Kelly AikinsJuly 6, 2024comment (0)Beauty x Biochemistry, Product Knowledge & Comparison, Skincare Education

Your Workout Skincare Guide

Exercising is such an important part of ones life. But if you’re anything like me and you love exercising AND have acne-prone skin at the same time, then you’ll want to keep reading and follow my guide to maintain flawless skin while still enjoying your HIIT workout!

Before Your Workout

  1. Before you head to your workout, always make sure you’ve removed any makeup from the day. Without having a clean face, old or stale makeup from the day can clog the pores and cause acne. if going makeup-free isn’t your thing, I recommend a tinted SPF such as The Purest Solutions https://www.thepurestsolutions.co.nz/collections/spf/products/blemish-defense-antioxidant-sunscreen-50-spf-50-ml. This SPF has a light tint to it, providing coverage to areas of your choice, helping with a smoother and evened-out tone to the skin.

During Your Workout

  1. Use a clean gym towel. You always want to make sure you have a towel in your workout. This is to wipe the sweat from your face, instead of using your fingers. Use a medium to soft thickness towel – anything hard will be too rough to use on the face. After each workout you must wash the towel. Not washing it can cause a growth of bacteria in the material fibers, which will transfer to your skin the next time you use it!
  2. Keep your hair off your face. This may sound silly, but I see a lot of woman workout with their hair untied. What a lot of people forget, is that oils from your hair can very easily clog the pores in our skin. For anyone who is acne-prone, you want as little oil on your skin as possible. So tying up your hair when you workout is not only more comfortable, but also the wisest choice when preventing the spread of acne and congestion on the skin.
  3. Don’t touch your face. Think about the equipment that you pick up during a workout, and how many people have touched that exact item in that week. Touching your skin after that will cause some serious damage in the future. So when you feel the urge to touch, itch or scratch…rather use your gym towel to do the honors!

After Your Workout

  1. Cleanse immediately. As soon as you are home, wash your face with a gentle, sulfate-free face wash. This will remove any sweat, oils and impurities from the skin.
  2. Tone the skin. Use a toner with calming ingredients like witch hazel or rose water to balance your skin’s pH and tighten pores.
  3. Hydrate and Moisturize: Replenish lost moisture with a hydrating serum followed by a lightweight moisturizer.
  4. Spot Treatment: If prone to breakouts, apply a spot treatment with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to target problem areas.

Extra Tips

  1. Change out of workout clothes: Quickly change out of sweaty clothes to prevent body acne.
  2. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to maintain overall skin health and hydration.
  3. Exfoliate Weekly: Use a gentle exfoliant once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells and keep pores clear.
  4. Use Antioxidants: Incorporate products with antioxidants like vitamin C to protect skin from environmental stressors.

Follow these tips above to be able to enjoy your workout, without the added stress of worrying whether you’ll wake up with a spot or two the next morning!

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Kelly AikinsJune 27, 2024comment (0)Product Knowledge & Comparison, Skincare Education

All About: Dermaplaning

Dermaplaning is a form of physical exfoliation, that involves the use of a medical grade scalpel that removes dead skin from the outer layer of the skin, as well as the removal of Vellus Hair, commonly known as “peach fuzz” By removing the dead skin and hair, products and treatments are better able to penetrate the skin. This treatment removes around 2-3 weeks’ worth of dead skin.

But aren’t dermaplaning and shaving the same?

No. This is a common misconception around dermaplaning. Dermaplaning blades are designed to remove vellus hairs, unlike razors that remove terminal hair (for example: beards) Dermaplaning is an exfoliation and removes hair and dead skin cells from the first layer of the skin. Shaving is not an exfoliation and does not remove dead skin from that first layer. Shaving can be done every week, whereas Dermaplaning must only be done once a month and no less.

How is dermaplaning used in treatments?

It is used as a preparation step before a chemical peel, laser, light therapy and micro-current treatments. Dermaplaning is non-invasive, doesn’t hurt and is safe to use on most skin types.

What are the benefits?

