Blog

What is that thing sitting on your face?? There’s something about a big zit that makes you  desperately want to pop it…fair enough. I mean, they make a whole show on tv about popping pimples. 

It is recommended from all skincare enthusiasts and professionals to leave your pimples alone - don’t pick, don’t squeeze and don’t pop! 

But we get it, sometimes you just can’t help it (been there bud). 

Surface pimple

If your pimple doesn’t seem too deep, applying a warm compress for 10 minutes about 3 times a day can help that pimple come up to the surface, making it a whitehead.

If there is a whitehead, thoroughly wash your hands and your face and use a tissue to gently squeeze out the pimple gunk out through that whitehead.

It’s important that you wash your hands before picking at your pimple, otherwise you’re gonna make it worse, possibly infecting it.

It’s also important that you do it with a tissue, not your bare fingers and nails. 

If you don’t see a whitehead, abort mission (this will make the pimple gunk stay in deeper, keeping it on your face longer). 

Deep pimple

Deep or blind pimples are something that are not as obvious as a surface pimples because it doesn’t have a head. You can usually feel it on your face, beneath the skin surface.

If you try to pop this kind of pimple, you are risking your skin for infection and deep scarring. It will look super visible and will delay the healing process. So leave these ones alone.

If this is recurring and bothering you a lot, see a dermatologist for prescribed treatments and procedures.

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. 

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 it’s a universal thing to want smooth skin, am I right? While there’s nothing wrong with textured skin because it is normal, it’s also natural to want smooth skin and it’s very doable. 

But first, what causes textured skin? 

There are many factors that contribute to having rough or textured skin including pollution, stress, sun damage, hormonal changes, genetic skin conditions, you name it. 

However, there are also many ways to improve your skin’s texture. 

# 1 - Eating Habits

Yes, junk food is good, but not good for you. Eating foods high in sugar, alcohol, carbs and processed food are not friendly to the skin. They trigger acne which can lead to scarring and pigmentation. 

Try to add vitamins and antioxidants in your diet (fruits and vegetables) which makes your skin stronger and fights against free radicals. Fish is also good to include in your diet, it is high in omega-3 fatty acids which helps your skin look smooth and radiant. 

# 2 - Cleanse and Exfoliate 

Cleansing regularly removes the dirt, bacteria, dead skin cells, excess oil and other gunk that sits on your skin. Make sure that you’re cleansing at least twice a day, but more importantly once at night. This removes all the unwanted gunk that you attract in the outside world. 

Exfoliate 1 to 2 times a week. This will strip the outer layer of your skin which will improve the appearance and texture of your skin. 

You can also look into more intensive exfoliation that can be done by professionals: 

• Chemical peels 
• Microdermabrasion and Dermabrasion
• Laser Skin Resurfacing 

# 3 - Moisturize

No matter your skin, you need to moisturize and hydrate your skin. Moisturizing your skin will prevent flakiness and dry patches. 

It is recommended that you apply your moisturizers before you’re completely dry after washing your skin. This way, your moisturizer can trap the water, locking in moisture. 

# 4 - Hydrate 

Drink water! Water is probably one of the few things that you can’t overdo. The more water you consume, your cells will become more hydrated and plumper. 

It is recommended that you drink at least 8 to 10 glasses a day to maintain hydration and healthy skin. 

# 5 - Sleep

Lack of sleep can wreak havoc on your skin. Sleeping at least 7 to 8 hours a day allows your skin to rejuvenate and heal itself from the daily stresses we encounter. 

Sleeping should be one of the things you prioritize if you want to achieve that smooth looking skin. 

# 6 - Exercise 

You might be confused, how would exercising help make your skin look better? Well, exercise increases blood flow and will help nourish your skin cells and keep them vital. 

# 7 - SPF Protection 

Making sure that your skin is protected with SPF prevents the damages and stresses that sun exposure can cause including sun burns, sun spots, hyperpigmentation, premature aging and skin cancer. 

Applying skincare is one of the simplest and best things you can do to achieve smooth skin.

Clear skin… ain’t that the dream. I get it, sometimes it’s frustrating and hard to know what your skin really needs and what it wants and It may seem impossible especially if you’ve been struggling with skin issues, but no stress - it is possible. 

I’ll keep it simple for you and list out what you can do to achieve clear skin. 

#1 - Face Wash 

It’s beneficial to know your skin type so that you can pick out the best face wash for your skin. If you have sensitive or acne prone skin, it’s recommended that you buy a mild or gentle cleanser. 

Regularly wash your face and by regular, once in the morning and once at night. This really helps remove the dirt, oil, bacteria, dead skin cells and other gunk that you don’t want on your face. 

