A few weeks ago, I mentioned that infrared light 'curdles' collagen. One savvy listener called me out on it. So here's a little more info about the ray of light we love or hate, depending on your POV: First, a little background to my statement: man…
Why Rosacea Is Still Misunderstood in Modern Skincare Rosacea is one of the most commonly diagnosed inflammatory skin conditions—yet it remains widely misunderstood by both patients and professionals. Often mistaken for acne, sensitivity, or simple…
Earlier this year I mentioned something called the 'washout effect'. One of our listeners asked what that means, so here goes: This phrase describes what can happen when emulsifiers penetrate into fatty lipids between cells in the skin's barrier (s…
In early December, Sephora was named in a class action lawsuit that could change the future of Clean Beauty. Come back to this space to find out what our team at Facial Conscious has learned about who's behind the lawsuit and why their case is weak …
Why Acne Remains So Misunderstood Acne is often treated as a surface-level concern—something caused by the “wrong” products or poor hygiene. Yet for both clinicians and estheticians, acne-prone skin presents a far more complex picture. Why do some …
As we move from summer to Fall, it’s essential to take stock of your skincare and diet routine to help yourself age your healthiest best. When it comes to the skin, there are no shortcuts: beautiful skin means healthy skin, and that also usually mea…
Comedogenicity, or pore-clogging, occurs when a plug of cells, sebum, and air-sensitive cosmetic ingredients oxidize and harden in a pore. The top of the plug darkens forming what we call a ‘black head’ or open comedone. Usually associated with acne…
You’ve probably heard that parabens trigger breast cancer because they mimic estrogen. It’s a commonly held belief but like many beliefs about skincare, it’s not true. So how did these ingredients, the most common (other than water) in cosmetics, be…
Since microneedling actually punctures your skin, it is extremely important to take care of the treated areas in specific ways for 48-72 hours after the procedure - even if you’re performing the treatment at home. Once this time has passed, slowly r…
Introduction: Are Facials Just Pampering — or Are They Part of Skin Health? One of the most common skincare debates we see—among consumers and professionals alike—is whether facials are simply relaxing luxuries or legitimate tools for improving s…
Q. Do medications react with sunlight? A. Yes. There are two primary skin reactions that can occur with UV exposure: photo-toxic and photo-allergic. Initially appearing as an exaggerated sunburn, photo-toxic reactions are believed to be caused whe…
Q: What’s the difference between chemical sunscreens and non-chemical sunscreens? You’ve said everything’s a chemical except light and electricity, so how can a sunscreen not contain chemicals? A: All sunscreens contain chemicals, regardless of whe…
Q: My esthetician told me to wear an SPF 30 sunscreen every day, regardless of my activities and time of year. I believe it gives double the protection as an SPF 15. Is this correct? A: Although it makes sense that an SPF 30 would offer twice th…
Q: Do self-tanners offer any sun protection if they don’t contain sunscreen? A: Yes. Studies released in the late 1990s by researchers at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha indicate sunless tanning lotions that contain dihydroxyacet…
Eczema is a common problem, affecting approximately 20% of children and around 5% of adults. But did you know that up to 81% of people living with eczema also have some type of food allergy? Dr. Vicki Rapaport at Rapaport Dermatology of Beverly Hil…
