If you’re looking for an ingredient that can have many different benefits, Niacinamide is the
ingredient to look for! Keep reading to learn about all the amazing things this ingredient can do.
Niacinamide has been a buzz word lately, and for good reason. Niacinamide is a form of vitamin
B3 which has many benefits but is also great for your general skin health. It decreases
inflammation, can help eczema and treat breakouts.
Benefits of Niacinamide:
Products containing Niacinamide:
Light-diffusing technology begins to balance the appearance of uneven pigmentation after one use, and continues working over time with potent Niacinamide and Hexylresorcinol to help fade dark spots. Skin care powerhouse Shiitake Mushroom – rich in beta glucans – brightens skin, while adaptogenic Ashwagandha smoothes and delivers antioxidant benefits. Black Currant Oil and Peony Flower help boost skin’s natural luminosity. Skin shielding actives help protect against pollution-induced dark spots.
Why does your skin barrier play a key role in the health of your skin? Keep reading to
understand why skin health is a factor in beautiful looking skin!
A damaged skin barrier can be one of the hardest things to understand and fix when it comes to
your skin. The reason is because it can be caused by so many different things and can look
different for each person. It is important to understand the skin barrier for the health of our
skin and body as your skin is the bodies first defense.
Unlike pores, lines or breakouts, you can’t actually see your skin barrier with the naked eye.
Your skin barrier is the outermost layer of your skin and works like the walls of a house. It is
made from “bricks and mortar” which work like walls to protect your skin. The walls keep the
good stuff (hydration and natural oils) in and keep the bad stuff (environmental aggressors etc.)
out. If your skin barrier is healthy, it will work properly and your skin will stay looking and
feeling hydrated and healthy. When your barrier is not healthy, your skin can look dull and dry.
When your barrier is compromise, it’s because its being stripped of its natural oils. This can
happen over time for many reasons. Environmental issues play a huge role in your skins barrier,
which can be tough because these are out of our control. However certain skin care choices can
also affect your skin.
1) Temperature:
If water that you’re using is too cold or too hot it can damage and dry out your skin. Water
that’s too cold will not remove dirt or grime but hot water can strip the natural oils on the skin.
Therefore, we don’t recommend showering in scolding hot water. When washing your face, its
best to use lukewarm water. The temperature outside can also affect skin. If it’s too cold skin
can get wind burn and become dry and chapped.
2) Products that are too active:
Listen, I love BHA’s and AHA’s as much as the next girl but there’s a fine line. These ingredients
are highly effective but using too much of these concentrated ingredients can cause irritation.
You can use these products but using them at different times of the week can be a safe and
results forward option.
3) UV damage:
UV damage plays a huge role in skin health so no surprise that UV damage will also harm your
skins barrier. Sun burns are a prime example!
4) Over exfoliating:
I see you and I hear you, I also over exfoliate. This can cause extreme sensitivity. Use a
physical/mechanical exfoliant 2-3x a week to keep your skin loving it’s life.
1) Dry or rough skin
2) Itchiness
3) Acne
4) Inflammation or redness
If your barrier is compromised it is important to hydrate and strengthen your skin again.
Antioxidants, water and lipids are good ingredients to look for. Antioxidants will help fight free
radical damage and strengthen your skins natural defense system. Sunflower and safflower oils
are great because they are a lipid filled with antioxidants. Using products with hyaluronic acid
and aloe will also help calm and soothe skin as well as hydrate. Products with colloidal oatmeal
are also great for reducing redness and inflammation in the skin!
Retinol has been talked about for years. What is so great about this vitamin A derivative? Keep
reading to learn about all the difference it can make in your skin.
Retinols have been on the market for a long time now. We’ve asked many people what their
skincare goals were for 2023 and most people said that they are focusing on making their skin
look and feel more youthful. When we talk about an ingredient that makes all the difference,
retinols are that ingredient.
Retinol is an over the counter derivative of vitamin. This ingredient is used topically in skincare
to improve signs of skin aging but can also help with acne. Retinol has an exfoliating effect on
the skin which improves texture and tone. It also works by going into the dermis and boosting
collagen and elastin production which leads to more plump looking skin. Retinols are also
known to help against free radical damage.
- Fine lines
- Wrinkles
- Pigmentation
- Acne
Retinols are a very active ingredient. When used properly you can see benefits in no time at all.
But to get the best results, it’s important to understand how to use your retinol. Depending on
the type you can begin using it every day if it’s a lower percentage. It also depends on how it is
formulated. My recommendation when using a retinol is to start by using it every other day. It
is important to build your skins tolerance up or you can sensitize your skin and cause damage. It
is also important to use retinol at night as it increases sun sensitivity.
*People who use retinols commonly experience dry and irritated skin, especially after using a
new product. Redness, itchiness and peeling skin can occur.
Lucky for you we have a lot of options when it comes to Retinols!
Great for all skin types, this effective nighttime serum helps reduce breakouts and
hyperpigmentation, and improves skin texture, lessens the appearance of scarring
hyperpigmentation, and increases cellular turnover without dryness or irritation.
Protect your skin by adding SPRING BREAK® in the AM especially while using retinol.
When incorporating MBA® into your routine by using it every other night for 2 weeks to avoid
irritation and dryness.
Layer GOAL DIGGER® over our retinol serum to deeply nourish and hydrate the skin overnight.
Directions: For PM use only. Apply 1 pump to clean skin, then follow up with your favorite
moisturizer. To add retinol to your routine, use every other night for 2 weeks to build up a
tolerance. Make sure to use SPF every day when using a retinol product. Recycle the container
when empty.
Keep reading to understand why a good skincare routine and injectables go hand in hand!
The thing I love about where we are is that Botox isn’t such a bad word. I think it’s pretty cool
that there are quick fixes when it comes to some of our skin concerns and aging! When done
properly and by a professional, Botox is a safe and effective procedure to diminish fine lines and
wrinkles.
