Posts Tagged ‘Intaglio Skin Care’

How to Correct Skin Flaws: Tips on What to Watch For in Products

Glycolic Skin Care Facts & Products To Look For

What is Glycolic Acid?
It is a Fruit acid containing natural chemicals and is also known as alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). They occur naturally from certain fruits such as grapes, citrus and apples, which are then modified in a laboratory.

Definition from wikipedia.org:
Glycolic acid (or hydroxyacetic acid) is the smallest α-hydroxy acid (AHA). It appears in the form of a colourless, odorless and hygroscopic crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water and related solvents. Glycolic acid is associated with sugar-crops and is isolated from sugarcane, sugar beets, and unripe grapes.

What is a Glycolic Peel?
It is the removal of skin surfaces using a fruit acid. This light peel or superficial peel is administered by a physician or esthetician. They swab on a solution that boosts your skins softness, smoothness, freshness and dewiness. If you’re acne-prone, salicylic acid (a cousin to glycolic acid) may be used instead. Glycolic-acid peels are performed at spas (where the acid concentration is typically 20-30- percent) and in dermatology and plastic-surgery offices (where the 50-70 percent concentration packs more of a wallop). Glycolic peels cost from $65-$125 a pop depending on the spa or doctor’s office you visit, may involve some slight stinging or tingling but can be performed safely on practically all skin types.

What is the difference between Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid?
Natural fruit acids (alpha hydroxy acids or AHAs) rejuvenate the skin by encouraging the shedding of old, sun-damaged surface skin cells. Glycolic acid is the alpha hydroxy acid most frequently used for facial treatments but lactic and citric acid are also useful. Of course, lactic acid doesn’t come from fruit – it comes from milk.

10 Facts about Glycolic Acid and Skin Care:

1. Acts as a keratolytic (removes top layers of skin) agent and opens clogged pores
2. It is used to improve the skin’s appearance and texture.
3. Sheds old, sun-damaged surface skin cells
4. It may reduce wrinkles
5. Used as a skin care treatment in exfoliation creams and masks
6. At high concentrations of AHAs peeling occur as a result of damage or death of certain skin cells.
7. Can cause increased skin thickness, improvement of skin elasticity and increased collagen content
8. Treats acne and acne scarring
9. Treats hyperpigmentation
10. Glycolic acid is also used for tattoo removal

How Does Glycolic Acid work?
Once applied, glycolic acid reacts with the upper layer of the epidermis, weakening the binding properties of the lipids that hold the dead skin cells together. This allows the outer skin to “dissolve” revealing the underlying, healthier, smoother, brighter-looking skin. It also stimulates Collagen and Elastin in the second layer of the skin (the dermis), which is the key to looking younger. Glycolic Acid, cleans the follicle- lossening the glue-like substances that holds dead cells together that cause acne. It can have a peeling/shedding effect, which is healthy for your skin, so don’t be alarmed. Your skin will have a healthier glow & fine lines and wrinkles will diminish. Results can range from 3- 6 months depending on regimen, percentages of glycolic acid in products chosen, and your original skin condition. (Every human body improves at different rates. So be patient!)

What and where to look for Glycolic Home Care Products:
Due to its excellent capability to penetrate skin, glycolic acid finds applications in skin care products, most often as a chemical peel performed by a dermatologist or spa esthitician in concentrations of 20%-70% or at-home professional kits in lower concentrations of 8-20%, ussually the hand and feet products are higher than the face products. (you can find some products with lower than 8% from the drug stores but they may not get rid of wrinkles as well as expected). If you use higher percentages at home, make sure you follow the manufacturers usage instructions carefully (ie using SPFs) . Also, if you have sensitive skin, use products with lower percentages.

Some Recommended Professional Lines that Carry Glycolic Acid Products:

• Jan Marini Skin Research ‘Bioglycolic’– Glycolic acid range
• Yonka Skin Care – Alpha-Complex Wrinkle Defense Retexturizing Gel with AHA’s
• B.Kamins Skin Care Products - Topical glycolic acid 10%

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!

