"Is Your Moisture Barrier Compromised?" by Cora Speidel

Every day your skin is exposed to many different irritants. This includes harmful bacteria, pollution, sun exposure, and much more. What is the best defense to these environmental irritants? A healthy skin moisture barrier.

What is a skin moisture barrier?

Your skin barrier, also known as lipid barrier or moisture barrier, serves to protect the body from the outside world and keep water in the skin.  Our skin barrier is made of the outermost layer of our skin called the stratum corneum and is surrounded by our acid mantle. The acid mantle is a very fine and very important film on the surface of your stratum corneum. It is slightly acidic (ranging from 4.4 - 6 pH) and is made up of sebum, sweat, dead skin cells, lactic acid, urocanic acid, fatty acids and pyrrolidine carboxylic acid. Working together, these elements are designed to help keep bad things out and good things in.

Signs that you have an impaired skin barrier

If your skin barrier is compromised you may notice redness, dry patches, the feeling of tightness and over production of oil, new breakouts, or general inflammation. Another indication could be burning or stinging from products you have used in the past that are normally used without issue.

What causes a compromised skin barrier?

There are many factors that can lead to the disruption of your skin barrier.  It may seem counterintuitive but too much exposure of water can actually dry your skin out more. Water evaporates on the surface of your skin which pulls out moisture from deeper layers.  Other contributors include over-exfoliation, overuse of active ingredients, unhealthy lifestyle choices, weather, age, or simply not using the proper skin barrier restoring ingredients.

How to fix a compromised moisture barrier?

If you're noticing signs of an impaired barrier it’s time to take a step back and assess your skin care regimen. Use a gentle cleanser such as our Dermaspace Gentle Cleansing Lotion and avoid the overuse of active ingredients and exfoliation. Make sure to avoid over cleansing especially with alkaline soaps which can disrupt your acid mantle. Look for barrier repair ingredients in your skin care products. This includes humectants, emollients, and occlusive ingredients. Dermaspace Vita Soothe is a protective, replenishing serum that contains lipids, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants. This product contains no irritants and can be a great solution for a compromised moisture barrier. 

One final note, there are many skin conditions with natural skin barrier defects such as rosacea, atopic dermatitis, and severe forms of acne. If you suffer from any of these, we recommend seeing your dermatologist to come up with a treatment plan.

As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team here at Dermaspace. We are here to help!

Editors Note: Other moisturizers that are great for barrier function are Calming Repair Cream and Calming Repair Fluid.

The Benefits of High Frequency by Chanté Robinson

High frequency is also known as Tesla’s high frequency current and has been around since the 1800s! This age-old yet timeless technology is a real gem in the treatment room to address acne by killing bacteria and reducing inflammation, improve fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating circulation and activating collagen and elastin production as well as boosting the performance of skincare products with better product penetration. 

The glass electrodes are filled with either argon or neon gas and emit an electrical current - traditionally argon gas is for acne, and neon gas is for anti-aging; however, when choosing which gas electrode to use it is more of preference because both gases can address a wide range of skin concerns equally. 

How it works: High frequency current promotes circulation through tissue warming by naturally contracting underlying blood vessels and tiny muscle groups.

Treatment protocol: no more than 5-10 minutes a day. 1-3 times a week or as needed.

*refrences: https://www.jellenproducts.com/jellen-portable-high-frequency-machine-spa-grade/ - An Esthetician Explains How to Use High Frequency For Acne - What is High Frequency and Why Do We Use It?

"Tips and tricks to keep in mind when wearing a mask!" by Cora Speidel

Today, we’re living in a new normal that requires wearing masks to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19.  Because of this, some of us are experiencing new or worsening breakouts that dermatologists are calling "maskne."

 “Maskne” also known as Acne mechanica, is a form of acne that occurs from pressure, friction or rubbing of the skin. Wearing a mask regularly creates an occlusive, moist and warm environment which can be hard on your skin barrier. The combination of an aggravated skin barrier and sweat trapped under a mask can lead to acne breakouts especially for those with acne prone skin.

The irritation caused by wearing a mask can also exacerbate existing conditions such as perioral dermatitis, malassezia folliculitis, and more. If this is the case, we recommend seeing your dermatologist to help come up with a treatment plan.

If you are noticing a few pimples here and there, don’t despair! There are ways to help lessen and prevent further breakouts.

 Here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind when wearing a mask!

1. Examine your mask! If you are using a mask made from fabric, examine the materials you are using. You want to use an absorbent, smooth fabric while avoiding abrasive material.

 2. Always wear a clean mask! If you are using a fabric mask, make sure to wash it after every use.  It is recommended to wash your mask with hot water using a detergent that is safe for sensitive skin. Don’t forget to dry them! The heat from a dryer can help with the sanitizing process. If you are using disposable masks, make sure to use a new one each day or more frequently if you use each mask for long periods of time.

3. Do not touch your face! If you are experiencing breakouts, try your best to not touch them.  No picking, popping, or squeezing. This can lead to further irritation and scarring.  Applying a spot treatment such as our Dermaspace Overnight Spot Treatment to a pimple can help prevent the urge to pick.

