Acne from Workouts!

In a recent fitness publication Dr. Murad shared some great information in response to a reader’s concern:

"I get acne on my face, chest, and back while triathlon training."

Why It Happens
The culprit behind all breakouts: clogged pores. "When sweat becomes trapped on skin -- under tight-fitting workout clothes, for instance -- it creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria," explains Howard Murad, MD, adermatologist in El Segundo, California, and the founder of Murad Skincare.

Simple Solutions
Unplug: Chemical exfoliators are your pores' BFFs. Salicylic, glycolic, and alpha-hydroxy acids dissolve dead skin cells and sweat. Apply a thin layer of a gel laced with them before you reapply your makeup. (A Skin Deep Customer Favorite for this purpose is Murad’s T-Zone Refining Gel) If you work out at night, put the gel on before bed to make sure skin is bacteria-free while you sleep, Dr. Murad says. Another option is Peter Thomas Roth AHA/BHA Acne Clearing Gel (A Skin Deep Customer Favorite!)… morning and/or evening.

Back Breakouts? 
Ever notice how the pimples that pop up on your chest and back are way bigger than those on your cheeks? "These areas have larger oil glands than the face has, plus they're usually covered by clothing, which can push sweat and oil deeper into pores," Dr. Murad notes. Towel off frequently during your workout to keep skin clean. When you shower afterward, saturate a natural fiber cloth with an exfoliating cleanser (look for the same pore-clearing acids mentioned above) or an antibacterial formula with benzoyl peroxide. Squeeze the suds over your shoulders and let them drip down your back. We like Murad’s AHA/BHA Cleanser or Peter Thomas Roth Blemish Buffing Beads. If you aren't rinsing ASAP, strip off your sweaty clothes and wipe down with a towelette; use one that has an antibacterial ingredient -- witch hazel, for instance -- such as Murad Clarifying Wipes. Or spritz with Murad’s Clarifying Body Spray (a Skin Deep Customer Favorite!) and use it to cleanse your chest and back. Buh-bye, breakouts!!

Feed Your Skin from the Inside Out!

I just read an interesting comment from Dr. Howard Murad...a good follow-up to yesterday's blog!  
"Internal skin care is just as important as topical skin-care products," he explains. "Topical products can only aid the 20 percent of your skin on the surface; internal will take care of the other 80 percent."

Skin care at any age isn't only about what you put on your body — it's also about what you put into it. Dr. Howard Murad, founder of Murad Inc., recommends a daily supplement regimen including a complex of amino acids, glucosamine, vitamin B6, antioxidants including grape seed extract, and vitamins A, C, D and E.

March is National Nutrition Month!

March is National Nutrition Month…

Everything we eat and drink affects our health, well-being, and appearance.

As Dr. Raymond Frances (Beyond Health) writes, “While inflammation is a problem for many, it is a particular problem as we age. What we call aging in America today is actually a by-product of inflammation. All the aches and pains, slowing thought processes, growing desire to be inactive, and other things associated with ‘normal’ aging are part of the growing problem with inflammation due to dietary excess. Aging is a journey and the path that you are on now is not necessarily your only choice. Learn to choose a path that will result in healthy longevity.”  

As a beautiful customer (in her early 50's) said to me the other day, "I want to die healthy!" She is an active mom with a career - and she is bound and determined to take good care of herself.

Check out Raymond Frances' website to learn more about inflammation, and many other important facts regarding health and nutrition… www.beyondhealth.com

Nutrition for the skin directly fights free radical damage!

More from Beyond Health about oxidation and free radicals... "Leave an old bicycle outside, unprotected from the rain, and it will rust. The same thing happens when you slice an apple or avocado – after a while it turns brown. This is oxidation at work.

Inside your body, oxidation creates free radicals, which are molecules that are missing an electron. Free radicals are thieves that will steal an electron from a nearby molecule, turning that molecule into a free radical. If this chain reaction is not stopped, cellular damage can occur. If the body cannot keep up with the repairs, premature aging is the result."

To prevent and deter free radical damage in the skin…I apply Jan Marini’s C-ESTA Serum every day - as do hundreds of our customers and clients. We have represented the medically based and clinically validated products from Jan Marini Skin Research for more than 20 years. Her powerful formula is the only Ascorbyl Palmitate  V-C product on the market that has a patented delivery system (researched for years at Duke University with Dr. Perricone). This delivery guarantees the stability of this unique V-C cocktail (with vital DMAE) to the cellular level of our skin…where all repair takes place. 

