Mythbuster Monday: Does Your Hair Cause Acne?

Most girls have always wanted long, luxurious locks of hair, but did you know that hair(particularly long) can aid in causing acne.

When you have long hair, especially bangs, it leaves the oils on your face, clogging your pores. This is in addition to the oils that your face normally produces.

Some tips to avoid having your hair cause acne on your face:

1.Pull your hair off your face when you sleep.
-Keep your hair off your face during the day as much as possible.
-This prevents aggravation of the skin.

2.Don't use greasy hair products
-Pomades/gels/hair sprays can clog your pores when your brush    against your face
-Shield your face when applying sprays and gels.

3.Clean your hair frequently.
-Choose shampoo which contains natural ingredients.
-Make sure the shampoo doesn't contain sodium laureth sulfate.

Remember long hair does look good but not when it is all over your pimply face.Using these tips, will reduce oil, and keep your face fresher and cleaner.

Skin Cancer, learn how to protect yourself

(Not) Another Lecture on Skin Cancer....

I know what happens every Spring.  Skin Cancer Awareness Month begins. You read the articles and cringe at the pictures and pledge that you’ll never go without sunscreen again.  Then June comes along with its bright blue skies, lazy days by the pool, and weekend barbecues and all of your sun-smart intentions are forgotten like a bad dream.....

I’m not trying to spoil your anticipation of the glorious summer months ahead, but I’ve seen the deep scars left behind from when Melanoma has crept its way into an unsuspecting life (every 8 minutes in the U.S.). And after many years of helping my clients (and myself) reverse their bad sun behavior I’ve come up with a list of what I think are some of the most important facts about skin cancer and the sun.

1.) Skin Cancer kills more people every year than any other type of cancer.

2.) It takes less than 10 minutes in the sun to cause DNA damage.

3.) UVA rays (the ones that go deep into the skin, accelerate aging ,and are 2-3X stronger in a tanning bed) are basically the same strength all year.  This is why you need to use a daily moisturizer with sunscreen even in the winter months.

4.) Just one severe sunburn during childhood increases the risk of developing melanoma later in life (and the risk doubles after 5 burns).

5.) It can take up to 10 years for sun damage to show up on your skin.  This is why a lot of us “just woke up one morning and were covered in sunspots.”

Okay, now that we’ve all reviewed May’s lessons on skin cancer, what can we do about it?  Use a daily moisturizer with a broad spectrum sunscreen like the Green Tea Antioxidant SPF 30 Moisturizer.  It’s very lightweight and I promise you won’t know you’re wearing sunscreen.  AHA Kojic Peels and daily exfoliators target sunspots and sweep away dull damaged skin and Max Strength Alpha Arbutin Serum will give your new healthy skin a smooth even tone.  Finally my favorite, Vitamin C.  Whether in a cream or serum, it’s one of the best weapons to give dull sun damaged skin a beautiful healthy glow.

Now this holiday weekend, lets all welcome June with open arms (covered in sunscreen).

Kristen is a licensed esthetician and has been working in the beauty industry for over 9 years. Through many years of experience and continuous training she has acquired extensive knowledge in the skin care field. She loves educating her clients and helping people look and feel their best!

Skin Care Education

We know you have questions and now we have answers. Our new Skin Care Education Center was created with our consumers in mind. Now we have all the information for you in one spot.

Looking for skin care tips? Check out Ginger's Tips and Tricks.

Looking for answers to questions about skin care? Take a look at our Knowledge Base. Here you will find FAQ's along with answers. Can't find the answers you are looking for?...Simply post your question on our Facebook fanpage and we'll be sure to answer.

If you prefer YouTube, our How To Videos should do the trick. Here you will find educational videos from How to Reduce Enlarged Pores to a Toothpaste Spoof Video—Does it really help clear up acne?

Curious about what other people think about Natural Skin Shop products? Check out our product reviews from everyday consumers.

Stay up-to-date on all the latest skin care news and Natural Skin Shop press releases by checking out our Skincare in the News section.

We hope you find our Skin Care Education Center helpful. This section will be updated weekly so make sure to check back. You can also stay in touch with us through our various social media platforms by clicking on  our Community Tab. Enjoy our skin care knowledge!

Tips & Tricks By Ginger: And a Special Gift For You

So here I sit, 5 days before turning 40.  I should be depressed, freaking out, or in a moderate psychotic meltdown.  Strange enough, i am perfectly serene and happy.  I have genetics on my side.  Maintaining a youthful appearance, or staving off the aging process, is 50% up to your parents and 50% dictated by your lifestyle.  Dont get me wrong, I have done some very naughty things to my skin over the years.  I've also been fortunate enough to use top shelf skin care products since my mid-20's, thereby balancing out some of that damage.  This should offer hope to those who got the short end of the stick in the genetic area.

