SKINCARE FOR GIRLS IN THEIR TWENTIES:part 2

Hello girls,

As we discussed in part 1(here) regular cleansing,hydration and sun protection are very important in all skin types(Read to see product recommendations).However,even after all this care skin problems may surface.For such problems we use targeted treatments.The main problems are:

-Acne[For moderate to severe acne I have discusses medical treatments and very effective regimen here]

-Dull skin

-Hyper pigmentation (hormonal or sun damage)

-Premature wrinkles.

As mentioned I have discussed acne in a separate post,however girls with mild acne or blackheads etc or who are trying to keep acne away should read on. As for the rest of the problems treatment is more or less the same.

Night is the time our skin is resting and repairing.At night the products get more time to work on our skin.So,lets see what night treatments should be considered.

NIGHT TREATMENT:

Now that your skin is getting mature you need to show it some extra care.Using a treatment serum at night is a great idea.If you want radiance and clear skin then you have a variety of options.The Alpha Hydroxy Acids(AHAs) [i-e Glycolic acid and Lactic acid] and Beta Hydroxy acids.AHAs work superficially and BHAs work deeper.The uses differ and so they have been mentioned under the problem they treat.

UNEVEN,ROUGH,SUN DAMAGED SKIN:

Alpha hydroxy acid(AHA)  work superficially on skin and exfoliates gently to reveal a glowing fairer skin.AHAs are water soluble so they need to be applied on skin to be effective.Apply and rinse does not work very well.Secondly,AHAs make skin sensitive to sun so sunscreen becomes a must.

Prefer the creams with GLYCOLIC ACID.Dont be scared by the name.If you want radiant skin then glycolic acid is your best friend.It smooth-ens the skin,remove dead cell build up and most importantly is a certified least harmful WHITENING substance.So if you want fair complexion and exfoliation go for glycolic acid formulas.The concentration required for harm free effectiveness is 5-8%(less then 10%).If your cream has glycolic acid listed on second or third on ingredient list then it has the adequate amount of glycolic acid.

If all the options are costly for you then just buy a tube of GLYCO AID cream or any other glycolic acid cream in pharmacy  and use it with your moisturizer.

 

A Product our models swear by *winks*

DRY FLAKY SKIN:

Lactic acid is another skin friendly fairness agent which brings out a fair glow in skin.It hydrates and treats dry skin.Even scaliness and eczema gets benefited from So if you can find a formula which has lactic acid then go for it.

OILY SKIN PRONE TO BLACKHEADS:

BETA HYDROXY ACIDS work great for oily skin prone to acne especially blackheads. Salicylic is an example.The BHA's penetrate the deeper layers and pores to exfoliate and fight inflammation.As you all know salicylic acid is present in anti acne creams and lotions, but you need a stronger formula if you have blackheads etc.Go for a serum to be applied before moisturizer.My favorite is Paula's Choice 2% BHA lotion.

Another option is retinol.However,it is a prescription drug so I will not suggest trying it witout consulting my doctor.You can talk to Paula's Choice Skin expert(here),however, and try one of their retinol products which are effective yet gentle.

DULL SKIN:

Vitamin C serum or capsules work great for dull skin.It fights free radical damage and treats tired looking skin.It also lightens and brightens skin.So,this is ideal for ladies who do not have major skin issues, but still feel that their face lacks radiance.Some people are allergic to topical vitamin C in which case they might experience some skin darkening or dryness, nothing major.If that happens vitamin c is just not for you.

Paulas Choice Resist C 15 Super Booster

The Body Shop Vitamin C range

HYPERPIGMENTATION:

If you have big patches of hyper pigmentation (melasma) then you might need targeted melanin reduction.Ask your dermatologist for a melanin reducing cream or melasma treatments.Use them every night.You will see a big difference in a week.

WRINKLES AND PREMATURE AGING:

If your mirror has started telling you that wrinkles are near its about time to try and turn the clock back a bit.

