Skin Care Giveaway Winners

One of our newest Mystery Prize winners is Aledol. Click here to read her post! She will be receiving a Brightening Activator kit. This kit includes Glycolic Acid 20% Peel, 100% Pure Hyaluronic Moisturizer, and Skin Lighten Activator.     

Our other Mystery Prize Winner is Jettychan. Read her post here! She will be receiving a Pure and Simple  kit. This kit includes Green Tea Anti-Oxidant Toner, Glycolic Acid 20% Peel, and 100% Pure Hyaluronic Moisturizer. 

Yesterday we also announced that we would be awarding one new subscriber to our blog with a skin care kit. The winner is Ice Fairy (sorry we don't know your real name). She will be receiving a Radiant Glow kit. This kit includes Alpha Beta Microdermabrasion Cleanser, Maximum Strength Alpha Arubutin Skin Lightener, and the Skin Lighten Activator.

All winners please email contests@naturalskinshop.com with your e-mail, name, full home address, and phone number. If you have any questions about using these products, please let one of our esthesticians know. Check back tomorrow for Friday's Mystery Prize Giveaway!!! Keep Blogging for SkinCare Blogger Wars!!

Winners Announced: Mystery Prizes Monday & Tuesday, 1k Vitamin C Giveaway

Our Mystery Prize Winner for Monday July 19,2010 is Jane Toumpas. She will be receiving a  Smooth and Repair kit. This kit includes Alpha Beta Microdermabrasion Cleanser, Glycolic 20% Peel, 100% Pure Hyaluronic Moisturizer.

 Our Mystery Prize Winner for Tuesday July 20,2010 is Lian Dolan. She will be receiving a Glowing Skin kit. The Glowing Kit includes 100% Pure Hyaluronic Moisturizer, Glycolic 20% Peel, and the Vitamin C Potent Topical Cream.

 Our 1k Fan Vitamin C Kit Winner is Dana Rodriguez. The Vitamin C Kit includes Vitamin C AHA Cleanser, Vitamin C Potent Serum 27%, Vitamin C Potency Cream.

 All winners please email contests@naturalskinshop.com with your e-mail, name, full home address, and phone number. If you have any questions about using these products, please let one of our esthesticians know. Check back tomorrow for Wednesday's Mystery Prize Giveaway!!! Keep Blogging for SkinCare Blogger Wars!!

A Thank You from Natural Skin Shop

Thank you for wishing Ginger from Tips & Tricks By Ginger a Happy Birthday! To show our appreciation Natural Skin Shop will be sending each person who wished Ginger a Happy Birthday, on her Facebook, one of her favorite products.

These products include:
Green Tea Spf 30+
MIZU Hydrate Cream
Glycolic 10% Daily Exfoliator
Vitamin C Serum 27%
Glycolic Cleanser
Glycolic Toner
Squalane Moisturizer
Hilton Becker MD


Congratulations to the following:

Tammy Ricken

Chris Gillotte

Sheryl Edwards

Beckett Graham

Claudia Robbins

Melissa Lawrence

Lisa Pera-Kojouri

Michelle Mackenzie

Congratulations and we hope you enjoy product!

Please note: If you have won more than 2 giveaways/discounts you may not be eligible to win.

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.

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!

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.

 

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.

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.

Glycolic Acid Peels at Home

The average cost for an in office Glycolic Acid Peel is $125.  This can add up as, on average, you will need 6-8 peels before you start to see results. But there is good news, Glycolic Acid Peels can be done at home using the same products with the same strengths used by professionals but at a much reduced price.

When deciding to do an at home Glycolic Acid Peel you should do your research. If its your first time make sure to use a lower strength.  Natural Skin Shop has kits ranging from  20% light strength all the way up to the 70% maximum strength. 

Using Glyolic Acid Peel Kits rather than just the medical grade chemical peel itself is also a wise choice. Kits have been put together to provide the best overall results and the quickest healing time. Applying a peel can produce dramatic results - shedding dead, damaged cells and replacing them with new, softer skin for a more even skin tone and youthful appearance. To perform a treatment that will fully enhance the natural turnover process, you must also treat the skin during the "downtime", otherwise known as the period between peels. 

If you are interested in learning more about how a Glycolic Acid Peel can help improve your skin 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 & Skin Care Products - What it is, How it helps & Why you should try it

For those of you who have never heard of Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products listen up this will change the way you treat your skin!

WHAT IS GLYCOLIC ACID?

