Heat Wave

Where has the time gone? I can't believe I haven't blogged since May! Its been busy busy around here. My summer ad came out and I've been bombarded with appointments. Can't complain about that! The hot ticket seems to be brazilian bikini waxes. For $35, who can beat that deal. And with the heat wave we're having in the desert, I can see why. I'm headed off to the beach myself this weekend for a little r&r. I'll be loading up on the sunscreen and my favorite SPF hat. I still do chemical peels on my skin in the summer so I have to make sure I cover my face. Looking forward to playing in the water and squishing my feet in the sand (a great exfoliator, especially for your heels!)Stay cool and stay protected from the sun. Remember the biggest cause of aging is sun damage.

Eat Your Wrinkles Away

Click on this great article below I came across about which foods and drinks can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Eat Your Wrinkles Away

An esthetician can only do so much for a person's skin in the treatment room. The use of good products suitable for your specific skin type and condition are key to healthy skin, but so is your diet. During a skin consultation where you fill out a form about your skin and eating habits, be honest. We can tell by looking through our 5x magnifying glass if you really do drink as much water as you say.
There are some great skin care products out there that can help improve the condition of your skin, but that is only part of it. We need you to do your part too. Eat and drink healthy, follow your skin care protocol, and come in for maintenance facials. With the combination of these three things, your skin will look and feel younger. And who wouldn't want that!

Crazy for Quinoa

Quinoa ( Say:Keen-wa)
I've been telling everyone I know about my new favorite thing to eat, Quinoa. I eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It can be eaten cold or hot, by itself or in an entree.
Quinoa is high in fiber, a good source of iron, and has all eight essential amino acids. This whole grain has 7g of protein in just 1/4 cup, which is a great substitution for vegetarians and is naturally gluten free.
Quinoa has been called the "Mother Grain of the Andes." It comes from Bolivia, grown in the high altitudes and has been the Inca's main source of food.
You can get Quinoa at most major markets and health stores. Costco also now sells it in 64oz. bags.

Try this dish for a satisfying breakfast:
Boil 2 cups water then add 1c. Quinoa and cover and simmer for 10-15 min.
When finished place 1 c. cooked Quinoa in a bowl, add your desired amount of milk, dried fruit (optional) ,and sweetener (honey or agave nectar are good choices). And enjoy!

healthy eating=healthy skin

Revamp Your Products

The Specials of the Month features PCA skincare products. Purchase a buy one get one free facial and receive 20% off all skin care products. This is the perfect opportunity to revamp that dull, lifeless, skin. A facial will increase circulation and stimulate the skin. Your skin will be more hydrated and your skincare products will work more effectively. Getting on a proper skin care regimen will help improve your skin's tone and texture. I find that so many clients are using the wrong products for their skin type. With this months special, you can get the proper treatment for your skin without breaking the bank.

May/June Specials

My new ad just arrived in Clipper Magazine! A new waxing special was added for these upcoming hot summer days! Buy two waxings and get one free. Can't beat that. Maybe its time to try out a Brazilian bikini wax or how about shaping those unruly eyebrows. And still a great deal for facials. Buy one get one free. $100 off permanent makeup. Imagine getting out of the pool, lake, or ocean with your makeup still on. Look fabulous without even trying!

No coupon needed. So get out your phones and start dialing. Make your appointment today!

SPF Hats

Even with sunscreen on, we still need that added protection. Living in the desert, a hat is a must have for me. I love all the SPF clothing that is out now. Its becoming more and more stylish. Check out these websites for some great SPF 30 sun hats:

http://www.sunprotectionhats.com
http://www.sungrubbies.com/
http://www.coolibar.com/

Many of the hats are even physician endorsed, which means the hats block up to 98% of the harmful UVA and UVB rays and are UPF 50+ rated (equivalent to SPF 30)

You can also check your local sports shops (Sports Chalet, Sports Authority) for SPF hats and clothing.