  • Improves skin texture
  • Improves appearance of acne scars
  • Increases product penetration
  • Rejuvenates the skin
  • Removes dead skin cells & vellus hair
  • Smooth canvas for makeup application

Myths and misconceptions

  1. It makes the hair grow back thicker and darker: this is not true. That vellus, or “peach fuzz” hair that was removed in the treatment, will grow back at the same rate and thickness as it did before.
  2. Dermaplaning is painful: If done by someone who has been trained in the service, dermaplaning is not at all painful.
  3. It can be done as often as shaving: unfortunately, dermaplaning must only be done once a month. This is because it is a form of exfoliation and, if done too often, can result in damage to the skin barrier, and much too stimulating for the skin.
  4. Only women can do dermaplaning: this is not the case. Men can absolutely get dermaplaning done, but must have terminal hair, like the beard and moustache always avoided. Areas with vellus hair only are to be treated.  

Who cannot have dermaplaning done?

  1. Acne skins: performing dermaplaning over active acne can cause more inflammation, pain and possibly an increase in acne lesions. Once the acne has subsided and is no longer active, can the treatment be done.  
  2. Severe Rosacea: this is a chronic condition where an individual’s skin is inflamed, red, possibly sore and acne prone. Dermaplaning should be avoided if you have this skin condition.
  3. Roaccutane: this is a Vitamin A-based medication for acne that causes extreme thinness and sensitivity to the skin. Dermaplaning should only be done on the skin once an individual has been off Roaccutane for at least 12 months.

These are just a few examples of who should not receive a dermaplaning treatment. There are many more, so please consult your dermatologist or a skincare therapist before jumping into this treatment.

In summary, dermaplaning is an excellent option for achieving a smoother, more radiant complexion. Whether you’re enhancing your regular skincare routine or preparing for a special event, this treatment offers significant benefits with minimal risk. Always consult a qualified professional to ensure the best results and safely enjoy the glow of rejuvenated skin.

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Kelly AikinsJune 19, 2024comment (0)Beauty x Biochemistry, Skincare Education

How To Get Your Man To Care For His Skin

If you’re anything like me, then you’ve probably embarked on your own journey trying to get your man to take care of his skin. Six years down the line, I can confidently say that my man now knows all about double cleansing, extraction, and the importance of daily SPF. It only took us six years!

When it comes to male skin, the main differences between men and women are twofold: men genetically have oilier skin and they also have facial hair—thick, coarse facial hair! I understand that adopting a skincare routine that penetrates beneath that beard can be a bit daunting. But that doesn’t mean our partners are exempt from skincare. Here are some tips to help educate your man to view his skin as an investment rather than a chore

1. Make him talk

By this, I mean get him used to talking about his skin. For example, you could ask him how his skin feels that day – is it dry, sensitive, oily, or congested? By asking him this simple question, it can help you and him incorporate a certain product/s into his routine that will start targeting that concern.

2. Use easy terminology

Keep your discussion around skincare with him simple. He doesn’t need to know how that serum is going to promote collagen synthesis, or how this cream can prevent free radical damage. Keep it simple by letting him know that the serum he just used can prevent ageing, or how that certain SPF reduces pigmentation caused by the sun.

3. Watch out for texture

Texture matters a lot to men. Not the texture of varnish from the hardware store, but the texture or ‘heaviness’ of the creams he uses. For a man new to skincare, diving into oils, lotions, and potions might be overwhelming. opt for lightweight or water-based products initially..

4. Start low and slow

Slow and steady wins the race here, ladies. If you are helping your partner develop a skincare routine, then it’s crucial that you start with around 3 products. This can be a cleanser, toner and SPF. If, after a couple of weeks he’s coping well, then you can always incorporate another step- like a toner, exfoliator or eye cream!

5. Address the beard

If your partner has a thick, full beard, he might be reluctant to cleanse it because it takes time. Help him with cleansing his beard to show him exactly how to do it. Always ensure he emulsifies the cleanser in his hand before applying it. Work the product into his beard to remove all the dirt and impurities hiding in those hair follicles.