Do not go for invasive procedure or harsh creams just yet.Try using antioxidants. You can apply them in serum form under moisturizers or you can get a moisturizer rich in them.

Following are the best effective antioxidants:

Vitamin E(alpha tocopherol is the best form)

VitaminC(See above)

Lycopene

Green Tea

Coffee berry

Resvertol(Found in grapes,nuts and red wine)

Grapeseed extract

So next time you go shopping prefer these over placental extracts :) .If you think you are not getting the results from moisturizers try looking for these in serum forms.

If you have multiple problems the good news is that you can use these treatments over your regular moisturizer and even pair two treatments togather.Like radiance boosters with AHA serums etc.Ok by now you must be confused :) So here is a do not mix list:

DO NOT MIX/USE TOGETHER THE FOLLOWING

1)-Retinol and alpha hydroxy acids, like glycol and lactic acids. "This duo is a recipe for redness and irritation," says Ranella Hirsch, a dermatologist in Boston. If you do mix them, the fastest way to calm skin is by popping an anti-inflammatory, like aspirin, and smoothing on hydrocortisone cream.

2)-Citric acid with anything. We know what you’re thinking: What's citric acid? "It's an ingredient in lots of moisturizers, and when you layer it with other products, it causes irritation," says Hirsch. (It's listed as citric acid on the ingredient list, so it's easy to spot.)

3)-Retinol and acne treatments. Using salicylic acid and retinol at the same time causes dryness and redness. Mixing benzoyl peroxide with retinol has the opposite effect: "The two ingredients have been shown to deactivate each other," says Fredric Brandt, a dermatologist in New York City and Miami.

4)-Vitamin C and alpha hydroxy acids. "They change the pH of vitamin C enough to destabilize it, making the antioxidant ineffective," says David Bank, a dermatologist in Mount Kisco, New York. If you're wearing a serum with glycolic acid, pick serums with heartier antioxidants, like green tea and resveratrol.

(ALLURE.COM )

If you still find it tought to follow then simply visit PAULA'S CHOICE .COM to get a customized skin care regimen according to your problems,.

HERBAL/DIY RECIPES:

No matter how high end you go there will always be a voice in your head telling you that herbal does it better.So here are a few tries and tested recipes which deliver results in 3-4weeks if used with persistance

EGG WHITE & MILK WITH GELATIN MASK.

Effective peel ff mask.Great for pore cleaning and blackhead extraction.

EGG WHITE AND GRAM FLOUR MASK

For oily skin and dullness.

GRAM FOUR TURMERIC MASK

Radiance and reduction in facial hair.For all skin types

TOMATO MASK

Radiance and glowing skin.Reduces wrinkles and fights aging.For all skin types.

POTATO MASK:

Hyperpigmentation,dark spots,dark circles.All skin types.

DIY LOTIONS:

1)-Jojoba oil with your moisturizer=super moisturizer ^_^

2)-Glcerine+your moisturizer=Hydration

3)-Glycerine+lemon=Hand feet whitening and softness

DIY SPRAYS:

1)-Glycerin+Rose water+Tea tree oil spray

Toning and oil control

2)-Glycerin+Rose water

Hydration and smooth skin

3)-Apple cider Vinegar(1 part)+water(2part)
Tightens and tones skin,reduces acne

INVASIVE TREATMENTS YOUR DERMATOLOGIST CAN OFFER

Chemical Peel:The Retinol, AHAs and BHAs provide a mild at home peel, but these give instant results in  chemical peels done at the dermatologists's clinic.There are superficial,medium and deep peels with increasing effectiveness respectively.The effects are semi permanent to pretty much permanent.

Microdermabrasion:

This involves micro exfoliation of skin with tiny crystals for skin rejuvenation.IT treats superficial acne scars and wrinkles.It involves epidermis or the superficial layer so the results vary from person to persons.

Mosaic Laser:

Very effective method of removing superficial layer of skin.Effects are permanent.

That was it ladies.I hope you like the post.If I have left something out or you have a question feel free to contact me.

Stay pretty and blessed

xoxoxoxo