Prevention is vital and can easily be accomplished via excellent an skin care regime that contains anti-oxidants, hyaluronic acid, mild aha's and good barrier protection with spf. Once the prevention phase passes you by, usually around the late 30's to early 40's, you will want to transition to corrective products that help support the skin structure and function.  When you really think about every one you know in their early 40's, you get a very diverse picture of people. 

Why do some people look 60 when they have only racked up 40 years worth of miles and others look much much younger than their age?  have a look at their gene pool and their skin care products.  My mom will be happy to tell you the story about the day she came to pick me up from high school and they asked for her id because they though she was my sister trying to get me out of classes for the day.  you can also ask her what, at 58 and extensive exposure to the sun for most of them, products she is using to make her skin glow like it does.

GIVEAWAY

I, in great appreciation of the fact that i dont look or feel 40, wanted to share my fortune with YOU!  Just go on over to my Facebook profile, become my friend and wish me a happy birthday. If you could also "like" Natural Skin Shop's Fanpage that would be GREAT! I will pick 40 of my Facebook Friends to give some of my most favorite Natural Skin Shop products to and will announce who won on next week's Ginger's Tips & Tricks blog post.

How to Care For Sensitive Skin

           Every Wednesday is ask your question day on Facebook. We pick one question and answer it with a video,and the winner receives a $25 gift certificate to Natural Skin Shop. Last week Kimberly Flickinger asked:   
What is the best skincare regimen for sensitive skin and what is a good product to use? 

This video is about caring for sensitive skin. Natural Skin Shop has great Green Tea regime that will defend, repair and sooth sensitive skin.

This regime includes: 1) Green Tea Cleanser 2) Green Tea Antioxidant Toner 3) Green Tea Serum 4) Green Tea Moisturizer with SPF 30 .

 Visit www.naturalskinshop.com to find all these great products and more!

Mythbuster Monday: Does Toothpaste REALLY Help Clear Up Acne?

Toothpaste. It's used daily in every household. But what we want to know is can it be used on your face  to clear up acne.

The answer is Yes, well technically....

When toothpaste is applied to the pimple, it dehydrates it and absorbs oil. The  alcohol which aids the drying of the spot and fluoride which produces burning, can be a deadly combination for sensitive skin.
BEWARE, it can result in burns, extremely dry and flaky skin, and irritation.

If you do decide to risk it, make sure you only use a basic white paste NOT gel, with as little fluoride as possible.

So while technically the myth is actually the truth, we DO NOT recommend it. Think about it...should you really put that goop on your skin, much less your face? It's primary use is to clean your bacteria ridden mouth, it can't be a good product for your skin. 

Instead of using toothpaste, a good substitute would be a Salicylic 2% Daily Exfoliator for before breakouts for a preventative measure. For when you are already dealing with those “pesky pimples” use Lumirance Treatment Serum. Apply it to the troubled area several times a day, and it works like magic. Poof, your problem spot is GONE! You can find these products and more at www.naturalskinshop.com

So why don't we just save the toothpaste for brushing those pearly whites and leave clearing your acne to the skincare professionals.

Glycolic Acid Peels: Picking The Right Strength IV

We have written post about Glycolic Acid Peel Strengths 20%, 30%, 40% so now we will discus the medium strength 50% Glycolic Acid Peel.

This medium strength peel is perfect for the person whose skin can tolerate a stronger Glycolic acid peel, is mature, sun-damaged and has an uneven skin tone.  The Glycolic 50% Peel is an intermediate strength AHA peel.

Acid is a standard peel solution and is recommended for those who have sun damaged skin (i.e. a few sun spots and wrinlkes from years of sun worship) or are over 45 years old.  A tip that really works well, if you're unsure if you qualify for Glycolic 50% you can still use it but with the right skin peeling technique. 

Try the Glycolic Peel Kit and use the daily exfoliator everyday for 2 weeks to prep your skin and improve your tolerance to a glycolic acid peel - this alone will give you great results, especially when using the Hyaluronic Moisturizer daily.  Now when applying the glycolic peel for a very short time - less than one minute - and then observing over the next few days your skin's reaction, the appropriateness of the skin peel and how long to apply it will be much clearer to you. 

