Skin Care Tips

Acne: Not Just for Kids

Lexli International — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:41:19 GMT

If you’re an adult suffering from acne you’re hardly alone. It is estimated that 25% of all adult men and 50% of adult women experience acne at some point in their adult lives. The fact is, acne can persist into middle age and can even start at that time.

Let’s explore the four main causes of acne, which often work in conjunction:

1. Follicular keratinization (abnormally “sticky” cells)
2. Excess sebum production (skin oil).
3. Colonization of propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes are the bacteria that cause acne.)
4. Inflammation.

Given these four causes of acne, the typical scenario is this:

The presence of abnormally sticky cells coupled with the excess production of sebum cause a hair follicle to plug. The obstructed follicle then becomes engorged with oil and dead skin cells and initially becomes a comedo (whitehead). This creates an ideal environment for bacteria. As P. acnes flourish within the follicle, they release proteins (enzymes) that attract white blood cells to the area, causing inflammation in their quest to heal the situation. This creates a pustule (pimple). If the inflammation is not controlled, the condition worsens, resulting in a more serious acne lesion, such as a nodule or cyst.

So what can you do? Answer: look for products featuring active ingredients proven beneficial in the treatment of acne’s four causes. Among those that address follicular keratinization are retinoids, a form of vitamin A, glycolic acid (an alpha-hydroxy acid), and salicyclic acid (a beta-hydroxy acid). These ingredients help to remove blockages in the hair follicle and stimulate the establishment of proper skin function. Ingredients that address excess sebum are zink pyrithione, an anti-fungal agent; sulfur, which reduces oil gland activity; and niacinamide—also known as vitamine B3, which decreases fatty acid production in the sebaceous glands. Benzoyl peroxide, eucalyptus oil and tea tree oil all help to control P. acnes—so keep your eye out for those ingredients.

For inflammation, look for products featuring aloe vera, which has proven anti-inflammatory abilities. Other beneficial ingredients to address inflammation are arnica, commonly referred to as “Leopard’s Bane,” and bisabolol, which can also reduce the potential for scar formation caused by acne.

Remember, acne is a chronic problem and controlling it requires patience. To expedite results, I recommend a diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans – foods rich in antioxidants, while avoiding white bread and potatoes – foods that can cause a rapid surge in blood sugar, which can lead to acne. And, when choosing makeup, use only noncomedogenic types (will not block pores). Finally, no matter how tempting, do not “pop” acne lesions. This can lead to further inflammation and the spread of acne symptoms.

- Dr. A.

Understanding and Treating Dry Winter Skin

Lexli International — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 18:58:59 GMT

Ahhh . . . dry winter skin. Just another of the many joys that accompany colder winter temperatures. Did you know that approximately 81 million Americans claim to suffer from "winter itch," as it is commonly called? To learn the facts surrounding why we experience dry skin in the winter, as well as the comprehensive methods for treating it, I invite you to read my most recent article in Skin Inc. Magazine.

Of course, I welcome your individuals questions about dry winter skin. Feel free to post them here or on the Lexli Facebook page.

Antioxidants: Our Molecular Crimefighters

Lexli International — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 03:03:05 GMT

The term "antioxidants" has become a health and wellness buzz word in recent years. Physicians and nutritionists regularly encourage consumers to eat foods rich in them, while consumer products regularly tout them on product labels. In fact, antioxidants now make a regular appearance in skincare products, ours included. But, have you ever wondered what it is they do? And, are they really that beneficial or are they just hype?

Let me answer the last question first: antioxidants are definitely beneficial to the body. They're like the soldiers of our cells, disarming the free radicals that threaten cellular damage. Not only do free radicals lead to disease, including heart disease, Parkinson's disease and even cancer, they're also a leading cause of aging. In the skin, free radicals cause the breakdown of collagen and elastin, the proteins that give skin strength and elasticity. When collagen and elastin break down, fine lines and wrinkles develop. Therefore, you can see why antioxidants are beneficial in skincare products.

