Blog

We may not be able to slow down aging, but skincare technology today definitely allows us to slow down signs of aging.

There are multiple skincare products and procedures that help with wrinkles, minimizing its appearance and slowing down its development. Here’s a breakdown of some of the things you can do:

SPF 

Prevention is always better than correction. Sunscreen will help prevent wrinkles and other signs of aging. 

A sunscreen with at least 30 SPF protection that fights against UVAs and UVBs is recommended. 

If you’re spending time and money on special anti-aging creams, treatments and serums but don’t apply sunscreen, all of those will be useless! 

Antioxidants 

Antioxidants (vitamin C serums, glycolic acid, lactic acid, etc) will protect your skin from environmental damages caused by free radicals. 

Because free radicals are highly linked to aging, using products that protect your skin from free radicals will help with wrinkles and development of fine lines. 

Antioxidants can be found and bought over-the-counter, so it’s never been easier to get.

Retinoids

Retinoids are perfect for prevention and maintaining a youthful look. Retinoids help your skin produce more collagen which are responsible for skin elasticity and hydration allowing your skin to look supple. 

Retinoids also help stimulate the production of new blood vessels, improving skin complexion. 


Direct Skin Procedures 

If you’re past home remedies and prevention and want to take it to the next level, skin direct treatments are effective in preventing wrinkles:

• Botox: Reduces fine lines and wrinkles, relaxing facial muscles softening fine lines and lifting the skin. 
• Laser skin resurfacing: Precisely removes the outer layer of the skin, reducing fine lines and irregularities. 
• Fillers: Fillers often consist of Hyaluronic Acid that fill in hollows, lines, and wrinkles.

Sometimes it feels like there’s not enough hours in the day to do everything you want and need - like sleeping. We gotta do this, we gotta do that… where is the downtime right?! 

Well, I hope you’re getting proper rest, but for the days that you can’t get the right amount of sleep, there are ways to make it look like you did. 

#1 - Wake up your skin 

Wash your face with COLD water. This will not only feel good but it will also reduce the blood flow and the size of your blood vessels, also known as de-puffing. This is most definitely helpful under the eyes. 

#2 - Anti-Aging Moisturizer or Serum 

Anti-aging products have ingredients that target blood vessels, reduce inflammation and promote cell growth. It helps your skin look smooth, tone and firm. 

#3 - Caffeinate Your Skin

There are available caffeine eye creams on the market that can revive the eye area that will reduce that puffy look. 

You can also take coffee grinds, sugar and combine with enough coconut oil into a thick and spreadable consistency to rub on your face! The coffee grinds and sugar will help exfoliate your skin, improving dullness while the caffeine will help tighten your blood vessels, improving dark under eyes. 

#4 - Hydrate Inside and Out!

Internal Hydration:

Drinking a glass of water upon waking up will not only kickstart your energy, but will also help you replenish the water lost during sleep. And rather than drink your afternoon coffee, try drinking a glass of water instead as the low energy we all feel at 3pm can be due to dehydration. Finally, don’t forget to drink water after a shower as the heat from the water can also cause water loss, which needs to be replenished. 

Topical Hydration:

Use sheet masks or serums that provide extra moisture, such as Hyaluronic Acid. Your face will look alive and supple. 

If it’s not the busy schedule that’s keeping you up and is simply due to the fact that you can't sleep, talk to your doctor about the possibility of insomnia or other possible sleeping problems. 

And if you are feeling insecure about looking tired and worn out aim for 7 to 8 hours a sleep each night and see the difference it can make.

I think we both know that watching a lot of TV and scrolling on your phone for hours could be damaging to our eyes, but can it impact our skin too?

Yes. Yes it can.

But how is that possible? It's due to something called Blue Light.

So you’ve got your go-to products, you know what works for your skin and you’re slowly becoming a skincare expert, but do you know what to apply first? No worries, I’m here to help. 

Unfortunately for people of colour, we are more likely to develop dark spots and uneven skin tone than our caucasian brothers. When we experience an injury or trauma like acne, cuts, scratches, burns - it increases production of melanin (our colour) and leaves a mark with this darker tone, making it harder for us to treat.

The #1 thing you can do for the health of your skin is slathering on sunscreen everyday, throughout the day, all year...rain or shine.

Here’s what sunscreen does:

Are you a Person of Colour (POC)? Those of us who have higher levels of melanin are lucky, why? Well, because you and I don’t have to worry about getting sunburns easily, but that doesn’t mean we can’t.

It is recommended that everyone - black, white, brown, purple green, rainbow - wear sunscreen. It will protect us from sun damage and not to mention, premature aging. No thanks, wrinkles. 

Before I really started taking care of my skin, I had no idea that I have a “type” of skin. So I just started buying whatever was on the shelf. But we all have a certain “type” of skin and depending on what it is you have to tailor your skincare routine to get the best results for your appearance. 

You’re intrigued, I know. You see your girl’s routine and her skin looks great. But the bathroom sink looks like an apothecary. It’s intimidating.

I got you. 

I’m gonna give you a simple skincare routine, key word: SIMPLE. And soon your girls gonna ask you what you’re using, so read on, Brotha...