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Glowing Skin Blog

How to Protect Skin from the Sun this Summer

4/15/2023

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After this uncharacteristically rainy season in San Diego, it’s hard to believe that summer is right around the corner. But as those first few 75-degree days start to pop up on the forecast, we’re all probably ready to emerge from our winter cocoons and start basking in the sunshine again.

However, while the sun is a source of life and vitality (and zoo days, and backyard barbecues), its rays can also be extremely harmful to our skin — causing a variety of skin problems, including premature aging, sunburn, and even skin cancer.

So, before you pull those beach towels out of storage, this is a great time to refresh your memory on the best ways to protect skin from the sun.

Step 1: Reduce the amount of sun on your skin to begin with.

​This might seem obvious, but it’s worth stating: One of the most natural ways to protect skin from the sun is to stay out of it altogether.
  • Avoid Midday Sun: The sun is strongest between 10am and 2pm. If possible, try to avoid being outside during these hours… and if you must be outside, be sure to take extra precautions to protect your skin from sun damage.
  • Seek Shade: If you are going to be outside for an extended period, try to hang out in the shade as much as possible. Bring an umbrella if you go to the beach, or find a tree or other source of shade to stay out of direct sunlight.
  • Cover Up: It’s tempting to want to don a new sundress or keep your shoulders bare, but clothing is one of the best ways to protect your skin from the sun. Wear a long-sleeved shirt, pants, and a wide-brimmed hat to shade your face and neck.

Step 2: Wear sunscreen!

This should really be considered a "Step 1.1,” since how to protect skin from sun damage begins with wearing sunscreen daily — yes, even on cloudy days, and yes, even if you’re spending most of your time indoors. UV rays can be sneaky, penetrating clouds and windows to cause damage to the skin. So, sunscreen should be a permanent part of your skincare routine throughout the year to protect your skin from the sun.

Choosing the right sunscreen

​Sunscreen itself is nonnegotiable, of course, but you have a couple of options to choose from when selecting a product. The key difference lies in how they block UV radiation:
  • Physical (mineral) sunscreens sit on the surface of your skin and act as a shield, reflecting the sun’s rays away from your skin. These are one of the more natural ways to protect skin from the sun. However, they can be a little more difficult to spread, and tend to leave behind a noticeable white cast to the skin… and because they aren’t always as water resistant as chemical options, you may need to be more diligent about reapplication.
  • Chemical sunscreens sink into your skin and act more like a sponge, absorbing UV rays before your skin can soak them up. They tend to go on smoothly and don’t leave that telltale white cast. However, they’re more likely to cause redness or inflammation in people with sensitive skin (or conditions like rosacea or melasma). Moreover, some of the active ingredients (notably oxybenzone, octocrylene, and octinoxate) have been associated with dying coral reefs, so be sure to check the label.
​Of course, any sunscreen is better than no sunscreen — so the best option to protect your skin from the sun is whichever one you like wearing best and will wear most consistently. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, with an SPF of 30 or higher.

Applying sunscreen correctly

Even those who do wear sunscreen often skip some of the important instructions about how to protect skin from sun damage and make it most effective. With that in mind, be sure to follow these tips for proper application:
  • Apply Enough Sunscreen: Most people do not apply enough sunscreen. To best protect skin from the sun, apply one ounce (about a shot glass) on the face, ears, neck, arms, and legs — even if they’ll be covered by clothing.
  • Apply 15 Minutes Before Exposure: Sunscreen (especially chemical sunscreen) needs time to absorb into the skin, so it is important to apply it 15 minutes before going outside. This will give it time to form an adequate protective barrier.
  • Reapply Often: Sunscreen wears off over time, especially when exposed to moisture. So, a good rule of thumb is every two hours or after swimming or sweating. Set an alarm on your phone if you think you might forget.

Step 3: Focus on facial sun protection

Because the skin cells on your face are smaller than on the rest of your body, the skin there is also more delicate — making sun protection for the face particularly important. If you’re familiar with the Simply Skin blog, this probably won’t come as a surprise to you — since sun protection and anti-aging go hand-in-hand. If this is your first time here, maybe you don’t mind fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging in the mirror… but if you’re anti-dark-spot, facial sun protection needs to be your # 1 priority.

​The tips for how to protect your face from the sun are similar to the rest of your body:
  • Physical Facial Sun Protection: Wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection and a hat with at least a three-inch brim.
  • Topical Facial Sun Protection: In addition to applying sunscreen, consider moisturizers, foundations, or other daily beauty products with SPF.

