Friday

Welcome to Friday! Today, we're diving into:

• Glycolic acid in skincare

• How going makeup-free can impact your skin

• Boost your wellness and productivity

• Why you need sunscreen, regardless of how easily you burn

Discover Glycolic Acid in Skincare

Glycolic acid is an ingredient in many people's skincare routines — but what exactly is it, and what can it do?

It's actually an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), a natural acid that can help exfoliate your skin.

As a chemical exfoliant, it helps remove layers of dead skin cells, brightening the appearance and helping even the tone.

Furthermore, it can help reduce dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles.

However, due to the properties, this skincare ingredient can be irritating to those with sensitive skin and certain conditions, like eczema and rosacea.

If you're interested in adding glycolic acid to your skincare routine, experts say you should search for products with a concentration of no more than 10%. Anything higher than that should be done under the close eye of a dermatologist.

Glycolic acid comes in many different forms, including toners, serums, and gels.

Be sure to chat with a dermatologist when incorporating glycolic acid into your skincare lineup — especially if you're already using other products like retinol or other acids.

How Going Makeup-Free Can Impact Your Skin

Washing off your makeup at the end of a long day can be such a relief.

However, taking a longer break from makeup — and even going makeup-free for a while — can have many positive impacts on your complexion:

• Your skin can restore its natural balance: Makeup can impact your skin's oil and hydration. Taking a break helps it become more balanced on its own.

• You may have fewer breakouts: Whether your breakouts are from pimples themselves or bacteria on your makeup brushes, not wearing makeup every day can help acne flare-ups calm down.

• Your lashes can grow longer: Especially if your mascara (or your method to remove it) causes breakage on your lashes, taking a pause can allow them to grow longer!

• Your overall skin appearance may become more even: Fine lines can become less prominent and you may notice a more even tone or smaller pores as you take a break from makeup.

Think, Feel, and Perform Your Best

Thank you to MTE for sponsoring Note To Self.

Why You Need Sunscreen, Regardless of Your Skintone or How Easily You Burn

Some people think that because they don't have fair skin or they don't burn easily, they don't need sunscreen.

However, this could not be further from the truth.

While Black individuals are less likely than non-Hispanic white individuals to develop skin cancer, research shows that "people of color... are much more likely to die from it due to delay in detection or presentation."

The Skin Cancer Foundation notes that everyone over 6 months of age should use sunscreen — and the only reason those younger than 6 months shouldn't is because "their skin is highly sensitive."

Furthermore, just because an individual doesn't burn does not mean that their skin is not being damaged. The sun can damage your skin — regardless if you burn, tan, or simply spend time out in the sun without sunscreen and other protection.

Regardless of the shade of your skin or how easily you may (or may not) burn, daily sunscreen is an essential! And when you're out in the sun for longer periods, it's important to take extra steps and protect your skin!

A Note From Us

Visit MTE and feel the difference from the world's first focus, productivity, and well-being wellness stack.

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ True or False: False! Moisturizers form a barrier on your skin to lock in moisture, while hydrators take moisture from the air and trap it in your skin.

• 🙋🏼‍♀️ Snapshot Of The Day: We'd love to see moments from our readers lives that they are proud of! If you recently accomplished an achievement, experienced a joyful moment, or are proud of a picture you have taken, be sure to capture it on camera and send it to us for a chance to be featured next week! 

• 💭 Final Self-Care Thoughts for Today: Remember that no matter if you burn easily or not, daily sunscreen is an important skincare habit!

Enjoying Note to Self?

Know of a great self-care tip or article you'd love to share with the community? Want to send us pictures of you completing one of your self-care rituals? Email us at [email protected]!