In roughly an hour, we can safely and effectively tweak our appearance to better meet our desired results; whether that’s overall rejuvenation, contouring, adding volume to lips, etc.

Due to this ability to customize our appearances in a safe and satisfactory way, and immediately boost our self-esteem — filler injections in Philadelphia continue to grow drastically in popularity and demand.

When done correctly, filler-injections in Philadelphia:

• Provide immediate results and gratification.
• Plump the skin in a way that is not attainable through any other option. (No skincare product can add the volume that fillers can, and although laser treatments and surgery can drastically tighten skin — dermal-filler injections are the easiest way to add natural-looking volume to the face.)
• Look completely natural! (Good injections should look like NO injections. The treatment should allow you to look and feel better, but in an ideal world your friends and family should not be able to pinpoint exactly what has changed about you.)

However, even though dermal-filler injections in Philadelphia are more popular than ever, there remains a stigma (for some) regarding the treatments.

It is easy to hear the words Botox or Filler and instantly conjure the scarily-altered faces of some famous celebrities that barely look like themselves (or human, for that matter) anymore. Natural was definitely not the look they were going for, and these plasticky, waxy, obviously over-done faces prevent a lot of people from moving forward with truly exploring the anti-aging and beauty options available to them.

The great news?

Even though the vast majority of people LOVE their filler results, *IF* for whatever reason you HATE the way your results look you have many options to correct / erase the problematic area. (The fact that these injections are not permanent usually helps provide great peace-of-mind for first-timers who are nervous about what to expect.)

Let’s pretend that you just got your lips injected to perfect your pout, and at first glance it appears that your results end up more Kylie circa 2018 than Kylie 2024.

What do you do?

Honey, rest assured. You’ve got options.

1. Have Patience

When you’re in the midst of super-swollen lips, “patience” is the last word of advice you want to hear. But realistically, if it has been less than 48-hours since your injections and things look bigger than expected, asymmetrical, feels bumpy, whatever, try your best to NOT FREAK OUT.

Take a few deep breaths, and remind yourself that swelling does not always occur evenly, and until all swelling dissipates it is impossible for you to evaluate your results.

We can sympathize first-hand: the first few days after injections can be really annoying.

But, we promise: the swelling will be over before you know it, and your results will (likely) make you happy enough to mitigate any brief swelling. (If the swelling is super problematic for you, taking an OTC anti-inflammatory such as Aleve can help, and icing the treatment area may help provide some relief.)

Everyone heals differently, but your body can need up to 2-weeks to fully integrate the injected product. Patience is vital during this process.

However if ample time goes by and you still feel over-inflated or crooked?

2. Filler Massage

The dermal-filler used on you will remain somewhat malleable for about a month after it has been injected. If you think that your filler has migrated to unwanted areas or is not as smooth as you would like, massage is always an option. Your treatment provider should be able to use their fingers to gently coerce the product back to where it should be, and teach you how to do it yourself if any additional spot-massaging is needed in the future.

(Why does product-migration happen? Surprisingly, if your product moves after it has been injected, it is NOT necessarily because the injector did something wrong. The younger the patient is, the stronger the facial muscles are, and sometimes the muscles can pull the filler into areas other than where it was injected. Do not worry though, unruly product usually can be massaged into obedience.)

If massage does not work? ??

3. Dissolving Filler 

As long as you were injected with a filler that is hyaluronic-acid based (and most of them are; including Restylane, Restylane Lyft, Restylane Silk, Juvederm Ultra, Juvederm Ultra Plus, and Juvederm Voluma) you always have the nuclear option: the filler can be dissolved away with Hyaluronidase.

This will allow you to return to baseline like the whole thing never happened.

Hyaluronidase is an injectable enzyme that is sent to wherever the unwanted filler is. This enzyme breaks-down hyaluronic-acid and basically undoes the filler treatment. These injections are usually the last resort because there can be bruising and swelling associated with Hyaluronidase, but knowing that this option exists makes patients feel a lot better. If they HATE their injections, they have recourse.

Additionally, just like the filler-injections themselves are completely customized per patient, your Hyaluronidase injections will also be adjusted per your needs. For example, if you want to just take the size of your lips down a little bit without dissolving everything, you can utilize Hyaluronidase to just make tiny tweaks.

