Treating brown spots on your skin

Unfortunately spot treating brown spots is not an effective strategy. The reason is because the visible spots that you see on the surface of the skin are just that, on the surface. The damage actually extends far below the visible layer of your skin and needs to be treated as well. This sub-surface damage cannot be effectively treated by a spot solution.
In order to treat skin discoloration, dark spots, sun damage, you will have to follow a regimen.
One of the most recommended peels to treat this issue is the AHA Kojic Peel.
The AHA Kojic Peel is a combination of acids, Glycolic, Lactic and Pyruvic also with natural ingredients that will inhibit skin discoloration and melanin production, such as pure extract of Bearberry and Licorrice. The strong combination of skin lightening ingredients provides a clear and even toned complexion without the irritation. This powerful, yet mild chemical peel lightens, brightens and tightens all in one simple step. In addition to its revitalizing powers, Kojic Acid also has anti-microbial properties.
The AHA Kojic Peel inhibits melanin production (tyrosinase activity) while simultaneously reducing existing pigmentation disorders such as melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
For facial applications, we recommend the AHA Kojic Peel application every 2 to 3 weeks. Even without a visible peeling and minimal downtime, your face will need that time to heal.
Follow a daily routine using our Arbutin Brightening Duo Kit, using the serum and moisturizer 2 times a day.
It takes about 6-8 treatments to see final results.

What is a Jessner’s Peel and what to expect?

What is a Jessner’s peel treatment?

A Jessner’s peel is a medium-depth peel that is designed to improve more extensive skin damage than an alpha-hydroxyl-acid peel can provide. It is made of salicylic acid, for penetration, lactic acid for exfoliation and resorcinol (which is great for the treatment of acne).

How does a Jessner’s peel treatment benefit me?

• Reduces the appearance of acne scars
• Reduces hyperpigmentation
• Smoothes fine lines and wrinkles
• Improves overall complexion
• Helps loosen stubborn acne
• Restores a youthful glow
• Customized treatment for more extensive skin damage

How does the Jessner’s peel treatment work for me?

The combination of the substances used to formulate a Jessner’s peel, make this such a powerful and effective skin therapy. The components are put together because they exfoliate the outer layers of your skin, which promotes the natural peeling of those top layer(s) a few days after the treatment. Once peeling has subsided, you are left with visibly clear, smooth, vibrant skin. This is why a Jessner’s treatment is especially suited for anyone who has sun damage or mild to severe acne.

What can I expect during the treatment?

Your skin is cleansed with a glycolic cleanser to remove dirt, oil and the outermost layer skin, which allows proper penetration of the Jessner’s mix. Then, the solution is applied. It will burn slightly; however, we relieve this sensation with a fan blowing cool air on your treated area. Depending on the severity of the area being treated, several layers of solution may be applied. During the process a white “frost” will develop on your skin but will dissipate in a few hours. The peel is neutralized and removed with cold water. Finally a calming mask is applied.
You will peel for about seven days afterwards, and your skin will turn from pink to brown. Once the process is complete, nice new skin is revealed. If needed, this peel can be repeated again in four week intervals, until your desired results are accomplished. Usually only one treatment is necessary.

Am I a candidate for the Jessner’s treatment?

The Jessner’s peel is excellent for men and women if you are concerned about lines, uneven skin tone and acne. Jessner’s solution is not, however, recommended for darker skin types.

Can I expect downtime after a Jessner’s treatment?

You can expect about seven days of peeling.

How Kojic Acid Works

Kojic Acid Mechanism

Kojic acid is commonly used as a skin whitening agent, due to its ability to prevent the formation of melanin, which is the primary skin pigment. This is thought to be a result of kojic acid's ability to bind copper. Copper is needed for an enzyme, known as tyrosinase, to work. Tyrosinase is a protein that breaks down tyrosine, an amino acid. The products of this breakdown stimulate melanocytes, small cells that that produce melanin, which causes pigmentation of the skin. As a result, application of kojic acid can effectively treat hyperpigmentation; its effects have been documented in a 1999 study performed by Dr. Kim in Singapore, and published in the Journal of Dermatological Surgery.

What is the Chemical Peel for and how to choose?

What Is Chemical Peel For? 
The aim of skin peeling is to gently remove the skin layers. Skin is a living organ made up of millions of cells. Every day thousands of cells die, fall off and are replaced by new cells. Unfortunately, as we age this becomes a slower process and causes your skin to shed unevenly creating uneven, dull and lifeless complexion.

The function of a skin peel is to create an even controlled shedding of several layers of damaged cells. This exposes a new fresh layer of skin with a more even colour and a smoother texture. In addition, the peel stimulates new cells to grow, thereby tightening the skin, which improves skin texture.

