Category: Skincare

The Three Most Important Skin Care Habits Even If You’re Working From Home

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Yeah you aren’t seeing anyone while on quarantine while Covid-19, the Coronavirus strikes fear in our hears with its pandemic claws. But you still need to take care of what you have. So let’s talk about the three most important skincare habits even if you’re working from home.

SPF, Ceramides, & Face Wash are Most Essential Daily

Wash Your Face

Wash your face at least once a day, preferably in the morning. I mean, I’d like morning and night, but let’s get real. If you’re reading this then you’re probably sitting in your pj’s and haven’t showered in a few days – am I right?

Go ahead and splash your face with water in the morning, or wipe it down with a microfiber mitt like Jane Iredale’s Magic Mitt, a knitted micro-fiber cloth that relies only on water and tiny micro-fibers to penetrate and wash away oil and grime. but your skin does a lot of clean up and repair while you sleep so help it by taking out the trash before you snooze by removing the days’ dirt. I really like SPELL Skincare’s Brilliantly Clean.  the pumpkin enzyme does double duty by gently exfoliating dead skin and cleansing it with anti-aging antioxidants. It smells pretty awesome before bed too.

A Daily Ceramide

Ceramides are what’s in the skin’s barrier that helps it retain moisture and allows it to hold proper hydration. Always oily? Get blackheads a lot? Always dry? Flakey skin? Forget basic moisturizers and serums. You need a ceramide! My favorite is the ultra-clean and made specifically designed for acne prone skin Roccoco Botanicals Ceramide Booster.

Sunscreen

I know you’re inside, but unless you’re living in a windowless room like that summer you lost playing WOW in your mom’s basement, you’re are getting UV and cancer-causing damage through the glass and whenever you go outside. Maybe you don’t need that 100+ spf that makes you white (you know the one), but you do need something. My favorite is Jane Iredale’s Powder Me SPF.  It feels like nothing and can easily just be powdered onto the face in a few quick swipes. My all-time favorite SPF is Epicuren’s Zinc SPF 27. It’s simple, feels awesome, helps mattify the skin, and has next to no smell.

Excuse Me, But Do My Pores Look Big In This?

Posted on Cybil SolynLeave a commentPosted in Skincare

LOP_PoreVanisher_Pores101_Liya_596x596Let me just start by saying that you can’t make your pores get any smaller. Not really. Let me repeat this bigger so you can hear me.

YOU CAN’T MAKE YOUR PORES SMALLER

You can’t. I’m sorry. Your pores are the size you were pretty much born with. Like shoe size or finger length there are certain factors that may have increased pore size as you were growing up like humidity, uncontrolled oiliness, or just bad skin health. But honestly, even that is a minor factor in their overall size. Mostly it’s just genetics. It’s not like you had small pores and then lived in Florida and now have craters on your face. No, you might have slightly larger pores because of something you did when you were young, but what you’re born with is what you get. That’s all.

 

In this day and age of Photoshop, filters, and HD cameras, pores have become the evil holes that lurk inside our skin. But let me tell you a secret. We all have pores. *gasp* All of us. From Angelina Jolie to me. And you know what? Almost all of us think they are big. Even GIGANTIC!

I’ve been an esthetician for over a decade now and I’ve never heard someone complain to me about their tiny pores. No one has ever cried to me and said, “Oh Cybil, my tiny pores are making my skin all congested and bumpy because I’m not getting enough oil and my pore is so small that everything gets trapped in it. Please help me!”  Even a client with this particular skin condition due to the small nature of their pores has come into me and complained about their big pores.

And the reason? We all have pore envy. Although most of us have normal, average sized, pores we think we should have the smooth, poreless skin of a magazine cover. Sure I occasionally get some large pored people in, but most common are the people who have enlarged pores because of the wacked crap they’ve been doing to their skin.

 

So Why Are We All So Crazy?

janeiredal_pore_imageWell I think the media  has a lot to do with this. As I said before Photoshop and such gave us unrealistic expectations of what skin should look like in a poreless state.  Where I look at the photo to the left and see uncanny valley, many of my readers come to me seeking this perfection.

THIS IS NEVER GOING TO HAPPEN WITHOUT MAKEUP AND PROBABLY NOT EVEN THEN.

But this is okay everyone because really we all look the same. We all look like humans and not like this in real life!

 

 

So, Like I Have Big Pores

(No I Do! I Really, Really Do!)

