How to use a Retinoid!!

*Important!! Don't use a retinoid if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.*

*Plan ahead
It takes about 4 to 6 months for your skin to become acclimated to a retinoid. Check your calendar for a "safe window" where you have no major events (your daughter's wedding, a high school reunion) on the horizon. Then, follow these other starter steps to get the best results for younger-looking skin.


*Consider summer
Any retinoid is likely to dry out your skin to some extent, so summer--when there's more humidity in the air--is an ideal time to start using one.


*Dab only a pea-size amount
This is powerful medicine, so don't smear a ton of the stuff on three times a day. Just a tiny pearl-sized amount is all you need for your whole face. Immediately afterward, pat a tissue on your skin; if it sticks, you've used too much. Next time, use half the amount.


*Go slowly, You should ease into them.
Most experts suggest applying a retinoid every third day, at least for the first 2 weeks. Use retinoids every other day for the next 2 weeks, and build up to daily use. For some people (especially those with fair complexions and light-colored eyes), the process might take longer, and others may be satisfied with the results of using retinoids every other day. You'll have to keep up your routine for life to maintain the benefits . You should ease into them.
Follow your doctor's instructions for application. More likely than not, you'll want to begin using your prescription once every two or three days to allow your skin to adjust.


*Go easy with your skin care & clean out your cabinets
It's best to ditch the harsh exfoliants, glycolic acid, and vigorous scrubbing. Benzoyl peroxide and alpha hydroxy acids may deactivate retinoids, so don't layer them. Your skin not only won't respond well to it, it also doesn't need it. Go gentle into that good nighttime skin care routine.
Facial products likely to react with retinoids: scrubs and exfoliation products, alcohol-based toners and astringents, and medicated cleansers and makeup.


*For Sensitive Skin Users
A small percentage of people with ultrasensitive skin can never tolerate a retinoid; if you're one of them, use a gentle physical exfoliator twice a week to soften your skin. Do this in the morning!


*Wax ahead of time. Say adios to waxing.
Schedule one last facial-waxing appointment--dry skin is more prone to burning. Allow any irritation from retinoids to subside before resuming waxing. Waxing can cause excess redness on retinoid-treated skin; don't use a retinoid for several days before a treatment. Say adios to waxing. Learn to love tweezers, as your days of eyebrow waxing are over (if they ever began). If you wax while using a retinoid, a layer of skin is likely to come off with the wax. Not fun.


*Sleep on it
Apply retinoids before bedtime because sunlight can destabilize their effectiveness, advises Baumann. To keep dryness, flakiness, and redness to a minimum, cleanse skin about 20 minutes beforehand; damp skin increases risk of sensitivity. Then apply the retinoid and, in another 20 minutes, your moisturizer. This will avoid sealing the medication into your skin, which makes it stronger and more likely to irritate.


*Be vigilant about sunscreen
Because retinoids slough dead surface cells, removing skin's natural protection against UV exposure, every morning be sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 (the higher the better: 50!!); you can also use a topical antioxidant like a serum with green tea to reduce inflammation. and be extra-conscientious about sunscreen to prevent collagen loss in the first place. SPF is a must. Seriously. Because retinoids make your skin photosensitive, wearing sunblock every day is imperative. Look for at least SPF 30.


*Keep it away from your lips, your eyes and your nostrils. Why? Your skin will peel.
Here is what will happen: You'll apply the cream or gel, la-di-da, and all will go well until a few days pass. Then, bam! Tiny, tissue-paper-thin bits of skin will begin to peel off. It is a little weird, to say the least. Make things easier on yourself by waiting 30 minutes after washing before applying your prescription, and use a gentle moisturizer.


*That cream could be cheaper than you think.
You do need to see a dermatologist to get a prescription for retinoids. But if you have health insurance, your copay could be less expensive than the cost of a fancy (or not-so-fancy) over-the-counter skin cream.


*Things will get worse before they get better.
Even if your skin doesn't peel or get red, you could see a surge of whiteheads a few weeks into your treatment. Don't freak out; this is actually a good thing, as it means the retinoid is working. Withstand it for a couple of months and your skin will reward you.


