I have received tons of messages on all of my social media platforms from pre-nursing students as well as current nursing students asking me for any tips or advice on how I take notes for my classes. I know it’s quite overwhelming at the beginning of the program trying to figure out how to study and take notes on all of the information that is being thrown at you (particularly in an accelerated BSN program). So I decided to create a YouTube video where I go into detail about the three methods that I used to take notes. The three methods include:

• Notability on my iPad
• Creating charts
• Typing out notes on Microsoft Word by incorporating notes from the PowerPoint slides as well as things said in lecture.

You can find the link to my YouTube Video here.

Also, I created a blank template of the charts that I used for pharmacology!
You can download it here:

I hope you find this helpful! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me either on Instagram or on my contact page.

Good luck!

For this 3rd semester, I took OB, Adult Health 2 (aka Med-Surg 2), Pediatrics, and Trends. What made this semester extremely difficult was that we were now taking two courses that were completely new to us (OB and Peds), as well as taking a difficult class where the material was adding on to what we had learned in the previous semester (Adult Health 2). Up until this point, everything that we had learned was about adults. This was the first time where we had to learn about children, neonates, and pregnant mothers — all of which we had never seen before. Pediatrics is definitely different from adult care. For example, all of the medications that are given to children are weight-based, something that isn’t necessarily done in adult care. For OB, we had to get used to the idea that we now had more than one patient: Mother and baby (and in certain cases, the entire family unit). It was definitely a huge learning curve not only in class but in practice as well. I am happy to say though that OB/maternity was my favorite clinical rotation by far! I especially enjoyed working on the labor and delivery unit which led me to choose maternity as my #1 choice for my capstone next semester. Last night I found out that not only did I get accepted into a maternity capstone, but I was also placed at the hospital that I was hoping to work in AND I was placed with the same clinical instructor whom I had this semester that made me love OB! One of my classmates from my current clinical group was also placed in the same group with me, so we are both very excited to be together again without our clinical instructor. It was great news all around

After I announced on Instagram that OB became my favorite clinical rotation, several of you reached out and asked me if I am still interested in dermatology. My answer to that is yes! Dermatology still has my heart and I hope to work in that specialty someday. However, there aren’t any clinical rotations for dermatology in nursing school. I believe that they only have dermatology rotations in nurse practitioner programs, so I entered the ABSN program with an open mind and soon realized that I enjoyed L&D very much. Next semester I will have to decide whether I will pursue OB or dermatology after graduation. The great thing about nursing is that you can always switch and work wherever you’d like! This was actually one of the reasons why I chose to pursue nursing — we have so many options and will never feel bored or “stuck“. As of right now, I am open to work in either dermatology or OB since I enjoy both very much and I’m confident that I can do a great job in either setting. However if I truly had to choose only one, then it would definitely have to be dermatology. Although it is very competitive and hard to break into the dermatology field as an RN, I hope that I can specialize in it after graduation.

So what were some of the things that I did to help me get through this semester?

• PURCHASE A PLANNER! — I cannot stress this enough. At the beginning of every semester, I always write down every single assignment due date, every exam date, and anything that has some kind of deadline into my planner. That helps me visualize when everything is due and I can start planning in advance.
• Stay organized — It is so easy to miss a small assignment or miss an important even if you do not stay organize and write everything down.
• Study for exams in advance — DO NOT wait until the week of the exam to start studying. It is simply not possible to do well on exams in nursing school if you start studying at the last minute for exams. This is not like undergrad where you could get away with all nighters or studying a day or 2 before an exam. There is too much material to get through.
• Take good notes! — I will be creating a Youtube video where I share exactly how I took notes for different classes while in the program. Stay tuned!
• Self care — It is so easy to leave your own care in the backburner since nursing school takes up so much of your time. Take some time everyday to do something that you enjoy and helps you relax. It will help you so much in the long run so that you don’t feel burned out so quickly.
• SLEEP — Your sleep schedule will most likely be out of wack, but try to have a consistent schedule and try to get enough sleep, especially before exams!

I hope this helps you guys on your nursing journey! Good luck ~

I have combined some of my handwritten notes from my anatomy and physiology classes along with notes that I found online. I have also provided video links in some of the guides for visual learners! This is my way of giving back to a community that was incredibly supportive and helped me get through this exam and pass with advanced standing!

