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AESTHETICIAN FEATURE - Fabulous Faces Skin Care (Keshia Henderson)
08/11/2010 - 8:38pm

I met Keshia at a trade show several years ago when I was promoting my product line Bubalina which I sold more than a year ago. She was sweet and beautiful and her love of Esthetics brought her to skin care. Keshia not only impressed me with her physical but inner beauty. We worked for several years together with my former product line. I remember a brief moment when we met in New York city for a cup of coffee to do business and it was like meeting an old friend for an afternoon chat. Keshia has a Masters degree in Special Education and Public Administration and was a Special Education Teacher in a Middle School before she decided to delve into Business as an Aesthetician. Aside from her private Studio in Brooklyn she personally services a mobile service for the five boroughs of New York City and Northern New Jersey. She says "imagine relaxing at home while receiving a stimulating facial with aroma therapy without traveling into the city".  Sounds delightful to me, although her Skin Care Studio is a private oasis created to give each client undivided one-on-one attention. She believes her patience comes from her background of teaching special education and that each individual is special and deserves adequate product knowledge. I believe that some people have a very sweet and patient soul to begin with and Keshia is one of those persons. Each client she treats begin with a facial evaluation to analyze their skin to determine what proper treatment is needed with special time and focus on trouble areas. You will find her using and selling only organic and natural products and the time she spends with you will be all about you. The repertoire menu she provides is high quality spa and skin care treatments. Oh, did I forget to mention she is also a massage therapist and from the rave of her clients has magical hands. She also specializes in the new Celebrity lashes - Extreme lahes (Semi-Permanent Lashes) which we will be blogging about soon. If you are in one of the five boroughs of New York City and Northern New Jersey, than I highly recommend booking an appointment for all your Spa and Skin care needs with Fabulous Faces Skin Care!

www.fabulousfacesskincare.com  877-880-8069

ESTHETIC TREATMENT REVIEW
06/26/2010 - 12:06am

I stumbled upon another incredible treatment at the International Esthetics Cosmetics and Spa Conferences in April, LED Light Therapy. I didn’t have to go far as LightSim LED therapy was in the booth next to me. There is something to be said about being in the right booth at the right time. I had heard a lot about LED Therapy and couldn’t wait to be educated. With Estheticians swarming their booth it was obvious I wasn’t the only one.  It didn’t take long to get acquainted as the owners of the Company are some of the nicest people you will ever meet.  With the home unit in hand I could not wait to get home so I could use this incredible device. That is correct there are home units as well as professional units. I was given simple directions to apply the light directly to the skin and hold in place for 2 to 3 minutes per 4” diameter location while relaxing and watching television. The whole treatment took approximately 20 minutes.  I could get used to this treatment every day and that is exactly what is recommended.  I discovered there are different lights for different skin conditions. I was given the Anti-Aging light which is a combination of amber, red and infrared LED light and is the most powerful and effective way to create collagen and elastin. The Acne Light is a combination of red and blue LED light is a documented therapy for the control of acne. LightStim has done much research to develop and has now released the new Rosacea Light. The combination of red, infrared and medical grade blue LED light is helping to relieve the symptoms of Rosacea.  LED light therapy makes your skin firmer, less wrinkled, and younger looking. LED stands for Light Emitting Diode. Diodes give off energy in the form of light. These little diodes are compact, durable, powerful, bright, efficient, and when used in combination with LightStim’s patent pending engineering, produce rejuvenating effects on the skin. I highly recommend this treatment!

