Beauty Blog

Is your skin naturally on the dry side or is it dehydrated? Determining which is important in providing your skin with the product(s) needed. At first glance, "˜dry' and "˜dehydrated' seem like two words to describe the same thing. But when it comes to skincare, they are completely different concerns with different underlying causes. DRY SKIN. "Dry" is a skin type related to oil production. If your skin is genetically predisposed to produce less than adequate oils, then you are likely going to have chronically dry skin. As we age, our natural hydrating oils (sebum) levels drop. Characteristic signs of dry skin: Feels rough. Appears dry. Can be flaky. If this is your problem it can worsen when you use a powdery make-up or harsh skin cleansing products that strip away the little oils you have. Excess exfoliation can also contribute to your dry skin problems. Because dry skin doesn't produce enough moisturizing oils, it's important to find highly-emollient products to fortify your skin's oil reserves and plump up the volume on your natural moisture barrier. Look for heavier creams with an oil base like Jojoba, Coconut or Sesame or even Shea Butter for rich hydration. Humectants like lipids, ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid are also great to bolster the protective shield on skin and seal in the moisture. DEHYDRATED SKIN. Dehydrated" is a skin condition related to the water content of skin cells. It is associated with a crepiness or small lines that form when skin is manipulated. Common causes are mostly lifestyle based, including smoking, certain medications, a diet high in salt or caffeine as well as seasonal changes and environmental factors such as heating and cooling systems. It is also a good indication you are not drinking enough water each day. Characteristic signs of dehydrated skin: Looks dull. Feels tight. Feels rough. Is sensitive. Shows fine lines. Shows accelerated signs of ageing, like sagging skin and deep wrinkles. What can you do? There are some options that can make a difference and help you reduce those small lines and wrinkles. Top 5 lifestyle recommendations for dehydrated skin: Use sun protection. Avoid alcohol. Avoid smoking. Eat a balanced diet. Drink a lot of water. An oil infusion can be very effective. First wash your face thoroughly with a gentle cleanser and exfoliator. Next smooth on the skin oil. We can recommend Amir 100% Pure Rosehip Oil or Amir 100% Pure Argan Oil. Leaving the oil on the face, apply steam for 10 minutes. (If you have a facial steamer, great!. If not, boil water, remove from the stove and put inside a "tent" you make with a towel. Be very careful not to burn yourself.). Skin is the largest organ in our bodies, so it is very important to use top-quality ingredient to keep your skin hydrated. Apply moisturizers or serums that contain fragmented hyaluronic acid, which is especially good for keeping water in the skin. For dehydrated skin, the focus is less on oils and more on restoring hydration, preferably with water-based lotions. Humectants are also good for dehydrated skin because they attract moisture from the atmosphere without breakout-causing oil. Look for non-comedogenic lotions with Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid or Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs). AHAs are great because they not only lock in moisture, but they also slough away skin-dulling debris that can clog pores. Other ingredients you want to look for in your skin care lotion: Niacinamide, a potent form of vitamin B-3 that is a multifunctional approach to both dryness and dehydration by boosting ceramides and fatty acids. Acetyl hexapeptide-37 is a powerful skin tool. It's a protein found naturally in the skin and it regulates the way hydration moves between the basal layers of the skin. A final thought. All of the above help, but only when used consistently. There is no miracle or instant cure for dry or dehydrated skin, but you can keep it looking its best by being consistent in your skin care regimen.