Sun Savvy

As I finished giving one of my clients a chemical peel, I began to go over the after care protocol with her. My one thing I stressed to her was SUNSCREEN, SUNSCREEN, SUNSCREEN. She told me she doesn't wear it during the week because she works indoors. Unfortunately I've heard this excuse before. We need sunscreen every day, even if we work indoors. When you're driving to your job or school ,you're being exposed. When you run outside to grab the mail ,you're being exposed. Even on cloudy days, your skin is exposed to UV rays. Unless you're home sick and won't be leaving the house all day, make sure you apply your sunscreen. Makeup that contains an SPF is not enough for those sunny days either.

Some tips for applying sunscreen:

• Apply a generous amount(about the size of a quarter)


• Apply sunscreen about 30 minutes before exposure to sun


• Don't forget your neck, declotte and ears


• Reapply 2-4 hours after you're in the sun


• Reapply immediately after swimming or excessive sweating

For those of you who drive, don't forget about applying sunscreen to your hands and arms. Who wants sunspots on our hands! After applying sunscreen, wearing a hat is still a good idea.Preferably a wide brimmed hat that covers your entire face and neck. Sunglasses are also a must have to prevent crows feet around the eyes.

Remember sun damage is the biggest cause of aging. So lets lather up!

A life without gluten

I started implementing a gluten free diet sometime in November of last year, but it wasn't until late December when I realized I was on the right track. My sister had gotten me Elisabeth Hasslebeck's book, The G Free Diet, for Christmas, and I read it in about two days. As I was reading her story about having celiac disease (gluten intolerance), it was like me telling my own story. I could relate to so many things and I felt like I wasn't alone in my journey. Sometime later I shared this book with my neighbor for her husband to read. He too had the same story and came to the same conclusion. Since then we have been able to share our ideas, GF recipes, and new GF products. My neighbor started a blog, We Being G-Free, to chronicle their family's journey into a life without gluten. For any of you out there that are gluten intolerant or know someone that is you may enjoy following their story. With 1 in 133 people in the United States having celiac disease, its nice to share the information.

Gentle Exfoliant

My favorite daily exfoliator that I like to use is PCA's Gentle Exfoliator. I keep a bottle in my shower and use it every morning. It's a non-abrasive creamy scrub that is very effective in preventing the build up of dead skin cells. With the combination of aloe vera and glycolic acid, your skin is polished and smooth feeling. Great for keeping those pores cleaned out.

Milia

Milia, or whiteheads, is caused by an accumulation of dead keratinized cells and sebum trapped beneath the skin. Very similar to a blackhead, yet you cannot extract them as easily. When they are extracted though, the trapped matter feels like a grain of sand.

The best way to treat milia, is by daily exfoliation and facials. A good exfoliator will help slough off the dead cells and excess sebum so it doesn't get trapped under the skin. A facial will further soften the skin and with the proper tools and technique, the esthetician can extract the milia.

The Brazilian Bikini wax

We dread getting it done, yet every month we hoist ourselves up on the table and prepare ourselves for whats going to happen next....yes ladies its the dreaded bikini wax. And not just any bikini wax, the Brazilian bikini wax.

There has been so much talk about Brazilian bikini waxes and its been called so many different things, "Full Brazilian, " The Sphynx", "Full Monty", "The Playboy", but what is it really?

A Brazilian bikini wax involves removing hair in the pubic and anal area. You can either have it all removed or you can leave a small strip of hair , called "the landing strip", towards the top of the public bone. All modesty is left at the door and your legs are put in various positions in order to remove all the hair. After the hair is removed in the front, you flip over and get on all fours to remove the hair in the anal area.

Its really not as bad as it may sound. The procedure is over fairly quick and then you are on you way and you won't have to worry about it again until next month. No more shaving. The pain is tolerable, and the more you get it done the less your hair grows in. See there is a light at the end of the tunnel. So what are you waiting for?

Spring Deals

Its finally here! My ad went out this past weekend to local residents in the Clipper Magazine. Thanks to Clara Wallace Art & Design for designing my ad. Love it! Already a great response. Some great deals untl May 5th ladies and gents. So get them while they're hot! You don't need a coupon to cash in. Just mention the ad when you make your appointment.

DIY Avocado Mask

The Avocado Festival in Fallbrook, CA is just around the corner and its got me thinking of avocados. I eat avocados almost everyday. I love them! They're high in protein, vitamins, and essential fatty acids which are good for the body and for the skin. So why not slather some avocado on your face to give your skin some extra nourishment.

