen. Increased collagen means firmer, smoother, thicker skin with increased hydration filling the skin with vital nutrients. Threading treatments are another aging beautiful option for a tailored, customized and natural facial rejuvenation. Thread treatments fill the gap between injectables and surgery. They are effective alone or in conjunction with injectables and other advanced treatments such as PRP, etc. Threading Treatments are effective in the following: Skin tightening and lifting Softening wrinkles & lines Softening marionette lines and nasolabial folds Tightening masseter muscle or jawline Lift the neck/submental muscle or jaw line Are you a good candidate for Thread Treatments? For the most optimal results, the ideal candidate should have a skin layer that is not too thin or too thick and not extremely uneven. The skin should be thin enough so a PDO thread can make a visible difference and thick enough so the threads are not too close to the surface of the skin. One way to check before a consultation is to lay down on your back and see if you like the way your face looks, as it can be a good indicator of how effective the threads can be. Then schedule a consultation so you completely understand the treatment and related results.

Just as we adjust our wardrobes to adapt to cooler temperatures, our skincare routines need an update to help our skin adjust to the colder, drier climate. While we have yet to feel winter's wrath, the best way to prep your skin for the harsh conditions and changing temperature is to start transitioning your skin-care routine now. Getting a jump-start on windburn and dry air is one of the best ways to ensure your face and body will look fresh and hydrated all season long - keeping that summer glow. First, it is time for a facial, or for some, a peel. Clients are asking how often should I have a facial? The answer is minimally twice a year for the seasonal changes. Rid your skin of the past season’s abuse and prepare for the next seasons challenges. Facials set your skin right for your changeup in your daily skin care regimen. See our special the Guinot Detoxygene Treatment. Second, update your daily care skin care regimen. One of the most important steps in a regimen is exfoliation. No matter how cold and dry the air gets, the key to smooth skin this winter is regular exfoliation, but don’t overdo it. Two to three times a week for normal skin is a good routine. Next consider your cleanser. Cleansers can strip your skin of natural oils, dry it out, and over time, lead to more visible lines and wrinkles. What worked in the summer may not work in the colder weather. Remember, cleansing is an important step morning and night to remove impurities, makeup and excess oil that can clog pores and provide a haven for bacteria. If you have dry, mature skin use a creamy cleanser at night and remember to cleanse twice. In the morning during the colder weather use a hydrating toner. Too much water can cause dryness. Next step is your moisturizer. Regardless of your skin type, you definitely need to step this up in the colder weather. If you are more prone to blemishes, then add a moisturizing serum. For dry or mature skin also add a moisturizing serum followed by a moisturizer with good oils. Even in the cooler weather never forget your sunscreen. Whether you have it in your makeup or not apply it every day to your face, neck, décolleté and hands. One final consideration for your skin care regimen in the colder weather is your makeup foundation. Depending on your skin type there are many that are clean - no preservatives, and extension of your skin care (ingredients that are helping your skin not just covering it) and right for your skin. Select a makeup foundation similar to your moisturizer and remember more protection is better in the colder months.

This is a question I get a lot from clients, so I want to share the benefits of jade or rose quartz facial rollers. When used in a facial massage, these tools provide you with: Soften tense facial muscles by moving tension out Depuff your face by pushing fluids out to the lymph nodes Improve circulation which feeds your skin nutrients and gives you radiance These rollers are great in professional treatments but also when used at home. And now with stress levels up with the impact of covid19 they could be a good beauty investment for you use at home.

I am very glad to announce that SkinTrust is open. It has been a tough couple of months for all of us and as you get comfortable with assuming many of your normal activities, I want you to be very comfortable with your safety visiting SkinTrust. Please remember I am the only person you will have contact with while you are in the office. Here are my safety procedures before and following a client visit: In preparation for a client visit the doorbell, doorknobs, any surface a client touches, the treatment table, all the products, and any other equipment used is sanitized using Cavicide, which is a medical grade disinfectant. A HEPA Air Purifier has been added to the office. Please wear a mask. I will greet you with one on. When you enter SkinTrust you will be asked to leave any personal belongings on a chair in the reception area and use a hand sanitizer. Right before the treatment, in the treatment room, you will remove your mask. You will be given a Ziploc plastic bag to place your mask in when it is removed. The bag stays with you, and directly after the treatment before leaving the room, you will put your mask on and take the plastic bag with you. I will ask you to sign a Precautionary COVID-19 release. During every treatment, in additional to my mask, I will wear a face shield and gloves. All laundry will be in an enclosed container When you check out if you use a credit card, I will process it, show you the transaction amount, sign for you and sanitize your card before I return it to you. I have been seeing clients for two weeks and I have asked each one if they felt safe – and I am happy to say everyone has said they did. My hope is this provides confidence that you will be well cared for at SkinTrust. Please know I value you as a client, your safety is of the utmost importance to me and I look forward to seeing you when the time is right for you.

Putting It All Together

If you ever notice how thirsty you get when it’s hot outside, that’s because your body’s natural water content evaporates more quickly in warm weather. It’s not just your mouth that gets parched, your entire body, including your skin, can feel the impact of climbing temperatures. Keeping your skin supple, soft and well-hydrated helps ensure it doesn’t dry and crack, which is just as possible during the warm summer months as in the winter. Use these tips to create a healthy summer skin care regimen. Protect your skin from burning and drying out by wearing proper sunscreen. Use one with a SPF of 30, not more than a 50 SPF and broad spectrum. Remember, when you are near water, reflections can magnify the sun’s intensity. Moisturize often, including when you get out of the shower, and if necessary, other times throughout the day. Shorten bath and shower time. Prolonged hot water will strip the skin of moisture causing dehydrated skin - also causing creepiness in the skin. Remember the best time to apply moisturizer is right after a shower or bath when your skin is damp. Your moisturizer will lock in the moisture. Exfoliate - best to do this two to three times a week for your face and body. Removing the dead cell build up helps your products work even better. Air conditioning takes moisture out of the air and out of your skin. Keep adding moisture when you start to feel dry or dehydrated and turn the air conditioner down or step outside and enjoy some of summer’s humidity. Consume hydrating foods like berries, melon, cucumbers and zucchini. And drink your water! Enjoy your summer!

When I talk with clients, I try to explain the concepts of internal and external moisture of the skin. Moisturizers, the second most popular skin care product after cleansers, should provide both protection against moisture loss and attract/add moisture internally to several layers of the epidermis. Many moisturizers just provide a soft, smooth feel to the skin locking in whatever internal moisture exists. Early moisturizers were primarily made of mineral oily, glycerin and preservatives. Mineral oil made the skin feel smooth and kept moisture locked in while glycerin added some internal moisture. However, the problem is mineral oil is petroleum based and not healthy for skin. Today for good skin health and especially if you are 45 or older, you need a moisturizer that adds or creates internal moisture plus protects against moisture loss to the environment. Emollients such as dimethicone, grape seed, borage, jojoba or sesame seed oil make your skin smooth and soft and protect against water loss. Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, sorbitol, sodium PCA, or glycerin add internal moisture to your skin. Thus, keeping skin glowing. There are also ingredients Acetyl Hexapeptide 3 or aquasense that not just add but promote internal hydration. Moisturizers can also contain cosmeceuticals ingredients such as peptides or Vitamin C that are functioning to protect or repair the skin. Know what is in your moisturizer and what your skin needs then pay accordingly. Many moisturizers do not have the functional ingredients to add or promote internal hydration; they only protect moisture loss. Your skin needs the internal and external moisture necessary for healthy skin.