It’s Summer! That means beach weather and bikini season. Worried about those irritated shaving bumps? Have no fear! TDI has some shaving tips that can help keep you worry free this summer.

Treating & Preventing Ingrown Hairs

Ingrown hairs are a common problem for everyone. They are commonly caused by shaving. Shaving bumps can occur as a result of chronic inflammation. Simple treatments are as easy as purchasing an over the counter hydrocortisone cream. If those ingrown are still persistent even after the hydrocortisone you may consider using a prescription topical antibiotic solution that can help reduce the inflammation.

Exfoliation is the key to helping prevent ingrownhairs. This is simple and easy to do. Try some exfoliants like Glytone’s Exfoliating Body Wash, Burt’s Bees Peach and Willow Deep Pore Scrub, SkinLab’s Exfoliating Glycolic Cleanser, and SkinLab’s Glow Pads. You want to be sure to exfoliate your body and those ingrown prone areas about 2 -3 times a week.

If you want a DIY method to try at home, you can use coffee grounds mixed with yogurt. This can be applied as an after shave to exfoliate and soothe your skin. The caffeine in the coffee grounds not only act as a gentle scrub, but also decreases the inflammation from shaving reducing the likelihood of ingrown hairs.

Hair Removal Creams

Hair removal creams like Nair can be used, but be sure to first test a small spot prior to treating a larger area; and make sure your skin is not too sensitive to the product. Hair removal creams are safe, but can also be irritating to the skin. If you use any products that contain glycolic/salicylic acids or retinoids be sure to proceed with caution; using a hair removal cream in combination with these types of products can cause increased sensitivity to your skin.

Other Hair Removal Options

Tired of shaving? Want to try something new? Other hair removal options to consider are laser hair removal. This is a popular treatment method for many people who are looking for a longer term option for hair removal. If you don’t want to leave the comfort of your home you can consider the Tria Hair Removal Laser. It is the first and only FDA approved hair removal laser that can be used at home. This laser targets and eliminates hair growth on the face and body. It was recently featured in InStyle and was selected as a Best Beauty Buy for 2015. You can check out Dr. Chiu’s recommendation on it here.

If you do decide to stay with the traditional method of waxing or threading, be sure to exfoliate and to stop using any retinoid about 5 days prior to treatment.

Celebrities are often raving about the best ways to get a natural beautiful glow to their skin. That keep them red carpet ready for special events and for their daily lifestyle. What is the latest craze that everyone from Kim Kardashian to beauty editors are excited about? Sheet Masks!

Sheet masks are the latest skincare products to hit the market by storm. Originating in Korea, sheet masks are individually wrapped luxury facials for all skin types that are convenient for all users. Unlike typical clay facial masks, the cloth sheet masks are very easy to apply and come in single use packages. The sheet masks are infused with supercharged serum to target specific facial concerns, including dryness, pores, and even dull skin. These wonderful products make at-home facials so much easier!

In just fifteen to twenty minutes, the masks are able to target important skin issues, especially tone, hydration, firmness, and clarity, making it a huge favorite among celebrities today. We love them during airplane travel. Below you will find a few of The Derm Institute’s favorite types of sheet masks:

To hydrate your skin, use

• SK-11 Facial Treatment Mask: Although pricey, your skin is guaranteed to look glowing and healthy after just one use ($95 for 6).

To purify your skin, use

• Jart+ Pore Minimalist Mask: As an activated charcoal mask, this mask works to make pesky blackheads smaller and lighter. ($7.50 each)

To brighten your skin, use

• Perfective Ceuticals Divine Brightening Mask: Your skin looks brighter after just one use and is perfect in providing a clean palette for makeup application. ($48.75 for 5)
• Jurlique Perfectly Bright Facial Treatment Mask:  The formula for this mask has a concentrated solution that helps inhibit melanin synthesis. This assists with the reduction and appearance of dark spots and discoloration. ( $54.00 for 5 )

For a DIY sheet mask: Soak a tissue with your favorite toner, or essence, like Murad Hydrating Toner,then moisten with green tea. Place the soaked tissues on your face. Let this dry for about 10 to 15 minutes. Voila, dewy skin!

Sheet masks are the biggest trend in the world of beautiful skin today, so don’t let these wonderful products pass you by!

