Microneedling with SkinPen

SkinPen, also known as microneedling or collagen induction therapy, offers a variety of benefits for improving the appearance and health of the skin. One of the primary advantages is its ability to stimulate collagen and elastin production, which are essential proteins for maintaining the skin’s firmness, elasticity, and smooth texture. As we age, the natural production of these proteins decreases, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin. By creating controlled micro-injuries in the skin, SkinPen triggers the body’s natural healing response, resulting in the production of new collagen and elastin. This process helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, tighten skin, giving your skin a more youthful and radiant appearance.

In addition to anti-aging benefits, SkinPen is also highly effective in treating various skin concerns, including teenage and adult acne, acne scars, enlarged pores, and hyperpigmentation. The micro-injuries created by SkinPen encourage cell turnover, which helps to clear acne, fade scars and reduce dark spots over time. It also improves skin texture by reducing the appearance of enlarged pores and evening out the skin’s surface. Furthermore, because SkinPen enhances the skin’s absorption capabilities, it allows for better penetration of topical skincare products, making them more effective in addressing specific concerns like hydration, brightening, or anti-aging.

The procedure for using SkinPen is minimally invasive and typically involves little to no downtime. A trained professional begins by cleansing the skin and applying a numbing cream to minimize discomfort. SkinPen device, which contains tiny, sterile needles, is then passed over the targeted areas of the skin, creating microchannels. The depth of the needles can be adjusted depending on the specific skin concerns being treated. After the procedure, the skin may appear red and feel slightly sensitive, similar to a mild sunburn, but these effects usually subside within a day or two. The healing process initiates the production of new collagen and elastin, with full results typically visible after a few weeks. Multiple sessions, spaced a few weeks apart, may be recommended for optimal results, depending on the individual’s skin condition and goals.

One of the most common approaches to enhance the rejuvenating effect of microneedling is to add Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP). The use of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in conjunction with SkinPen for facial rejuvenation enhances the results of microneedling by leveraging the body’s natural healing properties. PRP is derived from the patient’s own blood, which is processed to concentrate the platelets rich in growth factors. When applied during or after microneedling with SkinPen, PRP penetrates the microchannels created in the skin, accelerating the healing process and boosting collagen and elastin production. This combination therapy not only improves skin texture and tone but also enhances the reduction of acne, fine lines, wrinkles, and scars. The synergy between PRP and SkinPen offers a powerful, natural approach to skin rejuvenation with minimal downtime. EVND recommends for best results completing 3 treatments spaced 2-3 months apart. Because it relies on your body’s own natural healing process, the results appear more natural than from treatments like Botox or fillers. Results will gradually take effect and can last for one to two years.

–  Reduces the presence of congested or chronic acne

– Reduces acne scars, surgical scars, and other scarring

– Tightens, lifts, and rejuvenates aging skin

– Reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines

– Produces less injury and trauma than laser/CO2

– Minimal downtime and less pain

– Minimizes pore size

SkinPen Procedure

Our licensed aesthetician will cleanse the face, and apply numbing cream before the procedure. The cream is allowed to rest on the face for 10-15 minutes. The blood draw for collection of PRP will be completed while the numbing effect takes place. The SkinPen micro-heeling device is then glided over the entire face using 3 passes in different directions. During that time the ultra fine micro-needles will be going in and out of the skin about 90 times per second. All that is felt is a vibration similar to microdermabrasion. Your PRP will be placed on the skin as SkinPen is used. SkinPen treatment is complete in about 30-45 minutes. The skin will look pink/red upon completion but will subside within 24-48 hours. It is common for the following week to have dryness and light peeling of the skin and possible breakouts. You will be given a sample of an approved hyaluronic acid serum to use as a moisturizer following the treatment.

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Facts About Our Aging Skin

Aging is not something we can avoid 100% even if we choose to do everything just right. But our choices in regards to how we eat, manage our stress, and take care of ourselves can slow the aging process internally and even show up externally in the quality of our skin. Research has laid out in a very clear and precise manner the leading causes of general aging as well as the causes of aging skin.  These singular and accumulative effects of aging include free radical damage, chronic inflammation, collagen degradation, nutrient deficiencies, infrequent autophagy, and of course just aging itself.

