Is my Wash cloth causing hyperpimentation ? February 14, 2013

I have come to the conclusion that my washcloth is harmful to my skin. Not the skin over my entire body, but the skin on my face. I have an acneic skin type ( yes estheticians have skin problems too) and although I work hard to keep it under control I still get break outs from time to time. With that, I also get hyperpigmentation (dark spots) after the blemish is gone.

When washing my face in the morning and evening before bed, like most people I use a washcloth. I rub over my skin  (gently) to remove the cleanser and of course I am washing over the blemish or the pigmentated area. Generally speaking using a wash cloth is fine, however herin lies the problem ; Hyperpigmentation is the result of melanin activity under the skin. Everyone’s skin produces melanin, it’s part of our skins protection. There are different reasons that hyperpigmentation occurs . One of which  is some type of trauma or inflammation in the skin that causes melanin production to increase in an effort to heal the area.

Rubbing the skin too many times (night & day) with a cloth could agrevate the skin. Depending on the texture of the cloth, the abrasiveness may add to the inflammation and irritation  which will stimulate melanin activity.  This may cause the pigmentation to last longer on the skin or make old areas reappear.  Although I do not rub aggressively, I may be still doing too much because of the frequency. By choosing to lower the frequency on the use of my cloth, using something much, much softer, the pigmentation will fade away faster. Especially when using products in your home care to support this such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E , and GreenTea

Being too aggressive is not necessarily my problem, but it doesnt mean that I can’t take some further steps to maintaining beautiful skin. Perhaps it is a problem for others, which is why I share this post. To let some know that sometimes less is better. We have to protect the skin ! Wiping harder, scrubbing more or using a washcloth is not going to make the blemishes better.

Here are a couple of links that I think you would find helpful if this is a concern for you too :

http://blog.reneerouleau.com/2009/10/got-brown-spots-avoid-vigorous-rubbing-of-the-skin/

http://buy.dermalogica.com/e2wItemMain.aspx?parentID=IT00001277

Why is green clay beneficial ? September 11, 2012

I have been a fan of using french green clay for many years. I have used it in my personal life and of course professionally I use it in my treatment room. Green clay has many benefits and can be used in a number of ways for various purposes. Read below to find out for yourself and maybe you will become a fan of it as well …

It is a very absorbent mineral clay that contains in parts, decomposed plant materials as well as trace minerals of calcium, copper, zinc & more. It’s ability to absorb is what makes this natural source a great detoxifyer. The thicker it is laid/packed on the skin the more impurities it pulls from it.

When it comes to facial skin care, it is great to use as a mask. the clay improves circulation which in turn increases blood flow , lessening wrinkles, and giving the skin a healthy glow It will help tighten the pores, absorb excess oil,  exfoliate the dead skin cells built up in the pores,  & reduce inflammation that is common with acneic skin.

This green clay is good for body treatments and is regularly used in pelotherapy. It is excellent in healing trauma injuries, supporting immune system stimulation, organ elimination too.

A study of French green clay and its medicinal benefits was conducted in 2007 by  Arizona State University. This study concluded that this clay was highly anti-bacterial and effective in inhibiting bacterial pathogens such as ecoli, salmonella , Staphylococcus and several others of which can cause disease and disorders of the skin. This research in itself was a surprising, validating and interesting piece of information for me too.

To make your own mask at home it can be as simple or as complicated as you’d like. Simply mix the clay with a liquid of your choice (water, aloe vera gel, apple cider vinegar, hydrosols ) to create a paste. You may also add a drop of essential oil ( be sure it is one appropriate for skin use). It can even be mixed with honey . Once you have the ingredients that you want to use combined it can be applied to the face and left on for 10-15 minutes. Let it harden, rinse well  and then remove with a warm (not hot ) cloth. Add your moisturizer and your done. If you’re not the DIY type it’s okay, I always welcome a friendly face in my treatment room 😉

It’s  easy to purchase from your local herbal store, some farmers markets and of course on line . So when will you give it a try ?

 

• Researchstories.asu.edu/stories/healing-clay-906
• http://www.eytonsearth.org/
• Mountainroseherbs.com

“Ice, Ice , (that zit) baby !” August 28, 2012

Okay, so I couldn’t resist using that old school vanilla ice reference in the  title for this post.  But it is so true, you really can use ice on acne. Sometimes when there is a pimple on the face (or any body part) it is accompanied by some swelling and inflammation. This happens mainly because of infection in the pore that may have ruptured the follicle wall, which will signal the white blood cells to come in and try to heal the wounded area.

Healing is good but the red and sometimes itchy and painful spots are not. So, what can you do ? Don’t add toothpaste… “Ice, Ice baby ! ”  (couldn’t help myself) Applying ice to the area will calm down the skin and reduce the swelling. It will also help to tone the facial muscles and help with giving the skin a nice glow. For an added benefit, try freezing rose-water in ice cubes and apply to the skin. The rose-water is a lovely way to hydrate, heal  and tone the skin.

Using the ice cubes is simple . Do this :

1. cleanse your face with your facial cleanser twice.
2. grab an ice-cube and place it in a washcloth
3. rub the cube in the cloth over the pimple, cyst and the entire face for about 3 passes
4. apply hydrating serum
5. apply a blemish control spot treatment
6. apply moisturizer (and spf if done in the morning)

Note : This is also good for rosacea skin types as well.

That’s it. One extra step in your normal routine. Simple and yet effective