Ring in 2014 with good skin!

Tips for good skin in 2014! 

The start of a new year is always a good time to both reflect and set your sights on what's ahead!  That applies to your skin care regimen as well.  Here are some tips to follow to get the best out of your skin in 2014!

 

• Check the expiration dates on your skin care products and cosmetics. The start of a new year is great time to remember to check those products. Throw out the expired items to avoid using ineffective products or worse yet, old products may run this risk of causing damage or infection especially in the eye area.
• Set a monthly budget.  Just like anything else, make sure you budget time and funds for good skin in 2014. 
• Book a facial.  This is a great time to have your Aesthetician freshen up your skin and leave the grime of 2013 behind!  I like to start all new clients off this way.  I get to see their naked skin with no make up, evaluate their needs and usually perform some much needed extractions. 
• Establish a game plan with your Aesthetician.  Talk about  what changes you would like to see in your skin and come up with a plan of action to reach that goal.  This lets you prepare both mentally and financially for the treatments ahead.  A great time to do this is when you have a facial.
• Weatherproof your skin.  Due to climate changes in your area you may require a change.  Most commonly in dry cold temps your skin needs something a little more hydrating.
• Sign up to receive information from your skin care professional.  Follow their websites or Facebook page.  A good tip is to make sure you are on your professionals email list and are getting the most up to date information about new developments, special savings and promos they may offer.
• Keep up with the sunscreen!  Even though temps are falling, we still need protection from the Sun's rays.  This is one of the best ways to prevent the signs of aging.  Always apply sunscreen last as your protective layer or use a daytime moisturizer containing SPF.  

  Cheers to a Safe, Happy, Healthy & Prosperous 2014!

  

   

  
  
   

5 simple tips to achieve a younger appearance without going under the knife.

Not quite ready to go under the knife?  Here are some simple suggestions to keep you looking younger and feeling great!

Get a chemical peel.  Various types of peels are available and can target your concerns. They are a great way to erase sun damage and fine lines and give your skin a lift without spending a fortune.  There are different types of peels, do your research and talk to your skin care professional about which types are best for you. 

Make sure your make up application and style is not dated and out of style.  Watch current make up trends and visit your local salon or spa for a lesson or professional application. Many department stores offer free make up application!  I wouldn't suggest this doing this for a special event just in case it doesn't meet your taste, but it's a great way to see the season's newest colors and products on how they look on your face.

Improve the look of your eyebrows.  Grays can be tinted and there are lots of techniques to make sure you have the proper shape for your face.  The correct shape can give you the appearance of an instant eye lift!  Many products and services such as waxing and proper application of product are available to help you achieve the right fullness and shape.  Ask your aesthetician about a lesson!

Eyelashes! Long full eyelashes not only add a touch of glamor, but they give a youthful appearance to the eye area.  Eyelash extensions can be enjoyed by women of any age.  This is one of the easiest and more immediate results.  There are also eyelash tinting services available for those with light colored or graying lashes.  There are some great tinting products available and can last up to 4 weeks. 

 









Use the right home care products.  Last but not least make sure you are using pharmaceutical grade skin care products at home.  These are professional grade products that are only available through physicians and licensed aestheticians.  There really is a difference and they can make great change!  These products are FDA regulated and penetrate deeper into the skin.  Unlike over the counter brands they can penetrate into the live tissue of the skin. A good professional skin care product doesn't have to break the bank.  Consult your favorite local skin care pro for help making the right selection. 

How to Create the Perfect Brow Every Time!

Are your brows lacking and in need of help? Proper shaping can give your face a great new look.  Eyebrows give the eye the attention and sparkle it deserves. They frame the eye,  giving richness and beauty to the face.  

 The video above shows great tips on how to create your own awesome brows and it's a service most requested by my clients of all ages!

Below you will find my favorite diagram to date.  I always educate my clients on this method and it's always the perfect shape for any face!  Easy to follow, just use something straight, such as a thin make up application brush to find your lines..  A.) Brows should start by measuring a straight line up from the outer divot of the nostril, that is the little vertical line before the nostril flares out to form the nostril opening .  B.) Notice the arch is highest at the outer edge of the colored part of the eye.  There is never to be an arched out area at the end closest to the nose, which is a common twee-zing mistake.  Notice the brow shape is a beautiful thickness that has a nice diagonal line from the start to the highest part of the arch. C.) The brow should end at a perfect diagonal line from the outer edge of the nose.  Most people lack a little length in this area, it's rare to find someone with enough length.  Product can be applied to make up for any significant shortages in length.

Want Instantly Better Skin? Exfoliate!

