Beauty is all around us. Feeling and looking good begins with taking care of yourself and your skin. But when it comes to your skincare routine, how much product is enough? We’ll go over adequate application of some basic personal care items to give you a better idea of how to best care for and nourish your skin.

Fundamentals

More isn’t always better. Sometimes it’s just – more, especially when it comes to skin care.

Depending on the product, applying too much can do more harm than good. Using products in excess can clog pores or cause your skin to break out. And the faster you go through it, the more you need to buy. Those expenses add up.

On the other hand, using too little product is an issue as well. You might not get the results you’re after, and you may be exposing your skin to harmful energies and pollutants. Finding that middle ground can be tricky but not impossible.

Cleansers

You want to use enough cleanser to remove makeup, sweat, and toxins. Naturally, the amount needed to do this effectively will depend on how much makeup you wear – and even how hectic your day was. Try a dime-size dollop of a cleanser that’s specially formulated for your specific skin type. Cleanse twice a day for the most refreshing results.

Exfoliants

Exfoliating removes dirt, debris, and dead skin cells. This process allows fresh cells to surface and provides a lively, healthy glow. Again, the proper amount will depend on your skin type. Those with dry skin should steer away from using certain exfoliants to prevent further drying of the skin. Deep-penetrating BHAs are oil-soluble and better for acne-prone skin, whereas water-soluble AHAs exfoliate skin with surface-level issues.

Moreover, manual exfoliants rely on force to scrub away dead skin cells. Chemical exfoliators dissolve or break down the bond between those cells. Start with a dime-sized amount of your chosen product and adjust as needed for application method and effectiveness.

Moisturizers

Want to keep your skin looking young and healthy? We’ve got one word for you: Moisturize. Do so every day – from head to toe – to help skin maintain its softness and elasticity. Moisturize your face and neck area twice a day, along with your feet and hinge joint areas like the elbows and knees.

We recommend using a daily moisturizer, but you should select one that’s right for your skin type. Depending on the area of application, you’ll want to use an appropriate amount of product to spread and work a thin layer into the skin without feeling heavy or wasteful. Apply smaller portions to smaller areas of the body and slightly larger portions for larger or longer areas, such as the thighs or arms.

Keep your skin soft and well-hydrated by looking for moisturizers with hyaluronic acid or glycerin.

Serums

Facial serums can be used for different reasons. Some help combat the signs of aging while others illuminate the skin or lessen visual flaws. With serums, less is certainly more. The anti-aging ingredients like retinols and peptides are highly concentrated, so using a small amount is best to apply a thin layer. They’re also most effective when used after cleansing or applied under a moisturizer before heading to bed.

Eye Creams

Distinct concerns such as dark circles or fine lines are often treated with eye cream. These products permeate the delicate skin around the eyes to promote the production of collagen, a protein that helps fight the signs of aging and keeps skin looking youthful.

Because it’s used in such a tender area and so close to the eyes, a small amount is the best idea. Go with lighter amounts during the day and a little more in the evening, to help the skin restore itself from the day.

Also, remember to apply products in order of their thickness, with the thinner or lighter items first.

As always, the beauty experts at Belladerm MedSpa are here to answer all your skincare questions. They’re also fully trained and qualified to discuss products, further explain how much product is enough, and recommend services to keep your skin looking and feeling its best. Contact us today to learn more or request an appointment.

Microneedling is an effective, minimally invasive procedure to boost collagen, treat scars and sun damage, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles anywhere on the body. Created in the early 1990s, the process uses mini-needles to create tiny punctures in the skin. This stimulates the body’s natural cell regeneration process. The result – healthy, strong, more radiant skin. Read our blog as we discuss the top five benefits of microneedling.

Stimulates collagen production

Collagen is a compound in the skin that enables strength, structure, and a youthful quality. The mini injuries from microneedling boost collegan and elastin production. This reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The body’s wound healing system stimulates new cell growth, which makes wrinkles, crow’s feet, laugh lines, and forehead creases less visible. Skin treated with only four microneedling sessions spaced one month apart can result in up to a 400 percent increase in collagen and elastin six months after completion.

Reduces the appearance of scars

Because microneedling stimulates collagen and elastin production, it’s incredibly effective at diminishing acne and other scars on the skin. Moreover, it can also be used on all skin tones. According to one study, patients who received one to six consecutive monthly treatments had an improvement in the appearance of scars of at least 50 percent after an average of 2.5 treatments. However, the only type of scar that cannot be treated with this procedure is keloid (raised scars).

