Dry skin, breakouts, sensitivity, and wrinkles can be symptoms of a damaged skin barrier. Think of this barrier (also known as the lipid or moisture barrier) as the protective upper layers that keep out environmental toxins, while keeping moisture and hydration inside.

How Does Your Skin’s Moisture Barrier Work?

Your skin’s barrier is made up of cells, the lipids that bind them, and natural moisturizing factors, and its function is to keep out external toxins like bacteria, and keep the moisture in. When the barrier is intact and healthy, skin appears plump, and smooth, but when it’s compromised, skin becomes dehydrated, dull, and more prone to sun damage and irritation.

What are Symptoms of a Damaged Skin Barrier?

Chronic dry skin, sensitivity to products, a tendency to break out in rashes, and acne are all signs of a weakened skin barrier. The problem can worsens with age: At age 50 and over, the skin barrier function diminishes, which makes the skin less protected and more vulnerable. There are steps you can take to strengthen your skin.

How to Restore and Protect Your Skin’s Moisture Barrier

Start by avoiding skin-damaging habits that strip natural moisture from the skin: Here are a few tips.

• Avoid hot water when cleansing. Use lukewarm water to cleanse the skin.
• Use Ph Balanced skin care products. (soap free, alcohol free)
• Include hydrating toner and serums in your skin care routine.
• Choose products with plant oils and squalane (mimics natural lipids, derived from Olives). Avoid mineral oil/petroleum-based products.
• Niacinamide, This ingredient, also known as vitamin B3 and nicotinic acid, is a very effective skin-restoring ingredient that offers multiple benefits for aging skin. Among these benefits is the ability to visibly improve the appearance of enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, fine lines, dullness, and a weakened skin surface.
• Protect and Seal with moisturizer based on your skin condition, including an SPF of 15 or higher.
• Use a Night 'Treatment' cream for intensive nutrient delivery while you sleep.
• Don't over-exfoliate! More isn't always better. Retinol, (Retin-A Tretinoin topicals), and acid-based products, and harsh scrubs can thin the skin and compromise the skin's barrier. Ask for a professional skin consultation to determine the best way to treat your skin condition.
• Include a Hydrating/Moisturizing Mask at least once a week to replenish the skin.

Uptown Face & Body Care offers a private line of skin-loving, plant-based skin care products to help reveal a more youthful, radiant glow. Made in the USA, No animal testing, Gluten-Free.
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We're entering into a higher U.V. season.  We all know that sun protection is extremely important, especially in high U.V. regions, such as California.  Did you know that, even though we take steps now to minimize sun damage, much of our U.V. damage is the result of past (or childhood) sun exposure?

Awareness was lacking in the old days regarding the importance of sun protection.  Kids played and did sports in full sunlight almost all day long, without any sunscreen.  As a result, the effects may cause a breakdown of collagen in our skin and the damage to appear later in life.  People in the their 30s, 40s and up, may see an increase in dark spots, uneven skin tone, and deep (premature) wrinkles.  It's not too late to minimize the risk!

Remember, it is U.V. that causes wrinkles in most cases...not aging!  We CAN age well and take steps to maintain healthy skin and body.

Tips:

Kids:  Sunscreen in the morning before school and outside activities!  Re-apply as needed.
Adults:  Moisturizer or a sunblock with a minimum of SPF-15 (Makeup may have sunscreen, as well).  Extended sun exposure requires an SPF of 30 or higher.  Hats and protective clothing are best!

Get an ANNUAL skin check by a Board Certified Dermatologist.  If you have a sketchy U.V. history, you would do well to take that first step and get a skin check-up!

Make regular facials and skin care part of your personal care regimen.  We are always happy to do a full assessment and recommend treatments for men, women, and teens.  Our facials are very pampering and relaxing, as well.  See and Feel the Difference!

