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Acid reflux, acid rain, acid rock — those four little letters, A-C-I-D, are associated with a wide array of unpleasantness. Yet in the world of skincare, acid is nearly akin to a miracle in its ability to fight the cruel signs of aging. Why? Because it works.

Even the most respected anti-aging treatments come with their own special brand of misunderstandings, and acid peels — both over-the-counter and under — are no different. So let’s peel back the light of day and clear up some commonly held misconceptions about the use of acids in skincare.

First and foremost — acid peels don’t necessarily have to peel. In fact, today’s acid-based exfoliating formulas often leave skin glowing as opposed to the dry, peeling, and flaky side effects of acid treatments of the past. By combining multiple alpha and beta hydroxy acids at lower strengths, doctors are able to reduce the peeling associated with using one type of acid at a higher concentration, reducing downtime while still offering up the same glowing results.

It’s also a misnomer that acid-based exfoliation treatments are too damaging for those with sensitive skin. Acids dissolve the upper layer of cells to trigger repair, making them a much better option for those with sensitive skin than, say, retinoids which repair skin by kick-starting inflammation. Formulas combining the acid with an amino like arginine can even help slow the product’s penetration into the skin, further staving off any uncomfortable irritation.

Acid treatments are only as potent as the free-acid compounds that they’re comprised of. Too many and your skin burns and turns red; too few and very little happens. An ideal treatment is likely to tingle for a few seconds upon application — that’s the acid penetrating the skin. The good news is that this tingling is indicative of the immediate refreshed result you’ll notice afterwards. The trick is in finding a product with the ideal pH level for your skin.

This is not to say that acid peels are the answer to every aging ailment. On the contrary, one looking to treat deep wrinkles might want to consider fillers and lasers instead or consult with their doctor on a combination of in-office treatments. Skin gets the most benefit from over-the-counter acid treatments when it’s still in its 20 – 30’s age range, after that doctors can prescribe a retinoid and regular peels to treat the signs of aging.

So in the spirit of what’s old is new again, revisiting the merits of classic acid-based exfoliation treatments could be just the thing to treat the signs of dry, damaged, and aging skin — revealing a smoother, brighter surface and a younger, more refreshed you

This entry was posted on Friday, March 7th, 2014 at 1:42 pm and is filed under All Posts. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Your body’s muscles, organs, and brain need plenty of sound sleep to repair and replenish from the day’s activities. The skin, which is the body’s largest organ, is no different. While you sleep your body works to steadily repair the damages to cells that the elements have caused; be it the sun’s damaging UV rays or cold skin chapping wind. This article outlines a 5 step bedtime skincare routine that you can use to aid your body in the repairs, resulting in clear flawless skin.

No Makeup

Before heading to bed the first thing you will want to do is remove any and all makeup. Any makeup that is left on your face while sleeping can easily combine with the skins oils to quicklyclog pores, leading to acne. Use a quality; alcohol free makeup remover to ensure makeup is removed without drying the skin.

Once the makeup has been removed use a facial toner to help restore your skins natural PH level to keep it vibrant as well as resistant to harmful skin bacteria. Keep in mind that toners are not the same as cleansers and you will want to find one that is formulate for your skin type.

Cleanse

The next step in your bedtime skincare routine will be to use a quality facial cleanser to wash your face. Use the cleanser and warm water (which opens the pores) to remove dead skin cells, bacteria, and dirt that has built up over the day. Make sure you have rinsed off all of the cleanser residue, so a film isn’t left on the skin, and then pay dry with a towel.

Once skin has been patted dry, witch hazel or tea tree oil can be applied to areas prone to or affected by acne. Twice a week you should use a mild exfoliate to help slough off excess dead skin cells to help avoid build up resulting in block pores. You can buy an exfoliating product or you can use your normal facial cleanser paired with a washcloth to achieve the same results. Whichever you use make sure to exfoliate lightly as to not irritate the skin.

Treat Your Eyes

Before bed you will want to apply a cream specially formulated for the eye area. These creams are different from regular moisturizers due to the fact that there are no oil glands around the eye, so make sure to keep it limited to this area. Another natural remedy for treating bags under the eye is to apply cold sliced cucumber over the eye and leave on for at least 20 minutes.

Revive Your Lips

The wind, cold, and sun’s UV-rays can lead to dry, chapped, or burned lips. Before heading to bed after you have washed your face apply lip balm or Vaseline to your lips to help heal and restore their natural moisture.

Facial Moisturizer

The last step in your bedtime skincare routine is going to be to apply a facial moisturizer. Ideally this is applied while your face is still slightly damp from washing, as this will help lock in moisture that your skin can absorb. Make sure the your facial moisturizer does not contain any oils as this can actually increase your chances of developing acne due to clogging pores.

In Conclusion

In Conclusion it is good to note that before you decide it is bedtime, make sure to turn off all of your tech devices such as mobile phone, television, laptop, ipad, etc. up to an hour (if possible) before you retire. Instead, try reading a book; use of these tech devices can affect how quickly and soundly you sleep. Once steps 1 through 5 of the bedtime skincare routine have been completed close your eyes, rest your mind, and sleep your way to clear healthy skin.

Have I miss any steps? Please share any comments below. I’d love to hear about your routine and what works best for you!

