MySkin.com - Pure Genius!!

According to the folks at eHealth Radio "MySkin.com is revolutionizing the online skincare market." I must say I have to agree with this claim! MySkin.com is a website dedicated to well, just that, your skin! They delivery unbiased opinions (They don't accept advertisements or favor one product line over the other) from a variety of trained and licensed professionals.  Users are required to create a personal profile (you can log in with your Facebook account and share your skin nerdiness with all of your friends) Which includes a personal picture, myShelf, and myJournal. This site gets personal with skincare making sure all the information provided is customized for each individual user. MySkin.com is a genius work of art and is much needed in this industry! 

   

This site is especially unique because of it's two newest features: myDiscussions and myRoutines.  

 

myDiscussion is a forum that brings together individuals from around the world who have skin concerns or issues. Members can have discussions and ask specific questions about any skin related or product related topic, answers can come from your fellow peers or "the Experts". 

 

myRoutines is a virtual "Medicine Cabinet" where users can input all of the products that they are using at home. MySkin will then take those skincare products and categorize: cleansers, toners, and moisturizers followed by specialty products like serums and eye creams. myRoutines is fun because you can name your routine and chose pictures to represent it. Users have names like "Nighttime", and "Winter Routine". My routine is titled "Simply Necessary" ;)

Overall MySkin.com is a necessity because it not only provides access to over 150,000 skincare products, it opens the doors of communication between the everyday consumer and individuals who share similar skin experiences. Also providing expert advice to the masses is invaluable and a great asset for this dynamic skin care community. So hurry up and click here to start your MySkin.Com experience now!!

 Awesome radio interview with Sava Marinkovich of MySkin.com

       

   
   
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Junkie 2 Junkie: Acti-Rides Flash Wrinkle Eraser System!

Acti-Rides Flash was developed by Guinot’s world-renowned research team of dermatologists, biologists and chemists. The product contains an exclusive active ingredient complex, proprietary to Guinot, called Derm Liss which is comprised of: Hyaluronic Acid to improve cutaneous suppleness and elasticity and restore moisture and also Dynalift which forms a firming and enveloping film over the skin’s surface for micro-lifting effect.

Over time, skin tends to lose its youthful appearance, often appearing tired and drawn. Fine lines and wrinkles form on foreheads, near the eyes, around the mouth, etc ue to the slackeing of the epidermis and loss of support from the basal layer. Acti-Rides Flash restores the skin’s suppleness by supporting the dermis underneath the wrinkle. Using the pen applicator, pressure is applied to each side of the wrinkle, causing the connective tissue under the wrinkle to furrow and move. As a result of this movement, the loose basal layer is lifted, filling in the wrinkle from within and lifting the skin on the surface, lending for a more youthful appearance. Acti Rides Flash’s active ingredients also stimulate the production of elastic fibers, restoring density to the dermal layer and reinforcing the network of elastic fibers.

Acti-Rides Flash’s pen applicator, with 3 dermo-balls, is especially important in the smoothing process. The first dermo-ball stimulates the dermis, targeting the wrinkle in the lower skin layers and physically erasing the wrinkle in the skin’s surface. The two other dermo-balls help the active ingredients from the serum optimally penetrate the skin, thus restoring density to the dermis and boosting the skin’s level of elasticity.

It is recommended to use Acti-Rides Flash daily and apply to main facial wrinkles, working in an upward direction over the frown lines, over the crow’s feet and along the smile lines. That said, in only 2 minutes, you should notice that wrinkles are visibly erased and your face should look smoother and more youthful.

Source: http://www.guinotusa.com/home.php

Junkie 2 Junkie: Two of my Favorie things :)

Guinot Paris Creme Hydra Beaute. This is my favorite moisturizer of all time! It contains rose extracts which are extremely hydrating. This cream also works as a "HUMECTANT" which means it draws moisture from the air to rehydrate the skin throughout the day and repair dehydrated skin. I like to call it my miracle cream, perfect for all skin types!

Physicians Choice Arizona (PCA Skin) Peptide Lip Therapy. I LOVE this stuff! Not too sticky and not too shiny it helps to keep lips hydrated without all the synthetic chemicals and petroleum that you find in cheaper brands. Includes Shea Butter, Vitamin E, Aloe and Sunflower Oil. This therapy also works as a lip plumper to help you keep your pucker during the holiday season. Great for dry, chapped or, sun damaged lips!

