Tag: Skin Advice

Healthy Skin: How To Treat Your Skin After Acne

Published on by Lee1 Comment

Acne can affect people of all ages at any point in their lives. Some adults need years to clear up acne completely. Unfortunately, getting rid of painful pimples and blackheads isn’t the end of the battle.

Many people have to deal with acne scars and marks. As you can understand, they don’t go away so easily when untreated.

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There is some good news, though! First of all, it’s never too late to start taking care of your skin and get rid of dark spots and acne scars. Secondly, the whole process shouldn’t take longer than three months if you do everything right.

If you are ready to start, here is what you need to know about treating your skin after acne:

Home Remedies for Acne Scars

If you only have minor acne scars and dark spots, you should try some home remedies. It goes without saying that before you start any treatment, you need to consult a dermatologist. Some remedies listed below might not be suitable for your skin type.

LEMON JUICE

Lemon juice can help you solve the problem of dark spots, but only if you use it once in a while. Regular usage of lemon juice might lead to a painful chemical burn. Also, there is no research that proves that lemon juice can help get rid of old scars.

If you want to try it out, follow safety guidelines. First of all, mix lemon juice with another ingredient such as yogurt, honey, or oatmeal. Secondly, don’t keep it on your face for too long; five minutes would be enough. It’s important to stay out of the sun the day you apply the mixture.

ALOE VERA

Some studies have shown that aloesin (a compound in aloe vera) can help lighten pigmentation. Aloe vera is safe and effective when used at home. According to PrimalHarvest.com, it can reduce inflammation, increase collagen production, and boost immune response.

Usually, people apply pure aloe vera directly onto the skin. But, you can mix it with honey and lemon juice, or buy a beauty product that contains aloesin.

If you want to incorporate pure aloe vera into your beauty routine, there is nothing to be afraid of since this natural component doesn’t cause side effects.

Using aloe vera won’t help you get rid of acne scars completely, but it will hydrate your skin and fade dark spots.

BLACK SEED OIL

Black seed oil, also known as Nigella sativa, has antiviral and antibacterial properties and can help reduce inflammation as well as make your scars less visible.

Moreover, this natural component can nourish your skin and slow the signs of aging thanks to Vitamin A and amino acids. It’s also worth mentioning that black seed oil can also be beneficial for patients with eczema and psoriasis.

Feel free to apply it on your skin. Test this natural ingredient on a small area of your skin to make sure it doesn’t cause irritation or experience any allergic reactions.

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In-Office Treatment for Acne Scars

If you want to see results faster, consider in-office treatments for acne scars. Before you choose any of these treatments, make sure you don’t have any active acne. It’s important to find a reliable provider who will also give recommendations on how to treat your skin after the procedure.

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LASER TREATMENT

Laser treatment is one of the easiest ways to reduce the appearance of acne scars on your face, back, neck, upper torso, and arms.

Only your dermatologist can decide whether you are ready for this procedure.

If you are the right candidate for laser treatment, plan for unexpected finances. A single procedure of laser skin resurfacing can cost about $500 per session. You should also take into account the number of procedures you will need as it’s impossible to treat all scars in one sitting.

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During the procedure, a doctor will remove the top layer of your skin with a laser. It might sound a bit scary, but there is nothing to worry about. You will not feel any pain after two hours. The only side effect is redness; it can take up to two weeks for it to subside.

Your provider will give you instructions on how to prepare for laser treatment. Two weeks prior to the procedure, you will have to quit smoking and stop using skincare products that contain retinol.

After the procedure, your scars will be less visible, and your skin will become smoother. It’s important to mention that this procedure will not help you get soft baby skin right away, and it will take time for your acne scars to disappear completely with proper care.

MICRONEEDLING

Skin needling can help you get rid of acne scars and the first signs of aging. The science behind the procedure is simple — skin produces more collagen during the skin pricking process. Extra collagen helps increase blood flow, improve skin elasticity and texture. Micro-needling is recommended for patients with depressed acne scars.

After the procedure, you might notice some side effects such as inflammation, redness, and bruising. If you drink a lot of water, protect your skin from the sun, and follow your doctor’s recommendations, side effects will go away within a few days.

Micro-needling could also be used for sun damage, hair loss, surgical scars, and stretch marks.

One session costs around $600. Keep in mind that you might need more than one session in order to see the first results. Choose your provider carefully — only professional dermatologists can perform this procedure.

CHEMICAL PEEL

If you want to see the results faster, consider trying chemical peels. You can rejuvenate your skin by removing the top layer of your skin with this procedure. A chemical peel is also recommended in case of active acne and clogged pores.

The only challenge is to find the right type of chemical peel.

At-home chemical peels can help you get rid of fading dark spots. If you have pitted acne scars, it’s better to consult a dermatologist before you try anything on your own.

Use glycolic, lactic, salicylic, phytic, mandelic acids for at-home chemical peels. These acids are good for all skin types. Stay away from peels that contain TCA (trichloroacetic acid) since it can damage your skin if used incorrectly. Before and after the procedure, you should avoid using acne-clearing products and Retin-A.

