How To Get Better Skin As You Sleep!

When we're washing our faces at night, there's a certain satisfaction that comes with knowing we're getting rid of everything it's come in contact with that day. Makeup, dirt, grime, our train neighbor's shoulder when we fell asleep — you get it. So, why would we want to compromise that squeaky-clean feeling by piling on heavy night creams or dotting our faces with dark-spot correctors? Well, according to board-certified dermatologists Dr. Ariel Ostad and Dr. Sejal K. Shah, nighttime is prime time for skin-care products. 

From why using antioxidants at night is even more important than using them during the day - here's proof that beauty sleep is a real thing.

Your circadian rhythm, or internal clock, tells your body when it's time to sleep and wake up. According to a recent study, it does the same thing for your skin.

During the a.m., skin is primarily busy protecting itself from damaging UV rays and activates a natural shield against them. (Yes, you still need to use sunscreen daily.) At night, your skin isn't in protection mode, so it can chill out and repair itself. According to Shah, this means that any products you slather on, like creams and dark-spot correctors, can be more effective and better soak up the active ingredients.

Just because you're lounging around your apartment doesn't mean there aren't any harmful pollutants and free radicals (particles that break down collagen) hanging out in the air. Hate to break it to you, but they're there no matter what time of day it is. 

In addition to fighting the good fight to protect your skin's integrity with antioxidants like vitamins C and E and niacinamide during the day, using them at night is just as important, says Ostad. Not only is your skin repairing itself, but the antioxidants can penetrate deeper and work more efficiently.

Your skin creates new cells as it repairs itself at night, but it can get a little boost with the help of compounds like retinoids (a form of vitamin A) and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs, like lactic and glycolic). These two types of active ingredients can help your skin create new cells and shed old ones faster, produce more collagen, and fade dark spots more quickly. It's like your skin's natural renewal process but on speed.

Whether you're sleeping for four or eight hours, you're basically lying around doing nothing. Why not take this time to increase your skin's productivity level with targeted treatments? 

Nighttime is the best time to hone in on stubborn zits, annoying dark circles, or what have you. It's fine to use these products during the day, but doubling up and using them at night can give you faster results, says Ostad.

Your skin needs to be constantly hydrated. A layer of moisturizer is key in the morning, but that's not going to last you into the night — even if you wash your face with the world's gentlest cleanser.No one likes mornings. We're constantly running late — putting on makeup and trying to slip into our shoes at the same time — it's rough. Understandably, an extensive skin-care routine is out of the question for many women. Nighttime, though, is where it's at, says Ostad. 

Since you have more time at night to tend to your skin, he says, you should do just that. No need to take the 15-product Korean skin-care route, but at the very least, you should wash your face and use antioxidants, retinoids, and a night cream. But, hey, why not throw in a serum, toner, or spot treatment since you've got the time?

You already know this one — washing your face at night is serious stuff. Not only can all the makeup you use really clog your pores, but there are tons of pollutants in the air that can break down your skin's collagen if you don't wash everything off, says Shah.

First appeared on Refinery29.com - written by Jada Wong

Ask the Doctors

Is it necessary to let one skin product dry before applying the next one? How long should I wait before layering another product?

Dr. Katie Rodan: If you follow the directions and use the recommended amounts, your R+F products should absorb quickly, leaving little wait time between layers However, humidity can affect product “dry-down,” in which case you may want to wait a full minute or two before applying the next product. Your skin should feel moist but not sticky to the touch before applying the next layer.

The 8 Skincare Rules Estheticians Always Follow

In the same way we're interested in what nutritionists eat, we're equally as fascinated by the skin rules estheticians follow. After all, they spend their days getting up close and personal with peoples' pores and doling out skincare tips - but how much of their own advice do they follow themselves? Do they really religiously use the retinol they recommend so highly to their clients? To find out the truth, we went straight to the source and asked three top estheticians for the skincare rules they always follow, no matter what.

Rule #1: Treat Your Skin

If you hear the word "peel" and cringe, it's time for a reality check. L.A.-based esthetician Kerry Benjamin says she does a professional exfoliation every month. "As we age, our cell renewal decreases by half," she explains. "If you want to have fresh, healthy, vibrant-looking skin, you have to force the cells to turn over more frequently and reveal a healthy glow." Think of it as a treat, rather than a treatment.

Rule #2: Wear SPF #30 or Higher

Another rule estheticians live by? Daily SPF protection. "I always wear a broadband SPF 30 or 50 and layer it with an antioxidant for added protection," Benjamin says. And be diligent when applying - UV rays can cause damage even on cloudy days, she says, and on sunnier days, you should reapply SPF every 2-3 hours for maximum protection. And don't forget a hat!