#2 - Toner 

No matter what skin type you have, Toners are highly recommended by skin experts. Toners (specifically with glycolic and salicylic acid) help remove the dead skin cells that tend to clog your pores. Toners also balance out your skin’s pH balance (pretty important). 

After cleansing, you can apply your go-to Toner and your skin should look calm and notice little to no redness. 

#3 - Retinoids 

Retinoids can help unclog your pores and actually help your other go-to products to work its magic, better and faster. Topical Retinoids can be unpleasant when first introduced to your skin, so applying small amounts and spacing it out every 3 days is recommended, so that your skin won’t get irritated. Spacing it out will also give your skin time to tolerate it, but when your skin gets adjusted, you can increase application. 

#4 - Sunscreen 

If you’ve been reading our blogs, you’ll notice a repetitive emphasis on not skipping your sunscreen. You may have the best skincare routine with the best skincare products, but that’ll all be irrelevant if you’re not taking SPF seriously! Sun exposure without sunscreen can lead to both short and long term damages (sun spots, sun burns, hyperpigmentation, skin cancer). Oh also, the heat and the humidity will cause your sebaceous (oil) glands to go wild causing acne, you can prevent this by using SPF protection. 

#5 - Big NO to picking and popping your pimples

The only time you should be touching your pimples and other skin blemishes is when you’re applying treatment products on them. Picking and popping them will make them worse and not to mention, you’re risking infecting them with the dirt and bacteria that’s most likely sitting on your hands. 

#6 - Sleep

Have you heard the term “beauty sleep”? It helps with getting clear skin! When you’re sleeping your skin gets the chance to rejuvenate, repairs itself and produces collagen. Lacking sleep makes your skin look worse making it look dull, dehydrated, it highlights those fine lines and wrinkles and it triggers acne. 

I know sometimes it can feel like there’s not enough hours in the day! But try your best to get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night. This will not only help your skin look supple, clear and youthful - it will help your overall well-being.

You’ve graduated from being a teenager when getting acne makes sense, but surprisingly adult acne isn’t uncommon.

There are a few reasons that could help explain why you’re experiencing acne and identifying the causes will significantly help you to treat it, while also preventing them in the future. 

Let’s take a look. 

Hormonal Fluctuations

Androgens can be one of the explanations for your acne. Androgens produce sebum, which can lead to oily skin. And the overproduction of oil leads to clogged pores leading to acne. Hormonal changes are inevitable and you can’t control it, but what you can control is the management of oil and acne being produced on your skin. 

Stress

When you’re stressed your body releases cortisol, which is a stress hormone. Besides causing a host of other issues for your body, cortisol also increases oil production on your skin’s surface, clogging your pores and giving you acne. 

Free Radicals

Unfortunately, our surroundings are not as clean as we assume. Environmental pollutants or free radicals that are harmful to our skin are everywhere and it’s hard to avoid them because they’re both visible and non visible. This could be pollen in the air, dust inside the home or even dirty bed sheets and pillow cases.

To combat these issues daily cleansing of your face will not only get rid of dirt and bacteria on your face, but will also remove excess oil. On top of that, weekly exfoliation will help to unclog your pores.

Overwashing

I know, I just said wash your face, but I also can’t stress enough the importance of not overwashing your face. It is recommended that you wash your face only up to 2 times a day - once in the morning and once at night. 

Overwashing your face will dry out your skin, stripping away the natural oil that your skin needs causing irritation and acne. 

Products

Another explanation for adult acne could be the products you’re using. Knowing your skin type is the best way to choose your products. If you have acne prone and sensitive skin, look for non-comedogenic, water based, oil-free and gentle products. One product that works for your friend, may not work well for you. Also, to get optimal results you have to use serums and moisturizers consistently for at least 3 months. 

Diet 

Garbage in, garbage out. Your diet is a big contributor to your acne. What you consume affects your overall health and that’s why it can affect your skin. Indulging on foods high in sugar, dairy, caffeine and fast food may cause acne. You can control this by keeping track of your skin’s reaction when eating certain foods. Overall, a healthy diet with fresh fruits and vegetables will go a long way for your skin and health.

We can all travel again (sort of) and that’s exciting! What’s not exciting is the fact that we can’t bring everything with us and our skincare routine can get disrupted, negatively impacting our skin. Not to mention, the dry plane ride. I honestly can’t relate to people who look fresh after a flight! 

HYDRATE

The lack of humidity in the aircraft cabin dehydrates our skin. As enticing as it can be to have a fun supply of ‘beverages’ on the flight, don’t forget to hydrate yourself with water - before, during and after your flight. 

