Bye Bye Blackheads

It’s always the right time to get rid of your blackheads. In the winter they feel dry, and in the summer they feel oily—a confusing combination that leaves you frustrated. Never fear—from simple exfoliation to microdermabrasion, there are many ways to conquer blackheads and repair your skin.

What is a Blackhead?

A blackhead forms when a hair follicle becomes widened or open, allowing dirt, oils, and bacteria to get in. Your skin’s oils, sebum, can overproduce for different reasons, and become stuck in the skin without draining properly, causing bacteria to form. Sebum oxidizes as it sits in this open hair follicle, and gives it the “black” appearance that we know and hate so much.

Medical Grade Cleansers Renew and Keep Skin Clean

One of the reasons sebum can overproduce and get caught in our pores is from over-cleansing. We see oil and dirt building up in our pores, and try to fix it by using stronger cleansers or washing our face more often and more aggressively. This is a mistake—what our skin wants is routine.  Using a medical grade cleanser and lotion, cleanse your skin no more than twice a day to stop from drying it out—overdoing it will cause more sebum to produce and perpetuate clogged pores and trapped dirt!

Helpful Tips

•  Be Clean!
• Use a clean cloth. You are getting bacteria out when you clean, so keep your cleaning supplies clean too. This goes for your fingers as well.
• Be gentle!
• One of the top tips for calming irritated skin is: Just Be Gentle. Light pressure, lukewarm water—keeping things moderate helps your skin to stay relaxed and produce regular levels of sebum.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a gentle way to renew your skin and help blackheads clear up. A specialized brush is combined with a professional cleanser to carefully remove the top layer of your skin, promoting healthy production below and removing layers of dirt and oils. Blackheads are a clog in your skin—microdermabrasion unclogs and promotes regular oil production levels going forward.

Keep Your Energy Up

Maintaining energy in the winter is a difficult task, especially if you are working long hours. There are many treatments to bring energy back to your skin. At the same time, help your skin maintain energy by being holistically supportive—sleep, routine, and diet are all important to bright skin and energy to take you from dawn to dusk.

Water

Keeping hydrated is good for almost everything and should be a priority every day. Proper intake of water promotes good collagen production for dewy, radiant skin. Not only does water give your skin energy, but helps maintain blood volume levels, enabling oxygen and nutrients to be delivered to your cells at the best rate. This consistency helps you to wake up, stay awake longer, and feel more energized throughout the day. Energize inside and out by keeping a routine with your water intake.

Change Up Your Wake Up

A lot of us are reliant on coffee as a reason to get out of bed and stay out of bed. Taking the leap and quitting coffee can be a big move towards a more energetic life, believe it or not. Replace coffee with a lower caffeine beverage such as green tea to level out the “caffeine high” and maintain energy levels for longer throughout the day.

Best Energy Foods

Getting a good supply of nutrients throughout the day is a sure fire way to improve skin quality and boost energy. Here are some areas to check off:

• Go for complex carbs. These provide energy more slowly than simple carbs, providing nutrients for longer periods of time, without the “high highs” and “low lows.”
• Get more iron. Dark green vegetables are packed with iron, which is key to energy. Combine iron-filled greens with vitamin C (such as in bell peppers) to absorb the most you can from the vegetables.
• Limit refined sugar intake. A lot of alcohol or refined sugars (such as in candy and juice) taps out your energy resources and makes your body work harder to build it back up.
• Don’t cut out fats. Healthy fats (such as in avocados and salmon) are key for antioxidants to link to and start dispensing health benefits to your cells.

You don’t have to focus on your skin and your energy at different times. Find healthy patterns in your life by doing practices that are good for your whole body, inside and out.

Vitamin C - Your New Best Friend

You’re not fighting scurvy, but you are fighting the winter blues. Last week’s tip was to pair Vitamin C and iron rich foods together for energy; this week ‘s focus is on the different ways Vitamin C can enrich your skin, energy levels, and overall health.

Sun Protection

Even in winter, we are vulnerable to the sun’s harmful rays. Topical application of vitamin C can provide protection from UVA/UVB rays and sun damage. Vitamin C has been shown to not only protect from the sun, but repair damaged skin that’s seen too many rays. Medical Grade skin lotions that contain L-ascorbic acid are the Vitamin C-filled armour your skin needs—even in March.

Another Important C—Collagen

Collagen production is aided by intake of vitamin C. Vitamin C is an antioxidant, fighting free radicals that are harmful to collagen production. A healthy intake of vitamin C and other antioxidants set up a strong defence against free radicals that get in the way of collagen production. When collagen can produce you gain plump, luminous, and youthful skin.