There are many questions about hair that arise repeatedly in the beauty industry, but none so much as this one - How often should I wash my hair? You have probably heard many answers, including, "if you wash every day you're destroying your hair". The truth is there is no right answer. A one-size-fits-all solution to this burning question has yet to be discovered. How often you wash your hair depends on many factors & your hair type is a big one. It also depends on your activities, age, and hair styling products. Texture is king when it comes to wash day decisions. So, if you find yourself washing your hair daily because your hair turns greasy quickly or your fine hair just isn't the same without a fresh wash, know that it's okay to shampoo this often. Below are some handy tips for every hair type, along with some general helpful tips. Curly/Wavy Hair. Curly or Wavy hair is more prone to become dry due to the scalp's natural oils inability to coat the coiled or waved strands as easily. This may result in you not needing to wash as often. Over washing can cause frizz & unruliness to take hold. This hair type is usually always thirsty; keeping your curly/wavy hair moisturized is a priority. Use a shampoo labeled as Hydrating Shampoo for this hair type to quench the thirst but keep those curls or waves clean & bouncy. Fine Hair. If your hair is fine then it's likely you tend to wash more frequently. In particular, if your hair is straight, it tends to become easily coated in sebum causing the hair to look and feel greasy. This type of hair needs a gentle daily shampoo that cleanses while delivering nourishment to your fine hair without the weigh down. Normal Hair. "Normal" meaning your hair tends to play nice most of the time - not be too oily or too dry. Lucky you! You can freely decide based on your hair's feel & look how often or less often to shampoo. Thick\Coarse Hair. For thick or coarse haired ladies, you're usually blessed to be able to go up to 4 days or more without washing. You have the wiggle room to only wash your hair a couple times a week. The best shampoos for you are ones that will soften, tame & provide superior manageability, as well as Frizz control. Beauty Care Factors for All Hair Types Age - Plays a big role for how often to wash as well, since children & older adults don't usually produce as much sebum as teens or adults in their 20's & 30's. Although, while you once may have struggled with an oily scalp, your scalp can become drier as you age, forcing you to change routines & products. Dandruff - Can certainly become a symptom of a dehydrated scalp environment from over washing but in other cases, it's due to different skin problems and in that case you would benefit from a dandruff specific shampoo to help cleanse & soothe. Dirt, Pollen & Sweat - Cleaning, gardening or working out can leave your hair feeling & looking oily or dirty. Dirt, dust & pollen can become trapped on hair leading to a dull buildup. We do recommend shampooing after heavy workouts or any messy tasks to keep your locks fresh & dirt free. Styling Products - Can build up on your hair & scalp creating damage & irritation. For frequent or heavy product users this may mean you need to wash more frequently to reduce the build-up problem. Keep in Mind:. Any change in routine takes about 4 weeks to balance out and see true results. If you feel your washing too much, try washing every other day. Give you and your hair a little time to adjust to the new routine. Dry Shampoos are a great way to skip a wash day but still look & feel fresh! They not only absorb the dirt and oils but add texture. Conditioner is important! Whether you go for a traditional in-shower conditioner or select a leave-in conditioner, pay special attention to the ends of your hair. Ends always need the extra attention as they are the "oldest" part of your hair. No matter what, your the only one that can determine the balance of cleanliness & moisture for your hair but it never hurts to try new products or routines in an attempt to find the best balance. Call us for a consult with our Customer Service Reps if you need any assistance!

We all love to catch some of the sun's warm rays, but it's one of the most damaging elements to our skin. Not only does it put your skin at risk for skin cancer, but it can speed up the aging process of your skin. Good news though! We can drastically help prevent these things with a little know-how! WHAT IS THE SUN DOING TO MY SKIN? Many of the symptoms of aging we clump together are really the product of exposure to the sun's ultraviolet light (UV for short.) These UV rays damage the collagen and elastin in our skin. Thus unwanted sagging, stretching, wrinkles and spots start to appear. WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN UVA & UVB? To make this simple, UVA sun rays are what affect skin aging. UVB rays are what sunburns are associated with. The burns are what put you at greater risk for skin cancer. So what I'm saying is that it's very important to have sun protection for both of these areas. So slab on that SPF! IT'S CLOUDY, SO I'M FINE RIGHT? No. Not fine! UV rays penetrate even through clouds! They go through glass too! Even if temperatures are low, UV rays are with us in all seasons. Play it safe and wear sunscreen on any visible skin all year round. Your skin will thank you! Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect you from UVA and UVB rays. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure. Wear a hat when you can. Re-apply sunscreen after swimming or sweating. Use a lip-balm with SPF15 or higher. Don't forget to apply on the ears, back of the neck and behind the knees.