Glycolic Acid is a natural product derived from sugar cane and is fantastic for exfoliation and moisturizing of the skin.  It is the smallest a-hydroxy acid (AHA) and is both colorless and odorless.  

HOW GLYCOLIC ACID BENEFIT  SKIN:

Dermatologists and estheticians have been utilizing glycolic acid as an effective and proven tool in the fight against the aging process for decades. Alpha hydoxy acid peels, such as Glycolic help to reveal a younger, healthier looking skin by stimulating collagen and elastin growth, and accelerating the skin renewal process. Additionally, Glycolic Acid can be combined with other peeling agents, such as Salicylic Acid (this process is referred to as an Alpha-Beta Peel) for enhanced results. 

WHEN ITS YOUR FIRST TIME GLYCOLIC ACID USERS:

Glycolic peels are the perfect choice for at-home use with proper preparation, application, and post-treatment care. For those unfamiliar with at-home Glycolic treatments, we recommend using one of our daily care kits to get started.

If you have any questions about Glycolic Acid please leave a comment and we will be sure to get back to you.

SKIN CARE ORIENTATION | Part II

“Pat Away a Drenched Face… Before Evaporation Does!”
Towel dry immediately after washing your face, head, shoulders, knees and toes! However, be sure to gently pat away moisture buds with a bacteria-free, clean towel! Here’s the clincher: Many individuals fail to regularly and thoroughly wash towels resulting in the proliferation of acne-inducing bacteria. Delegate a hygienic, germ-free towel to be used exclusively on your face. Air-drying is often frowned upon due to the inevitable process of evaporation. But fear not! Applying moisturizer to a damp face will ensure your lipid barrier prevails against all odds!

“Don’t Pop That Pimple.... Unless You Want Another Dimple.”
To pop or not to pot? Just say no to zit popping! More often than not, popping a pimple results in the formation of acne scarring. Even a seemingly simple extraction can incidentally push bacteria deep into the pore resulting in an unfortunate dispersion of bacteria. Inflammation, redness and pockmarks are not worth the instant pimple-popping gratification. Leave clogged pores to the professionals or invest in skin-renewing chemical peels, which eradicate clogged pores from the get-go. Skin peels infused with antibacterial agents, such as the jessner peel, are a healthy choice for acne-prone individuals. Mature skin types that are plagued by both acne and wrinkles should opt for glycolic peels, which address both concerns with ease.

“PH-Balanced Is NOT A Bad Skin Care Joke!”
For the most part, skin is slightly acidic! The “acid mantle” is a protective layer of sweat, lipids, fats and oils that work to protect the skin from harmful bacteria and viruses. It is located on the outermost layer of the skin known as the stratum corneum. The widely spouted term “PH” refers to the “potential for hydrogen”. In other words, the PH of a product determines its concentration of hydrogen ions. The average PH balance of most skin types resides somewhere between 4 and 5.5. A PH lower than 7 is considered “acidic”, while a PH above 7 is deemed to be “alkaline”. Products labeled “PH-balanced” maintain the delicate acid mantle by restoring the skin’s natural PH to a mildly acidic level. Excessive cleansing can strip the skin of vital acidity thereby creating an alkaline environment prone to infections. The PH scale can effectively determine a product’s potential for irritation or “injury”. The low PH of chemical peels purposefully “injures” the uppermost layers of the skin to encourage cellular renewal.
PS: Water is considered to be “neutral” with a PH of 7.

Class is dismissed!
Natural Skin Shop XOXO
Feel free to post your blog comments below!

SWEETHEART SKIN CARE: FOR SMOOTH (VERY SMOOTH) SKIN!

Kristina Holland-Natural Skin Shop’s skin savvy writer (& biggest fan!)

Don’t let a splotchy, blotchy, “good-for-nothing” complexion get in your way this Valentine’s Day. Let Natural Skin Shop be your sweetheart and prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from the start! Watch out Humphrey Bogart!

UH OH…CUPID’S ARROW LEFT A SCAR!
Did cupid’s arrow leave you with an unsightly scar on the most romantic night of the year? Okay…maybe it wasn’t Cupid’s arrow so much as a sudden bout with inflammatory acne. Nevertheless, the solution remains the same. A healthy dose of exfoliation in conjunction with a skin-brightening regimen and diligent sunscreen protection will surely erase the remnants of an acne breakout.

FIND YOUR PERFECT MATCH!
“Matchmaker, Matchmaker, Make Me a Match, Find Me a Find, Catch Me a Catch”
Skin peels, much like relationships, require a certain degree of “chemistry”. Finding your perfect skin peel counterpart can be as simple as 1 2 3! Natural Skin Shop has the perfect match for you…chemically speaking!