6. Have some fun

It’s not all teaching and lessons over here! Incorporate some fun activities like homemade masks or store-bought sheet masks. This way he can still get the benefit from the product, but also have his partner join in on a bonding activity with him.

I hope these six tips help you come up with ideas to encourage your partner to care for his skin! Remember, it doesn’t need to be complicated or lengthy—just simple and informative. Good luck!

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Kelly AikinsJune 10, 2024comment (0)Beauty x Biochemistry, Product Knowledge & Comparison, Skincare Education

Collagen this, collagen that, but what is it REALLY?

There’s a lot of talk about collagen lately, from capsules to powders. You’ve probably questioned the hype and wondered whether it’s necessary. I certainly have. Let’s dive in!

What is collagen?

First and foremost, we need to know what collagen is. Collagen is a protein found throughout our body and is extremely vital. It accounts for around 30% of our body’s total protein. Collagen provides strength and support to our bones, tendons, and muscles. For our skin, it supports elasticity and suppleness, helping to keep our skin from sagging!

Why is collagen necessary, and why do people supplement with is?

The hard truth is that collagen starts to deplete in our bodies by 1% every year from the age of 30. Hence, there’s a growing market for collagen supplements.

Physical Signs of Collagen Loss

  1. Lines & Wrinkles: This is probably the first sign of collagen depletion. You will most likely notice etched lines under the eyes, around the mouth, or along the forehead.
  2. Sagging Skin: Collagen helps our skin resist the force of gravity. When collagen depletes, this support structure weakens, causing sagging around the mouth, neck, eyelids, and cheeks.
  3. Loss of Elasticity: Collagen and elastin are like sisters and need to stick together. When collagen depletes, so does elastin. This results in skin that looks flatter and doesn’t spring back if pinched.

What Damages Collagen?

  1. Refined Sugars: Excessive sugar intake leads to glycation, a process where sugar molecules attach to collagen, making the fibers stiff and unmanageable.
  2. Smoking: Smoking releases chemicals that attach to the skin, damaging collagen and elastin fibers. It also floods the skin with free radicals, damaging DNA and leading to lines, wrinkles, sagging, and dull-looking skin.
  3. Overexposure to UV: Too much sun exposure allows UV rays to penetrate the skin’s dermis, breaking down collagen and elastin fibers, causing premature aging and pigmentation issues.

How to Boost Collagen in the Body

  1. Diet:
    • Vitamin C: Foods rich in vitamin C, like citrus fruits, are excellent for boosting collagen.
    • Protein: Eating protein-rich foods like lean meat, fish, eggs, and legumes can enhance collagen synthesis.
    • Bone Broth: Bone broth contains collagen and can provide an added boost.
  2. Products: Using topical skincare products containing retinol, vitamin C, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides can boost collagen and protect the skin from damage and water loss.

In summary

Hopefully, you now understand how crucial collagen is for our body and skin. When it comes to aging, prevention is better than cure. If you are 30 years old or older, it’s a good idea to adjust your routine to incorporate natural collagen and elastin boosters. Even small changes can make a significant difference in just four weeks!

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Kelly AikinsJune 2, 2024comment (0)Product Knowledge & Comparison, Skincare Education

Skincare Questions You Were Too Afraid To Ask

Remember when you were at school, and your teacher would announce on the first day: “No question is a stupid question!” Well, that applies to this blog, too. Absolutely no question is too silly, and I hope that the following questions below will be able to settle this for you.

Why do I need a skincare routine?

Any routine is good to have. In relation to skincare – it just means that you are looking after and protecting your skin. It also means that you’ll be presenting any skincare concerns such as acne, pigmentation, or ageing, if you are to stick to a skincare routine.

What is a toner for?

A toner is used as a step after cleansing, to remove any makeup/dirt that may be left on the skin. Its purpose is to also hydrate or treat the skin depending on the type of toner that you have. For example – a hydrating toner or an acne clearing, salicylic acid toner.

What’s the difference between a serum and a moisturizer?

Serums are lightweight and contain specific ingredients that target certain skincare concerns. They are considered more “active” than moisturizers. Moisturizers are richer and are applied last in the routine, to lock in moisture and provide hydration to the skin.