Benefit Of Chemical Peel? 
All peels effectively increase cellular turnover, stimulate collagen and elastic production and address sun damage. Each of the resurfacing treatments have their own unique benefits and can be combined as a course treatment package depending on the individual clients needs and expectations.

Different Kinds of Chemical Peel?

 
Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) 
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are naturally occurring carboxylic acids such as glycolic acid, a natural constituent of sugar cane juice and lactic acid, found in sour milk and tomato juice. This is the mildest of the peel formulas and produces light peels for treatment of fine wrinkles, areas of dryness, uneven pigmentation and acne.* There is no down time caused by this peel, allowing you to carry on with everyday activities.

Salicylic 
Salicylic acid moves easily through the pores, clearing them out while reducing inflammation. This treatment effectively combats acne, leaving a wonderfully smooth and clear complexion. As a skin peel, salicylic acid can reverse the effects of aging, wiping away fine lines, wrinkles and blemishes. The skin will generally be tight and dry after treatment and a mild flaky peel may be experienced, however in most cases you can happily carry out normal daily activities although this peel would not be advisable to do on top of a special occasion or evening out.

Trichloroacetic Acid Peels (TCA) 
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is used as an intermediate to deep peeling agent in concentrations ranging from 20-50%.* Depth of penetration is increased as concentration increases. TCA Peels are recommended for the treatment of acne, signs of photo damage, rough dull complexions, light wrinkles and age spots. During the procedure a warm sensation is felt on the skin, this may last for a few minutes. Over the next few days, heavy peeling can be expected with this peel and you may not wish to leave the house. This peel would be recommended to anyone who wishes to acheive quicker results or wishes to just have a single treatment rather that a course. A consultation with your therapist is always advisable prior to proceeding with this type of resurfacer.

Jessner's Peel 
Jessner's peel solution, formerly known as the Coombe's formula, was pioneered by Dr Max Jessner, a German-American dermatologist.* A typical combination of Jessner’s Peel is 14% Salicylic Acid, 14% Lactic Acid and 14% Resorcinol (DermaQuest Professional). It dissolves the top layer of the stratum corneum, provides a smoother, softer appearance to the skin, and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. Although the skin is less likely to over-peel, heavy peeling is to be expected for 2-3 days and therefore you may choose not to leave the house at this time.


What Will A Skin Peel Facial Procedure Include? 
A typical facial peel treatment will include 4 steps.

1. Cleanse the skin to remove make up or any impurities 
2. Apply skin preparation solutions to strip the acid mantle 
3. Apply peel solution to the skin 
4. Finish with after peel products to allow healthy skin cell regeneration and accelerate the peeling process

What You Will Experience After Chemical Peel Treatment?
After the procedure, clients will generally experience several stages of healing until the skin finishes peeling.
   Day 1: the skin feels warm, like sun-burn and it will feel a bit tight.
   Day 2: tight and very dry
   Day 3: the skin feels extremely dry and dehydrated and may start to flake
   Day 4: skin will start to peel.

It will vary from client to client with regards to how long the skin will peel for. This process can take 2 days to 1 week.

Before and After Having a Chemical Peel Procedure
It is very important to have a skin consultation with your therapist. The therapist will assess your skin and discuss your requirement in detail and then recommend a suitable treatment for you. You will also have to commit to a course of home care products priori to treatment to insure that you achieve the best results by preparing the skin before hand. This is also imperative in aiding the skin healing process after the procedure.

Avoiding ingrown hairs and razor bumps!

How to avoid ingrown hairs and razor burn and still get a close shave.
Dry skin can actually be the root of the problem for both ingrown hairs and razor burn. The reason is that with dry skin, dead skin cells cover the tops of the follicle, which causes the hair to curl back down into the skin and creates an ingrown hair bump. The dry skin and bumps from ingrown hairs can cause your razor to lose contact with the skin, which causes it to skip along the skin creating razor burn.
To prevent this from happening, dampen your skin and apply a micro-dermabrasion exfoliating cleanser with polyethylene beads prior to shaving and gently massage on your skin. This will remove the dry skin for a close shave. Finding an exfoliating cleanser with polyethylene beads is important because the beads don’t have rigid edges that can irritate your skin. After you have gently massaged the exfoliating cleanser on your skin, leave it on while you shave. Yes, it will double as a shaving lotion. After shaving, simply rinse off, pat dry, and apply a soothing lotion with peptide technology. For many people, this will be just the trick they need to get a close shave that prevents ingrown hairs and razor burn.
A word of caution, as with most things this is not a solution that will work for all people. If you have extremely sensitive skin, you may want to test this on a small area of your skin first.

