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What: 'Ask The Expert' Q&A with Tekeyla Perdue, Licensed Aesthetician Tekeyla Perdue is a licensed esthetician, makeup artist and educator. Tekeyla has worked in the skincare and beauty industry for six years and currently is the Artistic Director at one of Cincinnati’s top day spas. She stresses the importance of embracing a healthy skincare regimen to all women. Lisa Turner, Online Editor: Hello Tekeyla and welcome to Ask The Expert. Tekeyla Perdue, Aesthetian: Well hello to you too. It's been fun to read the questions and hear what SWH web visitors want to know. Lisa Turner, Online Editor: Glad to hear you enjoyed yourself. So let's get right to your expert answers. Let's start with a question we heard from lots of our web readers: |
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Question 1: I was wondering what I can do for aging skin. It seems to be getting duller and drier. I am only 38, and would like to see more brightness and 'dewiness.'
Tekeyla's Answer: The best way to brighten dull skin and increase hydration which gives the skin a dewy appearance....Exfoliation. In your 30's, skin begins to lose what I call its glow factor. Skin cells are not sloughing off as quickly as they once did when the skin was younger; hence the dull flat appearance to the skin. Adding an exfoliating product into your regimen will instantly brighten your complexion and because the cells have been removed your skin can now benefit from your hydrator. Look for ingredients such as glycolic acid, this will not only remove slight discoloration, it will smooth the texture of your skin. Also remember, products can only do so much. It is imperative that you hydrate from the inside out, your skin is the LARGEST organ.
Question 2: As you might anticipate, we received many questions about dark circles under eyes. Here are just a few examples:
§ What is the best way to eliminate dark circles from under the eyes?
§ Is there a way to diminish dark circles under the eye? If not, what is the best way to cover them up.
§ I am 54 years old and while I am blessed with nice skin, I've notice dark circles around my eyes. Is there a way to stop the "raccoon eyes?"
Tekeyla's Answer: Famously annoying and unfortunate, there is no way to get rid of them. However, you have 3 options for correcting them.
1). Test the best shades at a department store or beauty emporium. Inform the make-up artist that you are looking to CORRECT the undereye circles. Choose a shade lighter than your foundation and if your circles are very dark, 2 shades lighter. To avoid the racoon look, try on the product and take several samples home to experience in natural light.
2). Invest in a vitamin K eye product
3). Laser treatment: lasers can thicken the skin by increasing colllagen production, so you are less likely to see veins which cause that dark tone under eyes.
Question 3: Tekeyla, another topic that we heard about from many web site readers was age spots. Is there anything that can be done to lighten them or just make them disappear?
Tekeyla's Answer: Age spots also called liver spots are typically flat, gray, brown or black spots varying in size on the face, hands, shoulders and arms...areas most exposed to the sun. True age spots are harmless and don't need treatmen, but they can look like cancerous growths. For cosmetic reasons, age spots can be lightened with skin bleaching products or removed by a dermatologist. However, prevention by avoiding axcessive exposure to the sun and using sun screen may be the easiest way to maintain your skins youthful apperance and to avoid those dark spots. It is normal as the skin begins to mature for age spots to increase in number. However, it is best to have any new changes evaluated by a doctor if a spot or lesion
*is darkly pigmented
*rapidly increasing in size
*has an irregular border
*has an unsual combination of colors
Treatment options:
*medication: bleaching cream (hydroquinone), retinoids and mild steriods may gradually fade spots over months. Over the counter (OTC) fade creams with glycolic acid or kojic acid may reduce the appearance of age spots.
*laser therapy
*freezing (cryotherapy)
*dermabrasion
*chemical peel
Prevention:
*Use a broad spectrum UVA (Aging) UVB (Burning) blocking SPF minimum 15. Key ingredient Mexoryl.
*Avoid sun between 10am-4pm
*wear protective clothing ie...Fabulous Hats!
Question 4: We also received lots of questions about sunless tanning products - creams, gels, lotions. How do they work?