This mask is great for mature and dry skin but it is suitable for all skin types.

1/2 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted

1 Tbsp plain organic yogurt

1 Tbsp honey (optional, for added moisture)

Combine all ingredients in a blender and process for 20 seconds. Apply immediately to a cleansed face and rest for ten minutes. Rinse off with warm water and follow with a moisturizer.

Spring Cleaning

Spring is here! Time for the spring cleaning, and I'm not talking about your house. This is the time to spring clean your skin. After battling some of the harsh temperatures of winter, you skin is in need of some TLC. A facial is just the solution. Cleaning out your pores, sloughing off the dead skin, and adding more hydration can be achieved during your facial. A facial will bring back that glow and increase its circulation that it may not of had during the cold winter months.

This is the time to also go through your skin care products and see if you need to change things. With warmer temperatures on the way, you may want to use a lighter moisturizer. And you may want to up the SPF on your sunscreen, 30+ or even 70+ .

With my great spring deals going on right now, you can buy one facial and get the second one free. Spring cleaning never sound so fun !

Beauty Sites

I've been lost without my laptop this past week. I finally got it back from being repaired and I am so happy to be surfing the web again. I didn't realize how much I used it until I didn't have it! I like to log on and get the daily news from AOL and entertainment updates from popeater.com. I check out my favorite beauty sites when I'm looking for the new trends and new products. I always check sephora.com for whats new in makeup and I like to go on instyle.com to read the celebs beauty secrets. I also check skininc.com for the latest in skincare.

What beauty websites do you like to surf to get your information?

BPO Cleanser 5%

My go to cleanser for acne and breakouts is BPO Cleanser 5% by PCA Skin. It has 5% benxoyl peroxide, which is antibacterial and very effective in treating acne. This cleanser also has botanical extracts (chamomile and aloe vera) that help soothe and calm the skin. I love using this cleanser on myself too when I get an occasional breakout. It has a creamy consistency without the oily residue feeling.

Used twice a day in your daily skin care regimen, your skin will clear up without drying out.

Back Pain Relief

Over the weekend my husband hurt his lower back, yet again. He has a history of back pain that comes and goes. Usually when it starts hurting like this he is limping around for a week. The first day it happened, he had to lay down. The next morning I had to help him get up each time he sat down. Later that morning he was outside and our neighbor came over. My husband explained what had happened to his back. Our neighbor went home and returned with a foam roller. He explained how to use it and had my husband get down on the roller to try some of the stretches. After doing the stretches on the roller for a few minutes, he got up and felt almost no back pain. He was able to work the rest of the day with very little pain. We hurried out and bought one at Sports Chalet ($39.99) He's been using it twice a day now and loves it. I am sold on this thing! Check out the website for yourself.

http://www.gofit.net/foam-roll.php

Cleansing 101

With everything our face is exposed to each day; smoke, pollution, dirt, bacteria, germs, we need a good cleansing. A proper cleansing can help prevent breakouts and blackhead and keep the skin clean and healthy. Follw these simple tips to get your skin squeeky clean!

• Start with the right cleanser for your skin type. Oily skin: look for products that contain benxoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Dry skin: look for moisturizing ingredients.

Bar soap(such as Dial soap) is a no-no. Because of its high alkalinity, it can cause irritation and aggravation to the skin. There are some great skin care companies that have formulated their cleansers into a bar soap. That is o.k. to use. Check with a skin care therapist if you need help selecting one that's suitable for your skin.

• Use lukewarm water when washing your face. Hot water is too stripping and can damage the skin and cold water closes the pores making the cleansing process ineffective.
• Cleanse your skin with upward gentle movements. Downward movements can drag down the skin and cause sagging. Work the product in for a good 10-15 seconds. A washcloth is acceptable to use during the cleansing process. However rough abrasive items such as Buf-Pufs and loofahs are too aggressive and damaging to the skin.
• Rinse thoroughly to make sure all cleanser has been removed.
• In some cases a second cleansing is needed. Women that wear excess amounts of makeup may need to wash twice to remove all product.
• Pat dry with a clean towel. Do not rub the skin.