Click the following links to download the reviews!

The anatomy and physiology portion of the exam is the biggest, and arguably the most difficult part of the exam. I hope that these study guides can help!

I have also created a study guide for the chemistry portion of the ATI TEAS! It is available for purchase on my Etsy page for 5.99! Here is the link to my shop:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/PetiteAndSoignee

FAQ

Here are my answers to some common questions that I have received regarding how I prepared for the exam:

“How long did you study for?”
Although I was reviewing things on and off for about a month before the exam, I actually decided to take the week off from work before the day of the exam to dedicate all my time and effort to study. I would literally spend the ENTIRE DAY studying! There were a few days where I would study from 10am until midnight! It was honestly exhausting and pretty stressful, but I knew that it was a sacrifice I needed to do. In the end, the hard work paid off! I achieved an advanced level score!

“What did you use to study?”
I started by purchasing the practice tests from the ATI website. I took the first exam at the beginning of the week and then reviewed all the sections that I got wrong. After that, I spent the week reviewing my weaknesses, math in particular. I used several books (pictured below), the ATI practice tests, and Youtube videos! If I came across any terms or concepts that I did not understand, I would write it on a post-it note and made sure to review it before the end of the day. I honestly think that what helped me the most was constantly doing practice problems. This helps you review the material and obtain a better grasp of what the exam will be like. In the end, I received a 96.9 on the math portion! It was the section that I was most worried about and yet I received an almost perfect score!

“Did you take the exam in person or online?”
I took the test online! It was proctored by Proctorio and I took about 2 and a half hours to complete the entire test. I made sure my room was clean and I completely cleared my desk before starting. I also asked the hubby to keep our dog in another room in case he started barking! Make sure you eat a healthy breakfast, drink some water, and use the bathroom before you begin! Also, be prepared with some pens, pencils, a blank sheet of paper, and your ID.

“Can you tutor me?” / “Do you offer private tutoring services?”
I do not at this time, but perhaps it is something that I will consider in the future. I am very confident in the math section as well as the science section, especially the anatomy and physiology section. I will be more than happy to answer any questions!

That’s everything! Good luck everyone!

You can follow me on Instagram and Youtube @PetiteAndSoignee !

Rolling scars are characterized by waves of varying depth in the skin giving it an uneven appearance. Rolling scars are typically shallow and wide, covering large areas of the face including the cheeks, temples, and lower jaw area.

Recommended Treatment Number 1: Microneedling

Microneedling is also known as collagen induction therapy. It is a sterile device that has many fine point needles at the tip which is used on the skin to create micro-injuries. A numbing cream is usually applied to the skin prior to the procedure so that the patient feels more comfortable. The idea is that these micro-injuries causes trauma to the skin, which induces collagen production and results in a smoother, more even skin appearance over time.

Recommended Treatment Number 2: Subcission

Scar tissue underneath the surface pulls the skin downward causing the indentations. Subcission is a technique that is performed under local anesthesia and uses a sterile needle to break up the fibrous scar tissues underneath. The needle is passed back and forth to break the fibrotic strands. This allows the skin to elevate and become smoother over time.

Superficially, Ice pick scars appear smaller and have narrow indentations. As the name suggests, they resemble the shape of an ice pick. However, these types of scars can reach deeper levels of the skin, making them hard to treat. Several treatments are required, and one of the common ways that it is treated is by using a technique called TCA CROSS, or the usage of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) for the chemical reconstruction of skin scars (CROSS). 

Recommended Treatment: TCA CROSS

Prior to the procedure, the area containing the ice pick scars will be prepared with acetone. Small amounts of TCA is then applied topically to the ice pick scars using a fine-tipped brush. The treated area will appear red and scabs will form. The scabs should be left alone until they fall off on their own. Multiple treatments may be needed.
The idea behind TCA CROSS is that the acid causes an inflammatory response in the area where it is applied, causing the formation of collagen to form. In time, this will raise the scar which will result in smoother looking skin.

As the name suggests, boxcar scars have a very defined, box-like appearance. They can be very wide and appear square or rectangular with vertical edges. They are commonly seen across the cheeks and temples and may have varying depths, but are usually not as deep as ice pick scars.

Recommended Treatment Number 1: Subcission

As explained earlier for rolling scars, subcission can help break up the fibrous tissue underneath the skin which allows the skin to elevate and appear smoother.

