breakouts! breakouts! breakouts!!!

Archive for the ‘Facial Treatments’ Category

breakouts! breakouts! breakouts!!!

June 1st, 2022

All is well, then stress hits, periods come, weekend of fun, and then the breakouts come!!!!

How to get rid of them quickly and prevent them!!!

It’s not from a bit of chocolate, dirty pillowcases, sweating or wearing a mask – however mask can promote purging.

Thankfully, I can tell you why you are breaking out, then we solve the issue!  Usually it’s one of 3 culprits:

  1.  Candida overgrowth – most breakouts are from this!
  2. Mucus caused from eating dairy or fried foods
  3. Estrogenic toxins (they’re everywhere) and putting a strain on our hormones

Sometimes it can be a combination of all 3.  How to eliminate them once and for all!

REMEDY:  Discover the source, get a customized, holistic remedy, and limit the source

This is a very simple looking plan, and maybe you get frustrated,  I am here to help

The best way to get started is to come in for a facial – just choose one, all of them help!

We look at your skin, determine cause of acne, and then treat.

Often it does take a few months to be fully healed, go ahead and book them all now so that you are taken care of.

I will recommend holistic supplements and/or elixirs to get your system balanced.

I will also recommend lifestyle, food choice changes to get your skin clearer faster

AND I will recommend the right skincare for you!  We want to get clear faster and stay clear, correct???

You could not listen, book whenever and not heal – then you are wasting time and money!

While initially it may be a high cost, it’s more cost effective to do it right from the begininng!

What is your self esteem worth?

When you are more confident, what more can you achieve with your life?

It may even help you get that raise or the higher paying job?

How much is it worth and how would it change your life to achieve clear skin????

Book a facial today and find out!  It maybe quicker than you think!

 

 

 

 

 

Five Steps for Flawless Skin!

April 27th, 2022

 

Radiant skin gives confidence!  Doing your skincare is an act of self care and self love!  Make it a beautiful ritual.  Teach your children, get them in the habit of cleansing and moisturizing.  Mask together.  Summary:  Cleanse 2x, Hydrating Mist, Serums, Hydration Mask option or skip and Eye Cream, Moisturizer, and SPF

 

Let’s Start with Cleanser

We all know cleansing is the first thing, and to use cool to lukewarm water.  Apply cleanser, massage thoroughly, and even allow it to sit on your skin a minute, rinse and pat dry.  If you are removing heavy makeup, you may want to do two cleanses.  Don’t forget neck and decolletage!

I personally love to put Osmosis Lift Away Cleansing Balm on and then jump in the shower, massaging it in and using it as a hydration mask also. I use an amount close to a quarter size.  It makes my dry skin happy.

If you use Osmosis Purify, you will definitely need this cleanser to sit on your skin to do it’s job, which is to break up dead skin cells.  Massaging it in helps the action.  A pearl size amount is all you need, it has a lot of frothiness.  Pro Tip:  Add a small amount of Polish Exfoliating Mask for extra brightening and exfoliation.

 

How to Tone Just Right

Next is your toner or mist.  I never recommend one that is acid, your best bet no matter your skin type is hydration.  Make sure you feel it on your skin, so it may take 5-6 pumps, including neck and decolletage.

 

 

My Secrets to Serums

Serums are next.  I use 2-3 every morning and night – Osmosis Renew, Replenish and Catalyst AC11 are my go-to serums.  With any serums, apply thinnest to thickest.  But as you know you can mix Osmosis thick serums (Renew, Clarify, Correct, Catalyst) together and then apply. However, if you are using Stemfactor and Rescue, apply those first, separately.   Don’t forget neck and decolletage.  Massage them in by hand or with Epic tool before adding the next one or next group.  Use your mist if you need to, just make sure it no longer feels tacky.  Spend a few minutes with this step, you are so worth it.

 

 

Masking for Extra Benefits

If you are feeling like doing extra credit, let’s mask!!!  A mask could be 5-7 pumps of Catalyst for some extra brightening.  Tropical Mango Mask heals the soul with its addicting, yummy all natural scent of mangos.  Remedy Healing Balm with it’s wild cherry bark healing properties and scent is great for healing parched skin or for holistic slugging.  Polish is also a great choice when we need a little extra exfoliation, a little brightening – that yummy Cranberry Scent is just amazing, however with Polish, we would want to do it prior to serums.  Hydrating masks and balms push serums into the skin further, so no need to worry.  Either leave on all night or rinse off after 10-15 minutes.  If leaving on all night, skip the rest of these steps.