Take care of your skin, come rain or shime.

Protecting your skin from the sun is essential for maintaining a healthy, glowing complexion — and by following these tips, you can reduce your risk of skin damage and premature aging. But at the end of the day, the best way to maintain proper skincare all year round is by working with a licensed esthetician. I can help you customize a skincare regimen for your unique needs, so you can quit worrying about the mirror and get back to having fun in the sun.
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A Guide to Men's Facial Treatments

3/30/2023

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​Gone are the days of thinking that facials are just for women. As the importance of good skincare has become more understood in recent decades, men are taking better care of their faces even beyond the bathroom mirror. While we try to maintain healthy skin with an at-home routine, there are some things — like taxes and automotive repairs — that are just best left to the professionals.

Enter the men’s facial, a spa treatment that feels luxe but can also be found at accessible prices. Even Men’s Health Magazine now recommends facials as part of a regular grooming routine. If your complexion is in need of some maintenance and you want to transform your skin from rough to smooth, a men’s facial might be just what you need.

Why should men get facials?

​Here in San Diego, men’s facials are particularly common — but they’re growing in popularity everywhere. That’s because facials for men focus on issues common to male skin. Research has shown that men and women’s skin can actually be very different — from hormone metabolism to hair growth, sweat rate, oil production, and more. So for men, facial care might work to address common issues like razor burn, ingrown hairs, flaky skin, or sensitivity.

Not to mention, the term “thick-skinned” is not just a metaphor: Men’s skin can be up to 20-25% thicker than women’s, which can make men facial treatments even more important to ensure that products are able to penetrate the skin effectively.

More great reasons that men should get facials:

Unclog Pores and Reduce Pore Size

​Typically, men have higher testosterone levels than women, which helps explain why they produce more oil. Combined with the fact that men also tend to have rougher skin and larger pores, this creates a high exposure to dirt and grime… and when not cleaned properly, that can lead to pimples and blackheads.

During a men’s facial, most estheticians will perform extractions — which is the very precise removal of oil and dirt that’s clogging pores. Facials for men can also help avoid further skin problems like skin tags, age spots, breakouts, and more.

Get a Smoother Shave

​Whether it’s every day or every two weeks, the continuous dragging and scraping of a razor across your sensitive skin can cause irritation — from razor burn to inflammation to ingrown hairs.

Fortunately, a good men’s facial treatment will help deep clean bumps and soothe irritated skin. The combination of exfoliation, essential oils, masks, and moisturizers that an esthetician applies during your session will address shaving’s side effects. And the smoother your skin, the smoother your shave.

Learn About Good Skincare

​A professional esthetician makes it their business to learn about your skin and how to address the problems that concern you the most. They can look at your skin and see things you won’t from looking in the mirror. It’s like having a mechanic peek under the hood of your car.

If you’re new to men’s facial treatments or skincare in general, they can teach you about your unique skin type and how to take care of it. They’re also able to give you advice on the best facial care products for men to incorporate into your skincare routine at home.

Sit Back and Relax!

​And of course, while men’s facial care has plenty of benefits to skin health, it can also just be a luxurious way to spend an hour. Like a good barbershop visit, getting a men’s facial means laying back in a relaxing environment while an expert gets to work helping you look your best. And while a spa facial for men might sound a little intimidating, you can get the same services from your local esthetician’s office for a fraction of the price.

How to Prepare for a Men's Facial

​One note of caution on facials for men (or anyone, really): Don’t do your first facial before any kind of a big occasion (your wedding, a media appearance, your TED talk). As with virtually any treatment, there are potential side effects — and this is especially a factor for those with sensitive skin. If you’re prone to having reactions to certain skin care ingredients, be sure to talk to your esthetician beforehand about the treatments they’ll be using.

Don’t feel the need to shave before your appointment — whether you have a full beard or slight stubble. In fact, some facial care products for men can actually benefit your facial hair, making it look healthier and feel softer. That said, if you do prefer a clean shave, make sure to do so at least 24 hours beforehand — since shaving can leave skin feeling tender, sore, and especially sensitive to products.

Men's Facial in San Diego

​Here at Simply Skin, I provide facials for men, women, and children of all ages. Whatever your skincare goals, I can recommend a facial treatment that will help you look and feel your best. If you’re ready to improve your complexion and enjoy your newfound confidence, schedule your free consultation to see if a men’s facial is right for you.
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Maintaining a Proper Facial Routine

2/26/2023

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​Your face is a major contributor to your overall appearance — it’s often the first impression people have about you, and you want that impression to be glowing and confident. That means taking good care of it!