Free radicals are highly reactive molecules with unpaired electrons that can cause significant damage to skin cells, contributing to the aging process. Free radicals seek stability by stealing electrons from other molecules, such as proteins, lipids, and DNA in skin cells. This process, known as oxidative stress, can damage the structural integrity of cells, leading to premature aging. Oxidative stress from free radicals can trigger an inflammatory response in the skin. Chronic low-level inflammation accelerates the aging process by further degrading collagen and other essential proteins. The skin is made up of 70-80% collagen, which is a protein that gives skin its firmness and elasticity. Free radicals can break down collagen fibers, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin. And free radicals can damage the lipids in the skin’s barrier, reducing its ability to retain moisture. This leads to dryness, rough texture, and a dull appearance, all of which are common signs of aging.

Though free radicals can contribute to inflammation, chronic inflammation arises from many other sources as well. Inflammation damages aging skin by accelerating the breakdown of collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for skin’s firmness and elasticity. When the skin experiences chronic inflammation, whether from environmental factors like UV exposure and pollution, or internal factors such as stress and poor diet, it triggers the release of inflammatory molecules. These molecules can degrade collagen fibers and slow down the skin’s natural repair processes, leading to wrinkles, sagging, and a loss of youthful resilience. Additionally, inflammation can increase the production of melanin, causing uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation. Over time, this ongoing damage compromises the skin’s structure and accelerates visible signs of aging.

Collagen degradation in aging skin is primarily caused by a combination of intrinsic aging processes and external factors. As we age, the body’s natural production of collagen slows down, leading to a gradual decline in skin firmness and elasticity. This intrinsic aging is compounded by external factors such as UV radiation from sun exposure, which accelerates collagen breakdown through the production of free radicals and the activation of enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that degrade collagen fibers. Other factors like pollution, smoking, and chronic inflammation further contribute to collagen degradation by generating oxidative stress and damaging the skin’s structural proteins. Together, these factors weaken the skin’s support system, resulting in wrinkles, sagging, and a loss of youthful texture.

Nutrient deficiencies can significantly accelerate skin aging by impairing the skin’s ability to repair and protect itself and accelerate the visible signs of aging. Here are some key nutrients whose deficiencies can contribute to aging skin:

Vitamin C: Essential for collagen synthesis, vitamin C deficiency leads to reduced collagen production, resulting in wrinkles, sagging, and loss of skin elasticity. It also acts as an antioxidant, protecting the skin from oxidative stress and free radical damage.

Vitamin E: As a powerful antioxidant, vitamin E protects the skin from oxidative damage caused by UV radiation and environmental pollutants. A deficiency can lead to increased skin damage, dryness, and premature aging.

Vitamin A (and Beta-Carotene): Vitamin A, particularly in the form of retinoids, is crucial for skin cell turnover and repair. A deficiency can cause rough, dry skin, and contribute to the formation of wrinkles and fine lines.

Zinc: Zinc plays a role in skin healing and inflammation control. A deficiency can impair wound healing, increase susceptibility to skin infections, and exacerbate conditions like acne and eczema, contributing to aging skin.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These essential fatty acids help maintain the skin’s lipid barrier, keeping it hydrated and plump. A deficiency can lead to dry, inflamed skin and contribute to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Protein: Adequate protein intake is necessary for collagen production and skin repair. A protein deficiency can lead to a loss of skin elasticity, increased wrinkling, and a dull complexion.

B Vitamins: Deficiencies in B vitamins, particularly B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), and B7 (biotin), can lead to dry, flaky skin, and increase the likelihood of inflammation, which accelerates skin aging.

Autophagy is the natural cleaning-out process that starts when our cells are under stress when our cells are under stress or deprived of nutrients. Autophagy is a cellular process that plays a critical role in supporting aging skin by removing damaged cellular components and promoting the regeneration of healthy cells. It is a natural cleaning out process that starts when our cells are under stress or deprived of nutrients. Autophagy is activated when we reduce total daily calories(caloric deficit) or eat in a smaller window (intermittent fasting) avoiding food for a minimum of 12-16 hours. As we age, the efficiency of autophagy declines, leading to the accumulation of damaged proteins and organelles within skin cells, which can result in wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and a dull complexion. Thus as we age we need to eat less generally and eat less often to help our bodies naturally rejuvenate. By clearing out these cellular “waste” products, autophagy helps maintain skin integrity, boosts collagen production, and reduces inflammation, which are essential for youthful, resilient skin and aging.