Recommended Treatment Number 2: Fractional CO2 Laser

Fractional CO2 is an ablative laser that causes wounds within the skin and stimulates new collagen growth. It is an aggressive treatment that is used for very deep acne scars or when other conservative treatments have been ineffective. A numbing cream is applied before the procedure to assure patient comfort. After the procedure, a steroid shot such as dexamethasone is given to treat inflammation. Oral medication is also prescribed (anti-viral, antibiotic, and steroid) to prevent any infections and treat inflammation.

I hope you find this post educational! Feel free to reach out to me with any questions or comments!

Stay Humble ~

Ivy

Resources:

https://www.asds.net/skin-experts/skin-treatments/laser-resurfacing/laser-resurfacing-for-acne-scars

https://www.healthline.com/health/skin-disorders/types-of-acne-scars#atrophic-scar-treatment

But first, a quick summary as to what exactly is vitamin C, its importance, and why it’s effective in skincare.

What is Vitamin C and why is it important in skincare?

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals. Free radicals are the molecules responsible for damaging our skin. They are highly reactive molecules that have an unpaired valence electron. The way it damages our skin is that it basically “steals” an electron from molecules in our skin. When this happens, it damages our skin’s DNA, which can cause fine lines, wrinkles, overall aging, and even skin cancer. This accumulation of free radical damage over time is called the free radical theory of aging. Vitamin C fights against environmental stressors such as air pollution and UV damage.

Vitamin C works best when ingested and used topically. Most animals can produce its own Vitamin C, humans however cannot make its own nor store it. Humans must ingest Vitamin C for survival. A lack of Vitamin C can cause scurvy, a disease that was quite common in sailors long ago who did not have access to fresh fruits during their long journeys.

When ingested, Vitamin C can help boost immunity and treat cell damage within the body. When used topically, Vitamin C can help with collagen production and improve your overall complexion. Due to its high acidity, it also helps with the skin’s regeneration process which repairs any damaged skin cells. Vitamin C is well known to help fade hyper-pigmentation and brighten your skin.

So now that you understand why Vitamin C is so important for our bodies, here are some tips on how to choose the best Vitamin C product for yourself.

Tip #1: Choosing the best form of Vitamin C

If you look take a close look at the ingredients list found in the back of a product, you may notice that you will never see “Vitamin C” listed. This is because the word “vitamin” cannot be used by companies due to labeling laws. Because of this, companies list the form of the Vitamin C that is being used.

Vitamin C comes in many derivatives. It is important to choose the right one depending on your type of skin and any skin conditions that you may have. Choosing the wrong one can actually irritate your skin. Some of the different forms of Vitamin C include:

– Ascorbic Acid or L-Ascorbic Acid:
– Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (THDA) which is also denoted Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
– Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP)
– Ascorbyl Palmitate
… and many more.

As a rule of thumb, look for “ascor”, “ascorbyl” or “ascorbate” in the ingredients list when searching for Vitamin C.

When choosing a Vitamin C, your skin type and condition is important to keep in mind. L-Ascorbic Acid (Ascorbic Acid) is considered to be the most effective form (and the most common form of Vitamin C on the market) since it has consistently shown to be the most effective at penetrating the skin barrier. It is also the most irritating and least stable form of Vitamin C. This form can be tolerated by people with normal skin types who’s skin barrier isn’t easily compromised.

For individuals with sensitive skin, it is best to use a form of Vitamin C that is gentle. Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate has been found to be less irritating than other forms and is generally tolerated by all skin types.

A good way to start is to stick with a low concentration and start with L-Ascorbic acid. Then, you can slowly experiment with higher concentrations and different forms. If your skin begins to feel irritated, take a break and switch to a lower concentration or a more gentle form of Vitamin C.

Tip #2: How to choose from the different kinds of Vitamin C and the concentration

Vitamin C comes in different kinds of textures. There are serums, moisturizers, creams, and oils. Research has shown that serums are more efficient at penetrating the skin. More recently, powder forms of Vitamin C have been created. Powder is more stable which means that it is more potent than liquid versions. The powder is mixed into your favorite essence or serum, and then applied to your face. One of the downsides of powders is that most are made using L-Ascorbic Acid. Due to its acidity, the serum or essence being used for mixture should not be acidic so as to prevent any skin irritation. An essence with a neutral pH works best in conjunction with the powder form of Vitamin C. Do not mix the powder with acids such as AHA or BHA.

