Men Get Ingrown Hairs Too

Calling all men! Relief from ingrown facial hairs. ( Calling all ladies! How to get your guy to take care of his skin.)

I recently posted a story about helping my husband end his battle with ingrown facial hair and found out that many other women have similar stories. Like a lot of men, my husband’s ingrown facial hairs get red, infected, and often leaves dark spots on his skin once they are gone. I thought that once I introduced him to facial scrubs the problem would be solved but I soon found that not only was it difficult to get him to use it, but he was also not using it properly. It was definitely time for his first facial peel.


I was expecting to be greeted by strong resistance but he actually loved it! I had to practically force him to rinse it off. His response—“Oh, this is good!” He followed this by using my night cream (Mizu Hydrate Fight Cream)and he was in heaven. Now my rough and tough, manly man husband is using chemical peels and night cream and today I spoke to a client who had literally chased her husband around the house, TCA peel in hand, until he finally let her put it on his face. The result? He immediately told her to call me and order one for him and reminded her again first thing the next morning.


There are easy steps that guys can take to prevent and treat ingrown hairs and the dark spots left behind.

1. Use a microdermabrasion scrub BEFORE shaving to get the closest shave possible. You can continue to use this 2-3 times a week to keep that top layer of dead skin off that the ingrown hairs are getting caught in.
2. If this doesn’t solve the problem then a daily salicylic or glycolic exfoliant and/or a bi-weekly peel should do the trick, don’t worry guys—it’s as easy as applying them to your face and then rinsing them off. I recommend the AHA Kojic peel/exfoliant because it will exfoliate the skin and help fade the dark spots. 
3. Guys will also love the Green Tea SPF 30+ Moisturizer to use daily. It’s very light weight, has a matte finish, and gives them the antioxidants and sun protection that their skin needs (and don’t worry, it won’t make you smell like a girl).

Kristen is a licensed esthetician and has been working in the beauty industry for over 9 years. Through many years of experience and continuous training she has acquired extensive knowledge in the skin care field. She loves educating her clients and helping people look and feel their best!

Tips & Tricks By Ginger: “I have oily skin and need an oil free moisturizer”

“I have oily skin and need an oil free moisturizer”

I hear this same complaint day after day.  Reading the ingredient labels for oily skin treatment products sends me right through the roof.  Not many mass consumers understand their oily skin and why it behaves the way it does.  It’s understandable because truly oily skins think about nothing else besides how to stop the flow of sebum.  And the cosmetic industry only complicates the problem….spending billions of dollars on advertising their “latest and greatest” acne/oil control formula and zero on educating their customers.

I always use the analogy of an orange.  Think of the last time you bought a fresh orange….its plump, ripe, and ready to be eaten.  Now think back….have you ever had an orange that has kind of hung around for way too long.  It doesn’t look juicy and inviting anymore…its shriveled and you can actually see the pores of the orange skin.  This is exactly the same thing that happens when human skin becomes dehydrated. 

The epidermis functions best when the hydro-lipid barrier is in balance.  This means your skin is fully hydrated and maintains its normal sebum output.  If water level drops, oil production can become amplified causing some “normal to combination” skin to believe they are oily.  Now don’t get me wrong, there are people with oily skin…they would actually become even OILIER.  So what’s the answer?

First, avoid products that contain heavy concentrations of alcohol.  This ingredient can facilitate dehydration – exactly what you don’t need.  Most commercially produced acne/oily skin products have very high alcohol content because it’s a cheap ingredient and will make the skin “feel” less oily.  Its best to concentrate on bulking up the epidermal water content and use products to treat and address without further “harming” the skin.

Oil is good for the skin.  Period.  There are different oils for different skin types of course, and some oil is NOT GOOD for skin, however, oily skin should not avoid oil all together.

Here are some tips and tricks to help put your skin back into balance and make shopping for skin care easier:

Topically applied HYALURONIC ACID will help restore water content, thus slowing sebum production – MIZU HYDRATE SERUM PURE is a great choice or MIZU HYDRATE SERUM CLEAR if you have congested and blocked pores.

