Hydrating Skin Savers

Dehydration is a lack of water in skin and can be a precursor to skin sensitization and premature aging including fine lines, redness and irrittion. Sun, wind, pollutants, free radicals and even your diet can trigger dry, scaly, tight feeling skin and as we age our skin's natural hydrators decline meaning even those with oily skin conditions can experience dehydration.

To keep your skin properly hydrated and protected from premature aging we recommend these 5-Simple Hydrating Skin Savers by Dermalogica as a worthy investment in your skin's health:

1. Skin Hydrating Booster - Adds hydration to your moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid

2. Skin Hydrating Masque - Refreshing for stressed out dehydrated skin and eye area

3. Multi-Active Toner - Ultra light facial spritz that refreshes, hydrates and is great for travel

4. Total Eye Care - Vitamin enriched product with SPF is the perfect daytime product and beach essential 

5.  Daily Microfoliant - A rice based exfoliant that maximizes hydration products by gently polishing away dull skin

If you have questions regarding skin hydration or would like to inquire about these Dermalogica products please call the spa at (310) 577-2211 and speak to one of our skincare professionals.

The Truth About Sugar

The truth simply put is that Sugar causes you to look older! 

Most people don't know this but one of the easiest ways to look healthier and younger instantly is to cut back on your sugar intake. Sugar (and High-Glycemic Carbohydrates) causes your skin to look dull and it can also lead to Wrinkles and other health problems like Obesity & Diabetes, Migraines, Gum Disease, Eczema and even Acne. 

Although Acne has various contributing factors such as overactive oil glands and hormone levels it can also occur from inflammation in your skin resulting from a rapid rise in blood sugar. Large quantities of sugar can compromise your immune function and result in a rapid increase in insulin production which also increases oil production and inflammation throughout the whole body.

Glycation is a natural process that occurs in the body when sugar enters the bloodstream and attaches itself to proteins to form new molecules. These sugar coated protein molecules are called AGEs for short (Advanced Glycation End-products) and they increase with the amount of sugar you eat, which is damaging to the Collagen and Elastin fibers needed to keep your skin firm, wrinkle free and youthful. As the Collagen in your skin weakens and becomes less resilient the AGE molecules are actually deactivating your body's natural antioxidants - Which means your skin is more prone to Sun Damage, Stress, Bacteria and other harmful free-radicals which in the worst-case-scenario can actually cause Cancer too as we have seen in so many cases with smokers.

Below are a few easy to follow tips to help you get started with healthier looking young skin 

Tip #1  Cut back on the sweet things in your diet - Increase your fruits and vegetables which will provide you with natural carbs your body can use. They are more gradually absorbed and result in much less sugar coating of your body's essential proteins needed for healthy skin. Sugar can be tough to kick so don't be surprised if you find this difficult at first but don't be discouraged - Remember that it's about making progress not achieving perfection, and cutting back your sugar intake is better than doing nothing at all.

Tip #2  Eat more protein - This will help curb your cravings and control your blood sugar and insulin. As your blood sugar stabilizes and the cravings start to go away you should notice your skin becoming firmer as well.

Tip #3  Drink plenty of water - This is an essential step in any detox. You all know the drill, so drink 8 glasses a day because that's what they say ☺

Tip #4  Watch out for Hidden Sugars - Fast food and pre-packaged foods like Coca-Cola, crackers, cans of soup, bags of chips, etc often contain a lot of sugar disguised with clever names like Corn Syrup, Dextrose, Juice Concentrate or Malt and they even lurk in Salad Dressings! These sweeteners can be hard to identify so be aware and read the labels whenever you're buying packaged foods. Fructose Corn Syrup is the worst of all - It's a sweetener made with altered cornstarch and it produces more AGE molecules than any other type of sugar.

The good news is it's never too late - Let beauty be your inspiration and put these simple tricks to use to protect your health from sugar and get gorgeous looking skin all the time. Blue Diamond Spa loves you so don't forget to love yourself too! XOXO

Fall Microderm Treatments

As we move into the Autumn Season we begin to notice the harsh effects that summertime heat and tanning had on our skin and we can see how the weather has physically taken a toll on our complexion. Autumn is an optimum time for a skin resurfacing treatment because the sunlight and other environmental factors are just right to nuture our skin while it sheds off dead cells and rebuilds new vibrant layers.

The results of Microderm Abrasion skin resurfacing are really nothing short of amazing and have been well received by the medical community at large. Microderm Abrasion is typcially used to treat a variety of superficial skin imperfections including:  Skin Discoloration, Fine Lines & Wrinkles, Acne Scars, Age Spots, Stretch Marks, Small Scars, Enlarged Pores, Dull Skin and Sun Damage. The procedure is simple, straight forward, non-invasive and revitalizing. Tiny crystals are vacuumed across the surface of the skin to remove dead cells and resurface the skin's top layer - It's more powerful and less risky than many surgical proceedures and chemical peels, and rejuvenates the skin to restore its natural glow. Over time clients can expect to see a general refinement of the texture and appearance of their skin. Microderm Abrasion is most commonly used on the face however it is also effective on other parts of the body including the hands, back, and upper chest.

Most clients have reported the feeling of a "tingling sensation" during the procedure but the treatment is painless and you can do it on your lunch break. The skin does usually look slightly reddened and sensitized in the first 24-hours after the procedure so it is more important than ever to use sun protection including a full spectrum sunscreen. For best results from your Microderm Abrasion skin resurfacing treatments come into the spa for regularly scheduled procedures over a period of time - We recommend a minimum of five procedures spaced about two weeks apart though some clients will want more treatments.

Microderm Abrasion is one of the most popular non-surgical skin resurfacing procedures in the world but one thing you cannot ignore is your medical history - If you are taking any medications that may affect your autoimmune system or circulation, or if you are have been on Accutane recently or in the past it is important to consult with your doctor first to get everything cleared before you show up to your first appointment at the spa. Accutane increases skin sensitivity which is why you should wait 6-12 months before having any skin resurfacing technique. Pregnant or Nursing women and Teens may be contraindicated for this treatment as well - It is best to wait until your hormones settle down before having Microderm Abrasion because hormones can inhibit the effectiveness of your treatment. Microderm Abrasion Skin Resurfacing is also contraindicated for people with Active Rosacea, Diabetes, Lupus, Eczema, Psoriasis, Herpes, Malignant Skin Tumors and Undiagnosed Lesions.

If you would like to book a Microderm Abrasion Skin Resurfacing treatment series with us please call (310) 577-2211 to arrange your first appointment with one of our trained professionals at Blue Diamond Spa.