….Shared by the TDI Team

Dr. Annie Chiu joined eHealth Radio and the Dermatology and Skin Care Channels to talk about chemical peels.
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels and guest Dr. Annie Chiu discuss the following:

• What is a chemical peel and what issues does a
  chemical peel address?
• What is the purpose of an at-home chemical peel and how does an in-office chemical peel differ from that?
• What are the different in-office chemical peel options?
• Where, on the body, are chemical peels done?
• How many chemical peels should be done? Or how often should they be done?

Duration: 8:45

Dr. Chiu and TDI’s Favorite Eco-Friendly Lines:

1. Tata Harper

We are in love with this 100% natural luxury skincare line!  Manufactured in traceable batches on an organic farm in Vermont, where ingredients and essential oils are made right on the farm.  It’s a truly unique, non-toxic skincare line that offers results, luxury, and some unbelievably divine smells!

Our favorites:  Resurfacing Mask, Hydrating Floral Essence, and Beautifying Face Oil

2. Colorescience

Specializing in healthy makeup and sun protection products that are healthy for the skin.  Colorescience is a makeup line designed with active antiaging skincare ingredients.  Always pure, the company never uses mineral oils, alcohol, talk, fillers, dyes, or fragrance.  We never leave home without its truly unique Sunforgettable Powder SPF 50 brush to reapply sunscreen while keeping makeup fresh.

Other favorites:  Skin Brightening Face Primer, Mineral Corrector Palette, Antiaging Serum

3. Juice Beauty

Skin, hair, and makeup products from the Juice Beauty line
are all made with clinically tested certified organic ingredients.  The company is committed to achieving powerful clinically proven results with natural, non-toxic ingredients, while at the same time practicing sustainable corporate practices.  Juice Beauty line is endorsed by Gwyneth Paltrow and Goop . . . need we say more?

Our favorites: Green Apple Peel, Stem Cellular CC Creams

4. The Honest Company

The Honest Company, developed by glowy skinned Jessica Alba, features premium, non-toxic, natural skincare products that are reasonably priced, and safe for the whole family, including baby products.  Simply packaged and simple ingredients without additives makes this skincare line unique and approachable.

Our favorites:  Organic Healing Balm, Sunscreen Stick SPF 30

5. Suki

This cosmeceutical line is a synthetic free line where every product is tested safe for sensitive skin, pregnant women, nursing moms, and babies. Their extensive skincare line contains no parabens, phthalates, petrochemicals, fragrances, dyes, and sulfates. From mineral cream makeups to convenient kits, Suki offers skincare for every skin type, oily, dry, or sensitive.

Try the 21 day Dermal Detox Kit to brighten your skin in 3 weeks!

… Shared by the TDI Team

1. You are supposed to reapply every 3-4 hours.

Sunscreen starts breaking down as soon as you apply it to the skin.  Even if you don’t get wet or sweaty, it pretty much is inactive in 3-4 hours.  Reapply!  We love Colorescience’s Sunforgettable Brush  for easy reapplication.

2. Spray sunscreens are not all that good for you!

Sunscreen sprays may seem like an easy way to apply, and they do work for areas like the hair and scalp.  However, recent studies show very little sunscreen actually gets on the body, and even worse, spray sunscreens can get into the eyes and can be accidentally inhaled.  The FDA is studying the safety of spray sunscreens, and there is a real possibility it may be pulled from shelves.

3. If you have a hyperpigmentation condition such as melasma, sunscreens are not adequate protection.

Recent research shows Visible Light, Fluorescent lighting, lamp lights, computer screens, and even infrared light from ovens can worsen conditions such as melasma.  Typical sunscreens do not protect against visible light or infrared light.  Look for sunscreens that contain iron oxides, such as Colorescience Sunforgettable SPF 50 Brush or CoTZ Sunscreen 

4. A SPF 100 is not much more protection than SPF 50.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends daily use of SPF 30 or above.  Sunscreens with SPF greater than 50 are somewhat misleading, as they do not give you much more protection.  A SPF 100 is NOT doubly more effective than SPF 50, its closer to less than 1% more effective.

5. Antioxidant ingredients boost the effect of sunscreens by scavenging free radical damage caused by UV Radiation.

Some of Dr. Chiu and the TDI team’s favorite?  La Roche Posay’s Ultralight Fluide 45 and Supergoop’s Antioxidant Infused Sunscreen Mist with Vitamin C SPF 50 (note that this is not an aerosol spray as described in #2 above, but a mist).

