My New Year’s Skin Challenge

Happy New Year! Let’s start it off with not a resoution, but a challenge. Let’s call it A New Year’s Skin Challenge. The reward for accepting this challenge? Ending 2012 with the most radiant, clear and healthiest-looking skin you’ve had in years.
Via Bioelements.com




In 2012, I challenge you to:


1. Never go to bed without cleansing your skin.


2. Stop smoking (or not start smoking!).


3. Wear SPF – every day, rain or shine.


4. Never set foot in a tanning bed.


5. Visit a skin care professional for a facial. And make it a habit.


6. Get a good night’s sleep, every night.


7. Exfoliate your skin 1-3 times a week.


8. Move your body for at least 30 minutes every day – even if it’s just a fast-paced walk.


9. Get away this year and take a break from the stress. It doesn’t have to be an exotic vacation. A couple nights at your best friend’s place can do a world of good for your stress level, and your skin.


10. Don’t confuse your skin by cherry picking from product to product. You skin will benefit from a consistent agenda of products from day to day. Stick with it and see results.


Are you going to take the challenge? Let me know in the comments!

Breaking out? Weather change taking a toll on your skin?

Wintertime can be hard on the skin. Cold weather, wind, and dry indoor air can suck moisture from your skin. Add in the use of drying acne fighting products and medications, and you have a recipe for uncomfortable dryness, flaking, and peeling.
What can you do to help keep your skin hydrated throughout the winter months, while still getting the most from your acne treatment routine?

1. Change Your Cleanser
While it may have been a great choice during the summer months, your cleanser may not be working for you now that the cold weather has set in. If you feel tight and dry after cleansing, you probably need to switch to a milder cleanser.

Cleansers containing salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide can be particularly drying, especially if you are using them in conjunction with other acne treatment products. Instead, try using a gentle foaming cleanser or bar, such as Dove or Neutrogena. You can always go back to an acne-fighting cleanser once the weather warms and your skin doesn't feel as dry.

2. Don't Be Afraid to Moisturize
Regular use of a moisturizer is important, even for those with acne. Remember, nearly all acne treatment products dry the skin to some extent. To avoid flaking and peeling skin, moisturizer is a must.

But you don't have to slather on a thick, greasy product. Instead, choose a moisturizing gel or lotion. They are lighter than products labeled moisturizing cream. Whatever moisturizer you choose, be sure it is marked noncomedogenic. Noncomedogenic products are less likely to cause pore blockages.

3. Hydrate from the Inside Out, Too
When it's frosty outside, sometimes the last thing you feel like drinking is a big glass of water. But getting plenty of water during the wintertime is just as important as it is during warm weather. Dehydrated skin is more likely to feel tight and dry.

Try to get the recommended eight (eight ounce) glasses of water each day, to help keep your skin hydrated. When water doesn't sound appealing, try warm decaffeinated tea instead.


4. If Needed, Scale Back on Topical Medications
If your skin is feeling very dry and you have uncomfortable peeling and flaking, you may want to scale back use of your acne fighting creams and ointments. Try using your treatment products every other day until the dryness and flaking lessens.

*Via About.com

*January Special* Two Acne Facials for $99! Exp. 1/31/2012

The right chemical peel depends on what your goals are...

The right chemical peel depends on what your goals are for your skin. Chemical peels differ in the depth of penetration.For instance, if the goal of the peel is simply to exfoliate the skin, a superficial chemical peel can be used. For pigment irregularities (age spots, melasma), medium depth chemical peels are beneficial. On the other hand, if the goal is to combat wrinkles, a problem in the deep layers of the skin, a deep chemical peel must be used. Superficial peels are generally very safe, and some are even available over the counter. 

Permanent scarring and skin burns are rare to non-existent. Medium depth peels, such as 15-35% TCA (trichloroacetic acid) are excellent at taking care of sun damaged skin. It is important to have these administered by an experienced professional, who is able to discern a true sun spot from something more ominous, such as a skin cancer. TCA peels do require a short recovery time and should be done by experienced physicians, as side effects can occur.

For deeper skin layers, deeper chemical peels, such as a phenol peel, are necessary. This chemical peel will cause what amounts to a severe sun burn and should only be administered by trained professionals, who are experienced with facial peels and can deal with any possible outcomes. It can significantly improve facial lines and wrinkles and produces very nice results when done properly.