 

The Eyes Have It!

For age reversal, or prevention, use a tiny amount of Catalyst AC 11 right on your lids.  Finish with Illuminate for a hydrating and plumping eye cream.  Dot a pearl sized amount of Illuminate on the inside tips of your orbital bone, lightly pat in.  Use a pearl size amount for around and on your lips for all night or all day conditioning.  I also love Sorella’s Avocado Lip Treatment for lips – super hydrating.

 

Moisturizers 101

Finally we come to the moisturizers.  I am in LOVE with facial oils!  Osmosis Nourish and Immerse feel AMAZING!!!  Layer on first or put a drop in your moisturizer.  I love Enrich for night time and Hydrate for day.  Feels so amazing!

 

Sun Protection

Last, but not least, in the morning, we need sunscreen.   I use Osmosis Protect, zinc oxide, 30 spf and it works well, even when I’m outside.   Sometimes, zinc oxide can leave a white film.  To prevent this, we need to warm it in our hands for a moment.  Apply to forehead, cheeks, chin, neck and decolletage.  Massage in until you can no longer see the white.

I live for all things skincare, never hesitate to ask me questions to get your routine just right!

 

 

Dark spots, age spots, liver spots & melasma

April 11th, 2022
When damage occurs beneath the layers of our skin, the skin forms a “band-aid” of redness and inflammation to heal the wound.  Some stay red, some turn a brown color.  We must heal the wound and those layers of skin that covered the wound.
Over time, people have developed many ways to treat this including lasers, chemical peels, tyronase inhibitors, hydroquinone – ALL unfortunately cause DNA damage to the skin, and do not treat the wound itself.  Some, like hydroquinone are extremely toxic and will eventually kill the tissue.  Some, unfortunately, will give positive results initially, then the results plateau.  Chemical peels and microdermabrasion leave the wound exposed to receiving even more damage and are not a good long term treatment.
First of all, it is important to identify the cause or wound to develop a treatment plan.  If it is liver or melasma, then the liver will need to be healed and regenerated for the body to take away the need to protect.  Then we will need to treat the skin with a monthly Medi-Infusion Facial, also Microcurrent, because it triggers cellular regeneration is also great.  I’m not big on using LED, because the results are so small, but if you want it, I don’t see the harm.   You will need a proper cleanser for your skin type,  1-3 serums, moisturizer that keeps your skin properly hydrated, to keep it balanced for healing, as well as sunscreen too.  Sun protection is VITAL, so I will definitely want to make sure that you are applying am and pm, as well as before going outside.  This will need to become a habit for you to make sure that you are not causing more wounds to your skin and more hyperpigmentation, or making them darker.  The darker and larger the hyperpigmentation, the larger the wound is.

Holistic Approach to Acne

October 12th, 2020

My approach with acne is holistic. Our skin reflects our gut health.  Where you breakout tells me what the issue is – usually one, two or all three reasons for acne.  Candida, mucus and estrogenic toxins are the main causes of acne.  I use face mapping to discover what is going on and how to treat internally.  Skin often times does need balancing or barrier repair.  Sometimes, there are emotional roots to acne.  Many times, acne has been a long issue and many approaches have been applied and there is a lot of discouragement.

Most acne is due to a candida overgrowth in the gut.  Candida feeds on sugar.  Osmosis Beauty Skin Perfection Elixir (taken twice per day orally) reduces and in some cases completely stops breakouts in the forehead and upper cheek zone. It is helpful to watch sugar intake and limit it.

Sometimes the gut has been so affected by foods that produce mucus in the gut.  The best 10 day mucus cleanse Skin Clarify is very effective.   Acne that forms on the jawline is due to estrogenic toxins, often times food preservatives and responds well to taking 2-3 Skin Defense (antioxidant detox) capsules per day.  Adding fiber in some cases may help the process.

 

Many people tell me they have hormonal acne, and it’s true that the hormones have been affected in some cases.  Some have acne that has been caused by estrogenic toxins or xenestrogens (toxins that mimic estrogen) – and is found on the jawline. These estrogenic toxins cause the body to think there is a hormonal imbalance and breakouts occur to offset. Sometimes acne occurs on the chest or back – usually excess chlorine related and can be helped with using a shower or bath filter, along with Skin Defense.

