SKIN's In the news!

Come in and try our brand spankin' new treatment, featured in the link, below.

SkinTechie Friends:  Get Le Mieux Light Fusion Treatment until December 31, 2011 for a special price... $80 (instead of $105 ).  The holidays are almost upon us...now's the perfect time to add a beautiful glow to your already beautiful self.


http://www.westsidetoday.com/n6190/halloween-delight-for-the.html

Keeping 'em honest: Sunscreen Labels

Confused about what sunscreen to buy?

You're not alone. Confusing & misleading labels on sun products has been normal for decades in the U.S. The FDA agreed, and finally, after 33 years of stalling, they've implemented new labeling rules to be launched next year.

The Two New Sunscreen Rules:

1. For a sunscreen label to state that it's Broad Spectrum, it must protect equally against UVA and UVB rays. If the product doesn't offer balanced protection, or if SPF is lower than 15, the label must warn that the formula hasn't been shown to prevent cancer or early skin-aging. 


2. Manufacturers can no longer use the words "waterproof" or "sweatproof" on a sunscreen bottle because, apparently, there's no such thing. Even I did not know this...Mon Dieu!

Instead, companies may only claim how many minutes of water-resistance a product has.  
 
Another con currently used:

Until the new labels debut, a sunscreen's SPF now refers only to its UVB-blocking ability (sun's burning rays), not UVA.

In other words, one could have a sunscreen that's an SPF 70, but has virtually no UVA protection whatsoever.  Unbelievably, this mis-information has prevailed for years.  
 
Why UVA rays matter:

UVA rays are constant and insidious. Some experts suggest they're more harmful than UVB rays. Even on a grey, cloudy day, you incur significant UVA exposure.

UVA light penetrates deeper, eventually creating wrinkles, sun spots, and the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers, which makes for saggy, dull skin. Not to mention an increased risk of skin cancer, for which annually over two million people are diagnosed in the U.S., with over 68,000 treated for its deadliest version, melanoma. All the more reason to search out an authentic broad-spectrum sunscreen and slather it on generously and daily. (Don't forget earlobes, hairline, and hands).

For truly revelatory sunscreen reviews (and a motherload of information on prescient environmental issues), CLICK the following link to Environmental Working Group's sunscreen guide, and prepare to be amazed at what you discover:


http://breakingnews.ewg.org/2011sunscreen/


With Environmental Working Group's  website, you can look up an astonishing array of sunscreen brands and see how effective they really are. EWG's unbiased reviews show a visual breakdown of UVA and UVB protection provided by any given product, and whether potentially hazardous ingredients are included in its formula. Be sure and check out their Wall of Shame to make sure you're not in possession of a truly crappy product!


One result I've noticed while researching the site is that most, perhaps all, of their top-rated sunscreens contain at least 10% micronized zinc oxide, which is even more efficacious than super-white regular zinc oxide. The micronized version's particles are smaller, coat skin better, and don't leave an obvious white residue. 


Though my personal favorite daily sunscreen, Shelter, by Osmosis Cosmeceuticals isn't reviewed on the site, I feel confident it would rate among the best of the best, as it contains 18.5 % micronized zinc oxide and has zero environmental toxins. 

To mail-order Shelter, click on the following link:


http://www.SkinLoft.com


Have fun surfing the site, and let me know what you learn! 


P.S. Watch out for Ken, who's punch-drunk and has forgotten his SPF...and his shirt.

Boost Skin's Wattage with LED Light Therapy

Can certain wavelengths of light measurably improve your complexion? 

Surprisingly, "Yes",  according to years of research from numerous esteemed organizations (including the Imperial College of Science-Technology & Medicine, NASA, and the FDA). These science-backed studies prove specific rays from the visible light spectrum (read: colors of the rainbow) can safely and painlessly treat skin issues ranging from pimples to wrinkles. Sweet! Thank goodness those scientists finally used their noggins for something really important....

IN A NUTSHELL:

LED lights are not to be confused with lasers. Laser lights create thermal injury deep within tissue to induce a repair response. With non-invasive LED lights, cells absorb the photons and transform the resulting energy into adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is the form of energy cells recognize, and this sudden surge activates powerful, natural metabolic processes (like collagen stimulation). Hence, smoother, less-wrinkly skin!

Aside from being FDA-approved for wrinkle and acne reduction, here are more of LED's skin payoffs:

*Lessens pore size
*Reduces uneven pigmentation
*Faster scar healing
*Firms & tightens
*Stimulates collagen and elastin production
*Creates plump, hydrated skin
*Speeds wound-healing 

And all this from snoozing in front of some lights for 20 minutes. Add a flute of champagne and you've got one of Skintechie's favorite things: "A cheap, speed-vacation whilst complexion-enhancing".  Lovely!