Everybody needs to exfoliate, no matter your age or skin condition. Getting better skin fast is quite easy. Just make sure to add a product that exfoliates into your daily routine, and you’ll get glowing skin in no time. Exfoliation helps skin look better right away by removing dead cells from the skin’s surface. Exfoliation does not have to be limited to just your face.  Use it on problematic areas that are subject to break outs like your back, or for those pesky little bumps that appear on the back side of upper arms.  It can also be used on the bikini area to reduce in grown hairs.  Here's a tip: Any exfoliant that you use on your face can be used on the body.  But, unfortunately the opposite is not true!
As we age our cell turnover rate decreases, taking longer for your new cells to reach the outer layer of skin and leaving your complexion dull and lifeless. Additionally, those dead cells cause congestion resulting in black heads, bumpy or acne prone skin.
To rid your skin of the offending dead cells, choose a skin care products with exfoliating ingredients such as:
Glycolic Acid,  which is a highly effective Alpha Hydroxy Acid exfoliant. Check the labels or ask your aesthetician.  Some skin care products cleanse, tone and exfoliate all in one.   Here are some specific product suggestions below, starting with my personal favorite, Image Ageless Total Resurfacing Masque:



An exfoliating blend of Glycolic and Salicylic Acids resurface the skin, gently sloughing off dead cells as a lightening blend diminishes brown spots. This is truly a home mini-peel! Apply at home 1-3 times per week for glowing skin. Great for all skin types.
 

Ageless Total Anti-Aging Serum. Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids help speed cell turnover rates leaving skin smooth and renewed.

Anti aging serum

Ormedic Balancing Facial Cleanser. An organic 3 in 1 cleanser that utilizes Decyl Glucoside, a natural exfoliant and sugar surfactant that exfoliates, moisturizes, and protects skin.

Ormedic Facial cleanser

The Clear Cell Line. All products in this line contain a variety of effective exfoliating ingredients, which are paramount to aiding in reducing skin lesions. AHA and BHA acids, Salicylic Acid, and Micro-Exfoliant beads help loosen congestion while protecting and balancing skin.

Clear Cell line

No matter your skin type, make exfoliation part of your daily skincare routine. You’ll see brighter, healthier skin instantly.

Happy Exfoliating!!

Support Breast Cancer Awareness! Not sure where to start???

Ever Feel like you should get involved, but not sure where to start?  Support Breast Cancer Awareness (BCA) Month!
Many of us support Breast Cancer Awareness but aren’t sure how to get involved… Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of simple things YOU can do:
Walk, Run, Cheer
Join the cause by signing up for a Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure event in your city. Held each Sunday during the month of October, this event is a great way to get involved and get social with other breast cancer awareness supporters and breast cancer survivors. Start a team or go solo. Walk, run, jog… or simply cheer your friends on! You can even sign up to volunteer at a race.
For more information on a race near you visit: http://apps.komen.org/raceforthecure/
(Fun Fact: The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure is the world’s largest and most successful education and fundraising event for breast cancer!)
Bake Your Favorite Treat
If you’re more the foodie type, you can get a group together for a local bake sale! Just choose an organization to donate the proceeds to and set up a table at your local park, school, or neighborhood. You’d be surprised how much money a plate of home-baked goods can raise for a great cause.
Organization Suggestions:
- http://www.breastcancersociety.org
- http://ww5.komen.org
Shop Til You Drop!
Finally, a reason to shop! Your favorite pastime can now support a great cause. Many big brands are donating a portion of their proceeds to organizations in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness this month. To get a list of a few big brands participating visit: http://bit.ly/17bNBdh
No matter how big or small the gesture, your support can and does make a difference. Simply wearing a pink ribbon or telling your friends and family about the importance of regular check-ups can make all the difference in the world. Sign up for a race, start a bake sale, or hit the mall today. You won’t regret the feeling you have knowing you are supporting a truly great cause.

Verrado High School's ROAR! A local high school takes Katy Perry's Roar Challenge!

Brighten Up! Banish Age Spots and More!

Brighten Up! Banish Age Spots And More With Ageless Total Skin Lightening Serum.

I often get asked about treating those pesky dark spots. This is great way to treat gently without the harsh effects of HQ.  Nourishes the skin, leaving it looking and feeling great while targeting those unwanted spots!  I even use it on my sensitive Rosacea face! The Green Tea calms and soothes redness and makes my skin feel hydrated.  The aroma is amazing!

