Dermalogica and Skin Doctors Health, Beauty and Skin Care - skin care

Everyones skin needs are different -so make sure your skin is provided with the best possible care. The following looks at some of the most common skin problems.

What is pigmentation and how can I prevent it?

The pigmentation of one's skin is the result of millions of years of evolution, which explains the wide range of skin tones we see in everyday life. People with origins close to the equator, where the sun is the most intense, had to develop protection against dangerous UV rays. The result? An increase in the production of melanin, a natural skin and hair colorant that absorbs UV radiation and protects the body from damage. In fact, the epidermis of a dark-skinned person absorbs up to 25% more UV radiation than that of a light-skinned counterpart.

Pigmentation disorders are caused by a myriad of factors, which include sun damage, hormonal imbalance, and skin trauma or disease. Of all these causes, sun damage is both the most common, and the most easily prevented! Simply applying a sunscreen with a minimum SPF15 every day, and avoiding peak sun times around midday, will do a lot to prevent the sun damage that can make your skin's pigment act up. Dermalogica Solar Defense Booster SPF30 provides optimum daily sun protection.

Hormonal imbalance, a cause of pigmentation mostly affecting women, can occur during any time that the body's natural hormone balance is disturbed. These triggers can include hormonal changes, such as those that happen during the menstrual cycle, menopause, prolonged stress, pregnancy or even when taking birth control pills. Unlike pigmentation related to trauma or sun damage, hormonally-induced hyperpigmentation generally disappears when balance is restored to the body, and it can be treated during the interim period with topical skin brighteners.

The pigmentation related to skin trauma (cuts, wounds, scrapes and the like) is difficult to prevent in the case of accidental damage to the skin. Picking at acne lesions is also, of course, a big no-no, and will only exacerbate the pigmentation associated with the wound healing.

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What is sensitive skin, and do I have it?

No other skin condition is more misunderstood than sensitive skin. In fact, almost 90% of the population report having sensitive skin at one time or another! To understand whether you have sensitive skin, you first have to understand what causes it.

Sensitive skin is a genetically-inherited condition that predominantly affects very fair-skinned individuals, usually of Northern European ancestry. Someone with truly sensitive skin is highly prone to blushing, has a very fine complexion and may experience bad hay fever, allergies or asthma.

What most people suffer from is in fact sensitized skin. Rather than a result of genetics, sensitized skin is a reflection of your environment, lifestyle and physiology. Pollution, stress, hormonal imbalance, cosmetic allergies, alcohol, a poor diet and over-exfoliation can all trigger the sensitized skin condition.

The good news is that sensitized skin can be treated. The bad news is that, left untreated, the skin's response can actually result in permanent cellular damage, which can lead to premature aging. How can I avoid trigger factors?

A few lifestyle modifications can usually solve most people's skin sensitization. Maintaining the skin's barrier function is vital, so remember to always apply your Dermalogica moisturizer after cleansing, and whenever your skin feels tight or dry - our Barrier Repair was developed with this specific goal in mind. Skin Hydrating Booster is the ideal addition to your skin care regimen to optimize the water level of your skin. Also, always avoid over-exfoliating your skin - remember, more exfoliation is not better! If you notice redness or tightness that lasts more than a few hours, you should discontinue the use of your exfoliant for a few days.

Sun protection is also critical because sensitized skin is even more vulnerable to UV damage. Dermalogica Ultra Sensitive FaceBlock SPF25 is a chemical-free sun shield that was developed specifically for sensitized skin. Lastly, avoiding trigger factors such as hot drinks, spicy foods. msg, alcohol, caffeine and cigarettes can help your skin recover and rebuild its normal resistance.

The sun and my skin ... are they really such enemies?

It's no exaggeration to say that the sun is potentially your skin's worst enemy. In fact, skin cancer, largely caused by unprotected exposure to the sun's damaging UV rays, is the most prevalent form of cancer in the world, affecting one in five people. And it's on the rise - recent studies suggest that depletion of the earth's ozone layer makes shielding the skin more important than ever.

Not a sun bather, you say? Well, unless you only go out at night, your skin is still bombarded on a daily basis. Driving to work. Walking the dog. Even sitting under indoor lighting. The bottom line - if the sun is in the sky, sun protection should be on your skin!

What is acne and how ?

Acne is a genetically-inherited disease, which is the result of several factors occurring in the skin. Aside from excess oil secreted by the sebaceous glands, there is a proliferation of cells that clog the pores, trapping oil in the follicle. Bacteria inhabit the follicle and digest the oils, generating waste products which then cause the irritation to the skin. Oilier skin conditions tend to experience more acne breakouts because they provide more food for the bacteria. Teenagers' hormonal changes increase oil production, in turn increasing acne breakouts. A quick Face Mapping by your skin care therapist will identify your acne-prone areas.

Excellent skin care and hygiene are vitally important to remove the excess oils and bacteria that are associated with acne. Dermalogica products are non-comedogenic and completely water-soluble, making them ideal for breakout-prone skin. Always follow a strict regimen of thorough cleansing with anti-bac skin wash and lukewarm (never hot) water, followed with a hydrating conditioner such as Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner, and an oil-free moisturizer. Exfoliate twice a week, and use Daily Microfoliant® every day, to help the skin rid itself of congestion-causing debris. Dermalogica Medicated Clearing Gel helps regulate sebum (oil) production, remove follicle-clogging debris and kill acne bacteria. For an existing breakout, Benzoyl Peroxide provides unsurpassed clearing while a calming mask reduces irritation.

In addition, lifestyle changes can often improve your skin. Try to reduce stress, drink plenty of water and limit your intake of caffeine and cigarettes, which may stimulate the adrenal glands and promote oil production.

And always remember never to pick or squeeze pimples, as you'll be left with an even bigger blemish and a scar to remember it by!

What is premature aging and how do I avoid it?

Far from natural! Now, we wouldn't suggest for a minute that there's anything wrong with growing old gracefully. The natural aging process is defined in our very genetics, resulting in the complex hormonal and \physical transformations that take place throughout life. Premature aging refers to the unnatural acceleration of the natural aging process, primarily due to damage from sun exposure and an unhealthy lifestyle. While the natural aging process cannot be slowed, most people who exhibit signs of aging are actually suffering from premature aging. Sound far-fetched? Consider this: not only are over 99% of wrinkles caused by sun exposure, but premature aging can add up to twenty years to your appearance!

Taking care of your skin early on can help your skin stay healthy well into your golden years. It's an investment that only takes minutes a day!

Avoiding unprotected sun exposure is the most important measure you can take to protect your skin. General lifestyle factors are also important - a diet too rich in highly-processed foods and alcohol, and lacking in fresh fruits, vegetables and whole foods, can have a significant impact on the health of the skin.

How can I control premature aging?

Let's face it - we've all done things in our pasts that our skin would rather forget! And, while the damage may be done, there are a number of ways in which you can treat the signs of premature aging. It all starts with regular visits to your skin care therapist, who can work out a prescriptive regimen based on a detailed skin analysis using Face MappingSM. More than likely, you will begin with an intensive series of MultiVitamin Power Exfoliation treatments, a hydroxy acid and Retinol approach that is designed to dramatically smooth away debris and increase new cell renewal. Then, regularly-scheduled MultiVitamin Power Treatments will keep your skin on track.