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!!

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.

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. 

MINERAL MAKEUP: THE HYPE, THE CLAIMS & …THE TRUTH! PART II

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

*Be sure to thoroughly wash away mineral makeup before hitting the sack!
Even so-called “makeup so pure, you can sleep in it” is not a healthy choice for most skin types. While you sleep, your skin works to renew itself. Opt for ingredients, such as vitamin-A and hyaluronic acid, which aid in the PM cellular renewal process. Just because you may be able to get away with sleeping in mineral makeup from time to time, doesn’t mean it should become a habit! Thoroughly remove makeup and additional debris with a PH-balanced, skin-softening cleanser such as Peel Rx Brightening Cleanser.

*Choose wisely and approach ALL makeup with caution!
Mineral makeup doesn’t guarantee a beautiful finish nor does it guarantee clear skin. Like any foundation or powder, choosing a formula that’s right for your skin type is half the battle. The second stage of the melee is correct makeup application and removal! The soothing, anti-inflammatory properties of zinc oxide can turn irritating and occlusive in a matter of days if applied with a heavy hand. By the same token, be sure to thoroughly remove ever last bit of makeup-residue with a gentle exfoliating toner such as Glycolic Peel Rx Advanced Toner Mist. To further prevent cosmetic acne, maintain a regular peeling regimen with the aid of chemical peels. Skin peels work to renew the surface of the skin (and beyond) by sloughing off pore-clogging debris and excess dead skin. Hello gorgeous!

*“Test out” mineral makeup before a big event to ensure its right for you!
Due to mineral makeup’s high concentration of physical sunscreens, a white cast is often distastefully unveiled by a camera’s flash. Always experiment with mineral makeup before the “big day” to ensure your complexion doesn’t go from glowy to pasty and gray with the click of a button.

Be A Natural Beauty,
Natural Skin Shop
XOXO

Check out Part I of this Glycolic Acid Peel post and 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!

MINERAL MAKEUP: THE HYPE, THE CLAIMS & …THE TRUTH!

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

Mineral makeup! Who hasn’t heard the beauty buzz surrounding mineral makeup? It’s on QVC, the trendiest store shelves and the latest fresh-faced models. So you know there has to be a catch! Truth be told, mineral makeup is nothing new! It’s been around since…well…makeup!

THE MINERAL ‘MAKE UPS’
The basic ingredients of mineral makeup (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, mica) are found in almost every traditional form of makeup. So what’s mineral makeup’s bargaining tool? A concentrated dose of skin-illuminating, finely milled minerals with few to none additives. Due to the absence of fragrances, dyes and preservatives, mineral makeup is often marketed towards acne prone or sensitive skin types. Not all formulations, however, are free from the perils of irritation and comedogenicity. Knowing which ingredients are worthwhile and which can “hit the makeup road” are crucial for your complexion’s wellbeing.

MINERAL MAKEUP MANIA
Some people love mineral makeup, while others are left itchy, red and irritated. What gives? Although mineral makeup is formulated to be “all natural”, many natural ingredients can be classified as potential skin irritants. Case in point, mica is an all-natural mineral known for its less than soothing, pore-clogging and irritating properties. Another cause for irritation are the so-called “mineral” imposters. Bismuth oxycholoride, a derivative of lead, copper and chloride, is notorious for its potentially hazardous side effects. Often accountable for the bevy of rashes and cystic acne associated with mineral makeup, bismuth oxycholoride provides no benefits to the skin and is used solely to impart a pearlescent and shimmery appearance. Needless to say, opt for a formulation without this unnecessary and precarious ingredient.

MINERAL MAKEUP MYTHBUSTERS
“Mineral makeup is a foundation and sunscreen in one!”
Some lines do specialize in a powdered form of sunscreen for on-the-go, quick coverage. For the most part, however, mineral makeup (particularly a light application) will not provide substantial broad-spectrum protection from UV radiation. Of course any additional sun protection is helpful against the aging process. For enhanced coverage, apply mineral makeup on top of a broad-spectrum sunscreen such as Peel Rx Green Tea Anti-Aging SPF 30+Moisturizer.