4. Keep your skin clean. You want to wash your skin morning and night with a gentle cleanser that won’t further damage your moisture barrier.  Avoid using hot water as that can further irritate your skin. Dermaspace Gentle Cleansing Gel is a great option for Maskne sufferers because it’s free from unwanted allergens, fragrance, and soaps.

5. MOISTURIZE! Do you have oily skin?  Moisturize.  Do you have dry skin? Moisturize.  Maskne is caused by a compromised moisture barrier due to friction, that leads to irritation, which results in breakouts.  How do you repair your moisture barrier? Moisturize regularly. Before applying your mask use a gentle moisturizer, wait until it dries, then apply your mask. Dermaspace oil free moisturizing lotion is a fantastic option for people experiencing irritation and or breakouts caused by masks. If your skin is lacking moisture, look for a serum with humectant  ingredients.  An example of that would be Dermaspace Hyaluronic Acid Firming Boost, which you can apply morning and night on damp skin, follow with moisturizer to lock in hydration. It's important to create a barrier in between the mask and your skin for protection.

6. Try to avoid wearing makeup underneath your mask. This includes lip balm, chapstick, or lipstick! The combination of comedogenic makeup, trapped sweat, and irritation, can lead to unwanted breakouts.

7. Be gentle with your skin while treating maskne! Especially if you are experiencing irritation due to a compromised moisture barrier. Avoid rubbing the skin, using hot water, or steam. Use, but don’t overuse, products that have ingredients that help with acne but won’t irritate your skin such as Dermaspace salicylic face and body wash.

 Dermaspace is here for you.  If you’re experiencing maskne, just know that your not alone.  If you have any questions feel free to reach out and someone from the Dermaspace team will gladly help!

XO,

Cora S.

Healthy Aging Serums

Greetings!

I am not a fan of the term "anti-aging" because I feel it has such a negative connotation and let's face it.....we are all going to get older if we are blessed to live a long & healthy life.

So instead.......let's call it "Healthy Aging" and start embracing this instead of avoiding it.

Here are two of our top serums to help with maintaining healthy skin as we get older. Of course, always remember your sunscreen but these serums are a great addition to your daily regimen.

CELL YOUTH COMPLEX

All Skin Types / Maturing Skin

Activate and restore the youthful nature of your skin with this exclusive combination of five healthy-aging cell technologies.

As its lightweight texture melts into the skin, this serum works overtime to correct 14 signs of aging including:

1. Lines & wrinkles minimized

2. Firmness repaired

3. Contours redefined

4. Clarity revealed

5. Tone evened

6. Hydration intensified

7. Smoothness refined

8. Radiance awakened

9. Redness calmed

10. Puffiness eliminated

11. Sun damage diminished

12. Fragile skin strengthened

13. Vitality recharged

14. Repair enhanced

The culmination of over a decade of scientific research and multiple patents, this revolutionary serum is the first to address the 5 key processes known by reparative and regenerative biologists to have the most impact on cellular aging.

AGE REMEDY

For All Skin Types, Maturing & Mature

This silky, lightweight, ultra-luxurious serum absorbs rapidly into the skin leaving it instantly illuminated, soft, dewy and fortified. Multi-tiered and concentrated, it takes devitalized, age-ravaged skin and cleverly reverses its destiny.

1. Fortified with 10 synergistic time-reversal technologies for immediate and long-term results

2. Maximizes complete restoration of devitalized and age-ravaged skin

3. Helps rebuild skin’s architecture for visibly lifted, volumized, and redensified contours

4. Rapidly enhances smoothness, firmness, elasticity, deep hydration and luminosity

5. Helps prevent signs of glycation, restoring density and resiliency

6. Boosts skin’s natural reparative reserves to correct the signs of past damage and protect the skin from daily internal and external aggressors

7. Enhances the beneficial effects of resurfacing treatments, peels, micro-needling, dermaplaning, injections and laser treatments

With synergistic age-defying technologies, this serum targets the most intricate and devastating causes of premature aging to provide unprecedented age-corrective action.

Wearing a Protective Mask May Affect Your Skin.....Here Are Some Tips About What to Do About It

Greetings!

Many of you have reached out to me about this subject so here are a few tips.

Any type of cloth against the skin can cause friction and irritation in some people. You're also trapping your breath, oil, sweat and dirt which can cause rashes and acne breakouts. It can also trigger rosacea and eczema with those already dealing with those issues.

There are many precautions you can take to prevent skin issues from developing. Start by cleansing and moisturizing your skin before putting your mask on. Make sure your mask is clean. You should have a mask for every day of the week at least and they should be washed in hot water.

Adding a hyaluronic acid serum to your routine is a great start because it does well in the humid environment created by the mask. Try our Hyaluronic Firming Boost which can be used in combination with other moisturizers for extra comfort or by itself. Stay away from comedogenic products under the mask area, as well as potentially irritating ingredients.

Skip the makeup if you can. At least on the bottom half of your face. I tell all my female clients to avoid makeup when working out and this is basically the same idea. Wearing makeup while under the mask is a no go!