Another important factor to keep in mind is the concentration of the Vitamin C. Anything above 8% is most effective in improving the appearance of skin hyper-pigmentation and overall complexion. However, people with sensitive skin should stick with concentrations of 5 – 8% to reduce irritation. Most individuals can start at 10% and work their way up to 20%. Anything over 20% however does not increase its benefit and may likely lead to skin irritation. The best (and safest!) way to choose is to start with a concentration of 10% and then either increase or decrease the concentration depending on how your skin tolerates it.

Tip #3: Keep an eye on packaging and storage

Although Vitamin C is an amazing antioxidant with dozens of skincare benefits, it is important to know that Vitamin C is very unstable. This causes the packaging process to be incredibly tricky. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, meaning that it oxidizes very easily. Vitamin C can easily oxidize when it is exposed to oxygen, light, water, and heat. To see how quickly something can oxidize, watch my Vitamin C Oxidation Experiment video where I show how fast a sliced apple can turn brown.

Vitamin C turns a dark orange, tan, or brown color when it oxidizes. There are some exceptions to this, however the manufacturer will state upfront if the Vitamin C is expected to change color slightly. If your Vitamin C turns into a dark color, throw it out. This is because once Vitamin C oxidizes, it actually creates free radicals in your skin which will harm it. Some companies may purposely dye the serums into a yellow/orange color to make it more difficult to tell when the product has oxidized. Just be mindful of the color of the serum as well as the period-after-opening (PAO) symbol. This symbol tells you how long the product is good for after opening. It is usually found in the back of a product and it is a picture of a small jar with a lid and a number and letter on it. The number and letter will tell you how long you can use this product before it expires. For example, 12M stands for 12 months.

It is important to choose a product that comes in a dark or opaque container to prevent exposure to light, and preferably in a tube or airtight container that has a pump to prevent exposure to oxygen. Stay away from Vitamin C that is packaged in clear bottles! Clear bottles allow light to penetrate the product, causing it to breakdown easily. Some high concentrations of Vitamin C (such as Ascorbic Acid/L-Ascorbic Acid) must be packaged in glass bottles to prevent to vitamin from reacting with plastic material. However, it should still be packaged in a dark glass bottle to prevent oxidation.

It is best to store Vitamin C in a dry, cool area and away from light. Some companies even advise to store their products in the refrigerator to improve stability and reduce oxidation. There are new technologies being created everyday to ensure that the most potent and freshest form of Vitamin C is being packaged. There are oil-soluble forms, encapsulated, ampoules, and even some dual-chambered bottles that mix the ingredients as you pump to keep it fresh.

Tip #4: The best time to apply

Preferably before and after going outside and being exposed to the sun. If you can only apply once a day, apply in the morning. This is to help reduce UV cell damage, damage from air pollution, and redness due to the vitamin’s free radical protection. Vitamin C cannot be wiped off easily from skin. This is because it has a reservoir effect, so you will be protected for hours after applying it on your skin.

When using Vitamin C, apply it underneath your moisturizers, creams, and sunscreen. This makes it easier for it to penetrate your skin.

Tip #5: Combine Vitamin C with other antioxidants!

Research has shown that the effectiveness of Vitamin C increases when it is combined with other antioxidants such as Vitamin E and Ferulic Acid. This is because certain antioxidants are synergistic. In other words, they increase the efficacy of one another, can increase skin penetration, and can last longer in the body. This is why many Vitamin C products on the market usually have a combination of Vitamin C with other vitamins and acids.

I hope these tips come in handy when you are choosing your own Vitamin C!

Stay humble,

Ivy ~

Resources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28805671

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5605218/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3673383/

All of these establishments have an autoclave. An autoclave is a device that uses steam and pressure simultaneously to kill microorganisms and effectively sterilize different tools and equipment. This is important in medical, spas, and different kinds of establishments to prevent the spread of bacterial infection in people.

