Play
Prev
Next
Holistic Skincare

Basic Skin Cleansing – Get the Dirt

By chrysalis | Published: August 6, 2012

Great skin starts with clean skin!

Washing your face.  Seems like a no-brainer.  It’s a given that we should all be performing this most basic of personal hygiene rituals and that it’s almost impossible to do it ineffectively, right?  Wrong.  Since this routine act is so basic and fundamental to a good skin care regimen, we’re going to take a closer look at cleansing over the next few posts and clean up any confusion on this simple act.

Why do we cleanse at all??

  • To remove dirt, sweat and the toxins it carries as well as excess sebum (oil).  All of this clogs your pores and creates a nice place for unfriendly bacteria to live and breed.
  • To gently exfoliate dead skin cells which also clog pores and again, more food for bad bacteria.
  • To stimulate blood flow and encourage healing and regeneration.
  • To introduce corrective ingredients for acne control, hydration, pigment control, etc.

When should we cleanse?

  • In the PM (I know, it’s easy to just want to fall into bed) to remove makeup, environmental toxins, dirt and all of the above listed goodies that have accumulated through the day.  Since your skin/body repairs and heals itself at night, this is the perfect time to thoroughly cleanse and apply corrective, healing skincare and feed your skin.
  • In the AM to remove your PM products and any excess sebum your skin has produced and to create a clean, even palate for your makeup.

How often should we cleanse?

  • Twice daily is usually enough.  We all like to be squeaky clean, but cleansing too often can actually make the skin acidic, strip beneficial oil, drying it and impairing its barrier function.  If you’re washing more because your skin feels oily, remember, too much cleansing can actually cause you to over-produce oil!
  • If you’re participating in activities that leave you sweaty and dirty, it is a good idea to cleanse or at least rinse your skin afterward until you can cleanse.  Facial “wipes” or sprays can be helpful and are easy to keep in your gym bag or locker.

Getting consistent with such a simple step can really help take your skin care regimen to a whole new level.  If you’re a visual learner, stay tuned!

Posted in At home skin care, Family, General health, Lifestyle, Makeup, Skin health, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Lighter, Cooler (but still fabulous) Summer Makeup

By chrysalis | Published: July 19, 2012

Debra Dakin, Makeup Artist, Esthetician

Melting is something we like cheese to do on pizza or chocolate to do on a s’more, but NOT what we want our makeup to do in the summer.  We interviewed Hollywood trained makeup artist and esthetician, Debra Dakin for tips on fabulous summertime makeup that keeps us cool, but still looking great.  Here’s what she had to say:

Skinformation®:  What are the differences between summer makeup and makeup in the cooler months?  Is it just about color palette?

DD:

  • Colors and shades do change in the summer but we’re aiming for a lighter look and fresher-faced feel too.  Mineral based powders are less occlusive, feel cooler and provide added SPF.  Sheer, tinted moisturizers even out skin tone and help give needed moisture before the minerals are applied.
  • Gel liners work well in the heat and humidity of summer because they have more staying power – they are less likely to smudge or run.
  • Cream-to-powder blushes are wonderful for a light pop of color – even for oily skin types – and are easy to apply later in the day when a touch-up is needed.

Skinformation®:  What are the biggest mistakes people make with their makeup in the summer?

DD:

  • Application that is too heavy.  Especially in the eye area – too much liner, or colors that are too dark without proper blending.
  • Visible or dark lip liner that is also not blended properly.
  • And most of all, no makeup at all.  Because of the heat, it’s tempting to skip makeup altogether leaving an unkempt and unprofessional appearance.  The idea is to look like we’re not wearing makeup, but still be polished.  With the excellent choices in makeup today, this is easy to achieve.

Skinformation®:  What else can we do differently in our routine to make summer makeup more effortless?

DD:

  • Use a one-color sweep of water-resistant (not waterproof) mascara that separates the lashes well.  Try wearing mascara on just the top lashes; it’s less heavy as well.
  • Using a lip stain at the beginning of the day will give the color staying power. Then cover with a sheer gloss through the day. Using a lip pencil to lightly frame the lips works well too.
  • Misting the skin after makeup application and throughout the day will help set makeup and cool the skin too.  (We like Chrysalis Signature Pollution Solution Mist for it’s incredible anti-inflammatory power or Skindinavia® 10 Years Younger Makeup Mist).