That's right, I'm a Medical Aesthetician.

I know, a few of my clients have been wondering why, I am not at the salon, Monday thru Thursday anymore. I decided to expand my knowledge in skin care. I took a position at Bella Sol Med Spa in Chino Hills, as their Medical Aesthetician. I am so excited about working in both environments, they are are different but similar.

This is a great advantage for my clients, they are receiving a Medical Aesthetician but at a great price! Stay tune, for some get specials!

HOLIDAY SPECIAL: Chemical Peel $65.00!!!

About Chemical Peels


Before|After




BEFORE




Our chemical peels are NOT regular facials or regular peels. Our chemical peels are mostly customized to your skin type. They are very strong, even the Light Chemical Peel. They are comparable if not better than the ones you get at the dermatologist office as we adapt them to your skin and you pay a lot less!


We encourage you to read the information on this page for better results.


Prior to any chemical treatment and for best results, it is best to avoid the following one week before the treatment: electrolysis, waxing, any exfoliating products (including loofah and scrubs), any products containing alpha or beta hydroxy acids (ie glycolic, salycilic or similar), Retin-A, Renova, Differin, Tarzorac, and other similar retinoids. Refrain from the following 14 days prior to peel: chemical peel, tanning in a booth or the sun, wax, collagen injections, Botox, microdermabrasion, plastic surgery procedures, and cold sores. All Accutane® users must have discontinued the drug for six full weeks prior to this peel. Also, if you are pregnant or lactating, you cannot have a chemical peel. Best not to be on any antibiotics either, because your skin will be more sensitive.


Questions and Answers About Chemical Peels:


Q. What type of skin is the chemical peel okay for?
A. Our chemical peels are okay for Rosacea, acne, sun damage, fine lines, dry and unevenly pigmented skin. They are okay for white skin, brown skin and black skin (depending on the type we choose).


Q. Why are chemical peels good?
A. Chemical peel treatments cause the regeneration of new cells to occur at a faster rate than they would do naturally. Natural skin turnover follows our 28-day biological calendar like other body cycles. The speed of the cell turnover cycle decreases as we age. Collagen and elastin, which comprise a large part of our skin's support structure, also decreases. Keep in mind, however, that achieving healthy skin depends on other factors such as diet, smoking, stress, as well as a healthy skin maintenance program at home in conjunction with monthly facial treatments.


Q. What will happen the day of the chemical peel?
A. You will get a consultation, followed by the procedure. You will NOT be able to wash your face after the procedure or apply makeup. It is best to go home right after. Usually you look the same right after.


Chemical peels are NOT regular facials or regular peels. We do not perform ANY extractions, steaming, or massage with any of the chemical peel treatments. Prior to any chemical treatment and for best results, it is best to avoid the following one week before the treatment: electrolysis, waxing, any exfoliating products (including loofah and scrubs), any products containing alpha or beta hydroxy acids (ie glycolic, salycilic or similar), Retin-A, Renova, Differin, Tarzorac, and other similar retinoids. Refrain from the following 14 days prior to peel: chemical peel, tanning in a booth or the sun, wax, laser hair removal, collagen injections, Botox, microdermabrasion, electric skin brush, plastic surgery procedures, and cold sores. All Accutane® users must have discontinued the drug for six full weeks prior to this peel. Also, if you are pregnant or lactating, you cannot have a chemical peel. Best not to be on any antibiotics either, because your skin will be more sensitive.


Q. What will happen the next day after the chemical peel?
A. Some people get slightly red or brown depending on the skin color. Like a fabulous suntan. (NOT LIKE A TOMATO!) And some people do not flush at all. It depends on your type of skin.


Q. How much downtime is expected with this peel?
A. There is no downtime. But you need one week for full skin recovery. Directly after the chemical peel, you cannot wash your face or apply any makeup. A few days later the skin will start to peel. Some people may peel a lot and some people may peel less. The peeling is not always even on the skin. DO NOT PULL ON HANGING SKIN once you start peeling because this may cause hyperpigmentation (brown spots).


Q. When will I start "peeling", for how long and how much?
A. Everyone's experience will be different. However, on average, you will see flaking by day 2 or 3 following treatment. It is possible to see flaking for up to 5 or 6 days.