If you do a peel without expert supervision, the results might not meet your expectations. Also, at-home peels are weaker than the ones used at the doctor’s office. An effective deep peel will require throughout skin cleansing and general anesthesia. You might need to have a chemical peel once every 4-6 weeks. But, again that depends on everything so do your research and talk to your trusted dermatologist.

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The Bottom Line

Getting rid of acne is just the first step. To win the final battle, you need to remove acne scars and dark spots. Even though it’s never too late to start this process, the earlier, the better, as getting rid of old scars can be more complicated.

Consult a dermatologist to find the best treatment for your skin. They may recommend chemical peel, microneedling, or laser treatment. You can also try different home remedies such as aloe vera, lemon juice, or black seed oil.

Remember, it is possible to get clear, smooth skin. You are halfway there! Find the right option for your skin now and enjoy the results!

PHOTO FEATURE: @jordynwoods

How to Get Rid of ACNE SCARS

Published on by Lee5 Comments

Acne scars rarely occur unless we’ve, ehem, picked at them. Sometimes it’s unavoidable, sometimes it’s avoidable but we can’t help ourselves, and sometimes, a pimple never fully comes to fruition, though the ghost of what could’ve been insisting on lingering. Those bastards! That’s because sometimes the clogged pore beneath the breakout we didn’t touch expands to the point that the follicle wall breaks.

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What we’re left with is discoloration, uneven skin, dark or red spots, and sometimes even uneven, slightly pockmarked skin. Now, a new mission is revealed—treat those scars, fast. Here are a few tricks.

Micro-needling

THE THINGS WE DO Ritual Set

This treatment can be done by a professional with a specific machine, or at home with a roller or our favorite, this stamp set. The tiny needles make micro-injuries to the skin, causing only minor, reparable damage that results in accelerated healing and increased collagen production. When skin is healing, new cells are being pushed to the top, evening out the skin tone and texture to rid even deep scarring over time.

AHAs

GOLDE Papaya Bright

Alpha hydroxy acids are exfoliating compounds in many skincare products and naturally found in fruit acids, which is why we love this papaya enzyme mask for gentle, regular exfoliation. While we don’t want to irritate the skin by over-exfoliation, fruit acids are safe for one to two times weekly. You can also use fruit puree or even yogurt from natural lactic acid (another AHA) for an easy at-home remedy, though a little messier.

Rosemary 

LIVING LIBATIONS Rosemary Reset Powder

We don’t commonly think of this herb for skincare uses, but we definitely should. This tasty aromatic increases circulation when consumed, but also when applied topically, which brings nutrient-dense blood to the point of application, speeding healing. It’s also anti-inflammatory and reduces redness. We love this powder used as a spot treatment on our scars whilst we WFH, mixed with a little healing oil of choice, like tamanu, or DewDab for good measure.

LED Light

DMH AESTHETICS LED Light Shield Mask

Light therapy is exploding right now, and for good reason. These light-emitting electrodes heat things up at different therapeutic wavelengths to boost circulation, speed healing, and combat the signs of aging. The DMH Aesthetics mask comes with three settings: red, blue, and amber. While blue prevents acne in the first place, red and amber will be best for stimulating new collagen and cell turnover, revealing fresh, even skin with regular use.

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Manuka Honey

MANUKAGUARD Honey Dew Manuka Honey

Not only is this sweet treat powerfully antimicrobial to prevent breakouts to begin with, but it’s got soothing, anti-inflammatory properties to boot. Apply a light layer as a mask as often as you like, or go for a spot treatment a few times a week.

Aloe Vera

HOLIKA HOLIKA Aloe 99% Soothing Gel

You have some DIY options here. Buy a convenient bottle of the concentrated stuff, or whack off a leaf at the source, slicing off the spikes on the side and fileting out the goo to apply directly onto the face. Aloe is super hydrating, repairing, and soothing, reducing the appearance of scars by nourishing the area. You can even apply a little slab of the clear aloe plant innards onto a scar like a Band-aid spot treatment while working from home to let it work its magic for as long as possible. Don’t overdo it though—aloe, like most other fruits and veggies, has some natural acids in it, making it mildly exfoliating. Overuse can actually cause dryness and irritation, so no need to do this twice a day, every day.

Yes, Mask-Acne Is Still A Thing… Here’s How To Fix It ASAP

Published on by LeeLeave a comment

The discovery of a new virus, COVID-19, has put us in a strange situation that created more problems than we originally had. There’s a coin shortage, food supply chain breakdown, people are still jobless, and this vaccine that is supposed to protect us from the corona is killing us. In the beauty world, we were introduced to a new, but no so new skincare ailment- mascne.

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Formally know as acne mechanics, it’s a form of acne that occurs due to friction. Maskne is a more compound form of acne mechanica- take the friction of the mask and add dirt and bacteria from wearing an unwashed mask day in and day out and you have maskne! Also, you can get mascne from oil and sweat building up from wearing a mask.