Red and Blue are the go-to light colors for skin optimizing.

ANTI-AGING:

Red LED Lights (at 630-700 nm) are the aging diva's BFF. When red light is absorbed into skin, it increases blood and oxygen flow, which speeds up metabolism and leads to the marvelous beautifying rewards listed above.

ANTI-ACNE:

Blue LED Lights (400-495 nm) are germ-busters extraordinaire. This wavelength works by snuffing out acne bacteria. Combined with regular at-home care, pesky zits can be significantly zapped.

WHEN:

LED skin rejuvenation can be done as often as daily, or as little as once a month. Each session simply builds on the last, and faster results are netted with higher frequency of treatments. I often suggest an LED sitting once or twice weekly for 4-6 weeks, then backing off to once or twice a month to maintain newfound epidermal glory.

Note: In SKIN's studio, I apply a souped-up peptide serum onto cleansed, exfoliated skin before aiming the lights, as this further enhances results.

SO:

What're you waiting for? Follow the light...all the way to a creamy, dreamy complexion!

Passing Judgement: Neutrogena's Newest Sunblock

You know that list of desired soul mate qualities you've got, or have had, before he/she turned up?

I have a similarly long list of qualities... for the ultimate high-protection sun block!

I  already have a  love affair with my day-to-day UV shielder, Osmosis Shelter SPF 29. (30 ml. $28, http://www.SkinLoft.com).  But my quest for the perfect high-octane sun block has been ongoing for years. Extra-protective sun blocks (over SPF 30) should be used anytime you'll be outdoors over an hour, including time spent in the car. Unfortunately, serious UV squashers tend to be greasy, pore-clogging, and leave one with the dreaded skin affliction known as greased pig syndrome, or GPS. Unacceptable!

Here's my list of requests for the ideal extra-potent sun block potion. See if these resonate with you, too.

10 Desired Sun Block Qualities (in no particular order):

1. A light, smooth, non-sticky texture.

2. Best technology, broad-spectrum, high UV filters.

3. Non-irritating.

4. Has a bit moisture, but not too much.

5. Makeup glides effortlessly on top.

6. Unscented.

7. Affordable.

8. Waterproof, sweatproof.

9. Non pore-clogging (noncomedogenic).

10. Eco-friendly.

I spotted a new Neutrogena sunblock recently in the drugstore. It had a really long, important-sounding name: Neutrogena Spectrum+ Face Advanced Sunblock Lotion SPF 100. Naturally, I was immediately hooked and bought a bottle.

Bottom Line:

Happily, Neutrogena Spectrum+ Face Sunblock Lotion met nine out of ten desired qualities, and is by far the best 'extreme' sun block I've yet tried. It's Neutrogena's newest addition to their already dizzying array of sun products. If you can actually locate it amongst their sea of others, this is definitely Neutrogena's standout star.

The one quality it didn't pass muster with, unfortunately, was the eco-friendly category, as it's purely a chemical concoction. However, the formula's numerous benefits outweigh any equivalent sunblock currently in the 'natural' market. Until such time a viable eco alternative can be had, this one is simply the best.

SkinTechie Tip: To minimize chemical penetration into skin, apply sunblock over any treatment serum (Vitamin C, Prevage, etc.) and/or light moisturizer, so it has something other than bare skin on which to rest.

The high SPF (100) is extreme, but most of us use far less SPF than we think. You need about 1/2 tablespoon of sunscreen on your face to achieve the bottle's alleged SPF. Consider the extra high SPF to be an insurance policy against under-usage. Still, for optimum anti-aging protection, apply as much SPF as you can possibly stand. Yes, really. Sunblocks are one of the few examples where More really is More. 

Apply it like it's cheap. Know what I mean? Like that go-to jug of body lotion you always reach for instead of the fancy one your friend gave you.... use sun block like that.

I've said it before, but it bears repeating for optimum subconscious fermenting: THERE IS NO ANTI-AGER LIKE A GREAT SUN BLOCK, applied daily!

Neutrogena Spectrum+ Face SPF 100 uses the company's patented Helioplex technology to block rays throughout the UV spectrum, so rest assured you're getting the best protection possible. It's lightly moisturizing, amazingly un-greasy, and unscented to boot. Plus, you can work up a sweat and not end up sunburned or pimply. And did I mention inexpensive and available in most drugstores? Simply sublime.

SkinTechie rates this product 5 Stars.

Now, with my search for an effective, non-gnarly high-SPF product complete, maybe I'll start on that soul mate quality list. Stay tuned....

SkinTechie.

Upper body Makeover

You've been busted!
The charge?
The crime of catering to your face's skin needs, while cold-shouldering other visible skin areas.
How do you plead?

