The Importance of Exfoliation

Exfoliation is important because your skin is generating new cells all the time. However, these cells become old and die and need to be replaced with new healthy cells. The older we get, the slower this process becomes. When this process is slowed, it causes the old dead cells to build up on our skin. This is what gives our skin a dull, dry and rough appearance. Exfoliating removes the oldest built up cells and allows the new healthy cells to emerge, giving your skin a healthy, youthful, fresh look.

Exfoliation can be accomplished through chemical, physical, or mechanical means. Physical exfoliation can be achieved through physically sloughing off the dead skin cells with a scrub, such as a grainy substance that works on the surface of the skin. Mechanical exfoliation is usually done by means of a facial brush, or other device that removes the old skin cells. Chemical exfoliation, which is deepest form of exfoliation, works by penetrating deeper into the skin and gently dissolving the protein bond that binds skin cells together. The dead skin is then shed easily.

You can exfoliate daily, depending on your skin type, and what products you are using, but keep in mind that while exfolation is important in your skin care routine, it can also be detrimental to the skin as well. Over-exfoliation can strip your skin of the essential oils and moisture that it needs to stay healthy, jeopardizing the healthy, natural pH of the skin, which is what your skin needs in order to keep that fresh, vibrant look.

In the winter, especially, when our skin is drier due to lack of humidity in the air, exfoliation is important on our body as well. Using a body scrub or scrub brush in the shower can be helpful. Ask me about body treatments!






Product Recommendations

Normal Skin
PCA pHaze 4 Gentle Exfoliant


Sensitive Skin
BeneFit Pineapple Face Polish


Oily Skin
Kiehls Pineapple and Papaya Facial Scrub

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! To kick-start the new year, I will be having monthly specials, mobile spa services, discounted facials & waxing services. I will also be doing product giveaways, so make sure you follow my blog and leave a comment!

Wishing you all great health and GREAT SKIN in 2011!

Winter Skin & Makeup Tips

Are you wearing the proper shade of foundation? During the warm summer months, skin is typically darker. However, as we move towards cooler temperatures, most complexions tend to get a little lighter. This means a slightly lighter shade of foundation is needed. But this doesn't mean you have to look pale and pasty! Simply use bronzer and contour certain shapes of the area of the face for a natural glow. Apply bronzer in the shape of a capital cursive letter "E" to each side of the face. These are the areas where sun naturally hits the face, so by applying a little bit of bronzer to these areas, it will look natural and complement a lighter complexion. Use a highlighter to contour the brow bone and cheek bones.










Skin can also become dehydrated and dull-looking when the weather is cold and there is less humidity in the air. Combat lack-luster skin by keeping it properly moisturized and selecting makeup that will make skin look more vibrant. Consider transitioning from a matte foundation to something with a little more of a satin or dewy finish. Cream blushes are also a great alternative to pressed powder blushes.

If you need to address any post-summer skin care issues such as hyperpigmenation, now is the time. Brightening facials and peels are in demand this season! Call me for a complimentary skin care and makeover consultation!

Product of the Week!

Aveda Green Science Firming Eye Cream



The under-eye area is one of the most delicate areas of skin on the body, so it is important to strengthen and nourish it with a heavier cream than you would use for the rest of the face. Aveda Green Science Firming Eye Cream is a unique formula that combines all natural ingredients and peptides to minimize the appearance of fine lines, dark circles and puffiness. I personally like this one because it’s moisturizing enough without being too rich or heavy, which could cause milia. Also, with a lot of eye creams, they usually contain caffeine which has a stimulating effect that can cause stinging in the eyes. This one did not, which I particularly liked. Lightly tap it on with your ring finger on freshly cleansed skin after you have removed your makeup. A little goes a long way.

Do's and Don'ts of Waxing

So you’re thinking of getting a wax for the first time. What do you need to do to prepare? Whether its arms, legs, underarms, or bikini, there are a few tips you should keep in mind when getting ready for your first appointment.

