Posts Tagged ‘blemishes’

BEHIND BEAUTY: FRECKLES, BEAUTIFUL OR BLEMISH

The three small freckles along my jaw have always been a feature I considered kinda cute.  With a few more along my arms, my freckles are  an adorable little quirk rather than a feature. As a child, I was always jealous of my friends with their gorgeous freckles across their cheeks. There is something so happy about these little spots!  However, not everyone feels the same way. In fact, a recent genetic study on freckles in China stated they are “Cosmetically disfiguring”. That seems a little harsh, doesn’t it? When I started speaking with my friends with more prominent freckles, I heard both sides. Some love their spots, other long to make them disappear.

What Are Freckles?

Freckles are flat spots of discolouration on the skin. These cellular clusters contain melanin, causing the skin to darken. Cells that produce the skin darkening agent melanin are called melanocytes. Instead of being spread evenly through out the skin, they are clumped together. When exposed to sunlight, people with evenly spread melanocytes tan, while those with clusters, freckle.

What Causes Freckles?

A large component to freckles are genetics. There is a gene, called the MC1R which is responsible for converting colour protiens from pheomelanin (the red pigment) into eumelanin (the brown pigment). When this gene is ‘broken’ the pigment stays red, often causing red hair and freckles. Often, but not always. There’s still a lot about Freckles that scientists don’t understand.

Additionally, non-red-haired people often have freckles. Everyone has two coppies of their genes, one recieved from their mother and one from their father. Sometimes one of the MC1R genes is ‘broken’ and the other functions normally. This can cause a red-haired person with no freckles, or a non-red-haired person with freckles.

Plus! A recent study in China found that another gene, on chromosome 4q32–q34, may also be responsible for freckles.

Are Freckles Beauty or Blemish?

As with most questions, it comes down to personal preference. As a slightly freckled person, I’ve always longed for a few more. Celebrities like Emma Watson, Emma Stone, Conan O’Brien, and Lucy Liu all rock their freckles on screen and off. However, not everyone feels the same. As kids, we are often teased for being different and freckles, definitely make you stand out! Many young girls (and boys) develop insecurities from this teasing and carry those into adulthood. Models and actresses are noted for what makes them special and often the very feature that they were picked on for becomes their biggest asset.

Still find yourself fixated on your freckles? Don’t let them get you down! Try to shift you thinking from “My Freckles are Ugly” to “My Freckles aren’t my best feature, but I love my [Eyes, Legs, Hair]” Find a feature you love and emphasize it. While it may not take your mind off your freckles completely, at least you’ll know your hair looks fantastic!

How do I Get Rid of Freckles?

Freckles, like any other feature, can be enhanced or concealed depending on the occasion. Looking for a a bolder statement? Opt for a tinted sunscreen and light powder instead of a full foundation. Want to soften you freckles? Try liquid or cream foundation and spot treat with concealer. Finish with a pressed powder.

Sun exposure cause freckles to develop. Your cells react to the stress of sun exposure by producing melanin. Opt for a strong sunscreen and clothing that offers maximum coverage, such as a large hat, sunglasses, and long sleeves.

Can a cheetah change its spots or a Tiger its stripes? Because freckles are caused by protein production at a cellular level, they can never be completely eliminated. However, some treatments will lessen their appearance:

Eminence Stone Crop Body Lotion

Jurlique Purely Bright Spot Treatment

VivierSkin Hyperpigmentation System

As always, just for being a follower of our blog, enter coupon code BLOG10 for 10% off your next purchase! Also, remember to follow us @spaboutique on Twitter, like our Facebook  page, and check out our boards on Pinterest! You could be the lucky winner of one of our many contests!

BEHIND BEAUTY: The Truth About Adult Acne

Once I was out of my teen years, I thought I’d be acne free… No such luck. Adult acne can continue well into your 20s, 30s and beyond.

Unlike teenage acne, which is primarily triggered by hormonal fluctuations, Adult Acne can be triggered by a variety of causes. Clogged pores, Stress, hormones, inferior cosmetics, skincare and styling products, all contribute to adult acne.

Using inferior products is one of the largest Adult Acne causes. Some ingredients in non-professional makeup, hair and skin products can irritate skin, especially for sensitive skin. Oil based makeup and hair products can clog pores causing blackheads.  Once clogged, bacteria can grow inside the pore, causing it to erupt into a nasty red blemish. Instead, consult an esthetician to help you replace your acne-causing products with professional ones that help you achieve a clear complexion.

A regular exfoliation routine is a key component in preventing breakouts and keeping your skin glowing. By regularly removing the dead skin cells from the surface, you reduce the chance they will end up clogging your pores.