Vitamin C-rich Foods

• Fresh orange juice
• Tomato juice
• Broccoli
• Green and red bell peppers
• Red cabbage

Other Benefits

Vitamin C—especially paired with iron—can be hugely beneficial to overall health. Studies show the vitamin:

•     Boosts the immune system
•     Helps to prevent colds
•     Strengthens the cardiovascular system
•     Fortifies teeth and muscles
•     Prevents bruising and strengthens skin
•     Diminishes dryness and promotes good cell growth

De-stress Your Skin

There are many ways that stress affects our quality of life. Managing your stress and simplifying your days can bring positive results to many areas of your life, including the quality of your skin. See results in a brighter face, more radiant skin, and an overall boost of energy!

How Skin Quality is Affected by Stress

Stress activates different reactions in the body, and a lot of the time leaves us looking tired and worn down.

• Going off last week’s blog post, under-eye bags are largely caused by a lack of sleep. Stress keeps us up at night, causing stressed blood vessels to burst and fluid to pool under the eyes.
• Flare-ups are activated by stress-related cortisol release, which in turn affects the way hormones are regulated in the body.  Regulation of hormones is one of the best ways to stop acne in its tracks.
• Rashes or hives are often caused by an imbalance of bacteria (caused by a stress trigger) in your gut—where bad bacteria starts to outweigh the good.
• Sweating and poor diet can affect your hydration levels. Drinking coffee or pop because you’re stressed puts your sugar levels all over the map, and causes major dehydration. Dehydration = flaky, unhealthy skin.

What to Do

You probably can’t take everything stressful out of your life. That’s okay, and there’s many ways to problem solve and keep looking and feeling happy while you manage your stress and whatever the day throws at you.

• Drink water or coconut water throughout the day to keep hydrated, which is key to having energy–low energy drives us towards carby comfort meals or quick-fixes like chocolate bars. Eight glasses a day will keep you more bright-eyed and help your skin be at its healthiest.
• Pack your meals with antioxidants (found in blueberries, dark leafy greens and much, much more). Antioxidants stop free-radicals from interrupting collagen production—collagen keeps your skin looking plump, full, and young. A healthy and complete diet also maintains sugar levels, helping your hormones to stay regulated while promoting restful sleep to wipe away those under-eye bags.
• Exercise releases endorphins, which put you in a better mood and provide you with energy. More energy to approach the day will decrease your stress, as will concerning yourself less with your skin quality
• A regular amount of sleep promotes good balance of hormones, better energy, and less anxiety. To combat under-eye bags, sleep a regular amount each night, drink less alcohol (alcohol is full of sugar and stops you from deep sleep), and prop your head slightly up on your pillow to stop gravity from pooling fluid under your eyes.

Other Help

Medical grade skin care products can help improve the quality of your skin when stress is attacking it. Hyaluronic acid in products promotes collagen production. Other treatments like Juvederm stimulate collagen production using hyaluronic acid in a targeted way, and Botox reduces wrinkles caused by stress and time.

We Need to Talk About Cellulite

Cellulite–no one wants to have it or talk about it. Don’t shy away–there are many ways to both proactively and retroactively combat those hateful little dimples.

What Cellulite Is

Cellulite appears as fat gathers underneath different areas of our skin. The way fat is distributed around individual bodies is affected mainly by differing genetic, hormonal, and dietary factors. As fat gathers around connective tissue it causes the skin to pucker where it would instead be taut–giving hips, buttocks, and legs the familiar and dreaded appearance of unflattering dimples.

Factors

• Hormonal

As women age, the body begins to produce less estrogen. Estrogen stabilizes steady blood flow throughout the body, which is key to maintaining strong connective tissue. Hormones can also mean poor circulation. In order for collagen to produce, the body needs good circulation to create this protein that is very important to the upkeep of youthful skin.

•  Genetics

Our genes account for a lot, and can predispose our bodies to forming cellulite. We can have slower metabolisms that cause us to hold more fat on the body.

• Diet

What we eat and how we eat it has an affect on our blood circulation, collagen production, fat storage, and ultimately the strength of our connective tissue.

Keep hydrated and eat foods that are high in water content to encourage healthy tissue formation.

Foods that are lower in bad fats are also easier for our bodies to digest and turn into energy. Avoid trans fats that get stuck in the body and form fat deposits.

As mentioned frequently in previous posts and as recently as last week–antioxidant rich foods like blueberries and dark leafy greens are one of your best allies when it comes to building skin-smoothing collagen. Antioxidants stop free-radicals from attacking blood cells and halting collagen production.

•  Smoking

Smoking can indeed be a factor in the formation of cellulite. Smoking causes a reduction in blood flow, disrupting collagen reduction, and allowing for damage to connective tissue.

Options

To deal with stubborn cellulite, there are non-surgical and non-invasive treatments that target its appearance and existence on the body. Venus Legacy™ is a treatment that creates a specialized thermal reaction using safe multi-polar radio frequency and Pulsed Magnetic fields to treat cellulite and fat. Venus Legacy™ treatments increase circulation and plump your skin by stimulating collagen production. It is pain-free and requires no down-time following the treatment.

