Taking care of your skin is not a luxury but a necessity.  This article tells you why.

BN Beauty Nest With Ameera: Understanding Facials 101

Posted on Wednesday, November 14th, 2012 at 12:00 PM By Ameera Abraham

When it comes to skincare we often view it as something that’s part of a luxurious lifestyle. This is where we are all wrong because taking care of your skin is just as important as taking care of any other part of your body. We all book appointments to see our dentists approximately every 6 months, or get our eyes tested every 2 years. Taking care of our skin should not be any different, it is a reflection of our age, inner health and well being amongst other things. It is not a luxury but a necessity.

What are the functions of the skin? – The skin covers the entire surface of the body that creates a boundary that separates our internal organs from the outside world. It is an organ of protection that maintains body temperature. It  protects against disease, harmful UV rays and the invasion of bacteria amongst other things.

Having regular facials and a good at-home skincare routine goes beyond our physical appearance alone. It  promotes healthy skin which is less susceptible to premature aging, wrinkles, acne, rashes, infections, diseases or sores. When the skin is healthy it heals and regenerates itself effectively and is less likely to scar as badly as an unhealthy skin. Regular facials aid the functions of the skin and allows it to work at its optimum level.

What is the purpose of a facial? – All skin types benefit from regular facials as it allows for a deep cleansing of the skin, relaxes tense and tight muscles, improves the general condition of the skin (e.g acne, psoriasis, dehydration, wrinkles), and aids in relaxation.

I understand that it is easy to get confused particularly as the beauty industry is at its peak with a million and one products on the market and beauty treatments that offer quick-fixes to every and any skin concern. It’s important to go back to the basics when it comes to skincare and this involves four basic steps – cleanse, tone, exfoliate and moisturize. In order to do this effectively you must first identify your skin type (this is genetic and cannot change) and particular skin conditions (these are subject to change and are driven by hormones, stress and other external factors) to enable you invest in  the right products and facial treatments.

Skin Type	Symptoms
Normal	Even texture and tone, no blemishes, firm, no dryness, oiliness or sensitivity.
Dry	Matte, flaky, uneven texture, itchy patches, tightness, fine lines around the mouth or eyes.
Sensitive	Broken capillaries, redness, scaling, peeling, reacts easily with burning, itching or stinging sensations.
Oily	Open pores, oily all over, spots, blackheads, blocked pores, lumpy and thickened texture/appearance.
Acne	Spots, blackheads, broken skin, open wounds.
Combination	Oily/ normal or oily/ dry t-zone, forehead, nose or chin.

Oily skin

Skin conditions can affect any skin type and can change on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. Having regular facials will enable you to get professional advise on how to treat your skin conditions and provide you with the right products to use in between professional treatments.

Skin Condition
Dehydration
Premature Aging/ Aging
Pigmentation/Uneven skin tone
Congestion/ Breakouts
Sensitised – sunburns, illness, etc

 Remember that your skin conditions are subject to change and so it is important you check your skin regularly to ensure that your conditions are treated and your daily skincare routine changes according to your skins needs. Your at-home skincare routine is very important as this will help you yield better results from your facial and help maintain your skin.

 What facial treatment is best for me? – All good facials will be tailored to your specific skin condition which will be determined after a skin consultation. The difference between a professional facial and regular skin care products you use daily is that the products used in your facial treatment contain higher levels of active ingredients thus yielding almost immediate visible results. The basic steps which are common in most facial treatments include a deep cleanse, exfoliation, extraction -if necessary, toning of the skin with masks and toners, facial massage and moisturizing of the skin.

 If you have special skin concerns such as acne, dry skin, aging, etc your facial will include specialized masks, toners and moisturizers and in some cases unique facial massage movements will be used alongside advanced tools and equipment. Examples of specialized facials include Oxygen Facials, Thalassotherapy, Vitamin Facials, AHA Facials, amongst many others.