Now What?

First, you don’t have big pores. (Dammit, why am I even writing this article?!) But in the off chance you do, come to terms with them and help them look smaller. Seeking the advice of a  skincare professional like me is a great start. Stop watching crazy videos and doing self treatments at home is another. Did I mention the wacked crap earlier?

Dirty, oily, abused, dehydrated, and clogged pores will make pores look bigger. Washing 2x a day with a gentle cleanser, following up with a hydration serum and SPF and using a good for your skin makeup (Jane Iredale is my favorite) can do wonders to keep your pores looking smaller. I know other people will say scrub and stuff, but Just Say No.  Stick to an enzyme based exfoliating mask or Clarisonic/Foreo face brush 1-2x a week. In the end though, seek a good skincare professional. They will show you the way.

What To Expect at That First Facial

Posted on Cybil SolynLeave a commentPosted in Skincare

Ready for your first facial? This soothing and cleansing treatment is a favorite of many, but if you’re a first-timer here’s what you can expect during your appointment.

Check-in
After you arrive, you’ll be guided to a comfortable room for your facial. You’ll be asked to put on a robe and get comfortable. You’ll fill out a health form, which will help our aesthetician understand your skin type and issues.

Cleansing
Your facial will begin with a cleansing treatment. This is meant to remove any makeup and dirt to prep your skin for the facial.

Exfoliation
Some form of exfoliation, usually an enzyme that digests dead skin cells and is packed with antioxidants and other nutrient-rich ingredients, will be applied to your face. This process is usually followed with a hot towel or steam to soften the skin for extraction.

Extraction
Blemishes are removed, including blackheads. You’ll experience some pressure during this process, but it shouldn’t be very painful since the skin has been prepped for this through the first part of your treatment.

Massage
Expect a soothing massage of your head, neck and shoulders. This is not only relaxing, but it promotes blood flow and muscle relaxation which helps reduce wrinkles over time.

Mask
Depending on your skin type and the needs of your skin, a custom mask will be applied to your face. There are a variety of masks to pick from. For example, a hydrating mask can help with dry skin. A clay mask can treat oily skin, and an oatmeal mask can help irritated skin.

Moisturizing
Before you go, special serums and moisturizer will be applied so you are as hydrated and glowing as possible.

SPF
If it’s daytime an appropriate SPF will be put on you. Sometimes even some skin care makeup to keep you looking good all day.

If you liked your facial, schedule another one before you leave. A monthly facial can keep your skin looking bright and youthful. Call to schedule your appointment today.

The Importance of SPF

Posted on Cybil SolynLeave a commentPosted in Skincare

We all know the importance of wearing sunscreen, but which SPF is best? A walk through the sunscreen aisle reveals dozens of options, with varying SPFs. The highest SPF protect is 100, but does that make it the best? It’s just one of the many questions consumers have when it comes to the dizzying array of sunscreens. Check out these frequently asked questions to learn more.

What does SPF measure?
SPF, or sun protection factor, measures the product’s ability to block the sun’s UVB rays. Those rays can turn your skin into a fiery-red hide. It does not take into account UVA rays, which can damage skin and lead to certain kinds of cancer.

Does SPF 100 offer the best protection?
People assume the higher the SPF, the better the protection. Sunscreen with SPF 50 offers twice the protection of SPF 25, right? Wrong. Sunscreen with SPF 15 blocks 94 percent of the sun’s UVB rays. SPF 30 blocks 97 percent, SPF 50 blocks 98 percent and SPF 100 blocks 99 percent. Yes, SPF 100 offers the highest protection, but it’s not significantly more than its double-digit competitors. Anything higher than 15 or 30 SPF needs chemicals to make it work which can cause allergic reactions and is often what most people hate about the “gross feel” of sunscreen. Plus, doctors fear consumers who buy products with SPF 100 apply it less, making it less effective than other options. No matter what the SPF, you should apply sunscreen every two hours and as soon as you get out of the water.

When do I need SPF?
Whether it is a day at the pool, walking from your car to the mall, or an afternoon walk in the park, make sure that you are arming yourself with sun protection so that you can enjoy many sunny days ahead. It’s also good to remember that you can burn in the shade. UVA rays penetrate in the shade, through windows, and even through many fabrics. If you’re going to be outside a lot look into SPF clothing and be sure you wear your SPF every day!

