The Skin We're In

The Skin We’re In

Taking Care of Your Skin Is Not Only Important But Necessary

Why is skin care a priority for you?

Skin care is a priority for me for more than one reason. I first got into skin care because in my line of work, I wear a lot of makeup all day every day. I get touchups every 20 minutes or so, and it really piles up. I found that if I wasn’t properly cleansing my skin of all that build-up at the end of the day, I would break out, and then it becomes sort of a vicious cycle. Since my first steady job on screen at 16, I’ve learned more and more about what works for my skin and what doesn't. Skin care has now become ritualistic for me — relaxing, and truly a time I love to spend with myself. So ultimately skin care is a priority for me for practical reasons but also for personal reasons.

Do you have any major problems or concerns when it comes to your skin?

As I mentioned above, I do break out from time to time from the excessive

makeup, but it’s so much better when I’m diligently double cleansing my skin and caring for it. I've also struggled with hyperpigmentation, which only gets worse when I have a breakout because I have a tendency to pick at my skin (which is so important to try to avoid doing!), and then those spots can scar and stay around much longer than they would’ve if I had leftthem alone. I find products with vitamin C/ascorbic acid really help brighten those spots up, and a gentle chemical exfoliant, like Sunday Riley’s Good Genes, is also super helpful to even out skin tone.

Why is it important to switch up your routine for the summer?

I love summer because I think it’s the perfect time to show off glowing skin. One thing I tell everyone who will listen to me, is that it’s absolutely crucial to wear sunscreen, even when it’s

Sun Safety Is Important Every Day and for All Bodies

Whether you're spending time on an outdoor deck or patio, walking in the park, biking, hiking, or working outside, it's important to protect your skin from sun damage, premature aging, and skin cancer. Sun safety is for all bodies and for every day of the year — not just the summer months.

“Canadians will likely be craving the outdoors to enjoy the summer weather of 2021. Nonetheless, it will remain our obligation to remind everybody, regardless of skin colour, to be sun safe,” says Canadian Dermatology Association President, Dr. Jason K. Rivers.

Did you know that it takes only one blistering sunburn to double a person’s chances of developing melanoma? People of all skin tones, including

brown and black skin, can get a sunburn, sun damage and skin cancer. When found early, skin cancer, including melanoma, can be cured. In 2020, approximately 8,000 Canadians were diagnosed with melanoma.

How to protect your skin for sun safety:

Recommendation from the Canadian Dermatology Association:

Seek shade between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Wear protective clothing, a widebrimmed hat, and UV-protected sunglasses.

Use SPF 30+ broad spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen. Apply sunscreen generously, and reapply when required.

not summer. But when those UV rays become more intense, it’s even more essential. My suggestion to those who still want a sun-kissed look for the summer is to grab a tanning facial mist or tanning drops. I love the Isle of Paradise self-tanning drops in Medium. You add a few drops to your daily moisturizer and wake up the next day with a lovely faux tan. Also, I love to make sure my skin is ultra moisturized in the summer so that when I’m makeup-free, my skin is still dewy and plump. Glossier’s Futuredew oil serum hybrid is beautiful on the skin for a no-makeup day.

What's one product you can’t live without?

That’s so hard! I would have to say a super moisturizing SPF. Gotta keep the skin safe. In second place I would say an oil cleanser because it doesn’t strip my skin and it really takes off all my makeup.

Don’t use UV tanning equipment or try to get a suntan. Avoid getting a sunburn.

Early detection is key. Regularly perform a skin evaluation (see a certified dermatologist if you have concerns).

What to do when you spot something suspicious

If you notice any skin, hair, or nail issues, be sure to talk to a certified dermatologist — a medical specialist doctor who is an expert at identifying and diagnosing skin cancer (your health care professional can refer you to one). “Taking measures to protect yourself and your family from the sun helps promote a lifetime of healthier skin and prevent long-term consequences,” says Dr. Rivers.

W Network's Charmed star Sarah Jeffery is a big advocate for skin health and skin care. The actress opens up about her skin concerns and shares tips on skin care and what her focus is when it comes to summer skin care.

Dr. Jason K. Rivers MD, FRCPC, FAAD

A Skin Care Product Line with Gentle and IrritantFree Ingredients

When it comes to sensitive skin, ingredients matter. Cliniderm’s skin care and hair care products contain gentle ingredients that support sensitive and reactive skin.