Brighter, more even skin-tone is a goal a lot of us have. Freckles, sun damage, pigmentation abnormalities and acne lesions can make our skin look less than luminous. Using Ageless Total Skin Lightening Serum daily gives your skin the ammunition against unsightly skin irregularities, leaving you with an even complexion.
Most of us have some form of pigmentation issue. Maybe you cannot see it with the naked eye, but it is there. Have you ever looked at your skin under an ultraviolet light like a Woods Lamp? If not, ask your skin care professional to let you take a peek, you may be shocked to see the damage your skin has endured.
Those issues that you can see with the naked eye make your skin look dull, uneven and rough. The cause of these abnormalities is in our melanin cells, which gives our skin its color. When these cells are damaged or otherwise compromised, they react by clumping together, which produces these types of skin issues.
Ageless Total Skin Lightening Serum uses a combination of proven ingredients to lighten freckles, age spots, melasma (dark patches) and even calms the redness associated with Rosacea, sunburn, and post peel treatments. This serum contains Rumex, a plant derived botanical that is a tyrosinase (the enzyme that produces melanin cells) inhibitor. In addition, Kojic Acid, Mulberry, Bearberry and Licorice lighten skin naturally. Green Tea reduces inflammation, while antioxidants including Vitamin C and Emblica work to prevent further damage from free radicals. The serum is oil-free, and great for all skin conditions. In addition to the lightening benefits, you will see tighter, younger looking skin.
Using this serum daily is a great step to more beautiful skin. In addition, to decrease the chances of further damage, do not pick at your acne, this leads to scarring and worsening of the condition. Always use a sunscreen like Prevention + Daily and limit your sun exposure.
Using Ageless Total Skin Lightening Serum plus following these simple rules will get you the glowing, even, gorgeous skin you’ve been longing for, naturally.

Ahhhh, Lavender

 

As a skin care therapist I have experienced the awesome power of Lavender.  I use it during facials as an aroma therapy treatment.  It is amazing how just inhaling the relaxing aroma can change a clients mood and bring them to instant relaxation, making their treatment much more relaxing and effective. As an esthetician I realize that I am not only treating a clients skin, I helping them relax and de-stress which is incredibly important in overall mental and physical health.  I learned Lavender actually has medicinal properties as and can be used  as a home remedy for treating several ailments. This year I planted it in my garden. What a treat!  As I was picking goodies from my garden I often got a whiff of this intoxicating scent bringing a smile to my face and a sense of peace and relaxation.  I cut and dried some of the stems so I could enjoy it indoors.  I came across this interesting article and hope that you will enjoy it as much as I did! -~AJ

 

An Essential Oil for Fundamental Health

Article by Laurie Chance Smith

Lavender essential oil is a one-stop medicine chest, helping to reduce anxiety, fatigue, and stress and balance hormones, increase the immune response, lower blood pressure, and relieve pain. To utilize lavender's healing benefits at home, mix five to 10 drops of lavender essential oil in one ounce of jojoba oil or unscented lotion. (Essential oils shouldn't be applied directly to the skin; it's best to partner them with a carrier oil, liquid, or lotion.)

EarachesFor earaches, dab one drop of lavender massage oil behind the ear and rub gently. Alternatively, place one drop of lavender oil on a cotton ball and carefully place inside the outer ear.

HeadachesInhaling lavender is also effective for headache relief. Add a few drops to a bowl of warm water and breathe. Gently rub lavender massage lotion on the temples, forehead, and base of the neck.

ColdsLavender oil can also help break up coughs and clear sinuses. Colorado-based holistic aromatherapist Nicola McGill suggests the regular home-use of antiseptic essential oils such as lavender to help avoid colds and other infectious diseases. Add a few drops to a vaporizer to help clear colds and infuse the home with lavender's scent.

StressAt night, six to eight drops of lavender added to a warm bath helps melt away stress and relieve fatigue. Blend a foot bath by adding three drops of lavender to a bowl of warm water, sink your feet in, and relax. For help inducing sleep, add two or three drops of lavender essential oil to the underside corner of your pillow.

Tranquil AromaA human takes 23,040 breaths a day, and each inhale floods the system with scent. Rely on lavender's tranquil aroma to clear the way toward peaceful days.

Hyaluronic Acid: Miracle Moisture For Every Type Of Skin

This is a product I get asked about often, so here's the scoop: When it comes to skincare, there are a few things that everyone, regardless of skin condition, needs to do: cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize. When it comes to hydrating your skin, nothing does that (and a few other things!) better than hyaluronic acid. This miraculous fluid is not only indicated for dehydrated, aging, or post treatment skin, it is equally great for oily/acneic skin as well. So how does hyaluronic acid do it all?Hyaluronic acid is a fluid that is already present in the human body. It’s found in skin tissue and lubricates our joints. It can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, effectively binds water to cells, and is responsible for the elasticity and resiliency of the skin. This makes for a super hydration conductor that naturally affects our skin at the cellular level, without oils. Additionally, it works wonders on wounds and any type of irritated or post treatment skin, helping to promote the healing process.As we age, the hyaluronic acid in our body starts to deplete, so it’s a good idea to use a serum, like Ageless Total Pure Hyaluronic Filler on our skin on a daily basis. This unique solution is the perfect addition to any skincare routine. This super concentrated hyaluronic filler is infused with apricot essential oil plus Vitamin E, a potent antioxidant. Skin in transformed after just one application, leaving it totally hydrated. It is immediately plumped, moisturized, and smoothed, without the use of injections. If you lack moisture, your skin is lax, dry, and/or aging, try adding Ageless Pure Hyaluronic Filler to any Image Skincare product to boost its efficacy. Or, for an especially powerful overnight treatment apply the filler followed by Total Retinol-A Crème, you’ll be glowing in the morning. If you have oily or acneic skin, use the serum on its own, for hydration without oil. Smooth a few drops on cleansed skin and let it absorb. You’ll get immediate benefits either way.
For pure, honest hydration hyaluronic acid can’t be beat, no matter what your skin condition.