Using topicals such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid spot treatments and picking can often lead to dark spots and scarring.  The Medi-Infusion Facial with LED is very helpful in getting acne under control, reducing the PIH (post inflammatory hyperpigmentation) and scarring along with taking the proper internal supplements, recommended serums and some care to diet.

Oftentimes, clients have destroyed their skin’s protective barrier trying to eradicate acne.  So, very often, my goal is to balance the skin, making it more healthy.  Using a proper cleanser, a healing serum such as Osmosis Rescue and Osmosis Quench Moisturizer and Osmosis Protect will be all the products one needs to address the needs of the skin to restore barrier.  A facial oil such as Nourish or Immerse and Tropical Mango Mask may also be necessary to help dryer or more damaged skin types.  Using a humidifier during the winter months may help too.

Retinal or Retinol? Which one and why

January 13th, 2020

Both are forms of Vitamin A, created to increase cell turnover, stimulate collagen production and smooth fine lines and decreases breakouts. Everybody needs a good Vitamin A Serum!

However, Retinal also has the capability of thickening the skin over time! Yes!!! Retinol thins and inflames skin to temporarily plump it up and it looks smoother for that day. Yes, and this is also why i do not do peels or microderm. Lets thicken your skin, not thin it down. As skin ages, it thins, here is Retinal to gently thicken and restore skin over time!

Also, unlike Retinol, it can be used during the day because it does not make your skin more sun-sensitive. 🤩 But you definitely should be using a good SPF like Osmosis Protect.

While Retinol must be used daily for the effects to be visible, Retinal is stored in the skin until utilized. This is why I can give you a 30 day dose in most of my facials.

I have 4 different Retinal formulas:

Calm – most gentle Vitamin A Serum designed to rejuvenate deep into the skin with liposomal retinaldehyde that is also known to benefit and calm sensitive skin. 7 liposomal antioxidants and many soothing botanicals combine to restore the lipid barrier and reduce inflammation all while encouraging the skin’s innate cell renewal process.

Correct – One of the most powerful, non-inflammatory rejuvenation serums available. Pharmaceutical-grade liposomes deliver proprietary nutrients beyond the surface to feed and remodel the skin. Real changes result from 9 collagen stimulators and 7 antioxidants that also offer UVB protection and barrier repair. A smooth, rejuvenated and luminous finish results from this concentrate of scientifically validated actives.

Clarify – Formulated for acneic skin types. It works with the skin to normalize oil production, improve detoxification, calm inflammation, restore the epidermal barrier, and accelerate the healing process of blemishes for a flawless finish.

Renew – is proven to stimulate collagen 1000 times more than regular retinols. It is designed to increase nutrient delivery to the skin enhanced by a pharmaceutical grade delivery system that delivers 9 holistic, scientifically validated collagen stimulators and 7 potent antioxidants far beyond the surface layers to create real, lasting changes.

The other ingredients that
can be added to your Medi-Infusion Facial are:

1,3 Beta Glucan – it’s an enzyme that assists in removing surface bacteria, Tip: Add a scoop to your cleanser, infusion, mask or any serum for clients who struggle with acne or pigmentation.
Niacinimide – it’s a water soluble form of B3 (vitamin) that works with the natural substances in your skin to help reduce enlarged pores, decrease fine lines, improve dullness and increase circulation.

Mandelic Acid – the gentlest acid dervied from almonds assists to increase cell turnover and remove surface dead skin cells. Very good for helping with pigmentation.

Willow Herb – this incredible resilient herb works by soothing inflammed skin. It’s also antibacterial. Tip: Add a scoop to your post treatment mask for clients who struggle with acne.
Hyaluronic Acid – a fan fave a I know. It’s great because it helps keep the skin looking plump and firm. Keep in mind… Yes, 1 gram of HA can hold up to 6 liters of water- but consider the source! A hydrated body is essential in maximzing the benefits of HA on the skin.o

Microneedling – the pain free way!

September 16th, 2019

Microneedling – can causing trauma and inflammation to your face reduce the appearance of fine lines, firm, and reduce redness and help you look younger. Does not quite make sense does it? Inflammation does increase swelling in the face for a few days, which gives a smoothing effect, but for a few days. It’s painful and in the end does the opposite of what you are looking for. So, I researched to find a better way – using a Nano-needle and infusing a large dose of Retinal, Beta Glucan, Niacinamide and other holistic skin conditioners to give your skin the nutrition and gentle stimulation to:

Reduce Hyperpigmentation (redness)
Increase firmness
Make pores smaller
Decrease acne
Improve texture – eliminating even old acne pitting

So how does the Medi-Infusion Facial work?