4. Selecting the RIGHT Provider for YOU

It goes without saying that putting your face in the hands of an experienced injector should be the first step you take before committing to any procedure. If you meet with an injector and feel any sense of uncertainty or unease DO NOT get treated by them! These are procedures that are supposed to make your life better and happier, and this a medical procedure that comes with it’s own sets of risks. There are enough treatment providers out there to allow you to be as picky as you want until you find the person who meshes best with you, and your face should not be a practice or test site for a newbie.

Treating with someone you trust (and like) will make everything better for you. You will feel more comfortable from the get-go, and if you should have any complications you will be dealing with someone you like and trust to treat the situation appropriately.

At About Face Aesthetics in Philadelphia, our team of injectors are extremely experienced, educated, nuanced and skilled in achieving the look-amazing-in-a-natural-way aesthetic. They focus on safety and patient outcome, as you can see from our verified patient reviews. To book an appointment with one of our Injector Maestros, please click here.

FYI: Dermal Fillers that can NOT be dissolved

Fillers made with poly-L-lactic acid (Sculptra) or calcium-based microspheres (Radiesse) are not permanent but because they are not hyaluronic-acid based they are not as easily reversible as the Restylane and Juvederm families.

Radiesse is a filler-like substance that is injected deep into the skin to volumize deep wrinkles and other areas that have lost significant volume. The calcium-based microspheres in Radiesse are injected using a gel formula, and once injected, there is no counteracting antidote.

The Poly-L-lactic acid in Sculptra is a synthetic gel made with lactic acid, which is naturally found in the body, but, unlike hyaluronic acid, it also does not have an effect-reversing antidote.

The post Oops! I got over-filled! Now what? appeared first on About Face Aesthetics.

For more information on scheduling a Semaglutide consultation for Medical Weight-Loss in Philadelphia, please click here or call us at 215-923-5001.

The post You Won’t Believe This Weight-Loss Transformation! appeared first on About Face Aesthetics.

This is great as far as our skin goes; minimal UVA / UVB exposure greatly decreases the risk of skin cancer, sun damage, and premature aging. (Yay for healthy and pretty skin!)

Isn’t it ironic, don’t you think?

Despite the sun’s immense ability to harm the surface of our skin, it is vital to the functioning of everything underneath the skin. Scientific data shows that almost every cell and tissue in our body has need for Vitamin D!

So… what happens when your body does not get enough Vitamin D? 

Your body reacts to a Vitamin D deficiency in many ways, but a lack of Vitamin D most often manifests itself as Fatigue and Depression. (This goes hand-in-hand with Seasonal Affective Disorder. During the Winter months when the days are shorter and the night is longer, it is common for people to experience depression due to their lack of Vitamin D from sun exposure.)

D-ifferent than other Vitamins

Vitamin D is in a class by itself, “behaving more like a hormone,” explains integrative medicine expert Dr. Frank Lipman.

“It’s necessary for numerous cellular functions, and when the body does not have what it needs to function optimally, it follows that we experience a decline in health.”

Furthermore, according to Dr. Lipman, almost everyone is Vitamin D deficient. (Or at least, 80% of his patients are.) Does this help explain the general malaise and fatigue so many of us experience on a daily basis?

Herbal experts say YES, and swear that one of the most important health-changes you can make in the Winter is monitoring your Vitamin D intake.

For sunscreen-freaks like us?

This means we are perpetually Vitamin D deprived — even in the height of summer. And chronically tired. (And depressed?)

For normal people, like you?

Managing your sun exposure properly can be tricky, under the best of circumstances.

During the Summer, you want to treat sun exposure like a medicine, and only allow yourself the lowest dose necessary. (Because skin-cancer, premature aging, etc.) Most people only need 15 to 30 minutes of direct sunlight in order to get the necessary amount of Vitamin D, however this amount of time may need adjustment if your skin is extremely fair or extremely dark.

Winter is a trickier time of year, the colder temperatures obviously make it less tolerable for 15-30 minutes of skin exposure a day.

Fortunately, there is an easy solution for both SPF-philes like us and normal people like you — to safely maintain the appropriate levels of Vitamin D — despite the season.

Two words: Dietary. Supplements.

Herbal specialists recommend taking about 5,0000 IU of Vitamin D daily for maximum results.