How to achieve autophagy:

Autophagy can be achieved through a variety of lifestyle practices that promote this natural cellular cleanup process. Intermittent fasting is one of the most effective ways to trigger autophagy, as it creates a period of nutrient deprivation that encourages cells to recycle damaged components for energy. Regular exercise also stimulates autophagy by inducing mild stress on cells, prompting them to repair and regenerate.  Diets rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and certain compounds like polyphenols (found in foods like green tea, turmeric, and berries) can support autophagy by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Reducing excessive calorie intake and avoiding processed foods further enhances autophagy, promoting overall cellular health and longevity, including the maintenance of youthful, resilient skin.

Review our educational article and video on intermittent fasting at eastvalleynd.com or use the following link https://www.eastvalleynd.com/foundations/foundations-fasting/ to get started.

Healthy appearing skin or the absence of acne, eczema, and rosacea largely depends upon the health of our skin microbiome. The skin microbiome refers to the community of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and mites, that live on the surface of the skin. This complex ecosystem plays a vital role in maintaining skin health and overall well-being. First and most important, the microbiome acts as a protective barrier against pathogenic microorganisms by outcompeting them for resources and producing antimicrobial substances. It modulates the skin’s immune responses, reducing the risk of inflammatory conditions and infections. It also helps to retain moisture and prevent the entry of harmful substances. And in addition, some microbes produce vitamins and other compounds beneficial to skin health.

Although aging results in changes to the microbiome the three most common influences on the skin microbiome are diet, personal hygiene, and skincare routines. The use of soaps, lotions, and other skincare products can alter the balance of microorganisms on the skin. And of course poor nutrition, poor health, and stress also negatively impact the skin microbiome’s composition and function.

Creating a healthy gut microbiome is the most important key to promoting a healthy skin microbiome. There are several steps to consider to achieve this:

Intestinal Detox- The majority of inflammation arises from activity happening in the intestinal tract with fungi, yeast, parasites, and bacterial imbalances at the root of most concerns.

  1. Candida: The presence and overgrowth of fungi, yeast, and candida in the intestinal tract causes inflammation in the intestines as well as the skin. It contributes to an imbalance of the gut microbiome and is often present where bloating, sugar cravings, fatigue, and brain fog are also complaints. Interventions can include a strict candida diet, antifungal nutrients and herbs, or antifungal prescriptions to lower the yeast and fungal load that is hijacking the gut microbiome.
  2. Parasites: The presence and activity of parasites are often benign, but any sign of diarrhea, stomach pain, fatigue, and malabsorption of iron or other vitamins are suspicious symptoms arising from these ubiquitous bugs. Testing to discover specific worms or protozoa lead to more precise prescriptions and herbal therapy recommendations. Many patient’s report their skin health improving after treatment of intestinal parasites.
  3. Bacteria: The intestinal tract houses good and bad bacteria. When we measure the bacteria types and families through available microbiome test kits, we sometimes find more than enough bacteria(think SIBO), or way too little, or we see elevated counts of pathogenic bacteria. The imbalance of bacteria families and types can result in increased autoimmunity and overactive immune responses all resulting in more inflammation and abundance of free radicals aging our body and our skin. Testing of the gut microbiome leads to specific recommendations to improve balance and reduce toxic load with an emphasis on customized fermented probiotic rich foods. Adding homemade coconut yogurt or kefir, or adding kimchi or sauerkraut, will elevate the diversity and balance of the most important immune barriers in the human body.

Whole Food Diet- The food choices we make provide various nutrients known to reduce inflammation, enhance detoxification, and support healing and regeneration of body and skin.

