With Warmer Weather – it’s Fashionable to Show Some Skin

Spring has Sprung – Feel Your best with Great Looking Skin…

Taking care of your skin in the warmer months involves several things – and sun screen, protective clothing and accessories, and a healthy skin regimen are a good start. The more skin you bare – the more you need to focus on skin care. No one wants to look older than they really are – and healthy glowing skin that is well moisturized and protected – goes a long way towards presenting one with an age-defying appearance.

A healthy skin regimen starts with a personal consultation with an experienced esthetician whose knowledge and expertise will steer you towards the right routine for your unique skin type and tone. Skin care services should be customized to every individual to ensure optimal results. Professional in-spa treatments, combined with home skin care using correctly recommended products designed to enhance one’s unique skin tone and type – will bring about the best results.

A professional spa and esthetician’s services will also work with you to minimize the effects of the sun’s rays and other potentially harsh environmental elements – while enhancing your skin’s natural glow through cleansing and moisturizing facials and body treatments. And for those who eschew the sun’s rays altogether – but don’t want to look like they do – there is the safe alternative of spray tanning. This safe, easy and long-lasting method provides a ‘sun-kissed glow’ – without the glow of the sun.

On the clothing side of sun protection, SUMMERSKIN founder Summer Kramer, has created a line of women’s apparel designed to be stylish, while providing protection from the sun’s harsh rays. The line’s sun-protective fiber blends offer fashionable layering options that breathe – providing cooling airflow. Summer founded her firm after a diagnosis of melanoma, which led her to an ‘exhaustive search’ for ‘fun, stylish sun-protective clothing.’

“SUMMERSKIN brings health, happiness, and fun to your everyday lifestyle. We provide stylish sun protective apparel and accessories so you can have fun in the sun while protecting your skin and health. Our 10-year vision is to reach 10 million people and increase awareness about the importance of sun protection,” Kramer writes on www.summerskin.com.

So remember – the more you bare your skin – the more you need to care for your skin!

 

Let a Relaxing Spa Day Bring Out Your Feminine Wiles

“It’s interesting to play a female character who’s not ever using feminine wiles to get things done.” – Allison Tolman, actress

“A woman with carefully cultivated feminine wiles is a woman who knows how to use her gender and her femininity to her advantage, both to get what she wants, and to fight for what is right and good.  There are some women who abuse their powers, but those who do you will find, dear reader, develop a distasteful reputation that prevents them from ever coming close in grace and charm to the women who use their charms tactfully,” from ‘The Classic Feminine Woman‘ blog.

When you look and feel good – the confidence within shines through. A day at a spa refreshes the outer woman – while rejuvenating the inner soul at the same time. There’s nothing like treating one’s self to an exterior skin treatment, or relaxing massage – to improve the inner woman. (Or man for that matter)! Body treatments are like a facial for your whole body – or any areas in particular you care to target.

Therapeutic massage combines a variety of techniques including pressure to improve circulation, warm stones to relieve tension, aromatherapy for relaxation and deep-tissue massage which is beneficial in releasing chronic muscle tension. The benefits of this type of bodywork are wide-ranging and include relief from aches and pains, decreased stress levels in the body, enhanced mental clarity, and greater flexibility.

There are a wide variety of facials and advanced skin treatments available today – providing a wealth of skin care options. These age-defying and skin-healthy treatments go way beyond just the toning and exfoliating processes of yore. Today’s advanced treatments include Oxygen Infusion Facials that enhance skin’s moisture absorbing properties, deep-cleansing facials to clear impurities and advanced skin exfoliating procedures such as Microdermabrasion, Dermaplaning and chemical peels.

“Spa treatments and massage therapies, which are quick and relatively affordable, create both mental and physical health benefits. In fact, studies have shown that the frequency of visiting a spa directly correlates with better quality sleep, fewer sick days, reduced absenteeism from work and fewer hospitalizations, from ahealthiermichigan.org.

“Allowing yourself the opportunity to relax is key to keeping those stress and anxiety levels under control. To most of us, the epitome of relaxation includes a day at the spa.”

