Keep Skincare Simple
Hello Beautiful! Are you exhausted from all these articles, posts, and videos telling you that you NEED to add this or that as part of your skincare routine? Me too, so what is actually necessary for your skincare routine? Let’s go over what you need based on your skin type.
Normal Skin
If your skin is never too dry or too oily, with a regular texture, you have a normal skin type. For your skin type, here’s what you need:
Daily cleanser: I have a couple of great options on my website for you.
Daily moisturizer: The Quench moisturizer on my website is perfect for your skin.
Occasional facial: Because everyone needs an occasional facial. Book yours here.
Sensitive Skin
If your skin is sensitive, it is more prone to react to different stimuli. Your skin is fragile and could react in different ways (ie. redness, tightness, heat, or itching). For your skin type, here’s what you need:
Daily cleanser (sensitive): For your skin, I would recommend the Cleanse product.
Daily moisturizer (sensitive): This is the perfect, light-weight moisturizer for you.
SPF: Sensitive skin like yours needs extra protection. Here’s a great option.
Gentle Serum: Aptly named, this serum will calm your sensitive skin.
Occasional facial: Because everyone needs an occasional facial. Book yours here.
Dry Skin
Dry skin is typically a temporary skin type that can be caused by cold weather, low air humidity, and immersion in hot water. For dry skin, I typically recommend you use:
Daily Cleanser (sensitive): For your skin, I would recommend the Cleanse product.
Daily Moisturizer: This is what you need lots of. Here is the moisturizer for you.
Facial Oil: This restorative oil will help repair your dry skin flooding it with moisture.
Repair Serum: This facial serum will repair and rescue your dry skin.
Eye Cream: The first places you should make sure stay hydrated are the areas around your eyes. You can use this cream to lock in moisture.
Occasional facial: Because everyone needs an occasional facial. Book yours here.
Oily Skin
Oily skin has a porous, humid, and bright appearance. The cause is excessive fat production by sebaceous glands in the skin. Here’s what will be best for you:
Daily cleanser: For your skin, I recommend our Purify cleanser.
Daily moisturizer (sensitive): This is the perfect, light-weight moisturizer for you.
Clarify Serum: This serum works to normalize oil production to create a clear complexion.
Occasional facial: Because everyone needs an occasional facial. Book yours here.
Skincare doesn’t have to be complicated, in fact, it shouldn’t be. Let’s simplify in 2021!
XOXO,
Tana Marie
This, not That
Hello Beautiful! I’ve been hearing about a lot of different fad skincare products that influencers and celebrities just rave about that aren’t the best for your skin. Because of this, I am starting a segment called this, not that. You wouldn’t feed your body food that is not good for you, so why would you feed your skin products that don’t help it?
Facial Wipes: These are great for the girl on the go, but they don’t give you the best cleanse. Used daily, makeup remover wipes can create friction and tear your skin. They also contain a lot of alcohol and preservatives that are not good for sensitive skin.
Instead, Use A gentle facial cleanser that will actually clear out your pores. I have some great options.
Biore Pore Strips: These strips can also cause tears in your skin or further irritate already sensitive skin.
Instead, Use A gentle, deep-cleansing toner. Here is my favorite toner: Face Reality’s Calming Facial Toner with beautiful hints of rose, perfect for dry/normal skin types, or Sal C-Toner, great for oily/acneic skin types. Book here.
Peel-Off Mask: These popular peel-off masks may help remove dirt and buildup from your pores, they also remove precious skin cells and even vellus hair, leaving skin raw and ready for irritation. Charcoal cannot identify between the good and bad cells, so it removes them all.
Instead, Use Come see me ;) Instead of a store-bought peel-off mask, we can talk about some DIY options and give you a results-oriented facial while we’re at it. Book your appointment here.
There are so many fads out there that claim to be great for your skin but do not give you the benefits they promise. If you are ever questioning a product or want to talk about what’s right for your skin, send me a message on Facebook. Let’s chat it out :)
XOXO,
Tana Marie
What is Retinol?
Hello Beautiful! I’ve gotten a few questions about this topic and I’m here to help you understand what retinol is, how to use it, and the benefits it gives you.
Retinol
Retinol is a type of retinoid that works to increase collagen production as well as increases the rate of skin cell turnover. They help treat acne, blackheads, and clogged pores by reducing the cells that clog pores. They also speed up the rate at which skin cells regenerate.