Anti-Aging: Don't Forget Your Vitamins!!

"What do I do about these wrinkles?" 

"How do I get rid of this sun damage?" 

"Why is my skin so dry?" 

"Am I going to look like THAT when I 'm older?"

These are the questions I hear from clients, friends and family (male and female) on a daily basis. Everyone is so scared of the aging process and so eager to find a quick fix. Just Face It! We are all aging and there is no way to stop it, BUT there are ways to trick your skin cells into slowing down the process. There are many surgical ways to change and alter your face and body. I believe that an efficient skin care regimen coupled with active product ingredients and a healthy diet will keep your skin looking fresh and radiant when all your friends turn into raisins. Here are three very important vitamins to look for in your skin care products.

Vitamins: A,C and E

Vitamin C a.k.a. "L-ascorbic acid" is powerful antioxidant and one of the most beneficial ingredients you can take topically and orally. It is anti-inflammatory which helps to calm skin and stop redness. It boosts the skin's collagen synthesis and helps to repair harm done to the skin's connective tissues. Vitamin C is also great for the immune system! I like to say it "Lightens, Tightens and Brightens the skin" 

Vitamin A a.k.a. "Retinoic Acid" is an effective antioxidant that inhibits matrix metalloproteinases (I'm using big words now!). These are the enzymes that break down collagen and elastin in the skin. Vitamin A is also known to reduce fine lines wrinkles and skin roughness. It also helps to increase the thickness of the skin.

Vitamin E a.k.a. "Tocopheryl Acetate" is an emollient product, this means that it helps to hydrate the skin and protect the lipids in the body. It's important to maintain lipids (fats) in the skin because this is what keeps the skin plump and taut. Vitamin E works well when coupled with Vitamin's A or C because it helps them do their job better. When purchasing anti aging products look for a mixture of these vitamins. Here are some recommendations!

 PCA - Vitamin C and E 

PCA - Vitamin A and C

Ole Henriksen - Herbal Day Creme SPF 15 

We are all at different stages in our anti-aging journey stay connected for more anti aging tips!

Junkie 2 Junkie: Epicuren's Tea Tree Lip Balm

Harsh cold weather during the winter months can leave your lips feeling super chapped and dry. One phrase: THIS BALM IS THE BOMB!! 

I love this lip balm because it's jam packed with the good stuff: Tea Tree Oil, Shea Butter, Sunflower Seed Oil , Grape Seed Oil , Aloe Vera, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, It also contains a protein enzyme complex that keeps the lips fresh and while creating new cells. When purchasing any lip product you always want to steer clear of vasoline or petroleum because it doesn't absorb into the skin, Who wants to have petroleum sitting on their lips all day? yuck! this balm has healthy ingredients with antioxidant and healing properties. It also contains a Sun Protection Factor of 15 which will protect the skin on your lips on sunny summer days. It smells refreshing and moisturizes the lips without leaving them feeling sticky and heavy.

Epicuen Discovery Website 

SUN Bad... SPF Good...The 411 on Sun Protection

 

I can't stress this enough. THE SUN IS YOUR NUMBER ONE ENEMY!! It is one of the reasons for skin cancer, it depletes the collagen and elastin, and causes discoloration and trauma to the skin. Most of the sun damage that shows up on our bodies is done before the age of ten. While it's fun to lay on the sand or by the pool with no sunscreen, hat, or umbrella many of us won't be laughing when we look like prunes. So it's important to protect your skin from the sun to prevent further damage. Here are some facts about sunscreens when to wear them and how they work.

One thing to remember is that sun rays are extremely strong. Even when your out at 6am for your morning run, the sky may be cloudy but sun rays are still present and although they aren't causing a suntan, they are still effecting your skin.

UV Rays = Ultra Violet Radiation. There are two types of ultraviolet rays that are projected from the sun and actually touch the earth: UVA Rays and UVB Rays. Ultra Violet Aging Rays damage the collagen and elastin from the skin. This is very harmful because collagen and elastin are very difficult for cells to regenerate. Ultra Violet Burning Rays are the rays that actually burn skin and cause a tan or that orange leathery look in more mature individuals (years and years of damage). Some sun damage can be reversed thru chemical peels and microdermabrasion.