The autoclave was first created to inactivate different kinds of bacteria and endospores. Most bacteria are killed within about 10 minutes of being placed in boiling water. Endospores and certain viruses, however, are able to survive extreme environmental conditions and are not killed as easily. Some bacterial endospores can resist boiling for more than 20 hours. The formation of endospores by bacteria is very important in the medical, esthetics, and food industries due to the endospore’s resistance to heat and many chemicals such as disinfectants and antiseptics. Because of this, the autoclave was created to kill bacteria and inactivate any endospore, viruses, and bacterial spores. They are killed in about 15 minutes of being placed inside an autoclave. Autoclaves are most effective when the bacteria are in direct contact to the steam or when they are placed in a small volume of aqueous liquid (primarily water).

The only exception to this are prions, which cannot be killed using an autoclave and are extremely dangerous due to its pathogenic properties. Prions are infectious proteins that causes neurological diseases, including the common disease known as mad cow disease.

The reason why it is important to inactivate endospores in particular is because they are hard to treat in infected people due to their antibiotic resistance. This is why specific protocols must be met in certain establishments to successfully eliminate any disease causing bacteria and keep the general public safe by using an autoclave.

So the next time you go get your nails done, or go to one of the establishments listed above, make sure that they have an autoclave on site and that they are using it correctly!

Stay safe! (and humble)

– Ivy ~

In one of my prior posts, I explained the different kinds of sunscreens, the importance in understanding what SPF stands for and how to carefully choose a product that works best for you. So although you may be familiar with SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, did you know that there is also UPF?

UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor, and it is a term used for clothing that is designed to protect you from UVA and UVB rays. One of the things that inspired me to purchase and use UPF clothing is my love for the ocean and sea-life. During my recent trip to Hawaii, I learned about UPF clothing and how effective it is in protecting individuals from the sun while also, and most importantly, protecting our oceans because UPF clothing is reef safe.

Several ingredients that are used in sunscreens are toxic to corals and marine life in general. Some of the ingredients cause coral bleaching, a phenomenon where the corals turn white. This was something that I unfortunately saw in various beaches across Oahu, especially in the famous Waikiki beach, which was very saddening.

UPF clothing is categorized in different ratings, similar to SPF levels. A UPF level of 15-20 will allow approximately 4-6% of UV to pass through the garment. A garment with a UPF level of 50 (which is the type that I purchased for myself), allows less than 2% of UV to pass through the clothing.

Some individuals who can benefit from wearing UPF clothing are:

• People with sensitive skin: anyone with sensitivities to sunscreens, anyone susceptible to sunburns, or anyone who are more vulnerable to UV rays.
• People who are currently taking any kind of medication that may increase sun sensitivity (i.e. women on birth control, certain pigmentation/acne-treatments (AHA/BHA in particular), antibiotics, etc.
• People who live in areas that are more prone to sun damage: people who live in warmer areas, near the beach, or in high elevations.
• Kids and the elderly: both have thin skin which make them more susceptible to sun damage.

What factors increase UPF?

There are several factors to consider when choosing your protective clothing. Polyester and nylon are more efficient at protecting skin from UV rays. Darker colors absorb more of the UV rays compared to its lighter/paler counterparts. Also loose clothing offers better protection than tight/stretched clothing.

Here is the top that I purchased from Hanauma Bay in Hawaii which offers UPF 50:

I’m a happy mermaid

One thing to keep in mind is that although the garments can protect you from sun damage, it is important to protect your exposed skin with sunscreen (and make sure it is reef-safe!). This includes your face, neck, legs, chest and arms if it isn’t already covered by the garments.

As I mentioned in one of my previous posts, one of my all time favorite sunscreens in Elta MD. During my trip, I used their Broad Spectrum Water-Resistant Physical Suncreen specifically formulated for the face whenever I knew that I would be swimming in the water (it is reef-safe!). I also used their UV Clear facial sunscreen and their UV Lip Balm while roaming the city (these are not reef-safe, but offers excellent skin protection). EltaMD’s water-resistant sunscreen is formulated with mineral-based active ingredients which are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. I prefer their tinted version which helps with neutralizing any white cast.

With that said, I hope you find this post informative and enjoyed reading it!

As always, good luck and stay humble

Ivy

This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here.

The difference is all in the concentration of oils in the fragrance. Natural oils and synthetic oils can be used when formulating different kinds of fragrances. A carrier, often times alcohol, is used as a way to both dilute the different oils and stabilize the fragrance itself. Although the oils are what give the product the pleasant smell, the alcohol, or carrier, is just as important because it is what dictates how long the scent will last and how concentrated the scent is.

