Waves of Skinspiration

Chemical vs. Mineral Sunscreens; What's The Difference?
Ever wonder what the difference is between a mineral and a chemical sunscreen?  Our resident Dermatologist, Elena, helps us understand the difference.
Sun Exposure & Eye Health
Elena recently returned from a medical mission in Guatemala assisting in a variety of surgical procedures, including cataract and corneal transplants.  This was a great reminder to us of the impact that UV radiation can have on our eye health.
Food & Skin Health
The food choices you make on a daily basis can impact the health of your skin.  Read on to learn about some of the yummy and healthy food choices that can create healthy & beautiful skin.
Elena's Skincare Must Haves
Ever wonder what a dermatology PA (with great skin) uses daily to achieve healthy and beautiful skin?  Read on, to learn how our founder, Elena, maintains her youthful complexion.
The Zit That Keeps On Giving

You know what’s even more annoying than a pimple? The dark spot that it leaves for weeks to months after 😩.  It's called post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and we've got some options to help your skin. 

OTC Retinols
Over the counter retinol comes in many forms - Retinol linoleate, Retinol acetate, Retinaldehyde, Retinyl Palmitate, Propionic acid, and vitamin A propionate.
This vitamin A derivative has long been the gold standard and key ingredient in at home skin care, because it works!
How to Get “Event Ready” Skin

It's Event Season!

Spring and Summer bring so many exciting and life changing events: graduation, weddings, vacations, reunions, girls trips, and family get togethers.  Many people want their skin to look better for these events, but don't know where to start; fear not, we can help!

Read on to learn what products are right for you!

Do I Have To Wear Sunscreen Everyday?
Elena shares with you why, yes, you need sunscreen EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.  But why, and which one can be the difficult issue to solve.  No worries, we can help!
Gut Health & Your Skin
Research has shown that our gut health has a strong impact on our overall health.  Not surprisingly, our gut health can also impact the look and health of our skin. 
How to Layer Your Products
If you've ever thought, "Does it matter how I layer my products?", the answer is . . . .probably, but maybe not.  Read on to learn more.  
Skinflammation = Inflammation + Skin Aging

Inflammation + Skin Aging = SKINFLAMMATION

The connection between stress and inflammation and skin aging has been observed for hundreds of years.  Our skin is an incredibly dynamic organ that plays a vital role in our ability to sense the world, regulate our temperature, protect us from infection, and maintain homeostasis. Our skin also has a robust immune system of its own, as well as its own endocrine system. This allows the skin to be highly adaptable to acute stressors (think skin injury), but also leaves it susceptible to the detrimental effects of chronic stress which can lead to “skinflammation” and premature aging. 

Should I care about my exposure to blue light?
What is all the fuss about blue light exposure? Do I need to protect my skin against blue light?  The answer: YES!
Stress & Your Skin
2020 is the year of stress, and in can be seen in your skin.
We’ve got your back, seriously.

As if acne isn’t bad enough on your face, right?! Have you ever experienced bance?

Over 50% of people who experience facial acne lesions will ALSO have acne on the chest, shoulders, and back. Similar to the uninvited visitors on your face, the upper trunk has many sebaceous (oil) glands, making it a prime target for acne. 

What is Activated Charcoal?
You may have come across it on the titles or ingredients of so many skincare and body care products, but may not be clear what is all the hype about and how can it benefit your skin.
Activated charcoal, also called activated carbon, is a fine black powder that is produced when common charcoal is exposed to high heat. This exposure creates tiny internal spaces or holes in the charcoal, making it highly absorbent and able to trap chemicals and toxins. Although it is a type of charcoal, activated charcoal is different from the charcoal used on an outdoor grill.
Got Acne?
No matter your age (from pre-teen to full adulthood), we’ve got you covered!
Save the Wave Skincare’s suggested skincare routine would consist of four acne-reducing staples: Bamboo Charcoal Soap, Purifying Blueberry Charcoal Mud Mask, Calming Facial Toner with Witch Hazel & Lavender, and one of our five Mineral-based sunscreens.
What is THAT on my skin?! Day 4: Rosacea.
Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition that affects both men and women, typically becoming apparent between the ages of 30-50, and is most common in fair skinned people with Celtic and Scandinavian ancestry (but can also affect darker toned skin). Heredity can create a susceptibility to developing Rosacea.
What is THAT on my skin?! Day 3: Melasma.
Millions of Americans have been dealing with unwanted dark patches on their faces for many years. The dark patches you are seeing are called Melasma. 
What is THAT on my skin?! Day 2: Atypical Moles.
We all get SOME ultraviolet exposure during the day, even if just doing our day to day activities such as riding in the car, going to the store, walking our dogs, and going to the post office, etc. It is important to PROTECT our skin every day from this incidental exposure.  EVERY DAY we need to apply a mineral-based broad-spectrum water resistant sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher, even on cloudy and overcast days. Focus on high exposure areas such as the face, neck, chest, ears, hands, and the top of the head. Other sun protective measures include seeking shade from 10am to 4pm if possible, protective clothing such as long sleeve shirts and wide brim hats. Remember to reapplying sunscreen every 80 minutes after swimming or sweating.  
What is THAT on my skin?! Day 1: Actinic Keratoses.
It’s more common than you think! Actinic Keratoses (AKs) or Solar Keratoses, are a common skin lesion that we see in our dermatology practice every day. These rough and scaly growths are considered pre-cancerous changes of the skin and may...
Celebrating National Sunscreen Day!
Sunscreen: where it came from and why it’s important for ALL of us. Sunscreen was first developed in 1930’s and credited to both Franz Greiter and Benjamin Greene. The first sunscreen formulas were a thick combination of cocoa butter and...