SPF = Sun Protection Factor. The sun protection factor is the amount of time you can remain under Ultra Violet Radiation before getting physically sun burnt. Scientists have found that humans can stay in the sun a total of 10 minutes before burning. This means that if a product has a Sun Protection Factor of 15 you can stay in the sun 150 minutes before you have to re-apply your sunscreen. So an SPF of 30 would mean:

SPF 30 X 10 MINUTES = 300 MINUTES

So you can stay in the sun for up to 300 minutes before you have to re-apply your sunscreen. The reason we have to re-apply our sunscreen is because it absorbs into the skin. 

Physical sunscreen vs. Chemical Sunscreen These are the two types of sunscreens that can be purchased. A Physical sunscreen contains ingredients like "Zinc Oxide" and "Titanium Dioxide" which are anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial. Physical sunscreens are best for sensitive and acne prone individuals because they are less likely to irritate the skin. This type of sun-screen reflects and scatters both UVA and UVB rays before they hit the skin. Chemical Sunscreens contain "avobenzone", "oxybenzone", and "octinozate" Work different than physical sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens still protect against both UVA and UVB Rays. Chemical sunscreens can be a bit more irritating to the skin. They have a sun-screening chemical that is absorbed into the skin and soaks up UV Radiation before it can harm the skin. 

There are differing opinions about which type of sunscreen is better. I believe that physical sunscreens are more beneficial to sensitive and acne prone clients along with young children. Chemical sunscreen is better for normal to dry skin individuals and mature clients. Most chemical sunscreens are moisturizers as well. Sunscreens are available in a lotion, cream, spray, and even foundation form. Whichever form you choose be sure that you are re-applying at least every two hours! Here are some of my favorites!

 

Epicuren - Physical Sunscreen SPF 20 

Jan Marini - Chemical Sunscreen SPF 30

SkinCeuticals - Physical Sunscreen SPF 30 

Thanks you for reading! Please ask as many questions as you like :)

If Pubes Could Talk: Waxing Tips for Men

"Manscaping", "Manzillian" These are just a few of the terms used to describe men's bikini waxing. Lets face it guys want to be smooth too! Some men do want to look like those slick skinned oiled up Dolce and Gabbana models, and trust me guys, your girls or guys want you to look that way too! Or maybe you just want to go to the beach but are embarrassed because your body looks like chewbacca (It's natural!)

Either way how do you get past your fear of picking up the phone, calling your local spa or salon and asking those dreaded words "Do you wax men?" In this post I'll teach you how to get your pubic hairs (and all other hair) removed from your body in the classiest way with the least amount of pain possible. Here goes. 

Tip One: Do Your Research!

If you have ever had a bad waxing experience it's probably because you didn't ask questions before or during the booking of your waxing appointment. It's always important to do your research on the place your going to bare it all before you bare it all and leave yourself vulnerable. Some smart questions to ask: While booking your appointment:

• "What type of wax do you use?"  There are two different types of waxes that are used for hair removal. "strip wax" and "hard wax". 
• Strip wax is usually used on larger parts of the body i.e. Chest, Back, legs and arms. It's placed then removed with a strip of palin (looks like white paper). Your esthetician should apply baby powder to your skin before hand so the wax only sticks to the hair not your skin. It you don't see them reaching for powder then "Houston you've got a problem!".
• Hard wax is usually used for smaller areas of the body: underarms, bikini area, and the face. This wax is placed and removed by peeling it off the skin. Baby oil is applied before hair removal so the wax doesn't stick to the skin. 

It's good to know what type of wax is being used during your service because strip wax isn't always the best choice for more ethnic skin types. It can lift sensitive skin easier causing pigmentation spots. Hard wax is sometimes preferred because it can be applied to the same area more than one without damaging the skin.