A very mild reaction will indicate you moderately extend the application time the next time you perform a peel. Little reaction indicates you have some tolerance and you can apply the Glycoclic peel for longer. This peeling method will help your skin to not be overly irritated from what may be too strong a peel solution for you to apply for extended periods.

 

If you are interested in learning more about chemical peels visit www.naturalskinshop.com or contact one of our helpful skin experts on Facebook (Kim or Kristen) or call toll free 888.514.5126 Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm EST.

New Natural Skin Shop Education Center: Give YOUR Feedback & You Could Win a $50 Gift Certificate

In the next 24 hours we will be giving away $500 in Gift Certificates to Natural Skin Shop Its easy to win all you have to do is follow the instructions below. If you click on the picture it will bring you directly to the Skin Education Page.  Good luck and please leave a comment if you have any trouble with this.

Skin Care Tips & Tricks By Ginger

                                         

Tip #1 USE COOL WATER!

Be sure to mind the temperature of the water you use on your skin, especially the face. Hot water breaks down proteins and connective tissue which give your skin a youthful appearance, strips away your protective oils and proteins making you more susceptible to damage, and promotes transdermal and intracellular water loss (responsible for dehydrated skin and accelerated aging in cells). Keep it cool, or at least tepid.

TIP# 2 DON'T PUT YOUR HAND IN THE JAR!

Funny, no one every shows you how to properly USE a cream but they will tell you all day long about why you should buy it. Here is what I have learned over the years: If your moisturizer is in a jar, use a Q-tip to dispense the product into your hand. This serves 2 purposes - what fits on the end of the Q-tips should be enough product to do the job is you are using a quality product AND it's more hygienic. Sticking your finger into a jar of cream will cause the product to become contaminated with oils, debris, skin cells and anything else that might be on your finger.

Trick #1 PROPERLY APPLYING FACE CREAM

Ok, so now it's in your hand.....the best application method is to spread the product evenly across your palms and fingers then gently lay your hands on your face letting the skin take away what it needs. Repeat the process until you have covered all areas.

Trick #2 NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF RUBBING

Rubbing your product onto your skin not only helps Father Time but forces the ingredients into the skin. "But what about the stimulating effects of rubbing?" Well, the slight suction action that happens when you lay your product laden hands on your face also stimulates circulation, but in a productive fashion. So remember, DON'T rub in your lotion.

If you are interested in learning more about skincare visit www.naturalskinshop.com or contact one of our helpful skin experts on Facebook (Kim or Kristen) or call toll free 888.514.5126 Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm EST.

How to Reduce Acne Scar Appearance

We have noticed there's been a lot of questions about how to get rid of acne scars.While there isn't one quick fix to completely eradicate the scars there are some great skin care steps you can take to reduce the appearance of acne scars.

TCA peels treat acne and acne scars and is a great start. Start with a light strength peel, TCA 10%. The TCA peels will give you a much deeper peel than an AHA, thus effectively targeting acne scars.

You can also control the depth of TCA peels by the number of layers you apply. With the 10% peel, we suggest to use no more than 2-3 layers. Applying multiple layers results in a deeper exfoliation and enhances skin rejuvenation. The downtime can last a few days to a few weeks but the results are definitely worth the wait!

Interested in learning more about reducing acne scars visit http://www.naturalskinshop.com/ or contact one of our helpful skin experts on Facebook (Kim or Kristen) or call toll free 888.514.5126 Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm EST.

Hyperpigmentation Solutions

Hyperpigmentation is one of the biggest skin concerns but there are some great solutions to this common problem.
 

Natural Skin Shop has many peels to choose from, all of them help with hyperpigmentation.  However, the brightening peels (AHA Kojic) are great because they contain a combination of Alpha Hydroxy Glycolic, Lactic and Pyruvic Acids together with Kojic acid, Bearberry and Licorice extracts to inhibit skin discoloration and melanin production and slow the darkening of the cells.
 

There are also two very important accessory products to boost the results of these peels, Max Strength Alpha Arbutin Serum and Skin Lighten Activator. Both contain the hydroquinone alternative alpha arbutin, which will keep your new healthy skin light and bright following the peels. 

Interested in learning more about hyperpigmentation visit www.naturalskinshop.com or contact one of our helpful skin experts on Facebook (Kim or Kristen) or call toll free 888.514.5126 Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm  EST.

Skincare Regimen: Why Wash Your Face 2x A Day

Lately we have seen several questions asking why its so important to wash your face both in the morning and at night. In hopes of helping people improve their skin and in turn their health we wanted to share why we feel its essential to wash your face both in the morning and at night.

