News

Retinol Myths & Truths – How to Introduce It Without Irritation
Retinol Myths & Truths – How to Introduce It Without Irritation Retinol is one of the most talked-about skincare ingredients — and for good reason! As an acne expert, it is not my first choice for treating acne, BUT, if you’re struggling with dull lackluster skin, it could be an amazing addition into your routine! It improves texture, brightens tone, supports collagen, and keeps pores clear. But with all the hype comes confusion, fear, and a lot of myths. Let’s break it down simply so you can feel confident using... Read more...
Holiday Party Skin Prep: 1-Week, 1-Day, and Same-Day Routines for Glowing Skin
🎉 Holiday Party Skin Prep: 1-Week, 1-Day, and Same-Day Routines for Glowing Skin Because let’s be real — we all want to walk into that holiday party glowing like we’ve been getting 8 hours of sleep, drinking green juice, and living in a skincare commercial. 😉 Whether you’ve got a week to prep or only a few hours before the event, here’s how to get your skin camera-ready (and stress-free) for party season. ✨ ONE WEEK BEFORE: Set the Glow Foundation This is your skin’s training week. Think of it... Read more...
LED Light Therapy at Home vs. In Spa: What’s the Difference, and Is It Worth It?
LED Light Therapy at Home vs. In Spa: What’s the Difference, and Is It Worth It? You’ve seen those futuristic-looking LED masks all over social media — glowing red, blue, and sometimes even rainbow! But how do they really compare to professional LED treatments at the spa? If you’ve ever wondered whether those at-home devices are worth the hype (or if it’s better to leave it to the pros), this one’s for you. Let’s break it down — glow-style. 💡 First things first: What is LED Light Therapy? LED (light-emitting... Read more...
Winter Skincare Swaps – Must-Have Products to Protect Against Dryness & Irritation
❄️ Winter Skincare Swaps – Must-Have Products to Protect Against Dryness & Irritation DID YOU KNOW…when the temps drop, so does your skin’s moisture?! Cold air, indoor heating, and harsh winds all work against your barrier which leave skin feeling tight, flaky, and extra sensitive. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back (and your face)! Here are our favorite winter skincare swaps to keep your glow strong all season long: 1. Swap Your Foaming Cleanser for a Cream or Milky Cleanser Foaming cleansers can strip away your skin’s natural oils... Read more...
STRESS & SKIN! Let's Chat About It
Skincare & Stress: How Lifestyle, Sleep, and StressHormones Show Up on Your Skin We all know stress can mess with our mood, but did you know it can literally show up on your skin? From surprise breakouts to dullness and dryness, your complexion often reflects what’s going on inside. Let’s talk about how lifestyle, sleep, and stress hormones affect your skin — and what you can do to bring the balance back.  Stress Hormones and Skin Drama When you’re under stress, your body produces more cortisol (your main stress hormone). Cortisol... Read more...
Post-Facial Glow: What to Do (and What to Avoid) After a Professional Skincare Treatment
Post-Facial Glow: What to Do (and What to Avoid) After a Professional Skincare Treatment So, you just got a facial with us — your skin is dewy, refreshed, and absolutely glowing. 🌟But now what? Post-treatment care is just as important as the facial itself when it comes to keeping that glow going strong. Here’s how to love on your skin (and what to skip!) after your appointment. ✅ What To Do: 1. Keep it gentle + hydrating. Your skin just had a workout! Stick to a gentle cleanser, hydrating serum,... Read more...
The Truth About Pore Size — Can They Really Shrink?
The Truth About Pore Size — Can They Really Shrink? Let’s talk about something that comes up all the time in the treatment room — pores.  We all have them, but so many of us are on a mission to “shrink” them. Between social media filters and product labels claiming “poreless skin,” it’s easy to get caught up in the hype. But here’s the truth, bestie — you can’t actually shrink your pores (and that’s totally okay! IN fact, we welcome that statement with open arms at PSS because we LOVE... Read more...
Ingredient Spotlight: Niacinamide
Ingredient Spotlight: Niacinamide Why It’s Everywhere—and How to Layer It Like a Pro If you’ve scrolled through skincare TikTok or peeked at the back of your favorite serum lately, chances are you’ve seen niacinamide listed front and center. But what exactly is it, and why does every skincare lover swear by it? Let’s break it down 👇 ✨ What Is Niacinamide? Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is a multitasking powerhouse. It supports your skin barrier, balances oil, calms inflammation, and helps improve texture and tone—all without the irritation that... Read more...
Barrier Repair Basics
Barrier Repair Basics: Signs Your Skin Barrier is Damaged & How to Heal It   Your skin barrier is like the bodyguard of your skin—it keeps the good stuff (like hydration) in, and the bad stuff (like irritants, bacteria, and pollutants) out. When it’s healthy, your skin looks plump, smooth, and radiant. But when it’s damaged, you’ll definitely notice the difference.   🔎 Signs Your Skin Barrier May Be Damaged If you’re experiencing any of these, your skin could be crying out for barrier repair: Dryness or flakiness that doesn’t... Read more...
Slugging & Skin Cycling
Slugging & Skin Cycling: Are These Viral Trends Worth It? Skincare trends come and go, but some of the most talked-about ones lately are slugging and skin cycling. You’ve probably seen them all over TikTok and Instagram—but are they actually good for your skin? Let’s break down the pros, cons, and how to do them safely. ✨ What is Slugging? Slugging is the practice of applying a thick layer of an occlusive (like petroleum jelly or Aquaphor) at the end of your skincare routine to lock in moisture overnight. Just... Read more...
Exfoliation 101
Exfoliation 101: Chemical vs. Physical Exfoliants (and How to Avoid Over-Exfoliating) Exfoliation is one of the best ways to keep your skin smooth, glowing, and healthy. But with so many types of exfoliants out there — and the risk of overdoing it — it’s easy to feel confused about what’s right for you. Let’s break it down! What is Exfoliation? Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. This helps improve texture, brighten dullness, and allows your skincare products to absorb more effectively.... Read more...
Fall Skincare Reset
Fall Skincare Reset: How to Transition from Summer Routines into Cooler, Drier Weather As the vibrant days of summer fade into crisp autumn mornings, your skin may start to notice the shift even before you do. The change in weather brings drier air, lower humidity, and cooler winds—all of which can impact your skin’s balance. Transitioning your skincare routine from summer to fall ensures that your complexion stays healthy, hydrated, and glowing through the colder months. PS. All recommended products can be found for purchase on our website www.poppinskinspa.com.✨ Here’s... Read more...