Period Skincare for Women

Period Skincare for Women

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How many times have you heard women share their woes and concern about a breakout or extra skin sensitivity; right before or during their menstrual cycle?

Perhaps you and your friends often have conversations about how you change your skincare routine during PMS due to hormonal changes in the body.

Our skin moves to the ebb the flow of our hormonal chemistry and is more likely to change its appearance or physical sensations near the period cycle.

The menstrual cycle can impact mood, feelings, energy and skin. The increase and decrease of certain hormones throughout the month can affect how our skin reacts. But we must keep in mind that everyone’s skin may react differently to inner body changes and the environment.

PMS Skin & Breakouts: Best Friends Forever

When your body nears pre-menstrual days, it tends to produce less hormones. We hear about hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, namely estrogen, testosterone and progesterone. Many people find their skin oilier than usual before their period which maybe caused due to more sebum being released. This also traps dirt and dead skin therefore causing inflammation.

As estrogen levels drop it may also lead to sensitivity dryness and dullness of the skin. Some women have observed that their pigmentation is more apparent during these fluctuations because it reacts more strongly to the environment than other days. Others think it could be hormonal triggers that change the complexion. Dermatologists are still debating over scientific studies about the connection between skin and the menstrual cycle.

These hormonal changes may trigger other skin conditions such as dermatitis or psoriasis. If you are experiencing breakouts, inflammation and excessive sensitivity in your skin along with a change in energy levels; don’t worry because it might be that time of the month!

What Can You Do When All Hell Breaks Loose?

One of the most important things you can do in order to take care of yourself during PMS; is to acknowledge that your body is going through a flux of hormonal chemistry. Make sure you practice self-care and make comfortable adjustments that can ease this hormonal journey. There are a few things you can do to minimize inflammation, breakouts, dryness and sensitivity:

Eat Well, Sleep Well & Repeat

Be mindful of what you eat to catch up with the hormonal train choo-chooing inside your body. Surely, genetics play a role in how our skin behaves so this might not apply to everyone. However, it is better to be cautious by avoiding inflammatory foods. It is always good to consume sufficient amount of water every day. Some women find it calming to have green tea or spearmint tea especially during days where they are experiencing a surge in androgenic hormones.

Many women experience low mood and energy levels therefore it is favorable to rest whenever you feel the need to. Lack of sleep will not help with inflammation, breakouts or fatigue. Overall, it is beneficial to eat well and rest the body when hormones are acting up.

Avoid Harsh Products

When the skin barrier is sensitive and prone to stressors from the external environment, it is best to adopt a non-abrasive approach. Avoid invasive procedures and any physical exfoliants to curb potential irritation. It is best to stay away from laser, scrubs or tools that could trigger more problems when the skin is sensitive. 

Keep It Gentle: Spot Treatment

Try to opt for a gentle cleanser and a simple skincare routine. If your skin feels oilier than usual and you’re facing a breakout, then use spot treatments for that particular area. There are some great products that use zinc and other anti-inflammatory ingredients like green tea or chamomile to soothe the skin and avoid inflammation.

I have also seen others use glycolic acid or salicylic acid two weeks in advance, (before the onset of their period). They are usually too harsh for my skin so I avoid that route. But then again, everyone’s skin reacts differently. Although I would always advise to patch test especially towards the week your period is about to start.

Lipids: Say Goodbye to Dryness

Lipids keep our skin barrier intact and prevent external stressors from aggravating our epidermis. Lipids include fats, cholesterol and ceramides. They are essential in maintaining our skin health and avoiding dryness. If you experience dryness during the first few days of your period, make sure you use a suitable moisturizer.

Any Last Thoughts?

Remember to take care of your soul too. It helps to make a self-care kit during your period, maybe throw in a soothing moisturizer, comfortable pillow and a few green tea leaves? 

Tracking your period cycle could be a helpful way of predicting what your skin might need. Reach our dermatologists for better skincare!

Call our Patient Care Lines: (+632) 7-368 5238 l (+63) 917 862 7454 l (+63) 921 217 0517 for inquiries, questions, and appointments or talk to our consultants via LiveChat at https://shinagawa.ph so we can address and answer them for you.

Dermatologists can Positively Alter your Life

Dermatologists can Positively Alter your Life

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Are your skin problems negatively affecting your life to the point where you just want them to go away more than anything?

It might be time to finally see a dermatologist. Let’s see how a dermatologist can improve your life.

