Glowing with Mrs. Stafford Advice Column - July/August 2020

Glowing with Mrs. Stafford

Attention Ladies: We’d love to hear from you! Your questions are driving the discussions on this blog. Don’t hesitate to comment, especially on the “Real Talk” series as well as “Glowing with Mrs. Stafford”. Without you there is no conversation, so don’t be shy! Also, make sure to read to the end of this post to learn how to enter this month Glowing with Mrs. Stafford Giveaway:)

​GLOWING WITH MRS. STAFFORD ADVICE COLUMN:

Q:

​“How do I get rid of the tiny white bumps under my eyes?” - Rebecca Bishop

A:

This particular question was asked by quite a few people. I also have these tiny white bumps, normally on the side of my nose or near the eye area. 

I thought I would go straight to my professional source, Dr. Katherine Lane of Ophthalmic Consultants, here in South Burlington, Vermont. Dr. Lane is a Cosmetic, Oculofacial Plastic & Reconstructive surgeon, who also does my injectables. 

If you would like to find out more information about injections such as botox and fillers you can check out my video “Watch Me Get Botox! Plus Q&A with Dr. Lane” on my youtube channel.

According to Dr. Lane:

These tiny white bumps are called Milia.

What are Milia?

Milia are small, pearly-white, or yellowish cysts that can occur on your face (including on your eyelids and under your eyes).

They occur when dead skin cells get trapped under the surface of the skin, forming a raised white bump, looking similar to a whitehead. 

Why this happens is not completely understood, although sun damage is a risk factor. Sun will make the skin rough, which in turn makes it more difficult for the dead skin cells to rise to the surface and be shed normally. There is probably some genetic predisposition as well.

Treatment:

Milia will often disappear without treatment. Milia that are bothersome to a patient can be drained easily in your doctor’s office; other options include chemical peels.

Regular exfoliation can improve skin turnover and resolve milia and prevent recurrences. Additionally, home glycolic peels are safe to try. But if it is close to the eye region I wouldn’t suggest using a face peel.

Retin-A products increase the skin turnover rate, as well. This is why it also helps with skin texture and dark spots. When using Retin-A near the eye, it should be a low concentration, and moisturizers should be used to combat associated skin dryness.

Prevention:

First and foremost, sun protection!! You should be wearing sunscreen every day, even if you are wearing a full face of makeup. I know some makeup products claim to have a certain amount of SPF, but to guarantee full protection you would have to use a lot more of the makeup product than you would typically use. 

Now, as for the treatment products I mentioned above, there is a number you can purchase to achieve all of these results. Many of them I have talked about in previous blog posts and use daily, or at least keep in the rotation of my skincare routine. 

You can also ask your doctor for prescription-strength Retin-A, which I also use but much less frequently. Prescription-strength Retin-A can have a drying effect on the skin and should be used sparingly and followed by a hydrating moisturizer.

Below I will list some of the top products that I use to help with skin cell turnover and keep my skin looking healthy and smooth.

1. Exfoliation/Peels 

• Right now I am using GOOPGLOW Microderm Instant Glow Exfoliator.
  $$$125​

​I find this exfoliator to be very mild on the skin but does a beautiful job keeping the texture of my skin soft and smooth. As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, I have extremely sensitive skin, but I can use this product every day. I use the GOOPGLOW Microderm Instant Glow Exfoliator in the mornings while in the shower.

• I have several glycolic peels that I use. Number one on my list is the Dr. Dennis Gross Universal Daily Peel which was our previous Glowing with Mrs. Stafford Giveaway for May/June. 
  $$88

​This product works beautifully and comes in three different strengths. The different strengths allow you to use it if you are a first-time user of a face peel. You don’t want to start with the strongest possible peel just in case your skin does have a reaction. I would suggest patch testing any peel on a small area of skin first. 

• A new brand that I have been adding into my routine is HERBIVORE Prism 20% AHA + 5% BHA Exfoliating Glow Facial.
  $$58

​This is a jelly-like textured 20% AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) and 5% BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid) exfoliating peel. Strong ingredients that do the job, this peel only takes up to 20 minutes. If you have more sensitive skin 10 minutes would be best to start. Apply a thin layer, rinse off with warm water then apply a moisturizer or face oil. You will feel a slight tingle, which is normal when using a product that contacts AHA or BHA.