Sensitive skin is a common problem, affecting about 56 percent of women and 30 percent of men in Canada. Sensitive skin may be easily irritated, dry, or delicate, and many people with sensitive skin also have a lower tolerance to ingredients used in skin care and hair care products.

Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a notable increase in skin sensitivity among the population. “People are using more products than ever before, many of which have a lot of potential allergens and irritants," says Dr. Benjamin Barankin, a dermatologist and Medical Director and Founder of the Toronto Dermatology Centre.

People with sensitive skin need support through products like moisturizers and sunscreens, but finding effective and non-reactive products can be challenging. Cliniderm is owned by Canadian company APCI Pharma that

offers a complete, head-to-toe line of dermatologist-recommended skin care and health care products that are irritant-free and can be used for conditions like eczema, dry skin, impetigo, psoriasis, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, diaper rash, and sunburn.

The products are free of parabens, lanolin, dyes, formaldehyde, perfumes, and proteins, and formulated instead with ingredients known to be gentle and effective for sensitive skin, such as hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and vitamin F.

Several of Cliniderm’s products have received approval from the Dermatology Review Panel, an independent team of dermatologists in Canada that verifies claims for non-prescription products.

Sensitive Skin? This Hand Sanitizer Has You Covered!

Hand sanitizer has been a vital tool in battling tough germs and keeping hands clean during the pandemic, but not all hand sanitizers are safe for our skin. Many sanitizing formulas cause dry skin and irritation and leave our hands sticky and smelly. Kalaya has the perfect product to keep your hands clean and your skin safe, and is trusted by medical professionals across Canada.

Masks can cause mechanical acne, or the new lay term maskne. Mechanical rubbing and friction along with sweat can lead to acne, and we’ve seen this under helmets along the

forehead, chin straps, and now with surgical masks. A cotton or silk mask under a surgical mask can be helpful. Keep clean masks handy. Sweat increases friction, which worsens the problem, so as your mask gets damp, in particular during the warmer summer months, it’s important to change it. Mild acne medication at night can help keep treat emerging acne. A low concentration of benzoyl peroxide is a good place to start. Finally, don’t layer a lot of makeup under your mask, as it will aggravate the condition and use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser to wash your face a night.

What advice do you have for those with sensitive skin?

Sensitive skin is a passion of mine — you could say I wrote the book on it. My book, Beyond Soap is an in-depth look at why 40 percent of the industrialized world self-identify as having sensitive skin. The main cause of sensitive skin is a disrupted skin barrier. Our outer skin structurally looks very similar to a brick wall and acts like a permeable membrane. The “mortar” is easily damaged by water and detergents, making it leaky. This leakiness is essentially what causes skin to be sensitive, reactive and irritated. So, try not to overly disturb your skin barrier with over-cleansing, scrubbing and rubbing. Only wash your dirty, smelly areas and use cleansers and not true soap bars. Replace what is lost with washing in the form of a fragrance-free moisturizer targeted to irritated or eczema-prone skin.

What's the most empowering tip someone has ever given you about skin care?

Less is more. I have extremely sensitive skin and spent years seeing these elaborate 20-plus product skin care routines from people online, and always thought that this was the standard. This, plus purchasing and using an endless rotation of new products, was doing more harm than good for my skin. Other than masks and fun extras, I now try to keep my daily skincare routine to the bare minimum so as to not overwhelm my skin. You

don’t need to keep up with Joneses in your skin care routine — do what works for you.

What's your advice to people living with sensitive skin?

Take your time and be patient with your skin care routine. It takes a lot of trial and error when determining what products work best for your skin, but once you do, it’s so worth it. If you have sensitive skin but aren't sure what's causing it, start with trying to avoid the common irritating ingredient suspects in your products: strong acids, heavy fragrance, and so on. Don't be afraid to go to a pro for advice if you want answers.

What’s your biggest tip for how we can keep our skin healthy as we wear masks this summer?

Cliniderm is available in pharmacies Canada-wide. Visit cliniderm.ca to learn more. This article was sponsored by Cliniderm.

Dr. Benjamin Barankin Dermatologist, Medical Director, & Founder, Toronto Dermatology Centre

Dr. Sandy Skotnicki, expert dermatologist, shares her insight to help save your skin this summer.

