Category skin care

The alcohol relationship with cancer has grown more complex. New study has found a link between drinking and melanoma. Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer and somehow white wine shows the highest risk of getting it.

Previous studies have found differing results on alcohol’s links to cancer. When the body metabolizes ethanol, some is turned into acetaldehyde, a carcinogen that can impair cells’ efforts to repair DNA. It’s proved that heavy alcohol consumption leads to cancers of the liver, pancreas, colon and rectum. However several studies have found also a link between even light drinking and breast cancer.

The new study about white wine consumption was published in the American Association for Cancer Research’s journal Cancer, Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.  Eunyoung Cho who is an author, is an associate professor of dermatology and epidemiology at Brown University.

Why white wine not a red one? The researchers theorized that because wine has higher levels of pre-existing acetaldehyde than beer or spirits, it poses a higher risk. And while red and white wine have similar levels, the antioxidants in red wine may counterbalance the risk. (Previous studies have found that the antioxidant resveratrol may reduce the risk of melanomas and protect the body from sunburns.)

Source: spadeepmagazine

One thing for sure is the whiter your skin, the easier it is to see those skin blemishes, freckles, age spots, etc. Any skin imperfections are going to show up much easier on lighter skin. Asian people seem to have such beautiful skin, don’t they? Is it something that comes naturally, or does it have to do with their diet and lifestyle as a culture? I’d say it’s a little bit of both, but no doubt Asian skin does appear naturally beautiful.

When learning about Asian skin differency, it’s also important to realize that there are definitely skin conditions that Asian people do have to deal with quite often than Caucasian people don’t.

For starters, while many Caucasian people do deal with oily skin, it’s a fact that Asian people on average have oilier skin. Did you know that?

Asians tend to have a thicker and denser dermal layer of the skin and there is a higher concentration of collagen, which means age-related skin changes are not as marked as Caucasians. Asians have a tendency to look younger than their real age!

Asian people are a little more blessed when it comes to sun exposure, too. You see, Caucasian people often burn when they get in the sun for long periods of time, but Asian people tend to just get darker. As a Caucasian person, I echo the sentiment: Wouldn’t that be nice?

Asians as mentioned do have to deal with certain skin problems more than Caucasian people though, such as scars. They are more common in Asian people’s skin as it more sensitively to physical trauma. However, Asian skin definitely tends to look more youthful.

It’s interesting to know about Asian skin differency, but you must take care of your skin no matter what type of skin you have.

If you’ve been fortunate enough to enjoy a facial, no doubt you are familiar with the delights of a facial massage. This massage is relaxing, and feels amazing! But are there any more benefits of facial massage? Is facial massage more than relaxation? Why yes, it is! In this article, we will discuss the benefits of facial massage that you may not have been aware of.

The first benefit to a facial massage is anti-aging effects. The muscles underneath the skin respond well to exercise like every other muscle in the body. You don’t just have to wait for a facial to get this benefit, either. Regular facial massage done at home, incorporated into your regular skin care routine, will help the facial skin to look younger and healthier before you know it!

Facial massage also helps to relieve tension. If you have oily skin, however, or skin that is prone to breaking out, it’s best to keep your facial massage short and sweet. A massage lasting ten minutes is sufficient. Remember not to pull your skin, and massage gently in circular motions that are moving upward.

Facial massage also works to improve circulation. Blood and oxygen is increased as you massage around your eyes, brows, and mouth.

Is facial massage more than relaxation? Yes, but that doesn’t mean that relaxation itself doesn’t provide some amazing benefits! Receiving a facial massage can help to improve your mood, and reduce levels of stress. This leads to improved quality of life.

So are there any benefits to facial massage besides the relaxation it provides? Yes there are! So incorporate facial massage into your skin care routine, and sit back and reap the benefits of your handiwork! You’ll be giving a killer facial massage like a professional in no time.

SPF (Sun Protection Factor)- wear it on not?

As an Esthetician I can assure you that you will regret in 20 years from now for not having worn sunscreen when you look at your skin compared to friends and family who have worn daily sunscreen.

Top five reasons you should wear sunscreen:

1. The ozone layer is depleting and our body needs shielding from harmful rays.
2. Skin cancer rates are on the rise and sunscreen has been proven to decrease the development of skin cancer.
3. It helps to prevent skin discolorations.
4. It helps to reduce the appearance of facial red veins and blotchiness.
5. It slows down the premature skin aging and wrinkles.

What about the need for obtaining vitamin D via the sun?