Because our bodies don't store antioxidants, it's important that we regularly replenish our supply. The list of foods that contain them is plentiful. In fact, to find those highest in antioxidants while checking the levels present in your favorite foods, visit ORAC Values.

So what about the use of antioxidants in topical skincare products - what percentage of the antioxidants that are applied to the skin actually reach the deeper layers? And, of those that are absorbed, does the skin actually use them? In 2009, a team of fellow researchers and I implemented a study that demonstrated use of a topical skincare product containing antioxidants does, indeed, increase antioxidant levels within the skin. Furthermore, a study by Burke demonstrated that, when applied topically in proper form, antioxidants like vitamin C and E and selenium "arm the skin with a reservoir of antioxidants that cannot be washed or rubbed off, protection which stays in the skin for several days after application."
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Given these facts, there are a few simple guidelines that should be followed to increase your body's antioxidant levels and, thus, optimize its ability to fight disease and combat the signs of aging:

Eat a Healthy Diet
The best way to obtain antioxidants is by eating a diet rich in whole grains, beans, fruits and vegetables - the brighter the color, the better.

Limit Exposure to Conditions that Promote Free Radical Production.
Avoid environmental toxins like pollution and cigarette smoke. And, it should go without saying, avoid excessive sun exposure, as UV exposure is one of the main producers of free radicals.

Take a Daily Supplement
A daily multi vitamin that includes several antioxidants, like vitamins A, C and E, as well as selenium, is beneficial on numerous levels.

Use an Effective Topical Antioxidant Formulation
Research has shown that combining oral antioxidant supplementation with topical antioxidant formulations is beneficial to ensuring optimal protection of skin from photoaging (aging caused by UV exposure). To be effective, however, the formulation must optimize the delivery of antioxidants to the skin by using a base (the main ingredient in a formulation) that can be absorbed by the skin.
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Antioxidants are currently the subject of countless research studies, due to the promise they hold for many disease states. Thus, I expect there's still much we'll soon learn about optimizing their use. As the topic evolves, we'll bring you the latest updates.

In the meantime, if you have questions about antioxidants, leave them in the comments section and we'll be sure to get you the answer.

- Dr. A

What does “Sun Protection Factor” mean anyway?

Lexli International — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 20:45:08 GMT

If you’re like most individuals, your assumption is that the higher the SPF, the broader the protection. And you’d be correct. However, the protection derived from products with an SPF greater than 15 is generally greatly exaggerated.

Another way to look at SPF is in terms of the amount of time it would take you to burn without sunscreen. For example, if you normally burn in 15 minutes of sun exposure, SPF 15 gives you 15 times the protection, or 15 x 15 = 225 minutes. But don’t rely too heavily on that number. The key to ensuring you’re protected from the harmful effects of the sun’s rays is the regular reapplication of sunscreen. Perspiration and water exposure wash sunscreen off the skin. (There’s no such thing as a “waterproof” or “sweatproof” sunscreen, mind you.) For best results, reapply every few hours.

Dermatologists, plastic surgeons and estheticians look at SPF 15 as the baseline level to look for in a sunscreen. This is because of its ability to block about 92% of UVB rays, the rays responsible for burning. As you increase the SPF number, the gains are minimal. For example, SPF 30 protects against 97% of UVB rays and SPF 50 against 98%. Still, for those with fair skin, SPF 30 or higher is recommended.

4 Simple Steps for Great Looking Skin

Lexli International — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 14:26:19 GMT

1) Cleanse
The first step of any skincare regimen is cleansing, which can be done with any mild cleanser. In order to keep the skin healthy and looking good, use enough product to eliminate any grime, sebum, dead cells, make-up and other particulate matter that may build up on your skin after a day’s exposure to the environment, thereby encouraging bacterial growth and skin cell decay.

This doesn’t need to be a complex ritual. Unfortunately, there are a lot of companies ready and willing to sell you numerous different cleansing products, each of which claims a different method to achieve the same purpose. Depending upon the quality of the cleansing agent and your skin type, one product is usually sufficient to do the job.