What does “non-comedogenic” mean?

As fancy as it sounds, all it means is non-clogging. If someone is acne prone, it’s a good idea to opt for ingredients that are non-comedogenic, so that the skin doesn’t become clogged and can still breathe.

My morning moisturizer has SPF 15 in it, is that enough?

While using a moisturizer with a SPF is a good start, its likely not enough to protect the skin from UV rays. In most cases the amount of the moisturizer applied to the skin is not enough for general protection. As well as that, a lot of times the moisturizers with built in SPF’s don’t offer broad spectrum protection- as in UVA and UVB protection.

What is the skin barrier?

The skin barrier is the outermost layer of the skin and is responsible for protection against environmental damage (UV and free radicals), prevents water loss and maintains overall skin health. Its crucial for the overall health of our skin.

Is it okay to use expired skincare products?

While I hope you wouldn’t eat expired food, the same goes for the skin. Using expired products on the skin can cause stinging, sensitivity or may even burn the skin.

I use my body cream on my face- is that bad?

Body lotions are generally thicker and can contain ingredients that might clog pores or irritate the more sensitive skin on your face. It’s best to use a product specifically formulated for facial skin.

Are sheet masks any good?

Sheet masks are great for delivery quick, but short-term results. For example, they may offer a bright, hydrated effect on the skin, but they are not active, nor strong enough to be your only option to resort to.

What does it mean to double cleanse?

Double cleansing involves two cleansing steps. Generally, the first step involves using an oil or balm-based cleanser to “melt” away at oil and makeup. The second cleanse will involve a gel cleanser for example, that will deliver a good, refreshing cleanse, ready for the next steps in your routine.

I use acne products even though I don’t have acne, is that bad?

Using acne products on the skin without being acne prone isn’t a very good idea. It would be like taking heart medication to prevent heart disease. The ingredients I acne products are formulated with active ingredients, whose job is to cut through oil and eat away at bacteria. This may leave your skin sensitized, and even the opposite of what you want – cause acne.

In conclusion, understanding skincare basics is key to maintaining healthy skin. No question is too silly, from routines and products to SPF and non-comedogenic choices. With the right knowledge, you can achieve glowing skin. Keep asking questions and enjoy discovering what works best for you.

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Kelly AikinsMay 26, 2024comment (0)Product Knowledge & Comparison, Skincare Education

Melanoma

As a skincare therapist, it’s my job and passion to educate people on the skin, and bring to their attention risk factors as I may see them presented on the skin. Part of these risk factors is the sun, and how damaging its UV rays are to the skin. Now, I’m not talking a slight burn and flakiness to the skin, because we know that is bad…I’m talking something more detrimental to our livelihoods, and that is Melanoma. This blog aims to educate you on what melanoma is, how to identify it, and how to protect yourself from it.

What Is Melanoma?

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops due to sun exposure. It develops in the melanocyte- a cell responsible for creating the pigment in our hair, skin and eyes. Unfortunately, melanoma is the most aggressive and life-threatening form of cancer, due to its fast-spreading abilities to other areas of the body. The rate in which someone can cure from melanoma is highly dependent on the stage and time of detection. This is why regular skin checks from a professional are crucial.

What Does Melanoma Look Like?

With the naked eye, it’s not possible to self-diagnose a mole or freckle as a melanoma, but there are warning signs that can lead you in the right direction. There is a universal acronym in which all individuals and professionals use to help identify whether moles or lesions are a melanoma warning or not. The acronym goes as follows:

  1. Asymmetry. This is when the edges are blurred, irregular or jagged.
  2. Border. One half of the mole doesn’t match the other.
  3. Color. Shades of black, brown, red, white, red or blue can be seen.
  4. Diameter. Diameter of the mole is larger than 6mm.
  5. Evolving. Size, shape, colour, or new changes.

If you notice that any of your moles/lesions fall into this category, then you should seek help from a professional immediately. Remember – prevention is better than cure.

