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Is it a Scar or Hyperpigmentation?

in Skincare Tips, June 7, 2018

dark marks

scarring

Wasn’t having acne bad enough already?!!? Now you’re left with these darkened scars that won’t seem to go away! Not so fast. What you might actually have is not a scar, but PIH, or Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation. 

Scars and hyperpigmentation are actually two totally different things. A scar is the healing of skin through the production of fibrous tissue that’s different from the structure of your normal skin tissue. This is what causes it to look slightly out of place, and in some instances, unsightly. Scars can require surgery to remove. 

 

1.) This is an example of scarring: 

Notice the the indents and uneveness of not just the tone of skin, but the texture as well. 

2.) This is an example of Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): 

Notice how the texture still appears smooth, but there are clearly visible dark marks. These marks will fade overtime, and can be helped along by certain products and lifestyle habits.

 

Who gets dark marks?

If you have an olive to medium skin type, unfortunately, you are much more prone to get dark marks. Your skin naturally produces more melanin, and any discoloration will more starkly contrast with the rest of your skin color. If you have active acne, you are also much more likely to get dark marks. We’ve also found that those of Asian, Mediterranean, and Hispanic descent to be especially prone to hyperpigmentation and discoloration, as the skin is typically more delicate as well. 

Who gets scars? 

Scarring, especially a specific type of scarring called Keloid scarring, can be common in those of African descent. This is a type of tissue overgrowth where the scarring can be raised and bumpy to the touch. Keloid scarring generally requires more invasive procedures to remove. Scarring can also occur in other skin types, especially if you have deep, cystic acne. To prevent scars, always look to treat acne FIRST and prevent new ones from forming.

Treating PIH?

Exfoliation, protection, and brightening are the major keys to success. Anything that contains an AHA. such as the Hydrafacial MD, can greatly help the appearance of PIH as the acid can slough off dead skin cells, revealing newer, fresher skin underneath. Protection in the form an SPF of at least 30 that’s non-irritating will stop marks from getting worse, while looking for ingredients with brightening properties such as Vitamin C and Licorice Root Extract can help lighten the skin. 

 

In general, discoloration can largely be genetic and unique to the individual, despite the guidelines listed above. While there’s nothing you can do about that, regular upkeep with the proper products, and taking measures to reduce irritation can greatly improve the overall tone of skin.

5 Surprising Things That May Be Causing Your Acne

in Skincare Tips, March 22, 2018

Acne

Face

We often get questions from our clients on what might be causing their breakouts. The truth is, there are are so many factors that can trigger acne, that it’s hard to pinpoint one or two that are the ones that may be causing your breakouts. These are 5 that you may not have considered, which involve lifestyle changes that can easily be done and potentially very effective when combined with a good skincare regimen.

1. Makeup

Acne is caused by the clogging of pores from the excess production of oil in the skin, which triggers an inflammatory response. If you regularly cake on heavy foundation, you may be clogging your pores and causing irritation – this creates a perfect breeding ground for zits and blackheads.
If you have to use makeup, look for labels such as “non-comedogenic” and “hypoallergenic”.

2. Overwashing Your Face

This may sound counterintuitive, since you’d think that washing all that gunk off of your face is the best way to get rid of it. What actually happens however, is that the excessive washing will over-irritate the skin. Irritation=zits. Your skin naturally has a protective layer of oils that shields it from environmental pollutants and toxins, and stripping this layer by over washing can cause your oil glands to go into overdrive, actually secreting MORE oil, and increasing the chance of clogged pores.

At Nefaire, we always recommend acne-prone people to wash at most twice a day, and use bare hands when doing so. The fancy electric brushes that buff the skin can easily over irritate your skin, and make breakouts even worse.

3. Dairy

This is a big one that almost makes an immediate impact to people once they cut dairy-based foods out of their diet. Acne is largely an inflammatory disease, and anything that spikes inflammation in the body can make things worse.

Dairy contains many hormones, particularly a hormone similar to insulin called IGF-1, or Insulin-Like Growth Factor. If you’re into working out, you may have heard of IGF-1 as being prevalent in Whey protein, which increases the production of the male hormone Testosterone. Excess Testosterone increases oil production in skin, which means more clogged pores, inflammation, and zits.