As we head into Spring, we know it is easy to forget that you need to protect your skin from sun exposure. But actually UVA rays are strong all year round, despite the season, and these rays can cause not only skin damage, but premature aging as well. One great product to help give you an even greater edge than even just sunscreen is a simple once daily orange pill, but before we get into that lets go over some important skin facts and the dangers of the sun.

Sun Exposure and Facts:

Leaving your skin unprotected can have some shocking effects both long term and short term:

Short Term effects of Sun Damage:

• Sunburns
• Damage to outer layer or skin
• 2^nd degree burns that can blister and damage nerve endings

Long Term Effects of Sun Damage:

• Dark Spots
• Wrinkles
• Breakdown of Collagen and Elastin, this leads to premature aging
• Damaged skin cells
• Pigment Changes
• Dry Skin
• Skin Cancer

What can you do to protect yourself?

Following the national guidelines of the American Academy of Dermatology, The Derm Institute recommends daily use of a sunscreen, with minimum SPF of 30, as a part of your skincare regimen. Whether rain or shine, you should make this a daily habit!  The American Academy of Dermatology also recommends reapplication every 3 hours.

If you are active outdoors, on a tropical vacation, live in sunny southern California, prone to skin discoloration (those with sun spots or melasma) or just find it hard to be perfect about reapplication, try a whole-body approach to your sun protection.

Protect your skin from the inside out with the dietary supplement Heliocare. Heliocare is an all natural oral supplement derived from a fern extract. Heliocare acts as a superantioxidant to reverse the oxidative stressors of sun exposure. The oral pill has over 15 years of research, and is highly recommended by dermatologists. We find it the perfect adjunct for an active lifestyle or for anyone concerned about the aging effects of the sun, and want an additive protection on top of sunscreen.

This ionce daily oral supplement helps maintain your skin’s self-protecting mechanism against the sun and photoaging year round, no matter the season.
Remember, Heliocare is an ADJUNCT to sunscreen, not a substitute. But it is fantastic for those of us who are active, imperfect with reapplication, and for all those areas like the scalp where sunscreen is difficult to get on.

Stop by The Derm Institute today to learn more about this product. It’s a great addition to any skincare regimen. With help from The Derm Institute, and products like Heliocare you can be sun safe and sun smart!

Remember to Cherish the Skin You are in.  Protect it with sunscreen and products like heliocare.  Maintain it with regular skinchecks and procedures that enhance its beauty, and you can feel comfortable and confident every day.

. . . Shared by the TDI team.

We hear it all the time—your mom told you, or you read it once in a beauty magazine, below Dr. Chiu helps you separate fact from fiction . . .

Myth #1:  If you pluck a white hair, many more will grow back in its place.

Each follicle typically grows a single hair, except in certain skin conditions.  Plucking hairs cannot change how many follicles you have.  If you notice more white hairs with plucking, it’s probably more just because they would have come anyway!

Myth #2:  I don’t need sunscreen because it’s not sunny and I work mostly inside.

70-80% of harmful UV rays penetrate even on cloudy or even rainy days.  UVA rays, which cause not only skin cancers, but are “Aging” rays, penetrate glass windows, and are the same strength all year round.  If you drive or walk by a window, you are getting UV rays.  Be proactive about antiaging and wear sunscreen year round.

Myth #3:  My scalp is flaky and dry so I am going to wash it less often.

Most commonly flaky scalp is a condition called seborrheic dermatitis, commonly known as dandruff.  This is a multi-factorial condition which is caused actually from overactive scalp oil glands along with increased turnover rates of scalp skin.  So the flaking is actually caused not by dryness but by oiliness!  Increasing frequency of washing your hair in this instance can actually keep the condition under better control by regulating the scalp’s natural oils.

Myth #4:  I love products which “shrink” pores.

True shrinkage of pores never really happens—you can make the appearance look smaller with things like retinols or chemical peels, but pore size is more genetically dependent than what products we use.  Plumping the surrounding collagen with peels, non-ablative fractional laser, and good skincare can definitely minimize the appearance of pores though.

Myth #5:  If I shave, the hairs will grow back thicker.

Studies have shown the thickness of hair is absolutely not affected by shaving.  However, naturally, hair grows in a tapered fashion, with the top of the hair being slightly slimmer.  After shaving, hairs may feel a bit coarser, only because you have trimmed off the tapered end.  But shaving itself actually does not change the texture or thickness of the individual hairs.

Myth #6:  I have oily, acne prone skin, so I don’t need a moisturizer.

