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.