The Topeka Spa Retreat Journal
Treating Skin Tags
How to get rid of those annoying skin tags that catch on your neckless as well as other skin irregularities…
The Skin Classic machine is an affordable non-laser treatment that uses direct high frequency to treat minor skin irregularities such as telangiectasis (broken capillaries), cherry angiomas, fibromas, skin tags, milia, and sebaceous hyperplasia. Skin Classic treatments are quick, virtually painless, and works strictly on the epidermis to address common skin irregularities as the skin ages.
If we’re being honest (and we are), These visible skin irregularities can drive us crazy. They can show up on the tip of our nose or on our eye lids and sometimes make us feel very uncomfortable or even self-conscious.
How is this treated in the office?
You will begin with a consultation, that will explain the process.
You’ll be laying down for the treatment. The skin irregularity that will be treated will be wiped clean. Sterile needle will be inserted into the handheld probe, a certain frequency will be determined for each type of skin irregularity, you will be made aware of when a needle will tap the regularity, the painless process takes a few minutes.
What will my skin look like post treatment?
The area treated may appear erythmic (red) with some inflammation. The redness should reduce within a few hours. The lighter the skin tone, the longer it may take for the redness to subside. There may be some scabbing depending on the irregularity and the area of the body being treated.
How To Prevent Those Pesky Ingrown Hairs From Becoming An Issue After Waxing
How to prevent those pesky ingrown hairs from becoming an issue after waxing
Ingrown hairs occur when the new growing hair instead of popping out of the skin curls itself back into the hair follicles. Bacteria and inflammation are introduced, leading to redness and often pus-filled red pumps. Tiny whiteheads can develop as well. Ingrown hairs can sometimes be painful and get infected.
Ingrown hairs are more common on your legs, your underarms, and especially on your bikini line (really, anywhere you are repeatedly using methods of hair removal, including shaving and most certainly waxing).
Everyone wants smooth, soft skin, that’s why many resort to waxing over shaving their hair, as this hair-removal method keeps regrowth away for longer periods of time and eventually leads to hair growing in much thinner.
Let me share my best tips for preventing ingrown hair after waxing.
1. Prep for Your Waxing Appointment
Gently exfoliate the area where you will be waxing several days before your session. This exfoliation will help to removing dead skin cells along the way and make unwanted hair easier for the wax to adhere to.
2. Avoid Exfoliating Directly After
Right after a wax treatment, your skin is a little inflamed. Think of it as a sun burn or a wind burn. So, hold off on the sugar scrub, or the AHA. (This means both physical and chemical exfoliating products). You want to give your skin a chance to heal and reduce the chance of irritating the skin further. Keep in mind your freshly waxed skin can be vulnerable for a few days.
3. Take It Easy With Self Care After
You might have your waxing treatment schedule smack in the middle of all your errands. It’s best to avoid certain activities for at least 24 hours after your wax. Types of activities to avoid – workouts, cycling, sauna, suntanning, or pools. Also avoiding tight-fitting clothing (like workout leggings) is also recommended to let the skin breathe.
4. Avoid Heavy Lotions
Moisturizing is important, but it’s possible you can overdo it with the products that can make the situation worse. The opening of the pore could get blocked by the lotion and contribute to whiteheads. Using a post-wax oil or treatment helps keep the skin lubed up and prevents bacteria from developing. Try our PFB Vanish roll-on serum.
5. Only Let Estheticians Wax You
This should go without saying, but if you’ve ever been tempted to do a quick wax at a nail salon, this tip is for you. We’re dealing with skin here, and in sensitive areas. Estheticians know best, and they know how to avoid risk of infection. They’ll also send you home with expert after-care advice following your appointment and be a resource should you need further guidance as hair grows back.
6. Best to avoid a wax treatment if you have the following
You wouldn’t want to come in for a wax of any area if you have a sunburn or have shaved in the last two weeks. The hair must be long enough for the wax to adhere to. (1/4 inch). If you’re focusing on your bikini area or going for a full Brazilian wax and you have a UTI or yeast infection—It’s best to reschedule until the condition has subsided.
7. Dry brushing
For extra exfoliating measures, dry brushing is always a good idea. Whether you wax or not, you should be dry brushing to exfoliate your skin, improve circulation, and improve overall skin texture. This could be an alternative to using an exfoliant.
