Give The Gift of Beauty

The holidays are less than a week away.  Did you get everyone on your list a gift or are you still struggling with what to give them?  You can give them the gift of beautiful skin.  This can be done by either creating a gift basket, with a variety of products, or by giving a gift certificate to their favorite spa.

If you are going to create a gift basket, you'll need to decide which spa products you are going to gift and how much you want to spend. Keep in mind the products should be good for any skin type.  This is where body washes, scrubs and moisturizers would be great items. Additional items to add to your basket would be a candle for ambiance, plush wash cloths, loofah (or body brush), bath fizzies, lip balms, shampoos and conditioners, head wrap, foot care products, nail polish, and foot files.  For a more luxurious gift basket you can add a pair of slippers, spa wrap or bath robe.


   
Next, consider thinking outside the basket.  What are some other items
that can be use instead of a basket: small to medium cosmetic bag, pair of slippers holding foot care items, shower caddy or water proof wire basket.

If all else fails, pick up a gift certificate.  You can add this item to a small gift basket to increase the value or you can just give the gift certificate.  Many spas have specials when it comes to gift certificates this time of year.  You may be able to get a bonus gift certificate if you purchase one for a specific dollar amount.  At our student spa, you can receive a free $10 gift certificate, when you purchase $50 in gift certificates.

Whatever you decide to put into your gift basket, have fun creating the experience for the person who is receiving it!

What is Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is a form of mechanical exfoliation; also known as Microderm.  This form of exfoliation includes the use of suction.  So, it not just exfoliating, it’s also bringing in the benefits of suction or vacuum treatments.  First let’s look at the benefits of the exfoliation process with a microdermabrasion treatment.  Removing the dead skin cells from your skin will:

Brighter Skin:  you will see an improvement is sun damage and dark spots.  This improvement increases after several treatments. 

Improve cellular turnover: Another benefit of exfoliation is that any time the skin receives an injury, it begins to stimulate collagen production.  Yes, microdermabrasion is a form of a low level injury.  We are purposefully removing (scratching off) the top layer of the epidermis, which may leave you looking like you’ve been in the sun without any sunscreen.  Increasing collagen production will help plump up your skin. 

Improve fine lines and wrinkles:  Microdermabrasion will soften the creases of fine lines and wrinkles.

Refine large pores:  If you have any large pores, we are not able to actually shrink them.  However we can refine your pores.  Refining happens when we remove cellular build up and oil that have clogged your pores.  When pore are clogged, they look larger.  After microdermabrasion, your pores may appear smaller.

Minor scare revision:  Softening the appearance of scars, by removing the upper layers of the skin.

Improve product penetration:  After exfoliation, the skin is open to receive the wonderful ingredients of cleansers, masks, serums and moisturizers. This allows you get the most of your skin care products.

Improve makeup application:  Your makeup will go on better after your skin’s surface has been polished by a microdermabrasion treatment. 

When exfoliation is paired with a vacuum you get the benefits of increased blood flow to the skin.  Which means more oxygen moving into the cells and improving their nutritional intake and also increasing their turn over rate.  You also get the benefit of facial lymphatic drainage.  This helps eliminate excess fluids and toxins that may be making you look puffy.

Treatment is fast:  Microdermabrasion treatments last between 15-30 min. and can be worked into your regular facial treatments.  Many times they are called lunchtime treatment, there is no downtime and you see results immediately.  Costs vary depending on which type of microdermabrasion device is used.  We’ll get into that in the next blog.

If microdermabrasion sounds like a treatment you would like to experience, our students will begin offering these procedures in January 2017.   Our treatments begin at $4o; which is a fraction of the price that you would pay in a spa.  Our students work under the supervision of licensed instructors and would love to help you improve your skin texture with a microdermabrasion treatment.  Give us a call to schedule your appointment today (262-238-2222) or visit our website at  http://www.skyn.skincaretherapy.info/treatments-prices

Define Your Brows

Some people don’t think about their eyebrows when they put on makeup and then there are others who obsess over making their brows perfect.  Accenting your brows completes your look.    Whether you wear light makeup and eye shadow or you prefer to wear a very polished look, I'd like you to think of your brows as the frame work for your eyes.