MOISTURIZE

On top of drinking water, applying moisturizers and your hydrating serums is one of the simplest and best things you can do for your skin while travelling. If you have a thicker moisturizer that you may be saving for winter, use that. Making sure that your skin isn’t dry will prevent irritation, which is the last thing you want to worry about when travelling. 

MAINTAIN YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE

Making sure that everything is compact can be a hassle, but if you don’t want to stress your skin out, try your best to maintain the skincare regimen that has been working for you. Obviously you have to make sure everything is travel sized and airport friendly (so the airport security doesn't throw out your favourite moisturizer). You can buy travel sized containers and transfer your products in there or invest in mini size products - that way it’s easily accessible and compact. 

SUNSCREEN

Even if you’re usually an indoor kind of person, chances are you’re going to be outside for most of your trip. So, slather on your SPF throughout the day to avoid sun damage on your get away. 

ADJUST TO YOUR DESTINATION’S  CLIMATE

While it is very important to stick to your regular routine, it is just as important to adjust your skincare to your destination’s climate. If you’re going somewhere significantly warmer, make sure the products you’re using are non-comedogenic or ones that won’t clog your pores as they are easily clogged in warmer environments. But if you’re going to a much colder destination, make sure you’re being extra generous with your moisturizer and hydration to avoid dryness and dullness. 

No matter where you’re going, dedicate time to your skin. We can get carried away and caught up with travel agendas, but it’s a lot easier to maintain good skin than it is to deal with issues when you come back home.

One zit. Manageable.
Two zits. Okay…?
Three zits or more - W T F!

Breakouts happen. No one wants to wake up in the morning and see pimples slowly taking over your face. And even though it sucks it is a common skin condition. 

Acne causes pimples, whiteheads, blackheads and cysts and can cause long term damage if not treated properly. But wouldn’t it be better to prevent them rather than treat them? 

Here are some tips to minimize unexpected breakouts: 

Wash your face regularly 

Washing your face in the morning and evening may sound obvious, but it has to be said. While you might be able to get away with not washing your face in the morning (although build up from a used pillowcase and bedsheets can occur) - it is crucial that you wash your face at night. Dirt, bacteria, sweat, oil and all types of gunk come into contact with your skin throughout the day. Washing your face in the evening removes impurities and prevents your pores from getting clogged, avoiding breakouts. 

Wash your face, but not too much 

While making sure that your face is free of dirt and unwanted debris, it’s also important to not harm your skin by over-washing. Over-washing strips away the natural oils that are actually good for your skin and will make your skin dry which is an environment where pimples can develop and get worse. Once in the morning and once in the evening is sufficient.

Leave the pimples alone!

It’s tempting to pick and pop pimples, but resist the urge. Aggravating pimples can cause inflammation and worse, scarring. If you really can’t leave it alone, you can try a pimple patch or a spot treatment. A spot treatment with sulphur has been shown to help minimize an existing pimple in a few days.

Invest in acne treatments

There are particular products that you can use that are designed to prevent acne. Look for these ingredients in your skincare products: 

• Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) - Lactic acid, Glycolic acid and/or Mandelic acid
• Tea Tree Oil - has anti-inflammatory properties 
• Salicylic Acid - this is a Beta Hydroxy Acid that helps unclog your pores. Try to find this in a cleanser, or try...
• Benzoyl Peroxide - it kills bacteria under the skin and sheds dead skin and excess oil. Try to find this in a cleanser. 
• Retinol - this should only be used in the evening as it can make your skin sensitive to UV rays during the day.

Eat nutrient dense food

Your diet has a significant impact on your skin. Reducing the consumption of foods  high in unhealthy fats, sugar, dairy and highly processed foods (fast food) will help mitigate acne breakouts. 

If you haven’t had acne, pimples or breakouts… lucky you! But I'm assuming you have because you’re here. 

Acne comes in different forms, so knowing what type of acne you tend to have is important so you can treat it appropriately. Here’s the breakdown: 

Comedonal Acne 

This may sound super unfamiliar but you definitely know what it looks like. You know those small bumps on your forehead or your chin? They’re flesh-colored acne papules; a raised area of skin tissue - also known as whiteheads or blackheads. 

• Whiteheads: they’re “closed comedones” ; these show up when your pores are clogged. 

• Blackheads: unlike whiteheads, the surface of the pores in this context are open and are clogged with oils and dirt. Because the pores are open, it is more visible and darker. 

Treatment: Use skincare products that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. These ingredients are the best to remove excess oil, dead skin cells and other dirt that accumulates in your pores. 

Inflammatory Acne 

Bacteria is what makes these annoying pimples show up. When bacteria gets in               your pores and mixes with the dirt and oil that accumulates in your pores, gets infected and becomes inflamed. 