OILY/ACNE-PRONE: Go for the Salicylic Acid Peel! The beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) formula of the oil-soluble salicylic acid peel excavates beyond the oil and debris to reveal an even-toned and blemish-free complexion.
COMBINATION: Go for the Alpha-Beta Peel! Combination skin is fixated somewhere between dry and oily. This skin type often combats both extremes of the skin type spectrum. An excess of oil often highlights the notorious t-zone as well. The alpha-beta peel works to address both dry and oily skin concerns with a harmonious combination of alpha and beta hydroxy acids.
SENSITIVE/DRY: Go for a Lactic Acid Peel! Sensitive skin is often susceptible to the threat of irritation and dehydration. Blush because you want to, not because you have to this Valentine’s Day. The lactic acid peel, particularly a light strength concentration, is a suitable mate for both dry and sensitive skin types. Don’t risk stripping an already impaired lipid barrier. Dry skin is often a systematic condition indicative of harsh and irritating cosmetics. Before you label your skin as inherently dry, be sure to rule out your skin care regimen as a potential offender. If your skin is particularly sensitive, avoid chemical peels altogether. Instead, use a gentle exfoliating toner such as Glycolic Advanced Toner Mist.
NORMAL: Go for the Glycolic Peel! Neither too oily nor too dry but perfectly balanced! Your skin can just about handle anything, however, don’t push your luck. This skin type can easily turn to the dark side (dry and irritated) with too many aggressive fronts. Glycolic acid peels are ideal for peel newcomers as well as those without many skin type concerns.
As always, the concentration of a chemical peel affects its strength and permitted depth of penetration.

LET’S GET PHYSICAL!
If you’re too shy of chemical peels and yearn for something with a bit of nitty gritty mechanical exfoliation. Micro Derm RX Anti-Aging Microdermabrasion Cream is the perfect counterpart for your skin! At-home microdermabrasion treatments often fail to deliver medical-grade results due to the absence of high-grade ingredients. Micro Derm RX blends science and nature with a comprehensive formula combining all-natural active ingredients (Vitamin C and hyaluronic) with the technology of aluminum oxide crystals. Opt for a microdermabrasion treatment and let the physical chemistry develop into LOVE!

Roses are red, violets are blue, skin can be tricky, but we always have a solution for you!

Happy Valentine’s Day,
Natural Skin Shop (AKA Your Funny Valentine)
XOXO

Feel free to post your blog comments below!

Learn about the Benefits of Glycolic Acid Peel

Many of our customers wanted to know more about the benefits of Glycolic Acid so we’ve decided to dedicate this week’s blog to the subject.

Glycolic Acid is a superficial peeling agent that is naturally derived from sugar cane. The Glycolic Acid targets:

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Sun-damaged skin
• Dull, dry complexion
• Uneven skin tone

and has also been beneficial in improving dry skin, treating age spots, decreasing facial lines, and rejuvenating the skin's surface. Dermatologists and estheticians have been utilizing glycolic acid as an effective and proven tool in the fight against the aging process.

Alpha hydoxy acid peels, such as Glycolic help to reveal a younger, healthier looking skin by stimulating collagen and elastin growth, and accelerating the skin renewal process. Additionally, Glycolic Acid can be combined with other peeling agents, such as Salicylic Acid for enhanced results.

Glycolic acid is the perfect choice for at-home use with proper preparation, application, and post-treatment care. For those unfamiliar with at-home Glycolic treatments, we recommend using one of our daily care kits to get started.

Need more advice? Visit our website at www.naturalskinshop.net or contact us, toll free at 888.514.5126 for more information about the benefits of Glycolic Acid peel and our extensive line of natural cosmetics

Welcome to the NaturalSkinShop Blog!

Welcome to the new NaturalSkinShop Blog. At NaturalSkinShop, we specialize in a variety of skin care treatments and skin peels including Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid and Salicylic Acid peels.

Manufactured in our FDA accredited facility, the Glycolic Acid peel is naturally derived from sugar cane and perfect for increasing collagen production, refining the skin’s surface, clarifying the complexion, and cleaning out pores.

Need more advice? Visit our website at www.naturalskinshop.net or contact us, toll free at 888.514.5126 for more information about the benefits of Glycolic Acid and our extensive line of natural cosmetics.

And don’t forget to visit our blog for exclusive offers, news and updates!