1. Ignoring the label

There are a variety of sunscreens on the market. To effectively protect yourself choose a sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher, is water-resistant and provides broad-spectrum coverage (meaning it covers you from both UVA and UVB rays)

1. Using too little

Adults need about 1 ounce (size of a golf ball/shot glass) to fully cover their body. Apply a liberally amount to all areas of the body before getting dressed and going outside to allow more time for your skin to absorb and provide the best protection

1. Applying too infrequently

Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours while outdoors and more frequently if your skin will become wet with activities such as swimming or sweating. Individuals who get sunburned usually don’t use enough sunscreen or didn’t reapply after being in the sun.

1. Relying solely on sunscreen

Don’t forget lip balm with SPF, wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses with UV protection, and UPF clothing. Heliocare is an oral supplement that works as an antioxidant to help prevent UV damage and skin aging when used in combination with sunscreen.

Sunscreen is meant to protect your skin against skin cancer and premature aging. However, it is not as effective unless it is applied correctly! Make sure you follow these tips to ensure adequate protection.

As always, if you have any questions about this information or simply need to speak with someone regarding your skin health, then please give us a call.

Village Dermatology

Other recommended reading:

6 myths about skin cancer

How to check yourself for skin cancer

https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/prevent/sunscreen-apply

The post Five ways you may be applying sunscreen incorrectly appeared first on Village Dermatology.

As more of us are spending time at home, it\’s important to keep taking care of ourselves! Indulge in a spa day at home to keep you relaxed and refreshed with these self-care essentials from our Skin for Life Boutique. To respect social distancing, we are offering curbside pickup and free shipping on all online orders. Click here to shop online.

1. Babyfoot Peel $29 – If you struggle with dry, cracked feet, now is the perfect time to try Babyfoot in the comfort of your own home! This innovative peel treatment uses 16 natural extracts that are scientifically formulated to exfoliate and moisturize your feet at the same time.

How to use: Wear the plastic booties with the solution for one hour and the peel will go to work! Your dry, cracked skin will begin to peel away in 3-7 days to reveal beautiful, soft feet. Shop Babyfoot here with free shipping.

2. SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Masque $55 – There’s nothing a good face mask can’t fix! This decongesting clay masque uses natural clays and botanicals to unclog pores, remove impurities and balance oil production. Plant extracts and minerals calm, soothe and nourish skin as a fruit acid blend sloughs away dead, dull skin cells.

How to use: After cleansing and toning, apply a thin layer to the face, neck, and chest avoiding the eye and lip area. Set for 10-15 minutes (will not dry hard). Rinse with warm water and pat dry. Use once weekly to help remove buildup of exfoliated skin or twice weekly for congested skin. Shop for Clarifying Clay Masque in-store. Call 205.877.9735 for curbside pickup or free delivery within 5-mile radius.

3. Patchcouli’s Butter Scrub Bar $13 each – Transport to a spa with this staff favorite for exfoliated + glowing skin! These Butter Scrub Bars leave your skin exfoliated, silky soft and covered in your favorite scent.  Formulated using only the highest quality sea salt and shea butter and handmade in Rosemary Beach.

How to use:  At the end of shower or bath, gently massage over body, then rinse and pat dry. Tub or shower may become slippery. Keep bar from sitting in water. For body only. Will melt when exposed to heat. Scrub bars are available in-store only. Call 205.877.9735 for curbside pickup or free delivery within 5-mile radius.

4. Trish Candle $58 – Make your work from home routine a little easier with a candle! Instantly set the mood and lift your spirits with the irresistibly warm, uplifting scent of Trish McEvoy\’s signature Wild Blueberry Vanilla Scented Candle. Trish McEvoy is available in-store only. Call 205.877.9735 for curbside pickup or free delivery within 5-mile radius.

5. Trish McEvoy Dry Sheet Mask $29 – This dry sheet mask will give you an instantly luminous, moisture-packed glow that lasts throughout your day. In just 15 minutes, this reusable mask leaves skin dramatically hydrated, plumped and smoothed for a lifted look and soft, cushiony feel.

How to use: Place the nude side of the mask onto your clean, dry face. Pull tight, hooking the top then the bottom loops over your ears. Gently press to activate. Wear for at least 15 minutes and follow with skincare (do not rinse). Each mask can be used three times. Following removal, refold and reseal it in the original package. Store at room temperature away from heat or light. Trish McEvoy is available in-store only. Call 205.877.9735 for curbside pickup or free delivery within 5-mile radius.