Melanoma In New Zealand

The beautiful summer weather and clear air to highlight the countries beauty may be a perk of living here, but equally it can be life-threatening too. According to Melanoma New Zealand, more than 6000 melanomas are diagnosed each year, and out of that number, 300 result in death. As sobering as those stats may be, it’s not all doom and gloom- there are ways in which you can protect yourself and people around you.

Melanoma Risk Factors

  1. Sun Exposure: excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds significantly increases the risk of melanoma.
  2. Skin Type: fair-skinned individuals who burn easily, have freckles, or have light hair are at higher risk.
  3. Family History: if melanoma runs in your family, your risk is higher.
  4. Previous skin cancer: if you have had skin cancer, or any type of cancer before, you are at risk of getting melanoma.
  5. Moles: if you have many moles, or unusual looking ones, you are at a higher risk.

Prevention From Melanoma

  1. Use sunscreen – apply a broad spectrum sun cream of 30 or higher, and reapply when swimming or sweating. Don’t forget to apply on cloudy days too!
  2. Wear protective clothing – protect your skin with long sleeves, hats, sunglasses and umbrellas.
  3. Seek shade – avoid being in direct sunlight from 10am-4pm, as this is when UV is at its peak.
  4. Avoid sunbeds – sunbeds omit UV rays and can cause melanomas.
  5. Regular skin checks – check your own skin monthly, and then see a professional for annual mole mappings.

While melanomas are aggressive and extremely dangerous, they are preventable. Make sure that you are not only following the tips in this blog for yourself but are passing it on to friends and family, so that they too can be protected. If you have a mole or lesion that you are concerned about, contact a professional as soon as possible.

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Kelly AikinsMay 19, 2024comment (0)Skincare Education

How To Layer Your Skincare

Have you ever purchased products from a salon and been left feeling completely overwhelmed, and totally unsure on how to use them and in what order? This is where the beauty of layering comes in handy. Layering skincare products and knowing when to apply them is crucial in achieving healthy, glowing skin.

What is skincare layering?

Skincare layering is the process of applying products in a specific sequence to get maximum benefit from the active ingredients, as well as having it work in synergy with the other products applied afterwards.

The correct order of skincare products

Here’s a guide to help you identify the correct order in which to layer your skincare products:

  1. Cleanser: a cleanser is used to clean the face of makeup or dirt. Its second purpose is to prepare the skin for absorption of other active ingredients later in the routine.
  2. Toner: a toner is used to remove any leftover makeup or oil that a cleanser may not have been able to remove entirely. It also balances the skins pH level so that it works optimally.
  3. Serum: serums are concentrated ingredients that often contain “actives”. Serums are used to target skin concerns, such as pigmentation, aging, or acne.
  4. Eye cream: the under-eye area on the face is an extremely delicate area, due to the skin being thin. Eye serums are great, as they help with signs of ageing, puffiness, or dark circles.
  5. Moisturizers: a moisturizer is done to ‘close the pot on the cooking’ – and in this sense, it encloses the active products that were applied to the skin, ensuring hydration and lack of premature product evaporation.
  6. Sunscreen: if you’re a regular here, you would’ve read in almost every blog now, my obsession with SPF. At the end of your skincare routine (but before applying makeup) always make sure you finish things off with a SPF. This is non-negotiable and helps prevent aging and skin cancer.

Common mistakes to avoid

While layering is very important, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for:

  • Over-layering: over layering can mean that too many products are working on the skin at one time, leaving it susceptible to irritation or damage. Only ever use the essentials, and if you want to introduce a new product, make sure its done slowly without bombarding the skin.
  • Incorrect order: using products in the wrong order can mean that their efficacy is reduced. Don’t put in all that hard work for nothing!
  • Skipping SPF: skipping SPF means that the skin has been left wide open for damage. Apply your SPF every single morning as your last step in your skincare routine.

Conclusion

By following a structured approach, you can enhance the effectiveness of your products, address multiple skin concerns at once, and maintain a healthy, radiant complexion. Remember, the key to successful skincare is not just the products you use, but how and when you use them!