*They really work.
There's a reason retinoids continue to be prescribed even decades after their debut. Here's more about it, but the bottom line is that retinoids' effectiveness has been measured time and time again in double-blind studies.




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How to prevent lines and wrinkles

Aging happens, but with the right skin care regimen and an aggressive approach to sun protection, there are ways to limit the lines and wrinkles on your skin. 

*Apply face cream with SPF. Or a finishing powder with SPF.

Sunscreen absorbs or reflects some of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation on the skin exposed to sunlight and thus helps protect against sunburn/damaged skin. 

*Apply antioxidant cream.  

An antioxidant cream can help rejuvenate tired looking skin and bring back the vitality your appearance may have lost due to the natural signs of aging.

*Don't smoke.

Smoking cretates all these free radials resulting in damage skin. Pursing your lips when smoking causes lines and wirnkles around the mouth. 

*Take multivitamins, antioxidants, eat your fruits and vegetables, and drink lots of water. 

A balanced diet with the right nutrients and antioxidents will help restore aging skin. 

*Apply retinoid at night.

Derive from Vitamin A, retinoids unclog pores, boost collagen to reduce fine lines, and speed cell turnover to even out discoloration and smooth the skin. Retinoid are extremely potent to your skin. 

Next Week's guide will cover on  How to use retinoids.

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How to calm sensitive skin

Some people have extremely sensitive skin that applying a moisturizer, face wash or anything will turn their face red, itchy, and sometimes feel a burning sensation. Here are a few tips to battle sensitive skin

*Use fragrance-free and hypoallergenic products 

Moisturizers, eye cream, and body wash should be labeled fragrance free and or hypoallergenic.  However some products that are fragrance-free are still filled with fragrance. Read the ingredients in the back and check for "Fragrance" if you spot them, avoid buying. 

*Try mineral sunscreen

Since chemical sunscreens can irritate sensitive skin, mineral sunscreen contain general mineral actives of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide for UVA and UVB protection. Usually they are fragrance free and great for delicate sensitive skin.

*Exfoliate Lightly

Most scrubs are too abrasive. Use a gentle scrub with tiny grains. Invest on good quality scrubs. Avoid drug store products that are too harsh for your skin.

*Try a mild detergent that is also hypoallergenic

After you wash your clothes, you may notice itchy skin. Fortunately there are plenty of laundry detergents that are dye-free, scent-free and hypoallergenic that you can buy instead, which should work for your sensitive skin. Check online and read labels.

*Apply Aloe Vera Gel on the irritated skin. 

Look for 100% Natural Aloe Vera Gel. Some have too much alcohol which will dry out your skin, so watch for it and read the labels. Apply a tiny bit to the affected area. For a more soothing solution, place the aloe vera gel in the refrigerator for half an hour before applying it. Aloe Vera Gel is also useful for sunburned skin.

*To all skin products, remember a little goes a long way

While there's no guideline on how much is too much, your skin will give you clues, like sudden dryness or oiliness, heavy tingling, burning, or redness. Tip: Use sparingly. 

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How to minimize pores

Ever look into the mirror and all you see are humongous pores staring at you? Well there's a system you can follow that makes your pores smaller.   

*Every other day or two use a toner.  

Toners are a must-have because they tighten, refine pores while gently removing excess oil, dirt and makeup residue without overdrying. So how about Astringent? Can we use it? Well, astringent is different from toner, they contain a high amount of alcohol and usually contain salicylic acid for acne users. Don't apply too much astringent as it dries out your skin. If you have acne prone skin use astringent every 2-3 days depending whether or not your skin dries out. For normal skin, apply Toner every other day or two. 

*Exfoliate. 

Once a week, exfoliate. Exfoliating your skin removes the the surface layer of dead cells. Make sure you use a gentle scrub with tiny grains. Big grains in cheap scrubs can tear skin and cause more harm than good. 

*Apply translucent powder.

Translucent powder hides pores making it less noticeable. 

Yes it's these 3 simple steps but don't forget your daily face wash routine. 

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How to apply Sunscreen

Summer is around the corner and during warm weather, the sun rays damages our skin. Here are simple steps on how to apply sunscreen. 

