UNEVEN SKIN TONE?

Radiant skin starts with the right routine

Pigmentation like dark spots, melasma, and acne scars can be frustrating, but the right skin care and facial treatments can help fade discoloration and reveal a more radiant complexion. Here’s how to tackle pigmentation effectively:

TARGETED SKIN CARE PRODUCTS
-Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant that brightens skin and reduces dark spots over time.
-Niacinamide: Helps fade discoloration, calm inflammation, and strengthen the skin’s barrier.
-Alpha Arbutin: A gentle, yet effective skin-brightening agent that works well for stubborn pigmentation.
-Exfoliating Acids: Glycolic, mandelic, and lactic acids help remove dead skin cells and trigger new cell production.
-Sunscreen: Sun exposure worsens pigmentation, so daily SPF 30 is essential to prevent further darkening.

PROFESSIONAL SKIN CARE TREATMENTS
-Chemical Peels: AHA and BHA peels exfoliate the skin deeply, helping to fade pigmentation and improve overall texture.
-Microdermabrasion: Physically removes dead skin cells while triggering collagen production and enhancing product absorption.
-Brightening Facials: Facials with Vitamin C, kojic acid, and licorice root extract help to gradually fade dark spots and brighten the skin.

Consistency is key when treating pigmentation. Combining the right at-home products with professional treatments can help you achieve a more even, radiant complexion and keep it that way.

LOVE YOUR SKIN THIS VALENTINE'S DAY

4 tips for a radiant glow.

Valentine's Day is the perfect time to show affection to the people you love, including yourself. And it's also a great opportunity to show some love to your skin. After all, healthy, glowing skin makes you feel confident and beautiful. So, whether you're going on a romantic date, hanging with friends, or spending the day pampering yourself, here are some tips to help you get ready:

Exfoliate. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells and unclogs pores, revealing smoother, brighter complexion. Use a gentle scrub or exfoliating enzyme to slough off dead skin cells, but be careful not to overdo it, as excessive exfoliation can damage your skin.

Mask. A face mask is a great way to give your skin an extra boost. Choose a mask that's suitable for your skin type, whether it's a hydrating mask for dry skin or a detoxifying mask for oily skin.

Moisturize. Moisturizing is essential for keeping your skin hydrated and healthy. And don't forget to apply it to your neck and décolleté as well.

Protect. Sun damage is one of the leading causes of aging and skin damage, so it's important to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30, and reapply as needed throughout the day.

Taking care of your skin should be a daily habit, not just for special occasions like Valentine's Day. Try these tips and you'll be on your way to achieving healthy, glowing skin that you'll truly love.

New You X2

THESE POPULAR RESOLUTIONS ARE GOOD FOR YOUR SKIN, TOO.

Efficient? Productive? Multitasker? If these adjectives describe you, then you need a New Year’s Resolution that pulls double-duty. Check out these suggestions below. At face value, they’re clearly good for you. But the kicker is that they’re good for your skin, too.

Stop Smoking. Next to sun exposure, smoking is the biggest provocateur of premature aging. It asphyxiates the skin, which causes clogged pores, collagen breakdown, wrinkles, and a dull, lackluster appearance. Also, the constant puckering creates vertical lip lines that are impossible to erase.

Eat Better. Carbs and sugar kick-start a process called glycation, whereby sugar molecules bind to protein structures in your skin. This makes them weak and dysfunctional, which surfaces as wrinkles, sagginess, and a loss of radiance. They also cause a spike in blood sugar, which triggers the hormones that stimulate oil production and breakouts.

Quit Drinking. Excess imbibing has been linked to Rosacea, dehydration, and not washing your face before bed--all of which lead to inflammation that can break down collagen, create wrinkles, and provoke acne.

Get More Sleep. When you’re sleep-deprived, your body increases its production of a hormone called cortisol. And when your cortisol levels get too high, inflammation ensues. This can trigger acne and eczema and psoriasis flare-ups. Additionally, the resulting dehydration from too few ZZZZs causes puffy eyes and dark circles.

Take More Time Off. Countless studies have been done on the effect of stress on the skin. And they all say the same thing: stress causes a chemical response in your body that makes skin more sensitive and reactive. So book that extra vacation. Spend a “sick day” at the spa. Your face will thank you!

Seeing Red?

