Fantasia Salon / Spa and Wig Specialists

Wrinkles. How do they happen? They are commonly associated with aging. However, when proper skin care is neglected, wrinkles can appear sooner than they should.

There are products and treatments available which promise to reduce and even eliminate wrinkles. Unfortunately, some promise more than they can actually deliver. Let’s talk about common causes of wrinkles and a few treatments and steps you can take to prevent them.

Wrinkles are caused by the breakdown of collagen fibers and the thinning of the skin. As the skin becomes thinner, it’s less capable of retaining moisture. When the moisture is released, the skin becomes dry. The collagen fibers begin to deteriorate which causes the skin to lose its former elasticity. Meanwhile, the subcutaneous layer (beneath the dermis) begins to lose its ability to support the dermis and epidermis. As these events converge, the skin experience increased sagging and wrinkling.

Excessive exposure to direct sunlight can result in premature wrinkling. This happens as a result of the sun’s UV rays penetrating the epidermis and dermis. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation leads to accelerated collagen deterioration, thinning of the epidermis and the stimulation of free radicals.

At Fantasia, we carry the SkinCeuticals Skin Care line. SkinCeuticals uses alpha-hydroxy acids and various antioxidants in addition to vitamins to assist in minimizing the appearance of mild wrinkles and fine lines. There are lots of wrinkle cremes on the market which, in truth, have varying levels of efficacy. Whether or not they work is largely dependent upon the active ingredients used, the concentrations of those ingredients and how consistently the creams are applied. Most wrinkle creams have not undergone rigorous clinical testing.

There are positive steps you can take which are proven effective for slowing the development of wrinkles.

• Use a sunscreen that offers protection from UVA and UVB rays.
• Stop smoking. You may not see the effects immediately but cigarette smoke will accelerate your skins aging process. If you won’t stop for your health’s sake, stop for vanities sake!
• Moisturize your skin. How many times have you heard this? Help your skin retain water and moisture by using a moisturizer that is rich with antioxidants. This can further prevent skin damage while encouraging the production of collagen fibers. As mentioned previously, SkinCeuticals is a wonderful product line. One of the skin care professionals at Fantasia would be happy to give you some samples if you would like to try before you buy.

Other solutions include peels, microdermabrasion and facial sculpting. These treatments, when done in a series, offer visible results. These treatments are non-invasive. Of course there are invasive procedures available such as injections, laser resurfacing and surgery.

The basics of skin care are built upon a foundation of preventative measures. These measures prolong the youthful appearance of your skin while sustaining its health. Some simple basic steps can help prevent the deterioration of collagen fibers and loss of elasticity, thereby avoiding the onset of wrinkles. We may be getting older but we don’t have to look it.

We’ve talked about fashion faux pas, how about some hair faux pas? Your hair looks great when you leave the salon. But it’s how you care for it on a daily basis that makes the difference. You can have a fantastic cut and it will look bad if you mistreat it. Here are some common mistakes.

Washing your hair way to often. Sometimes daily washing, drying and styling is just not necessary. For one thing, if you color your hair, washing it too often causes the color to fade away. Plus it strips away your hair’s natural oils. Try every other day for a change, that’s a good start.
Not getting regular cuts. You are trying to grow your hair out so you haven’t been to the salon in months. By continuing to get your hair trimmed it will look fuller and healthier.

Too much conditioner. Excessive conditioner weighs down fine hair. And, even dry, coarse hair looks dull and lifeless with a residue of conditioner on it. Concentrate on applying your conditioner on the ends of your hair, where it’s needed.

Overheating your hair. Constantly curling and drying your hair can fry it. You might be literally burning your hair. Use products made to protect your hair from heat. This will help seal the cuticle and keep the heat from damaging the hair strands. Get rid of brushes with metal paddles or bristles, they heat up and singe your hair.

Using the wrong products on your hair type. Just like selecting the proper skin care, you need the right styling products in order for your hair to look it’s best. If you use heavy styling cream or silicone products on fine hair it will look limp. Thick, coarse hair needs more than just a little spritz of spray gel. Used products specifically designed for your hair type and style. Your hair stylist will point you in the right direction.

More is not better. You may have the right products but be using too much or too little. If you use too little, your don’t get any benefit from the product, too much can make your hair harder to style. Start with a little and add as necessary.

A ponytail with any old elastic. If you are using uncovered rubber bands, you run the risk of damaging your hair. It can snag your hair causing breakage and damage the hair follicle. Covered bands will protect your hair.

Are you stuck in a style rut? I always think of a woman from my church who, to this day, has the Ellie Mae Clampet (Beverly Hillbillies) look going on. Look at a photo from 10 years ago. If your hairdo is the same, it’s time for a change. An outdated style may not be flattering and can make you look older.

Brushing your hair too much. While brushing twice per day is a great way to stimulate your scalp and distribute oil down the hair shaft, too much can have the opposite effect and will leave your hair vulnerable to breakage. It’s never a good idea to brush wet hair. Use a wide-tooth comb instead, when you get out of the shower.

Fighting your hair’s natural texture. You can be spending a lot of time and energy trying to straighten your curly hair or curling your straight hair. Try to wear it natural, after-all, if it’s humid, once you step outside it’s going to revert back to it’s natural shape anyway!

Ignoring your scalp. If the hair follicles (or factories) aren’t clean and healthy, they will not produce strong, full, healthy hair. Massaging your scalp when you wash your hair is a great way to stimulate it. Make sure to rinse all product away before you leave the shower so there is no residue to clog the hair follicles.

Pulling out gray hairs. Not a good idea! They will grow back and they will come in wiry and short and stick straight up until they grow in. If you have more gray than you like, it may be time to start coloring your hair. Getting your hair colored, once you start to go gray, can immediately take 10 years off your look. And let’s face it, what woman wouldn’t be excited about that?