For many, finding the right facial routine can be overwhelming. Every day we’re bombarded by marketing hype for various skincare and cosmetic products, as well as advice from social media influencers and other beauty gurus… which makes caring for your face not only expensive, but all the more frustrating when you don’t get the results you’re looking for.

I’m a firm believer that when you transform your face, you transform your life. Here are some tips for how you can take the guesswork out of your facial routine and feel your best inside and out.

Step 1: Know your skin.

The truth is, skincare is personal — and has everything to do with your genetics, hormones, and lifestyle. That means the facial products that work for your best friend or favorite beauty influencer might not work for you… and in fact, can even be damaging to your face or make skin conditions worse. So when it comes to skincare for the face, the first step to finding the most effective facial routine is to get familiar with your unique skin type.

When you look in the mirror, do you see facial blemishes or age spots? If you suffer from acne, is it cystic or hormonal? Skin types can be surprisingly complex, and can even vary in different areas of the face or during different times of year (especially here in San Diego!). If you’re unsure of what skin type you have, an esthetician consultation is a great place to start.

Step 2: Do your skincare routine every day. (No, really.)

​There’s a reason they call it “routine” skincare and not “whenever-you-have-time” skincare or “when-you’re-breaking-out” skincare. That’s because it doesn’t matter how good your facial routine is if you can’t commit to it. Plan to devote a few minutes every single day — yes, even if you’re tired, and yes, even if your skin looks and feels fine.

Here are the skincare routine steps that should be non-negotiable (and the facial products that should be on your shelf):
  • Cleanse: Wash your face with a gentle cleanser to remove debris like dirt, oil, and pollution particles. Use a small dollop of face cleanser and lukewarm (not hot) water, and use circular motions to lightly massage your face.
  • Exfoliate: At least 2-3 times a week, incorporate an exfoliant into your skincare routine to remove the outer layer of dead skin cells for a smoother, clearer surface. But be gentle! Avoid excessive pressure or scrubbing.
  • Moisturize: One of the most important facial products in your arsenal is a quality moisturizer. At minimum, apply moisturizer morning and evening, and don’t wait until your skin feels dry to reapply.
  • Protect: When it comes to skincare, it’s hard to get more basic than "wear sunscreen." But it’s a crucial part of any good facial routine: Avoid excessive sun exposure, wear a hat, and use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ facial sunscreen on all areas of exposed skin.

Step 3: See your esthetician regularly.

​And of course when it comes to your skincare routine, nothing you do at home can replace professional attention — which means you’ll only see real payoff if you put effort into maintaining a facial regimen. As an esthetician, one of the questions I hear from new clients is “How often should I visit in order to see results?” Another way to think about this might be, how many times should you exercise if you want to lose weight?

Much like diet and exercise, the success of any facial care routine depends on consistency. Facials are best performed in a series, and getting them on a regular basis provides more long-term impact than a single procedure.

The frequency of your facial regimen will depend on the type of facial and your skincare goals. Those with oily and acne-prone skin benefit from facials more often than those with sensitive or dry skin. That said, a good rule of thumb is to plan for a facial at least once a month. Because our skin cell turnover cycle is 28 days long, that’s enough time for your skin to go through the full lifecycle of growth and repair between treatments.

Having a regular facial ritual is a great way to enrich your commitment to self-care. Not to mention, the more often you get facials, the more informed you will be about your skin and which treatments and at-home facial products will be best for your specific skin type and conditions… making after facial care even more effective.

Your best facial routine starts here.

​Proper skincare is a marathon, not a sprint, and here at Simply Skin, I'm your vested partner to create long-term results. Whatever your skincare goals (acne, anti-aging, scar reduction, and more), I'll create a facial routine that is sustainable and personalized to you — and help you reveal a healthier, more radiant complexion so you can feel confident inside and out.

Schedule your free consultation today, and let’s get started.
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    Hi! I'm Lori Legaz

    I'm a licensed Esthetician and Skin Care Specialist in San Diego, CA. 

    ​As a former acne sufferer myself, I too struggled with facial imperfections. My skin was greasy and no matter how clean my face was, it still felt dirty. That's no way to live.

    ​That’s why I became an esthetician: to help people like me navigate the world of proper skin wellness to get the treatment they need and the results they want.

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