Skin Care Beach Bag Survival Guide

Heading down the shore can be stressful for your skin, especially if you’re prone to breaking out or burning, but thankfully, there are ways to protect yourself and look good while doing it!

We all know the basics of a beach bag:  towel, sunscreen, magazine, sunglasses, etc; yet this isn’t enough if we want to rock our beach bunny persona.  I’ll admit, I’m guilty of taking 1/3 of my bathroom with me, and if I had a bigger beach bag, I’d take more.  Hey, I like to be prepared…I also like to be the savior at the beach when one encounters a skin dilemma.  Everyone I go with knows I’m an aesthetician, so the question is always “Teresa, what do I do?”  Well let me tell you!

Scenario #1:  Sunscreen vs. Sunblock

Written by Teresa Zawada

Who knows the difference?  In my experience, not many.  We know baby sunscreen, sport lotions, oil vs. dry oil, even brand names, but when I ask my already sensitive skinned clients who tell me they can’t use sunscreens due to reactions, the answer I most commonly get is “I didn’t know there was a difference!”  There is…a big one!  Let’s picture our front doors, we have our screen door and we have our solid, nobody’s getting in door!  Sunscreens are just that, screens!  They absorb into your skin, let the rays flow through, and they’ll give you a bit of color without giving you the “I just took a trip to the sun” look.  They’re usually sufficient for most people without any problems, but if you have reactive skin…beware!  

Sunscreens are chemical protection, they can aggravate acne and rosacea, sometimes even your eyes.  Sunblocks, on the other hand, sit on top of the skin and give sun rays a solar punch.  You won’t get a lot of color, but you will be protected.  And if you have rosacea, go for a block with an antioxidant.  Avene’s new line of sunscreens/sunblocks gives you all that and more…protection, sun-stable antioxidant vitamin E, and thermal spring water to cool and calm the skin; it’s like a 3 in 1!  Plus, if you feel more comfortable on the beach without a naked face, their sunblocks come in two shades of compact foundation that covers blemishes, are water resistant, mineral based, and completely beach friendly!

Scenario #2:  I break out from beach days

Skin is fragile…sure, it’s one of our first lines of defense, but it still likes to be given attention.  After a day of sand, salt water, sweating, HOPEFULLY re-applying sunscreen, moments of dehydration, and meals dominated by boardwalk food (although tasty, but lacking in major nutrition), it’s no surprise that your skin might get a little mad at you!  My advice is to pack cleansing wipes; I like the baby variety.  Not only are they multi-purpose (for your bathroom breaks), but they are super gentle on the skin; they’re meant to clean a delicate bottom!  Makeup wipes are OK, but not the best.  My reason being is that they’re meant to remove makeup… the premise remains to still wash the face, and with fresh water scarce on the beach, you’re leaving behind residue and potential irritating ingredients from them, on your face.  

So, every 60-80 minutes, when you need to reapply sunscreen, don’t pack the leftover into your pores, grab a wipe, swipe your face, and viola....fresh palate for more protection!  As far as that boardwalk food goes, enjoy it, don’t stress, but also pack for yourself lots of water, and some fruits like strawberries, sunflower seeds, kiwis, and avocados for some extra vitamin C and B to naturally boost your skin’s healing abilities.

Scenario #3:  You didn’t listen, and you burned!

Avene Thermal Spring Water

Maybe you fell asleep in the sun, maybe you were playing in a paddle ball tournament and had no time to take care of your skin out of fear of leaving the zone.  Whatever the reason, sunburns happen, we’re only human.  Most of us see it (or feel it) after a shower, but sometimes you can SEE the burn as its happening.  First, run for cover.  If you don’t have an umbrella, it might be high time to call it a day.  Second, use what I frequently refer to as “miracle water in a can.”  Avene Thermal Spring Water spray is just that.  Imagine a pure water, never seeing the light of day, and constantly maintaining a temperature, that when you spray it on your skin, it almost immediately brings down the temperature of your flesh. 