It is a widely known brand of botulinum toxin which affect nerves and cause temporary blockage to nerve signals in the muscles. The effect is that the muscles can no longer tense up and this smooths out lines and wrinkles. Many areas can be treated in one session as well. Botox is also used to treat a variety of medical conditions in including hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) and chronic migraines.
Botox is used to reduce fine lines and wrinkles byparalyzing the underlying muscles, fillers on the other hand will fill inwrinkles.
Your skin is an organ therefore taking care of it isa lifelong journey and commitment. There are certain things Botox cannot fix.There are also concerns like water-loss, hyperpigmentation, texture and acne.Skin cancer is also a huge concern which is why SPF is so important.
Ingredients such as retinol and vitamin c help keepyour skin strong on a cellular level. They help boost your skins naturalcollagen and elastin production which makes your skin healthier from the insideout. Hydrating is also key in keeping skin looking plump. Hyaluronic acid is aningredient with “filler-like” qualities so skin appears plump and smooth.Antioxidants are also important skincare ingredients because they help preventagainst free radical damage which is a huge factor in skin aging and skin care.
Christmasis coming, it’s practically here! Just a few more sleeps until the big day, and although there’s tons of excitement, the pressure of getting those last-minute gifts can be a little distracting! Lucky for you, we’ve got some ideas.
Our guests do a lot of shopping for gifts in our locations all through the year. We haveso many amazing holiday packs. But another great gift idea is a gift card. Nowat the end of the day these gift cards are loaded for an amount of money whichcan be used for service or retail but here are some “package” ideas that youcan put together when you’re in location purchasing your gift card.
We’veall got one, the waitress or the runner. Even the friend who’s always on thego. I suggest the peep-toe pedicure and a reflexology treatment (exclusively inPitt Meadows). The peep toe pedicure is a foot treatment that has all the essentials with extra attentionpaid to callus care including a seriously softening foot scrub, moisturizingmask with hot towel wrap and relaxation foot massage.
Pair the gift card with Aveda’s FootRelief to make it extra special!
Once again westill have so many wonderful gift packs in a range of prices if you’re lookingfor last minute gift ideas. We are open every day until Christmas!
If you’ve been doing any research on anti-aging lately, two words you’ve probably seen a lot are ceramides and peptides. These two power house ingredients are so important when it comes to maintaining youthful skin.
To understand the importance of these two ingredients, we need to understand their role in our skin. Ceramides and peptides both occur naturally in the skin. But as with most things, the aging process slows down the production of these. Ceramides and peptides are so important when it comes to keeping your skin structure and barrier healthy and intact.
Peptides are made up of amino acids. There are hundreds of types of peptides and when they are formed in a specific way, they make proteins. Proteins are the vital building blocks of skin. If you are lacking in peptides, skin will become changed in texture and will lose its bounciness. Peptides are incredibly smart. They essentially tell the skin what it needs and each one works to target that need.
Pro Tip: Use peptides along with other ingredients such as Vitamin C. These two work together well because Vitamin C is an antioxidant which helps fight free radical damage and protecting the skin. While Vitamin C helps “defend” your skin structure, peptides work hard to create proteins to rebuild the skin!
Ceramides are a moisturizing ingredient. Ceramides are lipids that make up about 50% of the lipids that form your skins barrier. This barrier needs to remain intact for the skin to stay healthy. It is said to be the glue that keeps your skin intact and healthy but also keeps in hydration and keeps out pollution and other elements. Ceramides are also essential in keeping your skin hydrated, plump and soft. They appear in skincare under many different names such as ceramide AP.
Pro Tip: Ceramides are important in keeping your skin hydrated and prepared to receive active ingredients. If your skin barrier is not hydrated and healthy, it can become compromised and sensitive to certain ingredients. Therefore, it is a good idea to use hyaluronic acid and even niacinamide to keep the skin hydrated and inflammation down!
Did you know your skin can be dry and dehydrated? Did you know your skin could be oily and dehydrated? It can also be sensitive. It can also be dry with sensitization. Seems a little crazy right? Well it’s not! There is a huge difference between dryness and dehydration and it all starts with your genetic make up.
Your skin type is something you are born with and it is largely determined by genetics. It is primarily based on pore size and oil secretion but can also play a part in understanding why your skin may be more sensitive or reactive. The larger your pore size and oil secretion, the more oily of a skin type you are. If your skin is dry, it will have smaller pores and less oil secretion. The main skin types are dry, oily and sensitive.
There are pro’s and con’s to both skin types. Oily skin can have its challenges when you are a teenager because you have a higher chance of breakouts and acne. These types of breakouts can look more like congestion on drier skin types as the sebum gets trapped under small pores. Oily skin tends to age better because it has a better natural lubrication system.
Skin condition is something that can happen in your skin due to a number of different things. Your skin condition is essentially what is happening in your skin at the current time. Examples of skin conditions are dehydration, aging, hyper pigmentation, breakouts and sensitivity.
Hey everyone! I am excited to tell you we have a new and exclusive service available at my home location in Pitt Meadows, Reflexology. Eileen is one of our service providers who is trained in reflexology. I sat down with her and received a treatment and I am in heaven! My feet and my body feel great. I asked her some questions while I was getting pampered. Here’s what she had to say!
Full disclosure Eileen is not a doctor therefore she cannot “diagnose” you. She will however explain her findings and how that may affect your body.
“Reflexology is an ancient Chinese practice that was the precursor to acupuncture. The belief is that the feet mirror the body, so where anything is on your body, it appears in your feet. For instance, the top of your toes is the top of your head.”
“The lymphatic system takes in fluid and expels them in the body. Sometimes these toxins cannot be expelled for whatever reason, gravity drains the lymphatic fluid down to the bottom of the feet and “pools” and crystalizes in the sections that mirror the body. For example, if you are a person who suffers from headaches, the tips or your toes may hurt a lot. When I do Reflexology I can feel those crystals and I break them apart with the pressure points and it sends it back through your lymphatic system.”
