Inside The Treatment Room
Your Skin Barrier is the main character.
September is often the start of what we, in the Esthetics business call, “peel season.” With temperatures cooling and the days getting shorter, it is the perfect time for corrective services-unless you are in need of more barrier support.
Remember last month, when I said that sometimes less is more? This could be one of those times. The summer can leave skin feeling dehydrated, sensitized or tired from sun, sweat, chlorine, travel and inconsistent routines (or maybe all of the above). If you feel like this describes you, your September can be about repairing, replenishing and getting intentional again. Let’s go into a little more detail about the effects of all of the above on the skin!
What does UV Exposure look like?
UV Exposure weakens the barrier by breaking down protective lipids, damaging cell proteins and increasing water loss. UV light also causes free radicals to attack the skin, causong oxidative stress and destroys the natural fats that hold the skin cells together. UV damage increases water loss, because when the lipids get damaged, the water the cells hold evaporates more easily, and then the skin can’t protect itself enough either so more bacteria and pollution is allowed in. Below the surface, the UV rays are also destroying collagen and elastin. ( Are you ready to be consistent about SPF now?)
Heat increases water loss, stimulates sweat and sebum production, which can mix with bacteria and clog pores. Infrared radiation and thermal stress activate inflammatory markers and weaken collagen.
Chlorine strips away skin’s natural oils, thus weakening the protective barrier. This can lead to dryness, irritation and sensitivity. Chlorine also alters the skin’s pH, making it easier for irritants to enter the skin. Repeated exposure can cause oxidative stress and lead to contact dermatitis. (Tips: rinse before entering the pool. Before swimming apply water resistant SPF and/or ceramide cream, wash right after and remoisturize. )
Dehydration reduces moisture levels in the skin. When the skin lacks water, the cells shrink and the lipid layers are less effective, which may cause higher sensitivity, rough rexture and more pronounced fine lines. (DRINK MORE WATER)
DRY SKIN VS. DEHYDRATED SKIN
Dry skin is a permanent skin type determined by genetics. This skin type naturally produces less sebum than other skin types. Sometimes characterized by flaking, scaling, rough texture, itchiness, redness, barely visible pores.
Dehydrated skin is a temporary skin condition and can affect any skin type when moisture leaves the surface fastet than it is retained by the skin. Often characterized by dull, tired appearance, exaggerated fine lines and wrinkles, tight feeling even if the skin feels and acts oily.
If your skin is experiencing dehydration and sensitization from summer activities, more exfoliation won’t help because of the disrupted barrier, it may become more irritated. Dehydrated skin does best with layers of water-based humectants, like Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, Beta Glucan, with moisture over the top.
Keyword: LAYERS! One moisture product may not be enough.
Aprodite Esthetics Treatment and Retail Recommendations
For in treatment, I love the Inflacure Treatment and the Beta Glucan mask for calming inflammation and providing extra moisture for all skin types. Inflacure can even be used to soothe sunburns. I had a client come in a few months ago just after getting a burn from the weekend festivities prior and we skipped exfoliation and did and Inflacure Treatment and the results were wonderful.
I also love the Cryofacial Icy Mask for redness and irritation.
Retail products I love for a skincare reset include the CICA Recovery Set, Beta Glucan Serum, the Milk Boosting Serum and the Dermathod Derma Revive Healer Gel. Each of these products contains soothing botanicals and anti-inflammatory ingredients to soothe and hydrate.
If you think that this blog speaks to how your skin is feeling right now, please schedule a consultation or book a New Client Facial. We also have these retail products available for purchase on our Apothecary.
First Glow Offer!
Our first 50 customers will receive 10% off their first skincare purchase.