Most people can meet vitamin D requirements of 600 IU per day with daily 30 minutes outdoor activities, twice per week. Same result they can achieve by eating vitamin D rich diet of fish, milk, dairy, liver, eggs or taking vitamin D supplement. So prolonged sun exposure gives no extra benefits of Vitamin D production.

Medications, that increase risks of sun burns and damage.

There are many medications which may make the skin extra susceptible to sun. These include: anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular and acne medications.:

• Doxycycline and Minocycline used in the treatment of acne
• Accutane
• Topical acne products, such as vitamin A (Yes! your Retin A from Doctor office!)
• Benzoyl Peroxide.

Are there any natural sunscreen?

Yes. The newest sunscreens are formulated with either tinted mineralized zinc oxide or titanium dioxide that can bronze the skin or matched to skin color.

Are there any natural spray-on sunscreens?

Yes, Spray-on sunscreen are great for people who don’t like the feel of lotion on their hands or face. Great spray sunscreen to try is a Cosmedix Reflect.

Do I need to reapply SPF every 2 hours?

Yes. Most of the SPF stop working after 2 hours. If you plan to spend ore time outside then you need to reapply it after 2 hours.

For more info about skin care treatments visit our website at www.laestetica.co or call us at 415 787 2772

What concerns many is how persistent eye festoon bags are and if they can be treated. For those who are not willing to undergo surgery to improve the appearance, there are some conservative options including the following:

• Acupuncture
• Herbal remedies and Vitamin K
• Neotensil (Spandex for the eye)
• Dermal Fillers
• Lipodissolve

In Chinese medicine, dysfunction of internal organs present themselves on the face. Problems around the eyes are believed to be connected to some underlying imbalance, usually involving the kidneys, adrenal glands, and the liver. Well-trained acupuncturists will take a full health history to pinpoint the culprit and then treat the acupuncture points associated with the imbalance. Doing it will improve the appearance of bags and dark circles. Holistic acupuncturists may also prescribe herbal medicine or micronutrients, such as Licorice, Angelica, Milk Thistle, or Vitamin K. They will improve the functioning of those organs, bring nutrients to the affected area, and result in improved facial representation of organ function.

Neotensil™ is a new product. It involves the application of two layers of product that works to reshape the skin and acts much like Spandex. Step 1 involves the placement of a reshaping base layer. Step 2 application of an activating layer that cross links with the base layer; resulting in shaping the skin under the eye. The improvement seen can last up to 16 hours.

Dermal Fillers can improve the appearance by “filling in” the space below the fat pad thereby blending the fat pad to the cheek curve. Results can last up to one year.

Lipodissolve is injection of a solution into the fat pad that essentially dissolves the fat pad. This should be done with extreme caution and can be associated with significant erythema (redness) and edema (swelling) for up to 10 days and may need to be repeated.

What is the difference between “eye bags” and eye festoons?

Festoons—also called malar mounds are not well understood by most people. Many who actually have festoons are unaware of the condition or what is causing it. Bags are caused by fat or fluid protruding through the skin in the lower eyelid area, while festoons, which also protrude, are primarily on the upper part of the cheek. The two together can look like one large protrusion, but they’re separate issues.
Bags often appear as puffy circles directly beneath the eye. If you touch them, they’re usually firmer, and you can’t easily move them from side to side. That’s an indication they’re bags. Also, if you look up, they become more prominent. Bags are generally associated with aging, allergies and fatigue.

Festoons, on the other hand, are high on the cheek, although they can extend to the lower lid area. They feel squishy to the touch, and they can be easily moved from side to side. They don’t become more prominent when you look up.
Festoons are usually the result of damage. Sun exposure, smoking, poor diet, drinking coffee and alcohol and aging are among the possible causes. In addition they can be due to circulatory issues and high blood pressure. The results can be worsened by the contrasting pull of underlying facial muscles over the years. Fair-skinned people tend to be more susceptible to festoons. Although those with darker skin tones are not immune.

Although festoons can be an indication of some serious medical conditions it is more likely that they are a result of lifestyle and diet. For example, festoons may expand if someone has a sensitivity to caffeinated drinks. Eye Strain caused by too much computer time or television can also increase their size. Festoons will become a pinkish color and will diminish or expand.

Treatments for festoon and eye bags:

What concerns many is how persistent festoon bags are and if they can be treated. Once they start to appear they tend to become a permanent facial feature which shrinks or expands depending on the body’s reaction to certain triggers. Skin care products can help improve fine lines, wrinkles and the look of “bags”.