  1. For healthy skin you should focus on a diet rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, healthy fats, fiber, fermented foods, and protein. Beside maximizing the vital micro and macro nutrients, this anti-aging diet leads to free radical protection, low inflammation, increased cellular detox, and reduced collagen degradation. This is accomplished best through choosing a fresh, organic, whole food style diet. Try to avoid highly processed, packaged, non organic, and fast food approach. Consider avoiding refined grains, sugar-sweetened beverages, fried foods which contain trans and oxidized fats and imbalance Omega-3 to Omega-6 fatty ratios which are highly inflammatory. Other processed foods to avoid, which are easy to identify by reading food labels include, any processed food containing high fructose corn syrup, added preservatives to increase shelf life, GMO’s such as corn or soy, and vegetable oils such as soybean oil. Instead, incorporate a variety of fruits and vegetables, such as berries, oranges, spinach, and carrots, which are high in vitamins and antioxidants such as A(also Beta Carotene), C, E, Carotenoids, Lycopene, Lutein, and Zeaxanthin. These vitamins help repair and protect your skin by reducing damage from free radicals produced by UV light and pollution.  Fatty fish like salmon and mackerel are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce inflammation and keep your skin moisturized. Replace vegetable oils with olive and avocado oils. Nuts and seeds, especially walnuts and flaxseeds, also provide essential fatty acids and zinc. Whole grains(whole cooked and not milled), like quinoa and brown rice, support skin health with their B vitamins and fiber. Additionally, hydrate by drinking plenty of water, and consider green tea for its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. Limit processed foods, including added sugars, gluten or processed grains, and excessive dairy, which often exacerbate skin issues. A balanced diet combined with proper skincare, can significantly improve the appearance and health of your skin.
  2. For a more individualized approach to determine the hidden sources of skin inflammation and acne consider a IgG food intolerance blood test. Testing can potentially help improve skin health by identifying specific foods that may be causing inflammatory responses in the body, which can manifest as skin issues including redness, irritation, acne, eczema, or rashes, and premature aging. How it works:
    • Identification of Trigger Foods: Following a simple blood draw, IgG tests measure the levels of IgG antibodies in response to specific foods. Elevated IgG levels suggest a sensitivity to those foods. By identifying these foods, you can adjust your diet to avoid them.
    • Reduction of Inflammation: Food sensitivities can lead to chronic inflammation and disruption of the gut microbiome as well as the skin microbiome, negatively affecting skin health. By eliminating or reducing the intake of trigger foods, inflammation may decrease, potentially improving conditions like acne and eczema.
    • Improved Gut Health: There is a strong connection between gut health and skin health, often referred to as the gut-skin axis. Avoiding foods that cause sensitivities can improve gut health, create a healthier gut and skin microbiome, and improve skin health.
    • Customized Diet: Personalized dietary changes based on IgG test results can help you identify and avoid foods that specifically affect your skin, leading to a clearer and healthier complexion, removing some or much of the guesswork about what foods are safe and which are most likely to be harmful.
  3. Probiotics: Include foods rich in probiotics like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and other fermented foods to boost beneficial bacteria in the gut. Better yet consider making your own customized yogurts based on your individual gut microbiome testing.
  4. Prebiotics: Consume foods high in prebiotics, such as garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus, bananas, and whole grains, which feed the good bacteria.
  5. Fiber: Eat a diet high in fiber from fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains to support gut health and detoxification.
  6. Diverse Diet: Maintain a diverse diet to encourage a diverse microbiome, which is associated with better health outcomes.
  7. Hydration: Drink plenty of water to support overall digestion and a healthy gut lining.

Vitamins that are best for combating skin aging include vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A, and vitamin D. Vitamin C is crucial for collagen production, helping to maintain skin firmness and elasticity while also acting as a powerful antioxidant to protect against environmental damage. Vitamin E complements vitamin C by providing further antioxidant protection, particularly against UV-induced free radicals, helping to prevent wrinkles and dry skin. Vitamin A, especially in the form of retinoids, is known for its ability to accelerate cell turnover, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and improves skin texture and tone. Vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of photodamaged skin.  Because vitamin D deficiency is so common and age related decline in the natural production from UV exposure, most people do well to add vitamin D at 5,000iu daily. Other nutrients that help fight free radicals and improve cell turnover are: Niacin(vitamin B3), Thiamine(vitamin B1), and Pantothenic acid(vitamin B5). All of these nutrients are found in food but optimal dosing for age prevention requires a high quality supplement for maximal benefit. Some of the nutrients, especially the antioxidants vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin E can be found in facial serums and lotions to add additional local protection from UV damage and free radicals. Other anti-inflammatory and antioxidant nutrients that protect and add moisture to the skin are found in foods and available as supplements include: quercetin, resveratrol(found in grapes), and of course Omega-3 or fish oils. Together, these vitamins and nutrients work synergistically to support collagen synthesis, protect against oxidative stress, and promote a smoother, more youthful complexion. High potency vitamin IV therapy can also benefit aging by maximizing absorption of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that may not absorb favorably from the diet or supplements. We recommend a nutrient IV once monthly for optimal anti-aging benefits.