How Much Should You Pay For A Bikini Wax Treatment?
How much should you pay for a bikini wax?
There are different reasons why the price of a bikini wax varies. In this blog post, we’ll explore the different types of bikini waxes and what affects the cost.
The price could be anywhere from $30 to $50 for a bikini depending on the location.
1 – Location
The bikini wax cost can vary depending on the geographical location. Here are some possible reasons for the variation in prices:
Overhead Costs -Salons in expensive cities may have higher rent and operational costs.
Competition in a city or region can influence the prices of bikini waxes. High competition can lead to lower prices as businesses compete for customers.
Demand: More demand for bikini waxes can also lead to higher prices. Salons may charge more for their services in busy cities or regions with high demand.
2 – Type of Salon or Spa
The type of establishment – high –end spa’s typically charge more than chain salons or budget-friendly places.
High-End Spas may offer a more luxurious and comfortable experience.
Chain Salons often have standardized pricing and offer a consistent level of service. The quality and skill of the waxer may vary across different chains.
Independent Estheticians often offer competitive pricing and personalized service.
3 – Level of Experience and Expertise
The level of experience and expertise of the waxing professional can also impact the cost. The following tips will help you choose a reliable and skilled waxer:
Read Reviews: Look for customer reviews of the salon or esthetician you are interested in to get a sense of their quality of service.
Ask for Certifications: Check if the waxing professional has any certifications or training in the field to ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge.
4 – Different types of bikini waxes to consider.
Basic Bikini Wax: Removes the hair visible outside a regular bikini bottom.
French Bikini Wax: Removes more hair than the basic bikini wax, leaving a small strip of hair in the front.
Hollywood Bikini Wax: Similar to Brazilian but removes all hair including the back.
Extended Bikini Wax: More extensive than basic, but not as much as Brazilian.
High Bikini /lower belly Wax: Removes hair higher up on the bikini line.
Butt Strip: Removes hair from the butt area.
Full Butt Wax: Removes all hair from the buttocks.
What Is A Brazilian Wax? Everything You Need To Know.
Whether you’re prepping for swimsuit season or just want to go completely hair-free. The thought of getting a Brazilian wax treatment will make you opt for the trusty razor instead:) Let me help you set the record straight. Waxing has come a long way, as a licensed Esthetician for 20 plus years I have seen it evolve into a treatment that doesn’t have to be too painful.
If we’re being honest (and we are), waxing isn’t about checking off a box. It’s a more convenient, effective way to rid your body of unwanted hair for a couple weeks, verses shaving which the hair comes back in a few days.
In the beginning of my career waxing was mostly done using strip wax which can be very painful. Currently most establishments use hard wax with a little bit of wax oil on the skin which will help diminish the amount of pain significantly.
Let begin with what exactly is Brazilian wax?
A Brazilian wax is a hair removal procedure that involves the complete removal of pubic hair. This means all hair in the front, back, and everything in between will be waxed off by a professional. This might sound a little intimidating or intimate, but the results are smooth skin that last for weeks. (This doesn’t include the inner thigh – bikini area)
Let’s talk Brazilian Wax vs Bikini Wax
There is only one key difference between a Brazilian wax and a bikini one: how much hair is removed. Bikini wax only removes hair along the bikini line (inner thigh- bikini area), just inside the panty line in front. The wax is applied, quickly removed, and takes the hair from the root. The results are temporary, with even regrowth, but it may take some time before hair becomes noticeable again.
The Downsides of a Brazilian Wax
Other than the discomfort you may feel during treatment, other side effects include redness, discoloration, bumps, these should subside in one to three days.
Do people get ingrown hairs when getting a Brazilian Wax treatment?
Ingrown hair is one of the most common causes of bumps after a Brazilian wax. They occur after a few days of waxing as the hair regrowth starts. The new growing hair instead of popping out of the skin curls itself back into the hair follicles. As a result, tiny bumps are formed on the body that feel itchy and painful. Not everyone gets ingrown hairs. The way to avoid this, is after a few days of hair growth gently exfoliate away dead skin cells, unclog pores, using something with granules, a wash cloth or a after wax serum containing an Alpha hydroxy.
How to Prep
Before booking a waxing appointment, you’ll want to make sure there’s enough hair on your pubic area to be removed. You’ll want about a quarter to a half-inch long. You’ll also want to gently exfoliate a day or two before to prevent ingrown hairs.