• "Do you use a numbing solution?" Numbing or "desensitizing solutions" contain two active ingredients: Lidocaine or Benzocaine. These ingredients work to numb the surface of the skin and take the sting out of waxing.
• Some spa's sell numbing solutions for guests to take home and use before coming in for their waxing service others apply the numbing solution during the service.
• Taking an Advil or Tylenol 30 minutes before waxing will also help to brighten your experience.
• "Do you drape?"
• Depending on the waxing service your getting some estheticians will drape certain areas to make clients feel comfortable. Draping is a personal preference for each esthetician, but it's good to know.

Tip Two: Trim before you go in!

This is important so read closely. Hair growth is a constant activity in the body processes. It's essential that your hair isn't too short or too long when you go in for a waxing service because your esthetician must be able to remove your hair from the root while all hair is the same length. Once this is achieved hair growth will slow down and soften.

• Hair should be a quarter of an inch if it's fine and half an inch if it's coarse. This length is necessary In order to get the best results from your service. 

Final Tip: Just do it!

The outcome of depilatory waxing is very rewarding. You will have smoother exfoliated skin and hair will grow back slower and softer. Good luck guys!

Funny Story About a Guy Who Braved a Manzillian


                

Junkie 2 Junkie: Sothys Nourishing Body Oil

To all my product junkies believe me when I say this amazing body oil will change your life! It's from Sothy's Beauty Garden collection that's out this fall. Not only does it have a unique consistency, it's made with Organic Helianthus (Sunflower Oil) that leaves your skin feeling silky smoooooth!

BANG FOR YOUR BUCK:
I've been using this products for six weeks and my skin feels amazing! For about $35 this product last for at least 6 months because a little goes a long way. There are not synthetic chemicals or fillers in this product which makes it close to organic! The natural plant oils really help to hydrate the skin and restore it's pH. This oil also contains Vitamin E, antioxidants and contributes to the anti aging skin regimen! Huile Nourrissante has a floral smell that's not overwhelming. It's light, sexy and seductive :)

GOTTA HAVE IT: 
I would recommend Hulie Nourrrissant to anyone that is experiencing dry chapped or dull skin anywhere on their body. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant which means it's gong to help repair the skin cells that are damaged by Ultraviolet Radiation aka the sun! It also plays an amazing role in anti aging by helping to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. For smoother softer skin I would definitely try this body oil, besides you can never go wrong with French products!





 

Skin: What's Your Type?

One of the most important things I learned in Esthetics school was that when purchasing skin care products it's important to first know what type of skin you have. That, and never apply too much wax over someone's eyebrows because their face will be bald once that strip comes up. No, I don't speak from experience but yes, I have seen it happen!  The perfect example of purchasing the wrong product would be walking into a department store and picking up a foaming cleanser for oily skin when your skin is tight, dry, and lacking water. Don't fall victim! doesn't matter how pretty the box is OR how good it smells don't purchase the wrong product. The best way to discover your skin is to examine it with a magnifying mirror, those $3 round ones from any drugstore work great! First wash your hands and cleanse your skin with an appropriate cleanser then use your mirror to examine. Your looking at the size of your pores,texture and conditions of your skin. There are five different skin types. I've put them together here along with some characteristics to help you determine what type of skin you have. Enjoy!

NORMAL SKIN (Lucky you!)

If you have normal skin you are very fortunate because your skin is even-textured and problem free without spots or blemishes. (People would probably kill for your skin. Literally!) Also you have small to medium sized pores (This is were that magnifying mirror comes in!) and your skin has an equal balance of water and oil. This means your skin is naturally well moisturized. Overall your skin looks smooth, healthy and clear. Follow a good skincare routine using a quality facial wash, toner and moisturizer every day, and a scrub once or twice a week. Monthly maintenance facials are perfect to keep your skin glowing throughout the year.  

Products for Normal Skin Types:

PCA Skin's - "Creamy Cleanser" - Cleanser

Epicuren Discovery's - "Protein Mist Toner" - Toner

Guinot Paris's - "Creme Hydra Beaute" - Moisturizer

Dermalogica's - "Daily Microfoliant" - Facial Scrub

Dry Skin

I like to call dry skin the "emotional skin type" it's happy when you take care of it but easily irritated :) Dry skin usually feels rough and can be scaly and tight when your move your facial muscles. It is very sensitive and has to be carefully looked after. In fairer skin types your skin can become read just from wind that is too cold. Unlike other skin types you are lacking oil in your skin and this is what causes dry skin and wrinkles. Chapping and cracking are signs of extremely dry, dehydrated skin. Dry skin needs plenty of gentle cleansing, regular stimulation with massage and generous quantities of moisturizer, specifically one with a nice amount of essential oils that is still hydrating (putting water into the skin). Washing dry skin with soap and water not only removes grime but also the natural oils protecting the skin. Once again leaving it sensitive and irritated, hey, your skin has feeling too! Use a creamy cleanser and at least once a week use a replenishing facial mask.