The 411 on Dermal Fillers

The 411 on Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers come in many effective forms, depending on the desired outcome. These safe, low impact and non-surgical treatments are designed to provide a natural lift and youthful plumpness back to your skin.

Botox

Botox is likely the dermal filler you’re most familiar with. It’s no surprise—Botox has been around a long time, and remains an effective and popular treatment.

Botox: • removes frown lines and upper lip lines • banishes crow’s feet • diminishes neck bands • diminishes forehead creases • is non-surgical • treatments are only 10-20 minutes • results last up to four months • is world renowned and time-tested

Juvederm VOLUMA

Juvederm has different treatment streams available, depending on your desired results. VOLUMA uses a gel filler of hyaluronic acid—a naturally occurring substance that combines with water in the skin to fill out areas that have fallen in the face and neck over time.

Juvederm VOLUMA:

• adds volume and contour to cheeks and jaw lines • softens wrinkles and fine lines, filling out “hollow” areas • works with all skin types • results can last up to a year • is non-surgical • works well in combination with Botox and Soft Lift treatments Restylane Unlike other dermal fillers, Restylane is collagen-free—a haven for those with collagen allergies. A collagen allergy shouldn’t stop you from restoring youth and diminishing wrinkles from your face. Restylane • is a non-animal based product • is non-surgical • restores plumpness to lips • fills in fine lines • has minimal downtime • results can last longer than collagen based treatments

Dermal filler treatments can be tailored to your desired results, concerns, and allergies and preferences. Don’t let time determine how your skin ages.

Skin Rejuvenation Without Needles or Knives

Unwanted and often premature signs of aging appear over time due to damage from many sources—sun exposure, hormonal changes, pollution, smoking, diet and more.

What happens to skin as we age?

The top layer of skin acts as a barrier for the body, protecting it by keeping disease and toxins out and essential body fluids in. At the cellular level, new cells are formed that move up towards the surface of the skin where they are eventually exfoliated or removed. When we are young, this process takes about 40 days—28 days to migrate to the surface and 12 days to be sloughed or exfoliated off. With youthful healthy skin, new skin cells are well organized and uniform in shape, size, pigmentation and structure.

When skin ages and begins to break down, the surface becomes discolored, loose, wrinkled and rough. Cell turnover slows, reducing essential nutrients and produces cells that are abnormal. Collagen and elastin, the necessary proteins found in our bodies for healthy, plump skin, become less dense and less uniform, disorganized and coarser, causing skin to age and sag. There is less blood circulation and moisture, resulting in dull, lifeless skin.

Skin Treatment begins with the basics

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, which is especially true with maintaining healthy youthful looking skin. A healthy lifestyle and a proper skin care routine can mean putting off or avoiding injections or cosmetic surgery.

What’s the difference? Medical grade skin care is made up of medically proven ingredients only available through a doctor, which have been developed through clinical research. Over the counter products may also be based on clinical research but the dosage of the ‘wonder ingredients’ is minimal compared to medical grade skin care products. Over the counter lotions and creams typically do not penetrate as deeply, providing only a surface treatment.

Medical grade products work deeper, targeting the dermis or middle layer of the skin, where collagen and elastin are found and in the basal or bottom layer of the skin, where new skin cells are formed.

For skin rejuvenation, and to prevent premature aging, begin with a healthy lifestyle and use medically researched products with the right formula to keep skin looking youthful.

Say Goodbye for Good to Acne Scars

Britannia Dermedics has great options for treatment of acne scars. Acne scars aren’t just from picking and squeezing; the stress of the acne on the skin often irritates the cells and leaves a small groove, darkening over time with sun exposure.

To prevent acne scarring, be sure to avoid picking at your face, receive minimal sun exposure, and always wear an SPF containing face lotion, year round. While these will help prevent acne scarring, there are simple, non-invasive ways to treat acne scars from years past.

Pearl Laser Skin Resurfacing, Laser Genesis, and Chemical Peels are all options with Britannia Dermedics. These treatments are different but have in common that they are fast, simple, and have little recovery time. Acne is nothing to be ashamed of, but getting back to your old self is easy to do.

Pearl Laser Skin Resurfacing

Pearl Laser Skin Resurfacing is a Thermal Peel. Using pulsing light, Pearl Laser Skin Resurfacing treats the top layer and deeper layers of the skin. The cells regenerate and produce younger, more even, and tighter skin in just a few days of “social” recovery as the skin peels itself.

Pearl Laser Skin Resurfacing is also for clients with sun damage, as the production of younger cells removes years of redness and tough, leathery skin damage.

This is recommended for:

• Lighter to medium skin tones

• Mild to moderate sun damage

Laser Facials and Laser Genesis

Like Pearl Laser Skin Resurfacing, Laser Genesis uses a non-invasive pulsing light. The treatment heats below your skin’s surface to produce collagen, minimizing pores, reducing redness, and removing acne scars. Collagen is your skin’s natural filler, plumping your skin back to its youthful look and filling in grooves caused by acne scarring.

