Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Drugstore vs. Professional skin care brands
The main example that I use to explain this is Vitamin C. The difference between a drugstore product that contains Vitamin C and a professional brand is going to be the molecular size of the molecule. Most likely if you were to look at the product under a microscope, you would see that the molecular size of the Vitamin C in the professional product would be smaller. This is better because the Vitamin C molecule has to travel to the receptor site, which is in the dermis (the deepest layer of the skin), in order for the skin to truly reap the benefits of the Vitamin C. If the molecule is too large it most likely will not penetrate the skin deep enough, therefore it would not be as effective. This is the same for if you were to just squeeze an orange and use the juice to put it on your face. The molecular size would be too large and you would only superficially benefit.
If you truly want to see results when it comes to treating acne, lightening pigmentation, or anti-aging, it is best to use professional skin care products. Drugstore products may feel and smell good, but most likely they will not be as effective or results oriented as a professional product. I know these days everyone is watching their pocket book, so the products that I feel are ok to purchase “over the counter” is cleanser and sunscreen (with UVA protection!). When it comes to serums or the “treatment” portion of your regiment, please don’t skimp and go for the professional brands.
Many will connect professional brands with big prices, but most of the time the professional brands are LESS EXPENSIVE than fancy department store brands. Your skin is the largest organ in your body, so take care of it properly!
Friday, February 6, 2009
Clinique Moisture Surge Review
For the last couple of years I have always “thumbed my nose” on department store skin care cosmetic brands (e.g. Lancome, Estee Lauder, Clinique), because I feel that they are overly priced and not as effective as a professional skin care product that you would only be able to buy through your Esthetician or Dermatologist. Although I still pretty much feel this way, there is one product that I have been very impressed with at that is Clinique’s Moisture Surge.
This moisturizer is great for all skin types, but it is especially great for people with sensitive, oily, or acneic skin. I also took a look at the ingredients and here are a few that I was impressed with:
*Green tea- anti-inflammatory, full of antioxidants.
*Aloe leaf water- calming/soothing
*Caffeine- tones the skin
*Sodium hyaluronate- allows the skin to take in more hydration
*Tocopherol acetate- Vitamin E
The best part about this moisturizer is that it DOES NOT CONTAIN PARABENS (chemical preservatives that have been linked to causing cancer, etc). Yay!!!
Unfortunately, it’s not perfect (like anything in life). It does contain some dyes and other ingredients that don’t necessarily need to be in it and I don’t believe that it would be enough moisture for aging skin that is extremely dry.
I’ve got a girlfriend who has extremely sensitive skin and this is one of the very few moisturizers that she can use on her skin. As for myself, I have acne prone skin and I have found that this gives me the moisture that I need, without clogging my pores and without the greasy feel.
So what is the lesson that Thy has learned? I’ve learned to not always look down on department store skin care products, but they have to prove to be damn good in order to get my seal of approval!
Monday, February 2, 2009
Bikini waxing vs. Brazilian waxing
Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and what do most people hope for? Companionship, love, and let’s not deny it…sex! One of my specialties in my line of work is doing brazilian and bikini waxes. I know it may sound strange, but I much prefer waxing the bikini area versus doing eyebrows. Most Estheticians have the opposite sentiment, but I am one of the few that enjoys giving one (and it is DEFINITELY NOT SEXUAL). I often get asked what is the difference between a bikini and brazilian wax. In honor of V Day, I will explain to those of you who have never experienced one and are curious, but too shy to ask.
The first is what I call the “Classic” bikini. Which means that I wax from where the leg creases, where the hip and leg join, to the upper mid-thigh (if needed), and the inner thigh. I do not go beyond the crease (meaning going towards the vagina), but I may take a little off of the top if requested.
The second type of bikini wax is the “Extended” bikini. The amount of hair taken off for an “Extended” bikni is a lot more vague compared to the “Classic”. The amount taken off is based on the client’s preference. It could range from just taking a little hair off from the sides and top, to almost a brazilian where there is a little landing strip, but still hair on the inner lips of the vagina.
Brazilian wax
*I just have one disclaimer and that is I do not know who invented the brazilian wax, nor do I know what are the true guidelines of a brazilian wax (because there are so many opinions out there), but I will explain to you what I do and was taught.*
The biggest difference between a brazilian and a bikini wax is that with brazilians the inner lips of the vagina are waxed, as well as the “back end” aka in between the butt cheeks.
Some women will prefer to either leave a landing strip (which is rectangular in shape), an upside down triangle, or have EVERYTHING taken off (some call it the pre-pubescent look). Most Estheticians will also do customized shapes upon request, but in my own personal experience I very seldom get asked to do it.
Common questions asked:
1) Does it hurt?
