Science of Skincare (S.O.S. #1): Glycolic Acid

If you've spoken to me about skincare before it probably comes at no surprise that my first S.O.S. post would be about Glycolic Acid. I say it all the time, that it is my favorite skincare ingredient and I will never stop using it (even when eventually pregnant because FUN FACT: it's safe to use during pregnancy). 

So what's the big deal? Why do I love it so much? Well Glycolic Acid works in many ways on the skin to help increase cell turnover, hydrate, stimulate collagen, thicken the skin, fade hyperpigmentation, decrease fine lines and wrinkles, improve texture, keep breakouts away, and so much more! Today I'm going to give you a brief overview of what Glycolic Acid does for us on a scientific level and then recommend some of my favorite products if you would like to start incorporating it into your regular at home skincare regimen. 

Glycolic Acid is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid or A.H.A. known for it's tiny molecular size which allows for it's effectiveness when penetrating the skin. Dervived from sugars like sugar cane, it's great for all skin types including those who are sensitive. It works on an epidermal and dermal level which is how it gives us so many beneficial results.

On the epidermal level, Glycolic Acid breaks down the desmosomes, or glue, that bind dead skin cells together. Dissolve the glue that holds the dead skin cells down, and you have an effective way to exfoliate them. This ultimately increases cell turnover, since you're encouraging newer cells to come to the surface, which helps fade sunspots, acne scars, melasma, fine lines, and reveal fresher and brighter skin. It also helps dissolve sebum, which is why it's great for clearing up congestion and texture issues in pores. I often recommend it to people if they feel excess oil is being trapped in their pores on a regular basis. 

On the dermal level, it stimulates the collagen and works to increase the thickness of the skin. As we age it's important to focus on thickening the skin or maintaining thickness to prevent aging. Glycolic Acid also helps draw water molecules in the air into the skin which helps you retain moisture and ultimately look hydrated and plumped. 

So I'm guessing one or more of these benefits has intrigued you and you're wondering how can you incorporate Glycolic Acid into your skincare routine? Below you'll find first, the two ways that I incorporate Glycolic Acid into my skincare routine daily and weekly. Then I have a list of links of everything from Cleansers to Masks, that I recommend you trying. If you have any questions of which ones would work best for you, please shoot me a message or email and I'd be happy discuss further or set up a 1 on 1 skincare consultation with you!

I currently use the Dermadoctor Ain't Misbehavin' Healthy Toner ($39) every morning and night after cleansing. If you are new to glycolic acid start off by using it every other night and build up to twice a day. Then once a week I use the Andalou Naturals Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Mask ($14.99). 

Cleansers: Dermadoctor Wrinkle Revenge Antioxidant Enchanced Glycolic Acid Racial Cleanser ($32), Exuviance Clarifying Facial Cleanser ($36), Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser ($16). 

Toners: Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner ($16), Exuviance Moisture Balance Toner ($32), Peter Thomas Roth 8% Glycolic Solutions Toner ($40). 

Treatments: Exuviance Performance Peel AP25 ($77), First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads ($30), Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel Sensitive ($42). 

Moisturizers: Exuviance Glycolic Expert Moisturizer ($46), Cane + Austin Facial Moisture Cream ($80), Ole Henriksen Counter Balance Oil Control Hydrator ($34). 

So there you have it! My love affair with Glycolic Acid explained! As usual these recommendations are only that; please reach out to me with specific questions for your skincare routine. I recommend only trying one new product at a time to give them an honest shot (You will only need at most, two of those products incorporated at once in your daily/weekly routine).

If you have recommendations for the next S.O.S. topic, please be sure to leave a comment below so I can address it in the future!

Have a beautiful day!

-Andrea

Science of Skincare (S.O.S.)

I've decided to come up with a new series on my blog! I recently asked on my Facebook page if you guys would be interested in my posting of content focused on education in skincare. As a science nerd, I love sharing the why's and how's of products and procedures, so that you can truly understand the importance. So I brainstormed and came up with the title you see above. 'Science of Skincare' or S.O.S. Posts will cover topics like explaining key ingredients in products, the makeup of your skin, the science behind procedures, and so much more. If you have questions or suggestions for ideas, please let me know! I already have some ideas including my first post on Glycolic Acid and explaining my love affair with it! I also have some extremely exciting news that I will be sharing soon, so STAY TUNED!! 