In my next article I will have be sharing DIY facial tips for various skin conditions. In the mean time find your nearest day spa and speak to a qualified beautician about your skin concerns and desired results.

Photo credit: cdn.madamenoire.com| counterculturebeauty.com| www.drgranny.com

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Ameera Abraham is the Creative Director at The Nail Bar, a luxury nail spa and wellness centre located in Abuja. She’s a qualified aesthetician and is passionate about all things beauty!

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Combat Dry Skin Naturally

• Michelle Schoffro Cook
• November 8, 2012

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The colder weather of autumn and winter is upon us.  While we can hide beneath layers of clothing, the elements still take their toll on our skin.  Cold weather and dry, windy conditions can wreak havoc on skin, particularly if you’re a fan of outdoor exercise.  With a little TLC and some natural remedies, seasonal dry and chapped skin can be a thing of the past.

Skin 101

Skin is the body’s largest organ.  It not only shields us from the elements around us, it also assists with detoxification, and protects our tissues and organs from damage.  Skin also reflects our inner health.  It readily shows stress and tension, hormonal imbalances, and nutritional deficiencies.  The best way to combat dry skin that accompanies the colder weather is by working from the inside out, rather than just slathering on creams and ointments and hoping for the best.

Water, Water Everywhere

One of the main components of healthy skin is water.  The body is composed of over seventy percent water that makes up every cell, including skin cells.  The first step toward preventing or healing dry skin is to increase your water consumption.  This will help keep your skin properly hydrated.  While the standard recommendation is eight cups per day, more may be required to cope with dry indoor air and harsh fall and winter elements outdoors.  For every caffeinated or alcoholic beverage you drink, add another glass of water to the total.

Eat Your Fats
(Before you start piling the French fries on your dinner plate, keep reading.)

To combat dryness, you will need to increase your consumption of healthy fats, also known as essential fatty acids.  There are many different types of healthy fats, all of which are required to prevent dry skin and chapping.  Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna are helpful.  Adding cold-pressed flax or hemp oil to salads or drizzled on steamed veggies or baked potatoes is another excellent way to add healthy Omega-3 fatty acids to your diet.

Avoid cooking with flax or hemp oil since the heat eliminates any benefit to taking them.  After cooking food, you can use these oils in place of butter as a condiment on foods.  Most people are quite surprised to find that they actually taste quite good.  If you are not among them, you can sneak some flax or hemp oil into a smoothie.  Try to get two tablespoons of these oils per day.

Keep reading to discover foods and supplements that prevent dry and chapped skin

Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/combat-dry-skin-naturally.html#ixzz2BxxMtBpm

Foods and Supplements
To prevent dryness and chapped skin, your body’s needs for vitamins A, E, and D may be higher during the cold weather months.  You can take these nutrients in supplement form but I recommend that you also try to eat foods high in these nutrients.
Carrots, carrot juice, sweet potatoes, yams, and green leafy vegetables are excellent sources of vitamin A.
Vitamin E is prevalent in raw, unsalted seeds and nuts such as pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, and whole grain cereals and breads.
Vitamin D is made in the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight, however, that can be inadequate during the colder weather.  Excellent sources of vitamin D include sunflower seeds, sweet potatoes, fish, eggs, and sprouts.
From the Outside In
The best moisturizers to fend off dry skin are those that contain few harsh chemicals, emulsifiers, preservatives, and alcohol, all of which can further irritate dry skin.  While many companies claim that their products are “natural,” few actually live up to the claim.
An oil-based moisturizer is best, preferably one that contains vitamins A, E, or D.  Pure, cold-pressed oils are also effective.  You can find hazelnut, almond, apricot kernal, grape seed, avocado, and other pure oils in many natural food stores.  You can also add pure essential oils.  Tomorrow I will share my recipe for a soothing and moisturizing chapped skin ointment.
With a little extra attention you can prevent your skin from withering up during the colder months ahead.  If you’re already experiencing dry skin, you can turn it around with a little TLC, some healthy foods, extra water and some soothing natural moisturizers.