Getting your necessary dose of Vitamin D through a dietary supplement is fine to do throughout the year, or only during the months as needed. (Thorne Research Vitamin D/K2 Liquid, $24 is a great option.)

Vitamin D is found in certain foods, but it’s hard to get the adequate amount from your diet alone.

In order to optimize your Vitamin digestion, you should try to always take your Vitamin D supplement with a meal that contains fat. Vitamin D is fat-soluble, so by eating things like Avocado, fish or nuts, your body will be better able to absorb the nutrients.

Foods that contain Vitamin D

• Fatty Fish: Salmon, Trout, Mackerel, Tuna, and Eel (Sushi counts!)
• Mushrooms: This can be a good alternative for vegans or vegetarians.
• Eggs: The Vitamin D in an egg is mostly in the yolk. (One yolk will give you about 40 IUs.)
• Milk: Just about all kinds of Milk are fortified with Vitamin D. (On average, an 8 oz. glass of milk contains at least 100 IUs of vitamin D, and a 6 oz. yogurt contains 80.)

Can you get too much Vitamin D?

From direct sunlight alone, it is impossible to get too much Vitamin D. Your brilliant body has built-in mechanisms to self-regulate its Vitamin D  intake and only generate what your body needs.

Although it is very rare, it is possible to overdose with Vitamin D supplements. If you are taking 5,000 IU or more daily, you should have your blood levels monitored approximately every 3-months.

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The post Vitamin D: Why You Need Sunshine-Pills To Fight Winter Depression appeared first on About Face Aesthetics.

(This might be the only occasion where it’s actually prudent to judge a book by it’s cover.)

When you want sun-kissed, baby-blonde balayage, and your new hair-stylist has skunky, brassy high-lights that clash with her skin-tone, you might second-guess your decision to put her YOUR HAIR in her hands. Similarly, if a clothing sales-person was wearing an outfit that you thought was heinous, you likely wouldn’t want to take their fashion advice.

In the realm of skincare, it’s safe to say that you would likely not want to get injections from someone who looks like an over-inflated wax-person, nor get acne treatments from someone who had terrible skin.

When it comes to aesthetics and appearances, the way an Expert takes care of them-self says a lot about their professional know-how; their judgement, their skill, and their dedication are all on show for everyone to see. (And more importantly: for everyone to assess.)

That being said — when so much depends on it — how do true skin-experts keep their skin looking perfect all the time?

Although everyone’s regimen will be unique per their needs, there are some universal rules that every skin-expert worth her Latisse follows.

Check out the following 10 skincare non-negotiables, and get ready to adjust your daily routines as necessary.

1. NO Janky Spas

Skip the too-good-to-be-true deals on Groupon, your skin is one thing you should never skimp on! Any signs of uncleanliness or dinginess would stop a skincare expert dead in her tracks. If tools, devices and standard practices aren’t held to the highest standards of cleanliness, it is very possible to contract all sorts of grossness, including infections, rashes and warts. (Barf!)

2. Do NOT Sleep Face Down (Or at least try not to…)

Personally this a tough one — it’s hard enough to fall-asleep without worrying about my positioning — but a skin-professional might suggest otherwise. “Sleeping on your side or stomach can create a furrow on the side of your face you’re resting on, in addition to creating lines and wrinkles in your cleavage.” says cosmetic-injector, Sarah Sidiqi, NP. If this is something you can attempt at all to control, it might be worth it.

3. Do NOT Go Crazy With New Products

Buying new skincare products is very exciting, and of course you want to test-drive them immediately. But doing so can lead to some unwanted side-effects, and if you have any kind of unwanted reaction — it’ll be hard to pin-point which product was the culprit. When introducing new products to your face, it is best to start them one-at-a-time so that a.) you can limit the stress your skin will face (ha) and b.) you’ll be able to identify any skin-changes the product causes, good or bad.

4. Do NOT Go Outside Without SPF

You already know this, and yet so many people still go about their days without SPF. Would a skin-pro ever go outside without sunscreen? Never. Sun-exposure is the #1 cause of premature aging (not to even mention the cancer stuff) and it’s the most easily preventable. Do your skin the ultimate favor and get in the habit of ALWAYS applying a sunscreen in the morning. (The good thing is that sunscreens have come a long way in the past few years, and there are so many options now that it is easy to find something that will be a pleasure for you to use.)