Eileen then explained to me she works on the kidneys within the foot, which can be quite sensitive. Your kidney collects all the toxins. Doing this pressure point technique in the foot activates the kidney which then activates your bladder to excrete all the waste materials through natural process.
“Reflexology can be done on the ears, hands and feet but the feet tend to be the most effective because gravity drains everything as far down as it can possibly go, which is your feet.”
“A session books for an hour but takes around 45 mins.”
“It is not a foot massage at all! It is pressure points on the feet. I have clean hands and the person has clean feet with no lotion so I can feel the crystals. So instead of rubbing the feet for the whole time, there is pinching and pushing movements. Very different from a foot massage.”
If you’re interested in Reflexology, book online now at our Pitt Meadows location! It can also be added to your pedicure service for some extra pampering.
Have you ever wondered how your diet can affect your skin? Certain foods can even help combat against certain skin conditions. Some might even surprise you! Keep reading for more info.
You are what you eat is a term most of us have heard once in our lifetime. And this is true, diet and the foods you eat play a big role in weight loss and weight gain, immunity, and high or low cholesterol. Your health is greatly affected by what you eat and all of your organs can be affected. But one of the organs you may not be thinking, the largest organ your body has, your skin is also suffering consequences from your diet.
1. Alcohol: Sorry! Alcohol can speed up the aging process because it draws out moisture from your skin and dehydrates you.
2. Spicy foods: This one may come as a surprise to some people but spicy food can trigger inflammation which can cause skin sensitivity and rosacea.
3. Soda: Pop can cause signs of early aging as it damages your collagen, not to mention its very high in sugar and can put you at risk for breakouts.
4. Caffeine: Caffeine causes dehydration which can make things like fine lines appear worse. It can also affect your sleep which can show on your skin. However, coffee does have antioxidants so everything in moderation!
5.Salty snacks: Chips and popcorn are fun to indulge in but can having last effects on your skin. This can lead to water retention and breakouts!
1. Avocados: They are high in healthy fats which keeps your skin lubricated and moisturized. It is also high in Vitamin E which is an antioxidant that fights against free radical damage and prevents aging.
2. Kiwi: Kiwis contain more vitamin C than oranges do. Vitamin C is an antioxidant which aids in the production of collagen and helps fight against UV damage.
3. Water: Surprised but not surprised. Upping your water intake is the easiest way to give your skin a healthy glow. Foods like watermelon and cucumber also have high water content.
4. Ginger: Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and has a soothing effect on the skin when applied topically.
5. Chia seeds: Chia contains omega-3 fatty acids which help with collagen production and keeps your skin smooth.
“My burn always turns into a tan” are some famous words I have heard over the years. And though this may seem like a good thing, it’s important to understand why this happens! Keep reading to learn about sunburns and how they affect your skin long term.
Hey everyone and happy July! You wouldn’t know it’s summer because it’s down pouring here. Today we are going to talk about a topic that most people have experienced, but we are going to dive into how your body defends itself against the sun, and what is actually happening in your skin when you get a sun burn.
A sun tan is the result of the body’s natural defense system to protect you against UV rays. When you are soaking up the rays, your skin produces more melanin to absorb the UV light and converts it as heat. You could say melanin is your skin’s natural sunscreen. Someone with darker skin is more protected from the sun than someone with lighter skin therefore they would be more protected from burning, however the sun emits two rays which are both harmful. UVB = burning rays and UVA = aging rays.
A sun burn occurs when this natural defense mechanism becomes overwhelmed. When this happens your DNA and molecules in your skin become damaged and this leads to inflammation in your skin which causes the painful redness. Your body is essentially delivering its blood to the damaged area.
Your skin begins to peel or slough off after a sun burn because your body is once again protecting itself and is saying “goodbye” to what could turn into cancerous cells. That is why the risk of skin cancer or melanoma is so much higher for people who have experienced multiple sun burns in their life.
Please understand that 1) There is no guarantee that your skin will tan after burning and 2) that this is not the best process for your body to go through.
This is once again your body’s defense mechanism just producing melanin because it has been damaged so badly.
How do I tan safely?
- Use SPF! We recommend a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
- Reapply SPF!
- Build your tan up gradually.
- Change positions if you are laying in the sun.
- Get a spray tan!
Exciting news from Aveda! The botanical kinetics hydrating water gel cream is going to be your new skincare staple. Keep reading to figure out why!
Okay guys so some big time exciting news. Aveda has launched a new moisturizer that encompasses everything a water gel should. These types of “gel moisturizers” are becoming more and more popular and it’s no surprise why. There are so many wonderful things about these types of products, they hydrate and leave a silky smooth feeling on the skin. What I love is that you can also use these types of moisturizers as almost a serum for the skin and you can apply another moisturizer on top.
- 97% naturally derived
- vegan formula
- delivers 24 hour hydration
- minimizes appearance of lunes
- plumps skin and sooths skin
Clinical Results from the first use**:
•100% of panelists demonstrated an improvement in instant and all-day moisture
•100% of panelists demonstrated an improvement in instant radiance
•100% of panelists demonstrated an improvement in skin’s barrier strength after just 4 hours
** Clinical testing on 20 women after using the product once.
There are so many powerhouse ingredients in this product that hydrate the skin but in turn calm and sooth the skin as well. This product will restore the radiance in your skin with ingredients like mineral-rich sea water, hyaluronic acid, centella asiatica extract and different plant and flower extracts.
Mineral rich sea water
- There are amino acids, sea minerals and algae found in sea water that help maintain the skins natural barrier and help protect it from water loss. It also helps calm irritation, reduce inflammation and promotes overall healthy skin.
