Posts Tagged ‘brown spots’

Achieving an Even Skin Tone: how to prevent and treat hyperpigmentation

In the past, anti-aging skincare was all about combating wrinkles, texture issues, and sagging skin.  Nowadays, evening out skin tone (reducing dark spots) plays a huge role in achieving a more youthful looking skin.

The problem is that most of us didn’t realize the damage that was happening to our skin (by not using a daily SPF product) until it was too late.  Now we are all scrambling to find the best answer to lighten pigmentation spots without wasting our money on the latest ‘miracle in a jar’.  Is it really possible to lighten dark spots on your skin with a cream or a masque that we see on TV commercials and in magazine ads? Probably not.  Let’s face it, getting rid of dark spots on the skin takes a lot of time and effort and one simple product is just not going to do the job.  What we need is a skincare system designed for our skin’s needs and we need to use it properly and diligently.

Obagi Medical is a leader in complete skin rejuvenation using specific top-quality ingredients to prevent and correct all types of skin conditions including skin with hyper/hypo-pigmentation.  Obagi is most well-know for their Nu-Derm system  which effectively treats all signs of aging and evens out skin tone using products that contain proven pigmentation lighteners like arbutin or hydroquinone.  Another excellent system is the Obagi-C RX System which also has products which contain arbutin and hydroquinone, but the Obagi-C system also contains premium grade Vitamin C in the L-Ascorbic Acid form.  This form of Vitamin C penetrates deep into the skin to stimulate collagen synthesis as well as acts an an powerful antioxidant which protects your skin from harmful free radical damage.

Here is a brief breakdown of each Obagi System for lightening skin pigmentation:

The Obagi Nu-Derm FX System (with arbutin) is suitable for anyone with no to mild pigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, loss of elasticity, texture issues, and/or adult acne.

The Obagi Nu-Derm System (with hydroquinone) is suited for anyone with mild to stubborn pigmentation (including melasma), fine lines, wrinkles, loss of elasticity, texture issues, and/or adult acne.

The Obagi C-FX System (with arbutin) is made for anyone with no to mild pigmentation, minimal signs of aging, and mild texture issues.

The Obagi-C RX System (with hydroquinone) is excellent for anyone with mild to moderate pigmentation, minimal signs of aging, and mild texture issues.

Each system comes in a starter set with full sized products and it is highly recommended to use all of the products in the set for best results.  Additionally, a prescription retinol (Vitamin A) may be added to the regime to greatly boost results.  The daily use of an SPF product is mandatory and if it is not properly used you should not expect to achieve good results.  A daily SPF is not only necessary during treatment, but continuously after treatment as well to prevent recurring pigmentation damage as well as skin aging.

Watch to learn more about each system>>

 

We would love to hear your thoughts on the topic of this blog!  Feel free to post your comments or questions below.  As always, just for being a follower of our blog, enter coupon code BLOG10 for 10% off your next purchase! Also, remember to follow us @spaboutique on Twitter, like our Facebook  page, and check out our boards on Pinterest! You could be the lucky winner of one of our many contests!

 

How to lighten dark pigmentation spots on the skin with Obagi

Age spots, sun spots, liver spots, pigmentation damage… There are many ways to refer to it, but they all mean basically the same thing – darkening of the skin most likely caused by either UV exposure, hormones, medications, inflammation, or any combination of these.  When the skin is exposed to UV rays it automatically responds by producing melanin to darken or tan the skin (it’s the skin’s way of protecting itself since melanin absorbs UV radiation).  When the skin becomes inflamed (acne, for example) melanin production is also triggered in these areas.  Some hormones also trigger the production of melanin (think of melasma or mask of pregnancy).  By the time we reach 60 years of age, 90% of us will have UV-induced pigmentation spots.