WHY WASH AT NIGHT:

Washing your face at night is important for several reasons. First, if you wear makeup its imperative you wash it off and water alone won't do the trick. Leaving makeup on over night will result in clogged pores which leads to the dreaded ACNE. And, if you don't want your face to age quickly you don't want to leave your makeup on over night.  Keeping eye makeup on while you sleep can even lead to eye infections and conjunctivitis.  The second reason to wash your face at night, you want a fresh canvas for your nighttime moisturizer.

WHY WASH IN THE MORNING

When you are sleeping your skin repairs and sheds dead skin cells.  As your skin regenerates free radicals are created.  When you wake up and before you use toners, serums, moisturizers and apply make up you want to wash off all that dead skin. Washing your face in the morning will help you start the day off with the healthiest skin possible.

If you are looking for great cleanser we suggest using a Green Tea cleanser which is gentle and does a great job at keeping your skin fresh and clean. You should use an exfoliator at least one day a week to get off that dry stubborn skin keeping your face fresh.

Interested in learning more about skincare visit www.naturalskinshop.com or contact one of our helpful skin experts on Facebook (Kim or Kristen) or call toll free 888.514.5126 Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm  EST.

Enlarged Pores No More!

Enlarged pores are not attractive but how do you get rid of them? The first step, understand why your pores have become enlarged.  Dirt, oil and dead skin cells trapped inside your pores cause them to look enlarged. This means you need to find a way to get all that unwanted dirt, oil and dead skin out of your pores and then find the perfect way to keep it out.

An AHA/BHA peel performed every 2-3 weeks can go deep into the pores and remove impurities to minimize the appearance of your pores. Use a daily glycolic or salicylic exfoliator can help keep those pores clean between peels!

Keeping your skin super hydrated helps too. Once a pore is dilated, you can't shrink it back but you can diminish the appearance. A hyaluronic serum will boost the epidermal water content thus "plumping" the skin up and making them look smaller. Consistent dehydration will cause further dilation, making them bigger....hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!

If you are interested in learning more about skincare visit www.naturalskinshop.com or contact one of our helpful skin experts on Facebook (Kim or Kristen) or call toll free 888.514.5126 Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm  EST.

Men Get Ingrown Hairs Too

Calling all men! Relief from ingrown facial hairs. ( Calling all ladies! How to get your guy to take care of his skin.)

I recently posted a story about helping my husband end his battle with ingrown facial hair and found out that many other women have similar stories. Like a lot of men, my husband’s ingrown facial hairs get red, infected, and often leaves dark spots on his skin once they are gone. I thought that once I introduced him to facial scrubs the problem would be solved but I soon found that not only was it difficult to get him to use it, but he was also not using it properly. It was definitely time for his first facial peel.


I was expecting to be greeted by strong resistance but he actually loved it! I had to practically force him to rinse it off. His response—“Oh, this is good!” He followed this by using my night cream (Mizu Hydrate Fight Cream)and he was in heaven. Now my rough and tough, manly man husband is using chemical peels and night cream and today I spoke to a client who had literally chased her husband around the house, TCA peel in hand, until he finally let her put it on his face. The result? He immediately told her to call me and order one for him and reminded her again first thing the next morning.


There are easy steps that guys can take to prevent and treat ingrown hairs and the dark spots left behind.

1. Use a microdermabrasion scrub BEFORE shaving to get the closest shave possible. You can continue to use this 2-3 times a week to keep that top layer of dead skin off that the ingrown hairs are getting caught in.
2. If this doesn’t solve the problem then a daily salicylic or glycolic exfoliant and/or a bi-weekly peel should do the trick, don’t worry guys—it’s as easy as applying them to your face and then rinsing them off. I recommend the AHA Kojic peel/exfoliant because it will exfoliate the skin and help fade the dark spots. 
3. Guys will also love the Green Tea SPF 30+ Moisturizer to use daily. It’s very light weight, has a matte finish, and gives them the antioxidants and sun protection that their skin needs (and don’t worry, it won’t make you smell like a girl).

Kristen is a licensed esthetician and has been working in the beauty industry for over 9 years. Through many years of experience and continuous training she has acquired extensive knowledge in the skin care field. She loves educating her clients and helping people look and feel their best!

Dry Itchy Skin? We Can Help!