Laser Genesis is used on the face and neck to tighten skin and remove years of damage. The procedure requires no numbing or anesthesia, and boasts no recovery time.

This is recommended for:

•  All skin types

Peels

Depending on your target area and skin tone, there are many different peels to choose from. The two peels recommended for acne scarring specifically are the Vitalize and Rejuvenize peels.

Vitalize Peel:

•  The Vitalize Peel stimulates collagen growth below the surface of the skin. Skin will flake and peel minimally and be replenished with fresh, young, and firm skin. The Vitalize peel uses natural and gentle fruit acids to stimulate collagen production. It is strong but safe, and removes acne scars and redness for dramatic results.

Rejuvenize Peel

•  Rejuvenize provides a deeper peel than Vitalize. Also a chemical peel, Rejuvenize provides dramatic results for acne-scarred skin in a few short treatments. Rejuvenize removes years of sun and acne damaged skin, reducing the acne scars by activating the growth of collagen in the skin and replacing damaged cells with new cells.

This is recommended for:

•  All skin types

Britannia Dermedics also offers Illuminize Peels and Microdermabrasion for rejuvenating your skin. There are many choices for targeting acne scarring by itself, or in combination with sun damage. Explore your options!

Tighter Skin with No Recovery Time

Women on the go may feel like their skin has lost its former tightness over time, which is a natural effect of aging. If you’re busy and can’t afford down time, Titan Skin Tightening should be considered as an effective way to combat the signs of aging. Titan Skin Tightening offers younger looking skin with no recovery time. It is non-surgical, non-invasive, and requires no needles!

Who it’s For?

Titan Skin Tightening is for patients who want younger, brighter skin without surgery.  Unlike other laser treatments available, Titan Skin Tightening is approved for all skin types, tones, and ages; it works well for patients who want their skin effectively and dramatically rejuvenated without going under the knife.

How it Works:

TItan Skin Tightening applies a uniform amount of near-infrared light to the skin to promote collagen production deep in the patient’s face, under-chin, abdomen, neck, and underarm–correcting the skin from a relaxed state to its former tautness. The near-infrared light heats the skin, causing the tissue to begin to heal itself by producing collagen. After one to three treatments, the skin appears more youthful, taut, and vibrant as the production of collagen fills in natural hollows that occur in the skin over time.

Collagen Production:

Like other skin treatments offered by Britannia, Titan Skin Tightening works by catalyzing collagen production. Collagen is a protein produced in the body, and gives the skin its strong and smooth appearance. The controlled application of near-infrared light stimulates the collagen producers and alerts the body to make more, creating stronger and fuller skin tissue.

Benefits:

- Able to be used on all skin types and ages - Can be used outside the face and neck (abdomen and underarms) - Can be used in combination with almost all other rejuvenation treatments - No recovery time - Non-surgical - No freezing or anesthesia

Quick Tips:

Along with Titan Skin Tightening, patients should consider lifestyle modifications to support the upkeep of collagen in the skin. These are the two most important and universal rules to help keep your skin healthy and young:

Sunscreen:

• As always, wear sunscreen daily and throughout the entire year to protect from sun damage to collagen production. The sun will damage the cells that produce collagen and fill in fine lines. Sun exposure also ages the skin dramatically and can be easily avoided.

Quit Smoking:

• If you’re invested in your skin’s health and youthful appearance, quitting smoking should be on the top of your list! Like sun damage, smoking leads to collagen degradation.

Deal with Dry Skin in the Summer

You might be cooling off from summer heat by going to the pool or lake. While this is a refreshing and much needed relief, your skin is feeling the effects of all that time in water, becoming dry and flaky. Dry skin in the summer seems counterintuitive, but there are a few things to know and products to consider to keep your skin hydrated, healthy, and glowing in the heat!

Sun Will Dry You Out

Staying out of the sun is a rather universal rule when it comes to healthy skin. Sun exposure will dry out your face and damage the collagen in the skin that keeps it taut, young, and healthy.

Contains SPF

Wear a facial moisturizer that contains at least 30 SPF year round, but take special care in summer. The moisturizer itself will help to keep your skin hydrated, but lack of sun protection will render its services void. Consider moisturizers that are light but offer medical grade protection:

• ZO Oclipse-C SPF 50
• Sunforgettable SPF 30 Skin Primer
• Vivierskin Platiné  Triple Skin Protection SPF 30, or Vivierskin Platiné  Sun Protection SPF 45
• SkinTx Physical Face Block SPF 30

Find a facial moisturizer with SPF that is both strong and lightweight. You want a moisturizer that protects your skin and saves you from summer dryness–but doesn’t clog your pores.

