Category Archives: Hannah Sowd Skin Care

Microdermabrasion

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In the 1950’s a treatment call dermabrasion used a wire brush to remove scars and wrinkles on the face. It was very invasive, required anesthesia and recovery took up to 2 weeks. Fast forward to 1985 and an Italian company introduced the first “micro” dermabrasion machine. By the mid-nineties our current style of microdermabrasion machine was imported to America and today most spas and skin care studios offer the treatment.

Microdermabrasion is a professional exfoliating treatment using crystals and suction to remove the top layer of dead skin which minimizes uneven texture, acne scars, large pores and fine lines. The treatment can be done alone or incorporated as the exfoliating step of a basic facial.

A single session will leave your skin looking smoother and refreshed, while a series of treatments will provide visible results for more stubborn concerns. A “series” is one treatment every 2 weeks for 12 weeks: a total of 6 treatments. Microdermabrasion is NOT recommended for clients with active acne: once the breakouts are under control, the treatment is effective to clear up any pigment or scarring.

There are a wide array of microdermabrasion machines on the market ranging from $200 home-use models to $14,000 machines made for use under a medical doctors supervision. The machine plays a significant part in the outcome of the treatment, the larger the motor, the more aggressive the treatment can be.

Technique does vary so you may see better results with one esthetician over another.

Microdermabrasion is an effective, affordable treatment that can help you achieve your skin care goals!

The Appeal of the Sun

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Last week I found myself in a yoga class of 40+ people and I was one of the handful of students without a tan…and yes, I mean intentional tans: dark, even, no tan lines. Living in San Francisco I can only surmise the majority of this color did not come from the sun.

Why are so many people still tanning with everything we know about sun exposure? And even worse, why are people using tanning beds???

Tanning beds are calibrated to emit mostly UVA radiation, the deep penetrating rays that are responsible for golden-brown skin color, not UVB radiation, which affect the surface layers of the skin and cause it to burn. In addition to premature aging, UVA rays are the cause of Melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer. Regular use of these beds can triple your risk of developing Melanoma.

The health benefits of sunshine, the role it plays in vitamin D synthesis, has been in the news a lot in recent years. UVB rays are responsible for this synthesis so spending time in a tanning bed will not help your vitamin D deficiency. Exposing your face and arms to 20 minutes of sunlight per day meets the requirements for most people to synthesize vitamin D.

The world of SPF can be confusing. I’m glad the FDA has decided to step in and simplify the labels as well as regulate protection from both UVA and UVB rays.

Confused by SPF? Take a number.

The bottom line: intentional tanning is never good, you are only damaging your skin. Find a sunscreen lotion that protects from both UVA and UVB rays: try several, the more you like the texture and smell, the more you will use it. When you know you will be in the sun for an extended period of time, wear a hat and long sleeved shirt in addition to SPF. And lastly, make sure you are using enough SPF lotion: a 4oz tube should only last 3 months if you are applying it to your face daily.

All About Acne

Acne Hannah Sowd Skin Care Professional Treatments Skin Care Leave a Comment  / 1 Comment

Zits, pimples, spots, blemishes- call them what you want but we’ve all had to deal with them at one time or another!

There are many creams, lotions, and gels-both prescription and non- that claim to cure, prevent and treat acne but what really works and why?

Genetics, hormones, stress, and lifestyle all play a part in the condition of our skin. The two most common types of blemishes are cystic acne and comedones. Comedones can be open (commonly called blackheads) or closed ( commonly called whiteheads) but come from the same source, a build up of debris in the skin’s pores. Cystic acne blemishes are large, often painful bumps that start deep under the top layers of the skin.

Comedones are fairly easy to control while cystic blemishes are more severe and often need to be treated with prescription medication. Your esthetician can assess your skin and refer you to a dermatologist if necessary.

Comedones are a result of excess oil from overactive oil glands, dead skin, and external debris clogging the skin’s pores. During a deep cleansing facial the skin is exfoliated (often with a light glycolic peel), then steam is used to dilate the pores before the comedones are gently extracted. Once the skin is deep cleaned, the first step in preventing the build of of the comedones is to clean the face regularly

Begin by washing your face morning and night with a gentle cleanser. Often, it is necessary to wash the face a second time in the evening to ensure removal of makeup, sunscreen and surface debris. A toner is not necessary but an astringent can help control oil in extremely oily skin types.

Exfoliate your skin 2-3 times per week using an enzyme exfoliant. This will remove dead skin and surface debris before it has a chance to clog the pores. Additionally, if your skin produces excess oil, a clay mask can be helpful in absorbing the oil and keeping your skin clear. Apply the mask once a week and allow it to dry before removing it with a warm washcloth.

When dealing with acne, it is important to keep in mind the goal is to balance, not dry, the skin. Wash your face with  warm water and use a light moisturizer even if you are prone to breakouts.

Spot treatments are good for drying up existing breakouts and preventing new ones in acne prone areas. The two most effective ingredients are salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide; try both and see what your skin responds to best.

Regular cleansing facials, light glycolic acid peels and proper home care will help most skin get clear and stay clear!