Hyaluronic acid
- This ingredient is not a secret to us but it always deserves some spot light! This ingredient visibly plumps and hydrates the skin. It is a humectant that holds 1000x its weight and water and delivers it to the skin. This also gives this product a smooth and silky finish.
Centella Asiatica extract
- Whats that? Well this is an extract that comes from the leaves of Centella Asiatica which is a perennial more commonly known as Indian Pennywort. This ingredient is shown to increase collagen synthesis but also helps calm, sooth and reduce the look of redness.
When it comes to SPF there is a “broad spectrum” of options out there. But what does it all mean and which is best suited to you? Keep reading to understand a little more about the importance of SPF.
As I am writing this blog I have the sun beaming on my face. This May has been pretty cold and gloomy okay but I am enjoying these few hours of sun in the morning. As we get into the summer months it seems like it makes sense to talk about SPF. But SPF is important to wear through all the seasons as well.
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. SPF is a measure of how effectively a sunscreen protects your skin from burning. But the higher the number of SPF doesn’t mean that you are going to be more protected.
An SPF 15 sunscreen blocks 93% of UVB radiation, and SPF 30 blocks 97%. After that, the difference in protection is small. SPF 50 blocks 98%, and SPF 100 stops 99% of UVB rays from reaching your skin.
- Saira George, M.D., a dermatologist at MD Anderson in Sugar Land.
What the number of SPF truly tells us is how often we need to be reapplying our sunscreen, the lower the number of SPF, the more often you should reapply.
When it comes to SPF there are two types. Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing UV rays and convert them to heat which is then released by your skin. A physical sunscreen blocks the sunlight and creates a barrier that reflects UV rays away from the skin.
When it comes to SPF there are two types. Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing UV rays and convert them to heat which is then released by your skin. A physical sunscreen blocks the sunlight and creates a barrier that reflects UV rays away from the skin.
Broad Spectrum moisturizer helps combat the appearance of skin aging. Help minimize the appearance of skin aging with this medium-weight, emollient daily moisturizer with Broad Spectrum SPF 50. Antioxidant White Tea, rich in polyphenols, and a unique polypeptide help improve the appearance of photoaged skin. Active sunscreens protect against UVA and UVB rays. Blends smoothly over skin for a perfect finish.
BEST
Alicia on Jul 30, 2019
You can’t go wrong with a moisturizer and spf all in one. Dynamic skin is great for hydration as well as protection from the sun (only when it’s causing lines!
Microneedling is a skincare deep treatment procedure that produces a controlled wound response in the skin. This response encourages your skin cells to produce more collagen and elastin.
Microneedling works by encouraging your skin to produce more collagen. It works by causing small pin pricks in the skin to cause slight injury on a controlled level. This triggers a cascade of healing stages to repair the injured tissue. There are 3 phases to wound healing:
Phase 1: Inflammation
Piercing the skin triggers your immune system, which consists of white blood cells to disinfect the wounds, remove debris, increase blood flow and begin to create new tissue.
Phase 2: Proliferation
In this secondary phase, the tissue structures are reconstructed and fibroblasts are stimulated to produce collagen.
Phase 3: Remodelling
The wound is replaced with new dermal tissue and blood vessels.
The major benefits of Microneedling include:
• Improves the quality and texture of skin.
• Exfoliates the skin.
• Reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
• Removing debris from skin.
• Improves scars. Microneedling is proven to diminish the look of surgery and acne scars.
• Prevents signs of aging
• Helps with pigmentation.
We begin by getting you to fill out a consultation form when you come in for the service. This will give us a better idea or your skin needs and informs your service provider if there are any contraindications (reasons why you may not be able to get the service). After that we bring you into the room, cleanse your skin and begin the numbing procedure. We use a topical numbing cream, apply it to your skin and let it sit for about 20-25 mins. You will still be able to feel a touch sensation but the numbing cream blocks the pain receptors so you won’t feel pain from the pin pricks. While the numbing is activating (this is the longest part), we do a sensory experience of your choice which will be listed on the consultation form. Once the numbing has activated, we wipe and cleanse it off, wipe your skin with an alcohol pad and begin the microneedling, We apply a suitable serum on your skin, and microneedle it into your skin, as well as apply more serum on top after. We finish with a suitable serum, eye cream and moisturizer after.
What to expect right after the treatment:
• Redness and sensitivity up to 7 days.
• Skin might feel tight; please be consistent with your serum and moisturizer.
• Mild break outs as it detoxifies and removes debris from skin.
• Radiant skin immediately and in the days after.
• Following the after care will result in fast recovery.
• Following your after care is essential for successful results.
• Washing with a gentle cleanser after 6 hours.
• No exfoliation for 1 week.
• You can start wearing makeup after 24 hours, making sure redness has subsided.
• Using sun block 3 times per day based on season and life style.
• Using a hyaluronic acid serum and a moisturizer after 24 hours is a must and continue to do so to maximize treatment benefits.
• Avoid hot showers, saunas, and chlorinated pools.
• Avoid exposure to cold weather for at least 5 days.
• Avoid these two ingredients: Kojic Acid and Hydroquinone.
• Avoid facial waxing for 7 days after treatment.
• Botox and fillers should be avoided for 7 days after treatment.
The most important part when receiving any medical aesthetic service is maintenance! Having a consistent and quality routine, ALWAYS, makes treatments last longer and work to the best of there abilities.
Hyaluronic acid is produced in our body. It is found in your skin, connective tissues and eyes. Its function is to retain water and leave our skin hydrated and plump. This particular acid protects the skin from aging and against environmental aggressors. It contains antioxidants that shield against free radicals.
Alternatively, Fillers contain hyaluronic acid to plump the skin. Whether you get filler in your lips, cheeks or anywhere else, the hyaluronic acid you’re applying topically is attracted to the hyaluronic acid that has been injected. This leaves you with ample amounts of hydration, eradicates dullness and you’re skin will feel more plump than ever before.
