THIS IS NOT A SPONSORED POST! JUST A SPECIAL THANKS TO MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE DOCTOR IN THE WORLD, DR. LORETTA CIRALDO!!!
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Cory and I moved to Miami from Oregon in 2013. If you think about the Portland climate vs. the Miami climate, could any two places be more different? When we moved to Oregon, my allergies flared, and when I moved to Miami, the humidity made my skin break out worse than it had in ages! I struggled with acne since college and ultimately had to go on Accutane in my early twenties to control my hormonal breakouts. Accutane did the trick, but for some, the medication has some major side effects. Thankfully, I did not have any, so I thought I would find a dermatologist, ask for a new script of Accutane and be on my way!
As luck would have it, I found Dr. Loretta Ciraldo while searching on ZocDoc.com. She had great reviews and I thought, what the heck? I found myself in her office the following week begging for a prescription, but given the fact that I was 28 at the time and getting married months later, she refused to put me on such harsh medication and asked if we could do it her way for a little while? I reluctantly agreed, but hoped for the best! If you know anything about Accutane, then you know you CANNOT get pregnant while taking it. You risk very serious birth defects and as a late twenty-something woman, I am glad she advised me against it!
Thankfully, her knowledge and expertise paid off and with light peels and a couple of other products, I was wedding ready in no time! Dr. Loretta has become so much more than a doctor to me. She has become my Miami family over the years and I am so grateful to have her wealth of knowledge! Especially during a vulnerable time like pregnancy! She has been talking about her new line for ages and I cannot even tell you the impact it has already had on myself and many make-up artists in the South Florida area! The truth of the matter is, when we feel confident in our skin, we feel unstoppable! So I wanted to share a bit more about Dr. Loretta Skincare and #SkinUnexposed and offer a thank you for giving me the pregnancy glow I always dreamed of!
Before and After 60 Days using Dr. Loretta Skincare
Before I do, I have to tell you, my first trimester breakouts seemed never ending! I was dealing with the worst case of cystic acne I have ever had. Unfortunately, the first trimester is also the most sensitive time in a pregnancy and as a mother of three herself, Dr. Loretta felt we should wait until I received the “green-light” from my doctor to resume the light peel and introduce her new products. Honestly, after nothing else worked and after becoming so frustrated over the cystic acne and marks they left behind the first trimester finally came to a close and Dr. Loretta was now able to introduce me to my new favorite products and the reason for my clear, balanced skin! Literally you guys, I began to see a MAJOR change within days of using the Micro-Exfoliating Cleanser, The Intense Replenishing Serum, The Intense Brightening Cream and 10% Glycolic Micro Peel Peptide Pads for dark marks. I could cry just thinking about it. Dr. Loretta gave me back my confidence in such a short period of time so I wanted to share more about the line with all of you!
Dr. Loretta helps fight external factors like pollution, light, climate, and irritants that harm and age your skin. So let’s tackle the “Big Four”, shall we?
Indoors and out—pollution is everywhere.
Pollution: Did you know pollution is found both inside and outside? Surprisingly, indoor pollution levels are worse than outdoor pollution as emissions from paint, carpet, cooking, plastic, and nicotine can be in constant contact with your skin, and almost 90% of our time is spent inside. Outdoor pollution includes pollution from: cars, construction sites, power plants, incinerators, fire and dust are not only health risks, but they are also accelerators of the aging process. Which, you find that people in densely populated areas like New York which have more pollution also have more people with wrinkles.
The skin is the body’s natural protective barrier. But pollution particles are up to 30 times smaller than pores, which means they can penetrate and disrupt the healthy surface and damage deeper layers of skin, resulting in inflammation, collagen and elastin breakdown, and premature skin cell death. What does this look like? Rough texture, fine lines and wrinkles, age spots, and redness.
Solution: Standard antioxidant formulas protect from oxygen free radical damage. But the effects of pollution are also the result of nitrogen free radicals. That’s why Dr. Loretta’s formulas contain Lipochroman®, the only antioxidant that protects against both. The formulas also feature deeply penetrating antioxidant Vitamin C, algae peptides, and essential oils to help reduce the breakdown of collagen and elastin and to promote the formation of new collagen.
It’s common knowledge that the sun’s UVA and UVB rays cause visible skin damage.
But research now shows that high energy visible rays (HEV light) also lead to significant photo damage and skin aging. HEV exposure comes not only from the sun but from indoor light, too—computer monitors, mobile phones, energy efficient fluorescent and LED lights.
It’s estimated that the average American spends around eight hours a day in front of a screen. That’s a real complexion concern: Accumulated exposure to UVB, UVA, and HEV light causes uneven skin pigment, loss of firmness, wrinkles, rough texture, and sensitivity.
Dr. Loretta’s best defense:
The formulas contain powerful antioxidants like Chromabright®, Lipochroman®, and Vitamin C to neutralize free radicals and correct damage caused by UV and HEV radiation.
It’s a fact: Weather extremes are increasing—and changes in humidity and temperature can wreak havoc on the skin.
Cold weather depletes moisture-trapping lipids, causing dryness, itching, and irritation. Indoor heating and air-conditioning also strip skin of moisture. Warmer weather can increase oiliness and acne.
Dr. Loretta’s best defense:
For the most effective moisture replenishment, Dr. Loretta’s formulas incorporate bioidentical lipids and marine peptides. To reduce excessive oiliness without drying the skin, the formulas contain perfectly adjusted pH levels of glycolic and salicylic acids combined with essential oils and marine extracts.
Did you know that up to nearly two-thirds of rashes appearing on the face are due to irritation from skincare products?
Ingredients meant to improve the skin’s condition can lead instead to redness, flaking, rough texture, and sensitivity. Topical brighteners like hydroquinone, kojic acid, and tretinoin can make the skin light sensitive, potentially worsening dark spots and redness.
Dr. Loretta’s best defense:
To protect against irritation, Dr. Loretta’s formulas are free of these commonly used ingredients:
- Sulfates: Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) / Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)
- Parabens
- Formaldehyde releasing ingredients
- Artificial dye, artificial fragrance, and fragrance mixe
- Ethyl alcohol
- Phthalates
- Propylene glycol
- DEA/TEA/MEA
- Hydroquinone
- Kojic acid
- BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene)
- Triclosan
Dr. Loretta Skin Tips that changed my Skin and Lightened Hyperpigmentation:
Change your pillowcase often!
Use T/Sal Shampoo: This is a shampoo with Salycilic acid that truly gets all the gunk out and decreases hair related breakouts!
Always wear SPF: Obviously, wearing SPF can delay the aging process, but it also helps with dark marks related to hyperpigmentation. This has been a game-changer for me. Wearing this SPF daily has enabled the DL products to aid in lightening without the sun doing more damage!
Cover Your Spots Daily: I used to think going out without makeup is better for my skin, and it can be nice to let it breathe, but covering up the marks if I leave the house is now a habit that has made all the difference. Lightening time has been cut in half and now a little concealer on an off day does the trick!
Limit Dairy Consumption: Dairy can be high in hormones and antibiotics, unfortunately, that can lead to inflammation and acne. Try to keep a food journal and take not of you body post-dairy consumption! Dairy could be the culprit.
If you are in the Miami area and are in need of a dermatologist, definitely book an appointment with Dr. Loretta and if you want to combat yourself from the “Big Four” and take a piece of Dr. Loretta with you, then check out her website or shop my favorite products here:
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