Dryness and Dehydration
10/31/2008 In Skin Conditions by bien-être
These two skin conditions may show similar characteristics, but they are a bit different.
Dry Skin lacks both sufficient oil and water (moisture) contents. Many times, skin becomes dry due to climate or seasonal changes, as well as medication use and prolonged dehydration.
Dehydrated Skin is simply thirsty skin – lacking in sufficient amounts of water (moisture). This is usually as a direct result of internal dehydration – hello Starbucks enthusiasts!
Dehydration shows up in the form of “tightness” and can cause the skin to look dull and uneven.
TEST: look at your clean skin in the mirror, and place one finger flat against the bottom of your cheek. GENTLY pull upward. Do you notice any tiny little lines that suddenly appear? These are dehydration lines – and don’t worry, you’re in good company. In my practice, about 85-90% of my clients are dehydrated when they come to see me.
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A Note On Skin Types
10/29/2008 In Skin Conditions by bien-être
“What skin type are you?”
You’ve heard this before…chances are that you’ve been asked this question at your local spa, salon, Estee Lauder counter or Avon party.
My thought is…”If you are the professional, why are you asking me?”
But that’s beside the point.
Why do we feel the need to categorize out skin into one set of adjectives and treat it with products made to cater to only a few skin symptoms? We are not categorizing apples and oranges here, we are talking about our skin, with its unique set of characteristics and DNA.
I will tell you from experience that this does help to narrow the choices at the cosmetics counter, but it doesn’t really take into consideration that you could be 3 or 4 skin “types” at any given time, that you could change skin “type” each season (or sometimes daily.)
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Hyper-pigmentation
10/23/2008 In Skin Conditions by bien-être
Hyper – more than normal, extremely active
Pigmentation - the body’s natural production of melanin, coloring with pigment
It is important to mention that hyper-pigmentation doesn’t damage the skin. It is of cosmetic concern as we believe it makes us look older and imperfect – but it does not harm the skin.
As we age, the body’s own natural supply of antioxidants diminishes. This is important because antioxidants are the body’s first line of defense against stress causing free radicals. This stress can come from mental and emotional situations, hormonal imbalance, pH and sugar imbalance, an overabundance of toxins and the SUN.
Melanin, a brownish colored protein, is produced by our bodies as a second defense when there is a lack of antioxidants present. If our natural supply of antioxidants is either not being supplemented properly or being overworked due to lots of free radical production, melanin will step in help out.
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Acne / Breakouts
10/22/2008 In Skin Conditions by bien-être
Breaking out? It can happen to anyone at any age–acne does not discriminate.
Defined in terms of grades, acne can show up in the form of:
- Grade 1: clogged pores, whiteheads or blackheads
- Grade 2: the small pimple, technically named the papule, which is slightly pink and tender
- Grade 3: more inflammation visible (technically this is now a pustule – I know, it doesn’t sound or look pretty)
- Grade 4: this is the big guy with much more sensitivity and larger amount of swelling
- Grade 5: the cystic breakouts (this is what most of us think of when we hear the word “acne”)
Acne can occur at different ages and show different symptoms, but recent research shows the root of the problem is inflammation (even at the very first stages.)
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Ingredient we Love: Co Q10
10/21/2008 In Key Active Ingredients by bien-être
We love Co Q10! This amazing antioxidant protects cells from oxidative stress caused by an overabundance of free radicals. It also works to provide the skin with the energy needed to reproduce cells and collagen and repair damage.
All animals produce Coenzyme Q, but only the largest mammals (humans among them,) produce Co Q10 (all others produce Coenzyme Q 8 or 9.)
Coenzymes are molecules that work alongside the enzymes (or proteins) in your body that are involved in metabolism. Co Q10 is the only coenzyme involved in the production and use of energy in our cells.
It is found in greatest amounts in our cell’s mitochondria – the little powerhouses that convert energy from food and supplements to use for cellular rejuvenation and renewal. Co Q10 generates ATP energy, which is the form of energy used for all body functions (including cellular renewal and repair.) The cell’s mitochondria get hit pretty hard by free radical attacks, so Co Q10
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