Studies on collagen supplementation have shown promising results in improving skin aging. Research indicates that taking collagen peptides can enhance skin hydration, elasticity, and density, leading to a reduction in wrinkles and fine lines. Collagen supplements work by providing the body with the amino acids needed to support the natural production of collagen, which declines with age. Some studies have also found that collagen supplementation can stimulate the skin’s fibroblasts, the cells responsible for generating collagen, further boosting the skin’s structural integrity. These benefits are often observed after consistent supplementation over several weeks to months. Overall, while more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects, current studies suggest that collagen supplementation can be an effective way to combat the visible signs of skin aging.

Probiotic supplementation supports aging skin by promoting a healthy balance of microorganisms within the skin’s microbiome. Additionally, probiotics can reduce inflammation, a significant contributor to skin aging, by modulating the immune response and decreasing the production of pro-inflammatory molecules. By minimizing chronic inflammation, probiotics help protect collagen and elastin fibers from degradation, which helps maintain skin firmness and elasticity. Probiotics may also enhance the skin’s antioxidant defenses, reducing oxidative stress caused by free radicals, which is a major factor in the development of wrinkles and other signs of aging.

Inflammation is a leading cause of aging, than it makes perfect sense that therapies that reduce whole body inflammation would improve the skin and help it avoid damage from free radicals. Research reports HBOT providing protection against Ultraviolet-A radiation (UV-A) induced oxidative damage to skin tissue, preventing skin creasing and maintenance of skin elasticity. These effects come because of HBOT’s ability to stimulate blood vessel growth improving blood flow and overriding the consequences of free radical exposure. Besides offering anti-aging and anti-inflammatory benefits Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy aligned with SkinPen helps the body heal and recover from the micro trauma of the needling reducing redness and improving recovery times.

Skin Care

We have just laid out a plan for improving skin health from the inside out. The next step is to create an effective approach to skin care working from the outside in. A simplified approach will involve 3 steps which include: cleansing, protecting, and treating.

  1. Choose a gentle cleanser or exfoliating cleanser that is comfortable and leaves your skin feeling clean. This will depend on your skin.
  2. Rule number two, clean your skin twice daily to remove dirt, oil, and pore-clogging makeup. If you are only going to do it once daily, clean skin at night before bed.
  3. Avoid cleansers or activities that irritate the skin causing redness, dryness, or burning. Avoid any bar or liquid soaps that contain the surfactant sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens, or phthalates.
    • For very dry and sensitive skin use a surfactant-free cleanser that does not require rinsing.
    • For slightly dry and sensitive skin use a creamy cleanser with added botanicals like green tea.
    • For normal to oily skin use a foaming cleanser that can be more effective at removing makeup.
    • For individuals with acne consider an oil-based cleanser. Although it may not work for everyone, some individuals with oily skin will respond with cleaner pores.

Use clean hands while applying cleanser in circular motion. Rinse skin and pat dry. Two cleanses are often needed for those with oilier skin, with the second cleanse using a more traditional gentle cleanser.

Once your skin has been cleansed it is ready to add layers of protection from free radicals and UV light. A good plan for protection is three-pronged and includes a good antioxidant serum, sun protection, and a moisturizer.

