Lighten Your Skin Safely

Tuesday, 2012-05-08

One of the most significant signs of skin aging is hyperpigmentation. These are the spots, freckles, and other blemishes caused by too much exposure to the sun.

Hyperpigmentation — melanin deposits such as brown spots, lesions and excessive freckling caused by too much sun — is a significant sign of aging, along with wrinkles and greys, but remains largely hidden from view. Considering that modern UVA/UVB sunscreen was not around until the 1980s, anyone in their 30s and beyond (especially those “beyond”) have soaked up a lot of harmful rays.

In effect, today the look of uneven, spotty and sun-damaged skin has become the new grey hair. And don’t think the cosmetics industry hasn’t noticed. Selling out as fast as wrinkle remedies, products and specialized procedures abound to promise even skin tones, lightened areas and radiant skin.

You probably know already that overexposure to the sun’s rays can damage your skin and cause it to age prematurely. You also probably already know the value of wearing sunscreen daily.

Chances are, however, you didn’t worry about sun protection in your younger years, and you’ve already sustained several years worth of sun damage on your skin. You can’t change the past, but by taking steps to care for your skin, you can reverse some of the effects of sun damage. Interested? Here are a few simple tips:

Smooth it out

The buildup of dead skin cells can make your skin look blotchy and uneven. One of the simplest ways to make your skin appear smoother is by exfoliating. Regular use of an exfoliant like Diana Stalder Facial Scrub removes dead skin cells, leaving skin looking smoother.

An added benefit of exfoliating is that the treatments you apply afterwards work better. When you exfoliate, you apply lotions, creams, and other topical treatments on a fresh layer of skin, and not the layer of dead skin cells that normally stay on top.

One disadvantage of exfoliating, however, is that it can make your skin more susceptible to the elements. This is why our next tip is so important.

Protect your skin

We can’t stress this enough: the best thing you can do for your skin is protect it from the sun. Even (or especially) if you’ve already sustained skin damage from the sun, putting on sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 like Diana Stalder Sunblock Cream is important. Wearing sunscreen helps prevent further sun damage, and this is especially important after you exfoliate, when your skin is most prone to damage from the elements. This also gives your skin and immune system time to repair some of the damage that has already been done.

Bleach a little

If you’re worried about blotchy skin, dark spots, and other discoloration caused by sun damage, we recommend the Diana Stalder Surely White Body Bleaching Kit. The kit not only includes soap and lotion to treat the blemishes on your skin, but also a two-in-one moisturizer and sunscreen.

Nourish your skin

Vitamin A is great for rejuvenating sun-damaged skin. We recommend using Diana Stalder Vitamin A Beauty Bar regularly to help nurse your skin back to health. As a side benefit, Vitamin A also helps treat acne.

Nourishment, however, shouldn’t just be (pardon the pun) skin deep. What you eat affects your skin’s health, so it’s important to watch your diet too. You want food rich in Vitamins A, C, and E to fight skin damage. Recent research has also shown that lycopene, which is found in tomatoes and other food, does wonders for your skin’s natural UV protection.

Of course, hydration is also important. Your skin needs water to look healthy, and dehydrating yourself doesn’t help with your skin’s repair process. Make sure you drink enough water during the day, and keep a bottle (or a glass) of water by your bedside too.

Do you have any tips or tricks to repair the effects of sun damage? Please share them with us too!


Microdermabrasion

Friday, 2011-03-25

Microdermabrasion is another skin-enrichment procedure that is growing in terms of market acceptance since it is less abrasive and invasive as compared to chemical peels and face lifts. It is used to get rid of common skin problems such as wrinkles, uneven skin tone, dullness, clogged pores, mild acne, scarring and hyperpigmentation. This skin treatment can be done in the face, neck or arms.

To administer microdermabrasion requires a “blaster-like” device which is pressed against the skin. The most common microdermabrasion machine sprays tiny crystals to the surface. These crystals vary depending on the service provider but among the commonly used are aluminum oxide crystals, sodium bi carbonate crystals, diamond-tipped crystals, or salt crystals. The mild scraping gets rids of the dead skin cells.

Another type of microdermabrasion device does not use crystals but instead uses a suction technique to reveal a healthier skin. Apart from sucking out the dead cells, the vacuum-type microdermabrasion buffs the skin, leaving it even softer and smoother. Unlike the scrape technique, this does not cause scratches to the skin.

Microdermabrasion does not require anesthesia and each session lasts for about an hour. For more evident results, the patient is advised to undergo a series of Microdermabrasion treatments. The exact number of sessions depends on the severity of the skin problems.

To complement this procedure, patients are advised to use a topical regimen that will help achieve the desired results. For smooth and even toned skin, use a combination of products that targets whiter and fairer skin such as Diana Stalder Surely White Whitening Regimen Kit. There are products that help reduce the appearance of pimples such as Diana Stalder Surely White Acne Treatment Kit. For a regimen that targets wrinkles and dullness, go for skin-reviving products such as Diana Stalder Surely White Revitalizing Kit.

Just like most skin treatments, Microdermabrasion requires certain preparations such as prohibition from sun exposure and non-usage of particular ingredients such as Retin A. To be sure that Microdermabrasion is suited for you and to know which type is appropriate, always consult with a skin specialist before giving it a try.

Reference: Nelson, L. (2008) Microdermabrasion Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery [Online]. Retrieved on 21 March 2011 from http://www.yourplasticsurgeryguide.com/facial-rejuvenation/microdermabrasion.htm


Skin Whitening vs. Skin Lightening

Wednesday, 2008-12-17

One of the questions we are most often asked is “what is the difference between your skin ‘whitening’ products and your skin ‘lightening’ products?”  The truth is, these terms are often used interchangeably.  But with Diana Stalder skin care products, these terms have a very distinct meaning.

In short, Diana Stalder “lightening” products–the Surely White Lightening Cream and the Surely White Lightening Lotion–are specifically formulated to even out skin tone.  These products are ideal for melasma, hyperpigmentation, dark spots, age spots, and even lightening freckles.

The Diana Stalder “whitening” products–Surely White Whitening Cream and Surely White Body Whitening Lotion–are designed for overall skin whitening.  You should use these products when you want to transform your skin to a new, whiter shade.

It’s really that simple!  Remember, the creams are primarily intended for your face and neck, while the lotions are primarily to be used on the rest of your body.  If you would like to whiten your skin, but you are also suffering from melasma or other forms of hyperpigmentation, we suggest first using the lightening products to even out your skin tone, then switching to the whitening products.

Of course, all these products are available in our store.  If you have any questions, feel free to drop us a note or use the comments feature below.


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