By using hyaluronic acid or skincare products that contain it, you are ensuring that you’re getting the maximum benefits of any filler you have received.
We love ingredients at Eccotique. AHA’s, vitamin C and retinols all have amazing benefits but using them together, does it make them less or more effective?
A couple months ago we talked about which skincare ingredients pair well together. And while some things are in fact better together, there are other things that are not. Some ingredients don’t do justice for one another and can even have harmful and irritating effects on the skin even if they have similar benefits. When powerful ingredients share the spotlight, your skin can become irritated and sensitized which can cause further damage and make you nervous about using these products moving forward. But you can have all the good things if you use them properly!
Retinols and AHA’s such as glycolic acid and lactic acid are all great when it comes to repairing aging skin and making it appear more youthful. However these are both very active ingredients that exfoliate the outermost layer of your skin, therefore they can cause your skin’s barrier to become compromised, dry and sensitized. So more isn’t exactly better in this case. The safest way to pair these ingredients is to use them on alternating days. If you have very tolerant skin than there are other safe ways, for example if you have a low percentage retinol in a moisturizer or a small percentage of AHA in a cleanser then you may be able to pair those together but it is always better to proceed with caution when mixing ingredients.
Another pair of ingredients that can provide wonderful results. Vitamin C is great for aging skin, pigmentation and is a powerful antioxidant which protects against free radical damage. Retinol fights signs of aging by exfoliating and helps increase the production of collagen and elastin. These two products thrive at different times of the day; Vitamin C in the day and Retinol works better at night. Light causes retinol to not work as effectively and causes the skin to be sensitive to UV rays and sunlight. They have two very different functions and are both active so they should never be mixed together.
Vitamin C is a powerhouse ingredient but it is an incredibly unstable ingredient to use because it can oxidize or neutralize easily. Since it is very pH sensitive, pairing it with an AHA cause decrease the effectiveness of the ingredient. They are both active as well so as with the other pairings, your skin can becomes sensitized and irritated when combining these two.
I’ll explain why these two pairing can sometimes work! Using retinols with BHA’s can be tough because retinols are also unstable and mixing it with SA can cause redness, dryness and irritation. Because of that we recommend using your SA in the morning and retinol as directed at night.
Okay so this one is a little tricky because the rule, generally, is no. However Dermalogica decided to challenge this idea and created an amazing Retinol Clearing Oil which does have salicylic acid in it. It is in a lipid base which makes it more stable and soothing to the skin as well as time released retinol. The design of this product maximizes the effects of both ingredients without having harsh effects on the skin!
If you’re also interested in learning about skincare ingredients that do work better when paired together, CLICK HERE read our blog on it for all the information!
Heyeveryone! I am so excited to post this blog today. The reason is because I getto brag about one of my all time favourite products: Dermalogica Calm Water Gel!
The name itself makes my soul happy. First, a little bit of back story: I have struggled with very dry dehydrated skin for years and years. I was using lots of moisturizer and serums, but nothing was locking in that moisture. My skin would be so dry that my eyebrows would be so painful when I would wax them. This dryness and dehydration caused my skin barrier to become extremely stressed and sensitized. This resulted in a development of eczema in my skin.
Calm Water Gel had been on the market for around a year before I decided to buy it. I never thought my skin was super sensitive until I realized it was. I had tried it here and there but as with most products, you need to be consistent to see results - and boy did I see results! This product changed my life. It added so much hydration to my skin, improved my barrier and leaves my skin feeling soft and supple. I think that this is a product for anyone who deals with dehydration whether you’re skin is dry, oily or sensitive.
Calm water gel is a weightless water-gel moisturizer that hydrates dry, sensitive skin. Its refreshing gel formula transforms into a skin-quenching fluid upon application, which forms a weightless barrier against environmental assault. Dual Hyaluronic Acid technology works in different skin surface layers to increase and lock in moisture.
Pollution: Microscopic pollutants can get into the skin and cause free radical damage. This causes damage to the barrier of the skin which can lead to sensitive and damaged skin.
Humidity levels: If your skin is exposed to low humidity levels, it’s unable to hold onto moisture because the moisture evaporates quickly.
Temperature: The change towards cold weather and indoor heating can also affect your skin. In turn, so can excessive heat and air conditioning.
Hyaluronic Acid – humectant that hydrates and locks in moisture.
Aloe – calms and soothes the skin.
Lavender – works as anti-inflammatory
Please note that calm water gel is a lightweight moisturizer and can be used on its own. However it can also be layered underneath another moisturizer almost as a serum. A little bit goes a long way!
Peptides are short strings of amino acids. Essentially they are the building blocks of protein. They occur in the skin and are included in many skincare products. Peptides can be absorbed through the skin which then enters your bloodstream quickly.
- Anti-aging properties (collagen peptide, for example)
- Improves your skins health
- Anti-inflammatory properties (eases inflammation and repairs damaged skin)
- Improves the skins barrier
- Reduces the appearance of wrinkles
- Can help clear breakouts since some peptides are antimicrobial
Pro Tip: Choose the second active carefully! Peptides work well with a secondary ingredient. This includes vitamin c, niacinamide, antioxidants and hyaluronic acid.
Spring has sprung! Flowers are coming out, its lighter for longer. All things are good! However, all this comes with some major spring cleaning feelings. Today we are going to talk about how to clean up your skin care cabinet to keep your skin looking its best.
All those beautiful skin care bottles look amazing on display. But this isn’t always the best idea when it comes to product potency. Temperature and light exposure can play a role in how quickly your product expires and how efficient it works. Heat and light causes products to breakdown, separate or oxidize. If a product has a very active ingredient, it can become less effective if it is exposed to sunlight.