Why has nobody told you about this water before?!  This is literally the #1 product in my “oh so well” packed bag that my family and friends ask for. The best part is, after you spray this water, and are lucky enough to be in front of a fan, you can feel the heat escaping with a burning/cooling icy-hot sensation.  Spray on the beach, spray at night, spray for the heck of it during the day if you want to feel refreshed! 

To further calm the skin, Avene has two at-home masks that I swear by, but the one you need right now is the Soothing Moisture Mask.  Containing the Thermal Spring Water, safflower oil for nourishing (don’t worry, this will NOT clog you), and glycols for hydration, this paraben-free formula offers instant relief for burns and redness.

A little extra:

So that covers your beach emergencies, and just as a little extra, I always recommend sample sizes of talc powders, for those unfortunate souls who are prone to chaffing, a mini-first aid kit to clean and protect any cuts from sharp shells or over-zealous seagulls, a visor or hat, lip balm with SPF, a pack of tissues, antibacterial wipes, floss, a leave in conditioner for when you get out of the water, preferably with an SPF to protect the scalp, a brush, and last but not least, a waterproof camera, because smartphones and water DO NOT mix!  With all this, you too can be the hero of the beach day!

And of course if you have any questions or want to pamper your skin schedule an appointment at 609-443-4500 and ask to schedule with Teresa today!

Looking Your Best: Tips for Mothers of the Bride and Groom

By Teresa Zawada
Licensed Aesthetician

Mothers of the bride and groom also need to look their best. Though the risk of waking up to a blemish is low, mothers have their own stressors that can manifest on the skin. Not to outshine their daughters, here are a few tips on the road of radiance for any skin.

1. MOISTURIZE!  Ever notice how dry skin is chapped and crinkly? Same thing happens on the face. Majority of fine lines are dehydration. Using the correct AM and PM moisturizer will ensure a more taught supple look. 
2. 5 letters "B-O-T-O-X." Who wouldn’t want a smooth, wrinkle-free forehead or crow’s feet area? When done properly and in moderation, Botox can erase years off a face without a hardened look. Once again, follow the one week rule, if not more. Bruising can occur in some patients, and Botox takes at least a week to take full effect; One month prior is ideal. 
3. Glycolic peels. By “ungluing” the dead skin from each other, skin is instantly exfoliated revealing fresh, brighter skin. A series of 6, scheduled 2-4 weeks apart, helps boost collagen production and diminishes unwanted fine lines and wrinkles. Talk to your aesthetician about a proper treatment protocol for your skin type.
4. For a day-of plumping, skip the products containing collagen spheres. Instead, opt for micronized Hylauronic Acid such as Avene Retrinal HAF. Serving as double duty, the micronized HA with not only add temporary volume, but will also “super-moisturize” the skin.
5. Lastly, make up is a necessity. Local makeup artist Erin Root recommends “making sure to use as little foundation as possible. Make sure you get a foundation that’s professionally matched to your skin and only use as needed. Start in the T-Zone and feather the foundation out across the face. Moms’ skin also tends to be a bit drier, so they don’t need as much powder. They should also use a cream blush (try and play with it for a few weeks before the wedding to make sure you’re comfortable with it). Also, avoid heavy eyeliner. Try a thin line on top and use a powder shadow if you must as a liner underneath the eye. This keeps eyes a bit softer and most importantly, YOUNGER! Finally, after all your makeup is applied, set it with a finishing spray such as MAC’s Fix + Spray-just spritz on and viola!” This will ensure a dewy healthy glow on all of your photos!

Here Comes Winter! Skincare Tips for the Months Ahead

Winter takes a toll on everyone’s skin, but dry indoor heated rooms, cold, wind and heavy clothing can pose special challenges when you have psoriasis. A combination of dry air, decreased sunlight exposure, colder temperatures and holiday stress can all contribute to winter psoriasis flares.

In additional to seasonal environmental and emotional factors, people who have psoriasis need to be especially cautious about contracting strep throat, which usually strikes in winter months. A strep infection will cause psoriasis to flare badly, so it is wise to pay attention for any symptoms of strep and see your dermatologist if you are experiencing any symptoms.