Acne Problem Skin Tips: breakout, blackheads, clogged pores

What Can I do About Blemishes, Acne and other Problem Prone Skin Conditions?

There is no single cause for acne and problem prone skin. Genetics and changes in hormonal activity, first stimulated during adolescence, play a main role in problem prone skin. Also, while diet is important for skin health, certain foods do not directly cause acne and blemishes. But other factors such as stress, hormonal fluctuations, hot and humid climates, some medications and certain cosmetic ingredients can irritate the skin and clog pores, which can aggravate acne and blemishes. Because of all these factors, acne can even develop in adult skin.

Technically, this condition is caused by a combination of excess dead skin cells, bacteria and excess sebum or skin oil. When bacteria combine with oil and dead skin cells in the hair follicles, it can lead to inflammation. This inflammation, know as acne, may be in the form of numerous but less obvious whiteheads and blackheads or larger, visible eruptions such as papules and pustules.

The Skin Test

• Do you consistently experience areas of blemishes and large eruptions?
• Is your skin texture bumpy and uneven with whiteheads and blackheads?
• Do you have enlarged pores that often become clogged?

Tips and Techniques for Oily: Problem Prone Skin

• Avoid rubbing or scrubbing skin excessively or picking blemishes, which can irritate skin and lead to scarring.
• Cleanse skin morning and night to remove excess oil and dead cells.
• Use gentle exfoliants such as glycolic acid and/or lactic acid to smooth and normalize skin.
• Control Breakouts and blemishes with skin care that contains salicylic acid and vitamin A, or benzoyl peroxide for antibacterial benefits.
• Use and oil-free moisturizer that will hydrate the inner layers of the skin without contributing to clogged pores.
• Use a skin-cleansing masque, such as one with natural clay, vitamin A and gentle AHAs and BHAs to clear pore-clogging oil and dead cells and re-texturize problem prone skin.
• Protect your skin daily with a physical sunscreen containing zinc oxide with SPF 15 or greater.
• Use non-comedogenic skin care, make-up and hair care to prevent clogged pores and irritation.

The following is a recommended treatment for problem prone skin with Jan Marini Skin Research Products: Glycolic Acid 4 step process:

1. Cleanse with Jan Marini Bioglycolic Oily Skin Cleansing Gel– cleanses, exfoliates and clarifies oily skin. Contains glycolic acid.
2. Correct Jan Marini Bioglycolic Bioclear Face Lotion – diminishes breakout, large pores, fine lines, and exfoliates.
3. Hydrate & Protece – Jan Marini Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant SPF 30 – oil-free formula

Advanced Products for Problem Prone Skin:

• Jan Marini Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Treatment Lotion 5% – Aids in reducing the appearance of acne and enlarged pores with minimal dryness and irritation.
• Jan Marini Clean Zyme Face Cleanser – Green Papaya Enzyme - Cleanses and exfoliates to smooth and clear skin, reduces clogged pores and breakout
• Jan Marini Skin Zyme Papaya Mask – gently exfoliates, clears clogged pores and breakout

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!

Sensitive Skin Care Treatment Tips

What causes skin to become sensitive?

Anyone can develop skin sensitivity at some time or another. There are many factors that can contribute to skin sensitivity, but it all comes down to a weekend protective barrier that allows common irritants and other elements to penetrate skin’s surface, causing skin to react and develop sensitivity. Many common substances that we come in contact with everyday can cause sensitive skin to become red and blotchy, itch, sting and feel uncomfortable. Often, fragrances, colorants and preservatives used in skin care and cosmetics products can irritate sensitive skin. Extreme cold, heat, water temperatures, smog, smoke and even long air travel can also trigger a reaction. Genetics, some medications, nutritional supplements, and even stress may contribute to skin sensitivity as well.

Sensitive skin needs special, gentle care. Products that are specifically developed and tested for sensitive skin can help control sensitivity. It’s extremely important to protect your skin from daily environmental assault, especially by using sun protection everyday as well as utilizing products containing antioxidiants to help defend and repair weak, sensitive skin.