Q. Should I expect any discomfort when having a peel?
A. It will vary. You may experience a "warm" feeling, as well as a mild tingling or stinging, which only lasts for a few moments.


Q. My skin is very thin. Why would I want to peel? Wouldn't that make my skin thinner?
A. If your skin is very dry and thin, often there is a buildup of dead cells that actually keeps your home care products from penetrating. Having a peel will remove that surface build-up, hydrate the skin and give it a more plump, "thicker" appearance.


Q. Can pregnant or lactating women receive a peel?
A. No.


Q. What ingredients are in the chemical peel?
A. It depends on the person's skin and whatever we choose such as TCA, and AHAs, and/or Jessner or some other ingredients. We also have customized chemical peels and a Light Phenol Mixture suited for mature light skin.


Q. How soon can I do another chemical peel?
A. You must wait at least 6 weeks before the next one. The Light Phenol Mixture chemical peel should be done once every 4 to 6 months (depending on the skin condition).




AFTER


Do not put makeup.
Do not wash your face until the NEXT morning (unless you have been told otherwise). 
THE NEXT DAY after a chemical peel - you must wash your face WITH a gentle cleanser. You may proceed with makeup if you choose and sunscreen. The day after the chemical peel and several days afterwards, the skin will feel tight and "pulled", raw and itchy. All this is normal. With some people, the skin may darken a bit - either a reddish color or a brownish color. During the day, it is best to hydrate the skin well with a moisturizer or 100% Hyaluronic Acid. At night, you may use Vaseline (pure petroleum only), emu oil or a special ointment to soothe the skin and calm down the itchiness and redness for up to a week. Your skin will start to peel, 2 to 3 days after. Everyone peels differently. Once you start to peel you may use a scrub. The best scrub is one with little or non-existent grains and with ENZYMES like papaya and pineapple extracts. You may use the scrub once a day every morning INSTEAD of a cleanser. The easiest is to use it in the shower. Do not rub the skin. Simply apply, wait a few minutes and then wash it off. It will help get rid of the flakiness. If you do not wish to peel during the day, we found that the best thing for hydration and "holding off" the skin from peeling visibly is 100% Hyaluronic acid under a moisturizer.


PLEASE NOTE: Your skin may look darker in different spots and uneven after the chemical peel. Depending on your skin color, it may look either brown or red. THIS IS NORMAL. It is part of the process.  It will lighten eventually but may stay that way for up to two weeks. Your skin will continue to flake for a week as well (and sometimes up to two weeks if we do a strong one)!


For the next 2 days, do NOT: use Jacuzzi, steam room or sauna, go swimming, participate in activities that make you perspire like the gym, use Buff Puff or other mechanical exfoliation. Use of a sunblock is mandatory. Sunblock will help prevent and slowly fade pigmentation problems. You may or may not experience visible peeling. Every skin is different and we cannot predict your skin. Dead cells are usually dissolved during the procedure, though minor dryness and mild flaking can follow this procedure.


For the next 3 weeks: Avoid direct sun exposure and excessive heat. Do not go tanning for at least 3 weeks.


For the next 7 days: Do not get electrolysis, collagen injections, Botox, depilatories and facial waxing. Discontinue use of Retin-A/Renova/Differin or any other tretinoin products for 7 days. Do not use scrubs, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, retinoids, other AHAs, skin lighteners, wax, or strong astringents for a full five (7) days. Avoid the sun and apply sunblock for the rest of the day. It is your responsibility to use sunblock at all times when outdoors while undergoing peels in order to avoid brown spots. At bedtime, use only a cleanser, toner and moisturizer.


But after all of this, it is worth it! Your skin will look great!

LashCoat! Now, offering Semi-Permanent Mascara.

LashCoat is an innovative cosmetic application that is poised to revolutionize the mascara industry. Imagine the freedom! "Coating" your lashes just once allows you to wake up to and maintain gorgeous lashes for up to six weeks! No hassling with mascara. No makeup remover. No mess. No more raccoon eyes! Just gorgeous, beautifully sculpted, semi-permanent painted lashes when you wake up in the morning, through your exercise routine, and when you go to bed at night.

Low maintenance, high style – the modern woman's answer to mascara.

Lush, full, dark, long lashes are the hottest trend on the beauty scene.