Blackheads are like ants at a picnic; first one or two appear and then suddenly you've got a whole colony! Every time you squeeze one of them away, you find dozens more to tackle. As satisfying as that squeeze may be in the moment, they just keep coming back - grrrrrrrrrr! So, maybe we need a better solution that squeezing. What exactly are blackheads? Before you go about trying to rid your skin of blackheads, it helps to first understand what they actually are. Blackheads are just an oxidized mix of oil and dead skin cells that are sitting in pores; the exposure to air is what causes them to oxidize and turn black. The technical name for a blackhead is an open comedone (and comedone is the scientific term for an acne lesion). There are two different types of comedones: Open (blackheads) and closed (whiteheads). A dilated opening of a hair follicle (your pore), caused by a build-up of sebum, which is oil, P. Acnes bacteria, is the primary bacteria responsible for causing acne, and inflammation. In other words: A blackhead is essentially a hair follicle that's so blocked up with dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria that it becomes a wide opening at the surface of the skin. When all of this gunk hits the open air (because of the wide opening), it oxidizes and turns the color black. Despite their off-putting color, blackheads have nothing to do with dirt. Having blackheads is not a sign that you're too dirty. The bad news, for some, is that there is a genetic component to blackheads, meaning that certain people are more prone to developing them, although the underlying reason for this isn't yet fully understood. How do you treat blackheads? When it comes to getting rid of blackheads, or any type of acne for that matter, there are two ways you can go: You can DIY at home, or, for more severe or persistent cases of acne, you can see a dermatologist. The best plan of action for you will depend on a lot of different factors, of course, but here are the best over-the-counter and prescription treatments. For mild blackheads, try a salicylic acid scrub. If you have blackheads, your go-to ingredient should be salicylic acid. This beta hydroxy acid helps remove excess oil and exfoliate the cells from the surface of the skin. The best way to use salicylic acid? Try a gentle face scrub, which acts as a sort of one-two punch for combatting blackheads, providing double the exfoliation powers. The combination of physical exfoliation from the scrub, along with chemical exfoliation from the salicylic acid, can help keep the pores clear. However, you won't want to exfoliate with a scrub every day. The general rule of thumb is three times per week for oily or combination skin, and just once weekly for sensitive skin. On the days you don't use a scrub, use a gentle salicylic acid-containing cleanser. Try a skin care brush. Electronic skin-care devices, aren't just hype "” they really do cleanse your skin much more thoroughly than your fingers alone. Just be sure not to overdo it because irritation from the cleansing brush can flare up other acne. One or two times a week should be sufficient. For more stubborn blackheads, go with a retinoid cream. Retinoids can help treat blackheads and clogged pores by reducing the stickiness of the cells that clog pores, as well as speeding up the rate at which the skin turns over and regenerates. If they are especially persistent, you may need a prescription retinoid cream, such as tretinoin, Retin A micro, or Tazorac. Pro tip, especially for those with sensitive skin: If a retinoid cream is too drying, try applying it over moisturizer (or even between layers of moisturizer). For severe cases, oral acne medication may be necessary. When all else fails, your dermatologist might prescribe an oral medication to help clear things up. Lastly, don't forget to moisturize. Moisturizing is a crucial step in any skin-care routine "” even if you've got acne-prone skin. Why, you ask? All of these methods may strip oils from the skin and be drying. It's important to maintain the right balance in the skin, and moisturizing will allow you to continue using exfoliating products without any issues. Always use non-comedogenic moisturizers, which are formulated specifically to not clog your pores.