If you happen to be on your period on the day of treatment, you can still go through with treatment. But keeps in mind there may be increased sensitivity to pain during your menstrual cycle as your hormone levels shift and a greater chance of inflammation. It may be a good idea to plan ahead to avoid getting one when you have your period.
What to Expect
You will begin with a consultation, that will explain the process.
You’ll be laying down for the treatment with your bottom half exposed. Powder may be applied to absorb any moisture and allow the wax to adhere to the hair better. Hair will be removed in small sections, applying warm wax (never hot wax that will burn your skin) and then quickly removed. Pressure may be applied to minimize discomfort and sometimes they might need your help in holding certain areas taut to help the process move along. For precision and a clean surface, tweezers and scissor are used if necessary. Once they’re done, they’ll help you with a post-waxing regimen to make sure your skin stays smooth and healthy.
Post-Care
For aftercare, avoiding saunas, hot baths, rigorous workouts, or anything that might make the skin too hot for the first day or so. Wear loose clothes and cotton underwear as any friction from tight clothing might cause irritation. You’ll also want to avoid direct sunlight on newly smooth skin for at least 48 hours.
You can expect a Brazilian wax to last between three to six weeks, depending on your hair growth pattern. It’s recommended to get a follow-up appointment every five to six weeks.
Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Come In For Monthly Facials
Facials slow the aging process. They allow your skin to feel healthier, smoother, and look more radiant. Facials reduce fine lines, age spots, and relieve dehydrated skin. With these benefits, facials make us feel better about our skin. With the use of exfoliation, massage, and the penetration of nutrients and antioxidants, facials also fight to reverse aging. We will all age, but we can do it more slowly with glowing, firm, and hydrated skin.
Facials provide deep(er) exfoliation than you can achieve at home. Exfoliation soothes skin, allows for great penetration of products (i.e. moisturizers or serums), unclogs pores, improves skin ability to retain hydration, and evens skin tone to just name a few benefits.
Facials decrease waste underneath the skin that can cause ruddiness, puffiness, and fluid accumulation by manipulating the lymphatic system that lies just under the skin. Facials also aid in detoxification of your skin.
Facials can increase circulation of the blood under the skin allowing the skin optimal health to facilitate the renewal of skin cells. This is a natural process, but facials stimulate and accelerate these natural processes.
A facial cleans the pores on a much deeper level. Similar to a good dental cleaning, this is what a facial can do for the skin/pores. Even non-acneic skin can use a good deep cleanse. Extractions/cleaning out the pores can help to maintain clear skin, stop acne formation, as well as can help to change the pore’s size. Often left unchecked, pores can start to stretch and widen with the accumulation of oil and debris. (Please do not attempt to extract or pick at your own skin unless you are a professional and know how to do it properly- you could be at risk of scarring and infection).
Allow on of our professionally trained estheticians to counsel you on the proper products you should be using at home. This alone is worth the investment as the skincare industry can be a difficult (and expensive) area to navigate.
Can help even skin tone and lighten dark spots. Dark spots age our skins’ appearance visibly. A gentle reminder: sunscreen is still a necessity, no matter how great the facial.
Facials are not a miracle in 50 minutes, but they do give you a fresh start to a healthier and balanced complexion. Regular facials will help you maintain optimal skin health.
Does What I Eat Affect My Skin?
We know good nutrition is beneficial for our bodies, but we may wonder how much particular foods influence our skin and acne. You might be surprised to find out that eating certain foods high in natural fats and oils is important for healthy skin.
Does Eating Fatty Foods Give Me Acne?
Many people assume consuming fat contributes to acne, but not all fats are created equal. There are fats bad for your skin (and body), like trans fats and certain saturated fats. Fortunately, there are good fats too. In this post we’ll talk briefly about bad fats and explore good fats.
Bad Fats
Trans fats are made by adding hydrogen to the oil, you’ll see it labeled in the ingredients of products as “partially (or just plain) hydrogenated oil.” The main reason manufacturers do this is to make the oil in their products stay fresh longer. According to the American Heart Association there is no part of trans fat that is good for you or any part of your health (skin included), ever. Saturated fat, is not quite as bad, especially if eaten in moderation. However, saturated fats from animal products can cause the type of inflammation in the skin layers which contributes to the formation of pimples. (Chris Kresser, Nutrition for Healthy Skin)
Good Fats
The healthy fats that are good for your skin and body, are called mono and polyunsaturated fats. Within the group of polyunsaturated fats are oils called Omega Fatty Acids.
