Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Changes in the Cosmetic Industry


    Today's clients are more time-sensitive than any other in history.  Facial services must seamlessly melt into her day, at the office, or evening plans.  The cosmetic industry has evolved around this request of instant gratification, with no downtime for re-cooperation. This new trend is called, Non-Surgical Facelifts.  Services that will allow our client to see instant visible change and be back to her normal routine the same day.
   
    The combination of injectables, will smooth out lines and restore volume and lift to improve overall facial contour and texture. Additional tightening can be achieved with the use of infra-red, or ultrasound technology. Many cosmetic offices and medical spas have reported skyrocketing numbers for these desired services. At, Awaken Medical Spa, we have Rejuvenation Packages that cost significantly lower than traditional facelift surgery. Imagine being back to the office the same day, pain free. I've seen miraculous results, it's amazing!
   
  Until next time.......
 
Live life more beautifully!
 
Katie Williams
-Licensed Esthetician & Make Up Artist

The Power of Retinol

   Retinol is the number one anti-aging ingredient in the world.  It is an alcohol derivative of vitamin A. Vitamin A is responsible for creating dead skin cells, this action chemically forces exfoliation. The action doesn't stop at the surface, it also exfoliates down through the follicle. This is why dermatologists will prescribe a retinoid, ( Differin, Retin-A, Tazorac, etc.) to their acne patients. Retinoids are an acid derivative of vitamin A, much more aggressive.

    Retinol tends to be less irritating, and when using a product for the long term, my feeling is progression without aggression
. I like to slowly acclimate my clients, starting use every other night for a couple of weeks, then proceed to an every night application.
More is not better when it comes to retinol, just a pea size amount will do the trick. Application is done at night only, not twice a day. When absorbing product into the skin, please stay a pinky's width away from the corners of the mouth, and not too close to the delicate tissue around the eye.


So are you still asking yourself, "Why should I use retinol?"
    
    For adolescents, or anyone dealing with acne, topically applied retinol will erase the dry skin barrier from the surface allowing the backed up oil and dead skin cells to rise up to the surface and be washed away. This action is called purging and that is why the condition may temporarily worsen, before it improves.
For anti-aging purposes the reason is, chronological aging. As we age the period of time when a skin cell actually divides and moves towards the surface, to exfoliate, slowly grows from a 28 day cycle to a longer and longer span of time. This process is nature's way of exercising the skin. I always compare this to our body and exercise. When exercising your muscles they stay strong and tight, stop, and we all know what happens. The same applies to our skin, without chemically forcing this action to continue at a rapid pace the integrity of our collagen and elastin will diminish. Vitamin A is also an antioxidant, which helps to neutralize free radical damage looking to create unhealthy cells.
   
   There are two things that I must warn you about Retinol...
  • Number 1 - This product will make you more sun sensitive, therefore, use of a daily sunscreen is a must.
  • Number 2 - Retinol and waxing do not mix. If waxing is your choice of facial hair removal, you need to stop Retinol one week prior to your waxing appointment. I'm sure a lot of you wish you knew that before your skin was pulled off, along with the hair and wax. So please pass the word, people really don't know.
 
Until next time, live your life more Beautifully!!!
 
<3 Pennie DeVore

Never Forget The Neck!


    The neck is one of those forgotten areas, until it starts to sag.  The delicate skin on the neck needs just as much attention as the skin on your face.  When people ask me how old I think they are, I don't necessarily look at their face.  Obviously these individuals have been very attentive to the skin on their face.  I look at their neck, decolletage (chest), and hands.

                                 Are you looking at yours right now?

    When applying product to the face, always feather down into the neck.  If your chest area is now a concern, apply more product to this area.  Any product that is used on the face can be used on the neck and chest. If using a Retinol or Tretinoin, it may be wise to dilute this ingredient with your moisturizer to avoid irritation.

The best system that I have encountered is the Elastiderm Decolletage by Obagi Medical. These products will address wrinkles, as well as pigment issues in a short amount of time.  To strengthen the area between the chin and collar bone, there is an exercise that can be done. The first exercise can be done at any time during the day as many times as you want. Tilt your head back, and jut your bottom jaw back and forth 10 times.  Repeat.  The second requires you to lay down on the floor, with your knees bent. Grab your inner thighs, and pull up rounding your head and neck into your chest. Let go of your thighs, and place hands about 4 inches above the ground. Pulse hands up and down until you count to 100. This exercise is not as easy as the first, but do whatever you are comfortable with.

As always, Live Life Beautifully!
 
Pennie DeVore
-Licensed Medical Esthetician