Another product I am using over my C-ESTA Serum is Peter Thomas Roth’s NEW Camu-Camu Cx30 Brightening Moisturizer. I love it! It’s rich hydrating formula leaves a dewy smooth texture and intensely nourishes with antioxidants A, D, & E – fighting free radical damage. and promoting collagen production. This formula also has FOUR potent anti-aging PEPTIDES which promote collagen production to firm the skin and plump wrinkles and fine lines. The Camu-Camu superfruit berry comes from the Amazon forest and brings 30 times more V-C per ounce than an average orange.

Keep your skin (and all of you!) younger by fighting free radicals with the most advanced antioxidants available – both with important products that feed and protect your skin topically and those taken internally. There are actually five types of free radicals. I recently found a dynamic new product from Beyond Health known as Age Defense Formula. It wipes out all FIVE types of free radicals.  In addition to more than 30 plant-based antioxidants, this new product unlocks antioxidant enzymes that help your body produce your own antioxidants.

I am taking this formula because I believe it is one of the finest high quality nutritional supplements available... based on incredible scientific research.

As the founder of Beyond Health, Raymond Frances, states “There is simply no other single product that can more effectively keep you from rusting. Put premature aging on hold.”

Here's to healthy aging...with beauty and well-being in balance.

Make Your Heart Happy..It’s Good for Your Skin!

That’s right…laughing with your besties reduces stress hormones and keeps your skin’s support structure intact…feeling blissful wards off crease-causing enzymes. A moderate amount of high quality chocolate (70% or more Cacao) and Pinot Noir (wine that has the richest source of Resveratrol) are an enjoyable source of anti-oxidants…which are super important for our hearts, and provide another way to slow down the aging process and promote good health. 

Finally, sometimes just taking a deep breath and “lifting our hearts to the sky” is a great way to pull out of whatever stressful situation we may be challenged with…and feel gratitude and appreciation with the Universe. Glowing from the inside out not only improves our health and appearance…it warms the hearts of others around us.

Speaking of “glowing”…

As Valentine’s Day approaches we’re getting ready for our gloMinerals and gloTherapeutics Makeup and Skincare Event. This will be a fun day of Makeup Applications, Skincare Consultations, glo Gifts with Purchase, and handmade delicious chocolates from Santa Barbara’s CaliBressan Chocolates in La Arcada…of course, with a glass of champagne! 

If you would like to join us – please call and reserve your space!
687-9497

 

Have a happy heart this Valentine’s –
it’s the best gift we can give to ourselves and others.

Young Teen Acne - Finding the Answer...

"I am seeking a referral for a local esthetician and/or dermatologist that is experienced in caring for young teen acne. I don't need aggressive treatments, the problem is not that severe, just a gentle, compassionate professional would be great. It's a tender time."

Esthetician Reyna Angel at Skin Deep has years of personal experience with acne - and has many young clients who have improved dramatically with a combination of professional acne facials, Microdermabrasion (helps to prevent congestion and scarring), and recommended home care products with advanced technology (Dr. Murad, Dermalogica, Jan Marini Skin Research - for example). The key is to balance the skin with a comprehensive approach. Pharmaceutical prescriptions and over-the-counter drug store/commercial products will often provide a band-aid (short term) benefit. However, over the many years we have worked with parents, teens, and other customers and clients of all ages at Skin Deep - professional skincare products and treatments (combining botanical and clinical ingredients/technology) provide the most successful results for the long term.

Gratitude

Gratitude.
As the economy swirls with uncertainty, and the effects of the horrific storm that hit the East coast a few days ago are sadly affecting so many... there is much to be concerned about.

We can try to find some comfort in realizing the calm that comes from feeling gratitude whenever and wherever possible. As we begin this new month, we reflect on the recent award we received for Best Salon to Have a Facial by the Independent 2012 Best Of Readers' Poll. 
For every year we are honored with your votes...we are truly grateful.

We're also very grateful for the years our customers and clients have supported Skin Deep...many peaks and valleys - and your loyal patronage continues.

We have some great upcoming Holiday Events planned for you with lots of fun and special savings (watch for Skin Deep emails!) - we appreciate your business and your friendship.