Proper skin care: A necessity for healthy skin barrier function

So, you've decided to get a facial.  You've scheduled an appointment and wait patiently for the day to come. You're so excited. Your skin has been a bit dull and dry lately. So you can't wait to get a deep cleaning, hydration and of course relaxation.

The day finally arrives and before your facial, you are asked to fill out a questionnaire asking you multiple questions about your skins' health such as what products you use to take care of your skin.

What products do you use to clean and moisturize your skin?

You may use many different ones from different brands. Perhaps from the local drug store, or department store.  Or you just may be a soap and water user. Why does your esthetician need to know this information?

The type of products you apply to your skin can have a huge factor on the integrity of your skins' natural protective barrier. And it will affect how your skin reacts to certain types of products or ingredients that are applied to your skin during your facial. If you're using lower quality skin care, your skin might even sting or burn when certain products make contact with it when it otherwise wouldn't. They can also be the cause of dry, dull, itchy, flaky, reddish or irritated skin.  Of course, there may be other underlying factors such as external environments or medications you may be taking, which is why you should also disclose these to your esthetician.

Our skins' protective barrier, the lipid barrier,  helps to prevent trans-epidermal water loss (dehydration) and helps to keep things out such as bacteria or environmental toxins. If our barrier is compromised, our skin won't be able to keep water and nutrition in and won't be able to prevent unwanted irritants out. 

How do you know if your barrier is compromised?

You may experience dehydration and no matter how much moisturizer you apply to your skin, it still feels dry. Perhaps you have inflamed, itchy or flaky skin. Even some types of acne can be a sign of a compromised barrier.

So what can you do about it?

First of all, a facial is a great way to start healing your skin. Not only because you'll receive high quality, professional grade ingredients to hydrate and exfoliate your skin, but you'll get a customized assessment of what your skin needs. For example, a proper skin analysis will help determine whether you need a creamy cleanser versus a foamy cleanser. Also, what type of moisturizer you need and if you should use one at night or not. What type of serums should you use? Should you use an eye cream or an eye serum?

Your esthetician will recommend professional grade products. They contain a high concentration of nourishing ingredients such as vitamins, antioxidants, essential fatty acids, hydrating oils, enzymes, and more that can heal your skin.

Getting a facial is a great way to start your road to healthy skin. However, sticking to a proper home care regimen will continue to heal the skin and make it more hydrated, softer, energized, and younger looking. Home care is the key to make sure that what you get done during your facial is retained within your skin for longer lasting results and long term benefits.

Are you ready to get started on the road to healthier skin?

You can book a facial or a consultation with a skin analysis to get your customized skin care regimen. You can get a custom skin care plan even if you don't get a facial.  Call (808)-345-3082 or click here to book an appointment. I look forward to preparing your custom home care regimen.