Improves sun-related hyperpigmentation and age spots

If your skin is blotchy or discolored from too much time in the sun, microneedling can help. The process stimulates new cell growth, which can assist with hyperpigmentation, age spots, blotchiness, or redness to even out your skin tone. Your skin will look invigorated, fresh, and more youthful.

Improves the effectiveness of topical products

Since the microneedling process involves inflicting tiny puncture wounds on the surface of the skin, it assists with the absorption of serums, creams, moisturizers, and other anti-aging treatments. The mini holes deliver the products deeper into the dermis. This helps with hydrating the skin.

Fewer side effects than laser resurfacing or chemical peels

Unlike laser treatments or intense chemical peels, microneedling gives you immediate results with little downtime. You’ll notice a visible difference 24–48 hours after the treatment instead of days or weeks with other anti-aging procedures.

Other benefits to microneedling include a decrease in stretch marks and hair follicle stimulation. Moreover, some patients notice a reduction in cellulite and crepey skin, and pore shrinkage.

Microneedling is an effective way to get a youthful and glowing complexion. However, the results are based on your overall skin care goals and areas of the body you wish to have treated. To receive maximum benefits, plan on at least three to six treatments over a two to six week period.

The experts at Belladerm MedSpa can help you look and feel your best. To find out if you’re a good candidate for microneedling, call today to schedule your FREE consultation with one of certified microneedling professionals.

The warm weather is right around the corner and with it, the sun’s harmful UV rays which can cause damage and premature aging. Don’t be afraid to show a bit of skin, but make sure to protect it. That doesn’t mean you have to stay inside or lather on the heavy foundation but it may be time to change up your summer skin care routine. If you prepare your skin now, you can show off your bare-faced, beautiful complexion all season long. Read on for our top 5 ways to prep skin for summer.

Medical Cosmetics and Sunscreen

Our skin is the most exposed organ to harmful stressors during the summer. You should proactively defend it with high-grade medical cosmetics including moisturizers, serums, and eye creams, for your daily morning and evening routines. And don’t forget the sunscreen – the single, most important product to use during the sunny summer months. Belladerm carries a variety of top product lines to keep you protected and looking your best year-round:

• The SkinMedica® aesthetic product line includes repairing creams and sunscreen formulated to restore the skin and promote self-healing.
• iS Clinical® serums improve complexion and provide antioxidant protection.
• Colorescience®  offers non-chemical sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays throughout the day.
• Epionce® toners, cleansers, and sunscreen keep your skin clean, refreshed, and protected.

Facials

Facials are an effective way to detoxify the skin, promote blood circulation, lower stress, treat acne, and help repair sun damage. They can even encourage collagen production and give you a smoother, more even skin tone. Belladerm offers a wide range of facial services to keep your skin healthy and glowing throughout the season. Here’s a few of our favorites:

• The Bella Classic Corrective and Gentlemen’s Executive™ defend against environmental aggressors, reduce imperfections, and feel amazing at the same time.
• Our specialized HydraFacial™ exfoliates to clear away imperfections like sun damage, blackheads, whiteheads, enlarged pores, acne, brown spots, uneven skin tone, and wrinkles. This four-in-one treatment uses a variety of revolutionary serums and is great for oily or acne-prone skin.

BOTOX®

If you’ve been squinting in the sun and are struggling with frown lines, crow’s feet, or deep forehead wrinkles, consider BOTOX®. This treatment only takes a few minutes and is performed by our highly skilled injection specialists. With BOTOX®, you won’t have to worry about those lines getting deeper.

Fillers

In the summer, your levels of hyaluronic acid (HA) may decrease the more you are in the sun. HA is a naturally occurring substance in your body that retains water, giving you plumper, softer, and smoother skin. Skip the highlighting and opt for a non-surgical face lift with our dermal fillers, which replace the HA you have lost over the years.

Microneedling

Microneedling is the perfect treatment for busy summer schedules. It’s quick and versatile, treating a variety of skin issues from hyperpigmentation and scars to sun damage and stretch marks. The more skin is exposed to the sun, the less collagen it produces. Microneedling increases the production of collagen, making your skin look and act younger. Best of all? It’s not just for the face; treatments can be applied to the neck, arms, hands, legs, abdomen, and back.

Your skin is your body’s largest organ. Make sure it’s protected this summer with proven, effective skin care products and treatments from Belladerm MedSpa. Our expert aestheticians can recommend the best brands and services that align with your desired goals and outcomes. Request an appointment or contact us to learn more.