But instead of yearning for summer, those with psoriasis should view winter as a chance to pamper yourself and control psoriasis at the same time. Try these psoriasis care tips as the weather turns colder:

Smooth on Moisturizer: The drier your skin gets, due to less humidity in the outside and inside air, the worse the psoriasis patches can look and feel. Keep your skin moist to reduce redness and itching to help heal psoriasis patches. The thicker the cream or ointment, the better it is at locking moisture into your skin. Use moisturizing soap and a creamy lotion after you shower, bathe or wash your hands. Choose fragrance-free products to avoid allergic reactions.

Choose Soothing Baths over Hot Showers: Long showers in hot water remove moisture from your skin. Shower in warm water just long enough to soap up and rinse off. Or relax in the tub. Add bath oil, oilated oatmeal, Epsom salts, or Dead Sea salts in a warm bath. Soak for about 15 minutes to slough off psoriasis scales, soothe itching and unwind. Apply moisturizer immediately after bathing.

Use a Humidifier: To wake up with moist and smooth skin, use a humidifier. Run it in your bedroom at night to counter the drying effects of indoor heating.

Wear Soft Layers: Frosty temperatures and wind can irritate your skin, triggering psoriasis flare-ups. They can also make psoriatic arthritis more painful. Dress in layers that you can peel off to avoid getting overheated as sweating can make psoriasis worse. Avoid wool, denim and other fabrics which are more likely to irritate your skin than cotton.

Drink Water: To pump up moisture, drink plenty of water.

Ease Stress: The winter holidays are full of cheer, but they also bring stress, which can make psoriasis flare. Plan time to relax during the holidays. Try a massage or moisturizing spa treatment. Exercise is a terrific stress reliever and may help protect you from flare-ups. Anything that helps you relax―including meditative yoga, listening to music or reading a book―can help keep your stress and your psoriasis under control.

Lighten Your Mood: Psoriasis increases your risk of depression. If you also have seasonal affective disorder―depression linked to less sunlight in winter and fall―these months are an extra challenge. If you’re consistently sad or depressed, talk to your dermatologist. He or she may suggest phototherapy to lift your mood.

The Key to Healthy Skin – Treat it Well!

The old saying goes “you get what you pay for,” but not always. Expensive skin creams do not necessarily translate into healthier skin. Remember, the basics hold true for everyone. First, always be gentle on the skin in the following ways.

In the shower: Use lukewarm water in the shower, not hot water which irritates the skin. Longer showers or better yet, lukewarm baths are best, so the epidermis can absorb more water and become more hydrated.

Toweling off: This can be followed by the gentle absorption of water with a towel, being careful not to be too rough.

Always moisturize: Make sure you use a moisturizer lotion, or if the skin is extremely dry (especially in the winter months when the ambient humidity tends to be low and forced heat dries the skin out), apply moisturizer cream while the skin is still damp to help trap the moisture, making skin plumper. This ultimately gives it a more youthful appearance and more importantly allows the cells to be maintained in their proper pH to mature. Normally the moisturizers I recommend patients apply once or twice a day are Cetaphil, Eucerin, acid mantle cream and Neostrata, but it depends upon the dryness or oiliness of the skin.

Sun protection: Sunscreen is essential for prevention of chronic solar damage and skin cancer prevention. Most of our sun exposure is before the age of 20 hence we must apply and advocate sunscreen utilization in children. It is necessary to use a sunscreen that blocks ultraviolet (UV) rays (the most harmful are classified as UVA and UVB) and has an SPF greater than 30. It should be applied 20 minutes prior to sun exposure to give the sunscreen time to penetrate throughout the epidermis and prevent UVA and UVB rays from being absorbed by pigment producing cells called melanocytes, which can result in life threatening melanoma. Even non-aggressive types of melanoma destroy collagen and elastin fibrin in the dermis, which results in chronic skin damage in the form of wrinkling.

So think twice before buying into expensive creams and treatments that don’t finish the job. Treat your skin well everyday and keep your skin healthy!

Jerry Bagel, M.D.
David Nieves, M.D.