My Medi-Infusion Facial helps to improve tone and texture while restoring a healthy, refreshed glow to your skin. RevitaPen uses nano-technology sized spheres on the device tip (instead of pyramid points) that create tiny openings in the bi-layers of the skin (painless!). With this modality, treatment serums can very easily slip in, thus reaching the depth needed to more efficiently create real change in the skin.

The Medi-Infusion Facial provides a faster result than simply massaging serums into the skin as we do in a treatment facial. Basically, RevtaPen is fast-tracking your treatment results.

Whatever the issue you need to target, age-management, blemishes, or dark spots of hyperpigmentation, delivery of treatment serums deeper into the layers of your skin will restore the ideal micro-environment your skin needs for optimal function and regeneration.

When you feed and stimulate the deeper layers of the skin, you get a higher level of cellular activity, more cellular activity means faster turnover of the older top layer of the skin. Faster turnover means faster results.

BEST OF ALL, the Medi-Infusion Facial is not painful, does not draw blood and does not cause inflammation. You leave your treatment without redness or irritation. Book yours today!

Do you have a “gut” feeling that your skin and gut are related?

August 16th, 2018

Do you know the power of your own gut? Your body is full of trillions of bacteria, viruses and fungi.  While some bacteria are associated with disease, others are actually extremely important for your immune system, heart, weight and many other aspects of health.  The food you eat directly affects the health of your gut.

Leaky Gut

The human digestive tract is where food is broken down and nutrients are absorbed.  The digestive system also plays an important role in protecting your body from harmful substances.  The walls of the intestines act as barriers, controlling what enters the bloodstream to be transported to your organs.  Small gaps in the intestinal wall called tight junctions of intestinal walls become loose, the gut becomes more permeable, which may allow bacteria and toxins to pass from the gut into the bloodstream.  This is called “leaky gut.”

When the gut is leaky and bacteria and toxins enter the bloodstream, it can cause widespread inflammation and possibly trigger a reaction from the immune system.  In addition, toxins are therefore excreted through our skin and mucus membranes.  Which can lead to other health concerns.

Holistic Help Available

A cleansing of the mucus of the gut becomes vital to restoring health.  Also, help with digestion is conducive to restoring gut and whole body health.  And then, long term detoxification program is recommended – make a skincare consultation and let’s get started today on recovering your gut and whole body health.

Do you use a Vitamin A Serum?

April 13th, 2018

Lines and wrinkles occur because collagen and fat in your skin break down over time. You cannot scrub out, laser out, exfoliate or wash away wrinkles. You have to combat fine lines and wrinkles from beneath the surface of the skin!  The proper Vitamin A product is an absolute game changer!

Acne is a signal of toxicity and/or yeast overgrowth in the gut – this has to be stopped there. Exfoliation will not stop acne, merely help the effects of what is happening in the gut.  Yet one serum, is very helpful in undoing all the damage caused by the acne, and that is Vitamin A, but which form?

You have to stop collagen from breaking down and encourage collagen regrowth to fill in the areas on your face that have wrinkled over time. You need to nourish your skin and feed it the right things to encourage regrowth!!

Retinols, Retinals or RetinA?

Whether it’s acne you are trying to control or smoothing the wrinkles, new research has brought to light the fact that Retinol does not penetrate the skin well and is used at a high percentage by skincare companies to create epidermal inflammation, which creates epidermal plumping.  It is 1000 times less likely to stimulate collagen than Retinal (retinaldehyde) because the skin does not use retinols for that purpose.  No research has ever shown retinol stimulates collagen.  Research shows Retinal (reinaldehyde) stimulates collagen equal to RetinA.  The skin uses Retinal to make collagen/elastin by converting it in one step to RetinA.  However, RetinA is not designed to stay in the skin, it is designed to be made on demand, then utilized.  Also, RetinA topically is highly toxic and thins the dermis by 18%.  Retinal is the only collagen stimulator proven to be as powerful as RetinA but is not irritating, sun sensitizing, drying nor does it destroy the epidermis like RetinA.