Omega fatty acids are crucial to our bodies for many functions. You may have heard of Omega-3 and Omega-6 oils. These two in particular are important to include in our diet because our bodies cannot manufacture them on their own and they are required for our body’s to function. Therefore, they are called Essential Fatty Acids (EFA). They are also very good for your skin!
How Do Essential Fatty Acids Help My Skin?
EFA’s are the building blocks of the surface layers of our skin, contributing to a smoother, more even, healthier complexion. According to researchers at Purdue University, EFAs also increase the production of collagen in the deep layers making for firmer skin. They also increase hydration, eliminate dry, flaky skin, deliver antioxidants for anti-aging, and lower inflammation associated with acne. EFA’s create an antimicrobial barrier against the elements. They help keep the cells in your skin moist and strong by reducing the amount of water lost through the top layer of skin. For example, in one study researchers found that those who took supplemental borage seed oil daily for two months experienced an improvement in their skin’s barrier function, and dry skin was reduced. (BETTER NUTRICION Kim Erickson, EFA’s Give Your Skin an Oil Change)
If you struggle with eczema, supplementing with Omega-3 oils can be very therapeutic. An analysis of 26 clinical trials involving more than 1,200 eczema sufferers concluded that evening primrose oil improves the symptoms of itching, crusting, inflammation, and redness of eczema, making it a safe alternative to topical steroids. (BETTER NUTRICION Kim Erickson, EFAs- Give Your Skin an Oil Change)
What Foods Contain Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids?
Omega-3’s are found most abundant in fish, flax, walnuts, and chia seeds. Omega-6’s are abundant in vegetable oils, the most common being- corn, safflower, sunflower, and soy. Your skin needs both Omega 3 and 6. Yet in the typical American diet, the ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 is out of balance- around 10:1. We generally consume enough Omega-6 fats, but we need to consume more Omega-3 Fatty Acids. A 4:1 ratio is more ideal. (Chris Kresser, Nutrition for Healthy skin, Omega-3 Fatty Acids).
Try moderating your Omega-6 consumption and find ways to increase Omega-3’s by consuming more fish, flax seeds, chia seeds, and walnuts. Flax and chia seeds are not just the health food industry’s latest fad; they are readily available and affordable even in stores such as Walmart. There are many tasty recipes online utilizing these seeds. Simply sprinkling them on salads or putting a scoop in your smoothies is a relatively easy way to get them in your diet and they don’t ruin the flavor. It is best to get healthy fats/oils from your diet, but you can use supplements too. There are many brands of fish and flax oils or supplements sold in stores and online.
Can I Apply Omega Oils Topically?
After reading about how good consuming these EFA’s are for your skin you may wonder if applying them directly on the skin would be beneficial. The good news studies are finding there are benefits to using them topically. One study found that using the omega oils topically gave as much benefit as consuming them. (Paula’s Skin Care, How Omega Fatty Acids Help Skin). Doing both could prove very beneficial. However, some oils healthy for your skin from the inside out could be pore-clogging when used directly on your skin. Feel free to contact me about any of my products that will not only clear up your skin but also add beneficial moisturizing oils and nutrients to your skin.
In conclusion, eating the right fats directly affects our skin in the short run AND in the long run. If you struggle with chronic acne or even occasional breakouts, the food/fats in your diet could be directly affecting your skin. The good news is eating healthy fats can help clear up your skin as well as bring other benefits.
When you schedule an appointment with me, we will go over your diet and potential triggers. I also evaluate your skin and find the right combination of products to eliminate acne and promote fresh, healthy skin. Call and make an appointment with me today! Topekacneskincare.com or 913-702-4769.
Do We Really Need To Be Checking The PH Levels Of Our Skin Care?
Why you can’t ignore pH.
You’ve seen the term “pH balanced” on some skincare products. What does it really mean and why does it matter? Do we really need to check the pH levels of the products we put on our skin?
In short, the answer is YES. And here is why…
Lets start by reviewing what we learned about pH in grammer school.
You may remember from science class that pH shows the level of acidity of a substance. PH stands for potential Hydrogen and is measured on a scale from 0-14, with 0 being the most acidic, 14 being the most alkaline, and 7 being neutral.