5. Do NOT Wash With Super Hot Water

While hot showers feel so so good, they definitely leave skin a little worse for wear — and this is precisely why skincare experts avoid them. ?I never wash my face with hot water ? it?s too drying, and inflames the pore so that nothing can get flushed out,” says About Face owner Naomi Fenlin. “If you can, only wash your face with warm water.”

6. Do NOT Go Overboard With Aggressive Scrubs

“I am not a fan of scrubbing the face; with motorized brushes, abrasive products or loofahs,” says Fenlin. “This method of ‘cleansing’ doesn’t accomplish much other than to irritate the skin, potentially spread bacteria, and aggravate any current blemishes.” Instead she recommends chemical exfoliatorss that will do the job without excess irritation; such as glycolic or salicylic washes or pads.

7. Do NOT Vigorously Wash Away Eye-Makeup

Take note the next time you wash off your eye-makeup. Are you super-rough with that delicate area? If so, you may want to try a gentler approach. “When you?re taking off eye makeup, try to wipe-off make-up as gently as if you were washing a raw-egg,” suggests laser-expert and makeup-artist, Raelle Levicke. This will help preserve the fragile under-eye skin, plus avoid pulling out any eyelashes prematurely.

8. Do NOT TAN

“This is by far the worst trend I see,” says Sidiqi. “A tan is undeniable proof that your skin has reacted to damaging sun-exposure. Being tan is not cute to anyone in the skincare world, the risks it carries are just not worth it.” If you can’t live without some color, look into spray-tans and bronzing powders — yes, these are temporary fixes, but they’re also safe.

9. Do NOT Slack Off On Your Skin Regimen

In order for your products to work as intended, they have to be used as directed. “I’m consistent with my skin care regimen ? not just whenever my skin looks bad,” says Fenlin. This is the best way to take care of your skin, and get the best value out of your product purchases.

10. Do NOT Over-Analyze Your Own Skin

Magnification mirrors have the power to make even the tiniest, littlest blemishes look like literally, the worst. It’s precisely for this reason that those in-the-know steer clear. “It can make you want to pick and squeeze everything, which is the biggest gamble you can take with your skin,” says Fenlin. “If you have acne, get rid of your magnifying mirror asap. Your face is OFF LIMITS to your hands.”

In the end?
All you have to do is think like a skin-professional to look like a skin-professional.

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The post 10 Things Skin Pros NEVER Do To Their Skin appeared first on About Face Aesthetics.

let alone trying to protect your skin from everything we are told that is causing premature aging.

* Sun exposure?

You can believe the hype. Everything you’ve heard is true, you skin NEEDS sunscreen everyday.

* Cigarettes?

Also true. Smoking cigarettes is a deadly habit for both your internal-organs, and for your beauty.

* Water-bottles?

Ummm…

An article in Ecouterre reveals that a habit we thought was good for us, might actually be wreaking havoc on the delicate skin around our mouths.

?Experts are issuing a warning that drinking from water bottles?could be the cause of unsightly premature wrinkles. But the accusation does not come from the potentially toxic BPA?that the plastic bottle may contain, but instead the shape of the bottle itself. It seems woman across the country have become ?victims? of deep wrinkles around their mouths, due to repeated pursing of the lips when taking hydrating swigs from their water bottles.?

The expert provided solution?

?The doctors recommend avoiding water bottles and straws in general, opting for cups that don?t cause the mouth to continuously purse*.?

So now it’s not just the environment being destroyed by water-bottles (and straws?), but our faces too?!

If this is a warning you choose to follow, you’re fortunate.

Making a change like this isn?t that hard — you can still drink as much water (or… the beverage of your choice) as often you like, just go for a cup instead of a bottle or straw. (Or a squeezey-bottle you can just shoot right into your mouth? Or better yet, an IV? If you just take your mouth out of the equation all together, you’re golden. Right?)

The really good news?

Your wine-glass is?still?a perfect, doctor-approved drinking vessel. #phewAF

*Does this mean that every duck-face selfie is also causing premature aging?!

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The post H2Oh No: Another Premature-Aging Culprit? appeared first on About Face Aesthetics.