Healthy skin is about a balance of hydration, overdrying the skin with acne products or not using a moisturizer can actually cause oil glands to be MORE confused and produce MORE oil.  Ask your dermatologist for a recommendation of a non-oily moisturizer that still gives your skin barrier protection.

Myth #7:  I will use cocoa butter during pregnancy to stop stretch marks.

Sadly, development of stretch marks during pregnancy is something we do not yet have control over.  It seems to be more genetically determined.  Products like olive oil and cocoa butter cannot penetrate into the dermis, where fibrosis occurs to cause stretch marks.  Good news is, once they develop, early treatment with non-ablative fractional resurfacing can definitely improve their appearance.

Myth #8:  The more expensive a skincare product is, the better it works.

Not true.  Look for good scientific studies and quality ingredients like retinols, L-ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) or peptides, not fancy bottles and expensive marketing.  Skincare companies spend more on packaging than the products, so ask your dermatologists what ingredients to look for and what brands actually have studies to show benefit.  It is not always the MOST expensive, spend where it counts.  Consider a Skin Health Consult to go over a skincare regimen best tailored for your needs.

Myth #9:  If a product is “all-natural” or if I buy it at Whole Foods, I cannot be irritated by it.

This is a common misconception.  Even “natural” plant extracts can be irritating to certain types of skin.  Our favorite example is poison ivy:  all natural, pretty darn irritating!  Currently, the FDA does not regulate who can label their products as “natural”, so none of us are sure exactly what that means.  Irregardless, products with lemon extract, or other botanicals can still cause allergic reactions.  In fact, as most of us know, pollen (which is obviously naturally occurring) is a common cause of hayfever.  Skin allergies are not very different.  Your body can react to almost any product, “natural” or not.

Myth #10:  My skin is dry, I can drink 8 glasses a day to combat that.

Actually, dry skin is typically caused by poor skin barrier that results in loss of water through the epidermis.  And it’s oil that keeps the skin moisturized.  Using products that help repair the skin barrier (like moisturizers with Ceramides) is more effective in improving dry skin.

Shared by the TDI team…

We all have a few bad habits that we can improve on. If you aren’t seeing the healthy radiant skin you want, take a second to review your skin care regimen. Here at The Derm Institute, Dr. Chiu is committed to helping you achieve healthy skin, so take a look below and see how you may have a beauty habit that can be improved.

1. Not washing your makeup brushes and sponges.

70% of women don’t wash their makeup brush or sponges, EVER. Bacteria, dead skin cells, and oils can all accumulate to contribute to breakouts, irritated skin, or just uneven makeup application. Dr. Chiu recommends washing your brushes at a minimum of every 2-4 weeks.

2. Sleeping with your makeup on.

Pollutants and dirt that causes oxidative stress can be trapped against your skin under your makeup, causing premature aging, breakouts, and inflammation. Sleep is an important time for the skin to repair. Even an easy makeup removal wipe before bed is worth the time!

3. Over•exfoliating or over•washing oily skin.

There is such a things as “too clean”. When the skin is overly dried through cleansing or exfoliating, oil glands can actually get confused and produce MORE oil to compensate. This can cause more acne breakouts and paradoxical oily skin. Wash with a gentle cleanser twice a day, and keep aggressive exfoliation to about three to five times a week.

4. Giving up on skincare products after a few weeks.

Most skincare products take at least 8-12 weeks before clinically significant results can be seen. If you try a product for a few weeks or even a month, then change it, you are likely never getting the benefits of the product. Dr. Chiu always recommend using a product for at least 3 months to truly evaluate if your skin is responding. Skincare products are not magic, but definitely can improve skin quality if used consistently.

5. There is sunscreen in my moisturizer, so I don’t need anything else.

The American Academy of Dermatology is recommending daily sunscreen use of SPF 30 or above. A lot of people do not actually use enough of the moisturizers with sunscreen to achieve the actual SPF on the label. This can significantly increase your risk of skin cancer. Dr. Chiu recommends that you use at least a generous nickel size dollop of sunscreen for your face to get the SPF protection that is on the label.

The weather is warming up and it is definitely beach weather! It’s great to head to the beach, but it is important to be sun safe. Everyone should be sure to apply a sunscreen daily, you can actually have more exposure to UV rays on overcast days. Didn’t know that? Good fact to know and be aware of when you step out of your home each day.

Here at The Derm Institute we want to keep our patients aware and up to date on the information they need to know regarding their sun safety.