6. Epionce Restorative Hand Cream $20 – Make sure your hands stay moisturized with increased handwashing. This quick-absorbing, non-greasy hydrating cream helps reverse the visible appearance of imperfections and signs of skin aging on the hands. Shop for Restorative Hand Cream in-store. Call 205.877.9735 for curbside pickup or free delivery within 5-mile radius.

7. SkinMedica Instant Bright Eye Cream $88 – Key ingredients from Lytera 2.0, HA5, plus other advanced ingredients create this new comprehensive eye treatment from SkinMedica! Instant Bright re-energizes and rejuvenates eyes to help look brighter and more youthful while working over time to continue reducing the visible signs of aging.

How to use: Apply a thin layer adjacent to and beneath the eye area and eyelids twice daily. Add on the Instant Bright Eye Masks for the ultimate boost and enhanced results.  Shop Instant Bright here with free shipping.

For additional questions, call our LABL Studio at 205.877.9735 or take advantage of our Text Retail Service. Stay safe!

The post 7 Self-Care Essentials for Staying at Home appeared first on Village Dermatology.

There are phenomenal benefits to using good skincare products on our body because, as we all know, the skin is the largest organ in the human body and is the first defense against any virus or bacteria.

Antioxidants are part of the ingredients used in popular skin care products, which helps in protecting, preventing, and limiting free radical damage to the skin and assisting with hydration and inflammation. This consequently results in the skin looking better and healthier.

Most people spend thousands of dollars on skincare products with the ideology that the more expensive it is then, the more effective or beneficial to our skin.

However, products that contain antioxidants among their ingredients are the primary determinants of just how effective a skincare product is for use. Such products help to protect and feed the skin by shielding it from the damaging effects of free radicals, which ultimately lessen or substantially prevent the signs of aging skin.

What are antioxidants?

So, what are antioxidants? Simply put, they are substances that provide protection to the skin from free radicals within and outside the body system that increases with age, which is further aggravated by environmental factors such as ultraviolet (UV), cigarette smoke, pollution and other toxic chemicals. Hence the importance of antioxidants as they help stop these free radicals from assaulting the skin and damaging healthy skin cells.

The usage of antioxidants in a skincare regimen has been widely praised by dermatologists who advise that it is a must-have to help reduce pigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles. There is no limit to the number of antioxidants that can be used in a skincare product because the more you are able to hinder the unstable molecules caused by these free radical formations, the longer you are able to protect and prolong the health of your skin.

Top Five Benefits of Antioxidants in Skin Care

• Anti-inflammation
• Skin firming
• Acts an anti-aging by reducing skin wrinkles
• Aids in the restoration of scar injuries
• Repair of sun damage

It is important to note that although all types of antioxidants are good for the skin, there are some of these substances that are more potent than others. The most common and effective ones are green tea extract, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Resveratrol, and Ferulic acid.

Green Tea extract

While this is a very popular beverage, it also serves as an antioxidant extracted from the plant Camellia sinensis. Best known for its soothing tendencies, green tea extract acts as an anti-inflammatory agent that works in preventing sunburn by providing enhanced protection against sun damage and photoaging.

It also acts as an anti-carcinogenic agent, which are chemical substances that help in the prevention of the development of cancerous elements in the body.

A well-functioning green tea extract in any skincare product is essential to protect the skin from free radicals, sunburn as well as prevention of cancer. It is a recommended antioxidant for anyone suffering from sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Resveratrol

This antioxidant helps brighten the skin and prevents the development of wrinkles. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent by protecting the skin from UVB-induced photodamage, pigmentation, and collagen degradation.

It is naturally found in red wine, nuts, berries, and grapes. It serves as a plant’s defensive armor, hence the reason why it actively works in promoting the skin’s cell life when included in skincare products.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a natural anti-inflammatory agent best known for its moisturizing effect, which is why it is commonly found in moisturizers, creams, and lotions designed to treat dry skin and stretch marks.

This anti-oxidant acts as a protective barrier against free radicals and premature aging. It can naturally be found in various food products such as seeds, meat, and vegetables. Unlike other vitamins, Vitamin E gets the most benefit when used topically on the skin rather than orally digested.

When added to skincare products, it works by increasing the skin’s collagen production, which results in keeping skin soft and supple, accelerating the skin’s healing process, scar prevention, reduction of fine lines, age spots, and wrinkles.

When combined with Vitamin C in skin products, it becomes one of the most potent anti-oxidant skincare choices on the market.

Vitamin C

Also known as ascorbic acid, which is found in citrus fruits, Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant commonly known for its brightening capabilities. When used for long, it evens out hyperpigmentation and dark spots, thereby revealing much brighter and fresher skin.