Acne-Prone Skin

Obsessing Over Acne-Prone Skin: Increases the Chances of Acne Scars
If your skin type is prone to acne blemishes, then it’s easy to obsess. The more frequently that you breakout, the more often you’ll find yourself in front of the mirror trying to get rid of blemish after blemish. There are two risks here. The first one is that it’s likely that your blemishes are more visible to you than they are to anybody else. The second risk is that, typically, when a person spends hours in the mirror looking at their blemishes, they also pick at those blemishes. When you pick at or pop an acne blemish, you risk getting acne scars or post-acne marks. While a blemish may be unsightly, an acne scar or post-acne mark is just as bad – and harder to treat.

Remember: Nothing is Worth Doing if It Makes You Feel Badly
No matter what your skin care concern is, or even if you have flawless, healthy skin, nothing is worth doing if it makes you feel badly about yourself. If you’re spending hours looking in the mirror finding every flaw with your skin and your face, then it’s time to start focusing on the positives about yourself. Beauty is more than skin deep, no matter what anybody says!

Mangosteen and anti aging secrets.

The mangosteen (no relation to the mango) is a tropical fruit that’s native to Southeast Asia. It was actually banned in the United States until 2007 because of concerns about a fruit fly infestation. Like the pomegranate, the mangosteen contains a high concentration of polyphenol antioxidants. I had fresh mangosteen when I was in Asia a few months ago, and it was delicious — kind of like a tangy peach with a creamy texture. Both pomegranates and mangosteens are available in juice form at health food stores and specialty grocery stores, but they are increasingly being added to skin care products. In fact, they’re often combined in the same products. One study found that a commercial skin cream containing a mixture of mangosteen and pomegranate lessened facial wrinkling and sun damage after daily use for 60 days.

If you’re interested in "anti-aging secrets" you will want to learn about mangosteen.

No other tropical fruit has been found to contain as high concentrated doses of antioxidant vitamins, known as xanthones, with the power to nourish, transform your skin, and reverse the signs of aging.

Mangosteen Fruits (Garcinia mangostana) is found primarily in Southeast Asia, parts of South America and the Philippines. Although the fruit can be eaten fresh or dried, it is its juice that has grown in popularity.

The exotic fruit juice can be used topically on your face and dried juice powder can be used to mix in an anti aging cream.

Aside from the well known health benefits of this fruit,an enormous amount of modern study and research has been channeled toward unlocking the anti aging skin care secrets of this remarkable fruit.

Xanthones are found in abundance throughout the entire fruit, but with the greatest amount being found in the pericarp or inner rind of the fruit. Xanthones are 100 times more powerful antioxidants than vitamin A, C & E.

The antioxidant properties of xanthones are now available in anti aging skin care. Xanthones, have properties which help to heal cells damaged by free radicals, slow aging, and ward off degenerative diseases.

It is the the latest miracle fruit, having great anti-oxidizing benefits which in turn help to control the aging process.

Natural Anti aging Benefits

This Asian fruit, packed with naturally occurring xanthone, can help:

• Stimulates collagen protein production to strengthen the skin matrix.
• Rich in phytonutrients, which are natural compounds that provide health benefits by working together with other nutrients in your body.
• Strengthen Your Immune System.
• Promote a Healthy Respiratory System.
• Maintain Intestinal Health.
• Support Cartilage and Joint Function.
• Combat the effects of Free Radicals and Inflammation.
• Anti aging – Pure mangosteen pericarp oil can give topical skin nutrition to sooth, energize, and protect skin.
• Brings balance and helps in signs of inflammation in problem skin.

The Importance Of Mangosteen Antioxidants

200 different varieties of xanthones have been identified through scientific studies, with 40 found in mangosteen. Antioxidants may offer the best protection your body has against damaging free radicals.

Free radicals attack us from many different environmental sources every day such as in the form of pollutants in the air we breath, food additives, alcohol, tobacco, sun exposure, pesticides, and prescription drugs.

As we age, the amount of free radicals we produce increases. It has been determined that very large amounts of free radicals accumulated in your body, may significantly shorten your life span and age prematurely.

Antioxidant juice, vitamins, or other sources protect against the oxidizing effects of free radicals, stimulate the immune system's response to help fight existing diseases and help slow skin aging.

Nutrient Rich Benefits

Although free radicals cannot be completely avoided as they are produced as a part of normal cellular function there is antiaging solutions.

To maintain good anti aging skin care, health and our well being, it is clearly imperative that we must supplement our diets with natural antioxidants.