Business Briefcase - September 3, 2013 | West Valley View Featuring Skin Therapy By AJ

Business Briefcase - September 3, 2013 | West Valley View

Eliminating Brown Spots

 Even Out Your Skin Tone with Good Care Many people develop brown spots on their skin over time, especially if they've had a trauma to their skin or spent much time in the sun. The term for these spots is hyperpigmentation, which describes an excess of pigment in the skin. Often an early sign of aging, they may first appear on the backs of hands. These spots can be faded, but patience for the process is required because repeated treatments will be necessary. It takes regular use of sunscreen to keep hyperpigmentation from returning. (Note that hyperpigmentation is different from hypopigmentation, which appears as lighter spots on the skin).

Hyperpigmentation arises when melanin in the epidermis becomes irritated, so to speak, and increases production, darkening the outer skin and becoming visible at the skin's surface. Regularly scheduled professional treatments, combined with a proper home care regimen, can calm the production of melanin and lighten the skin.

Hyperpigmentation takes different forms. These include:
Freckles/lentigenes.These are the result of an inherited tendency; exposure to the sun will darken their color.
Solar lentigenes.These darkened spots on the skin that some call age spots indicate overexposure to the sun that has resulted in ultraviolet light damage.
Melasma.Melasma is a response to hormone changes, such as those caused by birth control pills, pregnancy, and menopause, resulting in facial spots.
Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.This is the direct result of an injury to the skin. The body's response to injury is inflammation. Some think this inflammation reprograms melanocytes to be hyperactive and to produce more melanin. It affects men and women equally. Some common pigmentation- causing injuries include: abrasions, cuts, and wounds; acne lesions and cysts, excoriations (picking pimples); aggressive chemical exfoliation (peels); aggressive extraction; ingrown hairs; insect bites; scratching; sunburn; and waxing.

There is another type of hyper- pigmentation that is more diffused and appears as an overall darkening of the skin, rather than in patches and spots. This condition should be cared for by a dermatologist, as it may reflect a disease or systemic problem, like Addison's disease or scleroderma.)

Hyperpigmentation can be caused by certain prescription drugs, like antibiotics, antidepressants, barbiturates (depressants), and chemotherapy drugs. Some over-the-counter laxatives with phenolphthalein and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen, can cause hyper- pigmentation. Be sure to record your use of these drugs on the intake form (or on an updated health history) when you arrive and verbally mention them to your esthetician before beginning a treatment.

Occasionally, people mistake darkness under the eyes for hyperpigmentation, but this condition is a reflection of the blood vessels through the surface of the skin. These circles have a variety of causes and can sometimes be treated with peptides.

While hyperpigmentation generally affects all races, some forms of it appear more often with certain skin colors and tones. For example, melasma and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation are more prevalent in darker skin. Solar lentigenes are more prevalent in lighter skin (ninety percent of white adults older than 60 have age spots); they also are more common in women than men.


PreventionIt's very important that you follow the instructions of your skin care professional in preparing for any skin treatments. Your skin care professional will take steps to avoid inducing pigmentation when he or she performs chemical exfoliation, extractions, or waxing. For example, you may be advised to undergo preliminary treatments or to use skin care products, or both, for several weeks before chemical exfoliation (peels) or microdermabrasion. This preparation will reduce the odds of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation and give you better treatment results when you do receive peels or microdermabrasion.

To prevent sun-induced hyper- pigmentation and other skin damage, sunscreen is the most important product to use. Diligent use of sunscreen can prevent further sun damage, but it cannot repair damage already done. Experts strongly recommend using generous amounts of SPF 15 (or higher) sunscreen at all times, reapplying it every few hours. Sunscreens with avobenzone, titanium dioxide, or zinc oxide provide the most complete coverage. Even more importantly, sunscreen reduces ultraviolet light exposure, which reduces the risk of skin cancer.

TreatmentAs a member of Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP), your esthetician is prepared to help address questions you have about your skin and to work with you to determine the most useful care that meets your needs. The treatment of brown spots can be highly effective, but it takes a bit of time. Professional treatments for hyperpigmentation may include chemical exfoliation or micro- dermabrasion in combination with topical products. Or, topical treatments may be used alone. Your esthetician can best determine what will bring you the greatest results. Again, following the directions for home care after professional treatments is very important to your success. Make the most of the time and money you've invested in your treatments by following up on your esthetician's instructions.

Skin Care tip! Put a little of your favorite eye cream above your top lip as well. You can target fine lines in the eye and lip area at the same time.

suffering with acne? you CAN have clear skin

 

The truth about acne is, while it poses some complexities, it’s absolutely possible to improve this condition. To do so, you’ll need to understand the different types of acne, and have an individualized treatment plan. Not every acne treatment or product works the same for, or on, everybody, so be patient.