Do you have tiny bumps along your hairline, the upper part of your forehead, shoulders or upper back? The culprit may be your hair care products. This is so common, dermatologist have a name for it "” acne cosmetica. This literally means acne caused by products we apply to our skin or hair. According to The American Academy of Dermatology, hair is one of the main causes of adult acne, so the connection is a lot more important than you might realize. Many hair products are oil based, which may trigger acne in those who are already prone, but ingredients such as petroleum, silicone, cocoa butter, sodium lauryl sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate, mineral oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, and lanolin can also trigger acne, especially if left on the skin. Many hairsprays are also alcohol-based and can trigger breakouts if accidentally sprayed onto nearby skin. The bumps can be so subtle that you can feel but not see them. Some people develop numerous, closely packed bumps that they can see. Why does this happen? When hair care products contain oil, the oil can find its way to your skin. Once this happens, the oil can clog your pores. Clogged pores can lead to acne. When hair care products are the culprit, you'll likely get whiteheads and tiny flesh-colored bumps called "papules." These can appear along your hairline, forehead, or the back of your neck. If one of your hair products is causing this problem, the acne will clear in about six weeks when you stop using the product(s). Sometimes, it's easy to figure out what product(s) is causing the breakouts. If you're using a hair styling product that contains a lot of oil, such as a pomade, that's likely the culprit. The cause could also be something less obvious, as oils in shampoos & conditioners. Wait! Wait! I love my hair care brand! Do I have to stop using it? The answer is no! Many of those acne-causing ingredients are actually wonderful for hair care, and help condition and smooth dry or damaged hair follicles, so the point is to try to use them in a way that doesn't cause collateral damage to your skin. If the hair product is being used in the shower, the most important thing is to make sure that no residue of the product is left on your skin. Make sure you thoroughly rinse your hairline and face, and using your body wash as the last step in your routine to make sure any residual product is getting washed off. Even better, use a body wash with ingredients like salicylic acid that are targeted at removing oil. Hair product oils can also transfer to your skin via pillows, your hands, when you sweat (so it's a good idea to pull hair back from the face when exercising. Also, try shielding your face when you spray on any hair product. If you normally shower in the morning, try showering at night...no telling where your hair goes while you sleep! If you do need to change your shampoo, look for one that is silicone and sulfate free and mostly make made from organic ingredients which usually have ingredients that contain anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.. Try anything labeled non-comedogenic (meaning it won't clog pores).

What Creates Hair Volume? The number of hairs per square inch of scalp. More hairs equals greater volume. The thickness of each hair. The greater the diameter of each hair, the more volume you will have. The flexibility of each hair (known as the bending modulus). This is essentially a measurement of the stiffness of each hair fiber. Fibers that are stiffer will stand up more on their own contributing to greater volume. Fibers with a low bending modulus will tend to be floppy and limp. The interaction between hair fibers. Friction between hair fibers can increase volume because the hair fibers will rub against each other more and sort of lock into the position. This is why the old trick of back combing or teasing your hair works so well to add volume. It lifts the cuticles and creates a rough surface so the hairs snag against each other to create a more voluminous network of fibers. What is a hair volumizer? A hair volumizer is a hair styling product that adds volume and body to thin or flat hair. Often in the form of shampoos, conditioners or mousses, hair volumizers temporarily give flat hair some much-needed thickness. Some hair volumizers are also found in the forms of hair sprays, pomades, hair masks and thickening creams. How does it work? Hair volumizers contain humectants that swell the hair shaft, temporarily making it look thicker. Polymers in the hair volumizers coat each strand, also adding to the thicker look. A humectant is a non-oily substance that pulls in moisture from the surrounding environment and attracts it to the hair strand. The increased moisture also helps each strand of hair look thicker. These ingredients give hair body, bounce and fullness. That is also why your hair feels and looks fuller after it is dyed. What types of products make your hair appear to have more volume? Hair volumizers are relatively easy to use, depending on what form. A hair volumizing shampoo and conditioner are used just like regular shampoo and conditioners. Volumizing shampoos help in two ways: They should remove residue form stylers and conditioners that can rob your hair of volume. They can also deposit small amounts of stiffening polymers that help give the hair more body. They are more effective if you don't over-condition your hair after shampooing. Volumizing sprays and mousses are worked into dry or wet hair, while hair masks are left in wet hair for a few minutes to give it body and fullness. Hair care products that improve hair stiffness will give your hair a plump. Polymers can provide a temporary coating that give the hair more rigidity. This is how volumizing styling products like mousses work. Dry shampoos do a good job of increasing interaction between hair fibers because they deposit powder. The tiny particles of starch and talc rub against each other increasing friction and therefore improving volume.