Drink Water, Avoid Water

Drinking water hydrates your body and skin, while swimming or excess time spent in water dries you out. Hydrate your skin with regular water consumption, and avoid excess alcohol and caffeine to insure that hydration is maintained.

Be Delicate!

Summer is stressful for skin, but you can relax with a few tips committed to memory. Humidity can feel great and detoxifying, but heat also brings redness as well as sweat, which traps in dirt and clogs pores. A good rule of thumb that helps many different skin areas aside from dryness is to be delicate:

Not too hot, not too cold.

When you shower, don’t go too hot and irritate the skin. Hot showers can provoke redness and evaporate the skin’s natural oils.

Easy on the towel:

Scrubbing too hard on your skin when you get out of the shower will irritate, dry you out, and remove more natural oils than necessary. Your skin is delicate and should be treated as such. It is a good idea to towel off as soon as you get out of the water so as not to let your skin dry out even more from the water, but do it lightly.

Don’t over-cleanse:

Over-cleansing is tempting in the summer as the body is hot and you sweat more. Keep the cleansing routine simple, though, and your skin will thank you. Wash your skin with a light cleansing system and apply a moisturizer that works for you. Doing this anymore than twice a day, or overloading on moisturizer will dry your skin out as it attempts to balance its oils. Enjoy the heat and don’t sweat it!

Collagen Allergies & Fillers

It’s important for consumers to be aware of and informed about collagen. Most injected collagens are not natural to the body, and there is risk for allergic reaction. Collagen has been used safely and successfully for a long time as filler, but there are many alternatives if you have had a reaction or have been allergy tested and show an intolerance.

Skin rejuvenation treatments that use fillers are natural looking, non-surgical options that plump your skin back to its normal, healthy, and beautiful youth. Creases, sagging, and wrinkles are a natural product of time no matter how good you have been about sun-protection and skin care. Not to worry! Don’t let a collagen allergy get in the way of simple, effective treatments that will return your skin to its best.

For those who are allergic to collagen, alternative dermal filler is Restylane, an FDA approved non-animal based gel that acts much like Juvéderm, another dermal filler.

How Dermal Fillers work

Restylane and Juvéderm work by bringing water to the surface of the skin, leaving you looking refreshed, rejuvenated, and healthy.

Restylane:

Restylane focuses on plumping the skin to restore volume to areas that have lost it due to the natural effects of aging.

Target Areas:

• Restore volume in lips
• Fill in facial wrinkles and fine lines
• Fill in folds in the skin

Juvéderm:

Juvéderm combines with the water in your skin and instantly restores lost volume and reduces lines and wrinkles.

Target Areas:

• Soften facial wrinkles and folds (such as smile and marionette lines)
• Lift tired eyes (dark circles and hollowing under the eye)
• Enhance thinning lips
• Add volume and contour cheeks and jaw line
• Restore overall fullness (volume and elasticity) lost due to aging

Travel Survival Tips for your Skin

Summertime means travel. When you fly, the dehumidified cabin air in an airplane sucks the moisture out of your skin, leaving you at risk for complexion problems. To prevent skin problems from airplane travel that can last for days and turn into an unwanted travel souvenir, pack a deeply hydrating moisturizer in an approved size container and bring it aboard with you. Dampen or moisten your skin (Colorescience’s Sunforgettable Skin Rehydrator Setting Mist is a great misting spray), then apply your moisturizer.

Best not to wear makeup so that you can continually treat your skin, especially on long airplane trips.

More skin survival tips

• Staying hydrated on the inside is just as important. Drink lots of water while flying and refrain from drinking alcohol and caffeinated beverages.

• Avoid airplane food—bring your own food from home. Bring lots of fresh fruits and vegetables to nibble on. Your skin will thank you. You want to arrive at your destination looking fresh and dewy.

• Carrying the mist with you when you’re walking around on your trip can be handy for looking refreshed for any photo ops.

As always, whether you’re traveling or staying close to home, one of the best things you can do for your skin is stay hydrated. More is better – drink at least six cups of water every day – and if you can increase that amount, all the better!

The Importance of Beauty Sleep

Beauty sleep is no joke. A proper sleep is an integral part to good skin care, from its day-to-day appearance to dramatically affecting how your skin ages.

Lack of Sleep Affects Collagen Production

It’s to be said over and over: collagen production is the key to taut, elastic, and youthful skin. Titan Skin Tightening is a non-surgical treatment that promotes collagen production to improve elasticity that may have been lost over time. A good sleep protects from unnecessary collagen destruction that isn’t simply a natural effect of aging.

Let Your Body Do the Work

Sleep is your body’s time to regenerate. The natural affects of time will age your skin–that’s to be expected–but a regular and full sleep is essential to taking good care. Your body needs a full, proper, and consistent sleep to get into a routine of supplying your skin with the right nutrients at the most effective times.