Some hormone fluctuations, especially the release of cortisol caused by stress, are another cause of adult acne. Additionally, Women are likely to see intermittent breakouts through till menopause a few days before their periods due to natural hormone fluctuations.

Whether your diet influences your breakouts is a hotly debated topic in the esthetics industry. Even science can’t seem to make a decision. The latest research out of Australia suggests that foods with a high sugar content may be more likely to cause breakouts. Additionally, some research suggests that dairy products may be the culprit. It can be confusing trying to sort through all the research out! However, most estheticians agree that the majority of food related breakouts are the result of an allergic sensitivity and can be caused by a variety of factors. By embracing foods with higher nutrient value, such as vegetables and fresh fruits, your diet can improve your overall skin health.

Contact with unclean surfaces, such as cell phones, pillow cases, and hands can increase the amount of bacteria on the skin leading to more frequent breakouts. Make sure to wipe down your cell phone thoroughly at least once a week. Launder your pillowcases on a regular basis. Some estheticians recommend changing them up to 3 times a week! Finally, try to keep your hands off your face. Our hands are in contact with some pretty dirty surfaces throughout the day, computer keyboards, public transit rails, doorknobs and more! Avoid spreading bacteria by washing your hands frequently.

• Invest in a cleanser that will completely remove makeup and regulate oil production.
• Exfoliate with a gentle mask or scrub. If you prefer a chemical exfoliant, try a gentle AHA/BHA peel.
• Apply a Benzoyl Peroxide product directly to healing blemishes
• Opt for a clay based or  soothing masque to prevent skin irritation from treatment

Adult Acne should not be treated the same as teenage acne. As you age, your skin ages with you. The products that were effective in your teens may actually worsen acne for mature skin. If you’re not seeing the results you’d like with your home care, consult your local esthetician. She will be able to recommend a routine specific to your skin.

We recommend the following kits:

VivierSkin Oily or Acne Prone Skin System (6 PC)
Obagi CLENZIderm Acne Therapeutic System Normal-Oily Skin
GM Collin 3 pc Travel Kits – Acne

As always, just for being a follower of our blog, enter coupon code BLOG10 for 10% off your next purchase! Also, remember to follow us @spaboutique on Twitter, like our Facebook  page, and check out our boards on Pinterest! You could be the lucky winner of one of our many contests!

 

Tanda Now Available at Spa Boutique

Tanda has joined the Spa Boutique family!

With a wide array of home-use energy-based devices, Tanda is a leader in beauty innovation.  They offer devices that specialize in four main areas, Acne Treatment and Prevention, Skin Rejuvenation, Teeth Whitening and Hair Removal.

So how does it work? Tanda devices use a combination of light, heat, vibration and radio frequency energy to effect deep changes in your skin. With a Tanda device, you are able to effect areas that lotions and serums struggle to penetrate.

Acne – Blue light, heat and vibration kills bacteria. There are two models, the Zap (portable) and the Clear+; both are used for the targeted treatment of a specific pimple or breakout. The intense blue light has been tested and proven to kill P. acnes bacteria, the primary culprit of acne. However, this treatment will not be effective on cystic acne. If you’re not sure if your acne is cystic or not, the best thing to do is consult a physician before attempting treatment.

Skin Rejuvenation – In order to “boost overall cellular energy” the Tanda Luxe emits specific wavelengths of red light. This helps to increase collagen and elastin production. It also increases microcirculation. The main advantage to the Tanda Luxe is that it directly targets the underlying issues instead of focusing on the surface. There are several recommended products

Teeth Whitening – Of all the Tanda Products, the Tanda Pearl Kit excites me the most. As someone with sensitive teeth, I’m always a little nervous to get them whitened. The pearl uses a special whitening gel that actively reduces colouration in your teeth. It also leaves reduces tartar build up and freshens your breath!

Hair Removal – The Tanda Me Kit uses patented elōs technology (a combination of Intense Pulse light and Radio frequency energy) to target hair follicles. Depending on your needs, the treatment schedule can run from 2-3 times to 5-6 treatments with follow ups for maintenance. If you’re looking to have your legs hair-free for bikini season, it’s a great time to give this nifty device a try!

Tanda offers award winning innovative solutions for everyday beauty challenges.  We’re very excited to be carrying their amazing products!

As always, just for being a follower of our blog, enter coupon code BLOG10 for 10% off your next purchase! Also, remember to follow us @spaboutique on Twitter, like our Facebook  page, and check out our boards on Pinterest! You could be the lucky winner of one of our many contests!

Countdown to Glowing Skin for the Holidays

The countdown to Christmas has started which means that the countdown to Christmas parties has also started.  We all want to look our best during these festive occasions so I’ve put together an express skin makeover that will have your skin glowing right through till the new year!