Preventing pigmentation in the skin is much easier than correcting it.  The best way to prevent it is to use a broad spectrum SPF every single day of the year.  UVA rays are always there even if you don’t feel them like UVB rays (which are responsible for sunburn).  UVA rays penetrate much deeper into the skin and they will pass right through glass windows to cause skin damage (including aging).  Pure mineral powders are a great option since they act as your makeup, concealer, SPF, and anti-inflammatory all in one.  Best of all, in the form of a powder your body doesn’t absorb the SPF and therefore re-application every couple of hours (like creams or sprays) is not necessary.

Correction of pigmentation is much more complex.  The first step is to begin using an SPF every day as I mentioned above.  If you attempt to lighten pigmentation without protecting your skin from UV radiation your pigmentation can worsen.  The most effective and well-known skin-lightening ingredient is hydroquinone.  Hydroquinone (4%) is the main ingredient found in Obagi’s Nu-Derm System and is also found in the Obagi C System.

Which systme is right for you? It depends on the condition of your skin as well as your skin care goal.  Let’s take a look at the difference:

Obagi Nu-Derm System:

The Obagi Nu-Derm System is best for skin with mild to stubborn pigmentation as well as texture issues and fine lines/wrinkles/loss of elasticity.  The Nu-Derm System is also great for the treatment of pigmentation on skin affected by adult acne.  This system works by combining exfoliation to allow for optimal penetration of active ingredients, with lightening (hydroquinone) and protection(SPF).

Obagi C Sysem:

The Obagi C System is best for skin with mild to moderate pigmentation with minimal fine lines/wrinkles/loss of elasticity and mild texture issues.  The C System is a great preventative treatment for future damage.  This system uses glycolic acid to exfoliate the skin in preparation for ingredient penetration.  Hydroquinone is the active skin lightener, but Vitamin C is also known to brighten the skin (and is an excellent antioxidant).  And of course there is an SPF product included with the system to protect your skin.

Before you begin any type of intensive skin treatment program it is essential to talk to your dermatologist or skin therapist first.  For more information our estheticians are always available to answer your skin or product questions.

As always, just for being a follower of our blog, enter coupon code BLOG10 for 10% off your next purchase! Also, remember to follow us @spaboutique on Twitter, like our Facebook  page, and check out our boards on Pinterest! You could be the lucky winner of one of our many contests!

 

After sun skin care in 3 steps

I’ve just returned from spring break in Cancun, Mexico and even though I used sun protection, my skin needs some serious TLC!  I feel for those people who were laying out covered in oil every day (yes, there were many).  I can just imagine the long-term damage they have now done to their skin.  I want to share with you 3 steps in caring for your skin after it’s been over-exposed to the sun.

Your skin is probably flaky, dry, tight, and maybe even peeling.  Your first thought may be that you want to exfoliate to remove that dead skin, but it’s not a good idea in the beginning as your skin has probably burned and will need to recover before you can give it a good scrub.

Step 1: Hydrate and Soothe

Your first priority is healing the burn and re-hydrating the skin.  When your skin is dehydrated or dry it is lacking the lipid shield which prevents outside aggressors from entering your skin and causing damage – even infection.  Use healing, calming, and hydrating products in the beginning until your skin recovers from the redness and sensitivity.

Step 2: Exfoliate

Once your skin has healed from burn damage, you can begin to exfoliate to remove the built up layer of dead skin cells.  Your skin may feel thicker, look dull and tired, and show signs of pigmentation (freckles).  I like to use 2 different types of exfoliators interchangeably for my face: physical and enzymatic.  A physical exfoliator is your typical ‘scrub’ type exfoliator that uses abrasion to polish the surface of the skin.  An enzyme exfoliator can be a plant enzyme-based or hydroxy acid-based ‘peel’ type exfoliator.  For the body you can choose a scrub, an exfoliating glove, or a loofa.  Be sure to apply a moisturizer afterward as it will now be able to penetrate the skin more readily.

