Life is happening around us all day, every day. As we welcome change into our life and live life on life’s terms the affects can be experienced on our skin. It is true, what’s happening in our lives influences what our skin looks and feels like. Curious about which life events can spawn changes on the skin? Keep reading to learn more.

Childbirth/Pregnancy

As your hormones and blood flow shifts during pregnancy and after childbirth your skin will feel the effects. Some individuals experience the famous “pregnancy glow" thanks to the hormonal changes and increased blood flow. Other women become more sensitive to certain skin care products during pregnancy. Products that you may have been able to use before becoming pregnant are even off limits during this time. Gentle, fragrance-free products work best for women who are pregnant or have recently given birth. The YELLE Awakening Milk & Honey Cleanser, toner, and, moisturizer are all gentle fragrance-free options suitable for sensitive skin.

Bariatric Surgery

Loose or sagging skin caused by a significant amount of weight loss in a very short amount of time is very common among individuals that have had weight loss surgery. Unlike weight loss that occurs over a slower period of time, bariatric surgery usually removes 100+ pounds at one time and the skins elasticity does not have time to catch up. The most effective way to address the excess skin is through cosmetic surgery.

Stress

Stress can affect your whole body including your skin. Everything from rashes to skin sensitivities are possible when you are under too much stress. You might also notice an increase in breakouts due to an increase in the stress. When you are under stress your body produces more of the stress hormone cortisol, which is responsible for increased oil production which may in part lead to an increased amount of breakout on the skin. Stress can also put a damper on your sleep and impact the appearance of your eyes and skin. Try to get at least eight hours of sleep each night, apply A-Dream brightening eye cream to moisturize the eye area, and talk to your health care provider if stress is negatively impacting the quantity and quality of your sleep.

Cancer

A combination of age, lifestyle, environment and genetics all affect a person’s risk of developing cancer in their lifetime. If you have a cancer diagnosis your skin may feel the effects from oncology surgery, anti-cancer drug therapy, and radiation therapy. You may also become sensitive to certain skincare ingredients while undergoing treatment. Cancer can be overwhelming, it is important to work with your health care provider and a licensed professional specifically trained in oncology so that your skin care needs are met in a safe, comfortable, and individualized manner.

A good skin-care routine is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. We would love for our products to become a part of your life. Learn more by taking our Skin Quiz to find the right products for your skin.

Written by Regina Tucker

Build your skin-intelligence and find out which skin care ingredients work best for your skin

Choosing the right products for your skin can be difficult. With lots of products and ingredients to choose from figuring out exactly what to use and when to use it can be a real challenge. This week our team is looking at a few popular need-to-know skin care ingredients and sharing what skin conditions they work best for, keep reading and learn more.

Aloe Vera Vs. Hyaluronic Acid:

Aloe Vera

Don’t get caught up in the recent controversy about aloe vera it’s the non decolorized, whole leaf aloe extract that’s questionable and only when ingested at that. The water rich pulp of the aloe plant contained in beauty products that is soothing, moisturizing, and full of nutrients is a major WINNER in skincare. The solid material contains over 75 different nutrients and is effective in treating a variety of skin conditions.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is deeply moisturizing and offers the added benefits of plumping and diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Recent research also suggests hyaluronic acid has antioxidant properties making it a suitable ingredient to fight free radicals.

What’s the verdict……Choose aloe vera to soothe and moisturize the skin. Choose hyaluronic acid if you crave moisture and want help with fine lines and wrinkles.

Product Picks:

Awakening Milk & Honey Moisturizer (Aloe)
Awakening Hydrating Serum (Hyaluronic Acid)

AHA’s (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) vs BHA’s:

AHA’s

Got a fine line and wrinkle dilemma? Want to tackle acne scarring or dark spots? Think alpha hydroxy acids to get the job done. Glycolic, citric and mandelic acids are all examples of AHAs. AHAs work on the surface of the skin by gently dissolving the bonds between dead cells so they can be easily removed.

BHA’s

There’s only one BHA you must remember and that’s salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is known for its blemish and oil fighting power. It unclogs pores and prevents new acne breakouts. In recent years there has been lots of debate on whether salicylic acid is suitable for melanin rich skin. The American Academy of Dermatology says it is suitable for darker skin tones and suggests using it in tandem with other acne
fighting products such as retinoids and benzoyl peroxide.