This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here.

Extrait de Parfum, Pure Perfume, Parfum, Parfum Extrait

This is by far the most concentrated form of perfume available which makes it the most expensive kind. It typically has a concentration of 20 – 40% of oil concentration. It is potent enough to make the scent last up to 8 hours and can easily be transferred to another person when in close contact. For example, if you are wearing this kind of perfume and someone gives you a hug, the perfume may be transferred to that person, and the scent can linger on them as well. These kinds of perfumes may contain rare or very precious ingredients that are difficult to formulate, which can also result in a steep price point.

Some of my favorite extrait de parfum include:

Eau de Parfum

-The second most concentrated form of perfume after extrait de parfum. They typically have a concentration of 15 – 20% of oil concentration. It is strong enough to last all day, but subtle enough to not transfer on to anything else or give anyone near you a headache. It is also the most common type of fragrance sold in department stores.

Some of my favorite eau de parfum include:

Eau de Toilette

Eau de toilette have a lower concentration of oils, averaging at around 5 – 15 percent. These lighter fragrances typically do not last throughout the entire day, but rather for a few hours. Think of these as a great way to freshen up, or as a way to smell lovely during a quick lunch or dinner with a loved one.

My favorite Eau de Toilette is:

Eau de Cologne

When I was a little kid, I remember my mom’s friends in Nicaragua would put some cologne on their babies after they had been bathed. I remember being confused when I would see cologne mostly catered towards men in the department stores in the U.S.

I later learned that although many people associate cologne as being masculine, colognes are actually a very light concentration of perfume oils. They have a oil concentration of about 2 – 4 percent, meaning that it will only last a few hours at a time.

I hope that this post clarified the differences between the different kinds of fragrances! With all the different options out there, it’s great to be informed so that you can purchase the best kind of fragrance that is best for you!

Good luck, and stay humble.

Ivy

This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here.

To put it simply:

Dry skin is a lack of OIL (or sebum), while dehydrated skin is a lack of WATER.

The reason why many people mistakenly use these two words interchangeably is because although they are two different things, they both leave your skin feeling the same way: itchy, tight, sensitive, and sometimes prone to flaking or peeling.

Dry skin is a skin type, whereas dehydrated skin is a skin condition. In other words, dry skin is something that you are genetically born with. Dehydrated skin can be improved with a proper skin care regimen.

Dehydrated skin is very common. Many people have this skin condition, especially people who live in urban environments or in cities that experience several seasonal changes in a given year. This is because these kinds of highly populated areas have things such as smog, car exhaust, pollution, and an unhealthy environment full of free radicals that negatively affects our skin. Seasonal changes such as frigid air, air conditioning in the summer, low humidity, and indoor heating during the winter also causes our skin to become dehydrated.

Some common signs of dehydrated skin are:

– itchiness
– flaking/peeling skin
– very thin “web-like” lines on the skin, especially when the skin is pinched (not to be confused with fine lines/wrinkles from aging)

Dry skin, aka alipoid skin, is a skin type, unlike dehydrated skin which is a skin condition. This means that dry skin is genetic and it is something that you are born with; however, statistically speaking, chances are that you have dehydrated skin rather than dry skin. Dry skin is actually very uncommon, and chances are that you will have go to a dermatologist to find out if you truly have dry skin.

It’s important to note that there are a few causes of dry skin that is NOT genetically determined. For example, as one ages, our skin naturally becomes drier due to a decrease in sebum and collagen production.

The easiest way to treat dehydrated skin is to 1: increase the levels of water in the skin, and 2: prevent the water from evaporating from the skin through transepidermal water loss (I will be writing a post where I go into detail about transepidermal water loss). If the air around you contains less moisture than your skin, your skin will inevitably lose water through evaporation, leaving it more dehydrated. You can easily increase the water levels in your skin and prevent water loss from the skin by using humectants and occlusive ingredients. Humectants are ingredients that attract water molecules to your skin which it can then absorb. Occlusive ingredients act like a protective barrier which prevents water from evaporating.