What is the Acid Mantle?
Our skin is covered by a thin shield called the acid mantle. This acid mantle acts as our first defense to protect us from environmental toxins and invading bacteria, including the bacteria that cause acne. The ideal pH for this protective layer is 5.5. When our skin’s pH level drops below 4.5 or above 6.5, it inhibits our skin’s ability to handle environmental stress and fight infections.
How do I know if the pH level of my skin is off balance?
Our skin gives us clues as to whether our pH is in balance or not. Signs that your pH can be too high or low in pH include being acne-prone, oily, red, inflamed, dry, sensitive or wrinkled.
What factors affect the pH of our skin?
There are a number of factors that influence the pH level of our skin including diet, age, and the products we use.
Diet
Our diets strongly impact our gut health which plays a central role in skin pH and the growth of bacteria on the skin surface. As you likely have heard, the typical American diet, high in sugars and processed foods, does not contribute to good gut health. We can have a positive impact on our gut health and pH, both internal and external, by avoiding sugar, processed and yeasty foods and by increasing greens, fermented foods, and water.
Soaps and skincare products
Most soaps are too alkaline and strip the skin of natural oils and thus cause dryness. Using products with the correct pH is critical to the health and proper pH of our skin. A word of caution about homemade/DIY skincare products. Often the household items included in these are either too acidic or alkaline for our skin and can cause damage to our acid mantle.
Age
As children our skin pH hovers around 7 and then as we move into adolescence, it lowers to around 5.5. Our skin then tends to become more acidic as we age due to the environment and lifestyle.
What can I do to balance my skin’s pH?
If our skin is too acidic or alkaline, we may be tempted to use a product on the other side of the scale in hopes of balancing our pH. This is not a good approach. Instead, it is best to use high-quality products with a pH near 5.5. Additionally, use probiotics to improve gut health, maintain a quality diet, and treat your skin gently so as not to damage the acid mantle.
Contact me today to discuss setting up a skin-care system that will help balance your skin’s pH and make it look it’s best!
913-702-4769
Does Stress Cause Zits?
The answer is: Yes and No.
Stress alone does not cause a case of acne, but it can make it worse. People may have a zit or two even if they aren’t experiencing stress, however stress increases the chances of a break out even in clear skin.
You may have noticed in your own life during a really stressful time more blemishes appearing- perhaps before a big date, during finals, or an upcoming interview. What are the mechanics behind this phenomenon?
How zits are formed.
Your skin is full of tiny pores that connect the surface of your skin with the lower layers, where the hair follicle and tiny oil producing glands are located. Your skin needs a normal amount of oil to function properly, but when your body produces too much oil and there is a build up of dead skin, this creates a plug. A clogged pore is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, the bacteria feeds on the sebum, which creates inflammation, this creates pressure on the outside walls of the pore, which then ruptures and creates a pimple.
How stress relates to your skin breaking out.
There have been a few studies in recent years confirming that breaking out at stressful times is not just our imagination, there is a scientific reason. “Acne is an inflammatory disease that can be exacerbated by hormones released during stress which increase inflammation.” (Dr. Michele Green). Another study confirmed this, showing that when you are stressed a hormone called CRH can cause the glands in the skin to produce more oil. (Dr. Adam Friedman, George Washington University). A study in 2003 at Beth Israel Medical Center by Dr. Alexa Kimball also found that stress could trigger breakouts, and the greater the stress, the more pronounced the breakout.
Inflammation in our bodies.
We already know stress provokes inflammation in the body. The oil glands in the skin are a part of the immune system, so turning on this immune response increases swelling and inflammation in the skin. In addition, since chronic stress affects the immune system, this slows healing.
Other contributing factors from stress.
What’s more, people tend to itch when they are nervous or stressed, and scratching creates swelling at the site. People who are stressed may pick at their skin more, increasing inflammation at the site. They also tend to sleep poorly, eat less healthy food, and don’t follow their usual skin-care routines. All these factors contribute to breakouts when you are stressed.
Our fast pace world
The pace of modern living create stress in our lives. A 2014 study in the Archives of Dermatological Research found that acne in women is on the rise. Their conclusion is that the fast-paced, pressure-filled society we live in is contributing to a worsening of acne conditions.
Take an inventory of your current life.