LashCoat is ideal for any woman who wears mascara but is tired of the high maintenance of daily application. Many of our clients are busy moms, executives who travel frequently, flight attendants, and athletes, all of whom have one thing in common – they want to look and feel their best 24/7.

Just wake up and go.

Most women struggle daily with one or more mascara-related issues: smearing, running, clumping, flaking, application difficulty, sensitivity, not to mention the inconvenient time factor involved in daily application and re-application.

Any woman who wants to feel confident, carefree and effortlessly beautiful around the clock is a candidate for LashCoat.

It's More than Mascara.

LashCoat is more than your typical eyelash color formula – it goes beyond even the most perfect application of mascara to provide color and enhancement you don't have to fight with.

Mascara is a temporary application. Lash extensions are an appliance. LashCoat is the future of lash enhancement.

Get Wet. Your lashes won't mind.

LashCoat is an ideal treatment for vacation or staycation. For women who enjoy outdoor activities that may inspire perspiration, go ahead and sweat it and forget it. Whether you're running a marathon, playing tennis, or diving into the pool, LashCoat leaves you looking picture perfect. Feel confident that you will look your best, no matter the weather or the occasion.

THE PROMISE

LashcOoat is:
♦ Waterproof
♦ Creates lasting lash lift & curve
♦ Sculpts lashes
♦ Separates lashes
♦ Increases lash volume and even extends length

Getting Married this Month? Tips on Wedding Makeup.

1. Avoid using products that contain SPF

I wouldn’t normally advocate this, but products that contain SPF can photograph weird because of the zinc oxide found in many moisturizers and foundations. It causes that paled out face look that shows up in photographs, but not in person. So your best bet is to avoid products with SPF on your wedding day (but don’t forget to wear SPF on your honeymoon!).

2. Go light on the shimmer

A highlight on cheekbones or browbones is flattering, but too much shimmer doesn’t photograph well. Shimmer has light reflecting particles that the camera picks up as white streaks or shine. Try doing a complete run-through of your makeup before the wedding, and take pictures. If you see shiny or white streaks where you’ve applied a shimmer product, you know where to tone down.

3. Wax three days before the wedding

Redness can be tough to cover, and some people stay slightly swollen for a couple days post-wax.

4. Skip lip gloss if you’re wearing a veil that comes down over your face

It’s a magnet for the fabric and will make the veil stick to your lips the second you put it on. The gloss and any lipstick you’re wearing will transfer to the veil, making for a messy situation.

5. Don’t stray too far from your usual look

I’ve had minimalist makeup girls request a red lip vintage look for their trials and had brides who normally wore a lot of eyeliner ask for a natural look, but they usually don’t feel right when it’s done. I’m all for playing around with makeup, but this isn’t the day to do it. If you want to try a smokey eye for the first time, save it for your bachelorette party!

6. Bring oil blotting sheets with you

I always include these in my bridal touchup kits. It’s a long day and most people get a little shine, but these papers keep it at bay. I prefer them to powder because powder tends to cake up after multiple applications. I use CVS Oil Absorbing Sheets (about $5). They’re cheap, and they work great!

7. Use a foundation and eye primer

The number one question brides ask me is “Will my makeup stay on all day?” With good primers, it will! I prefer Smashbox Photofinish Primer ($36) for skin and Too Faced Shadow Insurance ($17) or MAC Paint Pots ($16.50) for eyes.

8. Consider using false lashes

For weddings, I prefer flares (individual bunches of 6-8 lashes) to full strip lashes. Because you can put on as few or as many as you want, you’re able to control how natural or dramatic your look is. I use the Ardell flare lashes (about $4).

9. Use waterproof mascara

This may seem like a no-brainer, but brides have a million and one details to worry about, so this can get overlooked. It’s a big day, and if you get emotional, you want to make sure your mascara doesn’t show it. My favorite is Dior Diorshow Waterproof Mascara ($24).

10. Set your foundation with loose powder

Not only does the powder give the foundation a soft finish, but it takes shine out of the skin. Cameras pick up shine, but starting with powder and touching up with oil blotting sheets will keep you shine-free. Makeup Forever HD Powder ($30) is my number one pick.


Written by: Allison Barbera

My Addiction Makeup and Hair

Riverside, Ca