Cleanse your skin twice a day; in the morning and in the evening. Over washing strips the skin's natural barrier and is not healthy. Follow cleansing with a treatment serum and/or moisturizer.

Blackheads

Many people will stop me when they know what I do for a living to show me their various skin conditions. Just because I work with skin doesn't mean I can diagnose every skin ailment out there. Some conditions are a mystery and need to be examined by a dermatologist. But there are many common skin disorder that people are unfamiliar with but are easy to treat and prevent.

Over time, I'll try and explain many of these problems. The first and most common one I see is a blackhead.

Blackheads (open comedones) are a mass of keratinized cells and hardened sebum that plug a hair follicle. When the skin is not properly cleansed and/or there is an excess production of sebum the follicles get trapped with this dirt and debris. I see most blackhead on nose, but they can appear anywear.

To treat a blackhead, they must be removed. That's where a facial is a good idea. During a facial the esthetician performs extractions and properly squeezes the debris out of the hair follicle. Be very careful if you are extracting them yourself. you don't want to scar yourself by squeezing wrong.

To prevent blackheads, use a proper cleanser suitable for your skin and an exfoliator is a needed to slough off the excess sebum and debris that accumulates on the skin.

Eyebrow Color

Because the majority of women color or highlight their hair (I can't even tell you what my natural color is), they're not sure what to do with their eyebrows. Should they color them? Should they lighten them? Here's a good rule of thumb to go by. If your hair is on the lighter side, your brows should be two shades darker than your hair color. If your hair is dark, your brows should be one shade lighter than your hair color.

I would recommend going to an esthetician (such as myself) that does brow tinting. An appropriate color is applied to your brows and processes for approx 5-15 min. Then Ta-Da! New eyebrows that look great with that new haircolor. Brow tinting is great for covering grey hairs too. Usually lasts about 3-4 weeks.

Home Remedies

Another weekend is fast approaching us and unfortunately I'll be spending most of it on the couch. I've been trying so hard to not get my boys colds but it didn't work. I guess that's what happens when your kids wipe themselves all over you, cough in your face and touch your face with their dirty hands.

I woke up feeling like my head was going to explode and my throat is very sore. I dislike cough & cold meds so I'm just doing what I always do. Saline spray for the nose and a teaspoon of honey for the throat. Tonight I'm going to put my head over a pot of hot water with a few drops of eucalyptus. That seems to do the trick.

My girlfriend keeps raving about the netti pot. She swears by it. I suppose I should go out and get one of those.

Home remedies seem to always work better then the meds they have out there. I remember when I was younger, my friend's mom would put slices of raw potato on her kids foreheads if they had a fever. Anyone out there have their own home remedies for relieving symptoms of colds and sinus congestion?

Facial Massage

Who doesn't love a massage? I love getting my muscles rubbed and I love to feel all my stress and tension dissipate. But what about a facial massage? Is the same thing happening? The answer is yes. With all the smiling and frowning that we do all day, our face muscles need a break. Not only does a facial massage relieve stress and tension it also does quite a few other things that are good for our skins health.

• Strengthens and tones the muscle fibers



• Helps deplete excess fluids- reduces puffy or sagging areas



• Increases the secretion of sebum- helps skin maintain its moisture, resulting in a more youthful glow.



• Improves circulation, which is essential for cell growth



• Increases collagen production

There are different types of facial massages that are more appropriate than others for various skin conditions; swedish, acupressure, lymphatic drainage, hot stone, aromatherapy.

So next time you're getting a facial, sit back and relax. Your face with enjoy it.

Nutrition & the Skin Part II

So what should we be eating and what should we be staying away from to improve our skin. Obviously not everyone is going to drastically change their diet the way that I have nor would they want to, but there are some things that you can do that aren't too difficult.

1. Limit your sugar intake. Because I still have a sweet tooth, I substitute refined sugar with honey and agave sugar.
2. Drink green tea. Great antioxidant benefits.
3. Eat more fruits and vegetables. The brighter, the better.
4. Limit alcohol intake
5. Cut down on processed foods.
6. Eat foods rich in omega-3; salmon, nuts..