Some examples of humectants include:

• Hyaluronic acid
• Aloe vera
• Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA)
• Honey
• Seaweed
• Glycerin

Dry skin, on the hand, does not improve if you apply humectants or occlusive ingredients (unless the skin is also dehydrated). Skin contains lipids which is made of essential fatty acids. This means that in order to treat dry skin, you need to use products that contains oils and and lipids. By increasing lipids and oils into your skincare regimen, you will be strengthening your skin’s barrier function (will be posting some information on this soon). By definition, anything that is “oil-based” can act as an occlusive. This is simply because water and oil do not mix. Some examples of occlusives include:

• Shea butter
• Mineral oil
• Argan oil
• Beeswax
• Olive oil
• Jojoba oil
• Fatty alcohols (i.e.cetyl and stearyl alcohol)

So remember, the next time you grab a new skincare product at your local store and consider purchasing, look at the ingredients and decide whether or not it will be beneficial for your skin type or your skin condition.

Favorite Products

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA is perfect for those that have both dry and dehydrated skin since it contains both humectants and occlusive ingredients. It contains hyaluronic acid, amino acids, dermal lipids, and ceramide precursors. It’s also great for sensitive skin since it is formulated without alcohols, silicones, nuts, gluten, or fragrance which is a common skin irritant. It is also an affordable product making it a great option for anyone who is on a budget.

The Niod Multi-molecular Hyaluronic Complex is an excellent product that is alcohol free, oil free, silicone free, nut free, vegan, and cruelty free. It has a pH of 4.00-5.00, making it a pH balanced product. Our skin is naturally acidic, and so products that contain a pH level of 4 and 7 are within the range of normal healthy skin and does not disruspt the pH levels our skin. This product also contains 15 forms of hyaluronic compounds which means that it has different molecular weights which makes it easier for it to penetrate different levels of the skin. This allows the hyaluronic acid to attract water molecules to different layers of the skin while allows for increased hydration.

This is one of my favorite essences that not only is it moisturizing, but it also contains natural antiseptic properties due to honey! I love using this under makeup because of how hydrated it helped my skin feel which allowed my makeup to apply more smoothly. Overall, I would recommend this product to anyone who is beginning to get into a skincare regimen.

Don’t forget to always end your skincare regimen with sunscreen! You can read all about sunscreens and how to choose which one is best for you by clicking here.
You can also read about my all time favorite sunscreen that worked for me here.

Good luck, and stay humble.

Ivy ~

This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here.

Everyone knows that sunscreen is an important protective measure that everyone must apply on a daily basis. Even on cloudy days, its important to wear sunscreen since the UV rays can still reach our skin, causing damage. Many individuals who live in cold climates forget to wear sunscreen and don’t prioritize it since the “sun doesn’t always shine” in those areas. However, many people actually get sunburnt in the winter because the snow causes the UV light to reflect, increasing a person’s exposure to the harmful rays!

So over the years, I have done my research and have tried countless sunscreens for my face. I’ve tried different pharmacy brands, Korean brands, Japanese brands, Chinese brands, and even medical grade sunscreens. I was looking for something that:

 1: Truly protected my skin (at least SPF 45 in my personal opinion)

2: Would not cause me to break out

3: Did not leave a white cast on my skin

4: Had other beneficial ingredients along with the sun protection (i.e. moisturizing agents, brightening agents, etc)

5: Worked well with makeup

And so, I finally found a sunscreen that I have been using for almost a year now and has been perfect for me. The sunscreen is the EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46 Facial Sunscreen. I am not sponsored by this brand (I wish I was!) and is honestly a genuine review of my experience using this product. I am going to list all of the benefits that this sunscreen contains (which is everything I was searching for), and why I have stuck with this brand.

This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here.

1: Skin Protection

Let me start off by saying that EltaMD has quickly gained recognition within the skincare community and has become a favorite within the dermatology community. It is also one of the sunscreens that is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, and is also given to patients for post-procedure relief after undergoing an aesthetic procedure.

As I mentioned in my sunscreen post which you can read here, a sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 45 is enough to protect you, as long as you reapply every two hours. EltaMD has SPF 46, which means that it’s blocking over 98% of the sun’s UV rays. You are virtually being protected from all of the sun’s rays. This made me very happy because I was looking for something that would protect me from both UVA and UVB rays – something that EltaMD does since it contains zinc oxide and octinoxate as their active ingredients. Zinc oxide is a mineral (also known as “physical” or “inorganic”) sunscreen and Octinoxate is a chemical (also known as “organic”) sunscreen, making EltaMD what’s known as a “combination” sunscreen. It provides protection from both UVA and UVB rays by penetrating the skin via the Octinoxate, and providing a layer on the surface of the skin which deflects the UV rays away from the skin via the zinc oxide.

