What led you to skin care?

I actually went to school for lashes. One week into learning about skincare, I absolutely knew this is what I wanted to do instead. The feeling behind making people feel beautiful and confident in the skin they are in is what really pushed me to love skincare. Teaching clients how to take care of their skin and seeing them learn is all the reward I need to keep doing my job.

We grow up hearing different things about the causes of acne. But what are the main culprits? 

For the most part, acne is an inherited condition of the pores. Healthy pores shed at about one layer of dead skin cells per day inside the pore [and] acne-prone pores shed about five layers of dead skin cells per day. Because the acne-prone pore experiences both sticky cells and accelerated shedding of skin cells, the pore becomes clogged due to those two key factors. The body has a difficult time keeping the pore clear. Once blockage occurs within the pore, the anaerobic thrives without oxygen and bacteria grows thus causing acne. Although diet, medications, hygiene and lifestyle habits can make it worse, it is not the cause.

What are the benefits of exfoliating and how often should you do it?

Exfoliating is necessary and crucial in maintaining healthy skin. You should exfoliate 2 to 3 times a week to improve dead skin buildup, pigmentation, texture and it even allows other products to penetrate better. Exfoliation should be a part of everyone’s skincare routine. Not everyone’s exfoliation will be the same, it all depends on your skin type.

Photo courtesy of Dezaire Bishop

And while we’re on the subject, when should someone not exfoliate?

If your skin’s barrier is impaired and any products start to tingle or burn when you apply them, you need to take a step back from exfoliating and other active ingredients as your barrier may be stripped and you need to rebuild and strengthen it.

Is a proper skin routine alone sufficient to treat persistent acne? Or is medical care needed?

I always tell my acne clients before retreating to dermatologist recommended medications or products, to try [Dezthetics] acne program and the products first because, more than likely, dermatologists are just throwing medications at you as a quick fix which can sometimes be harmful to the body and skin- and isn’t necessary for everyone. Consistency, dedication and patience is key in treating acne with home care and professional treatments- you have to want it.

You offer quite a few services for teens. Why is that an important part of your practice?

Growing up, I never knew much about skin care and how to take care of my skin. As I meet new clients, they always tell me the same thing so teaching kids from a young age how to take care of their skin and how important it is, is really something I love to do because it’s easier to prevent then to treat. And it’s easier to prevent when you know the information.

Hyperpigmentation. What is it and how can I prevent it?

Hyperpigmentation is the over production of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. It’s produced by skin cells called melanocytes. Several different conditions or factors can alter the production of melanin in your body. Hyperpigmentation can be caused by sun damage, hormones, medications, inflammation [and] skin trauma, including acne and more. Making sure you are applying and reapplying sunscreen, not picking at your pimples, not over-exfoliating, not using harsh ingredients and using tyrosinase inhibitors are just a few ways to prevent hyperpigmentation.

If you only had one product (okay, two) to use for the rest of your life, which would it be?

Ahhhh, tough choice but I would definitely go with a Vitamin C and SPF!

The post Worthy Convos: Dezaire Bishop on What Makes Great Skin first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

What is the most common skincare complaint you receive from clients? 

Most of the time when people come see me the first thing they say is, “I don’t know what to do, I’ve tried everything!” It could be acne related, dry skin, aging skin, sensitive skin [or] any skin type. If you don’t know what products to use or if you’re using them incorrectly it can make your skin angry at you. It’s so important to meet with a professional and let them guide you through your skin journey. You don’t have to get monthly facials, but I would still meet with an esthetician and have them create a customized skincare routine for you.

Tell us about your personal skincare routine. 

So, the very first thing I do when I wake up is drink a glass a water. It just helps wake my skin up and keeps it hydrated. In the morning I’ll wash my face then use a toner, serum, moisturizer, and SPF. I’ll do a similar routine in the nighttime just without the SPF. Twice a week I’ll exfoliate and once a week I’ll do a face mask. Currently I use all GlyMed products and my ride or die cleanser is Precleanse from Dermalogica. It’s the best cleanser to take off any stubborn eye makeup.

Which product/brand(s) do you love?
There’s so many! It’s hard to pick just one. I LOVE Esthemax HydroJelly masks! It’s my favorite add on to do for any facial. They’re tailored to your skin type and so relaxing and pretty to look at. They also lower the skins temperature by 12 degrees, so they’re great to do right after a chemical peel. The [one] I use on myself and in the treatment room is GlyMed. The very first product I ever tried from GlyMed was the CBD mist and after the first use I noticed my redness had gone down and my skin felt so hydrated. I knew one day I would have to carry this line. GlyMed is a pharmaceutical skincare line, they are cruelty free, vegan, alcohol free, and [have] no added fragrances. These products are great for the most sensitive skin types like eczema or psoriasis.

Some of my favorite products that I always have on me are:

• SkinBetter Science – SunBetter compact sunscreen
• Dermalogica – Precleanse and Calm Water Gel Moisturizer
• GlyMed – CBD facial mist, Fulvic Elixir, Acne medication, and Oxygen cleanser

If you must be mindful of a budget, which luxury product is actually worth the splurge? 

I would invest in a sunscreen, retinol, and vitamin C. SPF is your preventive care that’s going to slow down any discoloration or aging from forming. Retinol is your corrective care. This is going to correct any aging or acne concerns. Vitamin C is going to help both of those products work more effectively.

Does a good skincare regime have to be expensive? 

It doesn’t, but you do need to be mindful of what products you’re putting on your skin and if they work with other products.

There are so many trends on TikTok and Instagram. Which have merit and which are bunk?

I can’t believe all the different trends. It can definitely be overwhelming trying to keep track of what’s nonsense and what’s actually legit! I recently had a client tell me about slugging. I’m on the fence about that one. I have my hydro facial on standby just in case. Lol

The DIY face masks, and the DIY acne spot treatments are a no for me; I would just leave that in the kitchen. Face icing has become popular recently and I can totally get behind that. I love watching the GRWM (Get Ready with Me) videos or just anyone practicing selfcare. It’s very uplifting and motivating to watch.

When it comes to good skin, how much is genetic and how much is routine? 

Genetics plays a huge role. To some degree skin elasticity and your collagen production can be related to genetics. Despite that, one of the most common signs of aging is caused by lifestyle choices- smoking, drinking, stress, diet, and sun exposure. Because of those factors, you should have a skincare routine that can help combat that.

Where did your passion for beauty and wellness come from? 

I’ve always had a passion for beauty, even has a kid. After I graduated high school, I did go to college and majored in nutrition. I learned a lot and I did enjoy it, but just wasn’t for me. I couldn’t see myself doing that every day. Skincare has always been something I’m interested in and love doing. Helping people is my passion. I love meeting new people and building a relationship and helping others reach their goal. It’s the best thing ever and I love that I get to call this my job.

The post Worthy Convos: Salena Mason Talks Skincare, Beauty, and Wellness first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.