The bobby pin! It's been around forever and is quite possibly the most used--and misused--hair accessory of all time. And for good reason: It's cheap and it gets the job done (sometimes). If you find yourself using a gazillion pins to secure a simple twist or you find them everywhere but your head by the end of the night, you're not using them correctly. Here, three easy tricks to finally get a hold of things. Coat pins first. Dole out a fine mist of dry shampoo or hair spray before sliding them in. The spray will give the pins--and thus, your hair--something extra to hold onto. Insert pins wavy side down. The grooved ridges are designed to pick up hair, while the flat side locks it all into place (and looks prettier from the outside). Crisscross them. This is especially helpful for those with fine hair. Do steps one and two, then finish up by inserting the pins one on top of another to really anchor everything in. FUN FACTS: Why is it called a bobby pin? In 1899 the bobby pin came into wide use as the hairstyle known as the "bob cut" or "bobbed hair" took hold. It was invented in Paris by Luis Marcus. In the 1920s, it became trendy for women to cut their hair short and set it tightly against the head in a wavy pattern called bobbed hair. By the end of the decade 90% of North American women adopted this new fashion trend, and the number of beauty salons in the United States had increased from 5,000 to 23,000 to keep up with demand. Until then, most people cut and set their hair at home. Bobby pins were so inexpensive that everyone could afford to buy them. A trademark on the term "bobbie pin" was held for some decades by Smith Victory Corporation of Buffalo, New York. The term is now in common usage and therefore is no longer a valid trademark

If you're looking for new ways to strengthen and nourish your hair, skin and nails, take a look at this list of favorites below. Since these three features consist of similar cells, they basically each require the same nutrients to grow healthily, so you'll reap many benefits from each. What you eat can have a huge effect on the health of your hair. A lack of the right nutrients including vitamins A, C, D and E, zinc, B vitamins, iron, biotin, protein and essential fatty acids may slow down hair growth or even cause hair loss. Fortunately, correcting a deficiency in any of these nutrients may help treat hair loss and promote the rate of hair growth. If you think you're lacking any of these nutrients, try adding some of the above foods to your diet. SALMON. Salmon is loaded with vitamin D and protein, and it also contains omega-3 fatty acids that promote hair growth by keeping your scalp healthy. SWEET POTATO. Sweet Potatoes consist of beta-carotene, which helps keep your skin healthy by acting as a natural sunblock. It has also been proven that beta-carotene adds warm tones to the skin, which shows an overall healthier look. NUTS (NUT BUTTERS, ALMONDS, PEANUTS, WALNUTS, CASHEWS). Rich in omega fatty acids, vitamins, antioxidants and minerals, which are all beneficial! When consumed in moderation, their nutrients help the body a tonne, while also encouraging the healthy growth of hair, skin and nails. AVOCADO. A fantastic source of Vitamin E, Vitamin B and healthy fats (rich source of omega-3 fatty acids). These work at the cellular level to protect and strengthen hair. Vitamin B is essential for hair growth. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps repair damage on the scalp, which may slow or prevent hair growing. Antioxidants are powerful, fighting harmful free radical. They also fight the signs of aging and prevents against inflammation of the skin. Avocados also contain fiber and Vitamin C. EGGS. Egg yolks contain biotin, which is a B Vitamin. When Biotin levels are low, it may result in brittle nails and hair loss, while healthy levels of biotin may actually reverse such conditions. OATS. Oats are one of the best whole grain sources. They contain protein, biotin, anti-inflammatory properties, magnesium, and potassium. They are also high fiber and antioxidants, providing our cells with nutritional support. LEAFY GREENS (SPINACH, KALE). Greens provide Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps prevent hair breakage and repairs the skin from any damage caused by exposure to UV rays and environmental toxins. Vitamin C also helps to boost collagen production, promoting the skin's firmness and elasticity. Spinach and kale are great sources of phytonutrients, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Spinach also helps with the skin's elasticity. BERRIES. Berries are LOADED with potent antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. These fruits are some of the best to eat to heal damage of hair, skin and nails. DARK CHOCOLATE. Dark chocolate