Welp.

Fellow binge-watchers, we’ve got some bad news.

On top of eating up a whole lot of your time, too much binge-watching may also be doing some serious damage to your skin, according to new reports.

Per skin specialist Naomi Fenlin, “there seems to be increasing evidence that the light emitted from cell-phones screens, computer screens, and televisions (referred to as high energy visible [HEV] light) may be able to penetrate and damage the deeper levels of your skin.”

The deal.

Some reports are showing that HEV light (from computers, cell phones, and TVs) causes free-radical damage and collagen breakdown, leading to prematurely sagging skin, lines, wrinkles and aging skin.

Fenlin warns that if this turns out to be true — all that time spent staring at your cell phone and watching TV might result in what is being termed, “Netflix Face”: wrinkles, brown-spots, and dull texture.

Even worse?

If you’re using your device outdoors, you could potentially be exposed to a triple dose of UVA and UVB light.

Just consider; when you’re outside your poor skin is subjected to the natural UVA and UVB sunlight, the HEV light from your screen, and the sunlight that is reflected off your screen and back on to your skin. “This increased concentration of UV-light exposure is prompting experts to recommend even more adamantly than before — keep your skin covered as much as possible, and always wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen!” Fenlin explains.

If you?re still skeptical, consider this: ?While I think it remains to be seen whether HEV light is actually affecting our skin, I never say “never” because we find new cause-affect skin correlations all the time. It wasn’t until relatively recently that pollution was discovered to be damaging to the skin, and before that — there was a time when sun exposure was considered to be healthy for the skin!” says Philadelphia-based Nurse-Practitioner, Sarah Sidiqi.

At the very least?

We KNOW that these devices produce some infrared-light, which has been proven to break-down your tissue sooner. ?This is absolutely true. What I recommend as a great prevention product is the Total Defense + Repair Sunblock by SkinMedica. It’s one of the only sunblocks available that protects against infrared damage.” shares Naomi Fenlin. (Also, available in a sheer, tinted, and sport version!)

So what else can you do?

The solution is pretty simple, although completely unrealistic.

?Stop staring at a screen all day!? Sidiqi says.

The post The Aging Trick Netflix Plays On Your Skin appeared first on About Face Aesthetics.

I hope you all enjoyed my February favorite… crazily enough it is now time for my March pick. (Is it just me, or is time flying by?)

For my entire life I have been part of the super-thin-hair club, and it has pretty much been the bane of my existence. As a full-blooded Italian, you?d think that my genes in that department would have been a little more fruitful, but alas. Such is my life.

Ever since I?ve gotten into the beauty world, I?ve tried everything to thicken my hair; powders, vitamins, dimensional hair-coloring that is supposed to add the appearance of volume, even the occasional clip-in! (Having a hair-stylist in the family has been immensely helpful in all of my endeavors. Thank you Rachel! #shamelessplug)

These various tactics would work for an afternoon or a special event, but the next morning I?d wake up and have to start the fight all over again.

Because my hair is so thin, extensions are out of the question ? I?m scared to death that if any damage happens to the hair I do have, I?ll be left bald!

What on earth is a girl like me supposed to do?

Enter Viviscal.

As it turns out, Viviscal Professional is the hair-secret that all models and celebrities take advantage of. (When you think about it, their hair takes more abuse than anyone, and their diets might not lead to the healthiest hair situations?) Viviscal has been around for 25+ years, and for real — if you Google ?Viviscal celebrities? you will be amazed at the A-listers that are using this product.

What is it?

Viviscal Professional Tablets are a scientifically formulated tablet that ?promotes hair growth from within.? Viviscal reduces the shedding process, allows for more growth, and as a fringe benefit also helps with your nails and eye-lashes.

Why should I take Viviscal?

If Lauren Conrad, Reese Witherspoon and Gwyneth Paltrow aren?t convincing enough for you, there is also a ton of clinical data backing up this product.

Viviscal Professional has been around for the past 25-years, and has been proven to work by 7x different clinical studies. (The most recent study showed that with the proper use of Viviscal Professional there was a statistically significant reduction in hair shedding and a statistically significant increase in hair thickness over a six-month period.)

Who should use Viviscal Professional?