A popular skincare myth is that exfoliation can occur with products that contain "gentle exfoliants" such as microbeads or microspheres. The truth is that there is no gentle way of removing the thickened layers of keratin. For effective exfoliation, skin stimulation and rejuvenation to occur, exfoliation must be done by a chemical reaction or by vigorous mechanical dermabrasion. Lexli's AloeGlyC® Renewing Exfoliant is a patented maximum strength, over-the-counter, exfoliating product that provides the best at-home exfoliation possible while still being gentle on the skin.

Lexli Exfoliators:
> AloeGlyC® Renewing Exfoliant

3) Moisturize
Every cell in the body needs water to remain healthy. Unfortunately, skin constantly loses water through dehydration and evaporation.

One of the myths in the beauty industry is that when water is applied to the surface of the skin via a particular product, the water will be absorbed, thus increasing its moisture. The truth is that when water is applied to the external surface of your skin, it isn’t absorbed. The only way skin moisture content can be kept optimal is to prevent evaporation and loss of its own internal water. Lexli moisturizers keep the water content of your skin at optimal levels.

Our skincare products do this through the use of humectants—molecules that hold more than their own weight of water within their molecular and chemical structure. When applied to the skin, humectants concentrate water, minimizing evaporation. The presence of water on the skin surface plasticizes and smooths the uppermost layers of the skin and temporarily soothes the discomfort associated with dry, tight skin.

However, moisturizers that simply bind water at the surface do not completely solve the problem of dry skin. Rather, dry skin is more dramatically improved by increasing internal water-binding capacity. Lexli's moisturizers can increase water retention in both the upper and lower layers of the skin, not only by preventing evaporation, but also by stimulating the synthesis of essential skin proteins and oils.

Lexli Moisturizers:
> Aloe-Based Day Moisturizer
> Aloe-Based Night Moisturizer
> Aloe-Based Hand & Body Lotion

4) Protect
The final step in any proper skincare regimen is protection. Environmental factors are major contributors to skin damage and it is important to protect exposed skin.

The major culprit is ultraviolet light. When exposed to the elements, we recommend protective clothing and a sunscreen or sun block with an SPF of at least 15. Numerous studies have shown that sunscreens with an SPF factor of greater than 15 don't provide much additional protection. Sun blocks listing a higher SPF usually contain a white zinc or titanium oxide, which offers minimal protection against ultraviolet light damage.

Lexli Protectors:
> Day Moisturizer with SPF 15 for Normal to Dry Skin
> Sunscreen Spray with SPF 15

Lexli Cleansers:
> Aloe-Based Cleansing Lotion
> Aloe-Based Acne Cleanser
> Aloe-Based Make-Up Remover

2) Exfoliate
The second and most important step in the skincare process is exfoliation. Exfoliation is the removal of dead skin cells and debris (keratin) from the skin’s surfaces that otherwise covers up the new, living, vibrant skin cells underneath. When keratin builds up, it can clog your pores. Removing the keratin promotes new collagen production, resulting in healthier-looking skin.

Back To Skin Care Basics

Lexli International — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 05:00:00 GMT

With all the skin care products and theories out there, it can be easy to forget to do the little things that actually keep your skin naturally healthy and strong. No matter what you do to keep your skin looking good, start with these basic skin care tips and it will be easy to look and feel great!