Maria is a Licensed Esthetician, with years of Spa and Dermatologic Skin Care Experience.
Director at Uptown Face & Body Care-Spa, Montrose, CA
Since 1996
(818) 248-8829
​UptownSpaMontrose.com

What are the benefits of weekly home facials?  Trying to fit in a weekly skin routine can be difficult in our crazy, busy lives, but taking 15 or 20 minutes per week can make a dramatic difference in our skin condition.  After having a professional skin consultation and facial, we give you our recommendations for a regular skin routine, including
in-office treatments and appropriate products.

Aside from a daily prescribed regimen, we recommend at-home exfoliation to remove surface dead skin cells, and smooth out the skin.  It is best to cleanse first, then proceed with the prescribed exfoliation product. Exfoliation enables active ingredients to penetrate the skin more effectively.  A treatment mask is then applied for 15 to 20 minutes.  Masks can vary in formula.  Most clay-based masks are designed to absorb excess oil, so a dry or dehydrated skin type would not benefit from this.  The majority of mass-produced masks are clay based.  Shy away if you tend to be dry or feel "tightness" in your skin.

Gel or cream-based masks are generally more desired for calming, hydrating, and moisturizing the skin.  These masks vary in ingredient content.  We recommend professional salon or spa product lines, like our "Uptown Face" line, as these tend to have a higher percentage of active ingredients for the most benefit.

Schedule your initial facial and professional consultation today!  818-248-8829

#skincareinmontrose #facemask #spafacial #facialscrub #exfoliation

Have you ever bought a face cream or product because is smells good, or the packaging is "pretty".  You're not alone.  I've done it too.  If you are equipped with some basic ingredient knowledge, you can filter out a lot of those products and choose the ones that will offer the most benefit.  I've compiled a general list of ingredients to avoid, especially if you are prone to acne or pore clogging.

• Mineral Oil - may leave a residue and cause pore congestion
  
• Perfumes - Can irritate the follicles and contribute to acne conditions
• D&C Red dyes - Can irritate the follicles and contribute to acne conditions
  
• Isopropyl Myristate (synthetic oil and thickening agent)  This is a known comedogenic ingredient
  
• Lanolin (derived from sheep skin)  This is a known comedogenic ingredient
  
• Heavy plant oils can also contribute to skin breakout in some individuals.
  
• Alcohol - may over-strip the skin and cause rebound oil production.  Use alcohol-free products.
  
• High SPF products will "coat" the skin and may contribute to pore clogging.  Use these when in direct sun or sports.  An SPF of 15 to 30 is adequate for daily skin protection.
  

Friendly ingredients are plant based, antioxidants, emollients, and hydrating ingredients.  The list is very extensive, however, if you are prone to acne or pore congestion, try products which are water-based and do not contain the ingredients I've listed here.  Some individuals can use a variety of products without a problem. These are only guidelines.  You can experiment for a couple of weeks to see how your own skin tolerates a product. So, don't be fooled by fancy bottles, or colorful packaging.  You're probably paying too much for a perfume-ridden cream that won't work for you.  Let a professional direct you.

Our 'Uptown Face' line is botanical and non-comedogenic, with pleasant aromas, at very competitive price points. We offer skin care consultations to help direct you in selecting a customized program.

Organic Skin Care “Facts and Fiction”
By Maria Palmer, Spa Director/Esthetician
In recent years, there has been increased attention and awareness about organic living, including diet, supplements, and topical skin care. Food and cosmetic companies have made big strides in responding to new demands by consumers. Many claims are made, so it is very important to know the facts when selecting products which state “organic”.

First off, it must follow these guidelines set forth by the FDA:

To be 100% Organic, the product contains only organically produced ingredients and is permitted to display the seal.
Organic: The product contains at least 95% organically produced ingredients and is permitted to display the seal.
Made With Organic Ingredients: The product contains at least 70% organic ingredients but is not permitted to display the seal.

Less than 70% Organic Ingredients: Products are not permitted to use the term "organic" anywhere on the packaging (and cannot display the seal) but are allowed to identify organically produced items in the ingredient list.

Vegan: (Contains no animal products) Truly vegan products should not contain even beeswax or carmine, which comes from a beetle." 