Evaluate if you are unnecessarily tied to activities that don’t contribute positively to your or other’s lives. Cut them out without shame. Ask yourself what is causing you the most stress? What can you cut back or change? Take a break from some activities for a time. Remember you don’t have to do everything right now. There are different seasons for different opportunities. Actively practice relaxing and letting go of the hold situations you cannot change have on you. Remind yourself that life goes on and things have a way of working out whether you worry about them or not. The world will not fall apart if you don’t manage every detail or do everything perfectly. Trust that you will take care of what is most important. Make a list of the problems you can do something about and write out how and when you will deal with them.
Managing stress can be stressful in itself
Do plan in your schedule time for social connection and maintaining friendships. Do take time to care for yourself, for example: Make time for physical activity you enjoy, Pursue creative endeavors. Plan margin in between your activities. Not every minute of every week needs to be filled. Down time is good, it is not laziness. Set a timer for when you need to go to bed so you are getting enough sleep. Sleep is a great way to reduce inflammation and give the body time to heal and reset. Implement an app or system on your electronic devices that will help you cut down your screen time. Set up a time to talk with a friend, family member, or a counselor about nagging problems in your life, perhaps they can help you be accountable to cut out unnecessary activities and implement healthy habits. Consider yoga and/or meditation. If you are a spiritual person, schedule regular time on your calendar to grow your faith and talk to God about your problems.
If you have found helpful and simple ways to reduce daily and ongoing stress please share in the comments below. As always if you have any questions about your skin care needs or if you have an emergency with a breakout at an important moment in your life, contact me, I can help you with immediate and ongoing skin care needs.
Please contact me at 913-702-4769, topekasparetreat.com
Hidden Acne Triggers In Laundry Products
“I’ve tried everything and I continue to get Acne”
When you struggle with acne you want the quickest and easiest route to clear skin, yet it’s not always simple to achieve. We tend to focus on products and cleansing routines and even the foods we eat to get rid of our blemishes. You may feel like you’ve tried everything, searched every possible trigger, and yet still your skin is still breaking out. Have you considered that environmental factors like laundry products may be a source of your acne?
Are fabrics that are coming into contact with your skin, a trigger?
Many people might not consider the fabric their skin comes in contact with, such as wash cloths or sheets as triggers for acne. It isn’t the fabrics themselves, but the products you cleanse them with that may be contributing to your skin problems.
Are fragrances making your skin breakout ?
Detergents, fabric softeners and dryer sheets contain a host of chemicals, waxes, and fragrances that affect your skin? In fact, the term ‘fragrance’ could be a combination of any hundreds of chemicals, because laundry product manufacturers are not required to list all their ingredients.
So how do these products actually cause break outs?
Laundry soap and fabric softener, whether liquid or dry, leave residue on your fabrics. That residue then transfers to your skin when it comes in contact with you. Even in residual amounts, these substances could be a culprit for acne especially if you struggle with it in places besides your face like your back and shoulders or chest. Contact with the elements used in laundry products causes inflammation, especially with the pores of your skin. Simply put, no matter how minute, the chemicals left on your fabrics after washing can clog your pores.
Here are a few of the most typical offenders in your laundry care products.
Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate (a foaming agent) is known to clog pores. Check out my blog about SLS in shampoos and conditioners here. All laundry soaps contain surfactants because they reduce the surface tension of liquids increasing its spreading and wetting property which is great for getting your clothes clean. However most commercial laundry detergents use synthetic surfactants which, you guessed it- clogs pores. Perhaps worse than detergent, fabric softeners and dryer sheets coat your laundry with fat derivatives, waxes, fragrances and chemicals that quite likely keep you from experiencing clear skin if you are prone to acne. Unfortunately, there are many more ingredients in your laundry products that are not healthy for your skin, or the environment for that matter, but we’ll keep it simple and leave it with the few I listed for this post
What are those unpronounceable names on my laundry products?
If you’ve ever looked at the list of ingredients on laundry products, most of them contain unpronounceable names that only a chemist would understand! Generally, the more recognizable the name and natural ingredients as well as a shorter list of ingredients, the more likely the product may be safe. However, don’t assume all natural and organic substances are non-pore clogging. Even natural ingredients can be comedogenic- pore clogging. Fortunately, nowadays there are more and more chemical and fragrance free soaps and detergents available and not just in special health shops.