Try and stick to natural fibers when choosing a mask if you can. Cotton is going to be the best option.

If you’re are experiencing acne you're gonna want a good cleanser first and foremost to keep the pores from blocking. Anything with salicylic as an ingredient is a great option. If you have oily or acne prone skin check out our Salicylic Face and Body Wash and our Purifying Cleanser.

If your skin is just more irritated then one of our calming Gentle Cleansers (lotion or gel) would be perfect.

If you have any active breakouts, check out our Green Tea Antioxidant Serum and our Overnight Spot Treatment.

For more specific questions about what issues you may be having and how I might able to help you - shoot me an email and describe your situation and I'll be happy to recommend something for you.

You can reach me HERE.

Missing you all and wishing you health...

Jody Leon

DON'T FOGET TO WASH YOUR FACE!!

You would think this is a no-brainer but the reality of it is….sometimes when we are just hanging out at home we forget to do our routines and even more so when there is an emotional element to the reason why we’re homebound. It could be loss of a job, a relationship or just being forced to stay home while under the weather.

So….with this weird global nightmare we are all in together chances are…..taking care of your skin is the LAST thing you are thinking about and now with the governors order to “stay in place” it’s even harder.

SEVEN GROSS THINGS THAT HAPPEN WHEN YOU DON’T WASH YOUR FACE….

1. MAKEUP ALL OVER YOUR PILLOWS - EW (As if you are actually wearing makeup right now)

2. BREAKOUTS - LE DUH……we all know this but given the stress people are under it’s best to be proactive.

3. ENLARGED PORES - Since Dermaspace is temporarily closed we can clean them out for you right now so wash please!

4. PREMATURE AGING - again….as if this stress isn’t already doing that! Let’s not help it by ignoring our skin…..okuurrr!

5. DRY SKIN - chances are if you aren’t washing you aren’t moisturizing!

6. OILY SKIN - build up of skin cells and just not washing will cause more oil production and also see #2 & #3 above!

7. EYE IRRITATION (only if you’re wearing eye makeup though)

So…..you’re hearing it from me….take the time to take care of your skin every single day. Don’t give up - your face will thank you for it. If you are going for a walk around the neighborhood while KEEPING SAFE DISTANCES FROM OTHERS……wear your sunscreen.

If you aren’t incorporating antioxidants into your routine now might be the time.

EVERYTHING ON OUR ONLINE SHOP IS 15% OFF TILL APRIL 9th OR WHILE SUPPLIES LAST

Check out our complete line of cleansers HERE.

For some amazing antioxidant products….click below.

AZULENE OIL

ADVANCED RETINOL

POLLUTION SOLUTION MIST

TRIPLE C&E COMPLEX

VITA SOOTHE

GREEN TEA ANTIOXIDANT SERUM

How can I fix my broken capillaries?

Q: How can I fix my broken capillaries?

A: Broken capillaries are a very common side effect of sun damage and aging. People with thin skin are more prone to getting them.

The only true method for getting rid of broken capillaries is laser treatments. There are many creams on the market that claim to remove them but nothing has been proven.

Laser treatments for broken capillaries are relatively quick and not very painful. They may leave a bruise for a few days after so plan accordingly. Consult a dermatologist or plastic surgeon to determine how many sessions will be necessary to get the results you desire.

Like most skin issues, broken capillaries are easier to prevent than they are to correct.

Use a sunblock with a high percentage of physical block all year and avoiding extreme temperatures. Keep alcohol consumption to a minimum since this also dilates the capillaries which will weaken them over time.

Source: https://hannahsowd.com/how-can-i-fix-my-broken-capillaries/#respond

New Products - Super Excited

CLICK ON THE PHOTOS FOR MORE INFORMATION

"Can Facial Rollers Cause Acne?" - by Skincare.com

As skin-care enthusiasts, we’re no strangers to the facial roller, in fact it’s become an essential part of our skin-care routines. It’s a favorite best served cold (stick it in your fridge to see what we mean),  for an invigorating yet relaxing experience. And although you can pretty much roll your face to your heart’s content (it’s one of the rare times when less isn’t necessarily more), it’s important that you clean your roller after every use.

NYC-based Skincare.com consulting dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, says your facial roller could cause breakouts if not cleaned regularly and properly. Theoretically, using a jade roller on a dirty face can cause breakouts, says Zeichner, because it could trap dirt and oil on the skin’s surface, which could block pores and lead to pimples. That’s why  it’s essential to clean your facial roller after every use.

What’s more, it’s important to clean everything — from your face to your fingertips — before use.

To clean the roller, Dr. Zeichner recommends to wipe it clean using a microfiber cloth. For a deeper clean, dip the roller in warm, soapy water before wiping it off and letting it air dry. If you’re using the roller with your favorite skin-care products (although we do love a bare-faced roller sesh), try using an oil-free and non-comedogenic formula to  help your roller session from clogging your pores.

Source: https://www.skincare.com/article/can-facial-rollers-cause-acne?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email

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