Beauty School Directory Blog

Posts Tagged ‘skin’

Don’t Forget the Sunscreen!

Posted on: March 30th, 2010 by Beauty Schools Directory 1 Comment

shutterstock_49236946Spring has finally sprung! It time to get outdoors and enjoy nature. But as you leave your home, there’s one beauty must you mustn’t forget – sunscreen!

When searching for sunscreen, it’s important purchase one with both UVA and UVB ray protection. Many reports claim that UVA radiation is more harmful the UVB. According to the Environmental Working Group, in 2008 only 29% of sunscreens on the market contained FDA approved UVA filters. The good news is, by the summer of 2009 that number had increased by 70%.

Here are some sunscreens for you to try this spring and summer that provide both UVA and UVB protection:

La Roche-Posay is known for their innovative sun protection products, and their Anthelios SX Daily Moisturizer SPF 15 is no exception. This is a great option for protecting and moisturizing facial skin at the same time, with one simple product.

Neutrogena is a major heavyweight in the skincare market and they continue to outdo themselves when their new products hit store shelves. Neutrogena® Spectrum+ Advanced Sunblock Lotion SPF 55, 70, & 100 is their latest product, and features their Helioplex360™ Technology, which protects skin from UVA rays, UVB rays and oxidative damage.

For those who prefer natural skin care products, you needn’t go without protection from the sun! Check out Jason Natural Sunbrella Chemical Free Sunscreen collection. The line included sunscreen products for the face, lips and body, that are PABA-free, Alcohol-free, and water resistant.

What sunscreens do you use to protect your skin? Have you tried any of these products out? Let us know!

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Using Botox to treat acne?

Posted on: September 24th, 2009 by Beauty Schools Directory 12 Comments

Botox a Treatment for Acne?Chicago plastic surgeon Anil Shah M.D. recently published the only study ever done showing that Botox lowers the skin’s oil production and thus, can be used to treat acne. “Botox definitely clears up acne,” says Dr. Shah, who has treated about 100 patients in this way.

Of course, the media and spas around the country jumped on this information. “Another acne-treatment product to throw at consumers!” Only one small large problem. It seems like Botox as an acne treatment isn’t really that great of an idea.  When tiny amounts of Botox are injected directly throughout the dermis of face, yes, oil production is limited. But, sorry Dr. Shah, seems like Botox injections are a stupid way to treat breakouts.

First, to significantly reduce oil production, very large areas of the face would need to be treated, resulting in the expressionless look for which Botox is often mocked.

Second, the procedure is difficult. Even Dr. Shah admits that “Experience here is really essential.” The muscle paralyzer has to be injected directly into a layer of skin just 1/25th of an inch thick. If it’s injected too deeply it can alter the patient’s facial expressions.

Third, Botox as an acne treatment can be prohibitively expensive. Once you find a doctor willing to treat your break-outs in this way, a treatment can cost upwards of $500 and last for only 4 months.

Of course, this is only my opinion of Botox as an acne treatment. I tend to be skeptical of most trendy things, though. And over a few years, my skepticism usually proves to be right. Atkins Diet, anyone?

What do you think about the prospect of Botox being used to treat acne? Estheticians, skin care specialists and makeup artists – do you think Botox is a viable solution to cure or treat acne?

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The Bikini Waxing Debate: Sugaring vs. Waxing

Posted on: July 23rd, 2009 by Heather 10 Comments

All of the horror stories in the media lately about the dangers of Brazilian waxing and bikini waxing got me wondering, what alternatives are there for men and women who want to go hairless? For those who are tired of shaving but can’t commit to laser hair removal? There is another alternative that’s been around much longer than waxing (supposedly ancient Egypt) but isn’t as popular in salons and spas – sugaring.

And so it begins. The battle of the century. Which hair removal technique is better: sugaring or waxing?

Application

Sugaring – Sugaring is similar to waxing as it rips hair straight from the root, but there are differences in the application. The sugaring paste or gel is applied lukewarm, under no circumstances should you accidently get burned during this procedure. Using a traditional sugaring technique, the sugaring paste or gel is removed the same direction as hair grows; this is easier on the skin and less painful. Sugaring also only attaches to dead skin cells – it won’t accidently remove your skin.

esthetics-hair-removal-sugaring-waxingWaxing – Wax is applied warm, there have been several cases of clients getting burned during this procedure. Wax strips are pulled off in the opposite direction of hair growth, which can be hard on the skin and painful. Wax attaches to both dead and live skin cells making the possibility of skin coming off more likely.

Ingredients

Sugaring – Sugaring has natural ingredients that are less harsh on the skin and are less likely to cause allergic reactions. The main ingredients in the sugaring formula are sugar, lemon juice and water; essential oils may be included as well.

Waxing – Waxes have many more ingredients and most are not natural. Waxes are usually made of resins and can include artificial fragrances, dyes, chemicals, and preservatives.

Infection

Sugaring – Bacteria does not breed or survive in sugar; it actually helps prevent infections and promotes healing. Sugaring is also water-soluble, extremely easy to clean up and leaves the skin feeling smooth.

Waxing – Bacteria breeds in wax, can bruise skin, and can cause rashes and bumps. Wax is difficult to clean up; usually heavy oils or chemicals are needed and it often leaves the client’s skin sticky.

Cost

At most salons and spas, sugaring costs a few dollars more than waxing. The main reason for the price increase is that sugaring takes longer than waxing.

Conclusion

From most of the comparisons I’ve read, sugaring seems like the obvious choice. I think most of us would be willing to pay a few dollars more for less pain and risk of infection, as well as a better, more natural result.

So why isn’t it available everywhere like waxing seems to be? I’m curious, is this technique is being taught in the majority of cosmetology schools? Does your salon or spa offer it? What are your experiences with sugaring and waxing?

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Skin care for any season

Posted on: April 24th, 2008 by Shana 1 Comment

“Finally, here is a skin care line that is inspired by and responsive to the seasons, so your skin can adapt seamlessly to nature’s cycles.” – Perianne web site

As we dive full-force into spring, I’ve noticed that my winter skincare routine isn’t going to cut it much longer. I apply the heavy moisturizer I used through the cold months, and I feel like I need to mop it off with a paper towel 20 minutes later.

It’s time to switch from 3 different kinds of heavy creams to a toner and a light moisturizer. I started my search on the Internet, and thank goodness! I ran across what is probably the most genius beauty invention since the false eyelashes.

Let me introduce you to Perianne skincare. Perianne has specific lines of products that correlate with the seasons, so that your fall/winter routine and spring/summer routine work together in harmony, without failed attempts at finding the next great brand. Best of all, the products are all natural and organic. Way to go green, Perianne!

Here’s some of what founder and creator Cora Michael has this to say on the Perianne web site:

“No single line offered what I needed, which was basically two versions of itself: one for spring/summer and one for fall/winter. But switching products and brands too often led to unpredictable results, and at worst irritation or allergic reactions. My skin was always confused, and the cost of trying all those new products was high!

I created Perianne to answer these problems. Finally, here is a skin care line that is inspired by and responsive to the seasons, so your skin can adapt seamlessly to nature’s cycles. This is especially important in today’s world, with climate change leading to more extreme and unpredictable shifts in temperature and weather.”

Right now, only the fall/winter line is available for purchase online. I’ll be checking back often to see when I can buy the spring/summer line! Once I’ve tried it, I’ll give you all an update!

Looking for more information on the Perianne skincare line? For The Love Of Beauty blog has a question and answer session with Perianne Skincare Founder and Creator Cora Michael. Check it out!

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