For those who are not willing to undergo surgery to improve the appearance, there are some conservative options including the following.

• Acupuncture
• Herbal remedies and Vitamin K
• Neotensil (Spandex for the eye)
• Dermal Fillers
• Lipodissolve

In Chinese medicine, dysfunction of internal organs present themselves on the face; and problems around the eyes are believed to be connected to some underlying imbalance, usually involving the kidneys, adrenal glands, and the liver. Well-trained acupuncturists will take a full health history to pinpoint the culprit and then treat the acupuncture points associated with the imbalance, and in doing so will improve the appearance of bags and dark circles. Holistic acupuncturists may also prescribe herbal medicine or micronutrients, such as Licorice, Angelica, Milk Thistle, or Vitamin K, which will improve the functioning of those organs, bring nutrients to the affected area, and result in improved facial representation of organ function.

Neotensil™ is a new product that can be used on the skin to offer temporary improvement in the appearance of “eye bags”. It involves the application of two layers of product that works to reshape the skin and acts much like Spandex does for abdominal fat. Step 1 involves the placement of a reshaping base layer. Step 2 involves the application of an activating layer that cross links with the base layer; resulting in shaping the skin under the eye, and the improvement seen can last up to 16 hours.

Dermal Fillers can improve the appearance by “filling in” the space below the fat pad thereby blending the fat pad to the cheek curve. Depending on the filler used this can last for at least one year.

Lipodissolve is injection of a solution into the fat pad that essentially dissolves the fat pad. This should be done with extreme caution and can be associated with significant erythema (redness) and edema (swelling) for up to 10 days and may need to be repeated.

Regardless, if the condition is really a Festoon, and not a bag, all of the above treatments may either not improve the bag, or actually make the appearance worse.
All depends on individual skin condition…

What to Look for In Moisturizers for Oily, Normal and Dry Skin

Oily Skin?

Oily skin is a skin type prone to breakouts. Most people assume that because it has a moisture to it that moisturizers should not be used on this skin type. Actually, oily skin needs just as much moisture as any other type. However, you should be looking for formulations that contain anti-acne ingredients as well as ingredients that keep it from becoming too greasy. Look for willow bark in a natural lotion. Also, if you can find moisturizers with salicylic acid you should buy them as they will help prevent breakouts.

Skincare Routine for Oily Skin

1. Cleanse twice a day: morning and night. People with this kid of skin should use gel based cleansers to help clean out pores and strip away excess oil. Ingredients such as: Alpha Hydrox Acid will best.
2. Toning is very import to pick up left over dirt, cleanser and pH the skin.

If you have Normal Skin, you are lucky. You can choose just about any moisturizer you want, as long as it does not have the ingredients you might find in products designed for oily skin.

If you have Combination Skin, choose an oil-based or cream moisturizer and apply it liberally when the skin is dry. When skin is normal, a water-based moisturizer that has a light, non-greasy feel is best.

Dry Skin?

Dry skin often feels tight, especially when you smile. It may look leathery despite a person’s age. The best way to check if your skin is dehydrated/dry is to lift your cheeks or lightly pinch the skin on the forehead. If fine lines appear, then the skin is lacking in water. Severely dry skin can be itchy, red and irritated. If left unchecked, can cause pre matured aging.

Skincare Routine for Dry Skin

1. Cleanse. People with dry skin should look for a creamy, soothing cleanser. They should avoid foam cleansers as they tend to be over drying. To stimulate oil producing gland cleanser should be massage into skin.  Best cleanser should contain glycerin and hyaluronic acid as these ingredients draw water to the surface of the skin
2. Tone. Use toner because it helps moisturizer be absorbed into the skin. Try something rosewater. Apply a thin layer of toner on the skin before applying moisturizer.
3. Moisturize. Moisturizing is a must when your skin is dry. Buy the one that is thick and creamy.

Sometimes what can help you is to use a hydrating mask once a week followed good exfoliation.

For more info about skin care treatments visit our website at www.laestetica.co or call us at 415 787 2772

Have you been hearing all about the different ways that you can add juicing to your daily activities? There are a few things that you should take into consideration before you add fresh juices to your diet. Not only is it going to be a good idea to learn why the trend of juicing has taken off and the benefits involved, but you can also gather some good information on what you can expect from the process.

Juicing is a great way to detox the body, prevent disease and lose weight.

There’s something appealing about being able to blend up broccoli, kale and cucumbers and mask them with the sweet taste of strawberries. You get your vitamins without having to chow down on salad every day at lunch. Lot of people like this idea! However, there are few things you need to know about it.