A non-alcohol toner that contains a small amount of salicylic acid will help keep your skin fresh and clean – PEEL RX ALPHA BETA TONER works well.  If your skin is excessively oily, SALICYLIC 2% can be used in the am in place of the Toner and for spot treatment when you feel a pimple coming on.

Drink lots of water and avoid smoking, caffeine, hot liquids, spicy food- I know this sounds like something your mom would told you when you were a teenager, but its all true.  Caffeine dehydrates, smoking decreases the blood oxygen levels, hot liquids and spicy food may cause your pores to dilate and promotes pimples.

Next week I will provide some helpful hints when it comes to reading your product labels to further arm you against oily skin! In the meantime if you have any questions please check out Natural Skin Shop where you can speak directly with a skin care specialist.

Blackheads: How To Prevent & Clear Up

Every Wednesday we ask our Facebook Fans to write their skincare questions on our wall. We are sure to answer all the questions but we pick several to feature on our YouTube Channel. For those questions we answer on YouTube we give the person who asked the question a $25 Gift Certificate To Natural Skin Shop. Here is our very first question and answer and its about blackheads.

“ADULT ACNE” | THE PAIN, THE PLAIN INSANE & THE (EVENTUAL) GAIN…

Kristina Holland-Natural Skin Shop’s skin savvy writer (& biggest fan!)


As if reaching your prime wasn’t difficult enough. Now, as an adult, you have the two-folded drama of combating both acne and wrinkles! If you’re stuck between a rock and a hard place, Natural Skin Shop can spare you a troubled face…and your adult grace!

THE PAIN
Studies have revealed a recent spurge in the cases of post–adolescent acne in both men and women between the ages of 25 and 50. For women, the statistics are slightly higher (50%), while men tend to suffer less frequently from the condition (25%). Adult acne can debilitate an individual’s confidence (think big office meeting) and wreck havoc on your ability to appropriately address the signs of aging. What a pain in your adult reign!

THE PLAIN INSANE: WHY ME…WHY NOW?
You may have thought that acne was limited to the erratic, hormonally-imbalanced (and sometimes awkward) years of youth. Just when you thought you could retire the good ole’ brown paper bag, the ill-timed onset of adult acne introduces itself into your middle-aged life. Let’s look to the possible culprits and find a solution so you can go back to being a “grown-up” (whatever that means...).

*Cosmetic Acne: Your daily application, and most significantly re-application, of makeup could be creating an unhealthy proliferation of clogged pores, bacteria and irritation. Opt for products labeled non-comedogenic and non-acnegnic. To ensure your cosmetics remain bacteria-free, keep lids tightly closed and avoid direct heat and sunlight. This hygienic safety measure applies to any and all skin care products. Sharing cosmetics is also frowned upon for sanitary purposes. You may unintentionally acquire or “share” with another the bacteria behind acne’s unpopular presence (proprionobacterium acnes). Also, check the expiration date of your compact, foundation or blush to be sure your not applying makeup that’s been around since your teenage years!

*Stress: Tax season is approaching and the IRS may be to blame for your newly acquired problematic complexion. Okay…the IRS can’t be held accountable (pun intended) for everything gone-wrong; however, the stress associated with it can certainly take the blame. Embrace relaxation techniques (such as yoga) to decrease an excess of the stress hormone referred to as “cortisol”, which has been linked to both weight gain and acne.

*Hormones: Hormones are constantly fluctuating throughout the cycle of life particularly for women. Childbirth and menopause (particularly perimenopause) can create a temporary or long-term hormonal imbalance. Harsh acne treatments only make matters worse, and as a result, the problematic condition continues down a wayward path. Consult a physician to make sure your hormones are in check.