*Apply sunscreen right out of the shower instead of body lotion when planning on going out all day. 

*Use a face cream with sunscreen for your face rather than one intended for the body. 

*After a swim, reapply sunscreen every hour or two. Even though most sunscreens are waterproof, its better to be safe than sorry. Avoid sunburned and damaged skin at all times. 

*Always have sunscreen on hand just in case you get caught under the sun for a long period of time. Have one in your purse, beach bag, work bag, and your gym bag.

*Finally, take antioxidant supplements along with your usual vitamins intake. The antioxidants are believed to help protect the body from free-radical damage, so don't forget a balanced diet consisting of 5-8 servings of fruits and vegetables per day.

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How to grow healthy strong hair

We all want great hair. But unfortunately, shiny, healthy hair doesn't just happen without a little bit of effort. By following this simple routine, your hair can be shiny, healthy, and gorgeous. 

STEP 1: Wash your hair. 

How often you wash your hair depends on your hair type. If you have oily/greasy hair wash every other day. If you have normal hair or dry coarse hair wash every 2 days. Too much shampooing strips your natural oils, causing harm to your hair.

STEP 2: Condition your hair.

Since shampooing strips away the natural oils on our hair, using a conditioner restores it back. It keeps hair hydrated, moisturized and tangle free.

STEP 3: Air Dry Naturally.

Let hair dry naturally to minimize damage to the hair. If you must blow dry, use the lowest heat setting possible  Don't forget to use a heat protecting product before blow drying.    

STEP 4: Brush/Comb Hair.

Remember to only brush and comb hair when it is dry. Hair is vulnerable to damage when wet. Brushing keeps your hair tangle free and distributes its natural oils throughout the hair.

STEP 5: Leave In Conditioner/Hot Oil Treatments.

Treat your hair with care. Once a week or every two weeks use a leave in conditioner or Hot Oil once a month. Just like getting a manicure and pedicure, your hair needs special treatments as well.

STEP 6: Visit your hairstylist.
Avoid split ends. Once split ends are visible, it's time to visit your hair stylist.

STEP 7: Take a Multivitamin

It is amazing how much the lack of nutrients in our body can effect the quality of our hair. Drink lots of water and take your vitamin every day.

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10 Signs You Need a Hair Makeover!

SIGN #1: Your hair has no volume.

The top is flat, the sides are bulky, and it no longer frames your features. If your hair just sits there, even after you've blown it dry, set it, or curled it, at the very least get a trim. 

SIGN #2: Your old pals assure you that "you haven't changed a bit!
It's probably time to do just that.  Start getting inspired by collecting images of cuts you'd consider. Revisit them weekly until you can picture living with one of them. Next, schedule an appointment.

SIGN #3: Your highlights are more noticeable than your base color.

This is an indication that your highlights have become too heavy. Consider a single process to cover the streaks and lay off new highlights for at least three months. (Don't worry, some of the lighter bits will naturally show through, giving you a subtler, sun-kissed effect.)

SIGN #4: You're not receiving compliments on your hair anymore.

One simple tweak sure to garner attention is to set your strands in hot rollers. Of all the heat-styling tools, they produce the softest, sexiest waves.

SIGN #5: Your hair and skin tone match.

If your tress and skin tones have become too close, you could benefit from lowlights. Add deeper, warmer streaks using peroxide and ammonia-free color to give your look loads of dimension without damaging your hair.

SIGN #6: Your clothes have evolved; your hair hasn't.

Altering your clothing style is the perfect excuse to update your 'do. This way, your new look will work from head to toe.

SIGN #7: Split ends are visible. 

When split ends are visible, you need to get a trim. Split ends damages your hair. So make the appointment STAT. 

SIGN #8: You pull your hair into a ponytail all the time.

Adding bangs or layers to give your locks some shape — that way, you'll be more apt to wear them down.

SIGN #9: You spend more than 20 minutes styling your hair.

If it takes this long, your cut is clearly not making the most of your texture.

SIGN #10: Your stylist could cut your hair with her eyes closed.

Sounds like someone's in a rut. Tell her exactly what you want, don't be afraid... after all it's their job. 

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