What Can Retinol Do for Your Skin

Retinol is an ingredient that is often found in a plethora of creams and serums that we use as part of our skin care regime.  It is a synthetic derivative of Vitamin A, which is commonly found in many foods that we eat, such as carrots and eggs.  When used correctly, retinol has many benefits, especially for those of us looking for the fountain of youth.  It promotes skin cell turnover which aids in creating a smoother texture, reduces the appearance of sunspots and even helps those of us that have acne.  It is available in prescription form or over the counter, depending on the strength of the retinoid that is most beneficial for your needs. Let’s take a look at how retinol can make your skin feel and look its best! 

Anti-aging

Retinoids, a term used for prescription and OTC forms of retinoic acid, are very effective in reducing wrinkles and improving skin texture. Retinoids stimulate collagen and aid the skin in retrieving lost elasticity. It functions as an antioxidant to help keep free radical damage at bay, thus leading to visible signs of smoother texture.

Acne

A key factor in reducing acneic breakouts is preventing the pores from getting clogged up.  Retinoids do this as well as decrease oil production, reduce inflammation and even smooth and fade the skin’s scarring from previous acne breakouts.

Complexion

Over time, sun exposure and lifestyle (smoking) can cause our skin to look ruddy and dull.  Retinol can help with pigmentation issues, like sun spots, and brighten our complexion. It increases cell renewal which helps brighten the skin and reduce hyperpigmentation to make us look bright and youthful. Retinoids are also commonly used for skin conditions like psoriasis, as it reduces inflammation and promotes new cell growth.

When using any type of product, it is of utmost importance to follow the instructions of how to use it safely and effectively.  Even though retinoids are helpful with our skin problems, it is important to note that they are not without risk. These include, sensitivity to the sun, dryness and irritation, and in some cases, swelling and blistering. 

To minimize these risks as said before, follow the instruction on usage to the letter.  Wear sunscreen every single day! That cannot be emphasized enough whether you use retinol or not.  Use a moisturizer suitable for your skin. This will reduce skin dryness without interfering with the products’ effectiveness. Regular facials are also important to have as they keep your skin healthy and glowing. And of course, consult your doctor before starting anything new to make sure you are doing what’s most beneficial for you and your skin.

The A Perfect Pinky Team

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Different Types of Wrinkles & How to Prevent Them

wrinkles

Wrinkles are the road map of your life. Not sure about you, but I would like a few less streets, thank you! Even though wrinkles can occur from joyful experiences, through smiling and laughing, they certainly aren’t the most pleasant to have.

The main causes of wrinkles, however, are smoking, sun damage, heredity and aging itself. These factors have our wrinkles fall into two different types called Dynamic and Static. Static wrinkles are directly linked to loss of elasticity and collagen through the aging process, while Dynamic wrinkles are created by repetitive facial movements like squinting and puckering your lips around a cigarette or straw.

Let’s take a look at the various types of fine lines and wrinkles and what preventative measures to take in preventing them.

Forehead Wrinkles

Wrinkles on your forehead run horizontally across the top of your T-Zone. These wrinkles are caused primarily when we raise our eyebrows. Some studies suggest that deep forehead creases are an indicator for cardiovascular disease.

Frown Lines

Frown lines, also known as the ” 11’s”, are the vertical lines that appear between your eyes. These wrinkles usually appear due to squinting, stress, aging and heredity.

Crow’s Feet

Although not the most flattering name, these wrinkles are in fact due to lots of laughing and smiling! Crow’s feet are the deep wrinkles that form at the outer corners of your eyes. They also appear from squinting and aging.

Expression

As the name suggests, these wrinkles (Nasolabial folds) are caused by our repetitive facial expressions; how we move our face when happy, sad and everything in between. These lines of character are all over our face, but primarily extend from the edge of our nose to the outer corners of our mouth.

Marionette

Marionette, or accordion lines, run from the corners of our mouth vertically down our chin. As we age, we lose elasticity causing our cheeks to droop and these jowl wrinkles to form.