A recent study from the University of Gottingen in Germany and Proctor & Gamble in Cincinatti found that people whose decollete and arms appeared healthy & even-toned were assumed to be a full decade younger than their face alone indicated. Decollete is the fancy-pants name for that specific area between cleavage and the neck (try it in your next conversation without batting an eye).

No citizens-arrests for guilty pleas...those guilty-by-neglect are hereby sentenced to community service, or more appropriately, self-service!

Why?

Visibly neglected body skin showcases a glaring disconnect from your pampered facial epidermis.
Body skin as well as facial skin responds to positive attention & care. Imagine that! By dissing skin care for the neck, decollete, shoulders, arms & hands, these areas wind up aging faster than the face. Yet with easy lovin' care they can become a signature beauty calling card.

SKINtechie Tips for a luscious upper-half:

* The simplest plan to implement right now: Pump or scoop an extra dose or two of whatever skin goodie you're layering on your face, and apply it south of your face.
Now how hard was that, hmm?  Whether exfoliating, antioxidant, or moisturizing, if it's healthy for your face it's usually equally helpful elsewhere.

* Swap harsh bars of soap for a hydrating body cleanser.
Whether from a drugstore or health store, a good liquid body wash will clean, soothe, and hydrate skin without stripping it. If you suffer from body breakouts, invest in an acne body wash (Neutrogena has a good one) or just grab your acne face cleanser and use.

* Mix up your own high-octane body anti-ager.

Take any topical vitamin A product (retinol, Renova, Retin-A or Osmosis Renew are options) and mix 50/50 with any gentle face or body lotion. Apply lightly once a week up to nightly, depending on skin's tolerance. If skin winds up a tad pink or sensitive, that's a positive sign it's taking notice of its newfound care and is merely adjusting. You want to push your comfort level, but without overdoing and ending up raw-skinned. If you're getting too itchy, dry, or red, back off the concoction and use gentle lotion by itself. If you're really over-cooked, blend mild moisturizer with hydrocortisone and apply daily until skin calms down. Then slowly resume the program to find your personal best application frequency.
Be sure and slather on sunblock during daytime to prevent further UV-damage, as skin will be more susceptible to sun's damaging rays.

* Once a week or so, slough off dead, dry, flaky skin cells with a body-specific exfoliator. Do this consistently. Toss bacteria-festering loofahs, and use either a clean washcloth with liquid cleanser or buffing beads, a face polisher already in your stash, or an appropriate body scrub.

Upping the Ante:

If virtual sand-blasting is needed to take your decolletage from Robin's egg-speckled to alabaster smooth, toss in some pro treatments.

*A series of 4-6 diamond-tip MicroDermabrasion treatments is a perfect non-chemical counter-treatment to home care. MicroDermabrasion can be adjusted from feather-light to atom-smashing-powerful, so there's a perfect level for any body to benefit.

*A series of 3-6 chemical peels (like SkinMedica Vitalize Peels) work wonders, as their souped-up solutions assault crepey-ness and mottled-pigment like nobody's business. One peel every 4-6 weeks is recommended for non-facial skin.

*Most aggressive, a series of 3-5 "V-Beam" laser treatments in a dermatologist's office zap away red marks & broken blood vessels, while fractional laser resurfacing (such as Total FX) can, in one super-hero treatment, remove years of gnarly sun damage and tighten skin a bit to boot.

*On a soothing note, ultrasound 'vitamin cocktails' (available at SKIN's studio) are a nurturing treatment utilizing 100 % pure anti-aging compounds. Custom-blended, vitamin cocktails combine peak doses of hydrating, anti-wrinkling, and de-pigmenting ingredients to deeply moisturize and brighten. Benefits are immediate and cumulative.

Whatever you decide, begin by assessing the difference in quality between your facial skin and other areas. Then summon up genuine intent to provide all your skin the attention and care it's surely worthy of. Implement whatever options feel right, and slowly but steadily, formerly abandoned skin will start reflecting the love it's receiving with improved clarity, hydration, and smoothness!

S & M for your Face (The Deep Sea Peel)

What: Allure magazine, February 2010 issue.
Article title: "The best facialists from Fifth Avenue to the Pacific Northwest".
SKIN is first under the 'Los Angeles' heading. Sweet. I'm beyond tickled pink. I'm tickled fuschia!

You may've been wondering what the h*#! I used on their beauty-writer's face. Pulverized cement? Smashed glass? Nah, but I'm sure it felt like that. The mysterious, beautifying wonders of the Deep Sea Peel: For the faint of heart, it ain't. I privately refer to this super-slougher as the Hellfire and Brimstone treatment (hey, I'm from the South). However, it is an acid-free peel treatment, and safe for all skin colors & during pregnancy.

