Author: Dana Zeitler

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Your complete guide to ceramides.

your complete guide to ceramides

Applying an amazing moisturizer is a crucial component of every skincare routine. However, it becomes even more important as we age due to the fact that our natural ceramide production depletes at a rate of 1% each year as soon as we reach 20. 

What are Ceramides?

One of the main functions of our skin is to protect us from harsh environments. This is possible through our bodies’ natural production of things like Ceramides. Ceramides are essentially lipids, or fats, that are found naturally in high concentrations in the uppermost layers of our skin. These play an important role in keeping the skin barrier hydrated. In simpler terms, Ceramides are the body’s natural moisturizer. 

Young skin is able to produce Ceramides at a rapid rate, but unfortunately, as we get older that production slows down. Both sun damage and age become a large factor in how many Ceramides our body produces. Due to the decreased amount of Ceramides, our skin can start to show signs of aging. This is why it is so crucial to start taking care of our skin, and the earlier the better. 

Ceramides in skincare.

Just because our skin slows down the production of Ceramides, doesn’t mean we need to stop thinking about them. Ceramides are found in a multitude of skin-care products and work on every skin type and can handle pretty much every issue. They work on every skin type because they are considered to be “Skin-Identical”. (This is because they occur naturally in skin!)

Recommended Ceramide

DLux HydraLite Moisturizer  is an amazing option to consider when shopping around for a Ceramide packed product. While it has been shown to give you radiant and glowing skin, it is also packed full of all the other holy-grail skin-care ingredients. Including, Ceramides, Niacinamide, Antioxidants and skin-soothers.

What can Ceramides do?

Ceramides are able to reach a wide variety of skincare necessities. This is what makes them a skin-care must-have.

  • Protect the skin against environmental stressors
  • Increases skin hydration level
  • Plump and firm skin
  • Reduce wrinkles and fine lines
  • Maintain the strength of the skins’ protective barrier 
  • Improve skin texture
  • Help with redness and irritation
  • Prevent moisture loss
  • Help retain moisture in the skin

Ceramides Wrapped Up

Ceramides are the skin-identical ingredient that is necessary if you are wanting to achieve radiant and glowing skin. Not only is it extremely hydrating but it also protects your skin from the harsh effects of your environment. 

If you haven’t yet added a product with Ceramides into your routine, it’s never too late. You can find the HydraLite Moisturizer on the DLux Med Spa online shop or in person at the spa.

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The differences between AHA and BHA.

chemical exfoliant

It is no secret that using products that exfoliate your skin leaving you with a smooth and glowing complexion. This is why so many people do it. However, a lot of people are unaware of the benefits of doing a chemical exfoliation over the more commonly known physical exfoliation. 

A chemical exfoliant uses different types of acids to dissolve the dead skin cells that build up on our skin. This build up is what prevents our skin from looking smooth, healthy and radiant. The two most commonly used chemical exfoliants are Alpha Hydroxy Acids and Beta Hydroxy Acids.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)

Alpha Hydroxy Acid is a term that is used for a group of acids that are derived from different sources, including plants and animals. AHAs are water loving acids and their main job is to promote cell turnover in your skin. Their ability to dissolve and exfoliate surface dead skin cells is what helps reduce fine lines, pigmentation and improve the overall complexion of your skin. 

Types of AHAs

  • Glycolic – derived from sugar cane
  • Lactic – derived from milk
  • Tartaric – from grape wine
  • Malic Acid – derived from apples
  • Mandelic – derived from bitter almonds

Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs or Salicylic Acid)

Beta Hydroxy Acid is another type of chemical exfoliant. Unlike it’s water loving counterpart, BHAs are oil soluble. This is why BHAs are able to exfoliate the skin at a deeper level than AHAs. BHAs are an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial acid which makes them extremely effective in the treatment of acne-prone skin. Like most skin-care products, the job of BHAs surrounds clearing acne, preventing oily skin and creating a smooth and glowing complexion.