Be Gentle

Your skin is soft, delicate, and beautiful. Being kind and gentle to your skin right before and right after a good night’s sleep is something that will be recommended repeatedly when it comes to maintaining a youthful appearance. Gentleness can be promoted through these easy and effective tips:

Don’t over cleanse: Removing the day’s dirt is important, but too much cleansing will remove natural and important oils. (Try: Vivierskin Hexam, Skinceuticals Gentle Cleanser or Simply Clean, ZO Medical Normacleanse, SkinTx Gentle Cleanser)

Take it easy on the towel: Use a clean and soft towel to dry excess water from your face, and dry lightly. Towels are rough and may irritate your skin.

Apply creams lightly and only with one or two fingers: Fingers are covered in oil and dirt–such is life. When applying a day cream with SPF or a cooling night cream, dab with one or two washed fingers to minimize rubbing as well as oil and dirt transfer that will clog your pores. (For Day, Try: ZO Oclipse-C SPF 50, Sunforgettable SPF 30 Skin Primer Vivierskin Platiné, Triple Skin Protection SPF 30, Vivierskin Platiné Sun Protection SPF 45, SkinTx Physical Face Block SPF 30)

Sleep on your back: This may feel at first like you’re becoming Sleeping Beauty herself, but learning to sleep on your back protects your skin in the night in many different ways. A good night’s sleep on your back stops blood from pooling in your very delicate under-eye skin, something that causes dark circles and puffiness in the morning (and will often last throughout the day).

Softer pillowcases Considering that you spend an ideal 7-8 hours in bed a day, a good quality pillowcase is worth the small investment. While sleeping on your back is the gentlest  way to sleep, you’re bound to flip over once or twice. Ensure that your delicate facial skin is not rubbing itself into a rough fabric after you’ve finished a productive and delicate nighttime routine. Combine this with washing dye-free bed sheets with an unscented and gentle detergent and you have a bed fit for a queen.

The Key to Cleansing

Facial cleansing is done to remove dirt from the day as well as exfoliate and renew the top layer of skin. We sweat more some days than others, especially during the summer or menopause. However, over-cleansing to accommodate this–same as under-cleansing to accommodate dead skin–is the wrong idea. Here are some ways to know you’re doing just enough to give your skin a clean start each day.

Signs that you’re over-cleansing:

•  If your skin feels very taut after you cleanse, you are likely using something that is too harsh, or cleansing too often. Your face should feel slightly dry, but not pulled stiff.

•  Over-cleansing, causing your skin to try to accommodate the removal of too many oils by producing more and more may cause adult acne. Cleansing several times a day is not a proper solution to acne.

•  It’s been said before: don’t use water that is too hot. This rule is for showering too; it irritates your skin unnecessarily and zaps essential oils your skin needs.

•  Exfoliating is a good habit to get into, but too much will work against you. Over-exfoliating causes redness and dryness. Do exfoliate, but only weekly. Good, productive exfoliants can be found below.

Use the right cleanser for your skin:

We recommend and carry only medical grade skin cleansers and exfoliants. Your skin is delicate and beautiful: ensure the right ingredients are there for you (helpful minerals) and the wrong ingredients are left out (irritating perfumes).

Dry Skin:

SkinTx Gentle Cleanser, SkinCeuticals Foaming Cleanser, SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser, Vivierskin Foaming Cleanser

Oily skin:

SkinTx Medicated Acne Wash, SkinTx Astringent, Obagi Foaming Gel, SkinCeuticals Foam Cleansing Gel, SkinCeuticals Simply Clean

Combination:

ZO Normacleanse, Obaji Foaming Gel, SkinTx Gentle Cleanser, SkinCeuticals Clarifying Cleanser, SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser, SkinCeuticals Purifying Cleanser, SkinCeuticals Simply Clean

Exfoliants:

SkinTx Exfoliant (Combination or Dry), Vivierskin Vitamin C Scrub, SkinTx Exfoliant Forte (Oily), Obagi Exfoderm Forte (Oily), SkinCeuticals Micro Exfoliating Scrub (Combination or Oily)

Compliment your Routine with a Cleansing Treatment:

Peels and Microdermabrasion are available to complement your daily cleansing routine. Illuminize, Vitalize, and Rejuvenize Peels as well as Microdermabrasion all target different areas of concern for each client–ensuring the right amount of exfoliation and renewal is provided to brighten and re-balance your complexion. All treatments are non-invasive and boast minimal “social” downtime, allowing them to be easily integrated into your busy schedule.

Preparing Your Skin for the Change in Weather

Summer has been all about enjoying the sunshine (with the aid of SPF!) and maintaining a rejuvenated, healthy glow. As summer turns into autumn, learn what rules of thumb to keep and what routines need an adjustment for cooler weather.