To start with, it is always important that you are eating at least two whole fruits along with up to three or four veggies each day to take in your daily allowance. The process of juicing makes this a whole lot easier as you can add both fruits and veggies into the same recipes. Just be sure that you pick a few different colors so that you are able to get a great mixture of beneficial minerals and vitamins along with a unique flavor. Depending on the juicer that you have, you may not be getting the majority of the fiber in each glass. Seeing how fiber is important, you can either look into a juicer that will give you the amount of fiber from each fruit or vegetable or you can add some of the pulp back into the juice before consuming. There are also some people that will use the pulp while they are cooking to add some flavor and texture to sauces and stews.

One of the wonderful things about juicing is that you can have some ready to grab and take with you in your favorite drink containers. Just be sure that you try to drink your juices within about 24 hours so that you are able to enjoy them when they are as fresh as possible.

Many people will at some point suffer from problem skin related to acne outbreaks, usually due to stress or hormones. Most people believe that pimples are a sign of unclean or dirty skin, but in actual fact over-cleansing typically irritates the kin further. However, hormones can be controlled and there are a number of basis changes that one can make in order to stop breakouts from occurring.

Lifestyle Changes

Regular Exercise:

Exercise is related to a number of positive aspects relating to acne. One of these is the regular release of important endorphin’s that lower the stress levels and decrease the production of oil.

Prevent Touching Your Face

This is generally a lot harder than it sounds, as most people often touch their faces hundreds of times a day. In addition, it is very important not to scratch or pick at pimples. Never squeeze or pop pimples as this causes the introduction of more bacteria and will cause the acne to progress further.

Shower Often

Showering assists in keeping oil production down, rinse away dead skin build-ups and kill bacteria. It is advisable to use a type of mild or medicated cleanser and shampoos made for oily hair. It is very important to shower directly after exercising to get rid of dead cells that have sloughed off from sweating.

Eat Healthy

Food types that have been processed and contain high amounts of unhealthy fats will raise the problems related to acne. Obtaining the correct nutrients that come from protein, vegetable, fruits and whole grains assist the skin in regenerating a lot faster. Focus on: fish, flaxseed, green tea, Probiotics.  Eating fish and flaxeeds  can help tame inflammation and improve acne breakouts.

Probiotics are supplements that help increase the amount of good bacteria in your gut. Too much bad bacteria leads to inflammation = acne (caused by P. bacteria), bloating, fatigue, stress, painful joints, irritable bowel. Taking Probiotics helps to balance the unhealthy bacteria and clear up the skin.
Probiotics can be found in food such as: kefir, yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, fermented condiments, and beet kvass. Probiotic supplements always state the amount of CFUs the product contains. For regular every day usage, you want to be taking at least the equivalent of 10 to 20 billion CFUs per day. If you are fighting acne you may choose more at the beginning of treatment.

For more info about skin care treatments for acne visit our website at www.laestetica.co or call us at 415 787 2772

It may be seem counter intuitive to be talking about probiotics if you are suffering from acne; however, that is exactly what you should be thinking about. This article delves into the world of probiotics and how they can improve your skin’s condition.

Many people do not realize how important a healthy digestive tract is to every system in the body, including the skin. The digestive tract is responsible for processing the foods you eat, breaking down those food into usable nutrients, transporting those nutrients to other systems in the body and eliminating the remaining waste. When the body does not receive the proper nutrients and rid itself of waste, skin issues can occur. These skin problems include inflammation, redness and acne. Eat a healthy diet and use probiotics to help your digestive tract function optimally.

Probiotics are live bacteria that is used in digestion. These live bacteria not only help digest food, but work to destroy foreign invaders (bacteria, fungi and viruses) from the body. Probiotics can be take as dietary supplements or can be found in found such as yogurt.

The intestinal tract contains both good and bad bacteria. There are numerous things that can affect the balance of the intestinal tract, including illness, antibiotic usage and toxins. Probiotics help boost of the good bacteria so it can fight off infections.

Have you ever noticed that when you are sick your skin shows it? Oftentimes the illness causes acne outbreaks. Taking a probiotics can help prevent outbreaks from occurring when you are feeling ill. Are you looking for a natural way to help improve your acne? If so, look no further than probiotics. This natural treatment helps destroy bad bacteria in the body, allow good bacteria to multiply and keep your skin looking bright and healthy. Begin using probiotics today and see how quickly your skin will clear up.

For more info about skin care treatments visit our website at www.laestetica.co or call us at 415 787 2772