Notes By Kat

August is a transitional month for skincare. As summer starts to wind down and cooler weather approaches, your skin’s needs may begin to change.

Here is what to consider:

• Humidity Levels: Pay attention to how the humidity is shifting. Lower humidity can lead to drier skin.
• Sun Exposure: While still important, you might be spending less time outdoors. Adjust your sunscreen accordingly.
• Skin Concerns: Assess if your current skincare products are still addressing your skin’s needs. You might need to introduce more hydrating or nourishing products. There are many high-quality skin care products to choose from here.
• Exfoliation: Consider reducing the frequency of harsh exfoliation as your skin might become more sensitive.

Plasma, a 4th state of matter – Cool Plasma

Air molecules are normally neutral, meaning they have an equal number of protons (positively charged) and electrons (negatively charged). However, when exposed to the strong electric field, the force acting on the electrons in air molecules increases. If this force surpasses a specific threshold, it overcomes the attractive force holding the electrons to the molecule and an electron gets ripped away (ionized) from its parent air molecule. This creates two charged particles:

• Positive Ion: The air molecule that lost the electron becomes positively charged.
• Free Electron: The liberated electron becomes a free-moving negative charge.

But the free electron doesn’t stay free for long. It collides with other neutral air molecules in its path. During these collisions, the free electron can transfer some of its energy to another air molecule. If this transferred energy is sufficient, it can also knock an electron out of the second molecule, creating another positive ion and another free electron. This chain reaction of collisions and ionizations continues, creating a cascade effect that rapidly generates a larger region of ionized air – plasma. “Cool Plasma” generates, focuses, and directs this tiny stream of plasma towards the targeted area of the skin. Learn more …

Niacinamide

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 and is found naturally in some foods, but it can also be taken as a supplement or applied topically to the skin. It can be used to reverse the signs of aging, brighten skin, calm redness, decrease the appearance of pores, and reduce hyperpigmentation, just to name a few of the benefits.

Products such as Hydropeptide’s Firma-Bright 20% Vitamin C Booster, AnteAGE’s Pro System, and several of The Perfect DermaPeel products contain niacinamide.

Interested in learning more about niacinamide? Schedule your next facial with Aesthetics By Kat and be ready to have a deep dive conversation during your appointment. Stay beautiful!

Retinaldehyde

When discussing the benefits of vitamin A for skin, we’re not directly talking about the effects of ingesting vitamin A itself. Instead, we’re interested in how the body converts it into usable forms that benefit the skin. Retinaldehyde is a key intermediate step in this process.

Retinaldehyde, an ingredient found in many skincare products, helps stimulate the production of new skin cells and collagen, leading to a more youthful and radiant appearance. This conversion process is key, as it allows retinaldehyde to directly interact with skin cells and promote these beneficial effects.

Unlike retinol, which requires further conversion within the skin, retinaldehyde can be more readily utilized. This makes it a powerful ingredient in topical skincare products, targeting concerns like wrinkles, sun damage, and acne. However, due to its potency, retinaldehyde can also cause some initial irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin. It’s important to introduce it gradually into your routine and always wear sunscreen during the day, as retinaldehyde can increase sun sensitivity.

If you’re considering incorporating retinaldehyde into your skincare regimen, Aesthetics By Kat can assess your individual needs and recommend the right product formulation and concentration to achieve optimal results with minimal irritation.