We recommend cutting dairy out of your diet for a couple of weeks, such as cheese, milk, and whey protein, and seeing if your acne subsides a bit. Chances are that at the very least, your breakouts least be less red, and you’ll also feel better as well.

4. Sleeping Habits

Have you ever pulled an all-nighter or thrown off your sleep cycle, only to wake up to a blemish? When you don’t sleep enough, or when you don’t sleep regularly, your bodily functions are disrupted, including your metabolism and your hormones. These internal fluctuations can elevate inflammation in the body, which leads to redness and pimples.

If your lifestyle is hectic where you can’t sleep a consistent 7-8 hours a night, we suggest taking up destressing activities that can help counterbalance internal bodily fluctuations, such as meditation or deep breathing.

5. Stress

This one really should come as no surprise, but the reason we included it on this list is because for a long time, stress was thought to have no direct relation to breakouts. Evidence is trickling in that the elevated cortisol levels caused by stress can influence testosterone levels in the body, causing inflammation and increased oil production.

Our number one tip for combatting stress is exercise. Moving your body and sweating things out can help get you out of your head and into a more relaxed state, while simultaneously lowering your body’s cortisol levels.

5 Vegan/Vegetarian Friendly Restaurants You Should Try in CT

in Lifestyle, March 22, 2018

Food

Vegan

Have you guys met Leonie at our front desk? Not only is she awesome at multi-tasking, typing really fast, and making friends with our clients, she’s also a pretty big foodie.

At Nefaire, we’re strong proponents of the connection between diet and skin health, and going big on greens is definitely something that can only help the skin. Here’s her list of 5 vegan/vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Fairfield County that you absolutely must try. 

 

1) Bloodroot – 85 Ferris Street, Bridgeport, CT

There’s an entirely different and unique vibe one gets when entering the doors of this eclectic find.  Words that come to mind when thinking about Bloodroot:  unapologetic, unpretentious, and delicious.  Self described as ‘a feminist restaurant/bookstore with a seasonal vegetarian menu,’ you are guaranteed an experience like none other.

http://www.bloodroot.com

 

2) The Lime – 168 Main Street, Norwalk, CT

It’s hard to miss this spot with the ‘lime’ green color awning.   Not a fan of lime green?  No worries; you’ll easily be won over by the various offerings of delicious fresh food.  Be forewarned, it’s a cozy spot that fills up quickly, especially during the bewitching lunch hour.  There are a number of vegan/ vegetarian selections.  Meat lovers, don’t despair, there are plenty of delicious options for you also.

http://limerestaurant.com/

 

3) Shandal’s Vegetarian Café – 520 Capitol Avenue, Bridgeport, CT

Looking for vegetarian cuisine with a Caribbean flavor profile?  Then,  Shandal’s Vegetarian Café should be on your list of places to try.  The atmosphere is very relaxed and the food is served cafeteria style.  Some say the ‘Rasta Pasta’ is a must try; no disagreement here.

Connecticut Magazine Article – Shandal’s Vegetarian Cafe

 

4) Catch A Healthy Habit Café – 39 Unquowa Road, Fairfield, CT

Here’s to developing good habits.  Catch A Healthy Habit is spot on with their selection of vegan and gluten-free menu items.  It’s the health food trifecta …… vegan, organic and raw.  Throw caution to the wind and try a raw dessert, or better yet, a smoothie in a bowl.

http://catchahealthyhabit.com/menu-a/

 

5) Navaratna – 133 Atlantic Street, Stamford, CT

A list of Vegan/Vegetarian friendly restaurants without an Indian cuisine option…..Nonsense!  Navaratna is located in downtown Stamford and specializes in South Indian cuisine.  Here you won’t struggle to find a tasty vegan or vegetarian dish as they are many options from which to choose.

Yelp Page – Navaratna 

 

6) Organika Kitchen (Plant based) – 3546 Post Road, Southport, CT

A plant based kitchen serving vegan/vegetarian options for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  There is a large array of smoothies and organic fresh juices from which to choose.   Not feeling for a smoothie, then enjoy a pizza or create your own personalized organic salad.

https://organikact.com/