AHAs vs BHAs

Although both AHAs and BHAs are chemical exfoliants, they both work better on different skin types. Given the fact that AHAs are water soluble, they work best for people that have dryer skin. This is because they remove the dead skin cells that contribute to dry skin. Using AHAs allows moisturizer to absorb deeper into the skin. Since BHAs are oil soluble, they are most ideal for people who suffer from oily or acne-prone skin. This is because BHAs are able to travel deeper into the skin. Thanks to the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial factors, people with acne-prone skin have been able to see a drastic difference.

Product Recommendations

While there are multiple different brands and products involving chemical exfoliants, there are definitely a few holy grail items that you may want to invest in.

Exfoliating your skin, using either chemical or physical exfoliants, is an amazing step to add to your weekly skin-care routine. Chemical exfoliants have been proven to fight acne and hyperpigmentation which ultimately leave you with the skin that you have been yearning for. Once you are able to notice that smooth, glowing complexion, all the products in your bathroom will definitely maintain the title of being your best friend.

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3 Things to Know About Niacinamide.

3 Things to Know About Niacinamide.

It seems like everyone has a skin care item that they consider to be the Mecca of all products. One that I hear about a lot, and can definitely get on board with, is Niacinamide. (More commonly known as Vitamin B3!)

What is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide is the active form of niacin, and unfortunately, is not produced by our body, so we have to obtain it in any way we can. It is found naturally in a wide variety of foods, particularly root vegetables, mushrooms, yeasts, some fruits, peanuts and seeds. However, one of my favorite ways to obtain it is by applying it topically to the skin.

The Benefits of Niacinamide

Niacinamide is a one-stop shop for all your skin-care needs. It is extremely versatile and is packed full of benefits. This is what makes it such a holy grail skin care product.

  • Niacinamide is an anti-inflammatory agent, which makes it great for acne-prone skin.
  • It helps your body boost its collagen production, which helps minimize the appearance of large pores and reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
  • Niacinamide helps fight cellular damage that is caused by free radicals and UV rays. 
  • It also helps increase our bodies’ ceramide production. This is what helps our skin stay moisturized, and keeps our skin barrier strong. 
  • Additionally, it can help treat Rosacea by decreasing inflammation and redness.

What to look for in Niacinamide products.

The D-Lux Medspa Medical Grade Needle Free Serum is quickly becoming a favorite Niacinamide product in everyones skin care routine. While containing a powerful copper complex, Hyaluronic Acid and the infamous Niacinamide, it is able to fight against signs of aging and improve fine lines and wrinkles in just two weeks use. 

While serums and moisturizers are a favorite when it comes to Niacinamide, it is also safe to consume orally. Niacinamide has shown positive results for people that suffer with ultraviolet damage caused by sun exposure. For people that have a history with basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma, it is extremely important to start taking a daily Niacinamide vitamin (500 mg twice a day!).

Niacinamide Wrapped Up

Niacinamide is something that is offering every amazing benefit that someone could want. It reduces sensitivity and redness, reduces enlarged pores, keeps your skin moisturized and can also help in the overall growth and function of our skin cells. 

We all want to keep our bodies and skin healthy and beautiful. So why not utilize all of the products that have been found to make that happen?

Shop Our Products With Niacinamide

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Everything You Need to Know About Retinoids

everything you need to know about retinoids

With new anti-aging products being released every month or so, one product that has stayed consistent over the past few decades has been Retinoids and Retinols. If you have yet to find that perfect home remedy or Pinterest DIY for glowing and youthful skin, it may be time to introduce a Retinoid into your nightly routine. 

As we get older, our cellular turnover decreases significantly. Cellular turnover refers to the process of shedding dead skin cells and replacing them with younger cells. Retinoids are a vitamin A derivative that promotes cell turnover. This helps your body clear dead skin cells, oil and debris. This also allows your body to thicken the epidermal layer, which causes your skin to be firmer, with less fine lines and wrinkles. 

When introducing a Retinoid into your nightly routine, it may take a few weeks for your skin to adjust. I suggest starting slowly with just a pea-sized amount every 3rd night for a few weeks, then increase to every other night. Do this for a few weeks before trying to use it every night. 