In addition, don’t overdo, too much of a good thing may worsen your condition! Over-drying your skin no matter how oily it is, will only lead to increased oil production. Likewise, over exfoliating skin compromises the skin’s barrier, allowing bacteria in and aggravating acne. The idea is to treat your specific type of acne while keeping your skin healthy and balanced.
Acne is categorized in four stages:
• Grade 1/Mild: Open Comedones (more commonly known as whiteheads/blackheads)
• Grade 2/Moderate: Open and Closed Comedones/some Papulopustules
• Grade 3/Severe: Pustular Acne
• Grade 4/Cystic: Nodulocystic Acne
Once you know what type of acne you have, you can begin a treatment protocol. The plan starts with a professional assessment and products from Image Skincare’s Clear Cell line. The line is manufactured with treatment-focused ingredients targeted at improving the condition of various types of acne.

Click to enlarge

For example, take a look at Acne Case #1, the client came in with Grade 2 and 3 acne, was put on a 4-week regimen that included Clear Cell plus Vital C products, plus a series of Image Signature Acne Lift Peel™. You can see the remarkable results of this treatment in the before and after pictures. To illustrate the point even further, Acne Case #2 client presented with Grade 1 and 2 acne, and was also treated with Clear Cell products combined with the Daily Defense line, but no peel series, with great results. If these two clients had been treated exactly the same, and used the exact same products, the outcome would have been very different for one of them.
The good news is, acne is treatable, with a little help from Image Skincare. Consult your Image Skincare professional and get started on the road to clear skin today.

Retinol: What’s it all about?

Retinol is no newcomer to the world of skincare. Retinol was first introduced as a treatment for acne 30 years ago. Today, retinol has a great reputation for the care and maintenance of your skin, and could be considered a celebrity among ingredients in the skincare industry.
So what exactly is this stuff?
The term “retinoid” refers to any Vitamin A based molecule. Vitamin A naturally dries the skin and helps exfoliate. Retinol, when used on the skin, has the ability to unclog pores, even out skin discoloration, restore vibrancy of the skin, reduce oiliness, treat acne and improve the appearance of fine wrinkles. This stuff has some serious powerful benefits to the health and vibrancy of your skin.

Let’s dig a little deeper into the benefits of this miracle ingredient.

Treats Acne

We all get that stubborn pimple every now and then, but some of us have much worse cases of persistent adult acne. That’s when retinol steps in to save the day (well, your skin)! It helps unplug your follicles and exfoliate the skin, leaving your pores clear. At the same time, retinol helps to reduce the bacteria, which causes breakouts on your skin. Dermatologists recommend products containing retinol to patients with acne concerns with a great success rate.

Minimizes Discoloration

If you’ve got a slight to severe case of skin discoloration, retinol may be the answer to evening out your skin tone and revealing a more glowing complexion hiding behind those spots. The exfoliating properties in retinol help slough off dead skin cells, leaving lighter, brand new cells in their place.

Reduces Appearance of Fine Wrinkles

Retinol also acts as an antioxidant that fights to repair damaged skin cells, and prevent future damage. When used regularly, retinol can reduce signs of aging and improve skin’s elasticity and youthful appearance. When used as a preventative measure, it can help prevent skin from forming fine lines and wrinkles as we age.

It can be a bit confusing trying to choose a retinol product. There are so many products on the market claiming to offer many of the same benefits to your skin.
IMAGE offers a great retinol-based skincare regimen to help rejuvenate and repair your skin. Ageless anti-aging products prevent and treat the signs of aging and environmental exposures by utilizing AHA blends, nutripeptides, retinols, lightening agents and anti-oxidants to produce ageless skin.

How to get the most out of your facial

 How to get the most out of your facial

A facial is a treat and something to look forward to.  Here are some tips to get the most out of your service.