So, what do you do…
You may enjoy the fresh smell and softness laundry products provide, but your skin will benefit if you switch to safe laundry cleansing brands, and you won’t have to sacrifice great scent or softness. If you are leery about making hard core changes you can start by trying some widely available safer laundry products that many major brands now make.
Here is a short list of non-pore clogging, safer detergents available in most grocery stores:
+ All: Free & Clear
+ Tide: Free & Gentle
+ Purex: Free & Clear
+ Seventh Generation: Free & Clear
+ Molly Suds
Also, don’t be afraid to talk to your local Natural Grocer about laundry products they offer that are free from fragrance, chemicals, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and such.
I can’t live without my fabric softener!
As for fabric softener, if you just can’t help yourself, try Downy: Free and Gentle Liquid Fabric Conditioner. However, there are natural methods for softening laundry like using wool dryer balls in your dryer or even tennis balls. You can add a drop of 100% essential oil of your choice to the wool balls to add fragrance, it won’t clog your pores. Try adding White Distilled Vinegar during the rinse cycle or in the fabric softener slot to keep laundry plush. A cup of Baking Soda added to the water in the washer before adding clothes is also known to soften fabric.
If you want to go even more hard core and switch your stain remover out for a more skin friendly product try Clorox: Free & Clear Stain Remover and Color Booster. Ecos: Oxobright Multipurpose Free & Clear does not contain poor clogging ingredients either.
Fighting Acne can be frustrating, but in this post we have covered a topic fairly easy to implement as you work to improve your skin and identify your triggers. If you have found a difference in changing your laundry products leave a comment below.
As always, here at Topeka Acne Skin Care and Spa I am available for any and all of your skin care needs. Take a look around my website and checkout my Facebook page. Call for a consultation today 913-702-4769. topekasparetreat.com
It’s time to finally feel good about your skin.
For more information on acne check out other blog posts:
Hair Products Can Cause Acne, Too
Did you know that some of the ingredients in your shampoo, conditioner, and hair-styling products could be causing pimples?
If you are doing everything you can to get rid of your acne, yet still breaking out around your hairline, it may be pore-clogging ingredients in your hair products causing the problem.
Even if a product says “noncomedogenic”, “oil free”, or “won’t clog your pores” on the bottle, that doesn’t mean it’s safe for your skin. There isn’t a government agency overseeing this, so skincare companies can claim their products promote clear skin and still contain pore-cloggers.
Leave-in products like conditioners and dry shampoos also stay on your pillowcase, then transfer to your skin while you sleep. If the products you use contain pore-clogging ingredients your acne problem will continue.
Topeka Acne Skin Care carries shampoo and conditioner that is truly acne-safe.
Getting Your Acne Under Control
Use a skin care line that’s correct for your skin type. This is super important! If you use the wrong products your skin will not improve much and can even become worse. If a product is too strong, it could irritate and dehydrate your skin, and the acne will continue.
Products must be used in the correct way. It takes strong products to get acne under control, so it’s important to take small steps to improve your skin. Using too much of a good thing too quickly can dehydrate your skin.
Switch it up. You can’t let your skin get too used to one product or it will stop responding. You have to fool your skin into working correctly in order for it to clear.
As a Face Reality Skin Care Specialist I know what it takes to get and keep your skin clear.
The Food & Acne Connection
We have all heard there is a connection between acne and some of the foods we eat. These foods are not the “cause” of your acne, but they could be making it worse.
Salty foods and food high in iodides are common culprits. Eliminating (or reducing) foods with these ingredients can support your journey to clearer skin.
Milk & Cheese contain iodides and hormones that contribute to acne. Heavy milk consumption contributes to cystic acne in teens.
Health Foods & Supplements – Sometimes vitamins contain some form of iodide and/or biotin – it could be in the form of iodine, iodide, potassium iodide, or kelp.
Protein Bars often contain potassium iodides. Whey and soy protein powders can be bad for problem skin. Try hemp or pea protein powder instead.
Asparagus & Broccoli are higher in iodides than other veggies. Eat them – just not every day.