If you are looking for a dermatologist around the metro, then Shinagawa Aesthetics can assist you with the following common skin problems:

Spider Veins

Unsightly spider veins occur when valves inside your veins stop functioning as they once did. While spider veins don’t usually cause pain or harm in the long run, these damaged veins can suddenly appear on your legs or face, causing distress. Spider Veins are just one of many skin problems that Shinagawa treats with modern skincare solutions.

Skin Cancer

The most common type of this cancer is basal cell carcinoma. This type has a low chance of spreading from where it begins and grows slowly. Because this type of skin cancer can be treated early before it becomes life-threatening, it is important to know the symptoms. A major symptom is a bump with a rough surface that includes reddish patches and a scaly surface. It is important to check if this symptoms arise.

Acne, the Most Common Skin Problem in the Country

Acne is a common problem that 85% of people have experienced during their lives. In the Philippines, around 60 million people have this problem.

This skin problem, while common for many across the country of all ages, is completely treatable. While acne may be stubborn, there may be treatments that only your dermatologist can provide. 

Research shows that over 95% of those with acne have felt stressed or depressed because of it. Before you give into acne despair, contact our dermatologist at Shinagawa to discuss your acne skin problems.

  • Topical Medications – These types of medications are usually applied to clean, dry skin. One of these types is known as retinoids. Lotions, creams and gels are in this category and Shinagawa can help you find the best solution to treat your acne.
  • Oral Medications – Another type of treatment includes antibiotics. These types of products contain estrogen and progestin. Unfortunately, sometimes oral medications cause dizziness or an upset stomach as a side effect.

Speaking with a dermatologist can help you find the most appropriate way to get help with acne, spider veins, and other skin conditions.

Shinagawa Aesthetics could be the right place for you to help treat your skin care needs.

Call our Patient Care Lines: (+632) 7-368 5238 l (+63) 917 862 7454 l (+63) 921 217 0517 for inquiries, questions, and appointments or talk to our consultants via LiveChat at https://shinagawa.ph so we can address and answer them for you.

Common Skin Ailments

Common Skin Ailments

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Skin ailments are more common than you’d imagine. We have come up with a few common skin ailments that warrant a visit to a dermatologist.

ACNE

Acne is a condition that occurs when dead cells and oil get accumulated in hair follicles. It appears as whiteheads, pimples, and blackheads on the face, shoulders, chest, and upper back. Though it affects teenagers the most, it can also occur in people of other ages.

Acne can bring out emotional issues, especially among teenagers because looks is a very important aspect of their life. In fact, a study shows that 96% of people with acne have reported feeling depressed because of their condition.

In some cases, acne can also cause a permanent scar on your skin. It is best you start acne treatment at the earliest to reduce the risk of such problems. An adolescent dermatologist is someone who specializes in treating the skin conditions of teenagers and adolescents, and he/she can help you in this area.

DULL SKIN

Your skin is constantly exposed to different forms of pollution and this leads to the accumulation of dirt and dust. In addition, dead cells also pile up and all of these together make your skin look dull and lifeless.

SKIN CANCER

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer and one that can be cured completely if found early. Current estimates show that one out of every five people will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. This goes to show how common this ailment is, and at the same time, it is serious enough to head to a medical dermatologist with the right experience and knowledge of advanced dermatology.

VARICOSE VEINS

Another common skin ailment is varicose veins, which are nothing but enlarged and twisted veins that appear just under the skin of your legs. These varicose veins look ugly and in some cases, can even be painful. A varicose vein should never be ignored as there is always a possibility for bleeding or superficial thrombophlebitis, both of which can be life-threatening.

You may have to undergo a varicose vein therapy for this condition and this requires the right cosmetic dermatology specialists.

To conclude, these are the most common skin ailments though there are a few others too such as allergies, rashes, and more. The rule of thumb is, to head out to a Shinagawa Aesthetics if your skin condition doesn’t go away in a few days or if it affects you physically or emotionally. 

After all, looking attractive is an innate human nature and it begins with healthy skin that requires the services of a cosmetic dermatologist.

Call our Patient Care Lines: (+632) 7-368 5238 l (+63) 917 862 7454 l (+63) 921 217 0517 for inquiries, questions, and appointments or talk to our consultants via LiveChat at https://shinagawa.ph so we can address and answer them for you.

Thinking Laser Hair Removal

Thinking Laser Hair Removal? Know More!

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Laser hair removal is a safe way to remove unwanted face and body hair that provides long-term results. Learn more about how this makes life smoother and easier for you.