Step 3: Even Out Skin Tone

If you notice dark spots or irregular freckles on your skin you’ve probably experienced some pigmentation damage called hyperpigmentation (light spots are called hypopigmentation).  This is a result of UV exposure and unfortunately can be very stubborn to treat.  For mild pigmentation you may begin a skincare regime that involves a gentle (probably plant-based) skin brightener.  Vitamin C in some forms is also said to be a great skin brightener (among other things).  For more noticeable and hard to treat pigmentation you may want to use a skincare regime using stronger skin brightening ingredients such as arbutin or hydroquinone.  For best results you will also incorporate an appropriate exfoliation routine.  When using any skin brightening products it is very much recommended to avoid sun exposure and use broad spectrum SPF religeously.  Always check with your dermatologist or esthetician before beginning any intensive skincare regime.

As always, just for being a follower of our blog, enter coupon code BLOG10 for 10% off your next purchase! Also, remember to follow us @spaboutique on Twitter, like our Facebook  page, and check out our boards on Pinterest! You could be the lucky winner of one of our many contests!

 

How to Remove Age Spots & Wrinkles: tips

The Truth About Aging Skin
As we grow older, our skin experiences several significant changes. The skin’s natural support system begins to break down, causing fine lines, wrinkles and loss of elasticity. Additionally, the skin’s surface begins to show dark and light spots, roughness and redness. Even though our skin does “naturally” age, research has shown that 90% of premature aging is due to harmful environmental elements, particularly UV radiation or sun exposure, but also stress, pollution, smoking, pesticides and other modern day hazards.

It is possible to have prematurely aged skin even if the telltale wrinkles and lines are not visible. By the time most people are 18, the skin has absorbed more than enough UVA and UVB rays, the most damaging of environmental aggressors. In fact, daily outdoor activities, from sports to even a simple stroll on a cloudy day can amount to years of UV exposure. Our skin never forgets this exposure, which can cause skin to look older than our actual years.

The Skin Test

• Do you see fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, forehead and neck?
• Does your skin not “bounce back” when lifted with your fingers?
• Do you notice skin discolorations such as dark and light spots?
• Does your skin appear to be thinner with visible capillaries?
• Does your skin feel rough and look sallow, lackluster and dull?

Tips and Techniques for Aging Skin & Wrinkles

• Gently cleanse and exfoliate daily with a gentle exfoliant such as glycolic acid to remove thickened, aged skin cells. Exfoliating also normalizes skin…minimizing lines, roughness and spots.
• Keep your skin well hydrated by using a moisturizer that balances skin lipids and natural moisture levels.
• Use anti-aging ingredients such as vitamin A, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improving skin texture.
• Incorporate antioxidants, such as vitamin E and C, and plant extracts into your skin care to reduce signs of aging by protecting skin and rebuilding damaged layers.
• Use skin-brightening products to help diminish age spots and improve skin tone. Formulas with botanical extracts combined with natural alpha and beta hydroxy acids produce effective, safe results.
• Avoid sun exposure and use a physical sunscreen containing zinc oxide everyday with a minimum SPF 15.
• Achieve the highest level of anti-aging results possible with professional treatments-visit a professional spa for a facial.

The following is a recommended treatment for fine lines, wrinkles and age spots with Jan Marini Skin Care Products: Glycolic Acid 4 step process:

1. Cleanse using Jan Marini Bioglycolic Face Cleanser: cleanses and exfoliates the skin. Contains glycolic acid to remove buildup on skin and assist in cellular turnover.
2. Correct using Jan Marini Bioglycolic Bioclear Face Cream It minimizes and balances the appearance of uneven skin tones, reduces fine lines, large pores, and uneven texture.   It combines glycolic, salicylic, and azulaic acids.orJan Marini Age Intervention Enlighten Plus which is a treatment that helps minimize skin discolorations and hyperpigmentation (age/brown spots).
3. Protect with Jan Marini Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant SPF 30. Provides broad spectrum sun protection.

As always, just for being a follower of our blog, enter coupon code BLOG10 for 10% off your next purchase! Also, remember to follow us @spaboutique on Twitter, like our Facebook  page, and check out our boards on Pinterest! You could be the lucky winner of one of our many contests!