This is a brand that specializes in “clean” makeup. This is a company that does not add “fillers” to their products, so they are all active ingredients there for a reason and doing a specific job. Along with making sure their products are natural and good for your skin they also don’t forget the indulging factor that we love in skincare. They are beautifully packaged and smell incredible. 
​

• TheHERBIVORE Prism 12% AHA + 3% BHA Exfoliating Glow Serum is another great product from this company with smaller amounts of AHA and BHA that can be used as a leave-on treatment in the evening.
  $$54

***Disclaimer:

Many people asked whether these peels will leave the skin “peeling”. The simple answer is no they will not. 

I think a lot of people are getting this confused with a chemical peel or laser treatment, which typically does leave the skin peeling. This does make sense, anything strong enough to make your skin peel like that should be conducted in a professional doctor's office. 

These at-home peels will not have that effect. What you may experience is a tingling feeling on the skin after applying, which is normal. You also may see flaking skin, depending on your skin’s texture after using an at-home peel or exfoliator. That is all pretty normal, and a hydrating moisturizer or face oil is always a good idea after exfoliating. 

When receiving either a chemical peel, laser treatment, or even doing an at-home peel (such as the ones listed above) you should be extra careful at least two weeks after in the sun. Always wear sunscreen, and even add a hat when going on any outings. If at all possible avoid direct sunlight for two weeks. During this time your skin is brand new, and if you get any sun it will damage that new layer of skin much faster. 

2. Retin-A Products
The market is swamped with products that include Retin-A as an ingredient, and you’ve probably been seeing it more and more frequently. The reason why is because it works at reversing skin damage when many products are only preventative. This is one ingredient that should be in everyone’s skincare routine in some form. Now for me, the prescription-strength can be a bit harsh, I only use it now and then when I feel I need to up my game.

The products listed below I keep in my skincare regime continuously and switch up when I feel I need a change.

Retinol Creams: 

• DRUNK ELEPHANT - A-Passioni™ Retinol Cream 

$$74 

• SHANI DARDEN SKIN CARE - Retinol Reform 
  $$88

Face Masks with Retinol:​
​Another great way to add Retinol to your skincare routine is with a face mask. If using as an overnight mask, you will only need a small amount, patted into the skin, and washed off in the morning. If using as a wash-off mask, a thicker amount is needed leaving it on for 10 minutes and rinsing off.

• One of my top favorites is by GLOW RECIPE Avocado Melt Retinol Sleeping Face Mask, which is another clean beauty company. You can use this as an overnight mask or a wash-off mask. I love using it as an overnight mask.
  $49

Retinol Eye Cream:

• Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Retinol Eye Sleeping Mask is another great product. When using this you do not need to add an eye cream to your routine. Again, this can be used as an overnight eye mask or a daytime eye treatment.
  $42
• A retinol eye cream that is very gentle is the FAB Skin Lab Retinol Eye Cream. This can be used on the entire orbital area and does a great job in helping with fine lines and wrinkles, leaving that delicate skin under the eye smoother and helping to reduce puffiness. 
  $42

3. Sunscreen
Sunscreen is an absolute must if you are using any of the products I have mentioned in this article. Well, it is an absolute must in general! Even if you are a teenager or in your 20's getting into the habit of wearing sunscreen every day will save your skin from so much sun damage. You will thank yourself later believe me!

With all the products mentioned here, you are trying to create skin cell turnover. That means beautiful, fresh looking skin. Having that “new” layer of skin, you need to protect it from sun damage as I have stressed earlier in this article. 

Here are a few SPF’s I suggest using:

• SUPERGOOP! is a brand that I use whenever I’m in the sun. They have a wide range of products for the face, body, and under-eye area.

They have a new product called SUPERGOOP! Bright-Eyed 100% Mineral Eye Cream SPF 40. I love this product and use it under my makeup. Just a little bit is enough, and your eyes do look much brighter.
$36

• Another sunscreen brand that covers the entire body and face isCoola Classic Body Organic Sunscreen Spray SPF 50 Fragrance-Free. This brand is 70% organic, cruelty-free, and most importantly, reef-friendly. When we vacation in St. John it is required that you use a sunscreen that protects the reef.
  $25

​The Coola Sunscreen Spray is for your whole body and is SPF 50, as well as water and sweat resistant. Along with the ease of using a spray, I find this to be one of my favorites. Did I mention that it also hydrates and nourishes the skin with natural ingredients, and it’s affordable? You can’t ask for much more!

• For my face I use COOLA Classic Face Sunscreen SPF 50 White Tea.
  $32

​This is an organic, 50 SPF sunscreen that is light and non-greasy for the face. You can wear this all day without that “sunscreen” feeling on your face. This sunscreen is also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.

​I hope this helps answer some questions, and gives you a place to start!