• Dress casual and comfy, slip on shoes  like flip flops are recommended, so that getting dressed and undressed is easy and quick. 
• A good aesthetician will have you fill out a health history on your first visit. If they have a website look for this form and fill it out prior to arriving, or arrive early to appointment and fill it out there. This allows more time to for "hands on".
• Remember, you skin care professional runs by appointments so arrive a little early to take care of necessary tasks prior to treatment and get the fully allotted service time for your appointment.  You don't want to feel rushed or stressed, it's all about taking care of your skin and relaxing. 
• Arrive with no make up if possible, this allows your aesthetician to spend more time pampering and less time removing make up.
• Discuss any health concerns like allergies, medical issues, sore spots etc that may be affected when getting your facial.  Most facials include some types of massage, be sure and let you aesthetician know if you have any injuries or sensitive areas. Be sure to disclose your medical history in case there are any contraindications.
• Use the restroom before getting started so that nothing distracts you from that relaxing experience you have been waiting for!
• You will undress from the waist up, and feel free to disrobe to you level of comfort.  Most facials include work on your neck, arms shoulders, hands and decollete area.  
• Remember it's all about relaxing and being comfortable.  Ask to ad or remove blankets to make sure the temperature is right for you.
• Most service providers tend to work quietly advising you of necessary information as needed. If you need to address something or ask a question during treatment feel free to do so. 
• Try to schedule your appointment on a day that you can relax and go without make up for the rest of the day.  Although it doesn't "hurt" your face to apply make up after, the effects of the facial can be enjoyed a little longer and the serums etc that are applied can have the benefit of penetrating further into the skin.  
• Plan treatments in advance if you have an upcoming event that you are trying to look your best for.
• You may have some inflammation after the facial due to extractions. This is normal and will dissipate after a couple of days.  Let your aesthetician know if you have a special event that you are working around so that they can make sure look your best and make necessary changes if needed.
• You may experience some activity in the form of a break out after a facial.  This is typically not excessive and a facial does not "cause" a break out.  A Pimple doesn't form instantaneously and in most cases takes about a month to form, so it was there long before your facial.  Skin care treatments can accelerate the skin's purging process, that is why you may see this activity.
• If you have acne prone skin and have lots of extractions it's ok to take some pain reliever like a Tylenol product prior to and after as need. Follow directions on the bottle.  Avoid aspirin or anti inflammatory type pain meds (such as ibuprofen) as they can increase bleeding and bruising.
• Leave your jewelry at home.  Remove all facial piercings, ear rings, necklaces, bracelets and rings.  They can interfere with your service and you don't want to have to worry about losing anything. 
• If you like something that your aesthetician is using on your skin, ask if it's available for retail purchase.  A credible aesthetician uses and retails only professional pharmaceutical (aka cosme-ceutical) grade products.  These products are only available from licensed professionals and Dr.'s offices and they are regulated by the FDA. The difference between these products and any thing you may purchase over the counter (from anywhere from a drug store, to the highest priced department store brands) is that they  have active ingredients that penetrate into the live tissue of your skin and can create change. OTC brands (by law) can't penetrate past the topical dead skin cell layer.   Part of having great skin is taking care of it at home and your aesthetician will be happy to recommend a home care regimen for you.
• Schedule monthly.  You skin cells turn over on a monthly basis and it's great to keep up with that change by tending to the removal of dead skin cells and nurturing the fresh new cells. 

Everything you ever wanted to know about Brazilian Waxing.

 

Brazilian Waxing tips from AJ

Do:

• Ask if this is your aesthetician's speciality, or how long they have been performing this service.
• Exfoliate before. This makes hairs stand up and become easier to wax.
• Let hair grow a minimum of 2 weeks so hair is long enough. Hair has to be a minimum of 1/4 to 1/2 inch long.  (Trust me you are not a freak of nature and a super fast grower-everyone thinks this.)  If hair is too short can cause discomfort or bruising and hair will not be removed properly. 
• When selecting an aesthetician, ask friends for recommendations and read local reviews.
• Share your medical history including any allergies, sensitivities and medications with your aesthetician. These things can affect your skin's reaction to waxing.
• Try to book your appointment when you are NOT close to starting your menstrual cycle.  Any PMS type symptoms can affect your experience.  Swelling and bloating causes nerve endings to be closer to your skins surface and can make for a slightly more uncomfortable experience.
• Try to relax, tensing up never makes it more comfortable.  If necessary your aesthetician may give you some breathing techniques to help you. 
• Arrive fresh and clean, most aesthetician stock personal wipes if you need to freshen up a bit.
• Keep up on your appointments. I tell my clients that the first time is the most uncomfortable. If you keep up on your appointments, the next one will be about 60% less painful.  The hair grows in stages and if you book your appointments monthly you will see it's thinner and sparser, making waxing much more comfortable.  
• Pick someone you feel comfortable with. 
• Be specific about what you would like.  No hair, some hair, shapes.

 

 Don't

• Give yourself a trim before.  Trust me, it's never too long and if needed your aesthetician will trim for you. Many times clients have tried to "help out" and have left the hair too short to wax and have to reschedule. This is a bummer for both the aesthetician and client who got themselves all worked up into a tizzy for this appointment.
• Be offended if your aesthetician asks you to help hold your skin.  From waif thin models to voluptuous beauties, everyone has areas that are a little fleshy, especially in the thigh and tummy area. This is just a supporting technique to hold skin tight and provides a more comfortable experience.
• Jump or squirm, this can cause waxed areas to stick together, will pull the hair and may cause bruising and discomfort.
•  Take any aspirin or ibuprofen type products, or any kind of anti inflammatory medication.  I can't tell you how many articles advise people to do this...BAD idea!  Why?  Anti inflam meds thin the blood and make you prone to bruising.  Although bruising is not necessarily painful, it can be unsightly.  It looks like a hickey or broken blood vessels.  Some medications can cause a similar result.
• Tan after, skin has just undergone a form of exfoliation and is sensitive to rays.
• Aggravate the skin while it's still recovering from the wax, excessive sweating, or jumping into a hot tub or chlorinated pool is just asking for trouble. 
• Apply creams, oils etc to the area, it can break down the wax. 
• Wax yourself!  Wax can burn, lift skin (remove skin and leave it raw) and in some cases if done incorrectly can cause permanent scaring.  Leave this task to the pros.  