The next question is do want your brows to “Whisper, Speak or Shout."  Even if you want very little attention drawn to your brows, enhancing them can look natural.  How noticeable do you want your brows?  

There are different techniques to define your brows.  One piece of advice I will give to those of you who haven't tried to define brows yet and those who have been working with brows for quite a while; they are sisters not twins.  Your brows will not look exactly the same, they may look close, but don't try to make them perfect.  Perfection will take the fun out of it!


glo Professionals has a great video tutorial to walk you through the process.  Below are the basic steps and supplies you'll need.  You can click the picture to view the video.  If defining your brows is something you'd like to try, stop by Skyn The Spa At MATC to have our students define our brows.  We also sell the products, if you would like to do this on a regular basis.

1. Sculpt - Concealer -Under eye - 2-3 shades lighter than skin tone.

2. Define - Precise Micro-Brow Liner - to fill in sparse area, blend with spoolie.

3. Refine - Brow Powder Duo - customize shade and add depth; creates dimension and softens look.
4. Sculpt - Blend out after the 'Refine' step.

5. Set - Brow Gel or Brow Wax.

Pucker Up!

Here in Wisconsin we are having a major cold snap.  The brutally cold weather can wreak havoc on your skin, especially your lips.  So how do you protect your lips?  What are some of the ingredients that make a great lip balm or lip moisturizer?  You need a product that can soften your lip, seal in hydration and protect against moisture loss.  

There are so many products out there, how do you decide?  At Skyn The Spa At MATC-Mequon, we use Bioelements products and recommend their Instant Emollient –ultra rich moisture stick.  This product is loaded with Vitamin E, chamomile oil, rose oil and aloe vera to help moisturize, soften and sooth your lips.   This product is great for under your lip stick and also can be used under the eyes.  If used alone, it will appear white on your lips skin.  There is a very good reason for this.  Bioelements doesn’t add any artificial colors or scents to their products, which make them ideal for anyone; especially those of you with sensitive skin. 

Keep your lips in good condition this winter with Bioelements Instant Emollient moisture stick.  Stop by the spa and pick yours up today.

By Amy Poshepny

Aesthetician Program Coordinator at MATC-Mequon

Instructor at Skyn-The Spa At MATC Mequon

Look years younger by New Years Eve?

Is it really possible to look years younger in just a couple weeks without surgery or injections?  Yes, and it all depends on the combination of ingredients in your skin care products.  A couple years ago, Dr. Oz did a show on the effects of Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid.  Here is a link that will show you about these ingredients:  http://cyber-breeze.com/5292-2/

The keys to reducing the signs of aging is eliminate wrinkles and add moisture.  However, you must start with a good cleanser and establish a routine.  Cleansing, Toning, Moisturizing and Sun Screen are the building blocks to good skin care.  After you’ve established a good skin care routine, you can attempt to reverse time by using some very potent ingredients.  

To fight the damage caused by Free Radicals you need to incorporate the use of Antioxidants.  In skin care the most notable antioxidant is Vitamin C.  Vitamin C is able to reduce fine lines and wrinkles along with firming the skin by stimulating collagen. 

Bioelements Advanced VitaMineral C Complex is amazing.  This formula obtains its source of Vitamin C from Acerola cherries; which contain 32 times more vitamin C than oranges.  That will definitely fight those Free Radicals  that are making you to look older.  You will also notice your skin looks brighter.  When you use this cream, you should press it into the skin, not just rub it on the surface.  You want it to penetrate into the skin. 

After your Vitamin C application, wait 1 min.  Then apply a product with Hyaluronic Acid.  Hyaluronic Acid binds moisture to the skin, which will give you a hydrated appearance and smoother looking skin.  Think of a piece of dehydrated fruit, when it originally had moisture it was more supple, plump and softer. That's what Hyaluronic Acid will do for your skin.