Rule #3: Never Pick

When a pimple pops up or stress strikes, you might be tempted to pick at your face - don't. "I follow this tip religiously because the truth of the matter is a blemish usually lasts five to seven days, but the red or dark scar from picking at the blemish can linger for weeks -or even months," Dallas -based esthetician Renee Rouleau says. "As tempting as it can be, it's not worth it to pick. Instead, I apply a spot treatment to help speed up the recovery time of a blemish." Benjamin agrees, saying, "Cleanse, apply the correct active ingredients, and leave it alone and let it heal!"

Rule #4: Cleanse Smartly

When it comes to cleansing your face, it's not so much about how you do it, but rather that you do it at all - and do it smartly. "If I'm staying home for the evening, I clean my face right after dinner instead of waiting until right before bed," Liza Wong, esthetician from San Mateo, California says. "That way, I won't be too tired to wash my face thoroughly and apply all the necessary skincare products."

Rule #5: Know Your Product Order

There's no use investing in expensive skincare products if you aren't applying them in the right order. "Always apply serums first, before moisturizer, because serums are more targeted and have a higher concentration of active ingredients, " Wong says. "A serum is like a single vitamin, while a moisturizer is more like a multi-vitamin." In general, you should always apply products from lightest to heaviest.

Rule #6: Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

By now, you should know moisturizing is key - and lack of it is often the reason for wrinkles, dullness, and yes, even oiliness. Thus, estheticians are especially devout about moisturizing, in whatever way works best for their skin type.

Written by Faith Xue - first published on Yahoo Beauty.

Berry Beet Smoothie!

My girls and I checked out the local Farmer's Market this week. Beets are in season and they are oh so good for you and oh so delicious!

I want to share with you my latest smoothie concoction - I have it at least twice a week and it is yummy! 

Jenny's Berry Beat Smoothie 

Fill Blender with the following:

• 12 oz. water
• 1 fresh beet (*Don't forget the leaves!)
• 1 frozen banana
• 1 handful of blueberries
• 1/2 avocado
• Dash of Cinnamon
• 2 T flaxseed meal

Chop, Blend, Liquify - Enjoy!

*Health Benefits of the Beet Greens

Besides supplying good amounts of protein, phosphorus, and zinc, beet greens are also a great source of fiber. Packed with antioxidants, they’re high in vitamin B6, magnesium, potassium, copper, and manganese, and low in fat and cholesterol. Based on a 2,000 calorie diet, daily values of beet greens contain: 220% of vitamin A, 60% of vitamin C, 16% of calcium, and 15% of iron.

As if that weren’t enough, studies have also shown that the vitamin K in beet greens contains blood clotting properties, helps ward off osteoporosis, works with calcium to boost bone strength, and may also play a role in fighting Alzheimer’s disease. Beet greens have a higher iron content than spinach, and a higher nutritional value than the beetroot itself.

The vitamin A content in beet greens helps strengthen the immune system and stimulates  production of antibodies and white blood cells. The beta-carotene in vitamin A is a known antioxidant that can fight the effects of free radicals in the body along with cancer and heart disease. Doctors often recommend vitamin A to patients at risk of developing night blindness.

It's Summer - Exfoliate!

As we age, our skin's natural ability to generate and shed skin cells slows down.  You can overcome this challenge by exfoliating 2-3x a week with one of my favorite products - Our Micro-Dermabrasion Paste!  Your face will feel SO smooth and GLOW, I guarantee it!  Check out the latest press on one of our best selling products!! There is a reason - it works!  I've always used an exfoliator in my skincare regimen and this us by far the best I've ever used! Call, text or message me today if you'd like a free sample to try!

Summer Skin Survival Guide

Keep Your Skin in Check This Summer With These 7 Expert Tips

When it comes to our faces, we don't rely on just anyone to tell us what our skin needs to get that ever-eluvise glow. Instead, we turn to skin-care veteran (and celebrity fave!) Rene'e Rouleau, who knows it takes more than the right products to get radiant. 

Summer has unofficially started, and the increased heat and humidity are here to stay for the next few months. The positive aspects of this change of season include beach time, pretty new sandals, glowing skin, a dewy complexion, and plenty of time outside showing off said sandals and sun-kissed skin. The downside, unfortunately, can involve some annoying skin concerns, such as greasy skin, clogged pores, sun spots, and overall sensitivity, which can disrupt our carefree summer style. 

