Tag Archives: facial

What is a 30% AHA Pumpkin, Chemical Peel?

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This is a superficial chemical peel and is the mildest of the peel formulas.

Superficial chemical peels remove skin through a portion, or all of the epidermal layers. These are considered the “refreshing” forms of skin peels. This particular chemical peel contains a 30% formulation of pumpkin (nature’s source for healthy, hydrated, and radiant skin), Glycolic and Lactic Acid, (also known as milk acid) White Willow Bark (a chamomile & yarrow derived extraction) and contains an approximate pH of 3.2.

This treatment is formulated to provide deep exfoliation to the facial area, allowing acids to effortlessly penetrate clogged pores by successfully destroying surface bacteria and oil, while assisting in cell proliferation. The oil from pumpkin seeds is uniquely beneficial for the skin. This type of superficial chemical peel is great for the treatment of fine wrinkles, areas of dryness, uneven pigmentation and acne.

Which Skin Types/Conditions can Benefit from a 30% AHA Pumpkin, Chemical Peel?
Many skin types and conditions can benefit from this treatment with its perfect combination of pumpkin and gentle, yet effective AHA. Pumpkin being so rich in essential fatty acids along with the perfect blend of AHA assist in improving the symptoms of oiliness by regulating proper, sebum (oil) production, making it beneficial for both oily/acne-prone skin and dry skin.

Pumpkin seeds are also a rich source of minerals, particularly zinc, which is a great antioxidant and skin healer. So, individuals with acne will benefit from this peels balancing and healing properties, as well as people with aging, mature, or dry skin will see a change due to its ability to promote healthy cell structure and cellular renewal. Individuals with a normal skin type will also enjoy and benefit from this peels gentle, nourishing qualities.

A series of treatments can also help with: reducing the appearance of very mild, blotchy skin discoloration, help lighten hyper-pigmentation, remnant acne discoloration, reduce the appearance of mild scarring, provide a thorough, deep cleansing of the pores and reduction of stubborn blackheads, softening and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and correcting the effects of sun damage.

How a H2t 30% AHA Pumpkin, Chemical Peel Works?
Acid peels are chemical treatments that are applied to the skin’s surface that then eat away at the exterior layer of skin cells, which are dead and appear dull. Often replacing the need for mechanical scrubs. All chemical peeling agents have a “keratolytic” action, meaning that the uppermost layer of the skin, called the epidermis, is removed. This stimulates the production of new epidermal cells which help to improve skin texture and color.

Pumpkin is the perfect ingredient because it contains enzymes, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and gentle acids that help to safely and easily remove the dead layer of skin from the face while rejuvenating and revealing the healthy, glowing skin underneath.

At our skin’s prime, the process of epidermal turnover, where older skin cells die off and new ones make their way up to the surface of the epidermis to replace the older ones can take as long as one month depending on the condition of one’s skin. However, as we age that process can be twice as long. However, the important elements found within pumpkin assist in this cellular rejuvenation process and in turn can strengthen weakened skin structures. This is especially important for aging or damaged skin, that does not renew itself as effectively and easily as our younger skin once did. So, in order to restore the process of natural exfoliation, we can use enzymes and gentle acids like those found in this pumpkin peel.

Removal of the top layer of dead skin cells proves to be very beneficial for many skin types and conditions. Providing for the perfect extraction opportunity if necessary. This particular peel can be used as an individual treatment, or in conjunction with other facial treatments such as microdermabrasion. It can also be used to pre-condition the skin for more aggressive treatment peels.

By using an acid peel you are tapping into your body’s own natural ability to replenish and refresh skin cells while binding moisture, antioxidants, vitamins and nutrients to the skin. This allows the fresh new skin cells below the surface to brighten up the skin’s appearance.

What to expect during & after a 30% AHA Pumpkin, Chemical Peel
The chemical peeling agent is applied to your skin and is left on for 5-10 minutes depending on your skin type and condition, and remains there until it is neutralized. This is the step that exfoliates and stimulates the skin. Within the first minute or two this peel may cause stinging, skin redness, mild skin irritation, and dryness. Due to the fact that this peel is more superficial than other, deeper peels, there is little to no downtime and you will notice immediate results.