Lip Wrinkles

These wrinkles have various names such as smokers’ lines, barcode lines or lipstick lines. Formerly, they are called perioral lines. These wrinkles develop from pouting, puckering, smoking, genetics and sun exposure.

Preventative Measures

Protection

Unless you’re planning on living your life as a hermit, you’ll need to protect your skin from the environment. Sunscreen, hats and sunglasses are some of the top ways to prevent those UV rays from creating unwanted wrinkles and further damage.

Products

There are a multitude of products on the market that can prevent and/or treat wrinkles. How do you know which one works best for you? Well, you need to know your skin type and what you need the product to do for you. If your skin feels dry, choose a cream or serum containing hyaluronic acid to boost moisture and elasticity. Shea butter or vitamin C are good choices to soften and smooth existing lines, while repairing your skin from oxidative stress caused by air pollution. 

Healthy Choices

Okay, this one’s a no-brainer! The best wrinkle fighting ways of life are the healthy choices we make. Eating a healthy diet, consuming less sugar, exercising, keeping hydrated and don’t/quit smoking are all things that keep us looking and feeling our best. Let’s face it though, you need to be a little bit flexible. Rest and reducing our stress level can certainly lessen the visibility of those pesky lines. And a glass of wine or a few nachos can certainly help with that!

Physical Adjustments

Although this may be difficult to do, try to retrain yourself to refrain from your wrinkle causing habits. Relaxing your forehead, not rubbing your eyes, not squinting and quit pouting are all movements to be conscious of. The more aware we become of our wrinkle making motions, the more we can adjust to having smoother skin.

Acids, peels, injectables and facial surgeries are all corrective measures for wrinkles, and other facial needs or wants, offered today. If you are considering having a procedure performed, it should be discussed with an experienced doctor as each has its own risks and benefits. Wrinkle treatments are plentiful, but prevention is obviously the optimal choice when possible.

Let’s Connect

We welcome your questions and feedback. You can connect with us via email or telephone. And as always, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest trends and special offers!

Til next time,

A Perfect Pinky Team

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5 Common Summer Skin Problems and How to Prevent Them

Skin irritations are a bummer anytime, but especially in the warm summer months. When mysterious lumps, bumps, or weird rashes appear when you’re already hot and bothered, that’s definitely no fun! Most itching in summer is obvious, usually from a bug bite or some kind of a rash created from an allergic reaction. There are several ways to help heal and prevent these ailments from ruining your fun in the sun. Here’s a look at how to prevent and treat some of these summer skin irritations.

1. Sunburn

With what we know about the sun and its powerful rays, this shouldn’t even happen, but it does. Sunscreen of at least 30 should always be applied at least 20 to 30 minutes before heading outside and should be reapplied while in the outdoors. However, if you do find your skin turning pink, maybe painful to touch, there are some things you can do. Firstly, get out and stay out of the sun. Applying a cooling aloe-vera gel (alcohol-free) to the affected area or a moisturizer that’s been in the fridge, and rub it in to help soothe and heal. A cold compress can also help relieve the pain prior to applying gel or cream. Taking ibuprofen or naproxen will help the pain and swelling subside.

2. Acne

Breaking out is no fun, especially in summer. Sweat mixing with bacteria and oils can clog your skin, causing breakouts all over your body. Use non-comedogenic products on your face, neck, chest and back. This will help to limit acne. Be sure to blot your skin with a clean towel. Wiping sweat can irritate the skin and cause trouble. The best way to deal with your skin if you do break out is to carry on with your skincare regime. Cleanser, toner and a light moisturizer on your face everyday will help minimize breakouts. Don’t pick or scratch your break out, that will increase your risk of scarring. Be patient and it will clear up with your diligence and care.

3. Athletes Foot

This fungus is common in summer as it is contagious and can be picked up around swimming pools or any warm, wet, dark environment. To avoid the spread of it, or acquiring it all together, make sure to dry feet thoroughly, wear clean, dry socks and always have something on your feet that’s breathable. However, if you discover itching, or peeling between your toes or on the soles of your feet, there are remedies to help you. Antifungal creams and powders are available for application. Wash and dry feet thoroughly before applying. If your feet begin to crack or blister, it would be best to head to the doctor to get an antibiotic cream to help you heal.