Usually this type of acne is swollen, red, inflamed and obviously makes your pores clogged. There’s sub-types of inflammatory acne: 

• Pustules: this is basically a big zit or pimple, full of pus; yellowish or white fluid. This is not only seen on faces but can actually form on other areas of your body like your chest or back.
  

There’s two possible reasons why this type of acne forms: when your blocked pores get infected or simply, hormonal changes. 

Treatment: Cleansing regularly will help your skin protect itself from blemishes, clogged pores and excess oil. You can also use benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid to help with this type of acne. 

This type of acne is severe compared to the other types of acne. They tend to be more painful and are likely to leave scars. Nodulocystic acne is also called nodular acne or cystic acne.

Treatment: You can also use benzoyl peroxide to treat this type of acne along with retinoids, but because of its severity it’s recommended that you visit your dermatologist who will provide you with oral antibiotics and pills. 

Aside from the topical and oral treatments, don’t forget to check your diet, which can also aggravate acne. A diet rich in nutrients from vegetables will go a long way.

We get old. It’s a fact. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t slow down and conceal the physical signs of aging.

While your skin may not look as young in your 40’s as it did in your 20’s, developing a skincare routine by using products that have high quality anti-aging ingredients and also developing a healthy lifestyle, can help you look younger than you actually are. 

Let’s break down just how to do that! 

What ingredients should you keep an eye for? 

Retinol and Hyaluronic Acid 

Retinol is an ingredient that increases your skin’s collagen level and this makes it easier for the skin to absorb moisture - slowing down the appearance of those fine lines and wrinkles. Hyaluronic Acid essentially does the same thing - it acts as a humectant which helps your skin retain moisture, hydrating the outer layers of your skin. 

With these ingredients, you’re making it easy for your skin to be hydrated, protecting it from struggling with dehydration - this makes your skin look plumper and younger. 

You should also:

Use Exfoliate and SPF 

Exfoliating is really good at getting rid of dead skin cells and other unwanted dirt from the outer layer of your skin. By doing this step your skin should look more clean, improving its appearance. Important note though - only exfoliate once or twice a week. Less is more here. Over exfoliation will harm your skin. 

With sunscreen though, apply this everyday, multiple times a day. As we all know SPF protects your skin from sun damage which includes loss of elasticity on your skin, allowing those lines and wrinkles to form. So wear your sunscreen and reapply as necessary, to avoid premature aging. 

Aside from skincare, you may have to adjust your lifestyle too.

Hydrate! As in, drink your water. Despite having to apply topical hydration products, you should definitely still make sure you’re drinking a good amount of water. This can be in the form of water, sparkling water, juicy fruits or tea. Green tea, in particular, helps with the appearance of your skin due to its antioxidant properties. 

Eat healthy! Leafy greens, vegetables with a variety of colours and some fruit should be at least half of every meal. Obviously don’t deprive yourself of junk food because let’s be honest, junk food is comforting but make sure you're not over indulging either! 

Now, you find yourself doing all of these… don’t expect to magically erase your wrinkles and gain elasticity or remove any other skin aging issues! The results from this routine takes time and consistency.

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.

It sounds intimidating and honestly, almost sounds like it shouldn’t be applied on your face but trust me…it’s actually the opposite of harsh - it’s your face’s drink of choice! 

What it is:

Hyaluronic Acid is a sugar molecule that is naturally produced in our skin’s cells, specifically in our connective tissue, eyes and joints. But the production of Hyaluronic Acid in our bodies declines as we age, so applying skincare products that have hyaluronic acid becomes more important as we get older.

What it does: 

1. Helps with signs of aging - Hyaluronic Acid is a hydrating component, it attracts water and this helps our skin look fresh, glowy and youthful. Hydrating the outer layers of our skin, minimizing signs of aging.
    
2. Helps with moisture - because Hyaluronic Acid acts as a humectant, it traps water against our skin surface giving it a plump, supple look.
   
   
3. Helps with elasticity  - Hyaluronic Acid promotes firmness, making your skin look tighter and toned! Over time, the more you apply Hyaluronic Acid the more your skin will retain its youthful look and reduce signs of skin stretching.
   
   
4. Helps with inflammation scars - if you’ve experienced irritation, injuries and patchiness, applying Hyaluronic Acid will help soothe your skin, repairing those damages.
   
   
5. Helps with complexion - Hyaluronic acids help your skin look vibrant. This fights through dull complexion, combating the negative effects of pollutants, dirt, free radicals and sun damage. 

How to apply:

After cleansing, leave your face damp when applying Hyaluronic Acid. Follow with your treatment serums and moisturizer. 

Although it is an acid, don’t be intimidated. This ingredient is well tolerated by all skin types and rarely causes any adverse effects. Happy Hydrating!