What to look for?
Rather than focusing on the SPF number, look for a broad spectrum sunscreen with as little chemical as possible. You want the first ingredients to be Zinc or Titanium Dioxide. These will protect against both UVA and UVB rays, offering full protection without chemical. Sometimes a chemical SPF is needed for extra sticking power during sweating or water activities. In these cases aim for something that still uses Zinc and Titanium Dioxide but also with a little chemical. The jury is still out of most of these, but the least disturbing to me is Octinoxate. It doesn’t clog and has a very low allergy report.

Don’t Bother Blemishes With Bad Products

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I know you’ve heard it a million times, SPF is important and should be worn everyday. But many people with oily or sensitive skin are prone to breakouts when using over the counter SPF’s. The thing is, a good SPF will keep you protected and clear. You just have to know how to pick one and apply it. Here are a few sunscreen tips:

Mineral Makeup
If you plan to spend time outside skip heavy makeup and use a mineral based makeup like Jane Iredale. You’ll get your SPF protection and look good while doing it.

Broad spectrum sunscreen is best
For the best protection, go for a broad spectrum brand. I always recommend Titanium Dioxide and Zinc as the primary ingredients. Remember to reapply every few hours. You’ll also want to make sure you pick up a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 to 40. Anything over 40 is really not necessary and isn’t worth the added chemicals on your skin for the slight increase in protection.

Avoid added fragrance
Some sunscreens contain dyes or perfumes to make the product look and smell more appealing. Leave the scented sunscreens on the shelf and opt for a product that’s perfume and dye free.

Pick an SPF you love
If you don’t love it, you won’t wear it so choose something you like. I carry eight different SPF options because everyone has different preferences.

Don’t let the sun hinder your radiant look, just prepare for it. Spend some time selecting the right sunscreen to make sure you’re covered for both sun protection and acne prevention.

Exercise and Skin Care

Posted on Cybil SolynLeave a commentPosted in Skincare

By all means, when you’re at the gym, work up a sweat. A solid workout routine will do wonders for your overall health, but it can create a few problems in the skin care department. That sweaty layer you’ve got going on is dropping the pH level of yout skin and creating a breeding ground for congestion and bacteria. Don’t let a little sweat stop you from having radiant skin. Just follow these skin care tips:

Remove the makeup
Ladies, if you’re hitting the gym after work, head to the restroom first and wash the makeup off your face. You can put on a fresh batch if you, like me, don’t like to go out without your second skin on. But even an excellent mineral makeup like Jane Iredale has worked hard all day blotting oil and collecting dirt and debris from getting onto your skin. As soon as you sweat thought, all the stuff on top of the makeup will end up rubbed around your skin and in your pores – eew! If you don’t wear an all mineral makeup then please take it off and keep it off during your workout. The combination of gunky makeup and sweat spells disaster for your skin. Use a basic face wash to remove the makeup from your face.

If you’re working out in the morning, be sure to wash your face and apply a light moisturizer. No need for all your products since you’re going to sweat them off, but a clean face stops the goo you’re face has made overnight from spreading all over the place. The moisturizer protects from dehydration and irritation. Once again an all mineral makeup like Jane Iredale is fine to workout in. But when you’re done rinse it off and reapply. That sweat needs off your face!

Exercise needs a gentle face wash
Don’t have time for a full on wash before working out? Why not use a microfiber cloth like the Magic Mitt from Jane Iredale. It removes all makeup, dirt, and debris (even waterproof mascara!) with some warm water and a few swipes. You can rinse and repeat post workout too, saving yourself product and the potential for over washing the skin. The biggest probelm I see with cleansing before and after a workout is stripping. Too much washing can strip the skin of vital moisture and break down it’s natural protective acid mantle. So be sure that gym bag cleanser is very gentle.

Wash or at least rinse your face immediately
Once you’ve finished your workout wash your face again. Yes, it’s a little repetitive, but it’s the best way to keep your skin clear of sweat-induced bacteria. Your skin is a bit sensitive after working out so be mindful not to apply the heavy duty anti-agers or acids within 20min of a hard, sweaty, exercise session. The same is true for applying product before a workout. Sweats pH can reactivate acids and enzymes making them burn or irritate the skin.