2: Noncomedogenic

Noncomedogenic means that the product is specifically formulated so that it does not block your pores. This is important for people who have acne prone skin. The formula is also oil free, fragrance-free (important for people with sensitive skin), paraben-free, and sensitivity-free. This made me very happy because in the past, one of the reasons why I wasn’t as compliant with my daily dose of sunscreen was because of how heavy and sticky the sunscreens felt. The worst part was that they always caused me to break out in pimples. Luckily, this sunscreen is light-weight, and it comes in a clear formulation which means that it won’t clog your pores, cause any pimples, and will not leave a tint on your skin. It is light enough for me to use in conjunction with my makeup since it doesn’t melt or smudge off. It also does not contain any fragrances which is HUGE for anyone who has sensitive skin.

This sunscreen brand is perfect for anyone who suffers from sensitive skin, including people who have rosacea or who are prone to acne.

3: No White Cast

The Elta MD sunscreen actually comes in two different formulations: tinted and untinted. I have used both, and they both felt the same in the sense that it did not feel heavy, it did not cause any break outs, and it did not leave any kind of white casts. I’ve stuck with the untinted formulation, however they both have physical and chemical actives in the formulation which means that it won’t leave the white cast that you see in movies from our grandparent’s generation, haha. Another important factor is that the product comes in an airless bottle with a pump, which means that the solution is less likely to oxidize, increasing its shelf life.

4: Other Nourishing Ingredients

This sunscreen also contains 4 other ingredients that are beneficial for our skin. It contains niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, tocopheryl acetate, and lactic acid.

Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3 (which you can read more about in my Instagram post here), is an important anti-inflammatory skincare ingredient that helps reduce any redness, suppresses melanin production, it’s a great anti-aging and moisturizing ingredient and it helps in regulating sebum production. It doesn’t get any better than that!

Hyaluronic acid, also known as sodium hyaluronate or hyaluronan ( which I always mention to friends on rainy days and which you can read about in my Instagram post here), is an important ingredient because it is the ultimate moisturizer! Hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1,000x of its molecular weight in water! It attracts the moisture from the air onto your skin which allows your skin to absorb it and boost your moisture levels!

Tocopheryl Acetate, also known as Vitamin E, is a great antioxidant that combats free radicals which in turn reduces the signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, and dull skin. As a side note, Vitamin E is a great ingredient to use in conjunction with Vitamin C, since they both work well in fighting free radicals.

Lactic acid, which is a type of Alpha Hydroxy Acid (you can read about AHA’s in my Instagram post here), is a powerful ingredient that specifically treats sunspots, old acne marks, hyperpigmentation, age spots, and dull/uneven complexion. Unlike other AHA’s such as glycolic acid, lactic acid is a milder AHA, making it a great option for people with sensitive skin.

All of these ingredients makes this product a great sunscreen for anyone who suffers from hyperpigmentation. This is something that I struggle with, and ever since I’ve been using this sunscreen in conjunction with other skincare products, I can honestly say that I have seen a change in my skin. My sun spots and old acne scars have definitely lightened, and my overall complexion has become brighter.

5. Cosmetic Compatibility

And finally, something that is nice to have for esthetic purposes,  this sunscreen works well with makeup. This was actually what helped me keep up with applying sunscreen on a daily basis, ironically enough. I don’t wear foundations nowadays, but whenever I decide to apply some makeup on, I usually use a BB or CC cream that also has SPF in it. This sunscreen works well with the creams, and it does not smudge any eyeshadows, blushes, or liners.

Overall, this sunscreen has truly been a game changer for me. I use this every single morning, even if I know that I will be indoors most of the day or even if it’s a cloudy/rainy day. If you are looking for an effective sunscreen that will not sensitize your skin, will protect it from the sun, will not cause breakouts, and works well with makeup, I highly recommend this one.

You can purchase your own bottle of EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46 Facial Sunscreen here.

I hope you guys enjoyed this post! You can find some of my other skincare posts here.
Have a wonderful day everyone!

Stay humble,

Ivy

This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here.