The Skin Test

• Does your skin become flush or red and itch on occasion?
• Do fragrances, colorants and other skin care ingredients irritate your skin?
• Do most skin care products cause your skin to sting or become red?
• Does your skin feel uncomfortable in colder and drier weather?
• Does your skin appear thin and delicate?

Tips and Techniques for Sensitive Skin

• Keep your skin care regimen simple
• Avoid Scrubbing or cleansing with hot water or harsh detergent cleansers such as soap
• Use skin care specially designed for sensitive skin. Products containing glycolic compound with a pH of 4.4 are clinically proven to have the optimum level for effective results without irritation.
• Use a moisturizer containing antioxidants to help protect and rebuild a weakened barrier and to strengthen the skin against future sensitivity.
• Avoid sun exposure and use a physical sunscreen containing zinc oxide with a minimum SPF 15 everyday.
• Use skin care and makeup that is allergy tested and free of fragrance, colorants and irritants.

The following is a recommended treatment for sensitive skin with Jan Marini Skin Research: Glycolic Acid 4 step process:

1. Cleanse:Jan Marini Bioglycolic Face Cleanser– cleanses and exfoliates the skin. Contains glycolic acid; gentle yet effective.
2. Correct: Jan Marini Age Intervention Peptide Extreme – a concentrated facial serum that revitalizes, hydrates, soothes inflammation, reduces redness, and firms
3. Hydrate – Jan Marini Transformation Face Cream – protects and smooths skin, reduces fine lines and wrinkles
4. Protect & Soothe – Priori CoffeeBerry Natureceuticals Perfecting Mineral Foundation SPF 25

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!

 

Combination Skin Treatment Tips: dry and oily skin

How Can my Skin be Both Oily and Dry?

Of all skin types, combination skin is the most common but managing combination skin can be quite a balancing act. Generally, the T-zone (the forehead, down the nose and on the chin) produces excess oil and occasional blemishes. At the same time, less oil is produced in the cheek, eye and neck areas, causing possible dryness, tightness and flaky patches.

As with other skin types and conditions, the cause of combination skin appears to be genetic. However, lifestyle, stress, diet and the environment can contribute to the imbalance. In addition, climate changes can cause combination skin to be drier during the cold, windy months and shinier with more breakouts during warmer, more humid seasons.

The Skin Test

• Does your skin experience more oil and blemishes on the forehead, nose and chin than other areas?
• Does your skin feel normal or dry and tight on your cheek and eyes areas?
• Is your skin drier in the winter and oilier in the summer?
• Does your makeup become blotchy in the T-zone and disappear on your cheeks?

Tips and Techniques for Combination: Oily Skin and Dry Skin

• Daily gentle cleansing and exfoliating with a natural exfoliant such as glycolic acid will help remove dulling skin cells that contribute to dry skin and can clog pores in the oily T-zone.
• Use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that is non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) which will moisturize the drier areas without contributing to excess oil in the T-zone.
• Apply a gentle cleansing masque once a week to the T-zone. Ingredients such as natural clays, vitamin A and enzymes help to remove pore clogging oil and skin cells—the cause of skin breakouts.
• Use an additional moisturizer or hydrating masque that contains strengthening antioxidants more often during harsh, winter months.
• Avoid sun exposure and apply a physical sunscreen containing zinc oxide daily with a minimum SPF 15.
• Drink plenty of water to keep skin hydrated.
• Use oil-free, non-comedogenic makeup which will not clog pores in the oily T-zone.

The following is a recommended treatment for combination skin with Jan Marini skin products: Glycolic Acid 4 step process:

1. Cleanse – Jan Marini Bioglycolic Face Cleanser – cleans, exfoliates the skin. Contains glycolic acid.
2. Correct – Jan Marini Bioglycolic Bioclear Face Lotion – diminishes lines, large pores, breakout, and exfoliates.
3. Hydrate – Jan Marini Antioxidant Hydro Silk Protecting Hydrator – restores skins moisture while preventing excess oil buildup.
4. Protect – Priori CoffeeBerry Natureceuticals Perfecting Mineral Foundation SPF 25

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!