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Click on the above link to access my newsletter and information on new products and services and other information.  

Body Butters with Time Released Emollients

Skin Care Plus has the Cuccio Naturale body butters that have time released emollients for moisture all day on your skin. 


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All About Body Butters

• Shubhra Krishan
• September 19, 2012
• 6:00 am

 

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Winter’s knocking at our doors, and I am sure you can feel your skin turning slightly rough. Why not pamper your pores with lavish body butter? Luscious and wonderfully hydrating, they will protect you from the dryness that the cold months bring.

Here’s a little primer on body butters and what they can do for you:

What are body butters?
They are rich, thick moisturizers designed to be applied to the whole body. Most of them have a seed or nut oil base. Body butters are thicker and richer than lotions, so they have a more luxurious feel.

How do they help?
Body butters form a protective barrier over the skin to avoid moisture loss. Good quality body butters contain antioxidants, beta carotene, Vitamin A , E and F, all of which are nourishing for the skin. Regular use can keep skin looking younger longer.

When should you use them?

When the weather is cold and dry and the trees shed their leaves and the skin feels like chalk… you get the idea.  To avoid cracked heels in deep winter, I like to soak my feet in warm water, and after wiping them dry, slather them with rich body butter. I then slide into warm socks, and by the morning, my skin is baby-soft!

Another great use for body butters is to use them for self-massage. Rub a generous amount between your palms and apply all over legs, arms and neck. Your skin will look and feel youthful, and you’ll feel your nerves relax!

How are body butters made?
The emollient seed and nut oils extracted from, say, mango or apricot, form the base of a body butter blend. The seed or nut kernels are ground and cold-pressed, and the remaining mixture is cooked till the fats and oils are released. I suggest you buy organic body butter–plenty of options on the shelves! If you’d like to try making your own, you can. I found a simple and wonderful recipe here: How to Make Body Butter

The Best Body Butters

• Shea
• Cocoa
• Mango

The high concentration of essential fatty acids and vitamins in these butters makes them the stars of the body butter galaxy. Another notable mention: kukui butter, which comes from Hawaii’s state tree and has been used for centuries to pamper parched skin.

Take Care: Body butters can sometimes clog oily skin. Also, if you’re allergic to nuts, some butters may not be right for you.

Help Your Butter Work Better
Exfoliate before you slather on the butter. Otherwise, the clogged pores will only get further smothered with the richness of body butter. Choose an efficient scrub containing ground-up walnut shells or apricot seeds, and follow up with a skin-pleasing, fragrant butter.

Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/all-about-body-butters.html#ixzz29h0kOGzZ

 

Stress Less And Alleviate Acne

Posted Thursday, August 02, 2012 by NewBeauty Editors

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My facial treatments with energy healing are extremely beneficial to help relieve your stress and help with controlling the acne.  Make your appointment today. 

If you think stress is just limited to how you are feeling on the inside, think again. The turmoil of stress can take a serious toll on your skin, showing up as acne, redness, dryness and even speeding up the signs of aging by giving way to fine lines and wrinkles. "All of these conditions come back to the same thing: Stress inhibits your skin’s ability to heal itself," explains New York celebrity aesthetician Mandy Epley.

One of the biggest skin problems for many woman is acne, and stress can be the culprit causing it. When stress takes over, the hormone cortisol rises, which causes an increase in oil production—a precursor to clogged pores, oily skin, acne and problems like dermatitis. "Even if you don’t normally suffer from acne, the onset of stress can cause breakouts; it’s the number-one reason adult patients who are suffering from acne for the first time come in," says Prospect, KY, dermatologist Tami Buss Cassis, MD.

So how can we deal with stress-induced acne? Eliminate the aggravator of course. "I recommend a 30 to 60 minute facial or massage to help you unwind and adding anti-inflammatory ingredients like green tea into your skin care," says Dr. Buss.

Other easy ways to quickly distress include:

The sleep solution
Getting an adequate amount of sleep keeps stress under control, it also gives your skin the opportunity to properly prepare itself.

Tame tension
Stress busters, like essential oils, will instill a sense of calm when used on the skin. We like Aveda Stress-Fix Concentrate Stress Relieving Aroma ($22). Serving as an any-time, anywhere de-stressing treatment (just press the roller ball on pulse points), this potent aromatheraputic oil smells of relaxing lavender and clary sage essential oils.

Wonder if your products are safe

By DivineCaroline
Like some romantic relationships, no matter how much you adore your beloved favorite beauty products in the beginning, if you don’t keep a close eye on things, they can get mucky after a while. Luckily, there are scientists who understand the ingredients behind skin care and beauty products, and can ascertain the difference between a product that’s still fresh and one that’s seen better times.
Check your natural and organic products first.
Natural and organic products often lack the same chemical preservative systems that more synthetic products have. As a result, many of your natural and organic products will break down more quickly upon exposure to light and air.
Know what to look for.
Look for products that have separated, changed in color, or which have a funny smell. All are indications that the antioxidants have lost their potency or bacteria have moved in and proliferated.
Try to remember how long you’ve had the product.
In general, non-organic body lotion and perfume should be tossed after three years.
Hair products after two years.
Makeup (non-lip) products after one year.
Sunscreen, skin care, lip products, and all natural/organic skin care should be tossed after six months.
Most experts say one year for sunscreen—but there is evidence that some ingredients, like octinoxate, break down in the presence of UV light ( Photochemistry and Photobiology , 2005). So do yourself a favor and get rid of them after 6 months.
Bottom Line
Keep in mind that our ancestors in the 1600s used only natural products and medicines – and they died of bacterial diseases all the time. This is one of the reasons why so many beauty products contain preservative chemicals, and why you must be extra-attentive to all-natural products. Even if you use synthetic products, always check for separation, a change in color, or a funny smell. Now, if only it were that easy to tell when a relationship was going sour…


Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/how-to-know-if-your-beauty-products-are-expired.html#ixzz230qkzSQB

The ingredients in these products and others like these were removed from the skin care products that I use in my facial treatments and sell in 1998.  They were questionable ingredients at that time and the companies decided to replace them with safer substances.  Is this something you want on your skin knowing that it can hurt you?  Pevonia, Osmosis, and the Skin Care Plus lines have safe, effective ingredients that help your skin in many ways.  If you want to have a better skin care routine, call Joan Kesman for a consultation for healthier skin.   630-845-3223   We can do this by phone if you can't come in.  I am giving 20% off all products at this time.    9/17/12

August 15, 2012 2:05 PM

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Johnson & Johnson to phase out potentially harmful chemicals by 2015 comments