Tekeyla's Answer: Sun tanning lotions are a great alternative and quick and easy way to achieve that sun kissed appearance to the skin.
The active ingredient in most sunless tanners is DIHYDROXYOCETANE (DHA). DHA is the only FDA approved color additive for use in sunless tanning products. When applied DHA reacts with the dead cells on the service of your skin, temporarily darkening the skins appearance. The color will gradually fade as the dark cells slough off. Typically, color is completely gone after 5 to 7 days.
Question 5: I participate in outside sports activities in the winter months that play havoc on my skin. What works best to protect my skin against the elements in an active outdoor setting?
Tekeyla's Answer: Outside sports are great but your right...they do a number on our skin. Because it's so cold out we tend to become drier and more prone to dry cracked skin on our hands and mouth. Use an SPF no lower than 15 all over exposed skin, look for a brand new ingredient called MEXORYL found in OTC and department store brand oroducts. This is a broad spectrum sun protector from UVA rays that lead to wrinkles (aging) and UVB (burning) rays. Seek out lip balms with SPF 15 and try to wear a hat at all times to help keep your body temp stable which can help prevent body from becoming too dry. Try to stay out of the sun between 10am-4pm when UVA and UVB are most intense. Protect and enjoy!
Question 6: Here's an interesting question: Do you advise to have a microdermabrasion before having a glycolic peel?
Tekeyla's Answer: It is possible to have a microdermabrasion before a glycolic peel just keep a few things in mind. (1) Do not microderm the skin on the same day as a peel, wait a couple of days (2) to give your skin time to recover from what is a more intense exfoliation before you use a chemical peel. Remember, microdermabrasion is a physical exfoliation using aluminum oxide crystals that sloughs off dead cells from the surface of the skin revealing a smooth texture and softer skin. It also begins to minimize the appearance of pores. Glycolic peels break down hyperpigmention (dark spots) and smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Question 7: I feel like the skin on my face is going south fast! Are there any OTC products that will stop sagging skin?
Tekeyla's Answer: Sagging skin can be avoided and you can stop further damage by living a lifestyle that includes physical fitness and other health practices. There are many products on the market that promote ingredients which will tighten the skin, none that I personally promote but I would not discourage you from going out and sampling products to find one you prefer. I believe it all starts from with in and "we are what we eat". Does your lifestyle and your diet line up, meaning are you eating a diet rich in antioxidants (bluberries, vitamin c, green tea etc) which helps increase collagen levels in skin and improves elasticity, omega-3 fatty acids, weight training. Yes weight training for some women is intimidating and taboo but did you know that not only will weight resistance reshape and tone your body it will also tighten the muscles in the face? Dear friend, products can only do so much so look at how you’re LOVING yourself from the INSIDE out.
Question 8: There are several women in the entertainment world that have just glowing skin. Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Aniston . . . How can my skin look like theirs?
Tekeyla's Answer: I will let you in on a little make-up artistry secret that is slowly going mainstream, Airbrush makeup. This is revolutionary because it creates slightly dewy, non matte flawless finish to the skin and photographs beautifully. To achieve this look at home, first begin with a consistent skincare regimen of cleansing, toning, exfoliating and moisturizing. Next, apply a foundation primer which creates a smooth canvas for your make-up of choice. Be sure to use a foundation brush...this is key. Make-up brushes apply less product with more precision which allows you to see a more natural finish to the skin. Apply your finishing touches (mascara, bronzer and lip-gloss) and your camera ready.....strike a pose!
Lisa Turner, Online Editor: Well that's it. Tekeyla, thanks so much for your time and expertise. Join us next month when our Ask the Expert topic is Beautiful, Healthy Smiles with Drs. Jack Hahn and Greg Sherman. Check our home page on December 1 for details. We're looking forward to answering your questions.
Speaking of Women's Health selects the most relevant questions for experts. Experts may decline to answer questions. 'Ask The Expert' does not offer medical advice. Please refer to our Disclaimer for futher information.
