Category Archives: Skin

Unmask the Myth

Using Skin Masks during FacialsYou can’t skim social media or browse a beauty blog without encountering the sheet mask. But, just how valuable are they? Dr. Yagoda unmasks the myth of the sheet mask…

Despite the rage, sheet masks bestow beauty that is only “skin deep”—that is their benefits are superficial, and not true or lasting. That’s not to say that there isn’t some value in adding a sheet mask to your skin care regimen, but, you need to know that it will only work on the top layers of your skin, leaving the lower layers (where collagen and elastin hang out) untouched.

Because sheet masks don’t work in the deeper layers of your skin where collagen and elastin provide support and elasticity, your skin will not display a smoother, tighter, or more youthful appearance after using these masks. At upwards of $5 a pop, you will receive only limited and temporary moisturizing, with little to no anti-wrinkle or anti-aging effects.

Single-use sheet masks are like large soaked cotton pads with active ingredients that stay in contact with your skin for as long as you wear the mask (typically 20 minutes). But because the skin’s main task is to act as a barrier to protect you from the environment and to prevent absorption of toxins, many of those active ingredients will not get absorbed, even if you were to leave the mask on for much longer than 20 minutes!

So if you are thinking, “nothing ventured, nothing gained,” then consider this: sheet masks, in order to stay moist without drying out, contain ingredients that can harm your skin. Yep, ingredients like alcohol, butylene glycol (a delivery agent and solvent), polyethylene glycol (a preservative), and fragrance can have negative effects on your skin.

A better vehicle for moisture delivery (but still subject to limited absorption due to the skin’s barrier function) would be the serums, lotions, creams and ointments that you can buy at your corner drugstore or Dr. Yagoda’s office. Without doubt, the best vehicle for moisture delivery is an ingestible beauty supplement, in powder form, (because it does not need to be digested in order to be absorbed).

Whether choosing a sheet mask, topical products, or a beauty nutritional supplement, select one that contains all three of the active ingredients listed below:

  • antioxidants to protect the skin from premature aging and damage from free radicals;
  • peptides to help make more collagen; and,
  • hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump the skin.

An ingestible is a more effective and affordable option than sheet masks. But if you just have to jump on the gimmicky sheet mask wagon, you’ll need to adjust your expectations to receiving little more than hydration and entertainment in order to be satisfied!

There are good reasons why Dr. Yagoda is the one other doctors choose. To find out why, schedule your consultation with Dr. Yagoda. Call 212.434.1210 or email info@DrYagoda.com.

TRxUTH on TONERS

Beautiful Clean Cosmetics Woman Close Up PortraitToners are widely known as an important skin care step for people with acne-prone or oily skin. However, toners can also be used as an “added layer” of cleansing for those who wear heavy foundation or waterproof sunscreen. Or, for those who are on the run, after a workout at the gym. Toners can restore the pH of the skin after using a particularly alkaline cleanser.

The ingredients in the toner will determine its benefits.

For acne-prone skin

Use toners with salicylic acid and/or glycolic acid to get rid of excess oil, tighten the skin, exfoliate and remove dead skin, and reduce the likelihood of ingrown hairs. Toners with clay and/or charcoal can reduce shine and tighten pores in oily and acne-prone skin. Natural anti-bacterial ingredients include tea tree and rose oil. Willow bark is a natural salicylic acid alternative. Natural toners can contain witch hazel, tea-tree oil and/or rose oil as astringents. Mint, and apple cider vinegar also act as astringents.

For combination and sensitive skin

Toners with lactic acid, and/or aloe vera are great for gentle hydration.

For mature and dry skin

Toners with glycerin and/or hyaluronic acid can hydrate and smooth skin. Natural tones with honey and algae are great.

For all skin types

Toners with Co-Q 10, anti-oxidants like Vitamin C and green tea can replenish moisture and provide anti-oxidant protection.

Be wary of toners with essential oil as they can cause hypersensitivity. In addition, toners should not contain alcohol which can be extremely drying. They also should NOT include parabens, phthalates, formaldehydes, ethoxylated ingredients, polysorbates, phenoxyethanol, petrochemicals, triclosan, TEA/DEA and synthetic fragrances and colors.