Anyone! If you are concerned about thin (or thinning) hair, there is no reason to not try Viviscal Professional. Many women (obviously) use it, but there a ton of male patients who swear by it for helping prevent a receding hairline, and thinning hair.

Who shouldn?t use Viviscal Professional?

This might not be the best choice for you if you are allergic to fish or seafood, or if you?re pregnant, nursing, or under the age of 18.

When do you take the tablets?

To get the best results, Viviscal Professional is supposed to be taken twice a day, morning and night. (Ideally it should be taken on a full-stomach, but if you?re sometimes lazy like me and take it on an empty stomach ? this won?t give you a stomach-ache or anything.)

I?ve seen ?Viviscal? at the drugstore, what?s the difference between that version and what you are taking?

Great question! The over-the-counter version found at drugstores is half as potent as the ?Professional? version I am taking. Although it might be a little less expensive at the drugstore, I?d rather pay a little bit more to get twice the results, twice as fast.

But?. seriously, how does Viviscal work??

I?m not going to pretend to understand why their blend of ingredients works the way it does ? but I will enjoy my results regardless ? however if you are interested in the science aspect, the Viviscal experts explain it like this:

Viviscal Professional supplements nourish hair from the inside out, providing follicles with essential vitamins and minerals for healthy hair growth from within.

Viviscal Professional ingredients include the proprietary AminoMar? marine complex, plus a blend of vital nutrients ? including Biotin, Vitamin C and Apple Extract Powder (Procyanidin B-2) ? that nourish thinning hair and promote existing hair growth from within.

When will I start to see Viviscal results?

It can take up to 4-months to see your maximum results, but I felt like I could see (and feel) a difference after 2-weeks. Obviously the early success makes me excited, and ensures that I?ll keep up this routine in order to get the best, thickest, longest hair possible.

Until they start making a Latisse shampoo and/or conditioner, I?m hooked on Viviscal.

What are your results really like?

I?ve been taking Viviscal Professional religiously now for the past 2-months, and my hair definitely feels longer and thicker.

Do I suddenly have super-thick Victoria Secret model hair? No.

But I have noticed that there is less hair in my shower-drain, my wispies around my face seem to be getting long (and thick) enough to pull back easily, my nails are growing like crazy, and my eyelashes are also longer and thicker.

After starting to see my results, I understand why so many people are buying Viviscal Professional in bulk — they want to make sure they always have it on hand!

I?ve taken fish-oil supplements in the past, and I hated the taste?

Don?t worry! Viviscal DOES NOT give you the dreaded fish-flavored burps. Personally I don?t think it has any taste, but my friend swears that it tastes like mashed-potatoes.

Ok. I?m interested. How much?
Viviscal Professional is $59 (plus tax) for 60 tablets, which if you take as directed ? should last you 1 month.

How can I buy it?

Again, we like to make?purchasing as convenient as possible. You can purchase online,?send me an email (briana@aboutfaceskincare.com), or over the phone (215-923-5001).

The post Briana’s March Product Pick appeared first on About Face Aesthetics.

Standing in a hot shower might feel delicious against your cold skin; however the combination of hot water and soap can actually strip your body of needed oil, while simultaneously promoting body break-outs. Although counter-intuitive, the hotter the water is, the less you are actually able to clean yourself. Any extreme heat causes your skin to immediately inflame as a method of self-protection. As the surface skin swells, the entrance to your pores becomes sealed off, thereby trapping inside any debris that should be washed out. This, combined with washing away the surface oils that keeps your skin naturally moisturized, leaves you with dry, tight and itchy skin that is extra-prone to break-out. (Even though your skin is mostly covered up with clothing during the winter, ain’t nobody got time for uncomfortable, broken-out skin!)

To wash yourself efficiently and comfortably, you should use water that is more warm than hot. (We’re not suggesting you freeze yourself, just to keep in mind that warm water is better for your skin.) Although it might be tempting to linger in the shower, you should try to keep the time-frame to around 15-minutes. By remaining cognizant of the time you are standing under running water, you are better able to minimize the amount of body oil you are washing away.

In addition, similarly to your face, you might notice that you need to use a gentler form of body-wash during the winter months. Your skin doesn’t create as much oil when it?s cold outside and therefore doesn’t need the same level of aggressive washing you may require during the summer.

