At KLS Aesthetics in Renton, WA, our Estheticians provide our clients with the utmost care, communication, and knowledge regarding their skin care health and goals. Our Estheticians created a skincare guide to help break down the ins and outs of skincare.
- SUNSCREEN: Always wearing sunscreen is one of the most essential skin care tips. There are many different sunscreens on the market, but sunscreens work best when they are rich in oxide and titanium dioxins and have at least SPF 30.
- Ultraviolet radiation can cause damage to the skin, leading to premature signs of aging, dark spots, inflammation, irritation, uneven skin tone, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Always apply sunscreen and stay in the shade whenever possible.
- HYDRATION: Keeping skin hydrated is not only about using the best moisturizer but also about drinking water. Staying hydrated is important for overall health and keeping skin healthy. As we age, our skin naturally loses its ability to retain moisture. Waterer helps keep skin cells hydrated, which can help reduce wrinkles, age spots, and other skin imperfections.
- STOP TOUCHING!: Trust us, popping a pimple is satisfying and super tempting, but it’s unhealthy for your skin. Touching your skin can worsen acne, clog pores, and leave nasty scars that won’t disappear quickly. For sensitive skin, it can damage the skin’s natural barrier.
- FOOD: An unhealthy diet damages your body and can also affect your skin. Be sure to include plenty of fruits and vegetables to keep your skin clean and avoid problems like clogged pores, which can lead to acne breakouts.Some foods contain comedogenic ingredients, which have the potential to cause blackheads and whiteheads.
- Ex: coconut oil
- Cocoa butter
- HOME CARE: Here at KLS Aesthetics, we love to discuss a good home regimen. This regime prevents damage from environmental factors, promoting cell turnover and addressing specific concerns like dryness or acne, ultimately leading to a more youthful and healthy appearance
- Cleanser: Start with a gentle facial cleanser suited to your skin type (gel-based for oily skin, cream-based for dry skin). Cleansing removes dirt, oil, and makeup, preventing clogged pores and breakouts.
- Toner: Use a toner after cleansing to restore your skin’s pH balance, which can be disrupted by cleansing. Depending on the ingredients, toners can also help with hydration, additional cleansing, or treating specific concerns like acne or redness. Look for soothing ingredients like witch hazel, aloe, or glycerin.
- Exfoliation (weekly): Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells, promoting smoother, more radiant skin. You can use a chemical exfoliant (like AHAs or BHAs) for a gentler, more even exfoliation or a physical scrub (though be cautious if you have sensitive skin). Weekly exfoliation ensures that your skin is free from buildup and can absorb the next steps in your routine better.
- Serum: Choose a serum that targets specific concerns such as acne, wrinkles, pigmentation, or dehydration. Serums are concentrated with active ingredients like vitamin C (brightening), hyaluronic acid (hydrating), or retinol (anti-aging). Layer them after exfoliation but before moisturizer.
- Eye Cream: The skin around the eyes is thinner and more delicate, so lightweight, nourishing eye cream is essential. This helps address concerns like puffiness, dark circles, or fine lines. Look for ingredients like caffeine (for puffiness), peptides, or hyaluronic acid.
- Moisturizer: Lock in moisture with a moisturizer suited to your skin type. For oily skin, look for a gel-based or oil-free moisturizer. A more decadent cream with ingredients like ceramides, squalane, or shea butter works best for dry skin. Moisturizers help maintain skin hydration, support the skin barrier, and prevent water loss throughout the day.
- SPF: Finish your routine with sunscreen to protect against harmful UV rays. Even if you’re indoors, UVA rays can penetrate windows and damage the skin. SPF 30 or higher is ideal for daily protection. Reapply throughout the day if exposed to the sun for extended periods.
- Don’t OVER-EXFOLIATE: Exfoliation is key to maintaining a healthy skin biome, but excessive exfoliation can irritate redness and even breakouts. Your skin microbiome plays a significant role in your skin health. When it’s out of balance, inflammatory skin conditions can occur.
- Applying the correct amount begins with gentle circular motions around the face, and it is done only once or twice a week.
- Be aware of “micro-tears” in the skin that harsh scrubs can cause.
- Softer physical exfoliation
- A soft chemical exfoliant like glycolic acid or lactic acid
- SLEEP: The body’s largest organ, the skin, works constantly and needs time to repair itself. During sleep, the body produces human growth hormone, which helps collagen production and cell regeneration.
- MOISTURIZER: Skin ages fast, and one of the best ways to prevent fine lines and wrinkles is to hydrate your skin daily. Regardless of skin type, moisturizing your skin daily is another key to maintaining a healthy skin biome.
- LIMIT EXPOSURE: Your skin cannot escape it: everywhere in the air are pollutant particles to which your skin is exposed. These harmful particles, also known as free radicals, can lead to skin aging, discoloration, and inflammation if you don’t protect your skin. Fortunately, our Estheticians here at KLS Aesthetics can recommend products rich in antioxidants that can help neutralize the effect of free radicals on your skin.
- STRESS: Stress can cause increased inflammation and slow down wound healing. Our glands produce more oil when under stress, which can cause acne to worsen in people who are prone to outbreaks. Stress can also trigger skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema, causing these conditions to flare up. Stress also impacts how our skin ages. Stress can break down collagen and elastin in the skin and interfere with rejuvenation, speeding up aging and causing more fine lines and wrinkles.
- Mind and body practices can help regulate your stress response, improving your quality of life.
- Barr said, “Learning how to manage your stress response is a compelling addition to every skincare regime.” Examples of these practices include:
- Medication
- Acupuncture
- Visualization
- Breathwork
- Yoga
Skin Care Tips and Tricks:
- Wash your face after you get home and change your clothes. Do not wait until you are about to go to bed, as you are less likely to wash your face then.
- Don’t rub in your sunscreen! Make it tacky in your hands first, then apply.- This will give you the most coverage.
- Change your pillowcase at least once a week.
- Eat the rainbow! Vegetables contain a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that promote skin health!
- Remember that your skin makes up your entire body. Take advantage of exfoliating in the shower once a week using a good body lotion to keep your skin nice and hydrated.
- Avoid excessively hot showers; the hot water could dry your skin by stripping away its natural oils, leading to itchiness and irritation.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Exercise is so important. It increases your blood and oxygen flow, boosting collagen production, which, in turn, helps repair damaged skin cells. It allows natural hydration and lowers stress levels. It also improves elasticity and blood circulation, giving you that nice glow!
When you are ready for a smoother, sleeker, and more youthful appearance, KLS Aesthetics can help you come up with a treatment plan that’s right for you. Whether you choose facials, microneedling, chemical peels, fillers and/or tox, we’ve got you covered and are happy to answer any additional questions you might have about pre- or post-care treatment.
Contact KLS Aesthetics in Renton, WA by texting us at 425-988-0528 or book a consultation to find out what treatment is right for you!