Essential Skincare's Blog

You are Not Your Scars

December 28th, 2012 • Posted by Essential Skincare & Wellness Studio • Permalink

It is always fun to hear the story behind the scar. It reminds you of when you fell out of the tree, had surgery on your wrist, or got too close to the stove and suffered burns from spitting oil. Some scars are not revealed as they are hidden under clothing, yet others are out in the open for everyone to see.  Time does aid in the fading of scars but not everyone has this level of patience.  There are some solutions to healing and fading scars and have a few tips to get you started:

 

• Consider microdermabrasion. To really attack scars, especially those on the face, a procedure called microdermabrasion can be performed. This procedure, which basically removes a layer of skin, is quite common. It's used to revitalize the skin and reduce the appearance of raised scars.
• Massage. If you have a scar that bugs you, point it out to your therapist before your next massage. During a full body massage, your practitioner can spend a little extra time massaging the troubled spot. A massage can break down the dense bands of collagen that build up around the scar. After your appointment, a quick 30-second self massage over the scar can help too.
• Use sunblock. It's vital to protect the scar from the sun's harmful rays. By shielding the scar from the sun, it decreases the likelihood of hyperpigmentation, where the scar turns color.
• Ask about skin care products. Chat with our skin care expert and see if there is a product they can suggest to help your individual scars fade.

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Proper Care of Your Skin Type

December 21st, 2012 • Posted by Essential Skincare & Wellness Studio • Permalink

Genetics are in large part responsible for the way your skin looks, feels, and responds to various conditions (like the weather). But while genes determine the skin you're born with, how you care for it, greatly determines the skin you grow old with.

There are five main skin types - normal, combination, oily, dry and sensitive. Knowing yours is a vital first step to planning a routine, and choosing which treatments are best suited to your skin's needs. 

Normal - If you have a normal complexion, you may consider yourself to be favored by the skin Gods. Normal skin is the least problematic of the five types making up the spectrum. A quick study of your skin in the mirror upon rising in the morning, is unlikely detect any oil; pores are also minimal. Your skin has an even tone, feels smooth to the touch and has a supple or elastic consistency. A minimal or basic skin care routine is usually all that's required to care for normal skin types, and perhaps the best news about normal skin is that it ages well.

Combination - Because it requires a skin care routine that encompasses both moisture and oil control, combination skin is one of the hardest types to care for. If you have combination skin, you are likely to have an oily ‘t-zone' (forehead, nose and chin) and pores around your nose are likely to be larger than usual. Around the eyes, and the cheeks are usually dry, and will benefit from rich moisturizers and creams. Thorough cleansing, and oil control products should be focused on the t-zone.

Oily - Oily skins are often problematic. Enlarged pores and excess oil on the forehead, nose, cheeks and chin lead to regular breakouts. Your skin care regimen should be carefully chosen. A common mistake oily skin types make is over cleaning, and using harsh cleansers. This constant stripping of the skin may result in excess oil production. Opt for light, oil free moisturizers, although, believe it or not, some natural oils actually help to balance oily complexions. Consult with us to find out more. Finally, the brightest ray of hope for oily skin types is that you age best. Those oils help to keep wrinkles at bay, so that later in life, you may just wake up with the skin you've always wanted.

Dry - Dry skin types easily develop fine lines and wrinkles. This skin type is usually tight and may feel stretched or taught to the touch. Because dry skins produce insufficient amounts of oil, this skin type lacks the protective barrier required to protect it from various external elements. Rich and regular moisturizing is required for dry skin types, and extra caution should be taken to protect the skin in extreme or severe weather conditions.

Sensitive - The most problematic and fragile of the five skin types, sensitive skin, is often red, tight and itchy. This skin type is prone to irritation and breakouts. A great deal of research and care should be taken when planning a regimen for sensitive skin types, giving care not to use products that exacerbate your sensitivities. Consult with us so that we may help you choose the right products for your skin care routine.

Finding a skin care regimen that you're comfortable with and that works can often be a process of ‘trial and error'. Be sure to visit us to discuss your concerns and to get help planning your regime. Once you find a routine that works for you, be faithful to it, because it just may be a key component to helping you grow old gracefully.

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Walk into Winter with Ease

December 1st, 2012 • Posted by Essential Skincare & Wellness Studio • Permalink

Autumn introduces a new time of year. The air becomes crisp and the winds start to move across the landscape. Produce aisles fill with various squash and gourds, and school classes start up for the little ones. Women turn over their wardrobes looking toward autumn fashions, and everyone begins to crave different foods. Suddenly, that salad that seemed so nourishing during the summer holds no appeal.

Our bodies know about the change of seasons from millennia of fine-tuning. They begin to load up on fats and carbs in preparation for the winter ahead.
But instead of ditching the diet, switch focus to root vegetables and filling whole grains. Low-fat Greek yogurt feels thick and satisfying with a dusting of cinnamon and a drizzle of honey. If you've over-done the iced cream during the summer, now's the time for a mini detox.

How will you survive winter's freezing temperatures after the warmth of summer? Here are five easy tips to take you through the cold months:

1. Find a Hot Spot - Saunas and steam rooms go deep into the muscles, and warm your bones. At the same time you can renew your gym membership, and sign up for fall fitness classes.

2. Line Up a Massage Therapist - Start finding that set of magic fingers that will warm up your muscles and soothe your aching joints. Try a hot stone massage or warming body wrap.

3. Smooth Away Central Heating Skin - Circulating air can leave you feeling as dried up as a walnut shell. Take advantage of an exfoliating facial and rejuvenating skin masque to put the hydration back into your cells. I am here to get you on track to proper care for your skin in the colder months.

4. Keep in Touch with Your Friends - Summer is an easy time to have fun and connect with friends. But winters get busy with work and holidays. Plan time with your best buddies to catch up over a manicure and pedicure, or make a new friend by inviting a person you'd like to get to know better.

5. When in Doubt, Toss It - If you didn't wear that blouse last year, put it into the charity bag to make space for something new in your life. Pull out your classic pieces and inspect them for dry cleaning, repairs, or alterations. Look at the fashion magazines and decide which pieces will combine well with the new fall lines, and which pieces were only good for one season. Organize your hanging clothes by color and style, and it will be easy to pull out matches in a hurry.

With good planning, you can smooth the transition between autumn and winter, and set up healthy habits that will make the cold months more enjoyable and comfortable.

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