Get Ready To GLOW: A Basic Guide On How To Improve The Quality Of Your Complexion

Skin is the body’s largest organ – it’s estimated that “adults carry some 8 pounds and 22 square feet of it.” Skin plays an important role in the overall health of human beings; not only does it hold our insides, well, in, but it’s also the first line of defense against harmful pathogens and infectious agents. On a more superficial note, a healthy and glowing appearance has a long-standing history as a symbol of beauty and indicator of wellness, and people have consistently gone to extreme lengths to improve the look and feel of their skin. Although makeup can help cover imperfections and elevate its appearance, it’s what underneath the makeup that really matters, and skincare routines through the ages prove that people have always been concerned about the quality of their complexions.

According to History Daily, “the women of ancient Egypt kept their skin healthy and hydrated in the desert climate by washing with soap made of olive oil and clay, two ingredients found in trendy skincare products today.” Additionally, “textual evidence remains that tell us Greek women gave themselves facials with a mixture of goat’s milk and fresh berries. Honey and yogurt were both applied to the skin to smooth out wrinkles and olive oil was used as an overall skin moisturizer.” Although modern-day product formulations may be more sophisticated than the ancient lotions and potions of Egypt and Greece, the goal of skincare remains the same; to help men and women feel more happy, healthy, and confident.

Why Does Everybody Need A Skincare Routine?

Your face is the first thing people see when they look at you, and your skin plays an important role in how people perceive you as a person. According to a survey conducted by Allure Magazine in 2010, “35 percent of people said they felt their appearance defined their identity. In 2015, that number jumped to 50 percent.” If your skin looks dry, discolored, or dull, then you might unwillingly portray a negative message about yourself to the world around you. And unfortunately, persistent acne still carries an untrue taboo of being caused by “dirty” habits like not washing regularly. Of course, there are a number of ways to boost your self-confidence that have nothing to do with the way you look. However, the reality is that people – and women in particular – place a high value of importance on appearance, and skincare is part of that equation.

At Jiva Med Spa, we’re all about helping men and women feel more comfortable in their own bodies, and we believe that a good skincare routine can help achieve that goal. If you ask any qualified dermatologist about key “steps” in a good skincare routine, they’re likely to recommend at least five basic necessities: 1) a good face cleanser, 2) a moisturizing lotion, 3) an SPF 30+ sunscreen, 4) a nighttime retinol routine, and 5) a daytime Vitamin C treatment. Let’s explore the various benefits of each step.

The Five Most Important Steps Of A Good Skincare Routine

1) A Good Face Cleanser

By nature, skin produces sebum – or oil – to help coat, moisturize, and protect its surface. However, too much sebum will cause overly oily skin, which can lead to clogged pores and acne. That’s why a gentle, non-stripping face cleanser is essential in any skincare routine. It helps remove dirt, sebum, oil, makeup, and dead skin cells from your face without irritating or drying out its surface. It’s especially important to cleanse every night before bed. According to Byrdie, “all day, skin works hard to protect itself from constant attack, but while we’re sleeping skin switches into ‘recovery mode,’ a time of intense repair and regeneration.” By cleansing the skin’s surface before you hit the hay, it will be prepped and ready for turnover.

2) A Moisturizing Lotion

Daily and nightly moisturizing is extremely important for soft, radiant skin. According to the UT Medical Center, “the skin on your face, ears, neck and chest are very sensitive to environmental changes and are the most frequent areas of the body known to develop skin cancer. These areas of skin also shed cells more rapidly than other parts of the body and therefore need moisture to repair itself, which allows for younger skin cells to rise to the surface.” Additionally, regular moisturizing can reduce the chance of your skin developing extreme dryness or oiliness and helps diminish fine lines and wrinkles that can be exacerbated by dryness. Since moisturizer plumps your skin, it can give your face a firmer and smoother appearance.

3) An SPF 30+ Sunscreen

Perhaps the #1 thing you can do for the health of your skin is apply a sunscreen with at least 30+ SPF every. single. day. Even on days when you don’t go outside! It’s estimated that up to 80% of the sun’s rays can pass through clouds, and more than 50 percent of UVA rays (the main cause of premature skin aging) can penetrate glass, according to SkinCancer.org. Therefore, if you want to fight early signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, and sunspots, an SPF 30+ sunscreen is a non-negotiable staple in every skincare routine. When it comes to facial sunscreen, there are two popular types: chemical and mineral. According to CNET, “chemical sunscreens act almost like a sponge, absorbing UV light, while physical sunscreens act more like a shield, deflecting rays.”