What is Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal is a safe way to remove unwanted body hair with long-term results. It’s an in-clinic procedure that can treat unwanted hair on the back, bikini area, chest, face, neck, arms and legs. 

Although laser hair removal is not entirely permanent, it provides a great option to remove unwanted hair. If the hair eventually grows back, it is less in volume, lighter in color and has a finer texture.

The laser, used for hair removal, is a pulsating beam of light that passes through the skin to the hair follicles. The heat of the laser causes damage to the hair follicle, which inhibits hair growth. At Shinagawa Aesthetics we use advanced devices for our laser hair removal procedure. 

What do I do before a Laser Hair Treatment?

Before scheduling a laser hair session, it is highly recommended you schedule a cosmetic consult with our dermatologist. It is essential to choose a provider/clinician who is very experienced with laser hair removal to maximize the benefit of your treatment and, most importantly, provide you with a safe treatment to avoid any injury like burns, blisters, infection or dark spots. It is essential to determine if you are a good candidate for laser hair before your treatment and answer any questions you may have and what the treatment plan may look like. Laser hair removal works best for people with light skin and dark hair. Not everyone is a good candidate for laser because it cannot see white, gray, red or blonde hair, making it difficult to target the follicle. 

Leading up to your procedure, you should stay out of the sun and avoid sunless tanning products for six to eight weeks. A tan increases the risk of skin lightening, scarring and pigmentation changes. You should also avoid waxing, electrolysis, and plucking.

What should I expect during a Laser Hair Treatment?

When you arrive for your laser hair treatment, it is recommended you come to your appointment with the area shaved. Our Clinical Cosmetic Specialist will clean the area you plan to treat and you will be given protective eyewear to protect your eyes from the laser.

As the procedure begins, you will feel a quick sensation similar to the feeling of snapping a rubber band against the skin as the laser moves across the skin.  

The laser system used at Shinagawa Aesthetics has a patented Dynamic Cooling Device™. This device protects your skin by delivering a cooling mist to it during your treatment.

Additionally, you may notice a sulfur smell, which is the laser vaporizing the hair. A laser hair removal treatment time is based on the size of the area being treated. 

Following your treatment, you will be given an ice pack to apply to the treated area to aid with any discomfort. This discomfort is temporary and will subside in a short amount of time. It’s also recommended you wear sunscreen as it is crucial to avoid direct sunlight and tanning beds until your skin has healed.

A follow-up treatment plan based on your situation will be discussed. Our laser system allows for reduced treatment time. 

What are the long-term results?

Results for laser hair removal vary from patient to patient, but they’re usually visible within a few weeks.

After the first treatment, you can expect a 10 to 25 percent reduction in hair. Most people need four to eight treatments to achieve their desired results; however, individual results vary based on your particular situation. You may also require maintenance treatments from time to time, depending on your circumstances. 

Laser Hair Removal at Shinagawa Aesthetics

Laser hair removal is an excellent option for many looking to get rid of unwanted hair. At Shinagawa Aesthetics, we are dedicated to providing our patients with top-quality care. Laser Hair Removal services should be done with a qualified and experienced dermatologist, nurse, or cosmetic clinician. 

If you are ready to discuss laser hair removal or have any questions, reach us!

Call our Patient Care Lines: (+632) 7-368 5238 l (+63) 917 862 7454 l (+63) 921 217 0517 for inquiries, questions, and appointments or talk to our consultants via LiveChat at https://shinagawa.ph so we can address and answer them for you.

Minimizing Pores Causes & Treatments

Minimizing Pores: Causes & Treatments

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Enlarged pores are more common than you may think. They affect both men and women of all ages. 

Pores are the small openings at the top of our hair follicles that cover the entire body. Our pores release sebum, our body’s natural oil, to naturally moisturize our skin to help keep it supple. Although large pores can be frustrating, pores are necessary for maintaining healthy skin.

Usually, genetics determine larger pores. But, oily skin, sun damage and aging can be other factors that make your pores look bigger.

While you can’t change the size of your pores, you can minimize the appearance of enlarged pores. Read on to learn the proper steps to take to minimize pores.

 

WHAT CAUSES ENLARGED PORES

GENETICS

Your genes are the greatest determining factor in your pore size. People with large pores often have family members with large pores.

AGE

As you grow older, your skin loses it elasticity, which causes your skin to stretch and sag, making pores appear larger. Your skin also thickens as you age, which causes miniscule skin cells to gather around your pores, making pores look bigger.