Allana Davison, a Toronto-based content creator and blogger, discusses her struggles and tips for sensitive skin.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KATHERINE HOLLAND.

Anne Papmehl

Fisher Chair & CEO Colorescience®

Did you know that the best way to prevent skin from aging prematurely is to protect it from environmental aggressors? It’s estimated that 90 percent of skin aging is due to the effects of the sun, but there are also other contributing factors like pollution, blue light, and infrared rays. Pigmented spots, uneven skin tone, and wrin kles can all be caused by exposure to environ mental aggressors.

It’s much easier to pre vent skin damage than to correct it, so great skin care starts with sun protection — But not all sunscreens are created equal.

Expect more from your sunscreen

Some skin care companies have raised the bar when it comes to sun protection. Colorescience® (based in sunny Southern Califor nia) is well-known for award-winning mineral makeup and brush-on sun protection. Driven by innovation, it recently incorporated EnviroScreen™ Technology, a proprietary mineral coating that prevents free radical formation, to enhance protection against environmental aggressors.

“We’re proud to continue our revolution to be bold innovation leaders in mineral sun protection by developing new formats and formulas with patented EnviroScreen™ Technology that offer so much more than SPF,” says Mary Fisher, Chair and CEO of Colorescience®. “The best sunscreen

is one that you actually want to wear.” Colorescience® products are made from minerals, enriched with botanicals, peptides, and antioxidants, and free of any harsh chemicals. Fusing skin care and makeup, the products are designed to treat the skin, provide immediate coverage, and protect the skin from further damage. Colorescience® offers a full range of products from foundation to concealers to illuminators, all with its industry-leading mineral technology.

Even Up® Clinical Pigment Perfector® was the company's first gamechanging multi-tasker. It's formulated to treat hyperpigmentation and immediately colour-correct stubborn brown spots while protecting against future sun damage with SPF 50. The same concept was applied to chronic skin redness with All Calm® Clinical Redness Corrector, which instantly neutralizes the appearance of redness and helps soothe and calm sensitive skin while protecting with SPF 50. The popular Sunforgettable Brush-On Sunscreen® SPF 50 remains its hero product. Applied directly on the skin or over makeup, it makes it easy to re-apply sun protection throughout the day, every day.

See a Dermatologist in a Matter of Hours — Without Having to Leave Home

Hesitant to leave home or to visit a medical clinic, many Canadians have delayed getting their health concerns checked out during the pandemic.

But Dr. Robert Solomon says it is important not to let your health take a backseat.

“Illness doesn't take a break. Ignoring rashes, acne or especially suspicious freckles or skin moles, can result in more significant health concerns down the line if you let them go unchecked for too long,” says Dr. Solomon, one of Maple’s Canadian-licensed dermatologists.

Founded in 2015, Maple operates across Canada, providing 24/7 access

to care by secure message, audio or video. Its physicians, specialists and allied healthcare professionals are Canadian licensed and practice in their respective fields in Canada.

Dermatologists treat conditions of the skin, hair and nails, including acne, hair loss, rashes, eczema, dermatitis, skin and nail infections and shingles. “Many common conditions, like acne, nail infections or hair loss, only need a visual inspection to be diagnosed,” says Dr. Solomon, adding that moles can also be diagnosed, mapped and tracked over time, with a special mole scanner computer called FotoFinder, which is also available through the Maple platform.

Booking is fast and easy

If you need to see a dermatologist, download the Maple app. You simply enter your symptoms and attach any relevant pictures and your case is securely sent to a Canadian-licensed dermatologist. You’ll hear back from the first available dermatologist in 24 hours or less. The service is available in many provinces and you don’t even need a referral.

If you’ve put off getting a new rash or suspicious mole checked out, Dr. Solomon says now is the time to do it. Maple’s dermatologists can see you in a matter of hours—without you ever having to leave your home.

Mary

This article was sponsored by Clarion Medical Technologies, the Canadian distributor of Colorescience®.

Maple provides 24/7 access to care by secure message, audio or video for all common conditions of the skin, hair and nails.

Talk to a dermatologist online within 24 hours. Download the Maple app or visit getmaple.ca/ derm to learn more.

This article was sponsored by Maple.

Dr. Robert Solomon Dermatologist, Maple

Melissa Vekil

Abigail Cukier

Dominique Baker Content Creator

Describe your hair journey.