When it comes to redness and sensitivity, there are several ways to keep skin calm, cool, and protected while enjoying the lazy, long days of summer. Here are my favorite tips and tricks: 

• If you have sensitive, easily irritated skin, you should always use products that contain anti-inflammatory and calming ingredients, and you should especially use them during the summer months because heat can exacerbate this condition. Look for products with soothing ingredients like chamomile, sea whip, azulene, bisabolol, and white tea. Each of these ingredients contains natural and comforting relief for your skin. Be sure to avoid products with “fragrance” ingredients, as this indicates a synthetic perfume has been added and, for many, this can cause to irritation to the face — especially when combined with heat and sun. 

• Cool or cold water on the skin will constrict capillaries to reduce redness, while hot water will dilate them and increase blood flow (redness). Turn down the temperature of your water to keep skin looking and feeling calm.

• Toners, serums and moisturizers are great items to keep in the fridge. Refrigerating products help to preserve their longevity — and more importantly, cool temperatures help soothe redness and keep skin feeling refreshed.

• It's a common assumption that skin gets oilier during the summer. While this is true, it is still important to moisturize because summer heat depletes much-needed water in skin, which causes dehydration. Because the increase in oil doesn't make up for lost water, there's still a need to moisturize. You may require a lighter moisturizer when the temperature is high (especially if you have oily skin and want to avoid clogged pores), but definitely don’t skip this all-important step. 

• Running outside, kickboxing on a rooftop, and engaging in very strenuous/intense aerobic activities that aren't in a heavily air-conditioned gym can lead to imbalanced and red skin. When the temperature is high, choose an exercise that will cool and regulate blood flow, such as swimming. It’s great for the body and won’t overheat the skin.

• If you frequently get flushed skin, apply a cooling gel mask after exfoliating with a gentle facial scrub. This will instantly deliver hydration deep within the skin, ultimately making skin less sensitive over time. Gel masks help give skin a healthy, balanced glow.

• Have you ever noticed that during the summer, no matter how much sunscreen you apply, you still discover sun spots and discoloration? The reason is that heat given off from the sun can stimulate melanin activity; the only way to avoid this is to limit your time outdoors. 

All of these tips help to keep skin temperature low and fight against heat-related hyper-pigmentation — but if these are concerns for you, limiting your time outside is your best option.

This article first appeared on Refinery29.com

Your Diet Could Be Hurting Your Skincare Routine

First posted at www.yahoo.com/beauty  Written By: Kristin Booker

If you’re spending money on your skin, you want the best results from your products. But did you know that your diet can either boost or detract from your product regimen? We reached out to Dr. David Colbert, M.D., founder and head physician of New York Dermatology Group and Colbert MD Skincare; and Alexis Wolfer, certified holistic nutritionist and author of The Recipe for Radiance, on how to improve your skin from the inside out.

For all skin types. In addition to avoiding excess sugar, fried, salty and and processed food, which detract from product efforts, Dr. Colbert recommends increasing intake of antioxidants like organic vegetables, fruits, nuts, green tea, and dark chocolate. “I’d also recommend foods highly saturated with vitamins C and E,” says Colbert. “Vitamin E (sunflower seeds and spinach) protects against UV damage, and Vitamin C (oranges, grapefruit and tomatoes) works with collagen production and against free radical and oxidative damage.” Of course, staying hydrated remains as important as every. Drinking water consistently throughout the day will result in better skin. 

For acne prone skin. “Persistent, chronic acne is greatly affected by hormones and diet, which usually comes down to dairy and gluten,” explains Wolfer, who recommends removing these two items from your diet for 21 days then reintroducing carefully to see if either should be permanently removed. She also recommends a colorful diet packed with beta-carotene. “Think bright orange: carrots, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin,” she says. “Topical Vitamin A (retinol) helps skin turnover, and these foods help even more from the inside.” She also says increasing intake of healthy fats like avocado, nuts, seeds, and/or raw coconut oil can counteract drying medications.

For dry skin, eczema, and rosacea. “The best defense against these conditions is a diet rich in antioxidant vitamins and minerals,” says Colbert. “It’s been suggested by research that certain antioxidants vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin A (in the form of beta carotene) nourish and protect skin.” Wolfer suggests avoiding drying foods, noting that anything that makes your mouth dry will do the same thing to your body. She adds that sodium and processed foods should also be avoided. Colbert also recommends avoiding spice if you have rosacea. “Spicy foods always tend to cause flare-ups with this condition,” he says.

To promote anti-aging. “Avoid inflammatory foods like dairy, gluten, citrus fruits, and nightshade vegetables, like eggplant and tomatoes,” advises Wolfer. In addition to the beta carotene-saturated foods prescribed for acne-prone skin, she also recommends boosting collagen-infusing products with omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, chia seeds, and walnuts.

The next time you spend money on a product and you don’t think it’s working, consult your diet before you declare it unworthy of your regimen. A dietary tweak here and there could be the major change you’re looking for to boost product results and get the skin you’ve wanted for so long.

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