Sending love and happiness to you always, 

Andrea

5 Acne Tips for Preventing Breakouts

Just because you are no longer a pubescent teen doesn't mean you aren't susceptible to acne and breakouts. As adults it's really common to experience acne from time to time, especially as women. Often times it's challenging as an adult because it's due to hormones and hard to get rid of. For this reason, I've compiled my list of tips to implement into your every day life, in order to decrease the likelihood of breakouts. 

1. Change your pillow cases frequently. And I mean frequently, as in every other day. This may seem excessive to you, but if you are a face sleeper, you are spending hours each night, exposing your face to tons of dirt and bacteria. If you wear a lot of hair products, those can get on your pillowcases and then get on your face and clog your pores. 

2. Separate hand towels. This is a huge one as far as cutting down on bacteria. In my bathroom, I have one hand towel for drying my hands on one bar, and another towel for drying my face on a different bar. This means that the towel that I use to dry my face will only be used for my face. I also change those out twice a week usually. 

3. Wash hair before bed. If you are someone who wears a lot of hair products it's probably best for you to go to sleep with clean hair. This way there's none of that transfer of hair products to the face while sleeping that I mentioned before. 

4. Stop touching your face. This is a really tough one. A lot of us touch our faces frequently without even realizing it. Try your hardest to consciously stop touching your face so much and in return you will cut down on the amount of bacteria your skin is exposed to on a day to day basis. 

5. Keep hand sanitizer in your makeup bag. Most of us do our makeup in the bathroom right by our sinks but do you always wash your hands before starting? Keeping a small bottle of hand sanitizer in your makeup bag will allow you to make sure your hands are squeaky clean before touching your skin. This is also a great idea because if you take your makeup on the go or to another room, you will still have a way to clean your hands first with you at all times. 

Do you have any every day tips on how to keep your skin clean? Please feel free to share in a comment below and make sure to share my tips with your friends! 

Have a great weekend! 

Andrea 

The one product every woman needs

If I had to describe myself, I'd definitely say that I am someone who tries to do it all. Most days I run a mile a minute trying to accomplish everything on my to do list, but it's just a part of my personality that I've accepted. I'm sure many of you can relate to this. We rely on that extra cup of coffee and 5 hours of sleep to get it all done. This means that there are plenty of mornings that I wake up looking like I only slept 5 hours. Puffy and tired eyes frequently welcome me in the morning mirror. Insert the one product I think everyone should own. 

Friends! I'd like you to meet your new best friend, the Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber De-Tox Hydra-gel Eye Patches. I cannot even explain how much of a game changer these have been for me since I purchased them. I can't remember where I heard about them from but I do remember they raved about them so much that I HAD to try them. I haven't once been disappointed by how much they have helped. 

Here are some of the situations I've used them/ recommend them for:  
1. Special Events: If you frequently have special events in which you need to look flawless, pop these on 20 min before doing your makeup and your undereyes will be smooth like nobody's business. 
2. Allergy Eyes: I often get puffy from allergies and will wake up looking swollen out of nowhere. Throw a pair on and you'll be depuffed quickly!
3. No Sleep: As mentioned before, these have saved me on some rough nights of only 3 hours of sleep. I work in the beauty industry and I have to look presentable ALWAYS so these are huge when I'm so busy that I have no time for sleep. My undereyes look puffy when I'm tired and these save me. 
4. Makeup Kit: As a makeup artist, these are a go to for every bride and mother of the bride/groom as a pre wedding makeup fixer. I can't explain how much of a difference they are for undereye makeup application when your client has some fine lines/wrinkles.  
5. Migraines: I once gave a pair to a mother of the groom who was struggling with a migraine the day of her son's wedding and she couldn't believe how much better the cooling effect made her feel. 
6. Crying: Sometimes we watch too many episodes of Grey's Anatomy at night and wake up with swollen eyes that have a lot of empathy for Meredith Grey. Or maybe you've been dealing with a lot of stress and had a good cry (If it's crying for a sad reason, know THAT I LOVE YOU AND THINK YOU'RE GREAT!)  Whatever the reason for crying may be, you don't have to show the world with swollen eyes now! 
7. Anti-aging: While these are a quick fix product, they are great for temporarily hiding fine lines and wrinkles but can help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and tone with repeated use. 

