Written by Tal Aron
Our resident beauty expert answers all of your beauty questions.
Welcome to the TS Beauty Consult.
Q:
Can sunblock make you break out?
A: There are two main categories of sunscreens: Physical and Chemical. Both can cause blemishes, however, the origin of the blemishes is what should dictate the best option for your skin. Physical sunscreens, which often do a better job of shielding your skin from harmful UV rays, can clog your pores and therefore cause blemishes. They are typically formulated with since oxide or titanium dioxide, and often have a chalky, more viscous texture. They are better for creative and sensitive skin types, as they are less likely to cause irritation. Chemical sunscreens are less likely to clog your pores. They tend to have a lower viscosity, but can irritate sensitive skin. Sunscreens have come a long way in recenet years and there are many on the market that are targeted towards reactive, sensitive, and blemish-prone skin.
Physical Sunscreen: Elta MD UV Clear SPF 46
Chemical Sunscreen: La Roche Posey’s Anthelios 60
Q:
Does sunlight make your acne scars darker?
A: Sunlight can definitely cause some blemishes to darken. There are two primary ways our skin reacts to trauma, depending on severity and depth. On the bottom layer of the skin’s epidermis lies a type of cell called melanocytes. These cells cause the pigmentation of our skin. If a scar is deep enough, it can damage these cells causing hypo pigmentation. As a result, these scars tend to lack pigmentation and tend to appear much lighter than the healthy skin that surrounds it. For most of us though, acne scars are not quite deep enough to damage these cells. The scar tissue for superficial scars tends to be rich in melanocytes, and exposer to sunlight will result in hyper pigmentation. and become darker than the surrounding skin. It is important to note that this is not the same as the peckish hue often visible on a fresh scar, but rather is caused by the increased blood flow usually present in the body’s natural attempt to heal damaged tissue. While this may decrease and fade over time, hyper pigmentation due to sun damage may take longer to fade. Whether you have any kind of scarring or you have been blessed with a perfect complexion, make sure to always wear SPF to prevent any kind of hyper pigmentation.
Q:
Are toners really necessary?
A: Necessary: No. Beneficial: Definitely! For a long time, the triple action regimen was every girl’s skincare mantra: cleanse, tone and moisturize. In recent years our skincare has advanced all the way up to the Korean 10 step routine, and many of us have become overwhelmed. As a result, we have begun to analyze each step to determine what is necessary and what is not. Toner can do many things, but for me, there are four main things I want out of a good toner. The first is hydration; a good toner should act as a humectant, which basically attracts water molecules and chemically binds to them to retain moisture. Second, I want it to balance our the ph levels of my skin. It is ideal to have our internal body ph level to be alkaline, but our skin is much ore happier at more acidic levels. While cleansing usually alkalizes the skin, an acid toner can restore the ideal ph level. Third, is exfoliation. Though not all skin types can handle a rough physical exfoliation, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) can effectively remove dead skin cells, revealing a glowing complexion. Lastly, is penetration. Toners can really enhance the absorption of all subsequent products, from serums to moisturizers to oils.