Every Wednesday we ask our Facebook Fans to write their skincare questions on our wall. We are sure to answer all the questions but we pick several to feature on our YouTube Channel. For those questions we answer on YouTube we give the person who asked the question a $25 Gift Certificate To Natural Skin Shop. Here is our very first question and answer and its about Dry Itchy Skin

Tips & Tricks By Ginger: “I have oily skin and need an oil free moisturizer”

“I have oily skin and need an oil free moisturizer”

I hear this same complaint day after day.  Reading the ingredient labels for oily skin treatment products sends me right through the roof.  Not many mass consumers understand their oily skin and why it behaves the way it does.  It’s understandable because truly oily skins think about nothing else besides how to stop the flow of sebum.  And the cosmetic industry only complicates the problem….spending billions of dollars on advertising their “latest and greatest” acne/oil control formula and zero on educating their customers.

I always use the analogy of an orange.  Think of the last time you bought a fresh orange….its plump, ripe, and ready to be eaten.  Now think back….have you ever had an orange that has kind of hung around for way too long.  It doesn’t look juicy and inviting anymore…its shriveled and you can actually see the pores of the orange skin.  This is exactly the same thing that happens when human skin becomes dehydrated. 

The epidermis functions best when the hydro-lipid barrier is in balance.  This means your skin is fully hydrated and maintains its normal sebum output.  If water level drops, oil production can become amplified causing some “normal to combination” skin to believe they are oily.  Now don’t get me wrong, there are people with oily skin…they would actually become even OILIER.  So what’s the answer?

First, avoid products that contain heavy concentrations of alcohol.  This ingredient can facilitate dehydration – exactly what you don’t need.  Most commercially produced acne/oily skin products have very high alcohol content because it’s a cheap ingredient and will make the skin “feel” less oily.  Its best to concentrate on bulking up the epidermal water content and use products to treat and address without further “harming” the skin.

Oil is good for the skin.  Period.  There are different oils for different skin types of course, and some oil is NOT GOOD for skin, however, oily skin should not avoid oil all together.

Here are some tips and tricks to help put your skin back into balance and make shopping for skin care easier:

Topically applied HYALURONIC ACID will help restore water content, thus slowing sebum production – MIZU HYDRATE SERUM PURE is a great choice or MIZU HYDRATE SERUM CLEAR if you have congested and blocked pores.

A non-alcohol toner that contains a small amount of salicylic acid will help keep your skin fresh and clean – PEEL RX ALPHA BETA TONER works well.  If your skin is excessively oily, SALICYLIC 2% can be used in the am in place of the Toner and for spot treatment when you feel a pimple coming on.

Drink lots of water and avoid smoking, caffeine, hot liquids, spicy food- I know this sounds like something your mom would told you when you were a teenager, but its all true.  Caffeine dehydrates, smoking decreases the blood oxygen levels, hot liquids and spicy food may cause your pores to dilate and promotes pimples.

Next week I will provide some helpful hints when it comes to reading your product labels to further arm you against oily skin! In the meantime if you have any questions please check out Natural Skin Shop where you can speak directly with a skin care specialist.

Glycolic Acid Peels: Picking The Right Strength III

This Glycolic Acid Peel post is about the third strongest strength of peel, 40%.  If you are a first time Glycolic Acid Peel user or you have sensitive skin please read through the posts about 20% and 30% peels.

The 40% Glycolic Acid Peels are for people who desire dramatic results. Generally for women between 30-35. This stronger peel results in cellular rejuvenation with minimal downtime, flaking and peeling. Rather than tell you why we think this product is great we thought you should hear from someone who has used it:

"I am so happy with this product. I have had problems with oily skin, acne and large pores. I noticed a difference after 2 days using the exfoliator. My skin is less oily, my blemishes are gone, it has changed the texture of my skin and my skin is a lot more smoother. I was paying $85-$100 for glycolic peels at the salon every two weeks. Now, I don"t have to pay any more because with this product I am seeing more dramatic results. I would definitely recommend this product." ~Paloma 4/13/10

Of course we recommend you use the Glycolic Peel Kit rather than the peel alone because of the many benefits. The peel kits come with a Peel Solution, nourishing Hyaluronic Moisturizer and Glycolic daily exfoliator to improve the overall results in the days after the peel. 

If you are interested in learning more about glycolic acid peels visit www.naturalskinshop.com or contact one of our helpful skin experts on Facebook (Kim or Kristen) or call toll free 888.514.5126 Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm  EST.

 

Blackheads: How To Prevent & Clear Up

Every Wednesday we ask our Facebook Fans to write their skincare questions on our wall. We are sure to answer all the questions but we pick several to feature on our YouTube Channel. For those questions we answer on YouTube we give the person who asked the question a $25 Gift Certificate To Natural Skin Shop. Here is our very first question and answer and its about blackheads.

Happy Mother's Day

We want to wish you all a happy Mothers Day!

Botox Alternative - Ultrox

Many people consider getting Botox treatment but either don't want to pay the big bucks or are nervous about having a needle stuck in their face! Dramatic results can be achieved without surgery or painful needles. Ultrox has been clinically tested and has been proven to provide noticeable improvement to wrinkles and fine lines.

How it Works

 
Ultrox relaxes your facial muscles, and nourishes and moisturizes your skin cells - making your skin look younger and healthier, giving results you can really see and that others will definitely notice!

Combines a complex of oligopeptides obtained by biotransformation of native proteins from the seeds of Hibiscus esculentus L. (okra) with Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 and Hyaluronic Acid.

Ultrox actually goes further than the other "Botox®Alternatives", as its efficacy against mechanical parameters of aging (muscle contractions) is complemented by a biological one (nourishes & moisturizes), offering the only non-surgical comprehensive anti-wrinkle approach to skin care and anti-aging. See the before and after results of Hexapetide-3 and Hibiscus Extract.

Ultrox in Depth

 

Dramatic results can be achieved without surgery or painful needles. Ultrox has been clinically tested and we have seen the results in person.  The combination of the latest wrinkle reducing ingredients guarantees excellent results for all skin types and ages. 

Similar products claim to be the Botox alternative but they all seem to fall short of providing complete anti-aging, wrinkle reducing treatment. Ultrox relaxes your facial muscles, nourishes your skin cells and moisturizes, making your skin look younger and healthier.

Refinex in Depth

 

The snake venom ingredient in REFinex is a new anti-wrinkle active compound based on a synthetic tripeptide that mimics the effect of Waglerin 1, a peptide that is found in the venom of the Temple Viper, Tropidolaemus Wagleri.

Our ingredient supplier has developed, over the past 30 years, a unique approach for the breeding and housing of venomous snakes and particularly the Brazilian Lance Adder Bothrops moojeni whose venom is used for therapeutic (anticoagulants, haemostatics) and diagnostic products.

Currently, some 10 000 specimens of this snake species are bred and housed at their lab, making them the largest snake breeder and keeper in the world. The long experience of our chemical supplier in snake venom research has made possible the investigation of venom’ peptides for cosmetic applications.

If you are interested in learning more about Ultrox visit www.naturalskinshop.com or contact one of our helpful skin experts on Facebook (Kim or Kristen) or call toll free 888.514.5126 Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm  EST.

Lets Talk Toner

What is you skincare regimen? Most people think washing and moisturizing is enough but if that's all you do you're skin is really missing out.  You've probably heard of Toner but we want you to understand why and how to add it to your daily skincare regimen.







Lets review:

1) Read your label and be sure your Toner does not contain alcohol. Alcohol can be an irritant and can dry out your skin.

2) Green Tea Toner should be your second step in your skincare regimen immediately after you cleanse.

3) Be sure your skin is still damp from cleansing when you apply Green Tea Toner.

4) Green Tea Toner removes residue from skins surface.

5) Natural Skin Shops Green Tea Toner is alcohol-free with a Witch Hazel base and aloe, cucumber and green tea extracts.

5) Use Green Tea Toner both in the am and pm


If you are interested in learning more about chemical peels visit www.naturalskinshop.com or contact one of our helpful skin experts on Facebook (Kim or Kristen) or call toll free 888.514.5126 Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm  EST.

What Are Chemical Peels? How Do You Use Them?

What are chemical / skin peels?

Chemical peels produce controlled injury to the skin, which promote growth of new skin and improved appearance. A variety of chemicals can be used as peeling agents and include glycolic, trichloroacetic (TCA), salicylic and resorcinol. The different chemical solutions produce different degrees of injury to the skin.

What are chemical peels used for?

Chemical peels are used for the treatment of photo-aging (from sun damage), wrinkles, scarring, acne, precancerous lesions, and discoloration (including melasma, freckles, and age spots).

How are chemical peels performed?

There are numerous chemical peels and each one is performed differently. In general, chemical peels usually begin with vigorous cleansing of the skin, followed by application of the appropriate peel.

What is the most popular peel solution?

Glycolic Acid - probably due to the fact that all skin types benefit from Glycolic Acid - is the most commonly recognized chemical peel solution. Salicylic Acid is also very common for use in acne treatments.

How long do chemical peels take?

Most peels can be performed within a few minutes, depending on size of the area being treated.

What will my skin feel like after a chemical peel?