Why do I want a Brazilian? 

All the cool kids are doing it.  No, seriously you didn't fall for that in high school did you?  Most women like them because they feel cleaner and cooler, and of course there is the sexy factor.   When you are free from  hair, it's easier to keep clean.  Especially for that on the go woman who likes a quick shower. Think of showering at the gym and being able to just quickly pat dry. As an added bonus it doesn't itch when it grows back.  When you cut hair with a razor it is angled and sharp and can cause irritation and ingrown hairs. When it grows back from waxing it's in it's natural tapered shape.  It also helps with perspiration and body odor. Think of how you underarm would react with a fully grown out batch of hair.  Enough said?  I hope these tips have been helpful.  If you have any other questions, feel free to post them.  I'm always up for a good Q&A session.

If you feel like a good chuckle, check out the story below.  I saw this on FB and just had to share.  Enjoy!

 Never Wax your own Hoo-Ha!

All hair removal methods have tricked women with their promises of easy, painless hair removal - The Epilady, scissors, razors, Nair and now....the wax. Read on..........
My night began as any other normal weeknight. Come home, fix dinner, play with the kids.

I then had the thought that would ring painfully in my mind for the next few hours: 'Maybe I should get the waxing kit from the medicine cabinet. So I headed to the site of my demise: the bathroom.

It was one of those 'cold wax' kits. No melting a clump of hot wax, you just rub the strips together in your hand, they get warm and you peel them apart and press them to your leg (or wherever else) and you pull the hair right off. No muss, no fuss. How hard can it be?

I mean, I'm not a genius, but I am mechanically inclined enough to figure this out. (YA THINK!?!) So I pull one of the thin strips out. Its two strips facing each other stuck together. Instead of rubbing them together, my genius kicks in so I get out the hair dryer and heat it to 1000 degrees. ('Cold wax,' yeah...right!) I lay the strip across my thigh. Hold the skin around it tight and pull.

It works!

OK, so it wasn't the best feeling, but it wasn't too bad. I can do this! Hair removal no longer eludes me! I am She-rah, fighter of all wayward body hair and maker of smooth skin Extraordinaire. With my next wax strip I move north. After checking on the kids I sneak back into the bathroom for the ultimate hair fighting championship. I drop my panties and place one foot on the toilet...

Using the same procedure, I apply the wax strip across the right side of my bikini line, covering the right half of my hoo-ha and stretching down to the inside of my butt cheek (it was a long strip).

I inhale deeply and brace myself.... RRRRIIIPPP!!!!

I'm blind!!! Blinded from pain!!!!..... OH MY GAWD!!!!!!!!!
Vision returning, I notice that I've only managed to pull off half the strip.

CRAP!

Another deep breath and RIPP! Everything is spinning and spotted. I think I may pass out.... I must stay conscious.... I must stay conscious. Do I hear crashing drums??? Breathe, breathe.... OK, back to normal.

I want to see my trophy - a wax covered strip, the one that has caused me so much pain, with my hairy pelt sticking to it. I want to revel in the glory that is my triumph over body hair. I hold up the strip!

There's no hair on it. Where is the hair??? WHERE IS THE WAX???

Slowly I ease my head down, foot still perched on the toilet. I see the hair. The hair that should be on the strip... it's not! I touch....I am touching wax. I run my fingers over the most sensitive part of my body, which is now covered in cold wax and matted hair. Then I make the next BIG mistake ... Remember my foot is still propped upon the toilet? So I put my foot down.

Sealed shut! My butt is sealed shut. Sealed shut! I penguin walk around the bathroom trying to figure out what to do and think to myself 'Please don't let me get the urge to poop....my head may pop off!'

What can I do to melt the wax? Hot water!! Hot water melts wax!! I'll run the hottest water I can stand in the bathtub, get in, immerse the wax-covered bits and the wax should melt and I can gently wipe it off, right ???

*WRONG!!!!!!!*

I get in the tub - the water is slightly hotter than that used to torture prisoners of war or sterilize surgical equipment - I sit. Now, the only thing worse than having your nether regions glued together, is having them glued together and then glued to the bottom of the tub.....in scalding hot water. Which, by the way, does not melt cold wax.

So, now I'm stuck to the bottom of the tub as though I had cemented myself to the porcelain!! God bless the man who had convinced me a few months ago to have a phone put in the bathroom!!!!! I call my friend, thinking surely she has waxed before and has some secret of how to get me undone. It's a very good conversation starter.