Time of Month
Skin is usually more sensitive around the time of your period, and waxing can be more painful than usual. Try to avoid making your waxing appointment within 2-3 days either way (before or after) of your period to avoid unnecessary sensitivity.

Preparing the Skin
Take a shower and lightly exfoliate. Avoid harsh scrubs, as waxing itself will exfoliate the top layer of skin. Don’t use any lotion or other products, keeping the skin as dry as possible.

Hair Growth
For optimum results, you will need some hair growth. Too little hair and the wax doesn’t have anything to hold onto. Too long and it will hurt more than it needs to. 1/8th – 1/4th of an inch is best (think a grain of rice!)

Pain
Take an aspirin or Tylenol 30- 45 minutes before your appointment if you're concerned about pain. It does hurt, but I promise it’s worth it! I always say, “Once you wax, you’ll never go back!”

Post Waxing Care
* Avoid tight clothing in the area(s) you had waxed.
* Don’t touch! Although it can be tempting because it feels so soft and smooth, try to avoid touching freshly waxed skin, as this can encourage irritation or small pimples.
*Avoid the sun, saunas or steam rooms for the next two days.
*To prevent ingrown hairs, exfoliate daily using a washcloth or loofah in the shower, and a product such as Tend Skin.

Product of the Week!

Yes To Tomatoes Facial Mask

This clay mask is a setting mask, which means it will harden once its applied. It has little crystals in it that exfoliate the skin, which is perfect for this type of mask. It contains anti-oxidants which help fight free radicals. “Yes To Tomatoes” as part of the “Yes To Carrots” line, clears and purifies oily, acne-prone skin. (Note: if you have sensitive skin, this isn’t the right product for you, as it can be a little harsh.) It spreads easily and evenly with no lumps and dries pretty quickly. Unlike most other clay masks, this is easy to wash off with a little water and some gentle massaging. And it smells great too! (Not like tomatoes at ALL!) The ingredients are almost all natural (99.6% organic) and it is paraben free. This product is great for the price -- you can get it at Walgreens or CVS.

Winter Skin Care Tips

As temperatures fall, so do the leaves, and as weather conditions change, so should your skin care routine. Colder temperatures cause blood circulation to slow down, and as a result, your skin does not get enough nutrients & oxygen, so all the healthy, regenerative processes in your skin slow down as well.

Cleanse with mild soap
Switch to a cleansing milk or mild foaming cleanser, and avoid using harsh peels, masks, and alcohol-based toners or astringents. Use a hydrating mask rather than clay-based, which tends to draw moisture out of the face.

Choose an oil-based moisturizer
Find a moisturizer that's oil-based, rather than water-based, as the oil will create a protective layer on the skin that retains more moisture. While looking for a moisturizer to use during the winter months, look for humectants in the ingredients, which help attract moisture to the skin. Hyaluronic acid, glycerine, sorbitol, and alpha-hydroxy acids are a few good ones. (Tip: Avoid shea butter, as it can clog pores!)

Use a humidifier
Investing in a humidifier is one of the best and easiest things you can do for your skin. Even if you don’t use a heating unit inside your home, there is less humidity in the air in the winter months. Using a humidifier can do wonders for dry skin and even ease the sinuses. (Tip: Distilled water works best to keep both the air and the unit clean!)

Limit Hot Baths
While a hot bath may feel comforting and relaxing, the heat of a hot shower or bath actually breaks down the lipid barriers in the skin, which can lead to a loss of moisture. Limit hot showers, and use cooler water for cleansing the face.


Hands & Lips
Skin on the top of the hands is thinner than on the rest of the body. And since we tend to wash our hands frequently, it can become drier and chapped more easily. After washing, use a heavy cream, and wear gloves when you go outside.

For your lips, choose a petroleum-base, or one with shea butter, jojoba oil, or avocado oil.