My hair journey started several years ago. I was sick of the split ends and thin hair. I made a commitment to eat healthier, drink more water, and learn about the hair care products I was using and the ingredients within them. I got a good haircut to rid myself of the split ends and started using very moisturizing and hydrating products. In addition, I invested in high-quality heat tools with better temperature regulation. Lastly, I started deep conditioning my hair weekly and getting regular trims. My hair started to thrive!

Torri Webster Actress & Content Creator

Describe your hair journey.

My hair journey has been long, complicated, and wrought with hot tools! I started acting professionally at 12 years old — so you can only imagine the number of hair chairs I've sat in daily with hot tools being used, not once, but up to three times a day for touch-ups. It left me with damaged hair at such a young age.

I'm also no stranger to playing with colour. I'm a natural brunette but have been blonde for most of my adult life. Highlights and bleach can dull my hair, so I do everything I can with the help of clean and high-performing ingredients and tools to get the best results. Styling-wise, I lean on my favourite Dyson tools. For the days I like to enhance my naturally straight hair, I use my Dyson Corrale™. I can genuinely polish off my look in a matter of minutes with this straighter. It has unique features that allow me to customize the heat and tension to my hair type, while also reducing heat damage. Best of all, it's cordless — the perfect companion for a gal on the go like myself!

Allegra Shaw, Content Creator

Describe your hair journey.

I went fully blonde in 2015 and I’ve been trying to get my hair back to its natural colour and health ever since. It’s been a long road, but I find that using less heat and finding products that work well with my hair have really helped.

Why is it important for you to maintain healthy hair?

My job requires me to style my hair frequently so I need strong, healthy, and nourished hair to combat the effects of styling. That’s why I’m always using the best tools for my hair and using the right products to nourish it. I also want my hair to last, so keeping it healthy is important!

What have you found to be the key to healthy hair?

I think protecting hair from heat is the key to healthy hair. This means protecting your hair from the sun (using SPF spray or a hat) and using styling tools that generate less heat while still getting the job done. For me, my Dyson Supersonic™ and Airwrap™ have been game-changers. Also, proper vitamins and a healthy diet have a huge impact on hair health, as do the products you use. I have a vitamin regime, I try to eat well, and I use a hair mask at least once a week and let it soak in for the evening — it’s like treating my hair to a little spa treatment.

Dyson's Innovative Tools and Technologies: The Secret to Healthy Hair

Tania Amardeil

Dyson is a technology company that has long been known for solving problems that others ignore and for developing products that improve its owners daily lives. Its approach to developing technology always has the people in mind — it’s in the company’s DNA. W hether capturing debris on floors, improving indoor air quality, drying hands hygienically, or, more recently, protecting hair from extreme heat damage, Dyson’s innovative research and technologies are pioneering.

In order to protect hair, it’s important to know what causes damage. Hair damage is the physical or chemical breakdown of hair or its components, which include the cuticle, the cortex, and keratin proteins. Since hair strands typically grow for between two and five years, even small amounts of damage,

such as the damage caused by brushing the hair, can build up over time. High heat used for styling, UV rays from the sun, hair dye and bleach, and chemical exposure — from swimming pools, for example — all weaken hair and amplify the damage.

A shining commitment to hair health

Dyson’s hair care tools are all designed for versatile styling on all hair types while protecting hair from extreme heat damage. Each tool in the range is engineered with a sensor that measure and regulates temperature between 40 –100 times per second, making sure you never reach a heat that is damaging to

Since hair strands typically grow for between two and five years, even small amounts of damage, such as the damage caused by brushing the hair, can build up over time.

the hair. Both powered by the Dyson digital motor V9, the Dyson SupersonicTM hair dryer is engineered for fast drying, with built-in heat protection for natural shine, while the Dyson Airwrap TM hair styler is a multi-styling hair tool engineered to curl, wave, smooth, and dry with no extreme heat. The Dyson Corrale TM straightener, uses patented copper flexing plates that shape to gather hair, delivering enhanced styling, while also being cord-free.

These chic tools harness the latest technologies to allow you to achieve outstanding style anywhere, at any time — quicker than ever before with less damage.

Whether

a content creator, actor, or practising every day care, hair health is important and the tools you use can prevent damage.