Practice Safe Sun Exposure for Optimal Health & Summer Fun

Summer’s on the way – and so are the season’s outdoor activities. Enjoying the summer sun safely is a key factor to your health, well-being and comfort – as anyone who’s had sunburn can attest. Taking the right precautions to help minimize sun exposure – will help maximize your summer fun!

Start your day outdoors by applying sunscreen over exposed skin. Many people wonder however, what level of SPF (that’s Sun Protection Factor for the uninitiated) to use. According to medical journalist Salynn Boyles as posted on WebMD, “The SPF rating is a measure of the time it would take you to sunburn if you were not wearing sunscreen as opposed to the time it would take with sunscreen on.”

“SPF is not a consumer-friendly number,” says Florida dermatologist James M. Spencer, MD. “It is logical for someone to think that an SPF of 30 is twice as good as an SPF of 15 and so on. But that is not how it works.”

According to Spencer, an SPF 15 product blocks about 94% of UVB rays, an SPF 30 product blocks 97% of UVB rays; and an SPF 45 product blocks about 98% of rays.

“After that, it just gets silly,” he says.

In ‘Benefits of Moderate Sun Exposure,’ Dr. Robert S. Stern, chair of the Department of Dermatology at Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, calls them “solar-phobes”: people so concerned about getting skin cancer that they stay inside or cover every bit of skin. “They cover up like they were going out into the Arabian Desert,” he says.

“Nobody wants to get skin cancer, but we’ve gone from sun worship to sun dread. Dr. Stern and others say there is a middle way that includes using a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 when you’re outside for an extended period and wearing a hat and shirt around midday. So when summer’s here, get outside and enjoy it!”

Establishing an ongoing and proactive relationship with a skin care professional can go a long way towards alleviating anxiety about exposure to the elements. Routine sessions with an esthetician for soothing and rejuvenating facial and body skin treatments; augmented by an annual skin check with a dermatologist, provides your best defense to ensure healthy, age-defying skin.

And if you still feel as though your skin could use a bit more of a bronze-tone, your spa professional can offer you a safe, long-lasting spray-tanning alternative – for an easy and beautiful tan – no sweat!

Before You pull that Bikini or Two-Piece off the Line…

There’s another Line that might need Attention first…

Ladies – as we head to the seashore, pool or other summertime body of water to enjoy a cool dip with friends and family; we should consider a trip to a qualified esthetician for some face and body grooming. Removing unwanted hair from strategic areas will enhance your appearance – and when you look good – you feel good too!

Licensed and trained estheticians use only premium ingredients and techniques – designed to give you optimal long-lasting results. Sensitive area waxing is done using hard-wax exclusively, which removes only hair, leaving the top layer of skin untouched. Sanitary protocols are strictly followed including the use of disposable gloves and waxing sticks – and NO double-dipping – where a stick is applied to skin and put back into the wax!!

Good Housekeeping’s beauty editor, Sam Escobar, writes about facial waxing in ‘10 Things You Should Know Before Getting Your Face Waxed.’ In her article, she quotes board-certified dermatologist Dr. Joyve Imahiyerobo-lp, about the long-lasting effects of waxing, “The annoying thing about shaving is that if you’re particularly hairy, stubble will probably start cropping up within a day or two, which isn’t so much of a problem with waxing. The great thing about waxing is that it’s semi-permanent — it lasts two to eight weeks.”

The technique of body waxing is advantageous for removing unwanted hair from anywhere on the epidermis. The process is described in ‘The Pros and Cons of Body Waxing’ on MedyLife.com, “The warm wax penetrates into the follicles and helps in pulling out the hair. This technique is suitable for removing hair from all hairy surfaces. Waxing is the long-lasting method of hair removals. As in this method, the hair is removed entirely; the skin is felt remarkably smoother than after shaving or applying chemical solutions.”

Benefits cited to ongoing waxing include:

• Makes hair more fine, delicate and sparse
• Most experience no irritation at all – and it passes quickly for those few that do
• Provides an efficient & effective method of clearing hair inwardly from the roots

Disadvantages, while infrequent, can include some pain to those with sensitive skin, and maintaining application consistency can be difficult; which is why it is recommended that this process be handled exclusively by licensed professionals.

“Waxing is an essential technique which is needed for removal of unwanted hairs. As it is a vital component of lifestyle management, one cannot ignore its importance. One must be well aware of the pros and cons of this technique before choosing it.”

Optimum Health for Your Skin – ‘Like You Read About’

Take Care of Your Skin Early & Often…

“In the ’60s we smoked cigarettes like there was no tomorrow, and in the ’70s we baked ourselves in the sun like Christmas hams. Why? Because we were young, that’s why.

“Of course, these days we now know the errors of our ways, and as we look back on our careless skin care missteps, all we can think about is how important it is to make sure the next generation does not repeat our mistakes.

“Begin to care for your skin at a very early age. It’s never too early. That’s what I wish I would have known as a teenager,” from ‘What I Wish I Knew Then: Mothers Share Their Skin Care Mistakes‘ as reviewed by the Truth in Aging Community.

There is plenty of advice both online and in printed publications about the importance of taking care of your overall health in general; as well as taking the time to focus on specifics – such as taking care of your skin. Keeping sun exposure to a minimum, hydrating both inside and out by drinking lots of water and moisturizing, gentle exfoliation and using safe, natural products are all part of a healthy skin regimen.

Building a relationship with a qualified esthetician is the best way to establishing and maintaining a healthy skin care plan. These skin care professionals create a customized skin-care plan that is unique for each individual – providing healing and protection to skin – for optimal skin health and beauty. Health and beauty services provided by most professional spas include:

• Facials – Ageless/Anti-Aging*
• Chemical Peels
• Microdermabrasion
• Dermaplaning
• Body Treatments
• Spray Tanning
• Full Body Waxing

*”Now-a-days there is great advancement in technology and due to that, a number of treatments and concoctions are designed in order to help in slowing down the aging process. One who these treatments in anti aging facial, it improves well being as well as beauty of individuals,” FacialBook.com.

Keep Your Skin off the Endangered List through Proper Care

Here in Florida, we have adorable sea creatures called manatees. These slow-moving gentle giants roam the coastal waters of our state, providing both tourists and locals alike with fond memories of their time here. But alas, their habitat along our shores, coupled with their lethargic pace just under the water’s surface, makes these herbivores an accident waiting to happen by boaters unaware of their presence.

We also feature some of the most direct sun exposure here in the Sunshine State due to our proximity to the equator; making it imperative to take good care of one’s skin. Even limited, unprotected sun exposure can lead to premature aging of skin; while long-term exposure can lead to a host of other more serious side effects.

In ‘4 Ways to Take Care of Your Skin, Inside and Out‘ as posted on healthcare insurer Florida Blue, Victoria Edwards writes, “Taking care of your skin is probably second nature to you by now. It’s critical to always apply sunscreen and scan your skin for new or changing moles to keep your skin happy and healthy. The right care can improve its support, elasticity, and shine. Your skin’s appearance and texture can give you clues about the rest of your health.”

Ms. Edward’s tips include treating skin gently, eating a healthy diet, not smoking and managing stress to help skin ‘inside and out.’ Another great way to keep your complexion at its best, especially in sunny Florida, is to regularly seek out the advice and care of professionals including licensed dermatologists for annual skin checks, and estheticians – for ongoing skin treatments and facials.

Consistent high temperatures and sunny days can wreak havoc on one’s skin. As we perspire in the heat to cool our bodies, we lose moisture, and dehydrate our skin. The constant flow of fluid can also lead to clogged pores – another bane to our complexions. Fortunately, there is a solution – your skin’s friend in need – the esthetician; providing a variety of skin regimen options to keep you looking and feeling your best. Even offering a safer alternative to the sun’s damaging rays with glowing results in spray tanning!

And about those Florida manatees – here are some fun facts from the Smithsonian:

·       Manatees are herbivores – eating ten percent of their body weight daily

·       Warm water is a must for manatees – 60 degrees or warmer – or they suffer from cold stress and can perish

·       Manatees can hold their breath for up to 20 minutes – but 3-5 minutes is the average submersion

·       The closest living relatives of manatees are elephants

·       Female manatees usually have one calf every two to five years – the calf stays with mom and nurses for two years

·       Manatees have no natural predators in the wild – but humans in speeding boats are a large threat

Spray Tanning – the Safe Way to a Bronze Glow

Spring has sprung – which means that summer is just around the corner; time for many people to get their seasonal glow back. But better to do it safely with a spray tan – rather than exposure to the sun’s UV rays. Spray tanning is also a much more efficient method to achieve a golden glow and provides much more even coverage with minimal effort – especially when applied by a professional!