Expirations are a pretty standard thing for us with food, but did you know your skincare also has a best before date? Not all products have an actual listed expiry date on them, but products do have what we call a Period After Opening (PAO) date on them. You can find the PAO on the back of the bottle, usually near the bottom and it will look like a small container with the lid open which will usually have a number followed by the letter “M”. The letter “M” stands for months, and the number beside it is the number of months after opening the product that it is good for. My advice is to write an expiry date on your product after you open it. So, if your bottle says 6M and the date you open it is January 1st, then it would expire July 1st.
HOW TO TELL IF YOUR PRODUCT IS EXPIRED?
Now that you have gotten rid of a bunch of expired product it is time to treat yourself. Come into Eccotique for a spring cleaning for your skin. It’s great to talk to a skin care therapist so that you can be using all the products to suit your skincare needs as they come. What you used last year, you may not necessarily need this year. Getting a facial will clean out your skin, but will also help set the tone for your future skin care goals.
Did I mention you get 15% off product when you come in for a service?
At Eccotique we have four different options for purple shampoo. Here are the benefits of each in order from least to most pigmented!
• Contains blue and purple pigments for instant illumination
• Neutralizes brassy and yellow undertones
• Works on highlighted and grey hair
• Uses hyaluronic acid to protect and prevent damage
• Lightweight hydration
• Removes impurities and pollution particles
When it comes to pregnancy there is a lot of information about what is good and not good! Today we are going to talk about the specifics of skincare when it comes to what you should and should not use while pregnant!
Full disclosure, I am not a doctor. All of this is knowledge I have read or picked up over the years. Keep in mind some things/ingredients are okay in moderation. As a skin care therapist, it is my job to stay on the safe side of things and provide as much information to you as I can, and recommend treatments/products that give you not only the best, but safest results.
Don’t use retinol
Retinol is a derivative of Vitamin A. Certain amount or percentages of Vitamin A are safe for babies however there are many studies that show that an excess amount can be harmful. If you are using a retinol product to help with acne or aging skin, a suitable substitute would be glycolic acid or vitamin C. Hello Biolumin C serum!
Don’t use hydroquinone
This is a skin lightening agent. Melasma is a skin condition that can develop during pregnancy on the face. It is often referred to as pregnancy mask, and it normally goes away after you have your baby. When this happens a lot of women turn to over the counter solutions and this ingredient can be found in some of them. It has a very high absorption rate which is why experts are nervous about it.
Don’t use chemical sunscreens
Chemical sunscreens can disrupt hormones. It is important to use SPF daily but a chemical sunscreen can be absorbed into the blood stream. Using a physical sun screen or a sun block is a better option for you! Have you tried Invisible Physical Defense?
Don’t use salicylic acid
During pregnancy, the levels of your hormones fluctuate and that can lead to skin conditions such as acne. It is important to avoid Accutane but another important ingredient (that I love) should be avoided and that is salicylic acid which is derived from aspirin mostly.
Don’t use essential oils
Pure essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy. The molecules are small that they can affect the blood stream to a degree. It was drilled into my brain in esthetics school that you shouldn’t use essential oils at all when pregnant. Certain oils can trigger contractions and increase blood pressure.
Do use lactic acid
Lactic acid is an AHA that is derived from dairy which helps exfoliate the skin. It is more gentle than glycolic acid. It hydrates the skin, but also lightens and brightens the appearance of uneven or discolored skin. Skin Resurfacing Cleanser is a great cleanser that contains lactic acid!
With Valentines day coming up I thought why not talk about some skin care power couples! Keep reading to figure out which ingredients pack the best punch when they are paired up.
I am all about getting the most of your skin care, and sometimes that means figuring out which ingredients are more beneficial when paired together. We spend a lot of time and money on our skin care and I think it is important to get the full benefits of your products. Today we are going to talk about my top 5 ingredient pairings and why they work so well together.
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, which means it’s a water loving ingredient that can hold up to 1000x its weight in water and bond it to the skin. AHA’s or Alpha Hydroxy Acids are natural acids derived from food which can also be considered humectants because they help bring hydration to the skin. Hyaluronic acid is a great ingredient for all skin types. When using an AHA, it exfoliates and essentially paves the way for your other ingredients to work better. Using Hyaluronic Acid after using an AHA will help hydrate, but also calms and soothes any irritation that can happen when using an AHA.
It’s no secret that to taking care of your scalp is as important as taking care of your skin. Scalp care also promotes hair growth and reduces hair fall. Here are our favourites!
A gentle gel scrub that contains sweet orange peel that deeply cleanses and calms the scalp. Your hair will retain and optimal level of hydration! The gel texture is specifically for sensitive scalps to combat dryness, flakiness and dandruff. It promotes skin renewal and unclogs the pores. It leaves your hair with 59% more volume and will be noticeably smoother and shinier too!
It is a water like tonic that can moisturize, protect and refresh the skin. Toner often comes in a spray bottle or in a “twist off cap” bottle and can be applied with a cotton round. It is meant to restore the ph of your skin without stripping it from its natural moisture.
Toner can be used to minimize large pores, calm sensitive skin, to balance oily skin (pick one that contains witch hazel!) and can brighten dull skin.
After cleansing it preps your skin to absorb all the products you apply after such as moisturizers and eye creams.
A refreshing mist to restore the skins ph and dissolve surface oil. Helps tone, balance and replenish moisture.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (aka AHA's) are a grouping of acids that are natural which are derived from different foods. They are water loving acids that hydrate the skin and stimulate collagen production. They can treat a number of skin care concerns including dryness, dullness, aging skin, hyperpigmentation and even breakouts. Lets break down:
Glycolic acid is the strongest AHA. This is because glycolic acid has a very small molecular structure which means that it can penetrate fast and far into the skin. Because it is so strong, I do not recommend using this if you are just starting with skin care because it can be harsher on sensitive skin. It is a good ingredient that can be used daily, however start with using it every other day if it is in your cleanser! If you are using it, and your skin is not ready or you are over using it, your skin could become irritated and sensitive. Glycolic acid is derived from sugar can, making it sustainable.