Iodide Contents in Food (parts per million of iodide):
Salt
Iodized Salt (1/4 tsp) – 100
Seasoned Salt – 40
Sun Evaporated Salt – 30
Non-iodized Salt – 19
Meat/Poultry
Beef/Liver – 325
Turkey – 132
Seafood
Kelp – 1020
Cod (3 oz) – 87
Squid – 39
Crab – 33
Vegetables
Asparagus – 169
Broccoli – 90
Dairy
Cheddar Cheese Spread – 27
Milk – 11
Butter – 26
Mozzarella Cheese – 13
Miscellaneous
Tortilla Chips w/ salt – 80
Potato Chips w/ salt – 40
Guide To Prevent Aging Skin
We all want to age gracefully. As a woman in my fifties, I’ve had to make some adjustments to my skin care, as well as how I live my life, to keep myself looking and feeling younger.
Skin cells are the fastest replicating cells in our bodies. Skin cell turnover generally occurs within four weeks, and as we get older, that can be reduced by half. This hinders the skin’s ability to hold hydration, making it dull, dry, and flaky, limiting its ability to absorb product and protect itself.
Caring for your skin and body doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are seven steps you can take right now to improve skin health.
Exercise
We all know this one. Exercise reduces stress. Stress causes damage to your body and skin.
Protect
Not wearing sunscreen or clothing to protect your skin will age you very rapidly. Did you know that 90% of the aging process is due to the sun, 80% of sun damage occurs before 18 years of age, and 70% of all sun damage is “casual” exposure? There is a lot of debate around wearing sunscreen or not. I’m not saying avoid the sun altogether and its gift of vitamin D. It takes seconds to apply sunscreen before your make-up and not chance rapid aging or cancer.
Hydrate
After preventing environmental damage, the next essential is hydration. Drinking lots of water flushes away impurities. Nutrient-dense juices are loaded with antioxidants to fight age-causing free radicals.
Feed
What you eat matters. Partnered with hydration, clean eating improves overall health by giving your body the nutritional tools to repair the skin from the inside out.
Essential Fatty Acids (EFA) are the building blocks of healthy cell membranes. Your body doesn’t make EFA on its own – it must get them from foods, like fish, nuts, seeds, vegetables, Omega-3, and Omega-6. This is essential in helping produce the skin’s natural lipid oil barrier, critical in keeping the skin hydrated, plumper and younger looking. If your cell membrane is not soft the cells have trouble getting nutrients in.
Rest
Sleep quality affects skin function and aging. A lack of sleep reduces recovery time from environmental stress on the skin.
Exfoliate
If you want fresh, healthy, vibrant-looking skin you have to force the cells to turn over more frequently. This will not only initiate a response in the dermis layer to make more collagen and elastin but will prepare your skin to be able to absorb the products you are applying. You don’t want to purchase products specifically for your skin needs just to have them slough off without being absorbed. Exfoliating in the evening at least twice a week will do the trick, without causing harmful irritation.
Nourish
Applying topical skin care products daily is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to keep your skin vibrant and healthy. Using quality products insures you are getting the best ingredients for your personal skin care needs. I’d love to chat and help you on your path to healthier, younger-looking skin.
Daily Skin Care Made Easy
Daily Skin Care Made Easy
A daily skin routine makes all the difference for healthy skin, but most people skip this important part of their routine, because they think it has to take a gazillion hours – and no one has time for that. This is my simple routine for glowing, healthy skin.
Morning:
– Cleanse
– Apply a highly concentrated Vitamin C Serum in the morning. This protects the skin from UV damage, and has proven antioxidant and regenerative properties to help fight and repair signs of aging and stimulate collagen and elastin.
– Apply sunscreen for all day protection from harmful UV rays.
Evening:
– Cleanse to remove make-up and the day’s effects.
– Moisturize while skin is still damp for extra hydration.
– Twice a week I exfoliate, sometimes with an AHA, sometimes with a product that has granules in it. For added benefit, I recommend a monthly peel or microdermabrasion treatment.
– Apply toner after cleansing to remove left-over residue and balance skin pH. Toner also adds antioxidants while rejuvenating, soothing, and hydrating skin.
– Use a Vitamin A corrective serum to encourage skin cell reproduction, circulation and produce cumulative benefits long term.
– Apply a rejuvenating eye cream.
Once or twice a week:
– Add a peptide, which helps the skin heal itself.
– Add a growth factor of Glutathione, an antioxidant that helps to neutralize free radicals in the skin.
Taking care of your skin doesn’t have to be confusing. I can help you create a routine specifically for your skin’s needs and take the guesswork out of which products are right for you.