Products for Dry Skin: 

Guinot's "Moisture Rich Cleansing Milk" - Cleanser
Guinot's "Moisture Rich Toning Lotion" - Toner

Guinot's "Continous Nourishing Cream" - Moisturizer 

Decleor's - "Aromessence Angelique" - Essential Oil

Combination Skin

Combination skin is one of the most common skin types. It exists when there is an improper balance of oil and water in the skin. in other words some parts of your face are producing more oil than others. Strange right? This skin type is characterized by oily areas, straight down the middle of the face, the center of the forehead, nose and chin. This area is called the T-Zone. It's named this because you can connect those areas forming a "T" across your face, get it? Your face also has some dry areas like the cheeks and sometimes the forehead. Your neck may also tend to be dry (remember your neck and decollete are an extension of your face. Whatever you do to your forehead you should extend downwards to slow down the signs of aging) If you have this skin type don't fret, Here are some tips to re-balance your skin. Avoid harsh products (like soap) that will dry out your skin. Causing the dry sections to become dryer and the oily sections to produce more oil. Also don't use anything too greasy this will exacerbate the problem. Try different products on different areas of your face. i.e. oil-free products on the greasy areas and moisturizing products on the dry areas. 

Products for Combination Skin Types:

Epicuren Discovery's - "Citrus Herbal Cleanser" - Cleanser 

PCA Skin's - "Nutrient Toner" - Toner 
BioElements - "Absolute Moisture" - Moisturizer 
Epicuren Discovery's - "Zinc Oxide Sunscreen SPF 20" - Sunscreen 

Oily Skin

Oily skin can be a pain because the more oil that accumulates on the surface of your skin, the easier it is for bacteria to mix with the dirt and sweat on your skin and cause spots, blemishes, whiteheads or blackheads.If you have oily skin like me! you skin is usually greasy and shiny all over, especially on the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) Your skin may or may not have a coarse texture and your pores tend to be medium to large and clog with a sebaceous material (Oil) causing blemishes. Although, Having breakouts does not ALWAYS mean you have oily skin. Lastly, you skin might get dull looking and patchy. Keep it as clean as possble by using a good quality facial wash twice a day, a facial scrub two or three time a week and an oil-free moisturizer that will leave the skin matte, twice a day, morning and night. A clay mask used weekly, can also make a big difference. As the clay dries it absorbs the excess oil from the pores, along with dirt and dead skin cells. This helps to keep the pores clean. Over a period of time a clay mask will help to reduce the appearance of open pores as the blockages that make them appear larger are removed. Don't over stimulate oily skin with harsh products or those that will over dry the skin. Avoid soap as it will disturb the skin's natural protective layer and make the problem worse.

Products for Oily Skin

Jan Marini's - "Bioglycolic Oily Skin Facial Cleanser" - Cleanser

Murad's - "Acne Complex Introductory Kit" - Kit

Guinot's "Pure Balance Cream" - Moisturizer

Now that you know your skin type you will never be fooled by those cute little shelf talkers or gift with purchase deals. Skincare is about keeping the right balance of oil and water in your skin through pH balancing products and targeted skincare treatments by a licensed Esthetician a.k.a. "Yours Truly". I hope this post was useful and thank you for reading!

JUST.FACE.IT. My ode to skincare...

What do you think of when you hear the word skincare? Me. right? I created this blog to share information with whoever is interested enough to read this :) I'm a newly graduated Esthetician with a passion for faces. There is so much wrong information on the internet, and in department stores, *CRINGE*  I'd like to do my part and educated you on how to properly take care of your skin. My mission is to enhance your natural beauty while working on preventative care because no one likes wrinkles!! Product reviews and makeup tips will be jumbled in there too! Sit back, relax and Just. Face. It.