Damaged Skin Care

Previously I talked about nutrition and skin and focused on fiber. In this post I’d like to talk about specific nutrients and what they can do for your skin. The journey towards healthy skin begins with good nutrition. A well balanced diet is essential for healthy skin. If you eat garbage, it will more than likely show up on your face. Good nutrition may not reverse some damage already done but it will prevent more damage from occurring and nourish you skin by supplying the essential vitamins and minerals your skin needs to keep it looking healthy.

Vitamins and minerals play an important role in maintaining the quality of your skin. Some much more so than others. Vitamins A, C and E and minerals such as selenium and zinc are essential for good skin. And, some minerals such as selenium are deficient in our soils and must be added to the diet in the form of supplements to assure you are getting the daily amount needed for optimum general health as well as skin health. Let’s break this down further so you can see what role specific nutrients play in skin health and how you can get them in your diet.

Vitamin A maintains and repairs skin tissue. If you are lacking Vitamin A, your skin may appear dry and flaky. You can get Vitamin A in yellow and dark green leafy vegetables, whole milk, liver and butter.

Biotin, a member of the B family of vitamins, forms the basis for skin, nail and hair cells. Biotin is pretty easily obtained from the diet as you can get it from bananas, eggs, oatmeal and rice.

Vitamin C protects the skin from the sun, smoking and pollution by acting as an antioxidant. When excessive amounts of oxidants or free radicals are produced due to sun exposure, smoking and pollution, they can cause damage leading to disease and aging. Antioxidants help to remove these free radicals thereby reducing the damage. You get Vitamin C from citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruits, broccoli, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts and leafy greens.

Vitamin E offers the same benefits as Vitamin C. Vitamin E comes from vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, olives, spinach and asparagus.

Selenium is a mineral which protects your skin against sun damage by helping to minimize the damage caused by free radicals. There are small amounts of selenium in whole grains, seafood, garlic, eggs and liver.

Zinc chanclear skin by controlling oil production. It is also important in cell growth. Eat oysters, lean meats and chicken to get your zinc.

So, you can see that most of us are probably not getting some of what we need by diet alone. Oysters and liver, who eats that stuff? So, you always have the option of supplementing your diet. Fantasia highly endorses supplements and carries the Isagenix product line. We have a nutritionist on staff if you have any questions.

Mineral makeup is the hottest trend in makeup today. It’s the newest phenomenon and more and more women are requesting it. Of course it helps that it has been popularized by television infomercials showcasing mineral makeup products such as foundations, blush, translucent powders, and eye shadows.

However, the mineral makeup recipe is anything but new. The Egyptians knew the advantages of finely ground stones and quartz and applied them to their skin specifically for beauty. The cosmetic industry is just “rediscovering” this ancient wisdom and is now promoting it as the latest “magic powder”.

Mineral makeup has been around for awhile in the US. Jane Iredale released a make-up series based on titanium oxide and zinc oxide more than 10 years ago. Jane Iredale began her career as a casting agent in Hollywood and she knows the concerns and needs of people who tax their skin daily with cosmetics. Her line of mineral makeup is healthy for the skin and is well tolerated, this is one reason Fantasia is now carrying the full line of Jane Iredale makeup.

Mineral based cosmetics are not only good because they are easily tolerated. They also work to inhibit inflammation, soothe the skin and at the same time guarantee a natural protection from UV sunlight because their small particles reflect the rays.

Also, the makeup made from minerals doesn’t clog the pores, as is often the case with ordinary makeup because it doesn’t soak into the skin so it can’t breathe. In addition, mineral-based makeup is fortified with vitamins and antioxidants. We’ve talked about the importance of this in another post. This mixture protects the skin from environmental effects and also precludes aging of the skin.

Makers of mineral based cremes and powders say it fuses optimally with the skin, covering it evenly and concealing redness and impurities. The result is an even complexion where the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles are reduced.

Of course there are critics of the mineral makeup enthusiasm. Some just don’t believe in the 100 percent effectiveness of the “magic powder” and argue that ordinary cosmetics are put through such extensive testing that there is hardly a risk of allergy. As we already talked about in another post, while that may be true in some countries it is not necessarily so in the United States.

Some even see mineral based makeups as a short-lived trend as opposed to the cosmetic of the future. As with other things, only time will tell.

We’ve talked about the SkinCeuticals Skin Care product line which Fantasia carries. I want to talk about one product in particular which is    C + E. As we have discussed, nutrients are very important when it comes to skin care and Vitamins C and E are very important taken both internally and topically. Together, they form a synergisitc antioxidant combination that provides unmatched protection from photoaging. (entrinsic aging)

SkinCeuticals super-antioxidant treatment contains L-Ascorbic acid and alpha tocopherol to optimize protection against damaging UVA/UVB rays of the sun. It also helps prevent premature signs of aging and stimulates collagen production. This combination of C + E provides unprecedented preventative and anti-aging benefits to the skin as it is effective at neutralizing the chemical reactions that cause premature wrinkling and other signs of aging. Studies proved ultimate protection from UV damage when C + E is combined with a broad-spectrum sunblock. The most surprising discovery is its ability to prevent the mutations in skin cells associated with the formation of skin cancer.

If you have photoaged or photodamaged skin, dry or sensitive skin, erythema, poor skin elasticity, hyperpigmentation, have had or are having invasive or non-invasive rejuvenating procedures (Microdermabrasion, Facial Sculpting), you should be including SkinCeuticals C + E in your skin care routine. It is applied once daily, using your fingertips to apply 4-5 drops of C + E to your face, neck and chest.

In addition to all of the wonderful vitamins in this formulation, it also has zinc which accelerates wound healing, offers protection against UVB radiation, promotes collagen synthesis in the dermis and is useful in acne treatments since it lowers sebaceous secretion.

The C + E is just one component of the SkinCeuticals and an example of the quality of this line of skin care products. It fits in with Fantasia’s philosophy of providing the finest products available for our clientele.

As we age, our body undergoes many natural changes associated with aging skin. Genes determine the natural aging process which cannot be altered. But, that said, there is a lot we can do to minimize the effects of premature skin aging which are caused by our environment and lifestyle.

There is intrinsic aging which is characterized by decreased production of collagen and elastin. This is what gives skin its strength and elasticity. Other characteristics include decreased skin cell turnover or shedding of dead cells and loss of fat beneath the skin. These changes are seen in the form of fine lines and wrinkles, thin skin, hollowed cheeks and eye sockets as well as sagging dry skin which may itch.

When it comes to intrinsic aging, you may want to think about Microdermabrasion or Facial Sculpting. In many cases, these treatments can provide some pretty dramatic results with regard to fine lines and wrinkles. Certainly a good skin care program will help as well.

Then there is extrinsic aging. This is usually caused by the effects of the sun. These changes resemble the natural aging of skin only they appear much earlier in life. I have to admit I have issues with this. I grew up in Tucson, Arizona and was a sun-worshipper. I would spend day after day laying in the 110 plus degree sun. I loved it. My tanning oil of choice was baby oil and Iodine. For years I had the best sun tan you can imagine and never thought of having to deal with the effects years down the road. However, the damage caused by the sun is cumulative, meaning that your skin never forgets your tans and burns, even from childhood! I remember one time going to Mexico over Spring Break and getting the most severe sunburn I’d ever had in my life. I had second degree burns. The doctor who treated me commented, ” you don’t even know how much damage you have just done to yourself.” Of course being young and immortal, I just blew off his comments and once healed, was back in the sun again.

Your degree of premature aging depends on the total amount of sun you have received over the years. Of course smoking can also age skin by producing oxygen free radicals which cause premature wrinkles. If you don’t quit smoking for health’s sake, how about quitting for vanities sake?

While you can never start a good skin care program to early in life, I also believe it’s never too late to start a good program. Until they close the coffin there will probably always be things you can do to make a difference.

With modern technology and advances in skin care and makeup as well as all of the procedures we have today, we can turn back time somewhat which is a Baby Boomers dream. You would probably want to look at the non-surgical options first. If all else fails there’s always plastic surgery. However, there are some terrific non-surgical alternatives such as microdermabrasion and facial sculpting, both which are offered at Fantasia.

If you are a Baby Boomer and are like I am, you are always looking for ways to rejuvenate your skin. Fantasia offers a procedure called Facial Sculpting. It is a non-surgical treatment that revitalizes and tightens the skin, making it softer, smoother and younger looking. It diminishes fine lines and wrinkles. Pore size is improved along with textural irregularities which can be caused by acne, eczema, melasma, rosacea and other skin imperfections. Facial Sculpting increases skin elasticity and firms facial contour.

This is a revolutionary way to safely, effectively and gently tighten and firm the skin. It is performed through exclusively designed conducting wands which emit Micro-currents. The current penetrates the layers of skin through specific acupuncture points thus causing increased production of collagen to smooth and soften lines and wrinkles.

Facial Sculpting is a wonderfully relaxing and euphoric treatment. You may find yourself drifting off to sleep! Specifically formulated skin products are first applied all over the targeted areas of the face. This essential blend is used as a conductor to enhance the effectiveness of the wave form, penetrating deep into the skin as the wands gently glide over the areas being treated. The number of procedures recommended is determined by your age and skin condition. Our service provider will discuss this with you at your first visit or consultation. Most clients are able to see noticeable improvement after their very first visit. Ten treatments will help you achieve optimal results.

With Facial Sculpting, you can expect to turn back the clock on aging. You will achieve overall improved skin quality and a natural youthful appearance to your face. The improvements can be quite dramatic with a series of treatments. Once you have achieved your desired results, there are preventative measures you can take in order to maintain your beautiful, new found skin. Your lifestyle should include drinking plenty of water, proper diet and exercise, avoiding harmful UV rays and include a good skin care regimen. (Fantasia offers wonderful skin care products.) Monthly treatments are then recommended to maintain and enhance your youthful appearance. The Facial Sculpting technology is so effective, that everyone is getting age-defying results.

If you would like to come into Fantasia, we would be happy to show you some before and after photos of those who have had the Facial Sculpting treatments. I think you will be amazed!

By now, everyone’s heard about the dangerous levels of lead found in children’s toys manufactured in China. However, what received less media coverage and was equally disturbing, was a study released by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics which found there is six times as much lead in lipsticks as the maximum amount permitted in toys.

Lead is a potent neurotoxin and is linked to numerous other health and reproductive problems. The cosmetic industry maintains that its inclusion of lead in lipstick is not a problem, because lipstick is not ingested. Well, I don’t know about you, but if I have lipstick on and eat something, the lipstick is gone and I’m pretty sure I know where it went! I believe anything you put on your lips is going to find it’s way into your system! Let’s face it, we all know there is no safe level of lead ingestion. But, many women are not aware that lead is often an ingredient in their lipstick.

It’s time we become aware of what we are putting on our face and lips. Have you ever thought that you could be doing long-term damage to your health with your normal morning and evening routines? Most of us are applying lip stick more than just once or twice per day! I would think that after years of this, we have ingested a significant amount of lead.

You probably know a lot about what’s in your food but perhaps not so much about the things you are putting on your face and lips. Why is that? Food and food ingredients are regulated and safety tested before they are sold. Guess what? Cosmetic ingredients are not regulated or safety tested.

Cosmetic manufacturers are allowed to mix toxic chemicals, poisons and known carcinogens in the products we use. And, some of us are using these products quite liberally, on a daily basis. Federal law allows the cosmetics industry to put a bunch of chemicals into personal care products and makeup with no required safety testing. They are not required to monitor the health effects of their products and their labels have limited requirements.

Cosmetics are not reviewed or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before being sold to the public. The FDA doesn not require companies to do safety testing of their cosmetic products before marketing.

Of course the cosmetic manufacturers using these toxic ingredients maintain that they are using amounts far to small to harm consumers. The US customers have faith in their manufacturers, other countries do not. European countries have much more stringent and protective laws for cosmetics than we do in the United States. That means that many of our products, made in the USA, which are deemed safe for us, are not allowed to be sold in other countries!

The good news is that many cosmetic companies today are on board with consumers and are taking steps to make their cosmetics safe. But it took outcries from concerned consumers to get them to take action!

Fantasia carries Lindi Skin, SkinCeuticals and Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup. Each of these companies manufacture pure products with out harmful ingredients so you can have confidence that you are preserving your health when you use them.

In our world today, society places increasing emphasis on physical appearance and the aging process. With the Baby Boomer generation there is a resistance to wanting to look old. Becoming older is one thing but we are not about to look older. A good Skin Care program today is essential. Many manufacturers are gearing their products toward restoration, enhancement, revitalization and rejuvenation of damaged and aged skin. Fantasia is on the cutting edge of this with SkinCeuticals, Lindi Skin and Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup.

We also believe nutrition is vitally important for overall health and for skin health. Beautiful skin starts from within! Diet can play a huge part in having healthy, vibrant and glowing skin. We endorse a diet rich in high fiber fruits, vegetables and grains.

The bottom line is this. It doesn’t matter what you spend for extravagant facial products, if the skin to which they are applied doesn’t enjoy the skin-boosting benefits of good nutrition. Most women are unaware that a common culprit behind several skin conditions and concerns is a lack of dietary fiber. The American Dietetic Association recommends daily fiber intake ranging from 20-35 grams per day. That would be the equivalent to about 20 apples per day and I would venture to say very few of us are getting that amount of fiber. You may need to supplement to boost your fiber intake. By incorporating more fiber in your diet, many common digestive conditions can be alleviated, some of which are thought to cause acne, rosaeca or psoriasis. So, as you can see, it’s really important to have your oatmeal, apples and green leafy veggies on a daily basis!

Why is fiber important? It’s a non-digestible form of carbohydrate found in certain plants. It cannot be digested or absorbed by the body which makes it benefiical for a whole host of body and health concerns. Dietary fiber absorbs water, stabilizes blood sugar levels, lowers cholesterol and removes certain toxic heavy metals from the body. So much of the fiber has been refined from our foods today causing the American diet to be sorely lacking in fiber. Fiber is critical for alleviating constipation, contributing to bowel health and regularity. Certain forms of fiber may help rid the body of fat and curb the appetite which makes it very useful for dieters. Because blemished skin may be linked to an improperly functioning digestive system, an adequate intake of fiber can help support a healthy and clear complexion.

So, eat your whole grains, eat your fruits and veggies and supplement with extra fiber. Do this for you overall health and the health of your skin. At Fantasia we sell Isagenix products which help promote cleansing the body of the environmental toxins along with supplements which supply the body with high grade dense nutrition including fiber.  Our nutritionist on staff would be happy to talk with you about these products.

Hears to your “skin” health!

You may not be aware that we do Microdermabrasion at Fantasia. In fact, we have been doing it for several years, almost since the technology was first introduced. If you are looking old and tired, you may be thrilled with microdermabrasion. What we do here in the salon is much more sophisticated than the exfoliating which you can do in the privacy of your own home. Yes, you can improve your skin somewhat from the in-home treatments. But, with microdermabrasion, you can actually “turn back the clock” where your face is concerned!

The way microdermabrasion works is like “sandblasting” the face. Obviously it’s not that harsh but that’s the concept. A fine mist of microscopic crystals applied with a small vacuum massage gently removes the outer layer of skin on the face. As a result, new elastin and collagen formation is encouraged. The younger, softer skin moves to the surface effecting significant textural and color changes. You will notice an immediate improvement in your skin and the effects increase over the course of treatments. You will actually get more predicable results with microdermabrasion than you will with chemical peels.

Why would you want to do microdermabrasion? If you have wrinkles, sun damaged and aging skin, enlarged pores, acne prone skin, acne scars, blackheads, or whiteheads. If you feel you are looking older and more tired than you should for your age, this could be the answer.

Is microdermabrasion a one-time thing? No, for optimum results, we recommend at least six treatments. Periodic maintenance such as one treatment per month plus a good skin care product regimen is recommended for best results.

With microdermabrasion there is typically no downtime. The expected result is smoothing of your skin, general overall improvement and wonderful feeling skin. One word of caution, stay out of the sun for a couple of days after you have had a treatment. A couple of years ago, I was going through my series of treatments, one which was on a Friday in July. I knew I had an outdoor wedding the next day but didn’t think to much about it. When I got to the wedding at 2:00 in the the afternoon in July, outside, I found that there was no way for me to get out of the sun and my face felt like it was on fire! Had I have known I’d be sitting in the sun I would have brought a wide brimmed hat or something. I will never forget that wedding because of how miserable I was!

I was with a gathering of ladies last weekend and the topic of microdermabrasion came up. One of the gals mentioned she had a friend she had not seen in over a year and when they got together, she was astonished at how wonderful and young her friend looked. Turns out she had been having microdermabrasion treatments.

Are there side effects? Very rarely swelling and or blistering can occur. Or perhaps the skin will be pink, flaky but usually any of these issues are resolved within a week. Microdermabrasion is a great non-surgical, affordable solution younger looking skin.

Call Fantasia and talk to our Esthetician. She will discuss different packages and prices with you. If you are looking to recapture some of your youth before a special upcoming event, this could be just the ticket for you!

Over the years, Fantasia has carried many different skin care lines.  You are probably aware that when it comes to skin care, you need to find a brand and use all of the products in the line rather than mixing and matching with other skin care products from different manufacturers.  Each of the manufacturers create their products to work synergistically and,  if you are mixing lines, you are going to get less than optimal results.  If a product line is costly and you can’t afford everything,  just start with the basics, cleanser, toner and moisturizer and add in other products from the same manufacturer as soon as you are able.

In addition to the Lindi Skin, Fantasia sells SkinCeuticals. This line of products has been around since 1997 and is absolutely one of the best we have found.  SkinCeuticals delivers innovative dermatology products that improve the overall health and appearance of the skin.  They use pure, pharmaceutical grade ingredients with proven scientific results.  The formulations are based on optimal concentrations of active ingredients elegantly crafted into functional products.  These products are designed, formulated and tested for effectiveness.  SkinCeuticals works as a complete system for maximum improvement to skin health.

For this reason, SkinCeuticals has earned a strong reputation with the medical community worldwide.  SkinCeuticals provides complete skincare solutions through dermatatologist, plastic surgeons, medi-spas and other skincare professionals in the United States and 35 countries worldwide.   They promote skin health, not trends.

A SkinCeuticals research team helped pioneered the industry of cosmeceuticals with the original topical vitamin C technology that protects skin from signs of premature aging caused by environmental damage.

Because many of our clientele are Baby Boomers or are dealing with medical issues, we like SkinCeuticals because of the ant-aging factors and the topical vitamins which are good for damaged skin.  However, let us stress that you are never too young to begin a good skin care regimen.  The SkinCeuticals line is extensive and Fantasia carries all of the products.  If you have never tried these products and are searching for a good, moderately priced skin care line, this may be just the product for you.  Our Esthetician would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

To say that Fantasia is trilled to announce our new makeup line would be an understatement! We have always carried good makeup in the salon. Just like we endeavor to stay abreast of the current trends in the hair replacement, hair and nail industries, it is the same where makeup and skin care is concerned. And, because Fantasia has many clients with compromised skin from chemotherapy treatments and otherwise, we want to be on the cutting edge to help those clients. So, when we learned about Jane Iredale Skin Care Makeup, we knew it was something we must have in the salon!

Jane Iredale is recommended by physicians and professionals world-wide. Mineral makeup is a hot trend but not all mineral makeup is created equal. Jane Iredale makeup is the most technically advanced makeup in the world.

As you wear this makeup, you will experience the minerals silky lightness and as well as how easy the minerals are to apply. This makeup gives you flawless-looking skin. If you are like most women, the biggest problem you have with makeup is finding the right base shade. That problem is solved for you with Jane Iredale , not only do the minerals react to light differently from standard makeup making it easier to find a base shade that looks like your skin; but the company has spent lots of time holding focus groups and tweaking colors to eliminate ashi-ness and making sure there’s a color for every ethnicity.

Jane Iredale minerals will make your life simpler. They are a foundation, concealer, powder and sunscreen all in one. The sunscreen is UVA and UVB protective. There are products for not only eliminating shine but also controlling oil secretion.

Of course, the right application tool is essential which is why we carry a complete line of high quality brushes suggested by the Jane Iredale to apply the makeup.

If you are a label reader, you will notice there are no dyes, chemical preservatives like parabens or synthetic fragrances and that the company uses no fillers in the makeup such as talc. The products are simple and natural yet very effective. It’s important that you know what you are putting on your skin. You can go to the company website, www.janeiredale.com to learn about each product in dept.

Here’s a cosmetic line that has the ability to change your life. Fantasia is proud to offer you a cutting edge product which can give you the skin you have always wanted, it’s just a brush away!