SUN DAMAGE

Years of sun exposure can make pores appear larger. Sun damage can thicken the skin, which leads to bigger pores. Prolonged sun exposure can also remove collagen, elastin and water from your skin, which causes the tissue beneath your skin to shrink and pull at the edges of your pores, making them sag and look bigger.

CLOGGED PORES

An excess amount of oil and dead skin cells gathering in your pores can cause pores to appear larger than usual.

 

HOW TO MINIMIZE PORES AT HOME

WASH YOUR FACE DAILY

Washing your face daily removes dirt, oil and other unwanted debris, which usually lead to clogged pores. It is best to choose a cleanser that matches your skin type — acne, combo, dry, normal, oily, and sensitive. If you have oily skin, salicylic acid cleanser work to reduce oil and pores as opposed to dry skin alpha hydroxy acid cleansers help moisturize while exfoliating and reducing pores.  

USE MASKS WEEKLY

Clay masks absorb oil and restore a natural looking glow.

An example of clay is kaolin, a natural clay that is added in skin formulations to help draw out excess sebum (oil) from the skin while gently exfoliating. This results in smaller looking pores.

Clay masks can be combined with other ingredients to best fit your skin concerns.  For example, sulfur a natural antibacterial can fight acne, charcoal powder draws up oil, Vitamin E micro beads to replenish skin moisture, and pumpkin enzymes to help regenerate skin and refine pore size. To avoid skin irritation, masks should not be used more than twice a week. We offer different masks and scrubs to fit your skin type — acne, combo, dry, normal, oily and sensitive.

EXFOLIATE 

Exfoliation is the removal of dead skin cells from the upper skin layer. Exfoliation brightens skin as well as leaves you with a smoother texture.

If you are routinely removing the dead skin cells that clog your pores, your pores won’t stretch out and look larger.

There are two types of exfoliants:

Physical Exfoliators: This is a cleanser that has tiny scrubbing particles that you can feel with your hands. Usually labeled as face scrubs, these granule-filled formulas help to buff and slough all the dead skin cells off of the surface of your face.

Chemical Exfoliators: Chemical exfoliants have two subcategories, AHAs and BHAs:

Alpha Hydroxy Acids are mostly derived from natural ingredients, glycolic acid from sugar cane, lactic acid from milk, malic acid from apples, citric acid from citrus and tartaric acid from grapes. These acids are water soluble and capable of enhancing our skin’s natural moisture levels, decreasing the look of wrinkles and fine lines, smoothing rough skin texture and improving dull, uneven skin tone.  Beta Hydroxy Acids usually refer to salicylic acid. BHAs are similar to AHAs but work more deeply within our skin, inside the lining of our pores. They are also oil soluble, meaning they are ideal for oily skin. They are also a great ingredient for calming red skin, even those who have rosacea. 

You do not want to over exfoliate your skin though. This can strip the skin’s protective barrier and result in dehydrated and inflamed skin. If this occurs, decrease the frequency, strength or type of exfoliation.

Choose the exfoliator that fits your skin type – acne, combo, dry, oily, normal, oily, sensitive. 

MOISTURIZE DAILY

Moisturizing your skin everyday can reduce the chance of developing dry or oily skin — both which can cause acne. 

The best moisturizers for enlarged pores should complement your skin type. Choose the moisturizer that best fits your skin type.

USE COLLAGEN PRODUCING PRODUCTS

Retinol is a type of vitamin A that makes pores smaller by increasing cell turnover unclogging pores.  

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that boosts collagen production in addition to protecting for photodamage which causes enlarged pores.

Glycolic Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that helps regenerate collagen as well exfoliates dead skin.

USE SUNSCREEN

Sunscreen is a must. Constant sun exposure will result in pores that will begin to stretch and sag around the edges, which makes them look bigger. For everyday sunscreen use, view our products here.

Read our in-depth blog about the differences between sunscreen and sunblock here.

 

IN-CLINIC PROCEDURES TO MINIMIZE PORES

At Shinagawa Aesthetics, we offer many different in-office procedures that can help minimize your pores. These options include laser treatments, among others.

Let us help treat your enlarged pores so that you can feel comfortable again in your own skin.

Call our Patient Care Lines: (+632) 7-368 5238 l (+63) 917 862 7454 l (+63) 921 217 0517 for inquiries, questions, and appointments or talk to our consultants via LiveChat at https://shinagawa.ph so we can address and answer them for you.