What can you do for hormonal acne?
There are some aspects of hormonal acne that you have no control over. Such as genetics, pregnancy, and changes in your hormone levels. There are something with hormonal acne that you do have control over, these would be things like stress, lack of sleep, diet, and using non-comedogenic products. Non-comedogenic products are products that do not contain oil and ingredients that clog pores. Retinoids are also great for treating hormonal acne because the vitamin A in the retinoids helps with skin cell turnover aiding in clearing the breakout and also helps keep the dead skin out of the pore that may be causing acne.
If you want to check out our full blog post on Acne, click here: https://mgppaz.com/2022/04/27/acne-vulgaris/
What is the best order to apply skincare products?
The best order to apply skincare products is to think in terms of thin to thickest. For example, a morning skincare routine may look like
- Cleanser
- Serum
- Undereye serum
- Moisturizer
- SPF
If you are using multiple serums, it is typically best to start with the thinnest serum first.
For a nighttime routine that includes a retinoid, I like to “sandwich” the retinoid between moisturizers to help prevent irritation. I also recommend double cleansing if you’re wearing makeup to make sure all the makeup is off of your skin.
- Cleansing oil/balm or micellar water
- Cleanser
- Moisturizer
- Retinol
- Moisturizer
If you want to check out our full blog post on skincare basics, click here: https://mgppaz.com/2021/08/20/skincare-basics/
How do you help dark circles?
Dark circles are difficult and stubborn. They can be caused by a few different things such as lack of sleep, allergies, amenia or genetics.
Especially if you are puffy, doing a cold compress or using an eye serum with a cold roller ball may be beneficial in helping to reduce that undereye darkness and puffiness. This is because the cold can help constrict the blood vessels around the eyes making them appear less puffy. Products like retinoids, hydroquinone, and kojic acid help by decreasing melanin production, melanin is what makes the skin pigment. When using these products, it is best to be under supervision from a skincare professional or a doctor because these products are potent and may cause skin irritation or other side effects.
A very effective treatment for around the eyes is PRX. PRX contains TCA, kojic acid, and hydrogen peroxide. Helping to increase collagen and elastin, tightening the skin. Also, the kojic acid helps decrease pigment but paired with the hydrogen peroxide formula in PRX helps decrease some of the typical side effects with kojic acid and TCA.
If you want to check out our full blog post on PRX, click here: https://mgppaz.com/2022/05/11/prx-t-33-biorevitalisation-peel/
How do you get rid of blackheads?
Using products with salicylic acid can help reduce your blackheads and acne. Salicylic acid helps increase cell turnover and also helps to unclog your pores. Another skincare ingredient that can help if salicylic is not working is Alpha Hydroxy Acid or AHA this would be considered ingredient like glycolic and lactic acid. In addition, adding a retinoid to your skincare routine can help unclog and keep your pores clean.
It is not recommended to use a harsh scrub because can strip your skin of its natural oil actually causing your skin to start producing even more oil. Also, these harsh scrubs can actually can your pores to be larger.
If you want to check out our full blog post on Glycolic Acid, click here: https://mgppaz.com/2022/10/19/glycolic-acid/
Do you need to change your skincare routine for winter?
In the winter time, your skin tends to get drier. So, you don’t necessarily need to change your skincare routine but add in some more hydrating products. This can be a hydrating hyaluronic acid serum or switching out your moisturizer for something a little more richer and hydrating. A moisturizer that contains ceramides can be beneficial because ceramides help improve the skin’s barrier function and can also help with reducing water loss in the skin.
If you want to check out our full blog post on Hyaluronic Acid click here: https://mgppaz.com/2022/09/21/hyaluronic-acid/
If you want to check out our full blog post on Ceramides, click here: https://mgppaz.com/2022/08/17/ceramides/
What Moisturizer is good for sensitive skin?
If you have sensitive skin, it is good to find a moisturizer that is free of fragrance and harsh ingredients. Fragrance can be very irritating for those with sensitive skin. It is also a bonus to have a moisturizer that has ceramides and niacinamides in it as well. Niacinamide is an antioxidant that help improve skin barrier function as well. This results in greater hydration retention in the skin.
If you want to check out our full blog post on Niacinamides, click here: https://mgppaz.com/2022/06/15/niacinamide/
If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to send us a comment or schedule a free skin consult to discuss your skin concerns. Happy Why Wednesday everyone!