Once out of the shower, a brisk rub-down with a towel can help exfoliate any dead skin cells, which will improve circulation, skin’s appearance, and penetration of any body-moisturizer you may be applying.

(On the bright side of showering in not-hot water, your hair will be shinier and less frizzy! When you’re finished washing your body, give your head a quick spray of cold water to seal the cuticles and allow for smoother drying.)

Happy washing ? we promise warmer weather is (eventually) right around the corner.

The post The easy way to keep skin happy this winter appeared first on About Face Aesthetics.

The post Why Your Soy Latte Addiction Could Be Destroying Your Skin appeared first on About Face Aesthetics.

To crack the code for perfect skin, we asked the experts to get their insight on the things people with great skin should always?and never?do.

With these tips, you?re sure to?end up with an envy-inducing complexion!

1. They always apply sunblock.

According to Naomi Fenlin, owner and lead-provider at About Face Skin Care, this means ALWAYS?even when it?s cold and cloudy outside. ?Studies show that this makes a significant difference in how the skin ages,? she says. ?People who applied sunblock everyday, no matter the weather, aged better than people who only applied sunblock when it was sunny.?

2. They never?pick at their skin.

?Pimples will last much longer and the discoloration left afterwards will be much worse if you pick,? Fenlin says. ?As tempting as it can be, don?t do it?instead see your local expert for a professional extraction, or just wait for time to work it?s healing magic.?

3. They exfoliate gently and regularly.

Exfoliation is one of the best steps you can take to?to keep skin smooth, clear and balanced, says Raelle Levicke, lead aesthetician at About Face. ?Gentle exfoliation once a week speeds up the shedding of dead skin cells to make way for new, healthy skin,? she explains. ?Plus, regular exfoliation encourages better product penetration and?absorption, thus increasing the efficacy of any skincare product you use.?

4. They use topical retinoinds.

Other than sun protection, this is the single most effective topical anti-aging family of products, Levicke says, because they increase cell turnover and stimulate collagen production.

5. They never smoke.

?Second only to tanning, smoking is the worst thing you can do for your skin,? Fenlin says. ?Nuff said.

6. They get enough sleep.

Sarah Sidiqi, a cosmetic Nurse Practioner, says that getting enough good sleep can make all the difference in the world when it comes to your skin. ?Missing out on a full eight hours of sleep in a night can cause an increase in the inflammation in the skin and can actually worsen existing skin conditions like acne, Rosacea, and can even encourage faster aging,? she explains. ?Laying down, flat on your back, also allows the muscles in the face to rest, and so wrinkles will often appear more shallow in the morning.?

7. They always drink enough water.

?Drinking enough water is essential for overall health, but in particular is also great for your skin,? Fenlin says. ?Your skin is the largerst organ in your body. Always drink the recommended eight glasses a day, and you will be amazed at how hydrated, dewy, and extra plump your skin looks.?

8. They always take their makeup off before they go to sleep.
Raelle Levicke remembers a college friend who made taking her makeup off before sleeping a top priority. ?No matter what was going on in her life?and this was in college so there were many times of drinks and dancing the night away?she always always always washed her face to remove her makeup at the end of the night. And she always had beautiful skin.? Sleeping in your makeup can contribute to breakouts, free radical damage, larger pores and all kinds of things you?d rather avoid, she adds, so doing this is crucial to maintaining a great complexion.

9. They always take their makeup off before they work out.

Acne expert Naomi Fenlin says that while most people wash their face after they work out, it?s also important to wash your face before you exercise. ?When you?re hot and sweaty, anything on your skin?s surface has a better chance of slipping inside your pores, which can lead to breakouts and clogged pores. If you wash your face before you sweat, you?re giving yourself a clean slate.?

10. They use the right products for their skin type?and get help when needed.

Finally, people with great skin create?and stick to?a skin care routine that suits them, rather than jumping on?whatever product fad is happening at the?given moment. ?People with amazing skin are picky when it comes to their skincare products. They know their active ingredients. They don?t use dozens of products?they use the right ones,? Naomi Fenlin reveals. ?People with amazing skin also enlist the help of a trusted dermatologist and an esthetician, and they don?t confuse the two.??(After all, there?s no point in suffering silently with skin issues that a simple prescription or facial could cure.)

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