The first time for any kind of waxing in that area, will be painful (especially brazilians). For the bikini area, most clients say that eventually they get use to it and it is not as bad. For brazilians, it will get easier in time, but due to your anatomy, the inner lips is full of nerve endings, which means that it is an extremely sensitive area. Therefore, brazilian waxes will always feel uncomfortable when waxing the inner lips. Surprisingly, you would think that the “back end” would be painful, but most clients don’t feel a thing in this area.
Pain is relative to each individual, so some may experience a lot of pain and some may experience very little pain.
2) If you get a brazilian, does it make sex better?
I think this is definitely based on every individual, but most of my clients report positive feedback!
3) When is the best time to get waxed?
a) It is best to come in when you are not close to your period or just ending it. During those times you are even more sensitive, so try to book the waxing when you are a couple of weeks before or after your period.
b) Out of courtesy, please wash yourselves beforehand, but make sure to come in and to have the area as dry as possible. Coming from the gym is a bad idea. Mostly because sweat can interfere with the wax and most likely your probably not going to be so “fresh and clean” down there.
c) If you’ve got a night where you know for sure that you will be getting some “action”, try to do the wax at least the night before. After the wax you will feel tender for a few to several hours, and the area will be red and bumpy. After 24 hours, you should feel back to normal and the skin will have recuperated to being as smooth as a baby’s behind. Also, friction can cause ingrown hairs and irritation.
d) If your hair is extremely long, it is better for you to trim it down. If you are scared or don’t have time, it is not a big deal and your Esthetician will do it for you. FYI, when the hair is long, the waxing may be a little more painful, so the shorter the better, but not shorter then a quarter of an inch.
I hope this has answered any of your questions. Please feel free to contact me if you’ve got any other questions. For those of you who are interested in getting a bikini or brazilian with me, please mention that you read this article and I will give you 15% off on your next visit. To make an appointment call Spa Bar at 415.975.0888.
Happy V Day! I hope every day is Valentine’s Day for all of you!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Jan Marini’s Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant SPF30 Review
My job is to be a skin advocate. As much as I am passionate about skin care and skin health, I am also a lover of the sun. Back in the days when I was a young teenager, I could have cared less about protecting my skin. In fact, I was so bad that my best girlfriend and I would go to the lake in the summer and our motto was “Burn Me!” We thought “no pain, no gain” and so we would lay in the sun unprotected for hours. Now, that very thought just makes me cringe! My skin a few years later showed the damage that I put upon myself. I ended up having hyperpigmentation (brown spots) on my face and body.
As a skin advocate I must say and believe that it is best to stay out of the sun as much as possible to avoid sun damage, BUT if you are a sun lover (like me) make sure that you wear sun protection at all times and reapply often!!!
For more in-depth information please go to: http://janmarini.com/AntioxidantDailyFaceProtectant.html
For those in the
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Sunscreen 101
Every client that walks in my door is concerned with anti-aging. Everyone wants to slow down the aging process whether they are a man or a woman. Surprisingly, many still do not use sunscreen/sun protection on a daily basis! Sun protection is the first and foremost step one should take in protecting your skin from aging. The sun’s rays are stronger than they have ever been and the risk of getting skin cancer is growing at an alarming rate. Which is why it is vital to wear sun protection on a DAILY BASIS on your face and body.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
How Martha stays healthy and young
I am not ashamed to admit it. I am a HUGE Martha Stewart fan! Martha recently shared with her fans her secret to looking good and being healthy. Guess what was number 1 on her list? SKIN CARE! Here's what she had to say about it:
"SKIN CARE: Skin care is vital, and my routine includes a thorough cleansing every morning and night. Toners, enriching day and night creams, and serums keep my skin elastic and supple and glowing. Sunblocks, balms and skin healers are also necessary as preventive treatments."
I don't know about you, but I think Martha looks fabulous. The proof is in the pudding folks!
Product Review: Hovan's Medi Cream
Nasty ingrowns? There is nothing more painful, annoying, and aesthetically displeasing than ingrown hair. I also suffered from these nasty buggers, until NOW! I have tried many other brands that claim to get rid of ingrown hair and the only formula that has truly worked for me is Hovan's Medi Cream. This formula contains Pineapple enzymes to slough away dead skin cells and to soothe irritated skin, the natural antibacterial ingredient tea tree oil to protect against bacterial infections, and Vitamin A to help with cellular regeneration and to promote the growth of healthy skin tissue. This formula has a pleasant light scent and there are emollients to keep your skin smooth and soft.
Directions for recommended use:
For MILD CONDITIONS use daily.
For SEVERE CONDITIONS use morning and night for 2 weeks and after once daily.
For more information visit: www.hovanssale.com