  1. Because free radicals are one of the leading assailants on aging skin, antioxidants are vital and can help prevent damage by neutralizing them. Antioxidants are often ingested with a few of them having great benefit when we can apply them topically to an area of exposure like the face. The most widely used topical antioxidants include vitamin C, vitamin E, coenzyme Q10, green tea, and pomegranate. Vitamin C(10% L-ascorbic) is very popular and when combined with vitamin E they are synergistic. The antioxidants protect the skin and can even assist in anti-aging by promoting collagen production as well. These products are safe and beneficial for teens to use.
  2. UV light exposure causes age spots, discoloration, wrinkles, and can lead to cancer. Thus the second skin protection recommendation is to apply sunscreen on the face, neck, upper chest, hands, or exposed areas every day. Consider applying a broad spectrum with SPF of at least 30.
  3. Apply moisturizer in the morning(best within 2 minutes of exiting the shower) to prevent water loss from the skin and keep it hydrated, smoother, and less wrinkled. A moisturizer with added vitamin C, vitamin E, or green tea will add extra protection. In the evening, apply the same or a thicker moisturizer to help the skin rejuvenate while you sleep. Consider a combination moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid, retinols, peptides, or growth factors. If you have oily skin you may be able to skip the night time moisturizer.

The last step to fight aging skin comes in two parts: the first is exfoliation to get rid of dead skin cells so the skin looks clear, younger, and more easily absorbs anti-aging treatments. The second part is the anti-aging treatments themselves.

  1. Exfoliation removes the upper layers of skin cells which are either dead or are dying. The removal of these dead cells through exfoliation sends signals to the skin to produce new skin cells which appear more robust and healthy. The two leading methods of exfoliating are physical or chemical. Physical exfoliation works through tiny particles your scrub over your skin that gently abrade the upper layers of skin. Avoid sharp particles and choose a facial scrub that feels soft and/or grainy. There is no need to scrub very hard. It is best to exfoliate in the evening after your cleansing treatment. Sensitive skin may only require one treatment per week where more normal skin can tolerate 2-3 times/ week. Another option to the physical exfoliation is a chemical exfoliation utilizing over-the-counter alpha or beta hydroxy acids. This may be preferred with very sensitive skin, issues with breakouts, and more mature, sensitive, or reactive skin types. Exfoliate if needed and if your skin seems to get irritated or it causes breakouts, then consider skipping this step.
  2. After cleansing and exfoliating at night it is time to apply the anti-aging treatments. Anti-aging treatments work to improve firmness, elasticity, clarity, and the tone of the skin. Retinoids, which are a type of vitamin A, are considered the gold standard for anti-aging. Retinoids are considered a chemical exfoliant with its leading action stimulating production of new collagen fibers to replace old and damaged collagen fibers. Retinoids also act on the thinning collagen and reverse age related decline. Products include Retin-A and prescription-strength tretinoin. The only real concern is that these products increase sun sensitivity and a strong sunblock is imperative if outdoors.

Apply a pea sized amount every night or every other night. You may have to decrease frequency if you develop pimples, dryness, flaking, redness while the skin acclimates. Compounding pharmacies can combine multiple moisturizers and skin rejuvenators including Hyaluronic acid, Retin-A, and Niacinamide, and Estriol into one product. This can save money and time.  Avoid all retinoids during pregnancy as high levels of vitamin A can cause potential damage to the fetus.

A second less expensive (but less effective) approach is the use of peptide-based anti-aging creams. Peptides signal skin cells to increase collagen production. Peptide products can include copper peptide, Palmitoyl pentapeptide, oligopeptide, Matrixyl, and Dermaxyl.

Although retinoids are the gold standard, a 2019 study reported the plant derived extract called bakuchiol was comparable to retinoids in improving wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. In comparison it is also safer as it does not increase sun sensitivity. Consider adding it along with the Retinoids or at least make it a part of your nightly moisturizer.

Many skin care brands carry irritating ingredients and even dangerous chemicals that would be best to avoid. This list of ingredients to avoid include: Parabens(isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl), Ethanolamines (DEA, TEA, MEA), BHA, BHT, Phthalates (DBP, DEHP, DEP), Polyethylene glycol (PEG compounds), and formaldehyde releasers (quaternium, diazolidinyl urea, DMD hydantoin).

By fostering a healthy gut microbiome through a balanced diet, proper skin care, and healthy lifestyle choices, you can significantly improve the health of your skin microbiome.