These wonderful benefits improve your skin’s overall texture by minimizing fine lines and wrinkles, evening out skin tone, and decreasing pore size.
Options
When it comes to retinol, I have an abundance of options for you, all with different benefits.
Calm: our most gentle Vitamin A Serum designed to rejuvenate deep into the skin - $78
Correct: one of the most powerful, non-inflammatory rejuvenation serums available - $86
Renew: Spoil your skin with the most advanced, age-reversing formula available - $96
Clarify: Blemish-prone skin has met its match with this powerful vitamin A serum - $60
How to Use
The best part about retinol is that it works on all skin types and should be used as a daily step in your skincare routine.
Step 1: Stick with a gentle cleanser. I have a few options for you linked here.
Step 2: Apply your retinol serum
Step 3: Always follow your retinol with a moisturizer, especially those with hyaluronic acid and ceramides. If you have sensitive skin, you should add your moisturizer before your retinol.
If this is your first time using retinol, I recommend easing it into your routine by applying once a week and working up to every other or every night, depending on how your skin reacts.
Step 4: Don’t forget your SPF daytime of course!
If you’re curious about how to layer other products in your skincare routine, I can help! Visit this blog: “How to Layer Skincare Products.”
Benefits
Anti-aging: Retinol prevents wrinkles due to its minimizing effect. It also works to smooth out existing fine lines and wrinkles because it helps your skin produce collagen, elasticity, and encourages cell regeneration.
Brightens: Retinol brightens dull skin by exfoliating at a cellular level. The results are brighter, smoother skin.
Decreases acne: Retinol can help regulate oily skin and minimize breakouts.
Improves skin tone: Retinol can help fade dark age spots, sun spots, and is proven to improve hyperpigmentation. It evens out your complexion over time.
Side Effects
Before adding retinol to your skincare routine, it’s my responsibility as an aesthetician to let you know some of the side effects.
Because of its exfoliating powers, when not used in moderation, retinol can cause the skin to redden, peel, or dry out. That is why it is crucial you follow retinol up with a hydrating moisturizer. This may occur even if you do not have sensitive skin. You may experience these side effects when you first introduce retinol, but your skin should stabilize over time. This is why I recommend slowly adding it to your routine.
I’m so excited for you to experience the benefits retinol has to offer and I’m happy to answer any other questions you may have. Just book a consultation with me :)
XOXO,
Tana Marie
Clay in Skincare
Hello Beautiful! Do you remember how good your skin feels when you put on a mud or clay mask and relax for the evening? There’s a reason for that. Clay is one of the most powerful, yet underrated skincare products out there and I’m going to tell you why.
Clay has been recognized to promote healing and is heavily used in the cosmetics industry. Using clay regularly can benefit your skin for both therapeutic and medicinal purposes. Let’s talk about it!
How Clay is Formed
Clay is a soft, loose, earthy material containing small particles. Weathering and erosion of rocks are what forms clay over time. Rocks containing the mineral group feldspar get broken down by water and wind and when they settle, they form clay.
A mineral is a naturally occurring crystalline material that has a specific or limited range of chemical compositions, but clay minerals have a sheet-like structure.
Types of Clay
Bentonite clay: This type of clay comes from volcanic ash that has been combined with water. It is a gray or gray/cream color that draws out toxins and has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. Referred to as the “healing clay,” it is absorbent and great for oily skin.
Kaolin clay: This clay gets its name from the mineral kaolinite, which is found in tropical rainforest areas. This is a fine-grained clay and ranges in color from white, pink, or green depending on the minerals found in it. The clay yields benefits for dry to normal skin. It can enhance the tone and clarity of your skin.
Green clay: This type of clay is composed of decomposed plants and iron oxides and because of its stronger absorption, it’s perfect for oily skins. The anti-aging properties of this clay come from its great absorbability.
Zeolite clay: This clay is formed from volcanic rocks that react with alkaline. It is a good treatment for oily skin.
Dead sea clay: You probably see this type of clay a lot in different mud masks. It is a fine-textured clay that is known for its healing properties. It’s also mixed with many different types of clays to become even more powerful.
The minerals found in these clays can pull out toxins and reduce impurities in your skin. Clays will replenish the hydration in your skin. You can incorporate clay into your skincare routine by using a mud or clay mask 1-3 times per week.