Just some very simple steps to not only help you feel better but to look better as well.
I found a great article about how sugar affects your skin. You should check it out.
http://health.discovery.com/centers/healthbeauty/beautybasics/shunsugar.html

Nutrition & the Skin Part I

Nutrition is so vital to having good skin and there's so much to talk about that I'll break it into a few parts. I'll first explain to you my journey with eating healthy. After having stomach issues for a couple years, I found out I had celiac disease (gluten intolerance) and I had lactose intolerance. I had to totally change the way I ate. Not only was I a lover of bread but I had a major sweeth tooth. All that was suddenly taken away and I had to learn to eat differently.
I cut out all bread, refined sugars, and all dairy. I began eating more fruits and vegetables and different grains like quinoa and buckwheat. I stopped drinking coffee and switched completely to green tea.
I have been on this new way of eating for about four months now. Just this past week I have noticed a complete change in my skin. For as long as I can remember, my face would always be red and slightly blotchy. I would always need a foundation to even out my skin tone. Now all of the redness is gone and my skin has a glow to it.
My new way of eating has completely changed my skin. Now I can see why and how it can really effect your body. And now I can teach my clients why proper nutrition is good for the skin and how it may solve some of their skin problems. Its true that we need to heal things from the inside out.

Before & After Lashes

My client came in to get eyelash extensions before her big weekend in Vegas. She wanted the upper lashes only for a more subtle look. We started out with shorter lashes then flared them out with longer ones at the ends. Love em'!

Faux Lashes

Any big plans this weekend? A party? A date? Girls Night Out? Faux lashes would be just the thing for your big weekend. I've been doing eyelash extensions for a couple years now and they are so fun to have. What girl wouldn't want beautiful, full, long black lashes? If you're unfamiliar with what eyelash extensions are let me tell you more about them. They're individual lashes that come in different sizes which I glue to your own lashes. Faux lashes are black with a slight curl, so there is no need for mascara or curling. You just wake up and go!

Eyelash extensions will last about 3-4 weeks and then if you want to continue having them (which of course you will) you get refills placed where the others came off. And if you don't want them anymore, no worries. They just fall off naturally. Your real lashes do not get ruined.

No more messing with those strip lashes at the drugstore. Eyelash extensions are virtually maintenance free. And with the special going on right now, 50% off lash extensions, what are you waiting for!

Permanent Makeup

Get a tattoo on my face? Are you crazy? I'm sure thats what a lot of women are thinking when they hear permanent makeup. Its not as crazy as you would think though. There are many reason and benefits of having your makeup tattooed.

• Saves time & money
• Avoids allergic reactions to regular makeup
• No smudging, smearing, or running of makeup
• Wake up with perfect makeup every morning
• Fills in brows where hairs were lost
• Creates thicker looking lashes
• No more losing makeup for those with oily skin
• Enhances natural features

I chose the SofTap® method to apply permanent makeup for many reasons. Its one of the easiest and gentlest ways to place permanent color into the skin. The SofTap® tools are designed to provide complete technician control, little or no touch ups, and fast healing.

And rest assured, topical numbing creams are applied to ease the pain and discomfort. Permanent makeup does fade over time and in most cases needs to be refreshed about every 3-5 years.

So the next time you're filling in your brows with a pencil or applying your eyeliner, think about how great it would be to have it already done with permanent makeup. Not crazy, just practical.

Monthly Specials

I just added another feature to my blog. Click on "Specials this Month" to see what great deals I have. If you live locally and want to be pampered, you're in the right spot.

Even in these tough times, we still need to look and feel our best. A great money saver too is getting your permanent eyeliner done. Think of all the money you'll save when you don't have to buy eyeliner from the store anymore!

Specials will change monthly so be sure to check back often. I love getting new clients on board and I love referrals!

Winter Skin

Brrrr. I woke up this morning and it's freezing outside. Living in the desert with occassional 80 degree temperatures in the daytime, I forget that its still Winter. My skin really notices the cold temps too. Do you have the same problems with your skin this time of year? One of the biggest problems that we make during this time of year is we don't change our skin care products. What you use in the Summer is not always whats going to work for your skin in the Winter. Our skin need more moisturizing than in the hot months. Change out your nighttime moisturizer for a richer formula. Even oily skin can benefit from this. You may need to also add a serum to your routine as well. A serum penetrates deeper into the layers of skin than a moisturizer can. It can be used in conjunction with your moisturizer. My personal favorite is Hydrating Serum from PCA Skin. It works on all skin types and gives your skin that extra boost. And even though its cold out, don't forget the sunscreen. Also remember to drink your daily fluids.