1. Keep up the sunscreen

A light moisturizer containing SPF 15-30 should be worn year round. Though the heat of the sun isn’t felt like in summer, the aging effects of the sun’s harmful rays are ever-present. Wearing sunscreen is the number-one way to prevent unnecessary aging to your skin. Primers containing SPF are also a great option to easily include sun protection into your makeup routine.

• Colorescience’s Sunforgettable line offers primers and foundations with SPF included. Makeup containing sun protection is a smart way to simplify your skin-care routine.
• Vivierskin Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15 protects from the sun year-round and combats dryness.
• SkinCeuticals Sunscreens are fitted with varying levels of protection and designed to be lightweight and non-clogging.

2. Exfoliate regularly

Skin will dry up easier with the help of autumn wind, and the loss of humidity. Dry skin is dead skin, and a weekly exfoliation with a hydrating exfoliant will keep your skin fresh and slough off the old skin cells. Your skin will appear more rejuvenated and you’re less likely to break out as dirt and dead skin cells are removed instead of left to clog your pores.

3. Use an oil-based night cream

Oil-based creams are better at retaining your natural oils and wicking off excess dirt that you’re naturally going to come in contact with day-in and day-out.

• Fall-friendly creams:
  • Vivierskin Nightly Renewal Cream
  • Viverskin Platiné Peptide CR Crème is rich to soothe and improve dry skin and can be used day or night
  • SkinCeuticals Renew Overnight Dry

4. Rejuvenate with a Peel or Microdermabrasion

Peels and microdermabrasion are cleansing and preventative. Your skin is given a new start to be kept clean, happy, and healthy.

• Illuminize Peel
  • The Illuminize Peel at Britannia Dermedics focuses on youthful rejuvenation and improvement of skin texture.

• Microdermabrasion
  • Microdermabrasion removes dead cells from your surface layer of skin to reveal a younger, healthier you. Like the Illuminize Peel, microdermabrasion focuses on the improvement of skin texture to let younger, consistent skin tone shine through.

5. Drink Water

Your skin becomes drier in autumn, and will only need more hydration leading into winter. Drink enough water every day (at least 8 glasses) to keep hydrated from the inside out.

6. A Good Diet

Don’t go on a diet–just use yours to provide your skin with healthy colour and youth. Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants to power up your immune system and let your skin reap the benefits.

Fighting the Signs of Aging in Darker Skin Tones

Skin tone is not something that should hold you back when it comes to achieving younger, healthier looking skin. There are a few things to consider for darker skin tones,  and many benefits to having darker pigment. Here are a few things to keep in mind when designing the perfect skin program specific to your lifestyle, target areas, and skin tone.

Sunscreen:

No matter how golden or dark your skin may be, sunscreen is your key defense against the signs of aging. Regardless of skin tone, sunscreen should be worn year round, especially on the face. Darker skin tones produce more melanin, which is what gives the skin its darker colour. The more melanin, the less visible are the signs of aging compared to lighter skin tones, including fine lines, wrinkles, and age spotting.

Despite this, any skin tone can still get sunburned, which is hazardous to your health. Sun damage also dries out and ages your skin, causing uneven skin tone with dark areas. Use a light, non-clogging daily moisturizer with SPF to easily defend against harmful rays.

Tighten:

These treatments are safe for all skin types.

Titan Skin Tightening:

• Titan Skin Tightening is, unlike many other laser therapies, safe for use on all skin types, including dark skin. Collagen production is stimulated by near-infrared light, correcting laxity. Titan Skin Tightening is the most researched and peer-reviewed infrared tightening program.
• Titan Skin Tightening is effective at, but not limited to, tightening of the jaw line, neck, tummy, and back of arms.

Smooth:

Hair removal brightens the appearance of your skin and removes coarse or unwanted hair. As it is done with lasers, it is important again to consider the effectiveness and safety for dark skin tones.

• Britannia Dermedics uses Cutera ProWave and CoolGlide laser hair removal systems to carefully and effectively remove unwanted hair. Our knowledgeable clinic team uses  state of the art equipment on target areas.
• ProWave and CoolGlide are safe and effective for all skin types and levels of hair coarseness and darkness.
• Laser hair removal is permanent and the #1 requested aesthetic procedure.

Glow:

Laser Facials are non-invasive. They stimulate collagen production and reveal a younger looking you.

Laser Genesis treatments

• This treatment is available for all skin types and involves minimal downtime, with no bruising or irritation.
•  Laser Genesis treatments heat the upper dermis below your skin’s surface, gently stimulating collagen production that tightens your face.
• Laser Genesis Facials can also be used on the neck, and is effective in dealing with acne scares, large pores, and uneven skin tone and texture.

Post Summer Care for your Skin

It’s skin rejuvenation season –you’ve had your fun in the sun and now it’s time to repair the damage. If you’ve spent time outside this past summer, you’ve probably got some freckles, increased pigmentation and possibly an overall weatherworn complexion.

