As a licensed esthetician I could create a large list of no-nos that I won't do or recommend to my clients here in Edina, MN. However, here are the current top 5 recommendations that make the list.

Number 1: Touch a product dropper directly onto my skin to apply product.

No. NOPE. Not at all. Formulas are designed to be self-contained, preserved potions that are an entire ecosystem unto themselves. When we introduce foreign substances into them like bacteria from our skin, or water, or contaminants from other products, we are disrupting that ecosystem to our own detriment. I see sooooo many people doing this online and it kills my spirit a bit each video I watch. Just because it is your own product and you're only touching it to your skin, does not mean that it is safe to do. You can create a literal science project in that formula which can cause the product to break down, can create a bacterial growth inside of it, and can even cause allergic reactions. Protect your product investment and always, ALWAYS practice safe cosmetic hygeine.

Number 2: Use Benzoyl Peroxide to help clear up acne.

Having grown up in the 80's/90's I think we can all agree that Oxy10 and other products like it were everywhere. It was literally all any of us knew to use when a pimple would pop up. But what we didn't know is that all acne is not created equally. Especially adult onset acne. Acne itself is an inflammatory response to things like bacteria, hormones, and stress. Consider inflammation a heat source, but a sensitive one. We don't fight fire with fire when it comes to sensitivity! We treat acne with kid gloves because we know that healing times and outcomes for adult acne is much longer than for teens. Also, who wants to deal with the residual red spots and peeling?! If you have a teen who is dealing with acne, book them in with a facial with me. Not only can I help them begin the healing process, we can also match them up with quality products that don't dictate "that things have to get worse before they get better." Products have improved greatly over the years since Oxy10, we don't have to suffer with acne anymore.

Number 3: Purchase topical Collagen-containing skincare products.

Save your money!! Collagen molecules are too large to be absorbed past the first layers of the skin. Meaning there is no way to change the scaffolding of the collagen structures in the skin via topical application of collagen peptides. There have been studies that show they are good at moisturizing the skin, but so is olive oil and we know which one is more expensive. There have been studies that show that ingestion of collagen hydrolysates have had some impact on the elasticity and plumpness of the skin and as an effective antioxidant to help protect the fibroblasts of the skin cells, but not enough to match the claims made by so many beauty and supplement companies operating in the industry. If you want to change the look and feel of your skin your best bet is to rely on products that contain Vitamin A, Vitamin C, acids and enzymes to help trigger the collagen production response via your own cellular production. One of our best-selling products is the CLE Cosmetics Vitamin C Elixir.

Number 4: Purchase skincare products with artificial fragrance as an ingredient.

 I love aroma. I love candles. I love things that smell pretty. But I refuse to put anything on my skin that has artificial fragrance in it. Why? 

• Artificial fragrance is based in alcohol which can lead to hyperpigmentation (dark spots) on the skin and the degradation of the collagen and elastin of the skin (fine lines and wrinkles)
• The FDA believes that fragrance is considered a trade secret, thus taking the transparency out of formulations and prohibiting consumers from knowing what allergens might be hidden in their product
• Fragrance is an allergen to many people, leading to headaches, sinus problems, and skin reactions like acne and rashes that can lead to scars
• A lot of synthetic fragrances are based on animal and petroleum by-products, neither of which we allow in Brooklyn + Rye from a cruelty-free and environmental sustainability standpoint.

Number 5: I won't suggest or use micellar water as a daily cleansing product.

Hi everyone, my name is Molly and I am imperfectly human. Which means I get home after a long day of work and instead of following my nightly skincare routine: I go to sleep with my makeup on. I admit it! There is no shame in being imperfect. It could be so easy for me to swish a cotton pad over my skin and take that makeup off right? Yep but micellar water is not a real cleanser. No matter what companies tell you, micellar water is meant to be used as a makeup remover prior to a traditional cleanser or on skin devoid of makeup. Micells cannot grab the weight of most makeup, SPF, and primers on the skin. Micellar water was created to freshen up the skin, something to use after the gym. It is not a real cleanser. It leads to more blackheads, breakouts, and their resulting scars than I can explain here. Having seen the cleansing wipe/micellar water fads sweeping the skincare world with promises of ease and quick cleaning, I can tell you all very clearly they have done more harm than good. Please don't use these as anything other than a last resort or one off situation.

If you're experiencing issues with your skin and would like to have an expert help you, you can book in with Molly Allene at Juniper Skincare in Edina, MN by clicking here. You can schedule a facial treatment or skincare consultation.