Thanks Debra for your expert advice and for helping to keep us beautiful while the heat is on!

Posted in At home skin care, General health, Lifestyle, Makeup, Skin health, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Summer Care for Hot Skin!

By chrysalis | Published: July 11, 2012

With all the soaring heat, record temperatures and sky-high humidity, we’re all feeling hot, but not in a beautiful, sexy kind of way. No, this is the kind of oppressive heat that makes you want to strip down and dive into a cool mountain lake or lay on the tile floor in your kitchen with the dogs!  All of this heat, humidity and UV can wreak havoc on our skin too.  Here are some of the problems you might be experiencing:

  • More acne breakouts.  Why?  The increased heat causes more sweating  – this moist, warm environment is a perfect setup for making bacterial acne worse. Worse yet, the humidity can cause more congestion and blockage in the pores.  Excessive moisture + congestion + bacteria = more breakouts.
  • Increased rosacea flares.  If you have been diagnosed with rosacea, you know that the increased inflammation and blood vessel dilation from heat and UV exposure can make your rosacea symptoms worse.  All forms of rosacea can worsen in the peak of summer heat.
  • Spots and uneven pigmentation.  Again, inflammation caused by increased heat and UV exposure is the culprit here.  The heat alone can trigger increased production of melanin – even if you are being very careful with sunscreen application.

What to do:

  1. Try to shower off or at least mist your skin with a toner or astringent as soon as you can after a sweaty

    Up the Anti - All-in-one mineral SPF and tint-matching hydrator

    workout.

  2. Try using an “all-in-one” tinted moisturizer with SPF. One product with all three benefits feels lighter and cooler – it’s less occlusive on your skin.
  3. Consider switching to a mineral makeup in a powder base. Good mineral makeup is light, won’t clog your pores, gives you added UV protection and the minerals are anti-inflammatory as well.
  4. In addition to a good mineral sunscreen, try wearing a broad-brimmed hat to create more shade and protection from UV.
  5. Limit your outdoor activities to morning (before 11am) and later in the afternoon or evening if possible (after 5pm).  Avoiding the peak hours of heat is very helpful.

If you’re still doing the same makeup regimen that you used in the cooler months, it’s time to change that up too.  Join us next week as guest blogger and Hollywood makeup artist, Debra Dakin shares tips on summer makeup.  We might feel HOT, but we can look hott too!

Posted in At home skin care, Family, General health, Lifestyle, Skin health, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Dude…Take Care of that Dermis!

By chrysalis | Published: June 25, 2012

Skin care for men is fairly straightforward and uncomplicated (we love that about you guys)!  Now I’m not going to say that blokes don’t care about skin imperfections like pigmentation and wrinkles, but generally speaking if you can keep your skin clean and healthy in a couple of easy steps, you’re happy.  Since we know that the biggest problems you face with your skin tend to be acne, “razor bumps”, and skin cancer, then any products you choose should help you with these maladies.  So going with the “Keep it Simple, Sir” philosophy, here are some multi-tasking products we love for guys.

Chrysalis Signature Washout Face Cleanser & Shave Gel.  This low-foam gel lifts the beard and allows for an irritation-free shave while still allowing you to see where you are shaving.  Plant-based ingredients also work against breakouts, hydrate the skin and reduce inflammation.  Washout also contains no soaps, sulfates, volatile alcohols or parabens.  Use twice a day for best results.

 

Total Strength Line & Pore Minimizer from PCA® Skin.  If you are a distinguished gentleman looking to preserve your youth and swarthy good looks, then this advanced peptide serum formulated with skin-strengthening and antibacterial agents will dramatically reduce fine lines and wrinkles, minimize pores and leave the skin clear, firm and younger-looking.  Apply up to twice daily after washing.

From Neil’s Yard Remedies (NYR Organic), we love the Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 30 for its high mineral content that is

Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 30

easily absorbed, non-whitening, non-greasy and also its water resistant properties.  Your skin will also benefit from the vitamin-rich antioxidants and light moisture.  Remember, when you add the correct hydration topically, your skin will produce less oil or sebum and will feel softer, firmer and less greasy.

When you choose products that accomplish multiple goals, just two or three products are all you need to keep that male exterior handsome and healthy.

Posted in At home skin care, Family, General health, Lifestyle, Skin health, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment