Skin Care

• Special Cleansing Gel: wash at night time twice
• Daily micro foliant powder: use every other day after cleanser for exfoliating your skin
• Multi-active toner: use in the morning prior Super rich repair
• Total eye care: put around on the bottom of your eyes after toner and before moisturizer
• Super rich repair: use as moisturizer, use it after toner
• Pure light spf 30: use in the morning after super rich repair
• Multi vitamin power recovery mask: use it every week after exfoliation
• Barier repair: is a type of moisturizer so you can use inter change with super rich repair
• Contour mask: is a type of mask that you have to mix with water and then put on your face for about 40 min. do it every other week.

If you want to know more, you can go to this website: www.dermalogica.com for more information.

It’s important to use a brush with very thin tip to paint the outline of your nails.

Try painting one nail at a time, once you get the technique down move on to the next.

See below for a few photos of the Purple Slush.

Facial Skin Exfoliation

What are the benefits of exfoliation or Acne, Dehydration, Aging, and Pigmentation skin types?

The concept of stimulating the skin by exfoliation is not a new concept.  It is one of the oldest skin treatments developed and over the years different implements and ingredients have been used to exfoliate.

Hydroxy Acids is one of the popular method for exfoliation.  The era of Hydroxy Acids began in the 1990’s when there was a surge of popularity for their beneficial effects on skin, they were actually discovered in the early 1970’s.  When doctors found that certain naturally-occurring nontoxic substances called Alpha Hydroxy Acids, found in edible fruits and vegetables, had profound beneficial effects on the skin.

For Acne Skin: We know that there is an overproduction of sebum and dead cells that binds together in the follicle causing a blockage.  This is retained further because in acne skin, there is less of the enzyme cholesterol sulfatase due to fewer lamellar granules.  It is the lamellar granules that stimulate the enzyme to dissolve the NMF, allowing the cells to detach.  Creating a condition known as Retention Hyperkeratosis.  Hydroxy Acids mimic the enzymes in lamellar granules, dissolve the NMF and allow the cells to detach therefore clearing the congestion in the follicle.  They will also dissolve the desmosome protein linkages causing a burst in skin exfoliation.

For Dehydration Skin: Lack of moisture in the Stratum Corneum leads to gaps in the cellular barrier.  Moisture evaporates from below, which then leads to a dehydrated skin.  Clients attempt to overcome this by over-moisturizing which is literally sticking the old cells down and this leads to a dull, uneven skin texture.  Hydroxy Acids will take off the old cells and stimulate new cells full of moisture to be brought to the surface.

For Aging Skin: Cell production slows down as we age.  So as the journey from the Stratum Germinativum to the Stratum Corneum takes longer, it means the cells are retained on the surface for a longer period of time getting drier and duller.  Epidermal renewal varies from 12-19 days (teens) to 28-35 days (mid-life) and up to 90 days in maturity.

For Pigmentation Skin: Hydroxy Acids will shed the pigmented cells more quickly, so they are great combined with ingredients that suppress the melanin production such as Bearberry, Mulberry Extract, Kiwi, Phytic Acid and Licorice.  Lactic Acid at a 5% is also a tyrosinase inhibitor.

The Power of Touch

We have always understood the benefits of massage both physiologically and psychologically.  The power of touch has never been more prevalent and there are many schools of thought about this subject from energy fields to moving chi energy.

The Touch Research Institutes has conducted over 100 studies on the positive effects of massage therapy on many functions and medical conditions in varied age groups.  Among the significant research findings are: enhanced growth (i.e. infants); diminished pain (i.e. fibromyalgia); decreased autoimmune problems (e.g., increased pulmonary function in asthma and decreased glucose levels in diabetes); enhanced immune function (i.e. increased natural killer cells in HIV); and enhanced alertness and performance (i.e. EEG pattern of alertness and better performance on math computations).  Many of these effects appear to be mediated by increased relaxation activity and decreased stress hormones.

Research findings from The Touch Research Institute in Miami has proven that massage:

• Facilitates weight gain in pre-term infants
• Positively alters the immune system
• Reduces pain
• Reduces stress hormones in the body
• Alleviates depression

Stress Therapy Treatment benefits

By working on the area closest to the spine we are able to influence the Central Nervous System, accessing the whole body, thereby inducing a deep relaxation from head to toe.  Ideal for both male and female clients, the treatment may be completed in just 30 minutes.  The movements used in this very specialized treatment will not only stimulate blood and lymphatic circulation, but will also assist in balancing the flow of Chi energy.

This means that increased nutrients (e.g. Oxygen and glucose) will be brought to each and every cell, and the byproducts of metabolism, such as Carbon Dioxide, Lactic Acid and fluids are removed more efficiently.  Since accumulation of these wastes in the muscles can cause fatigue and tension, the increased circulation of tissue fluids initiated by the massage help attain the desired relaxation effect.  This is perfect for the busy career men and women of the 21^st Century, that so much need to escape from everyday stressful situations.

The stress test is designed to help you to understand your stress level and so you can find a stress therapy that’s customized to your needs.

Answer the following questions by rating how you typically react in the situations listed below:

4 = Always,  3 = Frequently, 2 = Sometimes, 1 = Never

1. Do you try to do as much as possible in the least amount of time?
2. Do you become impatient with delays or interruptions?
3. Do you always have to win at games to enjoy yourself?
4. Do you find yourself speeding up the car to beat the red light?
5. Are you likely to ask for help with a problem?
6. Do you constantly seek the respect and admiration of other?
7. Are you overly critical of the way others do their work?
8. Do you have the habit of looking at your watch or clock often?
9. Do you constantly strive to better your position and achievements?
10. Do you spread yourself too thin in terms of your life?
11. Do you have the habit of doing more than one thing at one time?
12. Do you frequently get irritable or angry?
13. Do you have little time for hobbies or time by yourself?
14. Do you have a tendency to talk quickly or hasten conversation?
15. Do you consider yourself driven?
16. Do your friends or relatives consider you driven?
17. Do you have a tendency to get involved in multiple projects?
18. Do you have a lot of deadlines in your work?
19. Do you feel vaguely guilty if you relax and do nothing during leisure?
20. Do you take on to many responsibilities?

Total Score =      ———-

Answer Key

20 – 30 Chances are you are non-productive or your life lacks stimulation

31 – 50 This score designates a good balance in your ability to handle and control stress

51 – 60 Your stress levels are bordering on being excessively high

60 + You may be a candidate for heart disease

Vitamin A: This fat-soluble vitamin helps you resist infection, and possibly cancer, promotes vision, and builds strong tooth enamel.  Vitamin A is found in orange and leafy green vegetables; liver and other organ meats; butter; and whole and fortified milk.  You can’t get too much vitamin a in the food you eat, but excessive supplementation can be dangerous for you and your baby.

Vitamin B: These water-soluble vitamins help you to prevent anemia, aid digestion, and promote a sense of well-being.  Get your B vitamins from whole grains, organ meats, milk, leafy greens, almonds, and peanuts.  One part of the B vitamin, folic acid, or folacin, is particularly important.  Since a deficiency of folic acid has been linked to serious neural tube defects such as spina bifida, the U.S. government began in January 1998 to require folic-acid enrichment of grain products such as white flour, cornmeal, white rice, and commercial breads and breakfast cereals.

Vitamin C: This water-soluble vitamin contributes to sturdy cell walls and strong placenta, promotes iron absorption, and helps in the formation of a baby’s teeth and bones.  Vitamin C also aids healing.  You should get it daily in fresh fruits and vegetables.

Vitamin D: Your body needs this fat-soluble vitamin in order to use calcium. You can meet your quota each day by spending some time in the sun or by drinking four cups of fortified milk.  Other dietary sources include sardines, canned salmon, egg yolks, butter, and liver.

Vitamin E: This fat-soluble vitamin promotes the growth of tissue and the strength of cell walls.  Get vitamin E in vegetable oils, whole-grain cereals, meat, eggs, nuts, and seeds.

Vitamin K: Your intestines produce some of this fat-soluble vitamin, which is needed to help blood clot.  You can get the rest of the vitamin K you need from green leafy vegetables and vegetable oils.

Oil Secretion
1. Oily shine may indicate overuse of exfoliants, dehydration and/or overactive sebaceous glands. Focus on home care products that can regulate oil production without stripping the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
2. For one’s experiencing breakouts, check for comedogenic ingredients in their skin and hair care regimens, as well as their make-up.

Herpes Simplex: caused by a rival infection, therefore it is highly contagious. It is characterized by erythema, pustules and vesicles (watery blisters) often grouped in a cluster around the mouth (herpes labialis). It is a recurring disease, and the skin treatment should be postponed until the condition recesses and two weeks after the lesions have disappeared. Can be spread to the fingers (herpes whitlow), eyes (corneal herpes) or genitals.

Impetigo Contagiosa: this is a spreading staphylococcal or streptococcal infection of the skin presenting a thin blister or oozing erosion which grows over several days into a honey colored crust. It is common in children and often spreads from the nostrils, which form a reservoir of bacteria for infection. Scratching and other members of the family are frequently affected. The condition is common during the summer months. In tropical countries sessions may be widespread and severe epidemics occur. It clears rapidly with antibiotic ointment.

Infected Acne: features are seborrhea (giving skin an oily appearance), comedones (blackheads), papules, pustules, nodules and cysts. There are different grades of acne (degrees of severity). A mild acne condition with comedones and one or two papules or pustules can be treated in the skin treatment center. However a more severe acne vulgaris or cystic acne with many comedones, papules, pustules, nodules and cysts may need medical treatment prescribed by a doctor or dermatologist. The Skin Therapist can still treat the inflammation and remove comedones and provide homecare advice.

Malignant Melanoma: this is the most serious form of skin cancer. It is a cancerous lesion frequently occurring on sun exposed sites. Classic findings are discolored patches on the skin surface with variations in color, brown, red, tan, irregular border and irregular surface. The Skin Therapist should always refer to a Dermatologist event if the session does not manifest all of the above markings.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis: an allergic reaction is seen as an abnormal response to a specific substance, brought about by antibodies in the blood. Dermatitis means sensitization of the skin, often red, itchy or burning, an irritation rather than a disease. Contact or allergic dermatitis is the most common form due to an allergic reaction to an ingredient coming into contact with the skin’s surface. These include cosmetics, laundry detergents, jewelry, clothing dyes or fabrics, even plants like poison ivy. Avoid treatment until this clears up. It is necessary for the therapist to be cautious in their product applications on an individual who has a history of previous allergies.

Protection: Through the fat cells in the subcutaneous tissue the skin protects the body against blows and falls. The Stratum Corneum acts as a barrier against bacterial invasion. The Stratum Germinativum produces melanin pigment as a natural protection from ultraviolet light.

Regulation: controls our body temperature so that it maintains our internal heat regardless of environmental climate. It does this through the excretion of sweat from the sudoriferous glands, and the dilation of the blood vessels in the dermis.

Sensation: Because the skin contains so many tactile nerve endings, the brain can be made aware of the stimuli of pain, heat, and cold in any part of the body.

Absorption: The skin is able to absorb some oil or fat-based substances on a topical level, but deeper penetration is confined to either medication or application of a water-based substance by means of galvanic current. Penetration of cosmetic preparations is restricted to the epidermal layer only.

Excretion: the eccrine and apocrine glands excrete perspiration and sweat for temperature regulation.

Secretion: Sebum is secreted by the sebaceous glands, and is a complex mixture of lipids and fatty acids. Adult sebum is fungicidal and germicidal and inhibits the growth of skin surface bacteria. Sebum plays an important part in maintaining the surface of the skin intact.

Respiration: To an extent skin cells of the dermis “breathe,” exuding carbon dioxide and eliminating unwanted gasses into their surrounding connective tissue fluid.

Methods of Skin Cleansing

The basis of skin perfection is cleansing.  With the selection of products and equipment available, it is possible to deep cleanse the skin extremely thoroughly without over stimulation, or disturbing the acid mantle.  The usual skin care routines used in many skin treatment centers do not attach enough importance to the cleansing of the skin, often encouraging the overuse of nourishing products, rather than the freeing from the surface of adhesions and waste products.  Use of the correct movements during the manual cleansing routine adds greatly to the effectiveness of this section of the treatment, and avoids over stimulation of the skin.

Electrical methods of skin cleansing are popular, and if well applied provide a fast, professional method of skin cleansing.  They do lack the personal touch of a manual method, but should be considered when an electrically biased skin treatment is to be given and designed to accomplish a result, rather than relax the client.

The Methods of Work:

Method #1: Remove lipstick and eye make-up

Method #2: Apply the cleansing product to all areas of the face and throat with flowing, effleurage movements, performed with even pressure, and in a rhythmical fashion

Method #3: The cleansing routine is continued with careful roll patting strokes, attention being given to thoroughly remove all traces of cosmetics.  The cent of the forehead, the nose and the chin all require more repetitions of the cleansing strokes, due to frequent blockages that occur in these areas.  This is due to the more numerous sebaceous glands being present.

Method #4: A successful cleansing routine must release all the tinted preparations from the surface of the skin, remove dead cellular matter, and should gently stimulate the lymph network of the skin, resulting in improved tissue cleansing internally.