Use a clean towel
Using a clean towel when working out is vital. Rubbing sweat off your face and body with a dirty towel is, well, dirty! And don’t go without one either. Even a clean gym can have some nasty surfaces. What if the lady before you didn’t wipe down those dumbells after picking a rock out of the tread of her shoes? Or that mat you’re lying on had someone’s unwashed hair all over it? Bring a towel and keep it clean.

3 Ways for More Hydrated Skin

Posted on Cybil SolynLeave a commentPosted in Skincare

Dry facial skin is a real problem this time of year, and keeping the skin moist with the proper hydration serums and moisturizer may not be enough. So here are some other things to do to keep your cells hydrated.

Cool down the shower
Hot, steamy showers might feel relaxing, but they wreak havoc on your skin. Hot water dries your skin; so consider taking cooler showers to keep your skin from freaking out.

Use a humidifier
Most heating and cooling systems are pumping and circulating dry air through your house. To battle this problem, consider using a humidifier. Set it up in your living room, or wherever you spend the most time. A humidifier is fairly inexpensive and releases water vapor into the air, which will help keep your skin moist. It’s also great for reducing allergens in the air and keeping a more constant temperature in the home.

Remove dead skin cells
Use a Cactus Cloth for the body and a good digestive enzyme facial exfoliant for the face a couple times a week. This helps your products penetrate the skin better.

Facials and body treatments
The benefits of skin care are amplified when you come in for a monthly dose. Monthly facials and even a body treatment (just a facial for the body really!) allow me to power through the dry and rough so you look your best.

Between Your Treatments

Posted on Cybil SolynLeave a commentPosted in Skincare

Taking care of your skin between treatments is vital. I always so, “I detail the car, but you keep it clean!” But what do you do when you want to give yourself a little extra between treatments? My favorite – masks. There’s a mask for just about everything and it’s the secret weapon every star and beauty queen uses. From Cleopatra and her milk and honey masks, to Anne Hathaway and her love of mud masks. The right mask can do wonders for perking up and healing your skin between treatments. Come in and ask me about what mask is best for you!

Keeping Hydrated in Winter

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Let’s face it, winter weather can be tough on us. The moment we switch on the heat in our homes everything begins to dry out, like fruit in one of those dehydrating contraptions we see on late night television. You can head off the winter skin woes by changing your routine up just a tad.

  • Try a richer moisturizer.
  • During the summer with the heat and moisture we tend to use something light and water based but as the dry cold winter comes on you may need something with a touch of oil.
  • Make sure that your hat, gloves and socks are dry before slipping them on.
  • Dry protective clothing will help keep your skin from cracking and chapping.
  • No matter how big a hurry you are in, don’t forget to use sunscreen.
  • Not only can you become sunburned from the wintertime sun, but the reflection of the sun off of snow can do a number on your skin. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to your body (including your hands and top of your ears), and reapply frequently.

If your summer routine consists of peels, masks and *shudder* toners (please throw that toner away!), you might want to rethink your strategy during winter months. You can use these products, but look for formulations that will nourish your skin rather than strip it. Look for a deeply-hydrating mask and a richer body cream. Cut down on how often you use peeling products and seriously consider switching to a much better for you year round enzyme instead.

For many people – particularly those who live in areas with extended winter weather – Seasonal Affect Disorder (SAD) is a very real issue. Aside from depression, people suffering from SAD often experience fatigue and weight gain. Experts believe that a lack of light cuts serotonin to our brains. We need this serotonin to make us feel happy. The trick to actively seek light, either by using a lightbox for 30 minutes a day or getting outside at every opportunity. The real problem is that people with SAD can have a difficult time feeling motivated enough to get out there and do something. If it helps, think of sunlight as a natural medication for mood.

There is some evidence that supplements such as St. John’s Wort and 5-HTP can help ward off depression while increasing the serotonin to our brains. When the sun is not out to give us vitamin D naturally, foods rich with this vitamin become even more important. Add cod liver oil, canned sardines, egg yolks and salmon to your diet for a vitamin D boost. If you’re having a problem with SAD, see your doctor to find out which of these suggestions she recommends and if there is anything else you can add to your wellbeing arsenal.

Even if you lounged around all summer, exercise is essential during the winter months. Not only will a regular exercise routine tighten your body, but it will also lift your mood and give you something other than shoveling snow to concentrate on.

Finally, consider the mood-elevating power of being kind to yourself. Call to schedule a relaxing facial that will plump up your skin with moisture and give you some time to just enjoy.