This entry was posted on Friday, January 24th, 2014 at 3:33 pm and is filed under All Posts. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

The cold weather this time of year brings about a much lower level of humidity. This low humidity is what will cause your skin to dry and crack from your lips, face, hands, and to your feet. Cracked/broken skin can lead to infection.

So how do you protect your skin during these cold winter months? First is to make sure you moisturize as this is probably one of the most essential and easiest steps to follow. After a shower just use a moisturizer that has a bit of a heavier cream consistency, instead the one you may use during the summer months.

The second step is making sure you are covered up as much as possible before stepping out into the cold. Exposed skin takes a lot of damage especially when the wind picks up, your fingers, hands and toes are more susceptible to windburn and frostbite.

The third step is to make sure you remember your sunscreen. It may not be blazing outside but the sun can still do a lot of damage to your skin. It’s not direct light as in the winter, the sun reflects it’s light off of the snow that is covering the ground.

The last step or steps has to do with water. Make sure you’re drinking enough water each day. A common mistake is thinking that your body doesn’t need the same level of hydration in winter as it does in summer,so be sure to drink up. Also as enticing as a hot shower may be try to keep them short as hot water can strip your skin of the much needed moisture.

Lastly those with skin conditions like eczema should be weary as the colder climate tend to cause flares in condition. If your symptoms show or worsen consult your physician for treatment.

This entry was posted on Friday, December 20th, 2013 at 3:24 pm and is filed under All Posts. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

There are several factors that affect the health of our skin and as we get older our skin reveals how we’ve lived our lives.  Naturally our skin takes a lot of abuse more abuse than most other organs we have. So it’s key to good looking skin throughout our lives is to treat it well  by protecting it and nourishing it. But how does weather affect our skin? Well the two main sources are cold weather and exposure to sun.

To start protecting your skin it’s a really simple solution, the first is sunscreen.  The damage the sun can cause on skin ranges from causing discoloration in exposed sections to causing a loss of elasticity to your skin which causes wrinkles. The other and most dangerous is skin cancer. You should use sunscreen during every season and not just for Summer. The reason is your skin is exposed to UV rays all year round. To protect it you can use a broad spectrum of sunscreens starting at SPF 15. 

The sun isn’t the only weather factor that can cause damage to your skin, the cold can do that as well. Cold weather brings with it a much lower level of humidity. This will cause your skin to dry and crack from your lips, face, hands, and to your feet. The main thing to do here is to keep your skin hydrated and covered, easily enough by just a pair of gloves and a scarf. For hydrating your skin make sure you exfoliate before applying a moisturiser that has a bit of a heavier cream consistency  should work just make sure you apply it in the morning and before bed at least. Those with skin conditions like eczema should be weary as the colder climate tend to cause flares in condition. 

This entry was posted on Friday, November 15th, 2013 at 4:52 pm and is filed under All Posts. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Cooking Your Way To Gorgeous is an exciting new book by celebrity esthetician and nutraceutical expert Scott-Vincent Borba written by Ali Morra-Pearlman; Dr. Pearlman’s wife. Who knew that turning heads could be as simple as turning on your oven, blender or stovetop? When you feed your skin what is needs, while still eating the foods you love, you banish problem areas from the inside out. Learn about the most powerful anti-aging foods that are sitting on your pantry shelf right now! For glowing skin and a wealth of skin-friendly recipes plus DIY home facials, scrubs and hair packs, this innovative book is a beauty bible. Not only will you be cooking up gorgeousness, you’ll learn how to use some of the very same ingredients topically to regenerate healthier, younger-looking skin.

Cooking Your Way To Gorgeous is available at Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery and Amazon.com

This entry was posted on Friday, September 20th, 2013 at 3:36 pm and is filed under All Posts. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Which parts of your body should you exfoliate and why? Exfoliating helps keep your skin clean, healthy and looking radiant. Removing dead skin cells and dry patches is one reason exfoliation remains one of the best beauty techniques that anyone can do on their own. Below we will discuss the value in exfoliating certain areas of the body regularly and how you can gain and preserve healthy, radiant looking skin. Mechanical exfoliation by using abrading scrubs is OK but if over-used can damage your skin as well. For a better, safer and more effective technique we suggest you use a Clarisonic device that is proven to cleanse better and even gets off makeup more efficiently. 

The skin on the face can benefit from being exfoliated routinely, as you can uncover the younger looking skin that lies beneath the top layer of the dried and damaged skin cells which need to be removed. Your arms and legs are also another area that can significantly benefit from exfoliation. In fact, the knees and elbows need to be paid special attention, as they dry out faster than other parts of the arms and legs.

Other areas of the body that you should be exfoliating include the feet, heels, ankles, thighs and the buttocks area. Our feet and heels are a much-neglected area which has a tendency to dry out and become scaly from walking and being in shoes all day. One of the areas of the body that can benefit significantly from exfoliation is the thighs and around the buttocks area. By exfoliating these areas you’re not only helping to keep the skin smooth and supple but you are also stimulate circulation which can help with cellulite issues.
With that in mind exfoliating your skin should be a gentle non aggressive process. Being over aggressive with your skin can cause it to become red, raw and even inflamed thwarting the positive properties that exfoliation can have on your skin.
By exfoliating regularly and following these basic rules your skin will be clean, healthy and radiant looking.

This entry was posted on Friday, September 13th, 2013 at 3:30 pm and is filed under All Posts. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.