Using clay as part of your skincare routine will improve your skin’s texture, tone, and hydration. Schedule a consultation with me if you would like to talk more about products that are better for your skin.
XOXO,
Tana Marie
My Signature Facelift Peel
Hello Beautiful! The Signature Facelift Peel is one of my most beneficial peels, so I thought I would highlight those benefits for you. Keep reading to learn more.
Description
Our signature results-driven treatment combines vitamin C, hydroxy acids, and enzymes to speed up cellular renewal. The new technology of centella stem cells supports redness prone skin and botanical detoxifying and energizing complexes give noticeable results in just one session.
Skin Type
The signature facelift peel is for redness or dry/dehydrated skin.
Benefits
Vitamin C and fruit enzymes blended in aloe vera base with anti-inflammatory botanicals to reduce redness. Hyaluronic acid adds moisture to dry/dehydrated skin. Gently exfoliates while infusing the skin with potent antioxidants.
The signature facelift peel combines enzymes with hydroxy acids and is gentle yet effective. Last month, I wrote an article about the benefits of enzyme peels. Let’s chat about how beneficial enzyme peels are combined with Alpha Hydroxy acids.
The Myth
One of the best things about my signature facelift peel is that your skin doesn’t actually peel. By its very nature, a peel will make your skin peel, but that doesn’t always have to be the case to achieve glowy moisturized skin. Here’s how it happens: the hydroxy acid dissolves the top layer of the dermis, removing thousands of skin cells at a time. Once the peel is removed, so are the dead skin cells, thus eliminating the peeling of your skin.
If you would like to read more benefits about hydroxy acid peels, this article from Allure explains with in-depth research.
Ingredients
Organic aloe vera gel base, Vitamin C Fruit enzyme blend Hyaluronic acid, Centella stems GX™ (centella asiatica stems), Botanica blend - coffee and peppermint, Essential oil blend eucalyptus and ylang ylang, Luminescine, Seashine (undaria pinnatifida extract), Bearberry, Licorice, Mulberry, Mallow extract, Alchemilla vulgaris (lady’s mantle), Arnica montana, Camelia Sinesis (green tea), Comfrey, Blackberry
If you’re convinced that this is the peel for you, let’s book an appointment to give you gorgeous skin.
XOXO,
Tana Marie
How to Layer Skincare Products
Hello Beautiful! I want to take a moment to recognize you. My, this year has been strange, but you have overcome the strangeness. Whether you have picked up a new hobby, invested in yourself in some way, or done some self-reflection, you have done something for yourself.
That being said, I have seen a lot of you “skinvest” in yourself and come to see me. I’ve received a lot of questions as many of you begin or dive deeper into your skincare journey. One of those questions that is most frequently asked is “how should I be layering my skincare products?”
I’m here to help! Let’s chat about the different products I recommend you have in your morning and nightly skincare routines (yes, there’s more than one) and how you should layer them.
The Layers
Start with your water-based products first like, toners, serums, and facial sprays like rose water. Why? Because they create a nice, even foundation for which to layer your moisturizer.
Pro Tip: If you have a serum that is thicker than average, then you should layer it after your toner and before your moisturizer.
Hydrate baby! Next comes the moisturizer. The base you laid in step one makes your skin soak in the moisture even more effectively.
Protect. SPF is the last step (and one you should never skip). We layer SPF on last to prevent it from being diluted by the other products in your routine.
Make it up. If you like to wear makeup as I do, this is the last step. A facial mist like a setting spray is okay to use as the last step in your makeup routine.
Morning
Good mornings always start with cleansing your face ;)
Cleanser
Toners, serums,(from thinnest to thickest) and facial mist
Moisturizer
SPF
Make-up
Night
A good night’s sleep always begins with a clean face (sense a pattern here?)
Make-up wipes/ remover
Cleanser
Toner, serums, mists
Moisturizer
Blemish creams
My goal is to create a fantastic skincare journey for you all and part of that is knowing how to effectively use those products you spend so much time researching and so much money on. This blog is a place for you to reference whenever you’re unsure. Whether it’s learning about how to layer your products or about at-home facials, I’ve got you covered.
Have a question or want to know about a different topic? Send me a Facebook message and you’ll see it next month.
XOXO,
Tana Marie