*The Glycemic Index: The good ole’ saying “you are what you eat” may not be too far off track when it comes to acne. No, it’s not the typical blame game involving chocolate and french-fries. Rather, a food that scores high on the glycemic index chart could ultimately surge your hormones (insulin). When insulin levels spike, so too does sebum production…and there you have an instant recipe for acne! Be wary of not only your sweet tooth, but also of hidden offenders such as complex carbohydrates in addition to sugary drinks and condiments.
PS: Even ketchup contains high-fructose syrup.
PSS: The necessary nutrient, iodine also stimulates the production of oil. To rule out this culprit, temporarily avoid iodine-rich foods such as kelp and egg yolks.

*Rosacea: Adult acne and rosacea are often times very closely related, so much so that they can go in hand and hand or are mistakenly confused for one another at times. Consult a physician if you suspect acne-rosacea. Clinical symptoms include a flushed appearance associated with inflamed pustules particularly after consuming spicy foods and liquor.
PS: Powdered cosmetics, such as loose foundations (i.e.: mineral makeup), are known to irritate rosacea conditions.

*Genetics: Thank your mom and dad for this one. Nature versus nurture is a frequent discussion throughout the psychological and dermatological community. Although, “nature” may have predisposed you to acne, “nurture” can alter the path of your skin’s destiny.

*New Allergies: Allergies, both internal and external, can develop late in age due to a compromised immune system, leaky gut syndrome or simply “just because”. For external protection, opt for a routine with minimal ingredients. The labels “hypoallergenic”, “allergy-tested”, “dermatologist-tested” and “all-natural” are highly misleading. A product may not have to undergo significant testing to be considered hypoallergenic. Likewise, a “hired” dermatologist could “assess” a product on a “select” group of individuals thereby not including a wide range of possible allergies. Also, all-natural is great, however, essentials oils can be the cause of many an allergic and acnegenic irritation. Think lavender, lemon, orange and …poison ivy! Ouch! Opt for sophisticated product formulations utilizing the best of science and nature.

*Damage (Radiation): Oh my…have the years flown by and now your once perfect skin is looking a bit drab, uneven, dull…and need I say…. full of acne breakouts. How could this be? The invincible years of youth may have left you blissfully unaware of the daily damage incurred by baking in the sun’s rays. Photodamage breaks down collagen and elastin, expands pores, stimulates sebaceous glands and deteriorates the skin’s immune system. Tally up the assaults and your skin can certainly develop acne as a result. Even incidental photodamage can do a great deal of harm to the skin, which is why daily sun protection is a must for all skin types (even the healthy, youthful, beautiful variety). Nevertheless…who says the damage can’t be undone? Natural Skin Shop certainly believes in second chances. So, up the ante and invest in regular skin peels to create healthy new skin cells, an antioxidant-rich serum to fend off free-radicals and a stable, broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from future assaults.
PS: A compromised or damaged lipid barrier may also be to blame for your adult-acne. Please also see the Natural Skin Shop Blog: “Repair My Barrier…(and my derrière)”.

THE (EVENTUAL) GAIN
The good news about adult acne is that many acne-targeted treatments simultaneously provide a solution for aging skin. Therapeutic treatments involving glycolic acid, such as glycolic acid peels, treat the keratinization disorder associated with both acne and wrinkles. By stimulating fresh cellular production, chemical peels combat acne and wrinkles on all fronts. Skin-type appropriate skin peels are also highly effective against acne’s lesser-known associates (photodamage, rosacea and an impaired barrier).