It is undoubtedly one of the most studied antioxidants because of its substantial benefits on the skin, making it a favorite amongst dermatologists. Such benefits are fading dark spots, prevention of skin aging, improving and sustaining the skin\’s youthful appearance, and increasing collagen production.

Similar to green tea extract, Vitamin C also works in keeping the skin hydrated and fresh. It is definitely a recommended antioxidant that needs to be added to your daily skincare regime.

Caution must be taken; however, when storing Vitamin C, exposing it to sunlight will make it lose its potency. Therefore, skincare products that contain Vitamin C should be stored in a place suitable for this anti-oxidant.

Ferulic Acid

This is a plant-based organic compound primarily associated with fighting off free radicals and skin aging, hence why it is used in almost all anti-aging skincare products. It can be used both orally and as part of anti-aging skincare serums.

Ferulic acid can be found in the cell walls of certain foods such as rice, oats, citrus, apple seeds, and eggplant.

In skincare products, Ferulic acid works well by boosting the effectiveness of other antioxidants, such as vitamins A, C, and E. A study conducted in 2005 revealed that Ferulic Acid helps to stabilize a Solution of Vitamins C and E antioxidants and doubles its photoprotection of the skin.

While ferulic acid is safe to use for any skin type, those with sensitive skin are advised to test out a small part of the product on their skin before committing fully to this substance. This is due to the possibility of developing an allergic reaction such as redness, itchiness, and hives.

Antioxidants in Skincare Conclusion

The older we get, the faster our skin begins to thin out and lose its elasticity, which is part of the human skin’s natural aging process. However, imbibing one or all of these antioxidants in our skincare regime or checking out that they are included in the skincare products that we buy will significantly help reduce the effect that free radical has on our skin.

If you have any questions or concerns about skincare products or regimens, please reach out to our expert skincare team at Village Dermatology.

Other Articles You May Enjoy

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What are Peptides?

5 Ways to Protect Your Skin this Spring Break

5 Best Sunscreens for Every Skin Type

Sunscreen Protection Factor (SPF) 101

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Number 1 reason you need a Hydrafacial

The number one reason that you want a HydraFacial is it going to cleanse your skin. The Hydrafacial Machine uses its amazing patented suction handpiece to whisk away all the build of dirt you have on your skin. During the day, your face is assaulted with dirt, bacteria, pollution, viruses, and other non-mentionable things. This step is essential as we bathe your skin with the amazing solutions the Hydrafacial has for prepping you for the next step, which is exfoliation. Your face will be amazingly clean after your Hydrafacial.

Number 2 reason you need a Hydrafacial

Exfoliation is vital in a Hydrafacial Treatment. Exfoliation aims to remove dead skin cells and other build-ups that cleansing cannot remove. This serves several essential factors. First, this allows the solutions we are going to apply to your face to absorb into the skin and work better. Second, it allows better circulation within the skin, and lastly, the exfoliation will help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. So, whether you come in with a little bit of pigment or your skin is dehydrated, we are going to exfoliate your skin for the best possible results.

Number 3 reason you need a Hydrafacial

A light chemical peel. This is where we can customize the treatment by determining what strength of peel to use. This is determined by your home regimen, age and skin type. This superficial glycolic/salicylic chemical peel is not going to make you flake or peel, but it is going to help to give you that great red carpet glow.

Number 4 reason you need a Hydrafacial

This is everybody\’s favorite! Extractions! We are going to bump up the suction on the patented Hydrafacial suction handpiece and clean out those pores, especially on your nose. Clogged pores and blackheads beware! This is great for guys, by the way. Mainly because they don\’t have makeup, so they can\’t cover it up as women can. So, there you go. Extractions, Number four!

Number 5 reason you need a Hydrafacial

And, finally, we end with a leave-on treatment. The end of a Hydrafacial Treatment is capped off by putting a great solution on your face and let your skin drink it in. This solution has peptides, antioxidants, and vitamins that you can take advantage of all day long as your skin soaks in all that “good stuff.” Moreover, you are going to actually get the “good stuff” in your skin because we have already exfoliated your skin in Number 2, so everything is going to go to work, and it is going to leave you with a beautiful glow. Most of us in the skincare business like to call it dewy. So, you\’ll have dewy skin.

Conclusion – Top 5 reasons you need a Hydrafacial

HydraFacial. We love this treatment because you have great results for days. So if you have a big event coming up or you simply want to maintain the health of your skin, consider this fantastic treatment! Also, try coupling this with the dermaplaning treatment for even longer-lasting results.

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