Now let me get into what makes these hydra-gel eye patches so great, ingredient-wise. Cucumber helps to detox, nourish, hydrate and de-puff the skin. Allantonin, Chamomile and Aloe soothe it. A few ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin and Hydrolyzed Collagen deeply nourish and hydrate the skin so it looks more plump, while improving appearance and tone over time with multi use. Caffeine and Arnica work to decrease darkness under eyes. All of these ingredients basically tackle every skin issue around the eyes. 

Now for the pictures. Mikey thinks I look like a superhero when I use these haha. Also remember I'm human and for all of you who think I wake up with perfect skin every day, meet my dark circles! 

There are two ways to wear these eye patches! If your main concern is your crow's feet, wear the larger portion over those on the outside like I did in the top picture! If your main concern is under your eye (like me) wear them like I do on the bottom picture with the larger portion towards the inside!

(I have done absolutely NO editing to these pictures) 

While I tested these for you on a day when my puffiness isn't as bad as it can be, you can still see huge improvement in my fine lines, darkness and even the texture of the bumps around my eyes! I'll make sure to add pictures to my facebook page Andrea Fontana Beauty when I use them next for a serious de-puff session. So go give that a like to stay updated!

Regardless if what your use is for these, I think it's smart for everyone to keep a jar on hand! While many brands make similar eye patch products, this is the first one that I've tried I feel like I can stand behind 100%.

 ***You can purchase at both Sephora or Ulta. Obviously it's important to be aware of allergies and sensitivities so test the product on your skin somewhere else first (like your neck behind your ear) before trying on your face if you are sensitive. 

Happy Sunday!! Sending good vibes for your week ahead! 

Andrea

Water. Water. Water.

If you've ever had a facial with me, you've probably heard me talk about drinking water. It's one crucial way to keep your body and skin especially, healthy. I know I'm not the first to tell you this, so I'm going to instead share some tips on drinking water and how it relates to your skin.

Your body is mostly made of water, therefore you need to make sure you are staying hydrated every day not only for your skin, but for your general health. Your skin is your largest organ but it's also the last to get water. So if you don't drink enough, your organs internally will need to absorb and use that water first. This is why it's so important to stay up on drinking water. You have to make sure your skin is getting it as well, in order for it to stay healthy. 

How much should you be drinking? While everyone is different, I generally recommend drinking half your body weight in ounces. So if you weight 140 pounds, try to get in at least 70 fl. ounces of water a day.

When should you drink more? If you are pretty active you need to be drinking more than that because you are losing water and electrolytes when sweating. I usually try to follow the rule for drinking 1 ounce for every minute that I'm sweating in addition to my normal water intake for the day. You should also be drinking more water when you're stressed or sick, because your body is focused on healing or keeping you healthy, and your skin gets even less water. If you know your are sick or dealing with a lot of stress, give your body a head start and drink more water. 

How quickly should you drink water? It's better for your body and skin to slowly sip water throughout your day than to chug it a few times. If you drink too much at once (more than a cup), it'll go straight through you to your bladder. Some people complain that they don't like to drink a lot of water because then they have to use the bathroom constantly, but I'd bet they are probably chugging their water or drinking it too fast and their body is just excreting it, not actually absorbing it. If your body can't absorb it, it won't get to utilize it! Drinking your water slowly allows your body to absorb it, which means all of your organs will get to utilize it, especially your skin that gets it last! If you're guilty of chugging your water, try switching to a water bottle with a straw to drink it slower.

What temperature should you drink it at? In general it is better to drink warm or hot water because your body doesn't have to expend energy to heat it up to your internal body temperature. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. Drinking cold water when you're extremely hot in the summer or you just got done working out, is ok because it can help cool off the body. 

Other tips and tricks regarding water consumption:

1. Check your lips! If they are constantly dry, this might be a sign that you are dehydrated.
2. Drink your hot or room temp water with lemon juice! This is my favorite way to flavor my water and the lemon juice aids with digestion.
3. Use apps to help you count. There are so many that will help you keep track of your daily consumption. If you are competitive you might like this because it feels like a game.
4. Drink a glass of lemon water before you have your coffee in the morning so start the day off right!

I personally notice a huge difference in my body when I'm drinking a lot of water. Stay hydrated friends! If you have more questions about drinking water, feel free to leave me a comment or message!

Have a beautiful day,

Andrea 

Healthy Skin

First off thank you so much for the love shown since I announced I would be blogging again! I love being able to share my advice and passions with you all and am so thankful that so many of you are looking forward to me starting this up again. I got many requests so we will start with those!