Eat a healthy, balanced diet-- Eat a healthy and balanced diet, and especially avoid fried and greasy foods.
Clean and moisturize your skin daily-- Wash your face twice-a-day. Once in the morning and once at night before going to bed. Then, use a toner to remove any oil, dirt, or make-up that didn’t come off with soap. Finally, moisturize with a lotion that best fits your skin type (dry, normal or oily).
Keep your skin safe from the sun-- Exposure to UV rays from the sun causes many changes in the skin, including wrinkles, discoloration, freckles or age spots, non-cancerous growths such as moles, and pre-cancerous or cancerous growths such as melanoma. In fact, most skin cancers are related to sun exposure, so always wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or greater.
Seek professional help for skin problems—Even if you take great care of your skin, it’s not always going to be perfect. It can be dry or oily; it can develop rashes, have acne, or any mix of many other issues. Address the problem with a professional skin expert, either a skin aesthetician at your local salon or a dermatologist for more severe skin problems.
Self screening-- Over the course of your life, you should pay attention to all parts of your skin. Familiarize yourself with it, so you'll notice any changes that might occur, such as different moles or patches that might indicate skin cancer. Whenever you have a question or concern, make sure you see your doctor.

As long as you keep these skin care basics in mind, your skin will look and feel great!

Circulation and Skincare

Lexli International — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 18:25:02 GMT

Regular exercise is key to maintaining naturally healthy skin, but hitting the gym for 30 minutes after sitting at a desk for hours on end just won’t cut it. One of the best things you can do for your skin, as well as your stress-levels and your health in general, is to move around and get your blood flowing throughout the day. Poor circulation caused by low activity during our work day can seriously affect your skin by causing puffiness, bloating, cellulite, acne, and even loss of muscle tone. Here are a few ways you can keep your circulation flowing and skin healthy throughout the day:

• Start everyday with a few stretches.

• Stand up and stretch a few times throughout the day.

• Go to the gym for a light workout at lunch.

• Take a couple quick breaks to go outside and take a walk around the block.

What are some ways you stay active throughout the day?

How to Heal Sunburn

Lexli International — Tue, 04 May 2010 05:00:00 GMT

With the summer months upon us comes the summer heat and sun. We’ve all been burned by the sun before. Although we know sunscreen is good for us, we might sometimes forget to put it on, or run out at the last minute.

What are some ways to heal sunburn?

Use a cool compress to refresh your skin. Your body will cool itself off and adapt to a lower temperature. Additionally, you can take a cool shower to help soothe your skin. If you are experiencing pain you can use a mixture of baking soda and water to alleviate any burning sensation.

Of course, a go-to cure for soothing and helping to heal sunburn is aloe. Aloe Vera gel may be squeezed from an aloe plant, or you can buy pure aloe vera gel as a product.

Certainly taking precautions to keep your skin safe would be better than healing a sunburn, so pack that sunscreen!

How to Get Rid of Acne

Lexli International — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 05:00:00 GMT

The cause of acne can range from hormonal imbalances to our surrounding environment. There are a few things you can do to get rid of acne.

Minimize stress. Many people notice a correlation between feeling stressed out and experiencing breakouts. Do you feel yourself constantly breaking out during stressful times? Pay close attention to what’s going on in your life when you’re breaking out, it might be stress-related. It’s how your body reacts to stress that can be detrimental to your skin.

One way to reduce your stress and benefit your skin is by getting regular exercise. Stress causes increased oil production by your skin, and exercise is a known stress reliever. Working out also restores order to fluctuating hormone levels which can cause acne.

That's not the only skin benefit you get from exercise -- sweating helps clear out your pores, leading those dead skin cells to the surface where they can't cause as much trouble. Just remember to wash your face before and after working out to avoid clogging your pores.

Facial Skin Care Tips

Lexli International — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 05:00:00 GMT

The skin is affected by both internal and external factors, as well as age. There are many things that can affect your skin. Nutrition, amount of physical activity, alcohol, smoking and stress are all contributing factors to your skin’s wellbeing. External factors like air pollution and sunlight also contribute to your skin’s health. How do you protect your face? Internally, remember that water can only help you when it’s inside of you. Staying hydrated is necessary in maintaining healthy skin. Externally, it is necessary to provide facial skin with solid support and protection.

Skin care includes some reasonable steps: cleansing, moisturizing, and nourishment. This regimen will work on most skin types. All of these steps are taken care of with Lexli’s acne treatment kit.