4. Rashes

Rashes are a bummer to get in summer. Itchy, sweaty and terribly uncomfortable! There are several types of rashes you can acquire in the summer months, from heat rash to poison ivy. The best defense is to wear light, loose fitting cotton clothes and to keep your skin cool using fans, having cool showers and being in air conditioning whenever possible. Plant rashes, like poison ivy or oak, can be avoided if you can identify them and steer clear of them when in parks or wooded areas. If any rash seems to be hanging around for too long, seeing your doctor for proper treatment is always recommended.

5. Bug Bites

What seems like the itchiest of skin troubles! Bug bites suck, especially when it’s hot out. Mosquitoes, black flies, wasp bites or ticks, they all have their unique brand of stopping you in your tracks. To prevent them from attacking you, spray yourself with a good bug repellent and try to wear loose, cotton, long-sleeve shirts and pants whenever possible. If you are attacked by any of these culprits, anti-itch creams or lotions may be applied. In extreme cases of reaction, antibiotics might be the best medicine.

Remember that all of these ailments can be prevented with a few simple precautions. Let’s enjoy all the positives that summer brings and be careful out there!

Let’s Connect

We welcome your questions and feedback. You can connect with us via email or telephone. And as always, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest trends and special offers! 

Till next time, 

Phyllis 

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4 Fool-Proof Ways to Reduce Wrinkles and Fine Lines

a perfect pinky reduce wrinkles and fine lines

The aging process can sometimes seem unfair. We can develop new troubles with our skin that we didn’t have in our younger years. But sometimes we can prevent or eliminate some issues altogether. One such issue is fine lines and wrinkles. Although it’s been said that we need to just accept our aging skin as it is, since wrinkles are said to be inevitable – that’s simply not true. Yes our metabolism slows as we age, and in turn the formation of collagen and elastin that we need for a plump complexion, slowly lessens. Let’s take a look at these 4 fool-proof ways we can help revive our glow.

1. Limit Your Sugar Intake

Processed sugar can increase collagen breakdown. It creates dehydration and therefore sucks moisture out of the skin. And really, is just plain bad for you. Eating fruits and vegetables, rich in vitamin C especially, is vital to help build collagen in the skin and restore your glowing complexion.

2. Always Use Sunscreen

Sun protection cannot be stressed enough in the prevention of wrinkles and other skin ailments. It’s essential to wear an SPF of 30 or higher with broad-spectrum protection. SPF prevents wrinkles people! But you must use it everyday even when it’s cloudy.

3. Quit Smoking

Obviously smoking is bad for your health for a multitude of reasons, in addition to aging your skin prematurely. Smoking affects the blood vessels that deliver oxygen and nutrients to your skin and entire body. Depriving the skin of these vital nutrients, such as Vitamin C, creates a pale, uneven skin tone and wrinkles. There are more than 4,000 chemicals in tobacco that deplete your skin’s collagen and elastin, therefore creating wrinkly, sagging faces. So the sooner you quit, the better – or better yet, don’t start at all!

4. Consume Foods Rich in Antioxidants

Your skin is your largest organ and it suffers the most oxidative stress throughout your daily routine. Antioxidants help fight that stress and damage. The best way to boost your antioxidants is to consume foods rich in them. Kale, blueberries or kidney beans are examples of great foods that help with this. Get the wrinkle free skin you want from the inside out.

There are so many creams and procedures that can help prevent and eliminate aging skin. But realistically, if you just start practicing the recommendations in this short list, you will notice a significant difference. Some say the best overall help to your skin is to eat properly, exercise and stay hydrated. Think about it… while you’re putting on your sunscreen. 😉

We welcome your questions and feedback. You can connect with us via email or telephone. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest trends and special offers! 

Till next time, 

Phyllis 

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