What’s the verdict……Choose AHA’s most of the time but make sure you pick the right one and the proper amount for your skin. See a skin care professional if you need help deciding. Choose BHA’s if you are in the oily or acne skin club.

Product Picks: Awakening Brightening Serum (AHA’s)

Enzymes Vs. Chemical Peels:

Enzymes

Enzymes provide gentle exfoliation. They nourish and get rid of dead skin cells. Most are derived from fruit and are activated by water. Some of the most popular fruit enzymes are papaya and bromelain.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are typically stronger then enzyme peels. They come in a variety of strengths from superficial to deep. The skin may become flaky with usage, and medium or deeper peels require greater involvement to achieve the desired results.

What’s the verdict… Start with an enzyme and advance to a chemical peel once your skin has built up its tolerance.

Product Picks: YELLE Awakening Milk and Honey cleanser has trace amounts of papain aka papaya. Instead of rinsing our Awakening Milk and Honey cleanser allow it to rest on your skin for 5-7 minutes and let the papaya settle to breakdown blackheads and other skin impurities present on the surface of the skin.

YELLE has selected ingredients that will serve your skin well, we look forward to continuously meeting your needs and creating break through products for your skin.

 Written By Regina Tucker

Have you recently experienced a flare up in your acne, are no longer a teenager, and are curious about its cause and how to deal with it? It could be hormonal. While teenagers are the most common group to struggle with acne it is not uncommon for women in their 20s, 30s, 40s and even 50s to suddenly experience adult-onset acne stemming from hormonal factors. While individual treatments vary there are solutions for women battling it out with their hormones, keep reading to learn more.

Is It Hormonal Acne or Something Else?

While it is possible for adults to get acne, not all acne is caused by hormonal imbalance other possible reasons for adult acne includes: stress, family history, hair and skincare products, medication side effects, and undiagnosed medical conditions. Manjula Jegasothy, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and founder of Miami Skin institute explained on self.com some of the signs you are dealing with hormonal acne including: no longer being in your teen years but experiencing a resurgence in breakouts and acne. Inflamed cysts along your chin and jawline, recurring acne that occurs in conjunction with your menstrual cycle, chronic acne accompanied by painful cysts and inflammation throughout the whole face and not localized to one particular area. Additional signs include excess facial or body hair, irregular menstrual periods, and weight gain.

How Can I find out if my Acne is related to a Hormonal Imbalance?

If you suspect a hormonal imbalance is the cause of your acne, you should speak with a healthcare professional i.e. a gynecologist or dermatologist for effective treatment. Women experience hormonal fluctuations throughout their lives. Dips in testosterone and estrogen may affect how much oil is being produced in the skin and contribute to breakout. A healthcare professional will perform either a blood test or saliva test to explore your estrogen, progesterone, and other hormonal levels. After this information is obtained and evaluated you will be able to clearly pinpoint if a hormonal balance is the cause of your acne.

Managing Hormonal Acne

A healthcare professional will tailor an acne treatment that addresses the severity of your acne. Topical retinoids and hormonal therapy are two treatments options that may be recommended. For years many women believed birth control would mitigate their acne and calm their hormones however it is not that simple, not every form of birth control is designed to treat acne and you need to work with a professional to figure it out. You doctor might also discuss over- the-counter options, non-hormonal antibiotic, changes in your diet and specific supplements to manage hormonal balance. The American Academy of Dermatology website also suggests using non-comedogenic products to minimize skin irritation, a mild cleanser twice a day along with a non-comedogenic moisturizer to help effectively manage hormonal acne. Cosmetic products with exfoliating beads and rough textures are discouraged.

Do you experience stubborn breakouts around the time of menstruation? Is hormonal acne taking a toll on your skin? Speak with a dermatologist and consider our Awakening Milk & Honey Cleanser, nourishing  Awakening Daily Moisturizer and Awakening Toner with soothing ingredients to incorporate into your routine.

This article is intended as general information only. You should seek advice from a professional before altering your diet or skincare routine. No Information should be used to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or condition.

Written by Regina Tucker