Sunscreen Choosing Tips:

1. Choose a sunscreen that you will use over and over again. Make sure you like the feel,
   that it is not too heavy or pasty, there are many elegant formulations on the market, so find one you love! 
2. Select a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection (look for both UVA AND UVB protection on the package)
3. Look for a minimum of SPF 30 or greater
4. Find a water resistant sunscreen if you will be outdoors to combat sweat and water
5. Cream sunscreens are best for dry skin and the face area
6. Gel sunscreens should be used for hairy areas, like the scalp or even a male chest
7. Stick sunscreens are good for around the eye area
8. Spray sunscreens are best used for REAPPLICATION, as the coverage from a spray is not protective due to scatter of active ingredients
9. Use a powder based sunscreen like Colorescience Sunforgettable SPF 50 Sunscreen Powder for reapplication every 2-3 hours
10. Has a minimum SPF of 30, and is also water resistant.

Sunscreen FAQs

1.  Is the higher the SPF better?

Dr. Chiu and the American Academy of Dermatology recommend a SPF of at least 30 or above, as it will block about 97% of harmful UV rays.  But SPFs higher than 50 do not offer more significant coverage, so products with SPF 100 are not necessary, nor do they block 100% of rays.

2.  What sort of sunscreen should I use on my child or baby?

It is best for babies that are under 6 months to not spend time directly in the sun, if necessary, sunprotective clothing can be used to protect the delicate and sensitive skin of an infant. It is also recommended to have babies at this young age to wear sunglasses and a wide brimmed hat; especially if they are to be outside in direct sunlight for a prolonged period of time.

It is important to apply sunscreen to an infant or toddler over 6 months of age if they have any exposed skin that is not protected by clothing. Look for a PHYSICAL sunscreen, such as Blue Lizard Baby. Physical sunscreens have only zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as active ingredients. These sunscreens are the ones to be used on infants and toddlers because it is the most suitable for their skin. The sunscreens that contain these ingredients do not penetrate the skin and are less likely to cause irritation to the skin.

At the age of 2, sunscreens of all types are safe for use.

3.  How much should I apply?

The general rule is a golf ball size for the entire body.  This includes about half a tablespoon for your face.  And don’t forget to toss out last year’s expired sunscreens!

At TDI, we recommend using sunscreens generously, daily, and reapply.  We carry all the sunscreens mentioned in this article.  If you need guidance on what’s best, please be sure to stop by The Derm Institute to take a look at our sunscreen selection, and any one of our staff members will be happy to help you! Let us help you be sun safe and sun smart!

. . . Shared by the TDI team

Now that warmer days are here, it’s time for sandals and pedicures.  In fact all year long, who doesn’t love a pampering at nail salon with a manicure and pedicure. It’s a quick easy process that leaves our hands and feet looking and feeling great.

Below are The Derm Institute’s Top 10 Tips for Healthy Manicure and Pedicures for summer ready nails!   

1. Cleanliness is key. All nail salons should use an EPA-registered hospital disinfectant. Be sure your nail salon uses an approved disinfectant for their pedicure bowls. It is also recommend to choose a salon that sterilizes their instruments in between all clients. Be sure your technician opens the sterilized packet of instruments in front of you.

2. Do not shave, wax, or use hair removal products up to 24 hours before getting a pedicure. These procedures cause the opening of pores, leaving your skin more prone to picking up an infection.

3. Do not get a pedicure if you have bug bites, scratches, broken skin or lesions on your legs or feet. These breaks in your skin can increase your chances of picking up bacterial and fungal infections.  Wait until these areas are healed before heading to a salon.

4. Go traditional on pedicures! You’re better off with pedicures that utilize traditional soaking buckets rather than spa chair pedicures. Spa pedicure chairs are more likely to trap mold and mildew in the filters unless they are cleaned between every client.

5. Bring your own equipment. It seems bizarre, but plenty of people do bring their own instruments, and love having control over that part of their mani-pedi experience. We suggest buying your own mani-pedi kit to take in with you so you can ensure cleaniness. You can disinfect your instruments by wiping them down with alcohol after each use.

6. Gel manicures are all the craze, but be careful. If you are fond of gel manicures be sure to go to a salon that uses LED lights for curing the gel nails instead of the traditional UV lamp. UV lights expose your skin to harmful rays and can cause damage and increase your chance of developing skin cancer. If your salon does not offer LED curing lights for gels, we recommend wearing finger-less gloves to UV protect your skin.