Bioelements has Moisture x10, which contains Hyaluronic Acid.   This formula is able to retain up to 1000 times its weight in water.  That will definitely quench the dry skin of winter!  Within the last year, Bioelements has added “Plump Start” to their products.  This takes the hydration and antioxidant qualities to another level.  You can add this product as well to give your transformation an extra boost.  

If you want to improve the texture of your skin, fight lines and wrinkles, and give your skin a good drink of moisture try these products.  You can stop by Skyn - The Spa At MATC Mequon to purchase these products or visit  a salon or spa near you for other products with these ingredients.  Soon people you will tell you how refreshed you look.

By Amy Poshepny

Aesthetician Program Coordinator at MATC-Mequon

Instructor at Skyn-The Spa At MATC Mequon

Effects Of Water On The Skin

There is one essential nutrient we can’t live without, WATER.  Our bodies and Skin both need water.  We are composed of 50-70% water.

What are the benefits of water on the body:

• ·        Sustains cellular health
• ·        Aids in elimination of toxins and waste
• ·        Helps regulate body temperature
• ·        Aids in proper digestion

On the other hand, dehydration affects 75% of the American population. Some causes include:

o   Environment

o   Medications

o   Topical agents

o   Aging

o   Dehydrating drinks (caffeine or alcohol)

o   Sun exposure

o   Over exfoliation

o   Harsh products

Mild dehydration will slow your metabolism down by 3%.  A Slower metabolism will lead to weight gain.   It makes sense that one of the first things a new diet program includes is increasing your water intake. Water helps fill hunger gaps during dieting and often the first weight loss when dieting is generally “water weight.”  If you are not drinking water, your body will RETAIN what it needs.

Lack of water is the #1 Cause of day time fatigue.  In fact, a 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzzy short term memory loss, trouble with basic math and Difficulty focusing.  Here’s a tip – Hydrate prior to taking any exam.  So how much water should you drink?  This is different for everyone and it depends on your weight and level of exercise.  There are some complicated formulas out there.   If we simple look at how much water you need based on your weight, here’s how you would calculate the amount of water you need.

Body weight: ______  / 2 = ______

Drink the result in ounces each day.

If you want to calculate other factors in, here are a couple links that can help you.

·        http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/water_calculator.htm

·        http://www.camelbak.com/ko/HydratED/HydrationCalculator.aspx

An Aesthetician can see if your skin is dehydrated by using a magnifying lamp, Skin Scope or Woods Lamp.  This is done after cleansing the skin and removing any products; like makeup.  What will the aesthetician see if you skin is dehydrated?  Your skin will appear thin, flaky, crepey or papery ( Like crep paper).  Under a Woods Lamp it will appear to have a light lavender appearance.    Your skin will absorb products quickly.  Your skin care specialist will most likely recommend hydrating products such as gel masks with Ingredients like hyaluronic acid/ NaPCA; both are know for their ability to attract moisture. 

Most people find they need to increase their water intake.  It would be easier if water was more exciting.  You can add some natural flavor to your water.  Visit this website for some ideas and get hydrating!

Meeting your daily water intake. How to make water more exciting

Eat Your Way To Healthy Skin

We’ve all heard the saying “You are what you eat.”  This not only relates to your overall health, but your skin as well.  Are the foods you eat helping your skin or hurting your skin?  One major change that can improve your skin is to stay hydrated.  So, you’ll want to avoid foods and drinks that contain caffeine, as they will dehydrate our skin.  When the skin becomes overly dehydrated, oil production may increase causing other problems. 

Many of us know what eating healthy should look like, but what affect do certain foods actually have on our skin.   Maybe you want to Are you choosing foods rich in antioxidants or vitamins A, E, C and omega-3 fatty acids?  Here a couple links to articles that will help you improve your skin, by adjusting your diet.

https://www.getthegloss.com/article/the-top-10-foods-to-boost-your-complexion

http://womansway.ie/beauty-style/feeding-face-skin-nerd/

By Amy Poshepny

Aesthetician Program Coordinator at MATC-Mequon

Instructor at Skyn-The Spa At MATC Mequon