“Sun tanning is the most common method to achieve a sun-kissed glow. However, sun tanning is not only outdated, it’s also unhealthy because it exposes the skin to the damaging rays of the sun. Up to a certain extent, sun exposure is healthy. It activates the skin to produce vitamin D, which is an essential nutrient. However, the ultraviolet rays of the sun break the skin down.

“You can achieve a glowing, bronzed skin through spray tanning. Unlike sun tanning, spray tanning does not harm the skin at all. It does not cause sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer,” from ‘Benefits of Spray Tanning vs. Sun Tanning‘ as posted on HealthyDietBase.com.

There are many advantages to achieving beautiful bronzed skin without exposure to the sun:

·       Looks the same as a Suntan – you’ll look good & feel good with a safer long-lasting tan that looks the same as a suntan!

·       Healthier Skin – spray tanning adds nutrients to the skin through fortified healthy formulas (vs. the harsh drying & skin-damaging effects of the sun)

·       A Year-Round Streak-free Tan – streaks and burns from sun tanning are a thing of the past with spray tanning – which is applied through an even fine mist – for a perfect tan every time

A spray-on-tan gives a rejuvenating glow during the long winter, and a safe alternative during the warmer weather months. A skilled esthetician offers a variety of ways to get that ‘sun-kissed’ glow – from natural to dark tans – and even mobile-tanning services serving individuals, as well as group gatherings such as bachelorette, Sweet 16 and wedding parties. So indulge yourself – or a group of friends – with a relaxing, confidence-boosting safe tan alternative – you’ll be glad you did!

It’s Springtime – & Girls (& Guys) Just Want to have Fun…

Getting Outdoors More Means having to Take Even Better Care of Your Skin

“The beautiful spring came; and when Nature resumes her loveliness, the human soul is apt to revive also.” ~ Harriet Ann Jacobs

Spring has sprung; and that means that people spend more time outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine after their winter hibernations. It also means that we need to be vigilant about taking care of our skin from exposure to the elements. Sun, wind and environmental detritus can damage even healthy skin, but a proactive skin care regimen can protect against harm – and help reverse damage – restoring our epidermis to a healthy, youthful feeling and appearance.

As much as Spring provides a fresh beginning and a restorative time for nature; so too do treatments such as facials, body cleansing treatments and massages provide new beginnings for face, body, mind and soul. These restorative techniques keep skin refreshed, pliable and hydrated; building up a resistance against the natural elements of the environment – so we can enjoy the great outdoors!

Covering our skin with creams, lotions and oils; along with washing with harsh chemicals are some of the things that we tend to do in order to ‘help’ our skin. The reality is we may be doing more harm than good as we are potentially washing away the good bacteria that help us maintain our health.

According to author and Building Biology practitioner Andrea Fabry in ‘4 Ways to Protect Your Skin Microbiome,’ Covering our skin with petroleum-based chemicals may be one of our most hazardous modern day practices. Research shows that our skin contains billions of valuable microbial allies that leave us vulnerable when wiped away.’

She suggests that bathing too frequently robs our skin of its natural antibiotics; and that we use skin care products that ‘work with our microbiome rather than against it,’ including sunscreen:

” Sunscreens typically block UVB rays but not UVA rays. The UVA rays are responsible for the majority of skin problems due to overexposure. For this reason, a sunscreen with a mineral such as zinc oxide is recommended as it offers UVA protection. Be sure to choose non-nano zinc oxide to avoid health complications that can arise from manipulation of materials at the microscopic level.”

A professional esthetician will work with you – offering the best consultation for your unique skin type and lifestyle; providing a regimen that will help protect you while you enjoy the great outdoors this spring and summer. So get out there and have fun!