5 TIPS FOR TREATING SENSITIVE SKIN

Everyone loves a sensitive soul. But sensitive skin? That’s a different story. Understanding what causes inflammation is the first step to stop seeing red.

1. Determine If You Are Sensitive or Sensitized. The root of your redness will determine how to treat it. “Sensitive” skin is red due to internal factors like hormones, diet, and DNA. It can manifest in a general ruddy complexion, reactivity to certain products and foods, or varying degrees of Rosacea. And chances are, other family members have it, too.

On the contrary, “sensitized” skin is red due to external factors that compromise the skin’s natural barrier. Daily habits and environmental factors like the overuse of harsh ingredients, product allergies, changing weather conditions, and sun damage can all cause unnecessary redness.

2. Don’t Use “Natural” or “Organic” Products. People with sensitive skin often turn to “natural” products because they mistakenly believe that what's safe to eat is safe for the skin. But these products have an inappropriate pH for skin that can trigger allergies, creating even more redness and inflammation.

3. Don’t Overuse Harsh Ingredients. Having sensitive skin can make you more prone to other conditions like excessive dryness, wrinkles, and acne. And the typical treatments for these facial flaws can break down the skin’s barrier function. Heavy oils, glycolic acids, and retinols are all off limits.

4. See an Esthetician. Sensitive skin not only looks and feels bad, it can cause all kinds of problems if left unchecked. Effective treatment requires finding the right balance of active and soothing ingredients, and a professional esthetician can help. Book an appointment today.

THANKSGIVING PREP

PAMPER YOURSELF BEFORE THE HOLIDAY HUSTLE.

As Thanksgiving approaches, so does the stress of family gatherings, Whether you're hosting, travelling, or simply enjoying the festivities, a little pre-holiday pampering can help you look and feel your best. 

Prep Your Skin with a Facial. Fall weather can leave your skin feeling dry and dull, especially with the drop in temperature and indoor heating. Consider booking a facial a week before Thanksgiving. It will help restore moisture, brighten, and refresh, leaving you with a beautiful glow on the big day.

Unwind with a Stress-Relieving Massage. From cleaning and decorating to cooking up a feast, Thanksgiving prep can be intense. Taking time for a massage can help ease any pre-holiday tension and get you feeling relaxed and ready to enjoy the festivities. Choose a massage that suits your needs—a deep tissue for tight muscles, a hot stone to ease the chill, or a seasonal massage to lift your spirits.

Keep Up with Skin Care at Home. To maintain the spa glow through Thanksgiving, revamp your routine at home. Incorporate a brightening Vitamin C Serum and a richer moisturizer to lock in hydration during the cooler months—your skin will thank you!

Treat Yourself to a Post-Thanksgiving Spa Day. After Thanksgiving is over, treat yourself to another round of relaxation to recover from the hustle and bustle, and reset as you gear up for the rest of the holiday season.

It's Peel Season!

Time to Get Tough on Facial Flaws.

Everybody knows how much I love peels. This versatile form of chemical exfoliation sloughs off dead skin while triggering new cell production. Why is this important? Because almost every facial flaw--from acne to congestion to wrinkles to pigmentation--is rooted in exfoliation. And now that summer is over, it's the perfect time to start sloughing!

I understand that the concept of a "peel" is a little foreboding. But there are so many wonderful options today that allow you to choose a pace that suits your lifestyle. You don't have to peel to get results. In most cases, you won't peel at all. And you definitely won't look like Samantha from Sex & the City.

Light Peels. These can be added on to a facial or received a la carte. We offer AHA (lactic/glycolic), BHA (salicylic), and pumpkin peel formulations to ensure the perfect fit for your skin type.

Medium-Depth Chemical Peels. These stronger lactic peels from industry-expert PCA Skin are a great choice when you want to get a little more aggressive. We offer both TCA and Jessner formulations that are completely customizable. They take a little at-home prep work, and work best when done in succession, but can dramatically improve your skin with little to no downtime.As an interesting side note: we get a lot of calls from people asking percentages on our peels. The strength of a peel has more to do with its ph level than the actual percentage. A 10% glycolic, for example, can be a lot stronger than a 30% glycolic if it is formulated with a lower ph. So if you are one of those people shopping for peels on Amazon, be very careful. These ph levels are rarely divulged so you don't know what you are really getting.