It is important to properly moisture your face after a chemical peel. The top layer of the skin is typically protective and the bottom layer is exposed prematurely after a peel. Apply high-quality moisturizers, a broad spectrum UVA/UVB SPF, and products to your skin because your skin will be more absorbent and susceptible after a peel. If your skin was dry or dehydrated prior to the treatment you may experience some flaking skin in the days to follow. As you shed the top layer of the skin, you also reveal dirt and bacteria that is buried into the deeper layers of the skin.

Although chemical peels due alleviate acne, excess oil, and reduce blackheads, these will also be brought to the surface first as they are purged from your skin and some individuals may experience their acne and congestion come to the surface two or three days after the treatment. If that is the cause a mud/clay masque can be applied to absorb and treat the excess oil and breakouts. In the days to follow your skin will feel and look beautiful guaranteed.

Click here to learn more about this highly effective skin exfoliation treatment available.

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5 Steps to Thoroughly & Soulfully Cleansing your face …

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As a make-up artist and Esthetician I am privileged to be up close and personal with women of all age groups and ethnic backgrounds. When prepping the face for a make over or when getting a client situated for a facial, the universal complaints and common issues I encounter the most are clogged, enlarged pores, black heads and fine lines.

Time and time again I have women asking me, “What can I do to diminish my pore size and get rid of these black heads and the wrinkles that are appearing on my face?” My first response is, “tell me about your beauty regimen, specifically tell me how you cleanse you face.” The responses I get are always very interesting to say the least. Let’s just say the problems are universal, but the ways in which people define and actually cleanse their faces are very diverse.

This is why I always feel the need to ask this question and to provide my insight on the importance of properly and thoroughly cleansing your face. I personally feel the cleansing process is one of the most important steps in anyone’s beauty regimen. I believe you have to thoroughly cleanse in order to maintain glowing, radiant skin and to prolong the aging process.

We encounter so many toxins and pollutants throughout the day from the environment and from some of the make-up and products that we wear, combined with the natural oils and sebum your skin produces. So, not properly cleansing that build up off daily with an effective and diligent regimen can really effect every aspect of your skin’s basic health and needs. The five steps are as follows:

  1. Finding the right cleanser

    The first step is finding the just right cleanser for you, and that is another blog in itself. So, please stay tuned for “Finding the Right Cleanser for your Skin Type.” Therefore, I will keep it concise and to the point here. Depending on your skin type and condition you want to look for active ingredients specifically targeted to meet your exact needs. For example, an oily skin type doesn’t want to use a moisturizing cleanser that is made for dry/dehydrated skin.

    Just like a dry/dehydrated skin type would not want to use a cleanser that contains active ingredients that are going to purify and create a mattifying feel and look to the skin. With that said, let me list some of the ingredients I believe should be avoided in your cleanser and can be drying agents or can end up irritating your skin.

    Some of the ingredients I avoid are: Sodium Lauryl Sulfates, artificial colorings, parfum and anything in the paraben family. A lot of people are finally realizing that some of the ingredients within a cleanser alone, can be causing unnecessary issues with their skin. Remember different skin types will require different active ingredients within the cleanser you chose. Also, my philosophy always leans toward chemical free and natural products.

  2. Prepping the skin for the cleansing process

    Cleansing the face to unclog pores and to prevent the enlarging of pore size and fine lines doesn’t constitute the ‘removing make-up properly’ part of cleansing your face. This is another common over site I see and hear over and over again.

    There are always two steps to the cleansing process, if you wear make-up. The first step is to always remove the eye area make-up and facial make-up prior to the cleansing process and these steps can be seen in my “5 Daily Steps to Achieving Radiant, Glowing Skin while Prolonging the Aging Process video.”

    So, assuming that you have a nice clear and clean face to cleanse this is where the fun begins. Allow 3 minutes for this entire process. Make sure you have you hair out of your face with a head band in order to be able to access your hair line. Very important, make sure you have clean hands. Next, use warm water and wet your entire face and if possible extend this to reach onto your neck and decolletage.

    Then distribute the cleanser into the palms of your hands and rub them together in order to activate the ingredients in your cleanser. I prefer to use my hands, especially my fingertips when washing my face. Washcloths can be too abrasive, can be carrying drying agents from detergents and unless you wash them after each use, harbor bacteria.

    I do recommend the Clarisonic if you are dedicated to cleaning it after each cleanse and replacing the brush as recommended.

  3. The actual cleansing process

    This is where the fun begins, and it is all about perspective. We can get so busy in just our daily life routines. So, all the things that us women would like to do in order to keep ourselves feeling beautiful and pampered at times can feel tedious and overwhelming, especially when we have other demands aside from ourselves, and most of us certainly do.

    So, I have turned this 2 minute process into a time for me to check in with myself, and to affirm the goodness within my day and my life. Therefore, incorporating in part of my daily spiritual practice to the often tedious chore of cleansing my face. Also, have you ever noticed that when you are cleansing your face and you are up close and personal with yourself, it can be a time when you may be the hardest on yourself. I know for myself it can be….

    At times, especially if I am tired, my ego can take over and I will catch myself saying and thinking negative things about myself while I tend to point out my flaws. Well, I have come to realize that it is just as important to clear the pores, prevent blackheads and fine lines as it is to clear the negative self-talk and prevent negative spiraling. We can be too hard on ourselves.

    As women we are very talented at multi-tasking so why not multi-task as we cleanse our faces and take the time to love, appreciate, and be gentle with ourselves. Days are so busy and it can be challenging to make time for all the things we want and should do for ourselves.

    So, if you can cleanse internally and externally in a total of 3 minutes, why not begin to use this time to make the internal shift to loving and affirming ourselves and our unique beauty. Straight from the mouth of the wonderful Dr. Wayne Dyer, “When we change the way we look at things, the things we look at change.”

    I start by rubbing the cleanser all over my face and extending it down to my neck and decolletage. With the pointer, middle, and ring fingertips and at times my entire hand, I rub the cleanser into each area using enough pressure to really work the cleanser into the skin, but not so much as to stretch, pull or irritate the area. ( I break this routine into 4 parts spending about 3o seconds on each:

    1. neck/decolletage,
    2. chin/lip area extend out,
    3. nose/t-zone extend out to cheeks and under & around eyes,
    4. forehead up to the hairline. You will come up with your own routine and what feels good to you.)

    First, I start at the neck and decolletage and then I move to the chin. Targeting the area on the chin and then moving to the crease between your chin and up to your lips and around the lip area and out to the ears. Simultaneously, I list 5 things that I am thankful for, and it can be anything that feels right for you in that moment: my health, the fact that I have water to wash my face, my family, the sun, something great that happened during the day, it can be anything.

    I dip my fingertips back into the water to activate the cleanser again and make sure I have enough water to allow the cleanser to slide and do its thing. I then move to the nose and t-zone area and really work it out because this is usually the area where the black heads love to grow and hang out, which in turn causes the pores to enlarge and be more noticeable. I move out to the cheeks and mid ears and circle the eye area.

    This is the time when I list 5 things that I am proud of myself for, they can be things that happened in your present day or things that happened in your past. It could sound something like this: I am proud of myself for not having seconds at dinner when I really wanted to; I am proud of myself for not overreacting to my husband when he asked me the same thing 3x’s today; I am proud of myself for getting to the gym today; I am proud of myself for getting my master’s degree; I am proud of myself for washing my face; are you catching my drift??? It can be anything.

    Next, I move to my forehead and hairline revisiting some water to reactivate the cleanser. I also like to revisit each area I covered just to rehydrate it and prevent it from feeling dried out. Also, a good cleanser will continue to cleanse while it is just sitting on your skin. This is the last section of the cleansing process and the time when I list 5 things that I will intend on working on being or doing better in the days that follow.

    This isn’t a time to be hard on oneself, it is a time to set an intention and to be extra loving and gentle by envisioning the things that will serve and make you feel better. Some examples are: I am going to bed earlier tonight, I am going to move my body for 20 minutes tomorrow, I am going to call my Mom to just say “Hello!”, I will only hit my snooze button 1 time tomorrow, I will cleanse my face for 3 minutes tomorrow.

  4. After you have cleansed and loved on yourself for 2 minutes, rinse the entire area you cleansed with warm water making sure you remove all of the cleanser. When you are sure all of the cleanser is removed you can complete the process with a nice splash of cooler water to close the pores and refresh the skin, and finally wash away all the dirt, debris, negativity and non-serving thoughts and say, “a bye-bye!”

  5. Then pat your face off with a towel and apply your anti-oxidant and anti-aging serums or moisturizers. Tell yourself and your beautifully cleansed face, “I love you _______,!” 5x’s…… I guarantee you and your skin will look and feel beautiful!

Come for beauty but leave with some soul and centeredness.

So BE Beautiful Now, because you already are!!!!!!!!

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