Flowers & Facials – Feeling as Fresh as a Spring Day

There are certain things that we discover as we go through life that make us feel beautiful and special. A handwritten poem from a beau, sharing a romantic evening of dinner and dancing, receiving a bouquet of flowers, and of course, spending some leisure time at a spa pampering yourself…
And there’s even more good news about taking care of your skin at a spa; as the benefits go far beyond external skin care gains such as exfoliation, hydration and increasing skin absorption. Other health benefits include improved blood circulation, preventing skin aging, and lower stress levels. Monthly facials provide a ‘feel-good escape’ psychologically; while their deep-cleansing treatment keeps pores open, skin clear and makes your complexion shine! And don’t we all feel better when we look better?!?!
Helen Nichols, Nutritional Scientist and self described ‘health junkie’ writes in ‘11 Science-Backed Health Benefits of Facials,’ “Facials are beneficial for all skin types, and particularly for people who are experiencing skin problems (such as acne or signs of aging). In general, a facial should be done at least four times a year, as each season changes. However, the best plan is to clear time and get a facial once each month.
“The best of contemporary skin treatments are all included in a professional facial. As you can tell from all the benefits listed above, getting a facial once a month is a surefire way to nourish your soul and skin, and dramatically improve your appearance. These treatments (which generally include steam, exfoliation, extraction, creams, lotions, facial masks, peels, massages, and LED machines) give you smooth, supple skin.
“Having baby-soft skin that looks young and radiant will boost your confidence and make it easier for you to climb the ladders in your life. Are you still skeptical? If so, go visit a nearby spa or salon, and get a few facials in the coming months. See the benefits for yourself!”
“A beautiful bouquet or a long-lasting flowering plant is a traditional gift for women, but I have recommended that both men and women keep fresh flowers in the home for their beauty, fragrance, and the lift they give our spirits.” – Andrew Weil

Skincare – A Symphony for the Soul…

In much the same way that all the instruments of an orchestra come together to create a symphony; so too do the health and beauty treatments in which we partake combine to create a ‘symphony for the soul’…

Starting off on the Right Note…

Initially, when starting a skincare regimen, it’s important to have an in-depth consultation to outline options – as well as for the client (you!) and your esthetician to get to know each other. Just as every one’s skin is different, skin care service offerings are unique to every person as well. A customized regimen will be discussed and developed between you and your skin care professional, to provide optimal results for your skin type – for a vibrant and healthy complexion.

Making Beautiful Music Together…

The relationship you establish and build with your esthetician over time will be of great benefit to your overall health. You skin is a reflection of internal and external factors affecting you – which your skin care professional will note – and offer professional consultation and options to best address any concerns. Making adjustments to your ongoing regimen, and proposing any specialty treatments as needed, will help ensure that you look and feel your best.

A Finely-Tuned Instrument…

Your skin, when properly cared for, is designed to last you a lifetime. Professional treatments and advice coupled with clinical home care attention; will result in positive strides for skin – and the soul – giving both a healthy glow! Keeping your skin ‘in tune’ can be done easily with a qualified esthetician…

“”Estheticians know a lot when it comes to skin care. It is their job, after all. They not only perform cosmetic treatments (hello, anti-aging facials!) but they’re also trained to help you choose a skin care routine that works for your skin’s specific needs. In other words, they’re key players in our beauty book when it comes to a healthy glow. And as it turns out, they also have amazing tips and tricks up their sleeves. We tapped a few of our favorites to see what they’re doing at home personally to keep their skin in tip-top shape. From product recommendations to skin care tips, these top estheticians spill all their best skin care secrets,” from ’12 Skin Care Commandments Estheticians Swear By’ by Jennifer Rice.

 

Tips Include:

• Always Use SPF 30+ – applied daily to protect the skin
• Hydration is Key – including keeping water, hand cream & lip balm at hand
• Less is More – when it comes to makeup
• Get a Facial Every Month – to clear pores & keep skin healthy & glowing

Make Your Skin ‘Sing’…

When all the instruments of an orchestra come together in synch, the result is music to the ears. When it comes to caring for your skin; it makes sense to work with a professional esthetician who develops an ongoing plan designed to your unique requirements – so that you and your skin will sing!