“Mineral makeup is an all-in-one cure and cover-up for acne conditions!”
For some, mineral makeup can heal existing inflammatory acne conditions due to the prevalent concentration of zinc oxide. For others, it can add to the already burgeoning acne dilemma. In the beauty world, there is saying which denotes this very conundrum. YMMV stands for “your mileage may vary” and it couldn’t be more pertinent to the puzzling case of mineral makeup. For a ‘clear’ path to beautiful skin, cleanse thoroughly, sustain adequate dermal hydration and exfoliate on a regular basis. A naturally radiant glow can be ascertained with the aid of lactic acid peels, which smooth skin and reduce blemishes without compromising the lipid barrier. A stronger solution to problematic skin involves the ever-popular glycolic acid peel, which effectively dissolves cellular build-up and residue caused by an excess of cosmetics, surface oils and pollution.

“All mineral makeup is healthy, pure and free from synthetic ingredients!”
This is a false claim, which has led to many makeup-induced skin misdemeanors. Natural Skin Shop advises against trusting the front label of a product regardless of its origin or popular reputation. Take a proactive approach to your skin care regimen and check out the ingredients. If you are reading a novel-like ingredient label, keep hitting the beauty aisle pavement until a truly natural and chemical-free formula is within reach. Decide on a mineral makeup with less than ten ingredients. Fewer ingredients equates to fewer potential allergens!

TO BE CONTINUED…

“BABY IT’S COLD OUTSIDE” - PART II

WINTER WONDERLAND TIPS… FOR “HAPPY” SKIN!

• ‘H’umidify! The worst threat to your skin may not be the arid weather conditions outside. A skin-debilitating predator lurks indoors…possibly at your home or office! Indoor heaters can wreck havoc on the skin’s ability to retain adequate moisture levels. A humidifier can significantly decrease your chances of dermal dehydration by restoring necessary humidity back into the air.
• ‘A’pply Sunscreen! Earmuffs…check! Mittens…check! Sunscreen? Not so much… Many individuals fail to apply sunscreen on a regular basis during the winter season. However, the ultraviolet rays of winter can be just as powerful (and damaging) as those of summer or spring… (Hello snow-glare!) UV radiation exposure accelerates the loss of collagen and debilitates the skin’s ability to renew itself. Take a cue from the following well-known verse: “I’ve got sunshine…on a cloudy day”. The Temptations understood the conundrum of harmful UV radiation on an overcast winter day. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen, such as Peel RX Green Tea Anti-Aging SPF 30+Moisturizer, to ward off intracellular dehydration and the proliferation of cellular buildup.
• ‘P’repare in advance! The weather has a tendency to be unpredictable…hot one day, cool the next! Keeping a watchful eye on your skin will protect it from the ups and downs of this rollercoaster ride known as the winter season. Tweaking your daily regimen from time to time may be necessary to avoid an imbalance. Invest in a night cream, such as Peel Rx Green Tea Antioxidant Moisturizer Cream, which will nourish and revitalize dry, damaged skin.
• ‘P’ure Skin Care! Conserving your skin’s water reserve is crucial for its wellbeing! To sustain a clear and supple complexion, avoid substandard skin care ingredients such as harsh detergents, dyes and preservatives. A skin care regimen consisting of pure, high-grade product formulations will prevent unnecessary irritation and dryness from the get-go...
• ‘Y’ing, Yang! A well-balanced lifestyle along with consistent quality skin care and regular exfoliation (I.e.: Chemical Peels) will keep your glow on track! Cardiovascular exercise, antioxidant-rich foods and ample sleep are all constituents for beautiful, healthy, youthful-looking skin.

PS: Evaporation dehydrates skin…fast! Promptly towel dry after a lukewarm bath or shower… with an emphasis on lukewarm! Extreme water conditions can rob the epidermis of vital moisture.

Have a Winter Wonderland of Glow,
Natural Skin Shop
XOXO
Feel free to post your blog comments below!