The dark spots that accumulate from years of sun exposure can add years to your complexion. The overall appearance of these spots adds shadows to your face, making you look older. Youthful skin is typically lighter and, because it hasn’t been exposed to the sun and other elements for the same amount of time, has smooth and uniform colour.

How can you repair uneven pigmentation?

One of the simplest methods to even out a complexion is with a good medical grade skin care regime.

Why medical grade skin care? Because it penetrates below the surface of the skin to repair complexion problems, something an over the counter skin care product isn’t formulated to do.

The skin care line, Obagi Nu Derm, is effective at reducing discoloration. It turns off pigment production to even out pigmentation problems. Obagi Nu Derm can be used as a stand-alone treatment or as a preparation for more in-depth rejuvenation procedures such as laser treatments or chemical peels.

The Obagi Nu Derm treatment line includes Retin A, prescription strength hydroquinone and a product containing alpha hydroxy acid, three skin repairing essentials for pigment problems as well as wrinkles. Used faithfully and as directed, your skin tone should begin to become lighter and more uniform shortly after beginning this proven treatment regime.

Rejuvenate your skin with a focused skin care routine. Now is the time to begin, as the best skin care products and treatments recommend staying out of the sun.

More about IPL treatments for sun damaged skin

It’s the ideal time of year to have an iPL treatment and undo any sun damage accumulated over the summer.

What can I expect during treatment?

During the treatment, you’ll wear special ‘eyewear’ to protect your eyes from the laser. Before treatment begins, an anesthetic cream will be applied to cover the treatment area.

A treatment usually takes up to 30 minutes.

What are the benefits?

• Safe & comfortable procedure
• Non-invasive
• Quick treatment time (less than 1 hour)
• Minimal treatments required (1-3)
• Works on most skin types as it can be customized to different skin tones and aging conditions,
• Works well in combination with Laser Vein Removal

Does it hurt?

Some patients may feel a slight discomfort with each laser pulse, described as feeling like the snapping of a rubber band on the skin. This mild discomfort resolves in a few seconds.

How many treatment sessions will I need?

Results vary from one person to another, but several treatments may be necessary to fully remove skin blemishes or spider veins.

What can I expect after treatment?

You can use a cool compress or gel pack if the treated area has any redness or swelling. Any discomfort should resolve within a few hours.

4 Winter Skin Care Tips

1. Get a peel

Getting a peel is a great way to exfoliate your skin and start the new season with a clean slate. As the climate changes, so does your skin, and a peel can help ease the transition. Healthier, cleaner skin allows your winter skin-care routine to be more effective.

2. Drink plenty of water

Remembering your daily dose of water during the summer is a no-brainer, but as the cold weather sets in, remembering to stay hydrated isn’t as easy and getting your daily dose of water isn’t always a top priority – but it should be.  We all get more dehydrated during the winter, so remember to drink more water.

3. Moisturize

We wrap ourselves in heavy jackets and clothing during the winter, and it shouldn’t be any different with our skin. Apply a heavier cream instead of a lighter moisturizer to keep skin hydrated. Skin is more sensitive during the winter months, so think of a heavier moisturizer as an extra layer of protection – like a warm coat.

4. Don’t put away the sunscreen Just because it’s cold out there and you’re shivering doesn’t mean the sun’s rays have gone into hibernation. Sunscreen is just as important during the winter. Always put sunscreen on 30 minutes before you leave the house to protect your skin.

Glam up your eyes

With summer and fall behind us, we’re heading into gala and party season. And that means getting glammed up with shiny evening dresses and make-up.

Here’s some tips on making your eyes stand out - one of the first things people will notice about you.

Long lush eyelashes can make your eyes pop. So how do you get them? We’re all aware of how aging impacts the skin, but did you know that aging can also affect your eyelashes? As we age, lashes can become thinner, shorter and lighter, beginning in our 20s and 30s.

Enter LATISSE, a once-a-day treatment you apply topically to the base of your upper eyelashes, and only available through your physician or at medical spas. Gradually, the results come in. More length may start appearing in as little as 4 weeks, with full growth achieved in 16 weeks. Perfect timing for the upcoming party season!

To make the most of your longer, lusher lashes, add a denser looking lash-line by lifting the area under the brow up and outward, then close your eye, exposing the lash line. Then, with these tricks from Scott Patric - ‘etch it along, don’t draw a continuous line, using short strokes, all the while pushing the eye pencil in between your lashes at the root.” Replace black eyeliner, which can look harsh, with a dark grey or espresso shade. Avoid under eye liner as it emphasizes dark circles.

Now that you’ve got gorgeous lashes, finish the look off. To get an instant wide awake look, place some light cream shadow on the inner corner of the eye. Apply concealer under the eyes after eyeshadow and mascara.

As your Calgary eyelash growth clinic, Britannia Dermedics is proud to offer LATISSE to our clients.