Take it from dull to radiant with exfoliation

If you are like most people, you would like to say that you are exfoliating regularly, but the truth is that it gets put off more often than not.  It’s hard enough to drag yourself to the bathroom to wash your face before bedtime and in the morning when you’re racing to get to work? Forget it.

Normal to Dry Skin

Use a gentle exfoliator (not a harsh scrub) everyday for a week for a jump start and then twice a week to maintain.

Yonka Gommage 305

Normal to Oily & Acne Skin

Use an exfoliator that contains salicylic acid everyday for a week for a jump start and then twice a week to maintain.  The salicylic acid will help to dissolve excess oil and clogged pores leading to brighter, clearer skin.  For acne skin, avoid scrubs as they can irritate the skin and spread infection.

B. Kamins AHA & BHA Gommage

Cure your affliction with a serum and a mask

Think of your serum and mask like your skin’s medicine.  Whatever is bothering you most about your skin, choose your serum and mask accordingly.  Use your serum every day, twice a day.  Use your mask daily for a week as a jump start and then twice a week to maintain.  If your main concern is bringing radiance back to your tired, dull skin, choose a brightening serum and mask.

Phytomer White Lumination Remineralizing Lightening Mask

Pimple problem

If your pimple is infected (white inside, sometimes painful, sometimes itchy) it needs to be extracted in order to heal quickly.  If you can’t make it in to see your esthetician for professional extractions, you will have to do it yourself at home.  Instead of squeezing it until it pops open (which leads to a big, noticeable red spot and later turns into a scar), make a small opening and gently press the white fluid out.  A sterilized pin or extraction tool works and a disposable lancet works even better.  Once the pimple has been extracted you can apply a product which contains an antibacterial ingredient such as tea tree oil.  Now you must leave it alone and let it heal.  Don’t touch or pick at it and you’ll be surprised at how fast it disappears completely!

Skeyndor Clear Complexion Spot-Less Patch

Now that you have a fresh, clean, and clear canvas, your makeup will go on beautifully and look flawless!  If you’d like to indulge on holiday drinks, be sure to drink plenty of water too to maintain your skin’s hydration levels.

For more skin tips or for product recommendations for your skin type, don’t hesitate to leave a comment or to contact one of our estheticians!

As always, just for being a follower of our blog, enter coupon code BLOG10 for 10% off your next purchase! Also, remember to follow us @spaboutique on Twitter, like our Facebook  page, and check out our boards on Pinterest! You could be the lucky winner of one of our many contests!

 

 

 

 

How to get rid of pimples and get clear skin

Pimples can be the most frustrating and difficult skin issue to deal with.  Having acne brings down our self confidence and on some days we just feel like hiding rather than leaving the house.  Our skin can break out for many different reasons including hormonal imbalance, excess oil, clogged pores, and excess bacteria.  Here are a few key steps to maintaining clear skin using the Celazome Clinical Skincare O-Plex System:

1. Proper cleansing to purify and prepare the skin

 

Celazome Clinical Skin Care O-PLEX Wash with Complex Origanum (AM+PM) – contains salicylic acid & Egyptian geranium

 Celazome Clinical Skin Care O-PLEX Mist with Complex Origanum (AM+PM) – purifying toner contains oregano oil & Egyptian geranium

2. Exfoliation to keep surface of the skin clear of debris and to allow active ingredients to penetrate easier

Celazome Clinical Skin Care Gly-Clear Cleanser (AM or PM, 3 days per week) -  exfoliating cleanser with alpha hydroxy acids and green tea extract

5. Treatment with anti-bacterial and oil-balancing ingredients (tea tree oil, sulphur, camphor…)

Celazome Clinical Skin Care O-PLEX Target Facial Treatment (AM, PM up to 3x daily)

6. Hydration and sun protection

 

Celazome Clinical Skin Care O-PLEX Acne Treatment Lotion (AM, PM) – a light, exfoliating hydrator with retinol & salicylic acid

Celazome Clinical Skin Care naturalSkin Finishing Powder (AM) a non pore-clogging mineral powder with natural sun protection

More tips:

•Don’t pick at your skin because this can lead to permanent scarring

•Don’t touch your skin unless you’ve washed your hands

•Sanitize your telephone regularly with alcohol if it touches your face

•See an esthetician for professional extractions if you have infected breakout and deep clogged pores

We would love to hear your thoughts on the topic of this blog! Feel free to leave your comments or questions below.  As always, just for being a follower of our blog, enter coupon code BLOG10 for 10% off your next purchase! Also, remember to follow us @spaboutique on Twitter, like our Facebook  page, and check out our boards on Pinterest! You could be the lucky winner of one of our many contests!