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(CBS/AP) Johnson & Johnson says it will remove carcinogenic chemicals and other potentially harmful substances from nearly all its adult toiletries and cosmetic products worldwide within 3.5 years.
The health care giant late last year pledged to remove "chemicals of concern" from its baby products sold around the world after being pressed to do so for more than three years by a large coalition of health and environmental groups. Groups at the time alleged chemicals found in products such as the company's popular No More Tears baby shampoo released the carcinogen formaldehyde.
Johnson & Johnson told The Associated Press in an exclusive interview Tuesday that it remains on track to have baby products, including the shampoo, reformulated with safer ingredients by the end of 2013. Adult products will be reformulated by the end of 2015.
"We want people to have complete peace of mind when they use our products," said Susan Nettesheim, vice president of product stewardship and toxicology for J&J's consumer health brands.
Those include Johnson's baby lotion and bath products and Desitin for diaper rash, as well as adult skin care brands including Aveeno, Neutrogena, RoC, Clean & Clear and Lubriderm. J&J, based in New Brunswick, N.J., also makes prescription drugs and medical devices.
The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics began pushing J&J in May 2009 to remove harsh and toxic chemicals from its brands to protect consumers and workers. The coalition includes more than 175 nonprofit groups representing about 1.7 million members, from the Environmental Working Group and Friends of the Earth to the American Nurses Association and Physicians for Social Responsibility.
"This is a good step in the right direction," said Lisa Archer, the campaign's national director. "In terms of the cosmetic giants, Johnson & Johnson is going the furthest of any of them in removing chemicals of concern."
Johnson & Johnson launched a website Wednesday morning, telling consumers what it does to ensure its ingredients are safe and of high quality. That includes detailed questioning of manufacturers and suppliers covering everything from the composition of ingredients and any trace chemicals in them to their environmental health and safety practices.
"We've heard from consumers that they want to understand more about our plans" for improving products, Nettesheim said. "They want more transparency."
Research by the Environmental Working Group found most cosmetic and personal care products - other than those from small companies in the fast-growing natural products niche - contain potentially dangerous chemicals.
The chemicals in question are 1,4 dioxane and the preservative formaldehyde, which is slowly released by a chemical called quaternium-15 to kill bacteria. Both 1,4 dioxane and formaldehyde are probable human carcinogens; formaldehyde also is a skin, eye and respiratory irritant.
By 2015, J&J will phase out those two chemicals and others of concern, including triclosan, phthalates and parabens, as well as fragrance ingredients, which aren't disclosed on product labels. However, it will allow chemicals that release formaldehyde when no safe alternative will work and is reducing levels of 1,4 dioxane to below 10 parts per million.
A recent study tied Triclosan, which is found in many antibacterial products, to muscle and heart damage in mice. Parabens are the most commonly used preservative in cosmetics, according to the FDA, and have been tied breast cancer risk. Phthalates have been tied to hormone disruption upping diabetes and obesity risk
"Many of our products will be ahead of this timing," Nettesheim said, noting its products already met or exceeded regulatory limits.
However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration doesn't regulate cosmetic products.
Nettesheim said the effort is taking several years for a few reasons. The company has many different formulas for products sold in different countries around the world - including some safer formulas in products long sold outside the United States. Each ingredient replacing an objectionable one must go through quality testing and be evaluated by volunteer consumers, and many must be registered with government agencies.
J&J said that since 2010, it's reduced the number of products containing chemicals that release formaldehyde by 33 percent and the products that contain 1,4 dioxane by 74 percent. In 2005 it launched the Johnson's Soothing Naturals line, products with no 1,4 dioxane and or formaldehyde-releasing chemicals. That evolved into Johnson's Natural baby products.
The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics has issued multiple reports documenting its concerns. Its site has links to tips on shopping for the safest products and a searchable database with information on ingredients and potential hazards of about 75,000 personal care products.
Concerns over chemicals in beauty care products, particularly those for vulnerable babies, led the campaign to announce plans last November for a consumer boycott of J&J products. That was scrapped before it began because Johnson & Johnson quickly agreed to make its baby products safer.
The public debate led to some spoof ads widely circulated on the Internet for a product called "Nothing But Tears" shampoo with taglines such as "Formulated to scrub clean any vestiges of naivete."
Archer said her group now will renew its push for several major cosmetics companies with bigger market share than Johnson & Johnson to commit to making their products safer.
The moves by Johnson & Johnson come as it tries to restore its image after an embarrassing, costly series of more than 30 product recalls since 2009, mostly of consumer products including nonprescription Tylenol, Motrin, Benadryl and Mylanta.
Problems ranging from wrong levels of active ingredient and nauseating package odors to tiny shards of glass and metal in liquid medicines forced the company to gut and rebuild a consumer health products factory in Pennsylvania. That factory and two others are getting extra scrutiny under an agreement with the FDA.
The company's hip implants have also come into question over risks of toxic metals seeping into patients' bloodstreams, causing infection and other health problems.