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What is Skin Microbiome?

Like the gut, the skin has its own microbiome universe, a complex ecosystem of fungi, bacteria and archaea that serves as the foundation for healthy skin. Our skin's structure and function is absolutely essential to our general health. The skin microbiome, found at the surface of the skin, is your skin's first line of defense. The three elements of a healthy skin barrier are the skin microbiome, the acid mantle and the lipid barrier, which work in harmony to protect against irritants, environmental damage and infection.

April is National Rosacea Awareness Month

The National Rosacea Society has deemed April as Rosacea Awareness Month, by the National Rosacea Society (NRS). Rosacea is a very common disease that affects 15% to 25% of all people. Diffused redness (early rosacea) refers to a condition caused by dilated capillaries, most commonly affecting the nose, forehead, and cheeks.

Did you know by the age of 40 we lose about 2% collagen a year?

Collagen production begins to diminish starting at age 21 with the average woman’s skin decreasing in thickness by 7% every ten years. Collagen is the most important building block in the human body which makes up 70% of your skin, it prevents wrinkles from forming and it’s integrally involved in vital skin elasticity.

What causes skin aging?

Skin aging is influenced by several factors, including genetics, environmental exposure, hormonal changes, and metabolic processes. In humans, structual and functional changes attributable to aging and more visibly evident in the skin than in any other organ.

Intrinsic Factors

Intrinsic (internal factors) aging, or your natural aging process, begins appearing in your mid-20's:

Why Retinol is such a workhorse in your skin care regimen?

As we age our cycle of cell production slows down to about 45-60 days in our 40's and 50's and further slow down to 60-90 days in our 50's and 60's. Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that has been used for anti-aging and acne clients for years. Retinol stimulates the metabolism of skin cells and encourages collagen production. Retinol is much gentler when absorbed within the skin and it’s converted into tretinoin (the acid form of vitamin A, also known as retinoic acid).

What are Sebaceous Hyperplasias?

Sebaceous hyperplasia is the term used for enlarged sebaceous glands seen on the forehead or cheeks of the middle-aged and elderly leading to an ongoing problem with over-productive oil glands. They appear to be somewhat indented in the middle. This indented centre is characteristic of sebaceous hyperplasia. It has nothing to do with milia or an old spot.

Do pores open and close?

Your pore size is determined by your genetics. Fair skinned people tend to have less visible pores, while those with darker and/or oilier skin may have more prominent ones.  Pores are nothing more than tiny openings in your skin that are connected to a hair follicle and an oil gland.

Acne Mechanica

Have you ever noticed getting acne wherever your skin is constantly rubbed on, like wearing a hat or helmet, or playing the violin?  You are victim of acne mechanica.

Acne mechanica is acne that is caused by skin friction, heat, pressure on the skin, or when skin isn’t exposed to the air. Sweaty, constantly rubbed skin can quickly break out in a bothersome rash that’s really acne. The most common causes of acne mechanica include wearing: