Damaged Skin Care

Did you over do it, trying to soak in every last drop of summer sun? If you suddenly find yourself sporting lobster-like skin from too much jet skiing on the lake this past weekend or whatever - here are some quick tips and trick on how to treat it.

Cool off, yep…hop into a chilly shower or bath. The cold water fights off the swelling from the heat and lowers your body temperature. But, forget the soaps and the bath gel as it may further irritate your skin.

Aloe to the rescue! There is a reason the aloe plant has been around since prehistoric times. The gel that oozes out of this cactus contains active compounds which fight pain, infection, inflammation, and can prevent the dreaded post-burn peeling. If you are fortunate enough to have an aloe plant, clip off a couple of leaves and pop them into the fridge. In an or or so, peel off the top layer of the leaves, give them a squeeze and run the gel directly onto your sunburn. Or, buy the bottled version and store in the fridge.

Can’t use aloe for whatever reason? Grab some non-perfumed and non-dyed moisturizing lotion instead. Whatever you do, DON’T use petroleum jelly or anything containing benzocaine or lidocaine. These products will worsen symptoms, clog your pores and even prevent healing.

Here’s a sunburn remedy you probably have in your kitchen. Add 1 cup of instant oatmeal, 1 cup of whole milk, 2 tablespoons of honey and 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel to a lukewarm-to room temperature bath and soak in it. No hot water as it will send you to the moon screaming with pain! The anti-inflammatory effects of the oatmeal mixed with honey’s antiseptic abilities, as well as the soothing power of the milk along with the pain-fighting aloe create a magically delicious do it yourself treatment.

Regular brewed cold black tea (the tannins treat pain) or milk will also work to soothe skin. Keep these liquids refrigerated in a spray bottle and spritz as needed. For blistering skin, mix up a saline solution by boiling eight cups of water for 5 minutes, then add a teaspoon of salt. Let it cool completely before applying to your skin with a compress.

There is a time to get help. If your sunburn is causing painful blisters, or makes you feel faint or dizzy and - especially if you have difficulty breathing, feel clammy and nauseated, or have a fever and the chills, head to the doctor immediately as you could have sun poisoning.

Soothe your sunburn by drinking plenty of water and take ibuprofen or aspirin as needed. Moisturize daily to minimize peeling. And, while the burn is at it’s worst, put yourself in a cool, dark room and try to sleep away the pain.

Individuals undergoing chemotherapy and radiation cancer treatments are both physically and emotionally affected by the experience. We all know about some of the things cancer patients deal with such as loosing their hair and feeling nauseated a lot of the time. But, they also deal with dry cracked skin which can cause additional anxiety over their physical appearance.

Lindy Snider developed a commercial line of skin care products specifically for those undergoing cancer treatments. Lindy saw first-hand the skin irritations of her friends caused by their cancer treatments. In 2003, she launched her Lindi Skin products line.

It was Lindy’s desire to show people affected by cancer what they could do to improve their appearance. Lindy’s products range from sun screen to lotion, body wash, lip balm, face moisturizer plus more. The products were developed by medical professionals specifically to treat the dry, cracked, sensitive skin which comes along with the cancer treatments. However, people not undergoing cancer treatment, but who have sensitive skin are using the products as well. The interesting thing we see at Fantasia is that while people might begin using the products while undergoing cancer treatments; they fall in love with the products and continue using them long after they have discontinued their treatments. Some of the products, such as the serums, we literally cannot keep in stock!

According to Steve Rosenman, Lindi Skin’s marketing director, the best aspect of the Lindi products is how quickly they are absorbed into the skin. You put the product on and it’s almost as though it evaporates. This is particularly beneficial for cancer patients who previously used to cover themselves in thick petroleum jelly or other oily, greasy products, trying to alleviate the dry, cracked skin. And another benefit to the Lindi products is the quality of ingredients which are used. There are no chemicals or toxic ingredients, only good nourishing things such as botanicals and plant extracts.

Many of those who work with those undergoing cancer treatments such as Fabulous Faces by Fantasia and the Look Good…Feel Better program support Lindi Skin and feel it enhances the quality of life for people undergoing cancer treatment.

Protecting one’s skin is particularly important for cancer patients. This is the reason Lindi Skin products were developed, with their unique needs in mind. The product is moist and smooth and actually feels like you have nothing on, when, all the while you are protected.

Whether or not you are undergoing treatments, if you are looking for a good, natural skin care line, you just may want to try Lindi Skin.

For many adults, particularly women, exiting the teen years does not always guarantee peaches and creme skin.

Sometimes, the problems of adolescence persist. Teen acne and adult acne are different; teen skin tends to be very oily while adults with skin issues often suffer with dry skin.

With the teens, typically males suffer acne in greater numbers than females and with adult acne, the problem tends to be more prevalent among women, often accompanying pregnancy, menstruation and menopause.

Unfortunately it’s difficult because, unlike the teens, adults cannot be told they are going to “out grow” the acne. However, there are a lot of treatment options out there, you just need to take the time to discover what’s going to work for you.

It’s not one size fits all, that’s for sure. Different things will work for different people.

Acne occurs when the skin’s oil glands over produce, clogging the skin’s pores. This causes growth of naturally occurring bacteria, which releases enzymes that cause the skin to swell and redden and can lead to whiteheads or blackheads.

Pre-menopausal women, who produce less estrogen, are more prone to acne. No matter what the cause of the acne, it can change a person’s overall appearance and even one’s life.

One acne sufferer who dealt with severe acne until her late 20’s, said she tried a bunch of things to no avail. Then, she found an esthetician who worked with her over a two year period, and helped her clear up the acne. They did several glycolic acid peels and a rigorous skin-care regimen. The former acne sufferer reports that her self-confidence skyrocketed after her acne cleared up. In her opinion, the most awful part of acne is what it does to a person’s self esteem. This particular person became so confident, she left her former career as an interpreter for the deaf and went to school to become an esthetician. Today she is a supervisor at a spa, helping others with skin care issues.

Facials can be a great help for those suffering with adult acne but you won’t be able to turn things around with a single facial. This is where it is helpful to work with an esthetician to establish a treatment plan. Usually Spas offer packages where you can save on the cost of facials by purchasing several at once.

Other treatments proven to be beneficial are BLU-U treatments and PPx Therapy. These are FDA approved devices for the treatment of acne. There are also laser facials where a device heats up the upper dermis layer of the skin, stimulating collagen growth. As with facials, this is not a one time treatment. Typically you would need about 4 treatments to begin noticing a difference.

There are many treatments available today for adult acne but you will have to experiment (and spend some money) to see what is the best treatment option for you. Fortunately, with modern technology, there are ways of beating acne, not only the scourge of adolecsence but some adults as well.

Occasional breakouts can be expected during the summer season. Both humid weather and high temperatures can make acne and blemished skin difficult to manage. Using makeup can further exacerbate the problem. If you are having trouble with your skin, here are some tips to help you counteract the problem.

Use makeup designed for sensitive skin. Jane Iredale Skin Care Mineral Makeup is a fabulous line and what we carry at Fantasia.

Use a gentle cleanser to cleanse the face and neck area twice per day. SkinCeuticals products are excellent and they have a wonderful gentle cleanser.

Avoid using astringent until shortly before bedtime. Astringent can strip away the skins natural oils which can irritate blemished skin. If used just prior to bedtime, it will help keep pores clean.

Always use non-comedogenic brands and non-oily foundations. Again, you can beat the combination of the SkinCeuticals Skin Care and the Jane Iredale Skin Care Mineral Makeup.

Use earthy and natural powdered eye-shadows. Although eyelids rarely break out, you can reduce the chance of wrinkles and creases by using enriching eye-shadows on a regular basis. Jane Iredale Skin Care Mineral Makeup is great for sensitive skin.

Avoid hair spray near your hairline. This is a surefire trigger for acne breakouts, and, when mixed with makeup, it can drip onto your face when you sweat for further skin irritation.

Don’t apply cakey foundation. If you haven’t tried the mineral makeups that are applied with a brush, you really don’t know what you are missing.

Use an aloe and cucumber-based mask to soothe and soften skin. SkinCeuticals uses these and other botanical formulations in their products. Both of these have nutritive properties that can help to reduce inflammation.

Use a powder with SPF protection. Again, back to the mineral makeup which has naturally occurring SPF protection; it’s a great choice. This helps cover minor blemishes without a complete foundation application. Use eye makeup remover nightly, make sure it’s one that’s designed for sensitive skin so that residue does not irritate the area around your eyelids and nose.

Use a blotting tissue or pad throught out the day. This will soak up excess sweat and help creat a sleek, matted finish.

Many women with acne make the mistake of overdoing summer makeup as a cover up. This can irritate and inflame the skin even more. Look for natural and organic products such as SkinCeuticals Skin Care and Jane Iredale Skin Care Mineral Makeup whenever possible and keep in mind, less really is more during the summer season.

As humidity levels rise, it might be a good time to pay attention to your skincare regime. Managing your skin during the summer can sometimes be a challenge particularly for those with extreme skin conditions like acne or excessively oily skin. The heat and environmental toxins can all play a role in the overall look and feel of the skin. Humid weather can exacerbate a variety of skin problems.

You can’t escape entirely from the humidity unless you stay inside, and that would be a travesty as summer is all too brief in Minnesota! Here are a few tips and strategies to help restore and balance your skin so you can enjoy summer fun!

Use a clarifying facial wash or cleanser. SkinCeuticals has an excellent skin care line which we sell at Fantasia. Clarifying cleansers help to unclog pores that are working overtime during the hotter months as skin sweats more often.

Drink plenty of water! This is good for your overall health anyway in addition to flushing out toxins and keeping your skin well - hydrated.

Use an exfoliating scrub at least once per week. Try different scrubs to remove dull skin cells and increase circulation in the process. If you can afford it, think about having some microdermabrasion treatments at the salon or treat yourself to an anti-aging facial.

Use a toner with glycolic acid to further help remove pollutants and toxins. Again, I would recommend SkinCeuticals.

Use a light moisturizer with SPF protection on a daily basis. This will leave skin supple, smooth and well-toned. If your skin is oily, make sure you are using a light moisturizer. Apply it sparingly.

Use a eye gel before bed. This can help reduce puffiness and any tenderness in the eye area as well as have you waking up with bright eyes and smooth skin.

Use botanical products and essentials oils which can help you stay cool. Anything based in chamomile and lavender will be soothing and cooling. Cucumber and aloe-based products are rejuvenating and restoring.

This is a no-brainer, always wash off your makeup before bed. Your skin needs to breathe overnight and can detoxify naturally without the blockage of makeup. Eat lots of water-based foods. You will get vitamins and minerals from your daily diet but you can stay hydrated with less water if you consume lots of water-based foods.

Be sure to use a shower filter to filter out the chlorine which can be very damaging to your skin. Keep your skin well protected when swimming and showering.

Exercise early in the morning. You can enjoy the benefits of exercise without worry of overheating or dehydration if you exercise early.

Humid summer weather can affect your skin in many ways. It can be more likely to breakouts and can become imbalanced. Use the right products for your skin type and follow a healthy regime to create a healthy and vibrant summer glow!

Tattoos are very popular today. Turning ones body into a canvas for expression, a memorial, or a work of art have become increasingly popular. Did you know, however that it is a trend linked to numerous health risks?

There is a risk assocated with any percutaneous exposure for incurring numerous blood-borne pathogens like HIV, hepatitis, tetanus and tuberculosis. The Center for Disease Control says that there is no data in the United States indicating that people with exposure to tattooing alone are at increased risk for Hepetitis C infection.

However, a 2006 CDC study discovered actions that are linked to hepatitis C including: receiving three or more tattoos, receiving tattoos in a unprofessional setting, and receiving tattoos from re-used needles which were not sterilized.

The Mayo Clinic says that given the popularity of tattoos, complications are realitively uncommon. However, there are additional risks associated with tattoos which include: Skin disorders like granulomas and keloids, bacterial skin infections and allergic reactions which can occur years after the tattoo application.

Another rare side effect of tattoos are magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) complications. These include complaints of swelling or burning radiation from the tattoo’s site and image quality interference.

While the health risks are low for those receiving tattoos, there may be a problem with the ink. Some grades of ink used are industrial, generally used for printers or automobile paint.

So, if you are going to get tattooed, it is highly recommended that you go to a licensed shop where sterilization is a high priority, new packaged instruments are used and where the artists wear gloves over washed hands.

Be sure to ask questions about the establishment’s safety procedures. The personnel should be happy to answer your questions. If they are not willing to answer your questions, it would be best to leave and search for a more professional salon.

At Fantasia, we have an artist who does permanent pigment makeup and I can assure you she would be happy to answer all of your questions and she has all of the proper sterilization processes in place.

So, don’t be afraid, just do your due dillegence and enjoy your new “art”.

By now, you know I like to pass along “natural” treatments for things people might be dealing with. So, I have found yet another natural treatment I thought perhaps someone reading this might benefit from.

We all know acne is an unsightly skin disorder which is generally most prevalent on the face and neck. Sometimes the back can be very affected but at least that part of the body can be covered up most of the time if one chooses. Typically acne is found in people between the ages of 12 to 24 years old and can be highly embarrassing for the sufferer. However, this doesn’t always hold true as I recently did an article on adult acne. But, whatever the age, we know that there are millions of acne sufferers all over the world.

There are ways in which you can reduce the visible scarring and redness associated with acne. We have talked about several things one can do. Obviously a good start would be to improve the diet so that you are eating plenty of fruits and vegetables. Also, eat foods containing anti-oxidants and omega 3, as well as foods high in vitamin E. Vitamin E is considered to be excellent for removing acne scars while improving the skin’s overall appearance.

You should also drink lots of water and make sure you get plenty of exercise. All of these thing help your body to remove toxins which can build up in the skin and cause acne. You should consider a cleanse product such as Isagenix if you are serious about removing impurities and toxins from your body. (see our “products page” for more info).

Here is another way to effectively help with acne. Aloe Vera. Aloe vera has powerful healing qualities. The extract from the aloe vera plant has long been used to treat cuts, wounds and burns and is considered to be equally effective at treating acne.

Aloe vera nourishes the skin while healing the skin and often the scars and redness associated with acne. It is in effect, both a moisturizer and an anti-inflammatory agent.

There are gels, creams and lotions containing aloe, or you can ingest aloe vera through juices and pills. You may want do a combination of both topical and internal for even greater results.

As with anything natural, consistency and patience are important. If you will commit to using aloe vera on a daily basis, perhaps it can help you lead a happier and more confident life!

I have previously written about microdermabraison and what a wonderful treatment it is for anti-aging and to help correct damaged skin. In case you are unfamiliar with this treatment, it’s sort of like “sand blasting” the face with fine crystals. I know that may sound nasty and harsh; but it is in fact, a relaxing spa treatment. It is done with a machine in a salon/spa setting. While there “home treatments” you can buy, it is much more effective when done with a machine in the salon/spa.

However, when talking about microdermabraison, there is another benefit which can be derived from it that I have not talked about which could be huge for some people.

If you have had issues with acne, and find that you are left with brown spots or your skin appears to be pitted, you could benefit significantly from microdermabrasion treatments. As long as your skin is now blemish free, you would be a good candidate for microdermabrasion. Depending on how severe your spots and pitting are, would determine the number of treatments you would need to have. At Fantasia, you would have a consultation with our esthetician who would help you determine how many treatments might be necessary for you to achieve noticeable results.

Microdermabrasion is a non-surgical, non- invasive way to help your skin to begin to heal itself. Without getting technical, microdermabrasion removes the top layer of the skin, exposing the new skin underneath. Done repeatedly, after awhile, you will be amazed at how good your skin can actually look.

If you have been feeling like you wanted to hide under a rock because you skin is so pigmented and scarred, this is something affordable, with no recovery time, that you should take a serious look at. No need to worry any longer, there is hope for your damaged skin!

What if you could have smooth silky hands - all of the time? Well, you can! For years a popular salon/spa treatment for hands (and feet) has been the pariffin treatment. It’s a wonderful treatment and we still do it at Fantasia, especially during Minnesota winters!

A couple months ago, several of our staff attended a hair and beauty show in Chicago. They came back exited about many of the things they learned and one thing in particular was the Thermasoft, self-heating therapy for hands. Since I did not go to the show, I’m eager to try this treatment and wanted to tell you about it.

Thermasoft is all about indulging your hands in the sensational warm gel of the deep heat Soyaffin Serum hand treatments. Soyaffin is an all-natural blend of shea butter, beeswax, and soy serum which moisturizes and renews skin.

This is a rejuvenating treatment where sanitary single-use pairs of mitts are used to eliminate the risk of bacterial and fungal cross-contamination. This guarantees personal and individualized treatments to ensure you feel pampered and protected.

Then, enjoy a deep penetrating heat that last 30 minutes and ddrives tension from your hands and arms, while providing relief to sore, stiff muscles and achy joint pain. Continuous heat therapy increases the efficiency and therapeutic properties of Soyaffin, moisturizing and replenishing the skin, leaving your hands soft and silky feeling.

The Thermasoft self-heating hand treatments deliver alnatural Soyaffin Serum for the most luxurious and moinstuizing experience. The thermasoft mitts heat naturally, with food-grade minerals and water; no electricity, equipment, batteries or microwaves are required. This is truly a revitalizing treatment!

So, if you want a little Spa treat, the Thermasoft Hand Treatment might be for you. It’s an affordable yet pampering, luxurious treatment.

Even in a tight economy, a gal’s got to look good! Getting Botox and face-lifts are great for those who can afford them. But there are some other ways you can keep your skin fresh in addition to good skin care and makeup. One of the most effective strategies for super skin is to nourish your body with plenty of nutrients. Research has shown that specific foods can help prevent wrinkling, sun-damage and help to keep your skin well hydrated.

Here’s a grocery list for your skin!

Orange and red fruits and vegetables. These are high in antioxidants and can help prevent wrinkles. Sweet potatoes, tomatoes and cantaloupe are examples of foods which can help keep your skin firm and bright. Add more of these to your daily diet. Instead of making mashed potatoes or baked potatoes with white potatoes, use sweet potatoes topped with a bit of brown sugar and butter. Or, if you are like me, I think they are sweet enough with just the butter! When having a sandwich or salad, add a few slices of fresh bright red tomato. Then ditch the chips and snack on juicy cantaloupe instead.

Eat citrus fruits on a daily basis to help keep your skin hydrated, which, in the long run, prevents wrinkles. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant which helps keep the collagen in your face from sagging. But, it’s water soluble which means you need to stock up everyday. Oranges are a great source of vitamin C but grapefruits lemons and limes are also good choices to keep your “c” levels up. Collagen begins breaking down in your 30’s, start stocking up now! Mix grapefruit into a salad for a summery fresh addition. Squeeze fresh lemons or oranges and make lemonade or orange juice. Squeeze limes or lemons over fish and chicken for some tangy zip.

Herbal Teas. EGCG is a very potent antioxidant which can prevent acne, sun damage and inflammation of the skin. It has even been known to combat skin cancer and tumors. Real teas, green, black or white are the best ways to consume EGCG. Four to six cuts of tea per day is the amount needed to have a beneficial effect on skin. Gradually replace your daily coffee with tea. In addition to the skin, the antioxidants will be healthful for your whole body. For a summer refresher, you can put green tea in a spray bottle and spritz your face through out the day.

Leafy greens have vitamin A which is one of the most important skin helpers helping to prevent your skin from becoming dry and scaly. Vitamin A is essential for the cell renewal process and promotes the growth of new skin. Spinach, broccoli and escarole are just a few examples. Fresh, frozen, raw or steamed leafy greens are all beneficial for skin health. So, eat those salads!

Seafood is where Omega 3 fatty acids are found. Fish such as salmon, tuna, trout, sardines and shellfish have anti-inflammatory properties and can fight sun-related skin damage. They also help protect against sunburn. While eating fish can make your skin look wonderful, keep your intake moderate so you don’t end up consuming too much mercury. Eating fish once or twice per week is sufficient, especially if you load up on the other healthy skin foods.

So, get your edible skin care fix with these healthy foods. You will not only do your skin a favor, but your body as well!