LightStim  Anti-Aging Light $329.00

www.lightstim.com 800-298-4010

PRODUCT REVIEW
06/23/2010 - 12:40am

I am admittedly on a never ending quest to find the most innovative techniques and products whenever I am at a trade show for esthetics. I was drawn to the booth of Niko at the biggest show of the year in Las Vegas.  Niko’s product line shares his name and he is charming and passionate about his products which made him approachable. His warmth makes you feel like you have been friends forever.  I could not help notice his assistant applying product to my Girlfriends skin, which explains why she bought his entire skin care line. The Instant gratification of one side of her face lifting was impressive and convincing. Niko offered to mix a special shampoo for my hair condition and needs. After a few questions and examination of my hair, he quickly became a chemist. Niko shampoo mixes natural nutrients with key essential extracts for your own personalized formula. He handed me a prescription card with additives of Grapefruit, Lavender and Ylang Ylang for future reference. I took the bait and brought the shampoo home. I saved it for a trip to my hairdresser to have a reliable opinion other than my own. The results were astounding to my surprise. We both noticed a softness and manageability to my hair that was different. My hair shined and seemed to last longer between shampoos. Thanks Niko for the fabulous shampoo and why hasn’t prescription shampoo been thought of before. Niko believes that it’s not only about what’s in his shampoo, it’s about what’s not! Niko Shampoo contains no Sodium Laureth Sulfate, no Diethanolamine and no harsh preservatives.  The shampoo is also fully biodegradable and performs no cruelty to animals. Why wash your hair with a harsh detergent when Niko can gently cleanse and nourish your hair and scalp giving you softness, strength and shine. Are you ready for your fix?I highly recommend that you have your shampoo specially made for your hair needs by Niko Shampoo!

 

www.niko.com  416-840-5927

AESTHETICIAN FEATURE
06/17/2010 - 1:11am

When I interviewed Annalee Stone for this Blog, her admirable passion and unquenchable thirst of knowledge for esthetics reminded me of what paved the way to my long career in this field. She is a Licensed Aesthetician, whom after graduating top of her class from Marinello's School of Beauty and Spa Academy continued her education. Miss Stone went on to receive certification from the American Academy of Esthetics and several other advanced esthetics courses.  For Annalee, the learning process is extremely important and is never finished. Annalee isn’t your ordinary Aesthetician she graduated from California State University, Fresno in 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in Molecular/Cellular Biology. She is a Scientist and the monotony of her work forced her to set out to find a new career path that would allow her to practice her love of science and anatomy. Her education in the study of Histology (skin and supporting tissue) led her to the Spa industry. She set out to explore as many Spas and Aestheticians in the Los Angeles area she could find, only to be disappointed in their true knowledge of skin.  Annalee's vast knowledge of anatomy and physiology allows for her to customize her client’s treatments to achieve optimal results. Miss Stone specializes in all skin types including ethnic, mature, hyper pigmented, rosaeca, acne as well as normal to dry skin. Whatever your issues may be, Annalee Stone prides herself in leaving your skin healthy and glowing. She is constantly keeping up with the vast changes and progression in the Esthetics industry and has recently brought to her repertoire of treatments the 30 minute lunchtime peel by PRIORI®.

PRIORI® Advanced AHA works by improving skin health and fitness through internal moisturization of the skin (by inducing the skin to make more moisture retention compounds) and by improving skin exfoliation. Both skin moisturization and exfoliation decrease with the natural aging of skin. Improved skin moisturization and exfoliation leads to "normalized" skin function and better skin health and return the skin to more youthful healthy appearance.  
It's the only AHA brand in the market based on LCA Complex, a unique combination of lactic acid, the cell signal AHA natural to the human body, and multiple essential skin antioxidant vitamins - A, C, E & Pro-A in a self-regenerating complex - all vital to proper skin cell renewal rates. Prices for this incredible treatment are very affordable in this economy.  A thirty minute peel will cost $70.00 and for a complete fifty five minute facial with the peel, which includes extraction, mask, massage and hand treatment $90.00.

 

PRIORI® Advanced AHA benefits:

• Multi-depth skin exfoliation
• Increases epidermal and dermal moisture levels
• Stimulates dermal proteins: collagen and elastin fibers
• Helps revitalize dry, mature and sun-damaged skin
• Ideal for problem prone skin and mature recurring acne
• Minimizes fine lines and wrinkles, deeply hydrates and re-texturizes

Your treatment with Annalee at Stone Skin Care is given exclusive undivided attention. She informs me that you will not cross paths with other clients in order to keep your visit intimate and private. Annalee does a variety of services but I hear she is also famous for her eyebrow waxes!

 www.stoneskincare.com     310-774-1439 

ESTHETIC TREATMENT REVIEW
06/12/2010 - 12:02am

When I was asked in April to guest host the Ultimate Skin care and Beaute Report Blog talk radio to interview Laura McDermott, I quickly started my research. Laura is Director of Training & Continuing Education for DermaSweep. A treatment that reminded me of a more advanced technique of the Microdermabrasion without the messy crystals.  When I left practicing Esthetics in 2004, this treatment might have been around but I had never heard of it. During my interview with Laura, I was impressed with her flawless passionate knowledge and enthusiasm for the treatment. It was hard to concentrate during the interview as I all I could think of was when and where can I have my skin exfoliated with this machine. In fact I asked her during our interview and Laura graciously invited me for a treatment at the Aesthetics medical trade show in Las Vegas in May. I showed up as invited and she sat me down in a chair and within 20 minutes I was finished.  After cleansing my skin she went over it with a vacuum pump that gently lifted my skin as the bristles in place of the crystals swept away my dead layer of skin. The bristle tips fully eliminate the mess and hazards associated with traditional crystal systems. DermaSweep enables airflow through the bristles to allow the skin to be gently drawn into the bristle for a more effective and less irritating exfoliation. The innovative, efficient use of vacuum pressure and bristles are then customized for each treatment depending on skin type, desired level of exfoliation and results. The treatment also has a trademarked topical solution delivery called Epi-Infusion. Epi-Infusion delivery combines therapy using precision bristle combinations with simultaneous topical delivery of the Aesthetician or Physicians choice of appropriate solution. DermaSweep’s topical solutions are formulated to treat specific dermatological conditions and include Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe Vera, Chamomile, Panthenol, Vitamin C, Sodium Hyaluronate, Salicylic Acid 3, Witch Hazel, Azelaic Acid, Kojic Acid, Lactic Acid, Bearberry or Licorice Root dependent on specific targeted needs of the individual. The strengths, combination of solutions, and level of vacuum pressure are completely regulated to offer exactly the strength and depth needed. For the completion of my treatment Laura used the infusion of Salicylic Acid for more exfoliation and Hyaluronic Acid for dehydration. Laura then showed me the dead skin that was removed from my skin. I was a little red but felt fantastic. The treatment is quick, safe and painless. How many and how often the treatment can be administered can be determined by your skin care professional. Here are some of the skin conditions that can be improved with these treatments:

 

  • Reducing aging lines Sun-damaged skin / photo damage
  • Melasma (irregular brown patches)
  • Revitalize dull skin
  • Reduction of fine lines
  • Hyper-pigmentation (brown patches and age spots)
  • Improve and control acne
  • Refine enlarged pores
  • Uneven skin texture
  • Surgical scars
  • Pre-Photodynamic Therapy treatment
  • Improving overall skin health

After my treatment Laura sent me down the aisle to pick up some Oxygenating Foundation by Oxygenetix. For those of you who are worried about leaving a treatment looking red I recommend you pick up this product for any type of peel. It not only provides coverage but is a breathable formula that promotes healing so it can be applied to the skin immediately after a treatment. It is the first Gel based Oxygenating Foundation that has been formulated exclusively for physicians and professionals. This would have been my best selling product at my Spa in West Los Angeles! www.Oxygenetix.com

Cost per treatment averages around $150.00 but can be bought for less in a series.

www.dermasweep.com  916-772-9134

PRODUCT REVIEW
05/17/2010 - 11:19pm

I have found Sun block to be the most misunderstood skin care product and the most important. What is Sun block? We have been bombarded by sun blocks over the last ten years with the awareness and prevalence of Skin Cancer. If you are not wearing Sun block on a daily basis you have not been educated in good skin care practices. With the confusion of the saturated marketing of sun block products how do you know what is good for your skin and your lifestyle. With everyday use sun block is the best preventative of aging skin you can do for your skin. Skin damage from sunlight builds up with continued exposure, whether sunburn occurs or not. In addition to skin cancer and sunburn, other effects can include wrinkling, premature aging, and in time, an almost leathery appearance of the skin. Research also suggests that excessive exposure to UV radiation may interfere with the body's immune system. What is the difference between UVA and UVB rays? Sunburn is associated with the shorter ultraviolet wavelengths, known as ultraviolet B (UVB). The longer wavelengths, known as ultraviolet A (UVA) can penetrate the skin and damage connective tissue at deeper levels, even if the skin's surface feels cool. It is important to limit exposure to both UVA and UVB.
What does SPF stand for “Sun Protection Factor.” SPF was developed to describe the amount of protection that a sunscreen provides. No sunscreen can protect your skin from all of the UV rays, but a higher SPF number indicates protection from more rays. The SPF number tells you how long you should be in the sun before re-applying. If your skin would burn in 10 minutes in the afternoon sun without any sun protection, and you applied a sunscreen with an SPF 15, you would have 15 x 10 = 150 minutes (2.5 hours) before you would burn.

Percentage of Protection from damaging UV rays:
SPF 15 = 92%
SPF 30 = 97%
SPF 40 = 97.5%

The biggest misconception is that you don’t need sun block if it is cloudy outside. Ultraviolet (UV) rays can penetrate clouds by up to 80%, even if it is raining. UV rays can penetrate glass; they can also be reflected off a glass or water.  As an Aesthetician with a background in product development, I personally recommend an SPF of 15 to 30 that blocks both UVA & UVB light.  An SPF below 15 may not provide adequate protection against sunburn and skin damage for some skin types and any product with more than 30 SPF is when you start getting more harmful chemicals into the sunscreen. My daily Sun block recommendation is Bravo Daytime Hydration SPF 30 from the product line EnPointe. It is not only an adequate sun block but is a great daytime moisturizer that make-up can be applied over. The clever packaging is a perfect pump that elimates contamination. The developer of the EnPointe product line is Christine Rodgers, M.D. a breast cancer survivor and celebrated surgeon. She has developed this product  line without controversial ingredients. The product line helps to fight against the signs of aging and stressed skin using only the most natural, healthy ingredients — like botanicals and plant extracts — and without harsh chemicals, preservatives or potentially harmful ingredients — like parabens, phthalates, phyto-estrogens, sulfates or soy.

Bravo Daytime Hydration SPF 30 Retails $65.00

http://www.empoweryourskin.com  303-320-8618

AESTHETICIAN FEATURE
05/13/2010 - 1:05am

Who says you can’t continue to take care of your skin and indulge a little in this recession? Isn’t this when it is most needed with the stress of the current economic situation? There are a few good deals to be found and I have discovered one of them! Gia walked into my booth at the Las Vegas Spa show last month and her warmth and charm made me feel as though we had been friends for years. She spoke with enthusiasm for her work the way Picasso painted his art. Her specialty is a Spa style facial which she calls her “Signature facial”. The facial begins with a skin analysis, steam, cleansing, enzyme scrub, Dermabrasion, Glycolic Peel and extractions. After the cleansing process you will be pampered with a European massage on the chest, neck, and shoulders. A Hydration masque is specially formulated for your skin. This delicious treatment continues with a vitamin C eye moisturizer and Pomegranate lip treatment. For the finale, an almond oil Hand Treatment and massage to complete this relaxing experience. The massage isn’t just any massage as Gia is a licensed Massage Therapist and an Aesthetician. The treatment can take anywhere from 60 or 70 minutes of pure delight. When you enter her private room, your journey begins to beautiful younger looking skin. She believes in treating your mind, body and spirit to a complete reviving and de-stressing experience. The “Signature Facial” will cost you a mere $69.00. Gia specializes in a variety of Skin & Body Treatments. I highly recommend Beauty & Therapy by Gia.

 http://www.beautyandtherapybygia.com 1-818-212-9133

ESTHETIC TREATMENT REVIEW
05/03/2010 - 8:15pm

I awoke early for my long drive to the beautiful town of Calabasas to do a video interview with Helen Ladon, co-owner of Launa Stone Med Spa. I was so pensive thinking about all the skin techniques offered at their Spa that the drive went fast. I realized most of the treatments that were on their menu were not available or I was unaware of them when I sold my Day Spa in 2004. Driving through the quaint town with the crisp weather which was neither hot nor cold reminded me of what I had missed about the area. The street was filled with cars trying to park to shop the local farmers market. Arriving at my destination, Helen and I briefly spoke while setting up for the filming and her enthusiasm about the Spa and their skin techniques was enviable. We finally started filming and discussing all the advanced treatments and my mind was occupied with thoughts about how soon I could receive a treatment. We began discussing injectables such as lip fillers and I asked, “What happened to Collagen for lip enhancement”? Helen exclaimed that it had become obsolete and I felt like I had left the esthetic world decades ago. With the offer to have Juvederm in my lips, (one of the replacements of Collagen) I quickly followed an assistant to a room. Gina Borggrebe, RN offered to numb my lips with a block but one less needle was better for me! I opted for the quick topical numbing and with that I expected a little pain that the block would have cured. I was in good hands with this master with over 12 years of experience with injectables. She had a magical way of holding my lips while injecting and massaged them to perfection. I left confident even with the little bit of swelling. It was quick and almost painless. I was off to my next appointment for micro current facial toning with “My Beautiful Bare Skin" in Beverly Hills. That night I received a compliment from a gentleman, to keep talking because I had the sexiest lips he had ever seen! Juvederm has just become my new best friend.

JUVDERM® $599 per syringe

http://launastonemedspa.com/juvederm.php 818.225.0122

PRODUCT REVIEW
04/08/2010 - 9:59pm

Before venturing into this business and blog this year, I dedicated the last 10 years of my life in product development beginning with a skin care line for a Spa that I previously owned in West Los Angeles. After the sale of that business, my dearest friend Richard Garza and I labored for five years developing a very successful Bath & Body line which I sold in June 2009. With that being said, expect only the best skincare products you can find on this blog. I receive a lot of products but will only blog about products of quality ingredients that I have personally sampled and believe you should hear about. We have advanced tremendously in product technology in the past 10 years and the consumer is no longer happy with slapping cold cream on their face hoping for the fountain of youth! Lisa Ashley, who has spent her entire adult life immersed in the beauty and cosmetic industry, began her career in the Miss California beauty pageant and later opened her own full-service salon and spas. Lisa transitioned into becoming a make-up artist for television, film and print with a client roster that includes some of the most recognizable faces in the world. Lisa sent me her Ultimate Eyecream that took me a few minutes to figure out because of its unique packaging. The eye cream is in a tube with a metal roller ball. Once you figure it out, it is incredibly easy to use, convenient and sanitary. I could just write about the clever packaging! You twist the bottom and then push up a tiny bit of the cream and rub lightly around the eyes. It is cold when applied and with the ingredient of Glucosyl Hesperidin that is anti dark circle and anti inflammatory, this is the perfect eye cream for puffiness. The eye cream also acts as a brightener which gives you a bright glow. The active ingredient is Sodium Hyalouronate. Sodium hyaluronate has a small molecular size (making it especially penetrative), and is able to hold more water than any other natural substance. Thanks to these attributes, when applied topically to the skin it can reach deep down into the dermis to combine with, maintain and attract water, as well as to promote skin/blood micro-circulation and nutrient absorption and maintain normal metabolism. Because of its super-sized hydrating properties, it will result in a smoother and softer skin with decreased wrinkles and an all-around fuller appearance. Other ingredients include Soybean oil, beeswax, Fruit Ferment, Cocoa, Vitamin A and Vitamin E. This product is on my must have list and it is my favorite Eye Cream!

Lisa Ashley Ultimate Eyecream retails $55.00

www.lisaashleybeauty.com 866.345.LISA (5472)

AESTHETICIAN FEATURE
02/24/2010 - 1:02pm

When several of my friends called me from Los Angeles asking if a mutual friend of ours had undergone a face lift surgery, it was time for me to investigate. I have known this friend for close to 25 years and knew she was not the type to suddenly have surgery. I prompted her to tell me what her secret was to her eternal beauty and that is when I discovered “My beautiful bare skin” tucked away in a private office in Beverly Hills. I brought my sister to try the treatment with me. I was quite impressed when I met Susan Carlson who is the owner of the business. I learned that after receiving her BA from UCLA and her Master's Degree along with two teaching credentials from Cal-State University Los Angeles, Susan Carlson spent 20 years teaching special education and regular education students from kindergarten to sixth grade. In 2004, her mother was diagnosed with a terminal disease and was given two years to live. Susan discovered two amazing instruments that would prolong her mother's life, and retired from teaching to treat her mother and start The Rexelle Group to help others with these instruments. While giving treatments, her clients noticed that their wrinkles were disappearing and encouraged Susan to get her esthetician's license. After attending West Valley Trade Tech and attaining her license, she opened “My Beautiful Bare Skin” and began making women look younger without surgery. The technique is micro-current facials but not just any micro current machine, her instrument has missile-guidance technology which will seek out aging cells within your skin and reamplify them to their younger state. The results are tighter skin, even skin tone, softened or eliminated wrinkles, healing of acne, rosacea and scar tissue. I can testify personally that this is one of the most RELAXING facials you will ever receive. Susan spends approximately an hour and half hands on your face and neck. She also plates an area on your body that may be tense or in pain, and the micro-current helps to relieve the tension or pain in that area. Upon completion of the facial you immediately look and feel younger! You will find me here when I am in the Los Angeles area. Cellulite treatments are also available.

www.Mybeautifulbareskin.com 818.882.0992