Notes By Kat

AESTHETICS & SKINCARE TRENDS for 2025

The rise of “skin health” as a priority marks a shift in the beauty and skincare industries, emphasizing holistic, long-term care rather than just quick fixes for visible issues like wrinkles or blemishes.

One of the key focuses in this shift is maintaining and strengthening the skin’s natural barrier. The skin barrier acts as the first line of defense against harmful external factors like pollution, UV rays, and pathogens. When compromised, it can lead to dryness, irritation, and increased sensitivity.

Skincare products that support barrier repair, like those with ceramides, fatty acids, and niacinamide, are becoming more popular because of their crucial role in maintaining the skin’s overall health and resilience.

As people shift towards prioritizing overall skin health and a more gentle, preventative approach to skincare, ceramides, fatty acids, and niacinamide have become cornerstones of a routine that supports the skin’s integrity and natural function. These ingredients help to not only repair and maintain the barrier but also enhance the skin’s resilience to future damage.

The trend toward prioritizing skin barrier repair and overall skin health will definitely continue to grow and likely reach its peak in 2025. With consumers becoming more educated and seeking products that offer both immediate benefits and long-term support, ceramides, fatty acids, niacinamide, and similar ingredients will remain essential in the skincare landscape. Stay beautiful!

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Spotlight on: The Perfect Body Wash with Glycolic Acid (15%)

Imagine dead skin cells as a layer of old, dry shingles on a roof. Substances such as lipids (fats) and proteins make the cells stick together to form a barrier that results in clogged pores, dryness, uneven skin tone, and an overall dull appearance. Glycolic acid, an Alpha Hydroxy Acid and one of the key ingredients in The Perfect Body Wash essentially “dissolves” or weakens the bonds between the dead skin cells resulting in:

• Improved skin texture: By removing the layer of dead skin cells, your skin feels smoother and softer.
• Brighter complexion: Exfoliation helps reveal the fresh, new skin cells underneath, resulting in a more radiant and youthful glow.
• Reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles: Exfoliation can help to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by gently smoothing the skin’s surface.
• Improved product absorption: When dead skin cells are removed, skincare products can penetrate more effectively into the skin, maximizing their benefits.
• Reduced breakouts: By unclogging pores, exfoliation helps prevent blackheads, whiteheads, and other types of acne.
• Even skin tone: Exfoliation can help to fade hyperpigmentation (dark spots) and improve overall skin tone.

Shop The Perfect Derma line of products

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Shop Circadia at Aesthetics By Kat
https://www.aestheticsbykat.com/product-category/circadia/

Circa-Shield – Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

When your skin is exposed to sunlight (especially UV rays), it can create harmful molecules called free radicals. Free radicals are atoms or molecules with an odd number of electrons, making them highly reactive and unstable. Free radicals cause damage to skin because they “steal” electrons from other molecules in an attempt to stabilize themselves. The electron stealing process can disrupt the normal functioning of cells, leading to:

• Cell damage: Free radicals can damage DNA, proteins, and cell membranes.
• Premature aging: This damage can contribute to wrinkles, age spots, and loss of skin elasticity.
• Increased risk of skin cancer: Uncontrolled free radical activity can contribute to the development of skin cancer.

Circa-Shield – Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 protects against both UVA and UVB rays, crucial for preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage.

Shop Circadia at Aesthetics By Kat

The Perfect Derma™ Peel

The Perfect Derma™ Peel is a chemical peel that offers a range of benefits for the skin. It works by exfoliating the top layers of skin, revealing a smoother, more radiant complexion. Some of the key benefits of this peel include:

• Improved Skin Texture: The peel helps to refine pores, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and smooth out uneven skin texture.
• Reduced Hyperpigmentation: It can effectively lighten dark spots, sun damage, and melasma, resulting in a more even skin tone.
• Enhanced Skin Clarity: The peel helps to unclog pores, reducing acne and minimizing the appearance of acne scars.
• Boosted Collagen Production: It stimulates collagen production, leading to firmer, more youthful-looking skin.

While the Perfect Derma Peel is generally safe and effective, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects. These may include:

• Temporary Redness and Swelling: These are common side effects that usually subside within a few days.
• Mild Peeling: The skin may peel for a few days, which is a normal part of the healing process.
• Increased Sun Sensitivity: It’s crucial to avoid sun exposure and use sunscreen with a high SPF to protect the skin during the healing period.

The recovery time for the Perfect Derma Peel varies depending on the individual and the strength of the peel. Typically, the healing process takes about 3-7 days. During this time, it’s important to follow the aftercare instructions to minimize discomfort and promote optimal healing. For additional information about The Perfect Derma facial and product line, click over to my dedicated page on the subject for a quick and informative Perfect Derma video!