4) A Nighttime Retinol Routine

Often dubbed the “Holy Grail” of anti-aging products, retinol belongs in every skincare routine. According to Web MD, “retinol boosts the amount of collagen your body makes and plumps out skin, cutting down fine lines and wrinkles. It also improves skin tone and color and reduces mottled patches.” That said, retinol is a potent ingredient and can cause the top layer of your skin to become dry and flaky while it’s adjusting to the treatment. Therefore, it’s best to build your way up to a nighttime retinol routine by applying the treatment 2-3 times per week at first. According to Healthline, retinol bypasses the epidermis (outer layer of skin) to reach the dermis: “once in this middle layer of skin, retinol helps neutralize free radicals to boost the production of elastin and collagen. This creates a ‘plumping’ effect that reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and pores.”

5) A Daytime Vitamin C Treatment

Just like our bodies need vitamins and minerals to properly function, so does our skin – it’s part of our bodies, after all! One of the best things you can do for your skin is invest in a daytime topical Vitamin C treatment, which “accelerates the production of both collagen and elastin to help keep the skin plump and firm,” according to Very Well Health. Vitamin C can also prevent premature aging, helping to ward off the formation of fine lines and wrinkles while also brightening the skin and guarding against hyperpigmentation. Although Vitamin C is an incredible antioxidant, it’s also an unstable molecule that quickly oxidizes when exposed to light and air. Therefore, you need to check your product ingredients and go for brands that provide superior stability. Vitamin C also increases sun sensitivity, so always apply SPF afterwards.

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Why Are Regular Facials Important?

Although nothing can truly replace a consistent at-home skincare routine, facials can significantly improve the look and feel of your skin when you get them on a regular basis. Not only do they help deep clean congested pores, but the professional exfoliation that occurs sloughs away dead skins cells and actually allows for your at-home products to penetrate deeper into the epidermis and work their magic between professional treatments – letting you get all your precious money’s worth.

Regular facials also typically include some form of facial massage, which can help stimulate circulation, flush water retention, and – let’s be honest – relax you from the head down. A weekly clay mask can work in a pinch, but it’s better to leave the more intense treatments to the pros. A run-of-the-mill facial typically includes things like cleansing, exfoliating, extractions, a mask, and a moisturizer. However, estheticians with years of experience can expertly tailor every facial to satisfy your skin’s unique needs.

What Are The Facials That Jiva Med Spa Offers?

At Jiva Med Spa, we don’t think there’s anything wrong with investing in your appearance. After all, your appearance is a key factor in your overall health and happiness! Whether that means regular Botox appointments, CoolSculpting ahead of a beach vacation, or hormone therapy to enhance your sex drive, we provide a variety of treatments and procedures to help you live a fuller life. And that includes facials! Our facials at Jiva are expertly designed to not only leave you with a glowing complexion, but also to relax you for 30-60 minutes while our estheticians go to work. Check out all the facials we offer below:

Basic Facial – 30 Minutes, $65

• • Enjoy a thorough cleansing and steaming of the skin, followed by exfoliation, extractions (if necessary), a facial massage, and custom mask treatment.

Retrograde Facial – 60 Minutes, $220

• • Improve your skin tone with a SkinBetter peel and microdermabrasion treatment followed by a cleansing mask, jade rolling, and an oxygen infusion.

Perfect Picture Facial – 60 Minutes, $200

• • Dermaplane/microdermabrasion for exfoliation, high frequency for inflammation, microcurrent for lift, followed by an oxygen infusion.

ZO 3-Step Peel – 30 Minutes, $200

• • The ZO 3-Step Peel is an innovative, in-office treatment peel followed by an at-home treatment to combat the signs of aging and skin discoloration.

Purify Facial – 60 Minutes, $150

• • An oxygen infusion to nourish your skin and boost collagen production, optional extractions, all followed by high frequency and facial cupping.

NEW! HydraFacial – 30 Minutes, $199

• • HydraFacial uses patented technology to cleanse, extract, and hydrate your skin. The treatment uses nourishing ingredients that create an instant glow.

Take Advantage Of This Deal!

Beyond our Basic Facial, Retrograde Facial, Perfect Picture Facial, ZO 3-Step Peel, Purify Facial, and HydraFacial, we also offer a number of add-on treatments that can take your professional skincare experience to the next level. Options include: dermaplane, microdermabrasion, chemical peel, extractions, high frequency, microcurrent, lash and brow tinting, and facial waxing. If you’re ready to improve the quality of your complexion, establish a beneficial skincare routine, and set up regular facial appointments with an esthetician, Jiva Med Spa is the place to go.

Book your appointment today: 614-421-7546 (Columbus), 937-705-9430 (Dayton), or 513-834-1770 (Cincinnati).