Lactic acid is a gentler AHA. This is because it has a larger molecular structure than Glycolic acid. This makes it more suitable for sensitive skin types, or for someone who is starting out with skin care. Lactic acid is derived from dairy, therefore people who have a dairy allergy may want to avoid this AHA depending on how severe the allergy is because food allergies don’t always translate to skin.
Malic is an AHA which is derived from apples. It has even larger molecules than lactic acid so it penetrates the skin slower. This type of acid is better suited for normal to sensitive skin types. Malic acid and lactic acid are great options for someone who is starting to use acids in their skin care.
Mandelic acid is an AHA that is derived from bitter almonds. If you are allergic to nuts, you might still be able to use this acid as not all allergies are affected on the skin. Mandelic acid is also antibacterial which makes it a good AHA for oily or breakout prone skin. This is a milder exfoliant therefore it can be used on sensitive skin types.
Rule #1: SPF
The most important thing to remember is when using an AHA you need to be using sunscreen as well. AHA’s do make your skin more sensitive to the sun and can increase the risk of sunburn. Because they exfoliate your skin, new skin is reveled underneath. This new skin is more vulnerable to sun damage. You want to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 every morning!
Rule #2: Start Slow
If you are new to AHA’s it might be tempting to use it all the time to get the results you want. But AHA’s are very strong and if they are not gradually introduced to your skin care routine, you can have undesired results. Make sure you are following the instructions on your skin care bottle to ensure proper usage. Also, I recommend using your AHA product a few times a week or every other day to start. If sensitivity occurs than remain at that usage until your skin is ready to use it more often. This is the most effective way to get good and safe results. Also, using an AHA with a larger molecular compound (lactic or malic) instead of a smaller one such as glycolic acid, is a good way to get your skin used to AHA’s.
You always hear about ingredients, what skin concerns they are good for. But we don’t always jump into why certain ingredients are good for skin, we just know that they work. But the only way we can correct the things that are happening in our skin and improve them, is to understand what’s going on under the microscope.
Peptides are naturally occurring in the skin. They are amino acids that make up proteins in the skin. Collagen is made of 3 peptide chains. Collagen is a big one I’m hearing lately. People have been taking collagen internally as well a lot lately and there is a ton of hype about it. But finding skin care with peptides will help naturally boost collagen as well. Collagen as a molecule is too large to be absorbed by the skin. Therefore, applying peptides topically will help strengthen your skin and keep it soft and bouncy with minimal wrinkles. Peptides also make elastin. Using skincare packed with peptides will help fight signs of aging, improved skin barrier function, and help inflammation. Some peptides are antibacterial as well and can help fight and prevent against future breakouts.
Also remember, using a blend of different skin care ingredients can help you target multiple concerns at once which means you get the most from your skin care routine!
Okay everyone it’s January 2022, the start of a new year. And each year most people talk about 1 thing, their New Year’s resolutions. I’ve been talking about this a lot lately and it got me thinking, what are my goals for my skin this year?
Another year to be the best versions of ourselves and now we are literally going to put our best faces forward. I’m going to figure out what I want for my skin this year, what ingredients I look for and what products I will be using! My main concerns are dehydration, pigmentation and some aging concerns.
This is number one for me. I am so dehydrated! My skin at points has become so sensitive from how dehydrated it was because it affected the protective barrier of my skin. Dehydrated skin is a thing that most people deal with. Many people do not drink enough water; therefore, your skin will also be dehydrated. Dehydration is a skin condition which means that the skin is lacking in water. Dehydration looks lackluster and flaky. It can also become sensitized and itchy. There are many ways to address this skin concern internally and on the skin. Sober January! Alcohol plays a huge effect on your skin and so does coffee! Ingredients to look for are humectants such as hyaluronic acid. This ingredient holds 1000x its weight in water and bonds it to the skin.
This is a cool retinol because the delivery system is an oil! This is great because it helps target breakouts as well as aging concerns and is a great retinol to start with. It has slow release retinol which will helps with hyperpigmentation as well! It also contains salicylic acid which will help clear breakouts.
Today we are going to get right to it. This blog is all about Dermalogica cleansers, and finding which one could work for you! I’m going to get into the nitty gritty with our cleansers and talk about it all, textures, ingredients, everything. Let jump in.
Pre Cleanse is the ultimate tool for removing stubborn makeup and preparing your skin to be properly cleansed. That’s right, you should technically cleanse your skin twice. The first cleanse to remove dirt, oil and makeup. And the second cleanse to prepare your skin, and create a clean foundation for the next products to be absorbed.
Good for dry skin or pigmentation!
Winter is coming! It’s practically here! Things are getting colder and this weather is definitely having some effects on our skin. Things are starting to feel dry, dehydrated, rough and itchy. The problem is that when things get cold, we crank the heat. But the American Academy of Dermatology tells us that things like turning up the heat in our homes and showers, can have negative effects on your skin. Hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils, therefore causing it to feel tight and dry.
Dryness is just one problem, which can be helped pretty easily with some exfoliation and hyaluronic acid. But the change of season can also cause your barrier function in your skin to be compromised. Wind, indoor heating and changes in humidity levels also affects our skin. When the barrier is no longer intact, the skin also becomes dehydrated because it is losing water. These gaps in the barrier of the skin also allow for pollutants and irritants to affect the skin and can cause sensitivity. These conditions can also encourage dormant skin conditions such as eczema or rosacea to become more visible and irritating during the colder months.
Okay so this all sounds a little scary but I promise you, there are ways to keep your skin looking luminous and healthy this winter season. Here and some tips, tricks and products that you can add to your (already amazing) skin care routine.
A humidifier is a good way to keep your skin’s moisture levels protected. It keeps your skin less irritated and more hydrated but also keeps you clear of congestion as well. It can also assist you with sleep.