Retinol works within your skin where it boosts collagen synthesis, increases elasticity and will repair connective tissue. Due to the changes that this product causes, your skin has to adjust and your skin cells need to re-learn how to turnover at a much faster pace. This usually leads to retinization. Retinization is the adjustment period in which the skin adapts to retinoid treatment. During this period, you may notice dry, red or peeling skin. While this process can definitely test your patience, it is worth it to push through. 

A prescription retinoid comes in various strengths, most commonly 0.025, 0.05 or 0.1.   I recommend you start out at a low dosage, and you work your way up as your body can handle it. If you notice your skin getting irritated with the prescription retinoid, you may want to choose a medical-grade retinol. 

My personal favorite is the Alpha Ret Overnight by Skin Better Science.  Alpha Ret Overnight causes little to no irritation and is the perfect duo of Retinol and Alpha Hydroxy Acid. No matter which product you decide on, all Retinols and Retinoids have an active ingredient that is sensitive to sunlight. This is why you should always apply them at night and keep them stored in a darker place. 

 

While buying every anti-aging skincare product is the first step, adding them into your daily routine is the second. Consistency is key when it comes to seeing results and it all becomes so worth it when you do. If you have always wanted to try a Retinoid but have been wary of the side effects that may come along, this is your sign to try them out. You’re only a few serums and creams away from your dream youthful skin.

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Why collagen is your skin’s best friend.

anti-aging-collection

COL-LA-GEN noun. 

The main structural protein found in skin and other connective tissues, widely used in purified form for cosmetic surgical treatments. 

AKA your skin’s best friend. 

What is the purpose of collagen? 

Collagen is one of the most abundant proteins in your body, and what it is most commonly known for is the strength and elasticity that it gives both our joints and more importantly, our skin. 

Collagen plays a large role in strengthening the skin. This is what gives us a firm face and helps diminish any formation of wrinkles. It is one of the key components in keeping a glowing and youthful look. 

If my body produces it, why do I need to try products with collagen?

Collagen is a protein that your body produces, however, by the time you turn 18 you are said to start losing 1% of your collagen each year. This is why as people age, you are able to visibly notice wrinkles, sagging skin and not quite the same youthful glow that they had in their early twenties. However, utilizing new-age treatments and adding products to your skin care routine will keep collagen alive and well for years to come. Who doesn’t want to keep their youthful glow? 

Collagen Necessities 

Sciton BBL

Getting a Sciton BBL treatment every 3-4 months has been proven to provide people with clearer, smoother and younger looking skin. 

This treatment uses innovative technology that uses light therapy to target any signs of aging, freckles, redness or sun damage that may be unwanted. With lasting results, zero recovery time, and the effectiveness on all areas of the body, it is very beneficial for anyone looking for their dream skin.

Sculptra Injections

Sculptra Injections are an injectable that gradually replaces lost collagen. Due to the increase in collagen, these injections are able to restore natural facial volume and diminish fine lines and wrinkles. 

It usually takes three treatments to notice results. Each treatment is spaces 1-12 weeks apart but results last for up to two years.  

Retinol

A medical-grade retinol is another product that encourages the production of collagen and helps diminish any fine lines and wrinkles. It also stimulates the production of new blood vessels, which will help you keep an even skin tone. 

I always use Alpharet by Skin Better or a prescription Retin-A (Tretinoin). I would suggest you start at a lower dosage and gradually increase as tolerated. 

Sunblock

UVA and UVB rays are extremely harmful to your skin in more ways than one. Collagen production included. These rays speed up the process of breaking down collagen and that is why it is so important to add a sunblock to your morning skin care routine. 

My favorite sunblocks that I always recommend are the Elta MD Clear Tinted sunblock and the Neova Silk Sheer Tinted sunblock. 

Anti-Oxidant & Vitamin C

Utilizing Vitamin C and antioxidants will protect your skin from environmental pollution and will free radical damage that breaks down collagen. Vitamin C is a key nutrient needed in order for our bodies to build new collagen. 