The state of your skin after a peel depends on the type of chemical used and your skin type. Superficial peels have limited effects. Medium peels may cause some redness and the deeper peels may require 10-14 days to recover.

How many peels will I need?

Generally chemical peels are done once every 2-3 weeks, until the desired results are achieved. Maintenance peels can then be performed once a month.

How long do the results last?

With good sun protection, results can last months, even years. This is dependent upon the depth of the peel. The deeper peels generally provide a long-lasting effect.

What are the risks of chemical peels?

Superficial peels are quite safe, although minor irritation of the skin can occur. The risk of deep peels can include infection, scarring, redness, and discoloration. During a very deep peel (administered under the care of a physician only), anesthesia should be used and vital signs monitored.

How long after a chemical peel before I can return to normal activities?

  A. Light Peels- The light peel takes approximately three to five days to complete the shedding process. No downtime required. 

  B. Medium Peels- Medium peels usually persist for five to seven days. The skin may or may not flake and fall away. AHAs can produce some redness with little or no flaking, depending on the individual.

  C. Deep Peels- May take several weeks to fully recover. This type of peel is usually effective in treating hyperpigmentation, acne scarring, fine lines and wrinkles.

What should I use at home to maintain the condition of my skin after a chemical peel?

You can use a mild cleanser (Green Tea Cleanser) and always include either Hyaluronic Replenishing Serum / Green Tea Anti-Oxidant Serum as often as needed. You may resume regular skincare 3-5 days after a peel or once redness or peeling is no longer apparent. Sun protection is a must!

If you are interested in learning more about chemical peels visit www.naturalskinshop.com or contact one of our helpful skin experts on Facebook (Kim or Kristen) or call toll free 888.514.5126 Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm  EST.

Skin Care Tips & Tricks By Ginger

Taking care of your skin is important but often confusing and overwhelming. Because of this we have decided to have weekly tips & tricks by Ginger, a skin care expert.  Every Wednesday check our blog, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter for great Tips and Tricks by Ginger.

TIP #1: HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR TREATMENT/MOISTURIZER

Always put your treatment/moisturizer on when skin is still damp from cleansing process (wash and tone). This allows the products to absorb deeper and be more effective.

TIP #2: DON'T SKIP WEEKLY EXFOLIATION!

Not only does it brighten your complexion and help your moisturizer absorb better but also stimulates collagen production. Oily skin should exfoliate 1-2 times per week , normal skin 2-3 times per week, and dry skin 3-4 times per week IF USING A MECHANICAL SYSTEM (aka scrub or brush). All skin types can use chemical exfoliation (aka acid or enzyme) nightly IF YOUR SKIN CAN TOLLERATE IT and you are a product appropriate for you.

TRICK #1: MAKE A SKINCARE REGIMEN AND KEEP IT

Make time for your skin care regimen and remember the golden rule "if you don't use it, it wont work!" If you want serious results from your skin care, you must make the commitment to set time aside every morning and evening to WASH, TONE, TREAT, AND MOISTURIZE. Weekly exfoliation is part of the program as well. The products can't work if they are trapped in your medicine cabinet and never see the light of day (or your skin!).

TRICK #2: HOW TO SHOP SKINCARE SMART

Ask the experts. We all have that drawer or shelf with products we bought that sounded good on the tv or in that magazine ad but never really lived up to YOUR expectations. They were too expensive to throw away, you are too busy to return them, and your friends already made the same mistake....so what do you do?

Stop making your purchases based on crafty marketing. Consult with a skin care specialist...and try to find one without an agenda (aka their own brand to push). Any one who truly has your skins best interest at heart will be able to recommend more than just one brand. Actually, anyone who calls themselves experts in skin care SHOULD be able to name products from all areas of the market. This means they are actually trying the stuff and giving you genuine feedback.

Glycolic Acid Peels: Picking The Right Strength II

A few posts ago we wrote about the 20% Glycolic Acid Peel Kits. This strength is great for first time users and young sensitive skin. What about those more familiar with skin exfoliants and light strength peeling? We suggest you try the 30% Glycolic Acid Peel Kit.

Generally people begin to show signs of aging between 25-30. Now's the perfect time to try something that will rejuvenate and refresh your skin without showing visible signs of peeling. The 30% Glycolic Peel is one of the most popular strengths. When using this peel you will find light-medium peeling & increased cell turnover.

The 30% Glycolic Acid Peel Kit comes with Glycolic 10% Exfoliator 2oz, Glycolic 30% Peel 2oz & Hyaluronic Moisturizer 1oz. Using a kit will help you heal faster and enhance the natural turnover process.  Ask anyone who has had a professional peel, your face can become very red and irritated making it difficult to go about your life without stares. Using a kit can help prevent this.  The daily exfoliator will help turn over skin cells and promote the effects of the peel while using the hyaluronic moisturizer helps soothe, nourish and moisturize post-peel.

If you are interested in learning more about glycolic acid peels visit www.naturalskinshop.com or contact one of our helpful skin experts on Facebook (Kim or Kristen) or call toll free 888.514.5126 Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm  EST.

Skin Care Coupons, Discounts & Giveaways

Who doesn't love a great deal?  Natural Skin Shop wants you to have healthy, beautiful skin so we are always offering coupons, discounts and giveaways.  Right now we have several really great offers:

20% MOTHERS DAY COUPON: 

We love moms and know that moms love skin care products so in honor of Mothers Day you can get 20% off your entire next purchase. This great offer is only valid through 5/4 so be sure to take advantage of this offer today. Just click HERE to get the code.

GIVEAWAY 2 VITAMIN C KITS VALUE $89 EACH: 

You read right, we are giving away 2 of our amazing Vitamin C Skincare Kits. All you have to do is become a Fan/Like Natural Skin Shop's Facebook Fanpage. When we reach 500 Fans/Likes we will give away the first kit. The second kit will be giving to a random fan when we reach 1000 Fans/Likes. Be sure you are a Fan so that you are entered to win and suggest your friends become fans too. The sooner we reach 500/1000 the sooner you can win.

DISCOUNTS:

Right now we are offering 30% off our larger 8oz back bar sizes. This is a great deal for those who are looking for the larger size products but don't want to spend too much.  

If you are interested in learning more about skincare products visit www.naturalskinshop.com or contact one of our helpful skin experts on Facebook (Kim or Kristen) or call toll free 888.514.5126 Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm  EST.

Glycolic Acid Peels: Picking The Right Strength

If you are looking for more radiant, younger looking skin glycolic skin peels are for you. Glycolic skin peels produce great results but one must be careful to use the correct strength.  For those of you who are a bit nervous about using a chemical peel, either because you've never used them before or you're afraid your skin is too sensitive, this post should help.

20% Glycolic Acid Peel Kits are perfect for young sensitive skin and first time users. This kit comes with a medium grade chemical peel, daily use exfoliator and hyaluronic moisturizer.

Using a kit will help you heal faster and enhance the natural turnover process.  Ask anyone who has had a professional peel, your face can become very red and irritated making it difficult to go about your life without stares. Using a kit can help prevent this.  The daily exfoliator will help turn over skin cells and promote the effects of the peel while using the hyaluronic moisturizer helps soothe, nourish and moisturize post-peel.

Its important to remember that while glycoclic acid is a natural chemical its very potent and applying a peel can produce dramatic results.  Therefore, a first time user or someone with young sensitive skin should opt for the lightest peel kit.

If you are interested in learning more about glycolic acid peels visit www.naturalskinshop.com or contact one of our helpful skin experts on Facebook (Kim or Kristen) or call toll free 888.514.5126 Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm  EST.

SPF Moisturizers Are Important its Melanoma Awareness Month

Today is the first day of May, Melanoma Awareness Month. According to the Webster dictionary Melanoma is a highly malignant tumor that starts in melanocytes of normal skin or moles and metastasizes rapidly and widely. Simply stated, Melanoma is a cancer that starts with your skin and most often is the results of prolonged exposure to the sun.

All too often we forget our skin is our largest organ. That we need to treat it well, protect it and find the right products to both treat and protect. There are many fancy, over priced, skin care products in stores across the world. What do you look for and how do you know you're using the best products.

First and foremost you MUST use a daily moisturizer that contains a strong SPF.  Protecting your skin from the sun isn't just for those day's you spend on the beach. Using SPF should be part of your daily skin care regiment regardless of what time of year. You should also check your moisturizers label and make sure it contains both titanium dioxide and Octinoxate. Titanium dioxide and Octinoxate help to protect skin against the UVA and UVB rays of the sun, prevent sun damage and help prevent premature aging of skin.

We suggest you try Natural Skin Care Shop's Green Tea Anti-Aging SPF 30 + Moisturizer which contains a high SPF with active ingredients Octinoxate 7%, Titanium Dioxide 2%. By using the right moisturizer daily you can prevent melanoma, lines and long term skin damage.

If you are interested in learning more about day time moisturizers www.naturalskinshop.com or contact one of our helpful skin experts on Facebook (Kim or Kristen) or call toll free 888.514.5126 Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm  EST.