Derm RF

Habits that Haunt

Going From Manicure to Manicure

Healthy looking hands and nails not only make us feel great, they also communicate a lot to others about our health and habits. However, too many manicures and nonstop polish not only stain nails over time, they can also thin nails and damage cuticles, reducing your nails’ most critical role: providing protection against infection. Every month or so, aim to go “au natural” and skip the manicure, moisturize your fingers and give your nails some room to breathe.

May 22, 2012 at 11:15 am Derm RF Leave a comment

Habits that Haunt

Hitting the Tanning Beds

Yes, you’ll get a tan, but you may also get a lot more than you bargained for. A study of highly-rated tanning salons in NYC by the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found traces of fecal matter and other bacteria that can lead to infections in “sanitized” beds. Just another danger of indoor tanning—in addition to the risk of skin cancer and premature aging—and one more reason to stay out of the tanning salon in favor of a faux glow.

May 8, 2012 at 5:18 pm Derm RF

Habits that Haunt

Thinking One Size Fits All

Just like shoes and clothes, when it comes to skincare, and especially exfoliation, one size does not fit all. What works to exfoliate the thick skin on your heels and elbows is most likely too aggressive for your face. Furthermore, what works for your face might be too aggressive for your lips.

For best results, be particular about particle size and use the right product for the job. Look for an exfoliation product specifically designed to address specific body parts for a glowing appearance from head to toe.

April 17, 2012 at 11:43 am Derm RF 1 comment

Habits that Haunt

Making Exfoliation a Special Event

When we don’t exfoliate regularly, we tend to overcompensate when we do. The challenge is that one grand effort can leave skin stripped, scraped and inflamed. The recovery time alone would make anyone gun-shy to exfoliate again, thus creating a vicious cycle. When it comes to exfoliation, slow and steady wins the race. For best results, exfoliate lightly several times a week.

Make exfoliating a habit by pairing it with another part of your regular routine, and you’ll soon see that small efforts over time yield much bigger results.

April 3, 2012 at 4:52 pm Derm RF 1 comment

Habits that Haunt

Skipping Steps

Rushing through your regimen and skipping steps because you woke up late or are feeling lazy before bed, is a habit that haunts in ways you may not realize. Not only do you miss out on the benefits of the product you skipped, you’re missing out on the maximum benefits of the products you did use.

Why? Because regimens are regimens for a reason; products are designed to work together for best results. The key ingredient in one product often works synergistically with the key ingredient in another product in the regimen to produce exponential results. So take the extra minute or two and you’ll be rewarded with maximum results.

March 6, 2012 at 10:35 am Derm RF 2 comments

Habits that Haunt

Coloring Outside the Lines

As kids we are taught to color inside the lines, and the same logic applies when it comes to your lips. While applying thick, occlusive balms or waxy, greasy lipsticks is perfect for your pucker, layering it on the skin around your lips can cause blackheads. This is because the skin of your lips and the skin surrounding your mouth is very different. Sealing in moisture on your lips can be beneficial, but sealing in debris and bacteria on the skin around your mouth can mean breakouts.

It’s best to keep your look natural, and stick within the lip area when applying lip products. And always look for ingredients that do more than just make your lips look good. Many multi-tasking products can also improve the texture and overall health of your lip over time, while still giving you a smooth, glossy finish.

February 23, 2012 at 5:12 pm Derm RF 1 comment

Habits that Haunt

Scrubbing Away Good Skin

Great skin starts with clean skin. The wrong cleanser can undo all the right things you’re doing and make your skin drier and more oil-prone than before you lathered up. In fact, a bevy of bubbles is an obvious indication that your cleanser is likely stripping away your precious moisture barrier.

Gentle, low sudsing cleansers are best because they effectively remove dirt and oil without disrupting your delicate stratum corneum (top layer of skin). To exfoliate deeper, simply apply your cleanser longer, not harder. Over scrubbing is just as bad and can create small abrasions or leaks where germs and dirt can sneak in.

January 27, 2012 at 1:43 am Derm RF

Habits that Haunt

Skipping Skin-healthy Opportunities

Skipping rope may be good for you, but skipping meals will only trip you up. When you skip breakfast or work through lunch, you’re more likely to crave and indulge in carbohydrate-rich snacks that are high in sugar, salt and fat.  Loading up on high glycemic index foods like potatoes, milk, white breads and fried foods accelerates aging and causes skin conditions like rosacea and acne to rear their ugly heads.

Instead eat a healthy, nutrient rich breakfast, lunch and dinner and have skin-friendly snacks at the ready like fresh antioxidant rich fruits and veggies (the more colorful, the better).

So, does your food regimen complement your skincare regimen?

January 17, 2012 at 6:09 pm Derm RF 2 comments

Habits that Haunt

“Treat”ing Your Skin

Sweet treats left on desks and doorsteps may be kindly meant, and your mouth will likely thank you for indulging—but your face won’t.  It’s true the old notion that chocolate causes acne is more of a superstition than a scientific truth, but it’s also true that high glycemic index foods in general (such as cookies and milk) do contribute to acne breakouts.

Diets high in refined carbohydrates seem to affect hormone levels which in turn increase oil production by sebaceous glands. And in addition to upping your breakout odds, the plethora of seasonal culinary pleasures like salty snacks and alcoholic drinks can also cause bloating and redness. So, take it easy on the treats and the vino, and your skin, not to mention your waistline, will show appreciation for your moderation.

December 21, 2011 at 1:50 am Derm RF 1 comment