AN IDEAL ADULT ACNE REGIMEN
*Gentle Cleanser (Don’t risk further irritating inflamed acne conditions by drying the epidermis thereby causing a bevy of additional skin concerns. Natural Skin Shop’s cleanser recommendation: The antioxidant-rich Peel RX Green Tea Cleanser
*Medicated Toner (Combat bacteria, dead skin and excess cosmetic and environmental residue)
*Serum (oily skin)/Lotion (normal to combination)/Serum + Lotion (combination to dry)
*Sunscreen (Stable/Broad-Spectrum/PABA-free/Non-comedogenic)
*Monthly Skin Peels (Your skin’s ability to renew itself takes a sluggish turn for the worse with age. Chemical peels perk up your skin into high-drive. )

Adult Acne: Common Question of the Day
Q: My daughter and I both have acne. Can we use the same products?
A: More often than not, adult and teenage acne don’t have much in common. To avoid unnecessary dryness and irritation, make sure to avoid drying, over-the-counter anti-acne potions and lotions targeted towards the youth. Yes, teenage and adult acne can have similar symptomatic conditions, however, the root cause and circumstances are often very different and therefore need to be addressed as so… In fact, be sure to check out your daughter’s products to make sure she isn’t falling prey to the victimization associated with “cyclical acne treatments”. Basically, any product that is marketed as an acne cure, but is instead packed full of irritating ingredients and drying astringents, which only perpetuate the ongoing battle instead of eliminating the root cause.

PS: Leave acne in the past where it belongs. But always remember to smile, smell the roses and forget you’re a “real adult” from time to time. Your skin and you heart will thank you….

Be Young at Heart,
Natural Skin Shop
XOXO

Feel free to post your blog comments below!

MINERAL MAKEUP: THE HYPE, THE CLAIMS & …THE TRUTH! PART II

Kristina Holland-Natural Skin Shop’s skin savvy writer (& biggest fan!)
‘GOLDEN’ MINERAL ADVICE

*Be sure to thoroughly wash away mineral makeup before hitting the sack!
Even so-called “makeup so pure, you can sleep in it” is not a healthy choice for most skin types. While you sleep, your skin works to renew itself. Opt for ingredients, such as vitamin-A and hyaluronic acid, which aid in the PM cellular renewal process. Just because you may be able to get away with sleeping in mineral makeup from time to time, doesn’t mean it should become a habit! Thoroughly remove makeup and additional debris with a PH-balanced, skin-softening cleanser such as Peel Rx Brightening Cleanser.

*Choose wisely and approach ALL makeup with caution!
Mineral makeup doesn’t guarantee a beautiful finish nor does it guarantee clear skin. Like any foundation or powder, choosing a formula that’s right for your skin type is half the battle. The second stage of the melee is correct makeup application and removal! The soothing, anti-inflammatory properties of zinc oxide can turn irritating and occlusive in a matter of days if applied with a heavy hand. By the same token, be sure to thoroughly remove ever last bit of makeup-residue with a gentle exfoliating toner such as Glycolic Peel Rx Advanced Toner Mist. To further prevent cosmetic acne, maintain a regular peeling regimen with the aid of chemical peels. Skin peels work to renew the surface of the skin (and beyond) by sloughing off pore-clogging debris and excess dead skin. Hello gorgeous!

*“Test out” mineral makeup before a big event to ensure its right for you!
Due to mineral makeup’s high concentration of physical sunscreens, a white cast is often distastefully unveiled by a camera’s flash. Always experiment with mineral makeup before the “big day” to ensure your complexion doesn’t go from glowy to pasty and gray with the click of a button.

Be A Natural Beauty,
Natural Skin Shop
XOXO

Check out Part I of this Glycolic Acid Peel post and feel free to post your blog comments below!

MINERAL MAKEUP: THE HYPE, THE CLAIMS & …THE TRUTH!

By Kristina Holland-Natural Skin Shop’s skin savvy writer (& biggest fan!)

Mineral makeup! Who hasn’t heard the beauty buzz surrounding mineral makeup? It’s on QVC, the trendiest store shelves and the latest fresh-faced models. So you know there has to be a catch! Truth be told, mineral makeup is nothing new! It’s been around since…well…makeup!

