skincare

Spotlight Skincare Ingredient; Tranexamic acid.

Acids are a skincare staple. They provide a multitude of benefits in the treatment room and in our homecare regimens. In this blog I wanted to talk about a lesser known but emerging acid Tranexamic. Tranexamic acid comes from the amino acid lysine. Amino acids like lysine are the building blocks of protein. These proteins help produce hormones, immune cells, and enzymes.

Tranexamic acid is a synthetic derivative of lysine, and when applied topically, it can alter the way cells produce melanin, the pigment that gives your skin color, it interrupts pathways in the skin that might otherwise lead to an uneven skin tone.

It can also strengthen the skin’s barrier and improve the appearance of rosacea.

It can also be used to reduce post inflammatory redness and hyperpigmentation associated with healing acne lesions.

Tranexamic acid, like any new product, should be gradually introduced into your regimen gradually so as to avoid any potential complications such as irritation, dryness or flaking.

Tranexamic acid is also a wonderful ingredient in the treatment room, Apeeling Skin utilizes tranexamic acid by request in my microneedling treatments, formulated to attack eight different pigmentation pathways, the AnteAGE MD® Brightening Microneedling Solution is the only product on the market to effectively brighten and target discoloration at the cellular level without drying, irritation or inflammation.

Acne myths

Foods that spike insulin production like refined sugar and carbs and excessive dairy, (especially whey protein powders), a concentrated form of dairy. The trigger appears to be related to insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1, IGF-1. These hormonal pathways are associated with many metabolic and physiologic abnormalities when they are altered. Insulin is the main hormone driving glucose sugar balance in the blood and ultimately the deposition of fat. IGF-1 structurally looks like insulin and has growth and anabolic effects on the human body. This goes on to stimulate sebum production and keratinization, creating the conditions for acne development.

What's the difference between Microdermabrasion and Dermaplane?

I get this question weekly when I have a client booking my Customized Deluxe Facial that gives you an exfoliation choice. While the two both fall under the mechanical exfoliation category they provide different benefits.

Microdermabrasion vs Dermaplane. Apeeling Skin in Parker, Colorado

Microderm vs Dermaplane

Crystal-Free Microdermabrasion, or diamond dermabrasion, is a gently abrasive procedure that utilizes a diamond-tipped hand piece attached to a vacuum. It exfoliates by gently removing the epidermis before vacuuming away dirt and dead skin cells.

This type of exfoliation is terrific for those with thickened skin or dry and flakey skin. It is NOT recommended for those that suffer from active, pustular acne or those with red, irritated, sensitive or otherwise skin barrier compromised. It is also not recommended for those with thinner skin those with broken capillaries and clients that are taking blood thinners.

A Dermaplane utilizes a double coated scalpel blade to remove dead skin cells and as a by-product, vellus facial hair or “peach fuzz”. Unlike Crystal-Free Microdermabrasion there is no suction involved so it is a better fit for those with broken capillaries. Once again those with active, pustular acne are not candidates for Dermaplaning. Dermaplaning can also occasionally cause superficial nicks to the skin so it is not recommended for those that are on blood thinners or diabetics that do not have their blood sugar under control.

While many clients seek out Dermaplaning for hair removal it’s intended use is dead skin cell removal, the hair reduction is considered a “side effect”.

As with any skincare treatment always ask as many questions as you need with your skincare specialist to select the right treatment for you.