Avoid soap harsh and base cleansers. These ingredients strip the skin of its natural oils. If you use a gel cleanser, you may want to switch to using a cream cleanser. Cream based cleansers tend to be more hydrating to the skin as they are usually more oil rich or lipid based. I suggest Aveda Botanical Kinetics Purifying Crème Cleanser or Dermalogica Ultracalming Cleanser during the winter months to keep your skin hydrated and keep that barrier protected.
It’s natural for us to want to heat up with a long hot bath or warm shower. But hot water is actually drying out your skin, and stripping it of moisture. It is best (although not ideal) to take a lukewarm shower in the winter.
Don’t forget, the skin around your eyes and lips is also going to become more sensitive this time of year as it is thinner and more delicate. Skin conditions such as eczema can also show up around the eye area with the weather change. Keep eyes and lips hydrated with lip balms and exfoliating scrubs. Keep the delicate eye area moisturized and perhaps using a thicker eye cream will help as well! Also, avoid licking your lips, the enzymes in saliva are drying to the skin.
We just got the coolest new thing on out shelves this month! The perfect Christmas gift for that person who has everything. And those skin care junkies? They will love it! This will make their skin dreams come true! I am talking about the Relaxus Beauty LED Light Therapy Shield! Let’s chat a little bit about why it’s so amazing!
LED light therapy is a non-invasive skin treatment that can help several skin conditions. LED stands for light-emitting diode. They have been used for years but more recently have become very popular for many skin treatments. LED lights have different wave lengths depending on color and the waves penetrate the skin at different layers. Per Medical News Today, in the past Navy SEAL’s used to use LED light therapy to heal their wounds. LED light therapy is also used by astronauts to help speed up tissue healing and repair. It does not have UV rays. UV rays can be harmful to the skin. It also does not cause burns and is safe for all skin types.
This new mask has 3 options for LED light color: Red, Blue and Orange!
KEY BENEFITS:
- Reduces Fine lines
- Reduces Wrinkles
- Eliminates Redness
- Reduces Inflammation
- Stimulates skins natural rejuvenation process
- Stimulates collagen production
KEY BENEFITS:
- Target Acne
- Eliminate Breakouts
- Reduce Post Acne Scarring
- Anti-inflammatory
KEY BENEFITS:
- Calms
- Soothes
- Boosts collagen production
- Targets Rosacea
- Reduces Redness
> If someone is suffering with acne it would be great for them to use red and blue light. Blue light will help with the oil production by targeting the sebaceous glands. The red light used alongside the Blue will help with inflammation and redness that comes with acne and breakouts.
> Stay consistent! LED light therapy only works if you do. You heard me, it’s a slow burn (pardon the pun). You will need to commit to multiple sessions to really notice a difference in your skin. We offer treatments in spa but we are so excited about this mask so you can keep up with treatments at home!
> LED light therapy can be done on other areas of your body besides your face to help stimulate collagen and elastin. It can also help reduce scarring and hyperpigmentation. Using it on your neck and chest will help firm aging skin in those stubborn areas.
You’ve been hearing us talk about exfoliation a lot lately, and with the fall months, it’s the perfect time to exfoliate. The weather is cold and our skin is dry, which means we need to help our skin cycle and give it a little kick-start. What comes to mind? Exfoliation and scrubs!
I don’t know about you but my skin is dry dry dry! And textured … and dull. Chemical exfoliation, peels and treatments are all over the place right now. And even here at Eccotique, you hear us talk about those types of exfoliation a lot. But, I want to talk a little bit more about physical (or mechanical) exfoliation. Exfoliation is a huge component in your skin care routine and our skin treatments. This is because exfoliation is a key segment in sloughing away dead skin cells, promoting cell turnover and it helps the other products you use work a lot better. Physical exfoliation is the process of manually scrubbing your skin to exfoliate and remove dead skin cells. This can be done with different tools (Clarisonic, scrubbing brushes, Dermaplaning etc.) or products (scrubs). Chemical exfoliation however is done on a different level. It uses different enzymes and acids to promote more of a peel effect, and can penetrate further into the skin. Chemical exfoliants help shed away the outer layer of your surface cells but also work beyond that!
Why is regular exfoliation important?
- Helps promote cell turnover.
- Improves tone and texture of your skin.
- Allows for better product penetration and absorption.
- Reduces breakouts.
- Clears out pores.
- Helps improve collagen and elastin production.
- Not contraindicated for women who are pregnant or breast feeding.
I’ve heard scrubs can be harsh on my skin, is this true?
For some time, there have been myths about scrubs being harsh on skin. Here’s the thing, it’s not about the exfoliation itself usually. It is important to find skincare products that aren’t using harsh ingredients to scrub your skin. Certain scrubs using fruit pits and nut shells can cause micro-tearing on your skin. These are created by ingredients that are too sharp or jagged that cause small tears in the skin.
Are there other types of physical exfoliation besides scrubs?
There are certain treatments and tools that can provide a physical exfoliation. Brushes can be used at home to help cleanse and exfoliate your skin gently. Microdermabrasion is a skin treatment which provides exfoliation. Dermaplaning is also an amazing skin treatment to try if you need a good exfoliation. The great thing about this treatment (besides the results) is that is safe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding to try. Most peels and chemical resurfacing procedures are not, but because this is physical, it is a great option!
Can you use chemical and mechanical exfoliating products together?
The short answer, yes! AHA’s, BHAS and physical exfoliants all have different benefits and work in different ways. If you are someone with tolerant skin, using both types can be incredibly beneficial to you. Using a physical exfoliant will help break down the top layer or skin and break through initial build up. This will help the other products and ingredients work better. Acids can help refine further but also target aging and pigmentation concerns. Please keep in mind that each person is different and exfoliation for each person is different and depends on the health and sensitivity of your skin. Over exfoliating can cause damage to your skins barrier and cause it to be sensitized.
Here are my two fave face scrubs that we have!