Shop The Perfect Derma line of products at Aesthetics By Kat
https://www.aestheticsbykat.com/product-category/the-perfect-derma-peel/

NEW product line: Circadia

Your skin, like a well-oiled machine, follows a circadian rhythm. This internal clock influences various skin functions, including hydration levels, oil production, and sensitivity. You can optimize your skincare routine to match!

Key Factors Influenced by the Circadian Rhythm:

Hydration Levels:

• Daytime: Skin tends to lose more moisture during the day due to factors like environmental exposure (sun, wind, pollution) and increased activity.

• Nighttime: This is when the skin’s natural repair processes kick in. It’s a prime time for hydration, as the skin barrier function strengthens and moisture is retained.

Oil Production:

• Daytime: Sebum production often increases to protect the skin from environmental stressors.  

• Nighttime: Oil production usually decreases, allowing the skin to breathe and regenerate.

Sensitivity:

• Daytime: Skin can become more sensitive due to exposure to irritants and allergens.  

• Nighttime: Sensitivity levels tend to decrease, making it an ideal time for treatments like exfoliation or retinol application.

To optimize your skincare routine, consider the following:

Morning Routine:

Cleanse: Use a gentle cleanser to remove impurities.
Hydrate: Apply a lightweight, hydrating moisturizer to protect the skin from environmental stressors.
Protect: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.

Nighttime Routine:

Cleanse: Remove makeup and impurities with a gentle cleanser.
Treat: Apply serums or treatments like retinol or vitamin C.
Moisturize: Use a richer moisturizer to lock in hydration.

By understanding your skin’s natural rhythms, you can tailor your skincare routine to maximize its effectiveness and achieve optimal skin health.

Further reading:

Circadian Rhythm and the Skin: A Review of the Literature
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6777699

Expression of the circadian clock genes clock and period1 in human skin
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10998156/

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The Perfect Dermapeel

We’ve reached the winter months, meaning this is the better time of year to consider a Perfect Derampeel facial!

Winter months are an ideal time to consider a dermapeel facial for several reasons:

Reduced Sun Exposure:

• Lower UV Rays: The sun’s rays are less intense during winter, reducing the risk of sun damage and post-treatment sensitivity.
• Faster Healing: Lower UV exposure allows your skin to heal more quickly and minimizes the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

Less Harsh Weather:

• Reduced Dryness: While winter can be harsh on skin, it’s generally less humid than summer. This can help reduce excessive dryness and irritation that might occur post-treatment.

Ideal for Skin Renewal:

• Exfoliation Benefits: Winter is a great time to exfoliate and renew your skin. A dermapeel can help remove dead skin cells, revealing a brighter, more youthful complexion.  
• Collagen Boost: The treatment can stimulate collagen production, improving skin texture and reducing fine lines.  

Preparation for Spring/Summer:

• Even Skin Tone: A dermapeel can help address hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone, leaving you with a more radiant complexion for the warmer months.  
• Smoother Skin: The treatment can help improve skin texture, making it smoother and more receptive to other skincare products.

Learn more about The Perfect Dermapeel facial

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Oncology trained

Chronic ailments, medical interventions, the passage of years, and personal habits can gradually diminish our body’s ability to fend off illness. Kat, a certified beauty expert, focuses on repairing damaged skin, rejuvenating aging skin, and tending to skin that is particularly vulnerable.

Kat’s goal is to help her clients feel confident and content in their own skin. She takes a holistic approach, considering both internal and external factors that might be affecting their skin health. By understanding these factors, she can tailor her treatments and methods to effectively address their specific needs.

Learn more…

Blue Light and Digital Pollution? Where does it come from?

You know how we’re always staring at our phones, computers, and tablets? Well, the blue light emitted from these devices can penetrate deep into your skin, causing damage to your cells and contributing to premature aging. It can also disrupt your sleep, which can further impact your skin’s health.

Digital pollution is a broader term that encompasses the negative effects of excessive screen time, including eye strain, headaches, and even mental health issues.

The Circadia Pre & Post Biotic Nourishing Mask with Royal Tea is formulated with ingredients that help protect your skin from these harmful effects. It contains antioxidants that neutralize free radicals caused by blue light, and it supports a healthy microbiome, which is essential for a strong and resilient skin barrier. Plus, it’s incredibly hydrating, which helps to counteract the drying effects of digital pollution.

So, if you’re concerned about the health of your skin and want to protect it from the damaging effects of modern technology, this mask is a great option.”

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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.