I always recommend checking out SkinCeuticals PhloretinCF and Skin Better’s Alto Defense Serum. 

Microneedling

Microneedling is a collagen-stimulating treatment that is great for skin rejuvenation and comes along with great anti-aging benefits. In order to reap all of the benefits, it is crucial to get a microneedling treatment twice a year. 

Microneedling is a procedure that uses tiny needles to puncture the very first layer of your skin. While it may sound scary, it is far from it. By causing trauma to your skin, it allows your body to produce more collagen which in turn helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and the texture of your skin. 

Collagen wrapped up. 

Tight skin, no wrinkles and a youthful glow is something everyone wants to continuously achieve. While utilizing all of these products and treatments will be the most beneficial, just using one or two routinely will lead to an evident difference. 

Booking a consultation can help get you educated on all things collagen and can help you come up with a perfect plan to keep your skin looking flawless and firm for years to come.

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What you should know about sunscreen.

What you should know about suncscreen

It is no secret that we all want to age gracefully – and if you’re like me, you’ve spent countless hours in the skincare aisle looking for the best possible products to make that dream a reality. Unfortunately, the skincare aisle tends to be slightly confusing, especially when it comes to sunblock. UVA and UVB? Physical? Chemical? All of these labels can tend to get quite daunting and they leave you wondering what these words actually mean and what products will benefit you in the long run.

As a kid, you probably remember being on your week long beach vacation and hearing your mom nag you to put sunblock on, every hour, on the hour. Looking back now, I am so thankful for all the white covered noses and slippery lotion that took over on those beach days. With the depletion of the ozone layer, there has been a substantial increase in our risk of sun damage from harmful UV rays. Sunscreen and sunblocks are able to block these rays, which greatly reduces the chances of getting sunburns or worse, skin cancer. 

“So which sunblock should I use?”

You have probably seen the words “Physical” and “Chemical” on your sunscreen bottles before. But have you ever actually known the difference? Most people don’t. 

A chemical sunscreen can be compared to a sponge. Chemical sunscreen is absorbed into your body, which then absorbs UV rays. This allows your body to convert those rays into heat to be released from your body. Whereas, a physical sunblock sits on top of your skin which then reflects the sun’s rays.

“But what exactly are these ‘Rays’”

The sun produces several different types of rays but the one you are probably most familiar with and the ones that are the most damaging to our skin are called ultraviolet, or UV, rays. The two basic types of UV rays that are able to reach our skin are UVB and UVA, and unfortunately, these rays are not your friend. They both are responsible for breaking down collagen. (Which is what helps keep your skin looking firm, plump and wrinkle free!) However, fortunately for you, adding a sun-block to your daily morning routine will help stop these rays from negatively affecting your skin.

Have you ever had a sunburn? If so, this is thanks to the overexposure of UVB rays. In addition to sunburns, UVB rays are also largely responsible for the formation of skin cancer, including malignant melanoma, which can be fatal. While UVA rays can also play a part in the development of skin cancers, they are also responsible for premature skin aging and wrinkle formation. UVA rays can be found year long,maintain their strength, even in the colder months, and can penetrate glass. This is why it is essential to get in the habit of applying sunblock because you never know when you will be headed outside, sitting near a window, or even staring at your computer screen. 

While natural blue light can give you amazing benefits, man-made blue light is incredibly toxic to your skin. Man-made blue light can be found in fluorescent lighting, LEDs, TV screens and smartphones, tablets and computers. Extended exposure to this light has led to eyestrain, blurred vision, sleep disruption, migraines and unfortunately, skin damage. Luckily, this blue light is no match for a tinted sunblock. 

The Wrap-Up 

While there may be some products that are better than others, the most important part about purchasing a sunblock is to actually use it. We work incredibly hard to keep our skin looking amazing, and sunblock is a step that will create a drastic difference. If you are having trouble finding a sunblock that is right for you, I recommend trying the Elta MD UV Elements Tinted sunscreen or the Neova Silc Sheer Tinted sunscreen. Both of these are able to protect you from artificial blue light, the sun’s harmful rays and will help you achieve the goal of aging gracefully.