Still, wear your mask!

So how to care for it? Three steps:

Don’t abandon your skincare routine.

Keeping your face cleansed, toned, moisturized, and protected is key. If you have a routine, keep going.

If you don’t, now is the time to create a routine to help your skin gain strength and remain healthy.

Also, try switching it up. If your favorite product isn’t cutting it right now, don’t throw it away. It might be time to try something else that caters to the climate and the weather that you are in at the moment. Your skin just needs an extra boost with dealing with mask-acne along with any other skin conditions.

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Wash that mask.

What can I say? Your mask is filthy. And paper masks are wasteful and filthy (not to mention they are NOT reusable). Purchase a few cloth masks and wash your mask during your evening skincare routine.

Stop washing your masks with the laundry. Hand washes in warm water using your facial cleanser. Your facial cleanser is capable of removing dirt, oil, makeup, and bacteria from your mask. If you are dedicated to oil and cream cleansers, purchase a clarifying gel cleanser just for your masks.

Be proactive- spot treat.

Before maskne, the skincare industry was full of spot treatments. Add one to your routine during the day to destroy bacteria and keep your skin clear. Here are my top 4 favorite acne spot treatments:

Let’s talk about maskne!

Are you currently suffering from maskne? Have you won the battle? What products have been working for you?

Sharing is caring!

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Jada Pinkett Smith’s Secret To Great Skin Is ‘Lots Of Steam’ And Baby Soap

Published on by Lee2 Comments

Jada Pinkett Smith has knocked over the glass and spilled the tea, ladies! She has welcomed us into her home to show off a skincare routine for the gawds, all for the sole purpose of resetting our skin and starting off the upcoming year anew.

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And listen, we can hardly contain ourselves, because we finally have the scoop on the best way to go about getting the super mom’s flawless skin. Pinkett Smith admirably cares so deeply about the wellness of her skin, that it’s literally beaming, which we all took notice of, causing the Red Table Talk architect to share.

From giving us all her skincare faves, to re-introducing the importance of frequent steaming, Pinkett Smith definitely put us on to the secrets of how great skincare can be achieved at any age. Of the video, she said:

“Hopefully there is a little something in here for everyone on this #selfcaresunday ✨ Here is one of my skin re-starter routines that I use after wearing makeup everyday on shoots and so forth. I USE THIS ROUTINE ONCE EVERY 2 – 3 MONTHS. For instance… when I returned from shooting the Matrix, I hit this routine.”

A skincare routine with longevity? Sign me up!

So, for those of us looking to reset, here’s a step-by-step guide to Jada Pinkett Smith’s re-starter skincare routine for obtaining the best skin of your life:

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Jada Pinkett Smith’s Skincare Routine

She opens the video radiating in the most perfect light. “Giving you that glow, girl, yasss!” she says. Immediately, I knew I was about to enjoy the hell out of this video. She also shared a few disclaimers:

“I’m going to give you my home base skin routine, this is my skin restarter. I don’t have a regular aesthetician that I go to, I might go get a professional facial maybe once or twice a year, so I really have learned to take care of my skin.”

She then discusses her skin type (know your type, ladies) and emphasizes the importance of understand that what you eat, also deeply affects you skin.

First, she steams!

She said:

“OK, we are going to steam before we do anything. There’s nothing better for the face, stay under there for five minutes because the steam opens your pores, moisturizes your skin, and also loosens up whatever extra skin you have on your face.”

Quick tip: steam your neck and chest too! ‘It’s all connected.

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Up next, Jada uses a gentle cleanse.

Jada uses the Tactcha Deep Cleanse ($38) to cleanse her face after steaming.

“Now this is a deep cleanse, but it’s actually very gentle. And I like to use my hands and get in there. [When rinsing] use warm water, we want to keep those pores open.”

Then, she steams again. 

“Steam is important. We’re going to steam a lot. It’s just so healthy for the skin. It’s the thing that gives you the glow, it’s the thing that keeps wrinkles away.”

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Next, Jada applies Dermologica Pre-Cleanse.

“This is like a really light oil that’s going to help the microdermabrasion machine to go over the skin easily.”

Afterward, she pulls out the Microdermabrasion Kendal Professional ($185) to get to work.

“So this is my microdermabraision machine here, it has like a suction. This removes dead skin off of your face. And let me tell you, I be killin’ Willow, because I be making her do my back!”

And next up, she exfoliates and cleanses her eyes…with baby soap! 

“I like to do a gentle exfoliation of my eyelids and my eyebrows. Just put some warm water [on your eyelids] and use baby soap. I use baby soap because when you;re using products around your eyes, first of all, you want something that’s not going to sting, and you want something that’s super gentle. And let me tell you something, you get a lot of dead skin around your eyes and your eyebrows.”

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Jada continues on with her routine, which consists of steaming even more, and using some of her favorite products to finish it out. Watch the full video here or watch it below.

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Do you plan to try Jada’s routine?