7.  Give your nails a break sometimes!  We recommend the cycle on/off pattern for those of you who put on acrylics or gels. The glue used in acrylic procedures and the acetone used for removing gels dehydrate and weaken the nail plate. Therefore, we recommend you cycle off every third month or so to prevent the damage of your nail bed.

8. Apply a base coat before applying dark polish. Dark polish can stain nails which can lead to a yellowing pigment. If you experience yellowing of nails soak them in lemon juice to lighten the nails.

9. To prevent ingrown nails, we suggest cutting/filing down your nails straight-across rather than rounded. Please be sure to tell your nail salon specialist that you only want to push back your cuticles and not cut them. Cutting of cuticles can cause chronic paronychia or inflammation of the cuticles.

10. Fungal infections are uncommon, but can be serious when it affects the skin. Paronychia is a fairly common infection seen from removing hangnails or cuticles. This infection can lead to a red and swollen area surrounding the nail, and tends to be painful. If you suspect a bacterial or fungal infection, be sure to make an appointment to see Dr. Chiu at The Derm Institute.

Your mani-pedi treatment should be relaxing. Use our ten tips above to avoid stressful conditions that mani-pedi’s can lead to. Always remember to apply sunblock to your hands and feet when showing off your polished nails!

. . . Shared by the TDI team

For glowing, healthy, happy skin it turns out we all need beauty sleep!

Scientific studies support the importance of sleep on overall skin health and appearance. Sleep deprivation has been shown to reduce the natural moisture barrier of the skin, leaving it prone to dehydration and a dull appearance. A reduction in skin barrier as a result of inadequate sleep can increase skin irritation as it will be more susceptible to environmental pollutants. Poor sleep results in higher levels of stress hormones in the body, such as cortisol, which can lead to increased inflammation of the skin. This type of inflammation not only leads to flares of inflammatory skin conditions such as acne and rosacea, but it can also increase inflammation induced oxidative damage that leads to collagen breakdown and wrinkles. Poor sleep quality is associated with increased fine lines, pigmentation, reduced elasticity, and slower recovery from environmental stressors such as sunburns. Another reason lack of sleep may lead to poor skin health may be due to the decrease in secretion of proper levels of melatonin, which has natural antioxidant properties.

Having a regular sleep schedule is an important habit to develop for glowing, healthy skin. Washing your face before going to bed is an easy and important MUST in basic anti-aging skincare. Throughout the day, pollutants, sweat, and makeup buildup oxidative stress and irritation on skin, which can lead to redness, increased pore appearance, and an overall more aged appearance. During sleep, the skin undergoes repair at a cellular level, and may be more receptive to anti-aging products such as retinols. Dr. Chiu’s favorite retinols include SkinMedica’s Retinol Complex or prescription strength Renova, both available at The Derm Institute.

General skin and sleep tips:

1. ALWAYS wash your face before bed to reduce irritation and the buildup of collagen oxidative stressors such as environmental pollutants.

2. Use a satin pillowcase to reduce the friction of your skin when you mash up against a pillow–reducing creases and etching of sleep lines on the face.

3. Reduce salt and alcohol intake and elevate the head slightly elevated on a pillow: this will reduce the natural pooling of excess fluids around the eyes and face that can lead to a more tired or puffy appearance.

4. Keep a humidifier in the bedroom to keep the skin hydrated. Because of the active repair processes that occur below the skin surface while we sleep, the skin can actually can lose up to 25% more water overnight when compared to daytime. A light moisturizer with humectants such as hyaluronic acid can counteract these effects.

5. Skin repair hormones such as Human Growth Hormone are secreted in higher amounts during sleep, so aim for at least 7 hours of sleep a night so your skin can rebuild collagen that breakdown with ultraviolet damage during the day.

We love skin products with growth factors, and using retinols sparingly to avoid irritation. Pairing a moisturizer with a retinoid product is an ideal nighttime regimen because sunlight weakens retinoid effects and moisturizers reduce irritation. Retinoid products increase collagen thicknesses, decreases overactive oil production, and encourages skin turnover–meaning reduced fine lines and more even pigmentation. Dr. Chiu can go over all the finer points of how to layer the best skincare products to maximize your skin appearance during a Personalized Skin Health Consult.

If you already have sleep lines or loss of collagen, consider dermal fillers or Sculptra to soften those lines and rebuild collagen for a more rested, youthful appearance.

Contact us for an appointment today! Wishing everyone restful nights this week.