To kick things off we will be talking about healthy skin. I got a few requests regarding it and there are two directions this post could go, so we will be tackling both! First, I'm going to be talking about the products I use to maintain healthy skin. Then, I will be discussing the makeup products I like to use in order to make my skin appear healthier, even in the time of a major skin crisis. 

First off however, I want you to know my philosophy with skin care. I teach all of my clients about the importance of being able to really understand your skin. Everything is about BALANCE. You will see me use this word a lot, because I am a big believer in trying to help your skin achieve balance. Just like your body craves homeostasis internally, your skin craves balance. The more you can learn about and treat your skin depending on how it is any given day, the more likely your skin is to be balanced and not as likely to freak out. 

If you don't know about your skin's acid mantle yet, listen up. It is a vital layer of your skin that protects you from various bacterium, viruses, and contaminants that could come in contact with it. We want it to be balanced so it can properly protect you. One of the most important ways to balance it is with a toner. Toners adjust the pH after cleansing, which can be very stripping in order to cleanse properly. There are various toners for all different skin types; from exfoliating to gentle and hydrating. The trick is finding the right one for you. Always feel free to reach out to me if you need help finding the right product. I personally use the Dermadoctor Ain't Misbehavin' Glycolic and Lactic Acid Toner. I love how it gently exfoliates my skin every day which speeds up my cell turnover and helps my pores not feel so congested and clogged with excess oil. 

The next holy grail product that I love for achieving healthy skin is Organic Rose Oil. Rosehip oil is a dry oil that I give a lot of credit to for fading my hyperpigmentation left from acne scars. If you're oily and acne prone you need to try this oil to bring your skin balance and even tone. Rosehip oil is filled with essential fatty acids and Vitamin E so it helps to hydrate you, while the low pH helps keep that acid mantle balanced. I buy mine at my local health food store and use it every night before my moisturizer, as my serum. 

A magical mask for all skin types is Bentonite Clay. I can't speak highly enough of this stuff. I recommend it to everyone because of it's strong cleansing and detoxifying properties. I bought a tub of this at my local health food store and it lasts forever! Simply mix a little clay powder with water until you get a paste consistency, then apply it to your face and leave it on for 20-30 min. I try to leave it as long as I can bear it because it will dry and start to pulse your face. When you take it off, your face will often be blotchy but that is completely normal. So what exactly is happening here? Bentonite clay is great at pulling toxins and such out of the body and rapidly increases the circulation. The clay is also able to bind to any excess hydrogen molecules in your skin to lower the pH and make room for your skin to bind more oxygen. You thought I was done talking about that acid mantle didn't you? Haha

The last product I want to share with you is a sleeping mask. Now I'm so obsessed with sleeping masks, so I plan on devoting a whole post to them, but I will share my favorite one now because it helps my skin maintain it's hydration on a weekly basis. Whenever I've been drinking or in the sun, I make sure I sleep that night with the Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask in place of my moisturizer. I also use it whenever my skin feels extra dry and dehydrated, usually in the winter. You will wake up the next morning with happy skin that is no longer dehydrated and feels baby soft. 

Ok. You should have learned two things by now. I respect my acid mantle and you should respect yours too. But more importantly BALANCE! Ok now let's talk about makeup.

While a balancing skincare routine is most crucial to the health of your skin, a few makeup products can take your skin to the next level. 9 times out of 10 if I get a compliment on my face at the spa it's usually something about 'my skin being so healthy'. 10 times out of 10 it's probably my highlighter that made them notice. A good highlighter will give you the healthiest and most beautiful glow. If you haven't been drawn yet to the shimmer and shine of highlighters like a moth to a flame, don't say I didn't warn you when you want to buy them all! While I love both powder and liquid highlighters, I use them for different reasons. 

My favorite powder highlighter would hands down be the Makeup geek highlighters because they are so smooth and STUNNING. I have Moonlight Sun (a warm light gold) and Luster (a beautiful cool pink) that I am obsessed with. They even have duochrome highlighters that are beautiful too. I use these highlighters every day on the high points of my face. If I want my skin to be dewy I reach for my either my Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Liquid Highlighter in Opal or the Sephora Collection Radiant Luminizing drops. Both work great when mixing with foundation for an all over glow, but the Becca ones work best to also use on your cheekbones. The Sephora drops are a much more affordable option however.

So there are my favorite products for healthy skin. If you have further questions always feel free to reach out to me at andreafontanabeauty@gmail.com.

Keep the requests coming and have a beautiful and healthy week!

-Andrea

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