'So, my butt and hoo-ha are glued together to the bottom of the tub!'

There is a slight pause. She doesn't know any secret tricks for removal but she does try to hide her laughter from me. She wants to know exactly where the wax is located, 'Are we talking cheeks or hoo-ha?' She's laughing out loud by now ... I can hear her. I give her the rundown and she suggests I call the number on the side of the box. YEAH!!!!! Right!! I should be the joke of someone else's night.

While we go through various solutions, I resort to trying to scrape the wax off with a razor. Nothing feels better than to have your girlie goodies covered in hot wax, glued shut, stuck to the tub in super hot water and then dry-shaving the sticky wax off!! By now the brain is not working, dignity has taken a major hike and I'm pretty sure I'm going to need Post-Traumatic Stress counseling for this event.

My friend is still talking with me when I finally see my saving grace.....the lotion they give you to remove the excess wax. What do I really have to lose at this point? I rub some on and OH MY GOD!!! The scream probably woke the kids and scared the dickens out of my friend. It's sooo painful, but I really don't care.

'IT WORKS!!

I get a hearty congratulation from my friend and she hangs up. I successfully remove the remainder of the wax and then notice to my grief and despair....THE HAIR IS STILL THERE.......ALL OF IT!

So I recklessly shave it off. Heck, I'm numb by now. Nothing hurts. I could have amputated my own leg at this point.

Next week I'm going to try hair color......how bad can that turn out???

Miss USA Loves Image Products!

As a licensed professional I have access to many products and have had training in  both national and international product lines.  I choose to use IMAGE skin care products.  It's manufactured right here in the USA, has a great price point and gives great results.  My clients love it!

Relief for itchy summer skin!

Need some relief from that itchy summer skin?  Here's a tip!  After swimming, make sure you shower and rinse your skin from all the chemicals in pool water.  After your shower apply your favorite moisturizer when your skin is still somewhat damp.  Add a small amount of oil to your moisturizer and apply.  I suggest using grape seed oil, or almond oil.  Your skin will stay hydrated longer and have a beautiful healthy sheen. 

Look what is new from IMAGE skin care.  This stuff rocks, I have been using it at home and love the results!  ~AJ www.SkinTherapyByAJhttp://www.skintherapybyaj.com

Wedding Day Tips for the Blushing Bride

Posted on June 13, 2013 by ImageInternational

If you haven’t noticed by all of the photos popping up on your Facebook newsfeed, wedding season is upon us! We all know at least one bride, bride-to-be, or you may be a bride yourself. Brides are so busy planning the details of the venue, the flowers, the dinner, the cake, the DRESS, that they sometimes forget to give that special attention to the most important part of their wedding day – their skin! After all, what good are the flowers, delicious cake, and gorgeous dresses if your skin isn’t in top shape for the big day?

Whether you’re a year away from walking down the aisle, or just one week, here are a few tips to help get your skin glowing, healthy, and beautiful.

Plan Ahead and Get a Routine

Planning a wedding takes time, right? It takes time and a lot of effort. Remember to add a skincare regimen into your planning, and you’ll be right on track for glowing skin on your wedding day. It’s a good idea to get a plan in place and not switch it up at least 6 months before your wedding. This will make sure you don’t have any bad reactions to a change in skincare products or routine. It’s also important to plan any waxing appointments or facials one week before the day in case your skin becomes red or inflamed. IMAGE Skincare has a number of product lines that are set up specifically to complement each other and create the perfect regimen for your unique skin type.

Exfoliate

No matter what your skincare routine, it’s important for all skin types to exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate! When you remove dead skin, blackheads, and impurities from your face and body, your skin will be left glowing for those wedding pictures. Try to exfoliate at least once a week to get the best results.

Don’t Stress

Stress can have a negative effect on the health of your skin, so make sure you take a few minutes each day to breathe. It’s easy to get overwhelmed while planning a wedding. There are so many decisions to be made and last-minute problems to be solved. It’s the perfect recipe for stress! Try taking a yoga class once a week, or take advantage of quiet time in your car or in the shower. Take some time for you, and your skin will thank you!

Get your Beauty Sleep

The night before your wedding, skip the alcoholic beverages, and opt for water with lemon. Go to bed early, and get your beauty sleep! Sleep is so important for glowing, healthy skin. What a better way to start your big day than being well-rested and ready to make your grand entrance!

Bring an “Emergency Kit”

Don’t forget to pack a bag with all of the necessities for last-minute fixes and touch-ups. Make sure you include dental floss, hair pins, extra earring backs, tissues, tweezers, mini concealer, lipstick, clear nail polish (to stop runs), safety pins, breath mints and a bottle of water.
Most importantly, don’t forget your beautiful smile, and remember, no matter what happens on your big day, you are starting the journey of a lifetime with your best friend. Relax, let things go, and enjoy the day!