The Nitty Gritty:
After thorough cleansing of your face, I mix up a concoction of sea herbs, vitamins, minerals, algae, and the top secret 'scratchy' ingredient (which is no longer secret)...a very special ground coral powder.
I slowly massage this powerful paste into skin from 1-10 minutes, depending on tolerance to the truly astounding pain. Gotta be real here. It does not burn. It does not sting. Deep Sea Peel just nearly scratches you to beautiful. The longer the massage, the deeper the results. Thankfully, even one minute can produce amazingly cleared out pores, as the Allure writer experienced. Personally, I usually curse my way through a few minutes, then  collapse onto a fainting couch and down a shot of tequila. Wait! I shoulda done that first. Note to self.

What's Deep Sea Peel do?
It's superlative for clearing up acne, especially stubborn under-the-surface bumpy kind. It visibly lessens lines. Evens out skin color. Re-texturizes face to silky-soft. With a series (for the truly iron-willed), it reduces mild to moderate scarring.

Following Deep Sea Peel:
You'll likely be bright pink to red-faced anywhere from a few hours to a few days. It can usually be disguised with full-coverage foundation, which can be applied immediately. About 48 hours later, you'll likely experience mild-moderate flaking off of dead skin cells. This is a great thing! It's visible evidence all the aforementioned skin woes are being ousted. The flaky period lasts a few days to a week.

The completely bizarre after-effect, though, starts immediately following the peel and remains about a day. Every time you touch your skin, or it touches anything (a pillowcase, for example) it'll feel like it's been jolted with a nano-bolt of electricity. Huh? I know. Though not unduly painful, it's very, very strange. That's the deep sea for ya...full of exotic mysteries. About a week later, skin's regeneration is complete.

Deep Sea Peel is obviously not for extra-sensitive complexions. And only a select few are brave enough to dive into these shark-infested waters! Are you one of them? Come into SKIN's studio and find out.

Don't worry, if it's not in your face's best interest, I'll tell you so directly. Hehe...if I like you...

Special deal on Deep Sea Peel for SKINtechie followers only!
Deep Sea Peel: normally $195
SKINtechie followers: $175 till March 30, 2010!

Why the Bleep do I need a Toner?

Misunderstood. Under-appreciated. The bland sheep of skin care.

Rarely revered or despised, Toner just seems more of a 'skin care afterthought' for many.

However, a great toner is the elegant background accompaniment of any well-rounded skin care program. Whether calming or stimulating, toner plays a vital supporting role enhancing skin's function, health, and radiance.

So what the bleep does an effective toner actually do?

#1
TAKES OFF TAP WATER RESIDUE
Have you been at least somewhat alarmed reading what's being discovered in most tap water? Residue of prescription meds. Fecal matter. Bacteria. Lots of etc.'s. Without wiping your face with toner after cleansing, you're left with a virtual pile of crap on your face. Lovely! And if you use moisturizer afterwards, you're sealing in that very same tainted water, which is anything but pretty. When shopping a toner, read the ingredient list fully, knowing that whatever's in it will be sealed on your skin after applying anything over it. So make sure you know what you're feeding your face! If in doubt, confer with your facialist or dermatologist.

#2
RESTORES 'PH BALANCE'
On average, it takes up to 8 hours for your skin to return to its normal Ph balance (usually around 5.5) after you wash it. During those hours of ph inbalance, skin is an easy target for unhealthy bacteria to flourish. This is an especially important fact for skin that tends to break out. After washing, acne bacteria and other germs have free reign for much of the day before natural acidity is naturally restored. By simply using a proper toner, skin is immediately restored to its normal, healthy alkaline/acid state. Keeping this continuous ph balance in skin greatly lessens breakout potential.

#3
OPTIMIZES OTHER PRODUCTS
Applying serum or moisturizer immediately after using a toner helps it penetrate into the skin easier and faster. The water component acts as a virtual water slide, encouraging other products to slip on down into the epidermis, maximizing the product's potential!

Toners also have intrinsic skin benefits. Some contain glycolic, salicylic, or lactic acids, which slough dead skin cells and help clear clogged pores. Some contain soothers like aloe vera, chamomile, or lavender, which are an oasis for dry and sensitive skin, and also for some clogged complexions. Anyone with acne who's on typical breakout busters (Retin-A, antibiotics) tend to end up with dry and irritated skin. A calming, mild toner can perfectly soothe this gnarly side-effect without adding clogging ingredients.

My personal favorite toners are by Sircuit Cosmeceuticals. Molecular Mist is tops for normal-dry skin, or the beloved Immaculate Mist for normal-oily/acne skin. You're welcome to contact me for further info.

Try using a custom-suggested toner for at least one month, twice daily after cleansing. Then go a week (or even a few days) without. See and feel the difference yourself, and report the results back to SkinTechie!