How to Reduce Acne Scar Appearance

We have noticed there's been a lot of questions about how to get rid of acne scars.While there isn't one quick fix to completely eradicate the scars there are some great skin care steps you can take to reduce the appearance of acne scars.

TCA peels treat acne and acne scars and is a great start. Start with a light strength peel, TCA 10%. The TCA peels will give you a much deeper peel than an AHA, thus effectively targeting acne scars.

You can also control the depth of TCA peels by the number of layers you apply. With the 10% peel, we suggest to use no more than 2-3 layers. Applying multiple layers results in a deeper exfoliation and enhances skin rejuvenation. The downtime can last a few days to a few weeks but the results are definitely worth the wait!

Interested in learning more about reducing acne scars visit http://www.naturalskinshop.com/ or contact one of our helpful skin experts on Facebook (Kim or Kristen) or call toll free 888.514.5126 Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm EST.

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!

THE STAIN OF MELASMA

Don’t hide behind the mask of melasma…let your inner glow take the front row!

THE MASQUERADE

You may be wondering why your maternal glow has suddenly turned to the “dark” side. Melasma, also known as “the mask of pregnancy”, is a common skin disorder involving an excess of melanin. Melasma is typically confined to the mid-forehead, cheeks, chin, nose and jawline. The female hormones, estrogen and progesterone, are believed to stimulate the over-production of melanocytes (pigment-producing skin cells). As a result, the epidermis develops patches of darkened skin (hyperpigmenation). Unfortunately, melasma is not limited to the nine months of pregnancy. In fact, it is not limited to women. Although uncommon…even men can develop melasma!

THE ROOT CAUSE OF ALL…MELASMA

*Hormone Contraceptives
*Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
*Estrogen Supplements
*Photosensitizing Medications
*Thyroid Dysfunction
*Ovarian Dysfunction
*Genetic Predisposition

LIGHTEN UP!

Undo the damage of yore with the illuminating TCA skin peel. Renowned by dermatologist for its powerful brightening effects, this potent peel effectively treats the blotchy discoloration associated with melasma. The TCA Peel can also be applied to localized areas of hyperpigmentation. In other words, it can be used to effectively “spot treat” melasma conditions.

DON’T PULL THE TRIGGER

Although the root cause of melasma varies from person to person. The trigger remains the same: UV radiation! Sun exposure is the singular, most-important factor in the development of melasma. Regardless of hormones or genetics, without sunlight, your melasma won’t see the light of day! Broad-spectrum sunscreens, such as Peel Rx Green Tea Anti-Aging SPF 30, ensure your skin will be melasma-free for all of eternity!

Life’s a beach! So, please don’t forget your sunscreen!

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!)

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!)