Natural: Can contain plant extracts and oils which are natural. “Nature-based” is a more accurate distinction as many plant-derived ingredients are synthesized.

Labels may state: “Contains Organic Ingredients”. This does not mean that the product, as a whole, is organic. It may have a few plant extracts which are.

Cosmetic Products are tested and studied for efficacy, and labeling must disclose all ingredients. It is best to select products which are proven to have clinical data and safety. Avoid products which contain ingredients which you are known to be allergic to.   Avoid animal-tested products. The best test is on human skin.

Note: The ingredients are listed in the order of content. For example, Water may be the first ingredient as a base for the product, then it goes down the list.

Fillers, Preservatives, and Stabilizers: These are usually found at the bottom of the list, at a small percentage.   Without a small amount of preservative, a product may produce bacteria and become stale in a short period of time.  This may also cause skin breakouts.  To ensure freshness, discard products after 2 years.  
It should also be noted that sunscreens are designed to stay on top of the skin and not penetrate. The benefits of sun protection are proven. Molecules must be small enough to penetrate below the epidermis (upper layers of the skin) so the risk of any toxicity of these ingredients is most likely non existent.

In general, products with plant extracts and oils are tolerated well by most individuals.  I personally only sell gentle, plant-based products to my clients, since our skin responds well to natural ingredients.  Exfoliation products are carefully selected as they can cause some sensitivity.

I recommend using common sense when selecting products. If it causes you irritation, itching, or regular breakouts, discontinue use and try another formula. Everyone has specific skin care needs, and a cosmetic professional can direct you in a proper program. Certain products containing retinol can cause a temporary irritation. The benefits of retinol for anti-aging have been established, so sometimes it's well worth waiting a while to see if irritation diminishes.

(In future blogs, I will cover some individual ingredients which are beneficial, and certain ones which should be avoided.)

It's hard to believe that I've been an esthetician for 20 years.  The industry seemed to take flight in the 80's, with continued momentum of popularity over the years.  This was partly due to limited training resources. Today, there are many schools, public and private, which offer esthetician programs. Although, licensing is governed by the Board of Cosmetology, many estheticians are proud to be separatists with regard to their field.  Cosmetologists are able to perform facials, but may not devote as much energy in skin care education and etiquette.

Early Egyptians recorded skin care practices of experimenting with ingredients to enhance the skin. Current treatments that exfoliate and moisturize the skin find their roots in Cleopatra's fabled milk baths dating back to 51 B.C.  (Lactic Acid is commonly used as a skin rejuvenating ingredient)  The healing arts existed many centuries ago. Kobido incorporates massage including facial massage movement of acupressure and lymphatic drainage while Ayurveda utilizes herbs and aromatic oils to create harmony with the environment. Both are examples of ancient modalities that are incorporated in skin treatments today.  These techniques are commonly used in my European Facials.

A basic facial involves applying an array of products to the skin.  Many women have participated in a home cosmetics party, or department store makeup counter facial.  A professional facial by a skilled esthetician, involves a comprehensive skin analysis, attention to lifestyle factors, and a personal connection to their clients needs.

Esthetic training and licensing, separate from cosmetology, has been established in all states. Training now includes management and professional image.  Industry advances require today's esthetician to have more in-depth technical knowledge of physiology of the skin, bacteriology, anatomy and chemistry.  This is why continuing education is essential to a successful practice.  I attended post-graduate classes and seminars to expand my knowledge. One of these training resources was the International Dermal Institute. I was also fortunate to have started out as a medical esthetician, working in Dermatology offices. This setting was excellent training ground in dealing with a variety of skin problems.  I obtained experience in cosmetic consulting, chemical exfoliation, and post procedure care.  Bringing this knowledge into my spa practice has brought a higher level of care to my clients.  It is this integrative approach that gives my clients the best possible skin care plans.

I am grateful to be in this field, helping people look and feel their best.  When someone leaves relaxed and cared for, it's the best payment I could ever receive!
Labels: acne treatment, chemical peel, cosmetics, estheticians, facial,microdermabrasion, skin care