What does sauna have in common with microneedling and strength training with weights in the gym?   Hmm... they're all good for us, but it may not be obvious that their benefit has a common underpinning: hormesis.  In fact, so much of what helps us grow and keep healthy and well has underpinnings in hormesis. Sauna heat prompts a number of responses in the body, including the activation of heat shock proteins (HSPs) and the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines

These are some of the most compelling skincare products that have come my way in the past several months (out of the hundreds I've evaluated online and dozens I've tested!!) I hope you find something on this list that piques your interest 🙂 xxPenn Stratia Velvet Cleansing Milk This is a nice thick cleanser that serves as both a first and second cleanse AND perfect to leave on while you give yourself a little massage or gua sha treatment. It leaves my face so perfectly soft

Women navigating perimenopause and menopause are often tasked with educating and advocating for themselves. As a OBYN and menopause...

Here's a peek into some of the best new finds that have been on my radar for the past few months (out of the hundreds that I've evaluated!!) Enjoy! xxPenn Jin Jung Sung Soothing Moisture Essence This lush toner was recommended in my private Facebook group (sooo many good tips - if you haven't joined already, I'd love to have you!!) It has a watery-jell consistency and layers exceptionally well. It's super hydrating and leaves my skin bouncy with no residue whatsoever. Plus i

A few changes added a few times a week can really up your skincare game!!

Our skin NEEDS estrogen. So how is it that a hormone that we associate with our ovaries and reproduction has such far reaching effects on our appearance? We have estrogen receptors all over the body, and our skin is no exception. There are estrogen receptors in virtually all types of cells in the skin - in fact, our skin is the largest non-reproductive organ targeted by estrogen.

If you have followed me for any length of time you know that DRMTLGY is one of my very favorite brands. The products are effective,...

If you're reading this blog, I assume you've already read my overview blog on ellacor™ and also viewed my ellacor video: https://youtu.be/-wT1HGU-N00 I decided to create a second blog to go into more detail about how my friend and I healed from ellacor™, and to share tips we had. If you find this post helpful please sign up for my newsletter (on the home screen of this website) and be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel ! I'd love to have you :) My biggest tip for heali

NOTE: this post is not sponsored - I just wanted to share my experience 🙂 There is no affiliate relationship with Cytrellis or the Dr...

In the past few months I've been doing a TON of research on red and near infrared (NIR) LED and the impact it can have on our skin health. I have been absolutely flabbergasted by the volume of scientific evidence supporting the use of RED/NIR for health. There are over 5000 peer reviewed papers on the subject of using light to improve health outcomes. Many of these papers are specifically about skin, with a great focus given to wound repair. As LED is relatively inexpensive,

The word 'hyperpigmentation' is not one I remember ever hearing when I was young (I certainly never recall my mother cursing her 'hyperpigmentation' when she was my age!!) Twenty years ago, we thought being 'sun kissed' or even the downstream more mottled brown color that would appear as we aged was a sign of a 'healthy glow'. My how times have changed! Interestingly, Google searches for 'hyperpigmentation' have increased 400% in the past ten years. Thanks to science and ac

A few weeks ago I mentioned that I've been using (and spending time down the rabbit hole with!!) a new brand of skincare that really has my attention; OneSkin . I'll share something here - I cannot remember ever evaluating a skincare brand that had more research and substantiation behind it. Ever. In fact, with OneSkin I would say that, as exciting as it is for me to talk about the product itself (actually more than one product - as I'll get to in a few minutes) this is a c

I’m so happy to share my latest routine to look after my skin. I’ll soon be 48 years old, and I’m even more committed than ever to spend the time on myself (skincare and other care) to make sure I’m the best me I can be. Of course, I LOVE skincare, so some of you might find my routine a bit ‘extra’ (it is 😉). I hope some of you will be ‘extra’ along with me, but don’t feel obliged! But really all that’s needed as building blocks for a solid evening regime are a few simple

Essential to everyone's skincare routine are the following five components: 1.Cleanser 2.Retinoid 3.Vitamin C 4.Moisturizer 5.Sunscreen I order these components this way: PM Cleanse, retinoid, moisturizer OR cleanse, moisturizer, retinoid. AM Cleanse (or don't, this depends on preferences), vitamin C, moisturizer, sunscreen. This simple routine can help with skin tone, collagen production, pigmentation, fine lines and texture. If you feel that you have a skin condition that

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects skin cells from the damaging free radicals caused by UV exposure. Vitamin C is also a pigment inhibitor helping to lighten hyperpigmentation (brown spots), even out skin tone, and give serious luminosity to the skin

SPF! Every year I learn more and more about sun protection and this year is no exception. In this post I hope to educate you on what to...

⭐️ I have a FREE microneedling course now availble on this website! If you are not already a member then I encourage you to join (also free), just click "log in" in the top right hand corner to create an account and join the course https://www.pennsmithskincare.com/challenge-page/704ca160-8def-4b89-9665-d5bc79d59ac8 . Microneedlng can be confusing!! Do I use a roller or a pen? Nano or CIT? Can I use serums? How often should I needle? Do I need to numb? The questions that ari

If you have it, you likely know it. You might get flushing of the cheeks when you have a glass of wine, go out into the cold (or heat!)...

There are thousands of skincare products on the market - literally thousands. Amazon and companies like Wish and YesStyle have given us access to products from all over the world - skincare we wouldn't have dreamed of trying even ten years ago. My (happy) job is to determine which of those are worth your time. I always start with the 'ingredient deck' - what's on the back of the tube/bottle/box says a lot more about what's inside than the promises in the companies' marketing.

I am such a huge advocate of microneedling. Oftentimes when we hear about microneedling we associate that with 'medical needling' or collagen induction therapy (CIT). Whether CIT is performed in the treatment room or at home, it is an extremely effective treatment for anti-aging. But CIT doesn't come without caveats. As the needle depths are 0.5mm+, extra care needs to be taken with hygiene and aftercare. Also, those deeper needles used in medical needling can cause discomfor