helps skin stay hydrated and protects skin from sun damage. I always aim for dark chocolate that has at least 75% or higher cacao. RED AND YELLOW BELL PEPPERS. Red and yellow bell peppers are another source of beta-carotene. They have a high amount of Vitamin C, an antioxidant that creates collagen, which keeps skin firm and strong. GARLIC. Truly one of nature's best medicines, garlic also helps prevent breakouts and maintain clear skin. To make the most of its naturally antibiotic compounds, it's best to crush or chop garlic and leave it on the cutting board for a few minutes before cooking. TOMATOES. Tomatoes are skincare superheroes, protecting you from sun damage thanks to their high antioxidant content. A recent study presented at The Royal Society of Medicine in London found that women who were given five tablespoons of standard tomato paste with 10 grams of olive oil every day for 12 weeks showed significant improvement in their skin's ability to protect itself against UV damage. PINEAPPLE. This sweet treat is high in vitamin C and the enzyme bromelain, which is known to be an effective skin softener. Drinking pineapple juice and munching on the fruit help the body synthesize collagen, which supports skin structure, while vitamin C and amino acids aid in cell and tissue repair, giving you a youthful appearance. Add it to your morning smoothie for a refreshing treat. OYSTERS. These saltwater delicacies do wonders for hair, nails and skin. They're a great source of dietary zinc, which is really important for the growth and function of skin cells. If you go out and order half a dozen oysters, that will give you 500 percent of your daily requirement.

Damaged ends! They make your style look tired and frizzy. The ends of your hair are the oldest and weakest. They have been exposed to the harsh environment and hair chemicals the longest. You need to fix the problem as soon as you notice or the ends will continue to split and the damage expand. To keep hair looking fresh from root to ends, follow these tips: Depending on your style, the first thing you should consider is getting a trim. Just a 1/4 to 1/2 inch can make a big difference. When applying your conditioner, start with the ends and leave it on for 1-2 minutes before applying to the rest of your hair. Use a leave-in product on your hair ends that is made for repair. A good weekly re-structure and repair mask will make a big difference. Always use a Thermal Protection Spray when using heat on your hair ends. Heat hurts hair! Think of how long your ends have had heat applied. (If your hair is 6 inches long, that's at least 9 months to a year!).

Curly hair has its own set of challenges. It's also the envy of those with fine, straight hair. Those gorgeous curls need a little extra attention to keep them vibrant and full of bounce. Try these tips to help your curls look their best. SHAMPOO LESS"”OR NOT AT ALL. The best way to wash curly hair is with a 100 percent sulfate-free shampoo. Sodium lauryl sulfate, the key ingredient in most traditional shampoos, is both a salt and a detergent"”an effective cleanser that's too harsh for most curls. Without enough conditioning agents, it can lift the hair's cuticles, leaving hair dry and frizzy. For those looking for even more hydration, consider a so-called "co-wash" formula. Co-washing (the curly community's term for washing hair with conditioner) has resulted in the rise of cleansing conditioners. CONDITION, CONDITION, CONDITION. Did we mention condition? The curlier the hair, the longer it takes for natural oils to travel from the scalp to the ends, causing the lower half to appear dry and frazzled. Start adding moisture in the shower. Then protect and hydrate every inch with a styling product that doubles as a leave-in conditioner. Just be sure to pick the right formula to deliver moisture without weighing hair down. We recommend sprays for soft curls, thicker gels for medium to big curls and denser creams for crimpy coils. STYLE YOUR HAIR WHEN IT'S SOPPING WET. Hands off your bath towel for just one more minute"”you can stave off frizz and prevent a stiff, sticky feeling by applying products before you've even stepped out of the shower stall. Use your fingers to rake products through from roots to ends, then scrunch and squeeze upward toward the scalp. DON'T BLOW-DRY WITHOUT A DIFFUSER. A regular nozzle disrupts the curl pattern and focuses hot air on one small section at a time, while a diffuser dries curls evenly for a full, uniform look. After applying a heat-protecting product, flip your head upside down and diffuse right at the roots and mid-length, making sure to dry the area completely to lock in volume. Do the ends last and leave them only semidry. Because the ends tend to be more damaged, let them air-dry more.