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​HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN GLOWING WITH MRS. STAFFORD ADVICE COLUMN:

Ask your questions in the comment section below for a chance to be featured in the next Glowing with Mrs. Stafford Advice Column. I will answer one question in detail bi-monthly and make sure to do all my research to give the most informed answer I can provide! 

Since I started this blog I have received many compliments and questions on my skincare routine. Women have asked, “what is my secret” and honestly, it’s a combination of multiple things. I use many different products and tend to switch up my routine often. Staying out of the sun, and wearing sunscreen is a huge one. Finally, I have not been shy about the fact that I get Botox and filler. I even made a video of myself getting Botox injected, which you can find on my Youtube channel. I have written some blog posts about the beauty products I use and routines based on the season or specific skin problems. 

Glowing with Mrs. Stafford is my take on an advice column based around skincare. Each person has unique skin and their own issues they would like answers. Glowing with Mrs. Stafford is my idea of how to share my knowledge on this topic. 

This is a place where all of you can ask questions about your skin issues. Ask me about certain beauty products you might want to try, or even about treatments such as lasers or Botox since I’ve done it all!

All and any questions are welcome (concerning these topics).

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JULY/AUGUST 2020 GIVEAWAY - Scott Barnes Complete Pro Series Set 10 MAKEUP BRUSHES

Glowing with Mrs. Stafford Giveaway: SCOTT BARNES COMPLETE PRO SERIES SET

Hi Everyone and happy summer!!

I thought it was time to change up our Glowing with Mrs. Stafford Giveaway and try something a little different.

I’ve written several blog posts on skincare and skincare products and how to achieve healthy, glowing skin.

For this giveaway, I thought a set of beautiful, professional makeup brushes might be a great idea now that we have worked on achieving smooth and glowing skin. Now that you having invested the time in your skincare routine it makes applying makeup that much easier, but you should also be thinking about what you are using to apply your makeup with to keep your skin healthy and fresh looking. 

A great set of makeup brushes is a must-have for everyone. They will make your makeup blend better and achieve even coverage along with making your skin look the best it can be.

The makeup brushes I chose for this giveaway are the Scott Barnes Complete Pro Series Set. There are 10 brushes in the whole set and will cover each part of your face from your eyes to your foundation. 

Specific Brushes Included: 

- LIP & EYE PRECISION LINER #59
- LIP & EYE DUALITY LINER #60
- THE EYE FAN #61
- EYE BLENDER BRUSH #62
- EYE WINGER #63
- THE HIGHLIGHTER #64
- FLAWLESS FACE #65
- POWDER SHEER #66
- GOOD FACE #67
- FOUNDATION BRUSH #68
Total Value of $319 

​Scott Barnes is an MUA (makeup artist) who has worked with some of the biggest celebrities in Hollywood, including my idol J. Lo. I own this set myself and currently use them every day. I have many different brush sets, but I have to say this is one of my favorites as of right now. 

This set of 10 cruelty-free synthetic brushes will cover everything you need. There is a foundation brush, powder, highlighter, along with eye and lip brushes.  

They are easy to clean with a bit of warm water and a gentle soap (such as Dove) this set will last you for a very long time. If you don’t already you should be cleaning your makeup brushes at least every two weeks. If you don’t use your makeup brushes every day you can go up to six weeks between cleaning. 

HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN THE GLOWING WITH MRS. STAFFORD GIVEAWAY:

Glowing with Mrs. Stafford Giveaway: SCOTT BARNES COMPLETE PRO SERIES SET

The most important requirement is to leave your beauty questions so we can keep the Glowing with Mrs. Stafford Advice Column going! The form below will ask you to sign in using your name & email address, which have to be valid since this is the information I will use to contact you if you are the lucky winner. If you do not leave a valid email you will be disqualified since you will be unable to be reached. Leave a comment on this post using the same name and email and then check off the "I Commented" box. 

You can also follow me on Facebook and Instagram for an extra 3 points each, just make sure to leave the full name you use on Facebook and Instagram handle!
 
The giveaway has been extended through the end of September. I will pick one winner. Good luck to everyone who participates! 

If you have any questions or you are confused about how to enter please send me a email or you can send me a direct message on Facebook or Instagram. 

GLOWING WITH MRS. STAFFORD July/august GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Welcome to the Mrs. Stafford Community where no topic is off-limits! I want this blog to be a forum for women my age to be able to discuss everything beauty and fashion, as well as the more sensitive subjects such as menopause and healthy aging. I’m starting my sixties, and I feel the best I have in years, and I want to help other women feel the same way. As a community, I think we can come together and start the conversation. This is all about women supporting other women and trying to have some fun in the meantime.