THE MINERAL ‘MAKE UPS’
The basic ingredients of mineral makeup (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, mica) are found in almost every traditional form of makeup. So what’s mineral makeup’s bargaining tool? A concentrated dose of skin-illuminating, finely milled minerals with few to none additives. Due to the absence of fragrances, dyes and preservatives, mineral makeup is often marketed towards acne prone or sensitive skin types. Not all formulations, however, are free from the perils of irritation and comedogenicity. Knowing which ingredients are worthwhile and which can “hit the makeup road” are crucial for your complexion’s wellbeing.

MINERAL MAKEUP MANIA
Some people love mineral makeup, while others are left itchy, red and irritated. What gives? Although mineral makeup is formulated to be “all natural”, many natural ingredients can be classified as potential skin irritants. Case in point, mica is an all-natural mineral known for its less than soothing, pore-clogging and irritating properties. Another cause for irritation are the so-called “mineral” imposters. Bismuth oxycholoride, a derivative of lead, copper and chloride, is notorious for its potentially hazardous side effects. Often accountable for the bevy of rashes and cystic acne associated with mineral makeup, bismuth oxycholoride provides no benefits to the skin and is used solely to impart a pearlescent and shimmery appearance. Needless to say, opt for a formulation without this unnecessary and precarious ingredient.

MINERAL MAKEUP MYTHBUSTERS
“Mineral makeup is a foundation and sunscreen in one!”
Some lines do specialize in a powdered form of sunscreen for on-the-go, quick coverage. For the most part, however, mineral makeup (particularly a light application) will not provide substantial broad-spectrum protection from UV radiation. Of course any additional sun protection is helpful against the aging process. For enhanced coverage, apply mineral makeup on top of a broad-spectrum sunscreen such as Peel Rx Green Tea Anti-Aging SPF 30+Moisturizer.

“Mineral makeup is an all-in-one cure and cover-up for acne conditions!”
For some, mineral makeup can heal existing inflammatory acne conditions due to the prevalent concentration of zinc oxide. For others, it can add to the already burgeoning acne dilemma. In the beauty world, there is saying which denotes this very conundrum. YMMV stands for “your mileage may vary” and it couldn’t be more pertinent to the puzzling case of mineral makeup. For a ‘clear’ path to beautiful skin, cleanse thoroughly, sustain adequate dermal hydration and exfoliate on a regular basis. A naturally radiant glow can be ascertained with the aid of lactic acid peels, which smooth skin and reduce blemishes without compromising the lipid barrier. A stronger solution to problematic skin involves the ever-popular glycolic acid peel, which effectively dissolves cellular build-up and residue caused by an excess of cosmetics, surface oils and pollution.

“All mineral makeup is healthy, pure and free from synthetic ingredients!”
This is a false claim, which has led to many makeup-induced skin misdemeanors. Natural Skin Shop advises against trusting the front label of a product regardless of its origin or popular reputation. Take a proactive approach to your skin care regimen and check out the ingredients. If you are reading a novel-like ingredient label, keep hitting the beauty aisle pavement until a truly natural and chemical-free formula is within reach. Decide on a mineral makeup with less than ten ingredients. Fewer ingredients equates to fewer potential allergens!

TO BE CONTINUED…

“BABY IT’S COLD OUTSIDE” - PART II

WINTER WONDERLAND TIPS… FOR “HAPPY” SKIN!