FALL IN LOVE WITH YOUR SKIN

5 TIPS FOR THE SEASON

The transition from summer to fall brings cooler temperatures and lower humidity, which can leave your skin feeling dry, dull, and sensitive. To keep your skin healthy and radiant, it's essential to adjust your skin care routine to suit the season.

 SWITCH TO A RICHER MOISTURIZER: As the air gets drier, your skin needs extra hydration. Swap your lightweight summer moisturizer for a richer, cream-based formula. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and ceramides to lock in moisture and prevent dryness.

 EXFOLIATE GENTLY. With cooler weather, dead skin cells accumulate more quickly, leading to a dull complexion. Use a gentle exfoliant once or twice a week to slough away cells and allow your moisturizer to penetrate more effectively.

CONTINUE USING SUNSCREEN. Just because summer is over doesn’t mean you should ditch your sunscreen. UV rays are still present in the fall, so make sure to apply broad-spectrum SPF daily to protect your skin from damage and premature aging.

HYDRATE FROM WITHIN. Don’t forget to hydrate your skin from the inside out. As you transition from iced beverages to warm drinks, keep drinking plenty of water to maintain your skin’s moisture balance.

ADD A HYDRATING SERUM. Consider adding a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid or plant oils. These ingredients provide an extra layer of moisture and help plump up your skin, keeping it soft and supple during the drier months.

Back to School Checklist

Books, backpacks, new clothes, dorm gear…you’re on it! But what about a plan for clear skin? Book a little spa time will send them back looking great!

Teen Facials: (for ages 16 and under): When hormones start ramping up, both oil and cell turnover go into overdrive. And it takes time for the skin to figure out what the heck to do with it all. So you end up with is a face full of oil trapped under layers and layers of dead skin cells, A.K.A a fun-fest of bumps, blackheads, and pimples. Our teen facials are designed for the needs of young skin, and include instruction on how to care for teen skin at home.

Express Facials: (over 16 years): In your 20s, it’s all about starting good habits that minimize bad ones…like drinking, staying out late, eating poorly, and stressing out over college. Oh the memories! Our Express Facials can help unclog pores, minimize breakouts, and counteract sun exposure that leads to damage down the road.

Waxing: Brows, lips, legs, and more, we specialize in professional hair removal. We use the highest quality waxing products to minimize irritation, along with the utmost sensitivity and discretion during all procedures.And let’s not forget mom and dad! Now that the kids are back in the books you have a little more time to take care of you! Book a massage and/or a facial for yourself. You deserve it!

The Hidden Dangers of Sun Exposure

HOW HEAT AFFECTS YOUR SKIN

As summer beckons us outdoors, it's easy to forget that our skin is at risk from the very sunlight that we crave. While the warmth of the sun can feel rejuvenating, excessive sun exposure and heat can cause significant damage to our skin.

Harmful UV Rays. Not only can UV rays cause sunburn and damage DNA which increases the risk of skin cancer, they can penetrate deep into the skin and cause premature aging, wrinkles, and pigmentation/age spots.

Effects of Heat: High temperatures can worsen sun damage by causing dehydration and heat rash. They can also stimulate oil production, potentially leading to acne breakouts.

PROTECTION TIPS
Use Sunscreen: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 and reapply every two hours.
Seek Shade: Avoid direct sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wear Protective Clothing: Use long sleeves, hats, and sunglasses.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated.
Use After-Sun Care: Apply aloe vera or moisturizers after sun exposure.

BRIDES, DADS & GRADS

Celebrate Summer at the Spa

June is a month of many celebrations. And brides, dads, and grads all need the same thing...relaxation!

Brides. All brides want to look their best on the big day. But they also suffer significant stress from wedding planning and preparation. Our Bridal Package offers for the perfect combo of relaxation and results with a Bride-to-Be Facial, paraffin hand treatment, massage, and glass of champagne.

Dads. Guess what? Men love spa days, too! Our male clients ask a lot of questions about redness, brown spots, crow’s feet, and more. Which tells me that they’re spending more and more time looking in the mirror. They’ll just never admit this to you. Book them a facial or a massage for Father’s Day. A little bit of pampering goes a long way.

Grads. After years of hard work, late nights, and academic pressure, grads deserve a moment of relaxation and rejuvenation. A spa day is the ultimate celebration of their achievements, and the perfect segue to life’s next chapter.