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Kelly AikinsMay 12, 2024comment (0)Product Knowledge & Comparison, Skincare Education

Why Oily Skins Still Need To Moisturize

In the world of skincare, there are five main skin types: dry, oily, combination, normal and mature. One of the easiest skin types to identify is an oily skin. Why? Well, that’s because an oily skin is one that supplies an excess amount of oil (or sebum) This can be presented as a ‘wet’ or shiny appearance on the face. Typically, this oiliness is localized to the T-Zone, which is the forehead, nose, and chin area. Typically, a skin type is developed from birth- so a genetic pass down from a family member. However, there are certain contributing factors that may also cause this, such as: hormones, stress, or mechanical damage (for example, over exfoliating and stripping the skins barrier)

Oil Vs Moisture

Now this is important – oil and hydration is different. Oil is, well oil. Whereas hydration is the water content in the skin. It is very possible to have an oily skin but be lacking water at the same time. I.e. An oily skin does not mean a hydrated skin.

Why Oily Skins Need To Moisturize

Our skin is clever. Without moisturizer, the skin becomes used to that lack of hydration, and ends up overcompensating by applying more oil as a defense mechanism to protect the skins barrier. But that over production of oil just means an increase in congestion in the pores, and potentially acne formation. With that said, the ultimate key is to ensure you are hydrating the skin, but without adding extra oil.

Moisturizers For Oily Skin

Instead of skipping moisturizer all together, oily skins need to opt for moisturizers that are non-comedogenic, lightweight, and that won’t clog the pores. Below is my favorite moisturizer as someone who suffers with oily, acne prone skin:

Hydration Booster Daily Moisturizing Cream 50ml

Conclusion

So, to conclude, just because a skin type is oily, it by no means excludes them from moisturizer. Remember, moisturizing is the basic foundation to ensuring our skin is healthy and functioning in synergy with the rest of our active products. Just make sure that you are using moisturizers that are oil free, and lightweight – your skin will thank you in the long run!

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Kelly AikinsMay 4, 2024comment (0)Product Knowledge & Comparison, Skincare Education

Stretch Marks – Can We Fade Them?

Alright, let’s talk stretch marks! They’re those streaks on your skin that can pop up when things like puberty, pregnancy, or weight changes happen. No biggie, they’re totally normal, but we get it—they can mess with your confidence. So, can we really do anything to make them less noticeable? Let’s chat about it!

What Causes Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks happen when your skin stretches too quickly, messing with the collagen production in the middle layer of your skin. This collagen breakdown leads to those lines we know as stretch marks. They start off as reddish or purplish lines and might fade over time to a lighter shade.

Treatments For Stretch Marks

So, how do you reduce them? Lots of products and treatments claim to work wonders, but it’s good to be skeptical and manage expectations. Here’s the breakdown on some common approaches:

  1. Topical Treatments: You’ve probably seen creams and oils with ingredients like retinoids and vitamin E promising to zap stretch marks. While they can help with skin hydration and elasticity, they might not work miracles for everyone.
  2. Medical Procedures: Dermatological procedures like laser therapy and microneedling aim to boost collagen and improve skin texture. They can be effective but might take multiple sessions and a chunk out of your wallet.
  3. Home Remedies: Natural remedies like aloe vera gel, or dry body brushing are popular DIY options. They can moisturize your skin and make it feel smoother, but don’t expect them to erase stretch marks completely.
  4. Healthy Habits: Eating right, staying hydrated, exercising, and taking care of your skin are always good ideas, regardless of having stretch marks. While they won’t magically make your stretch marks vanish, they can help prevent new ones and improve your overall skin health.

Managing Expectations

While treatments and lifestyle changes might help fade stretch marks, they probably won’t make them disappear entirely. Your skin type, genetics, and how old your stretch marks are all play a role. So, it’s a good idea to be realistic and chat with a dermatologist before diving into any treatment plan.

Conclusion

While there’s no magic fix for stretch marks, there are ways to make them less noticeable and boost your skin’s overall health. Whether you’re into creams, treatments, or just living your best life, remember to take it slow, be patient, and show your skin some love. After all, those stretch marks are just reminders of how amazing your body is!

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