Teen Acne

My girlfriend brought her 16 year old son in this past weekend to see what we could do about his acne. His was mainly on the forehead(due to wearing a beanie all day). I spent the majority of the facial doing extractions to clean out his pores. After the facial I went over some key points in keeping his skin clean. Below are a few things that your teen can do themselves;

1. Wash your face 2x day. Do not overwash even though you're feel oily
2. If you wear hats, make sure you wash them at least 1x week
3. Change your pillowcase often
4. Wipe down and disinfect cell phones daily
5. Teen girls(Don't share makeup & wash makeup brushes at least 1x month)
6. Keep hands away from face & no picking!
7. Schedule regular facials to control the oil production & clean out the pores.

I recommend a skin care treatment that involves benzoyl peroxide which is anti-bacterial and very effective in healing blemishes. My cleanser of choice is PCA phaze 31 BPO 5% Cleanser. Its very gentle and calming on the skin. Click on "Products I Recommend" to read more about it.

Staying Hydrated

One of my new years resolutions this year was to drink more water. It never seems to be a problem for me in the summertime, but when its cold outside I tend to drink less water. But how much water should we really be drinking every day? I've heard various answers over the years 5-8 glasses, 8-10 glasses. Which is it and what size should each glass be? After doing a little research on the subject, there is no exact number. There are many factors to consider that would determine the correct amount for each individual person; activity level, climate, diet...
I found a website with a water calculator that helps figure out how much you should be drinking daily. My results were 60.5 ounces. So almost 8 8oz glasses a day. That I can do.
Remember staying hydrated will keep your skin from looking dull, scaly, and stiff. Try the calculator yourself and drink up!

Water Calculator

Anti-Aging Treatment

I've been telling clients for years that the best anti-aging treatment for your skin besides sunscreen is retinol. Prescription retinol (Retin-A, Renova) works great but tends to leave your skin red, sensitive, and dry. I've always put up with it because I knew it was great for anti-aging and acne. The skin care line I use and love, PCA Skin came out with a prescription strength retinol of their own. Retinol Renewal gives me all the same benefits of the prescriptions but without the irritating side effects. It was even featured in the new issue of New Beauty magazine. My new favorite product!

[added]

It can be used on sensitive skin without the irritation of the prescriptions. I do sell it at my studio and I am working on getting my website set up to sell online as well.

Skin Studio Photos

My new home away from home. I love working in here! So cozy and warm. Makes what I do that much more enjoyable. I'm gearing up for Valentine's Day. Always a busy time for eyelash extentions and facials. Who doesn't love to be pampered and looking their best for their main squeeze. Even I'm going to find some time to get a facial and massage before V-day.

Top 5 Drugstore Buys

I'm always recommending inexpensive beauty items to my clients that they can pick up at the drugstore. Here are a list of my top 5 drugstore buys that I have stocked in my vanity.

1. Aquaphor Healing Ointment
My hands and lips are always needing extra hydration. For hands-I slather it on right before bedtime. For lips-it now comes in small tubes so I have them stashed everywhere and apply as needed.

2. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
A great all around mild cleanser.

3. Neutrogena Sunblock, Ultra Sheer Dry Touch, SPF 55
one of my favorite sunscreens. I love that it doesn't make my skin feel oily and I love the higher SPF.

4. Dove Facial Cleansing ClothsGreat for removing eye makeup and for wiping off makeup before a workout.

5. Burts Bees Vit E Body & Bath Oil w/Sweet Almond Oil
I use this all over my body. A little goes a long way. Best way to use is right after a shower whene your skin is skin slightly wet.

New year. New Studio

I finally have my studio built. I'll post pictures soon. I'm very excited to paint more faces, wax like crazy, and make everyone's skin glow . I'm going to try my hand at blogging as well. A new year with lots of new plans for my business. Stay tuned and wish me luck.