Quit aging and breaking out – use a Retinal – I carry 4 formulas:  One for barrier challenged skin/roseacea, another for Acne, and two additional stronger formulas to resurface aging skin, building up the epidermis.  All are a liposomal Retinal that stimulates collagen by 1000 times better.  Non drying, non-irritating, non sun-sensitizing, and builds up your epidermis!  Call today to get a skin consultation to see which one is best for you!

Dark Spots – Hyperpigmentation

August 16th, 2017

AHHH, the end of summer – mixed feelings! Unfortunately, many clients are noticing dark spots from heat and sun exposure. Or perhaps we have suffered from acne in the past and it left small dark spots. We might even have melasma (pregnancy mask or residual) after pregnancy or certain health conditions. Or even all of the above! In my clinic, I have treated all of the above successfully with my customized approach which contains:

1. Ingesting and applying Vitamin C topically twice daily
2. Sun protection – reapplication every 4 hours, wearing hats & long sleeves
3. Retinol to increase cell turnover rate
4. Professional treatments every two weeks until skin is healed

Professional treatments to heal dark spots and hyperpigmentation or all over brightening of the skin can include Collagen Induction Facial, light chemical peels, glycolic peels, Jessner’s peels or lactic masks. The deciding factors include your skin type, do you have a few days to look sunburned and if we are addressing any other issues.

Collagen Induction Facials are great for all over brightening, while providing wonderful anti-aging benefits of reducing wrinkles and helping texture.

Light Chemical Peels work wonderfully by themselves or with other treatments combined to also treat acne and wrinkles. It works for texture, but not as well as Collagen Induction. But it’s the first thing I usually recommend when there is still active breakouts.

Glycolic Peels are a bit old-school, but are amazing for dry skin because it also increases the lipid barrier function.

Jessner’s Peels are designed for acneic skin and will usually work by lifing the dark spots off. You will usually start peeling on day 3 and continue until day 6.

Lactic masks are a wonderful, gentle way of overall brightening the skin. Marie Antoinette and Cleopatra were famous for their lactic masks. Don’t worry if you are lactose intolerant though, it will not go through the blood/skin barrier – lactose molecules are too large.

Not sure of what you need? Just schedule a skin consulation and I will waive the $25 fee if you get a treatment that day.

Is it Acne? Or could it be an imposter?

May 17th, 2017

Acne is an inherited, inflammatory skin condition. Lithium and steroids can also cause acne in those without the inherited condition. Simply put, it’s a condition where the skin cells are too sticky and skin cells are shed way too quickly (about 5 times more than those who do no). Hormonal fluctuations increase the amount of oil produced, then when it gets trapped by the sticky cells, we get more breakouts. Keratosis Pilaris and many other skin issues can look very similar to acne, so it’s good to become familiar with a few to determine how to treat it.

Antibiotics do not work because acne is not a bacterial problem – it’s a dead skin cell problem. A good skin care regimen is so important to clear acne and keep it away.

There are many acne imposters, however. Some will clear up under an acne regimen and some will not.

Acne Roseacea – caused by an allergic reaction to the residue of the dermodex mite. Triggered by heat, spicy foods or alcohol. Responds well to Mandelic 5% and Acne Med 2.5% – most clear up in 4-6 weeks.

Perioral Dermatitis – itchy and rash-like around the mouth area – usually seen in young women. Avoid using acne products in that area. keep hydrated, avoid fluoride, citrus fruits and chemical sunscreens – treat as sensitive skin

Keratosis Pilaris – chicken skin found on the back of legs and arms – don’t itch or hurt, treated with strong exfoliants – Mandelic 11%

Staph Infection – resemble boils, no definition. Must be treated with antibiotics first, then responds well to acne first

Steatocystoma Multiplex – caused by too much oil in the skin. no visible pore. No known treatment or cure

Folliculitis – very common fungal condition, comes and goes. Worse in humidity or after sweating and can sometimes be itchy. Mandelic and zinc sunscreens works well also.

Roseacea Fullminans aka Pyroderma Faciale – usually comes after severe emotional trauma, sudden onset, women in 20s -30s, large painful lesions down the center of the face, extreme oiliness. Can be diagnosed with a blood test. Antibacterial products can help, but they don’t tend clear easily.

Not sure if you have acne? Feel free to send me a picture or set up an acne consultation and I will take a look and ask you questions to determine the best course of treatment.