• ‘H’umidify! The worst threat to your skin may not be the arid weather conditions outside. A skin-debilitating predator lurks indoors…possibly at your home or office! Indoor heaters can wreck havoc on the skin’s ability to retain adequate moisture levels. A humidifier can significantly decrease your chances of dermal dehydration by restoring necessary humidity back into the air.
• ‘A’pply Sunscreen! Earmuffs…check! Mittens…check! Sunscreen? Not so much… Many individuals fail to apply sunscreen on a regular basis during the winter season. However, the ultraviolet rays of winter can be just as powerful (and damaging) as those of summer or spring… (Hello snow-glare!) UV radiation exposure accelerates the loss of collagen and debilitates the skin’s ability to renew itself. Take a cue from the following well-known verse: “I’ve got sunshine…on a cloudy day”. The Temptations understood the conundrum of harmful UV radiation on an overcast winter day. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen, such as Peel RX Green Tea Anti-Aging SPF 30+Moisturizer, to ward off intracellular dehydration and the proliferation of cellular buildup.
• ‘P’repare in advance! The weather has a tendency to be unpredictable…hot one day, cool the next! Keeping a watchful eye on your skin will protect it from the ups and downs of this rollercoaster ride known as the winter season. Tweaking your daily regimen from time to time may be necessary to avoid an imbalance. Invest in a night cream, such as Peel Rx Green Tea Antioxidant Moisturizer Cream, which will nourish and revitalize dry, damaged skin.
• ‘P’ure Skin Care! Conserving your skin’s water reserve is crucial for its wellbeing! To sustain a clear and supple complexion, avoid substandard skin care ingredients such as harsh detergents, dyes and preservatives. A skin care regimen consisting of pure, high-grade product formulations will prevent unnecessary irritation and dryness from the get-go...
• ‘Y’ing, Yang! A well-balanced lifestyle along with consistent quality skin care and regular exfoliation (I.e.: Chemical Peels) will keep your glow on track! Cardiovascular exercise, antioxidant-rich foods and ample sleep are all constituents for beautiful, healthy, youthful-looking skin.

PS: Evaporation dehydrates skin…fast! Promptly towel dry after a lukewarm bath or shower… with an emphasis on lukewarm! Extreme water conditions can rob the epidermis of vital moisture.

Have a Winter Wonderland of Glow,
Natural Skin Shop
XOXO
Feel free to post your blog comments below!

RECESSION PROOF YOUR SKIN!

Just because the economy has hit a record low, doesn’t mean it
has to show. Ensure your skin’s destiny and invest in a
hassle-free commitment to beautiful skin!

Save your hard-earned money, your irreplaceable time and your
priceless skin! Don’t waste precious dollars and cents on an
expensive spa treatment when you can achieve superior results from
home! Besides…who knows your skin better than you? Natural Skin
Shop’s wide array of glycolic peels makes it easy for you to
choose the ideal glycolic peel for your skin type. Remember to always consider
the variables and refer to the FAQ section for additional guidance.

Don’t’ forget to ask yourself some personal peel
questions!
*Have I ever received a chemical peel? If so, what were my results?
*What’s my skin type? Am I sensitive, dry, normal, oily or
somewhere in between?
*What are my concerns? Hyperpigmentation, enlarged pores, acne,
wrinkles?
*Is my lipid barrier impaired? Have I been using harsh exfoliants that
may negatively affect the outcome of my peel?


As for your day at the spa…
During your glycolic peeling session, adequate lighting is required to ensure
proper application. However, after your peel’s triumphant
success over lackluster skin, recharge with some much-needed R&R! Put
your feet up, dim the lights and take a breather. Stress hormones have
been known to negatively affect fibroblast (connective tissue cells).
“Breathe in, breathe out…"
*Spoil your nearest and dearest with a Pampering Peel Party! If the
best part of the spa for you is the quality chitchat time with
friends, invite your closest buds over for a day of luxe indulgence.

Here’s some a-peeling advice!
*Remember to carefully read (and of course implement) peel
instructions!
*Know thyself! Don’t opt for a peel that is inappropriate or
too strong for your skin type.
*Remember, adequate sun protection is a virtue …(and tanning
beds are a vice!)
*Above all else, approach peels with caution and always spot check
beforehand to ensure compatibility. Be sure to incorporate a daily
dose of nourishing hyaluronic acid into your post-peel skin care
regime. MIZU Hydrate Serum-Pure renews skin like none other with 100%
pure and concentrated, high-grade hyaluronic acid.

Peel Safely,
Natural Skin Shop
XOXO

Feel free to post your blog comments below!

Kristina Holland-Natural Skin Shop’s skin savvy writer (&
biggest fan!)