The Air is Hurting Your Skin!

Icky Goop In the Air Is Giving You Acne and Wrinkles. 4 Key Steps to Stop It.

By Liesa Goins

You don’t have to be Gwyneth Paltrow or an owner of a Vitamix to have heard the hype about detoxing. The obsession with clearing your internal organs of pollutants for a generally healthier life has made juice cleanses essential popular rituals among even those who don’t think negativity ruins water.

But according to emerging research, we should all be focusing more attention to pollution’s effects on the outside of our bodies—namely, what it does to our skin. “Pollution is one of the main sources of skin damage because toxins in the air cause the skin to age prematurely, especially on the face, neck and hands,” says Debra Luftman, M.D., a dermatologist in Beverly Hills and member of the Simple Advisory Board.
“Skin is designed to work as a barrier against any irritants including pollution; however, it is not completely impenetrable,” she explains.

French researchers also found a link between skin rashes and pollution. They saw a rise in doctor visits for rashes and irritation following days when particulate matter was the highest.

What’s more troubling is that pollution is affecting almost everyone: Air quality in most cities worldwide that monitor outdoor air pollution fails to meet World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for safe levels. About half of these urban populations are exposed to air pollution that's at least two-and-a-half times higher than recommended. Air pollution is now the "single largest environmental health risk," says the health agency.
How the Air Can Attack Your Skin“Skin is our first line of defense against increasing free radicals in our atmosphere,” says New York City dermatologist Dennis Gross. “Our skin absorbs these harmful impurities on a daily basis which leads to diminished health and beauty of our skin.”

Pollution in the air comes in two forms: ozone and particulate matter, explains Elizabeth Tanzi, M.D., a dermatologist in Washington, D.C. Ground-level ozone (as opposed to that which makes up the ozone layer) is a gas created when toxic emissions from cars and factories combine with sunlight. The resulting molecule is highly reactive and causes free radicals to form that can damage the lipids and proteins of the skin, she says.

The other main pollution source is solid dirt particles. “Particulate matter sits on the surface of the skin and increases inflammation, which also breaks down the skin’s proteins and may accelerate the aging process,” Dr. Tanzi says.

In addition, environmental impurities such as carbon monoxide, nitrous oxide, and ozone destroy the skin’s natural oils, which act as a protective barrier, Dr. Gross says. “Once this protective barrier breaks down, skin is exposed to free radicals which lead to collagen breakdown, cell damage, redness, and irritation.”

While looking older offers legitimate concerns, there are more immediate consequences as well. Gross explains that particulate matter clogs pores, which can make them appear larger. Airborne pollutants cause a chemical reaction with your natural oils, changing them to a waxier consistency that can clog pores. And those suffering from rosacea can experience flare-ups due to irritants in the air.

And we’re not just talking about the air outside your home.

What You Need to Know About Cooking, Cleaning, and CandlesEven the air in your own home can contain some toxins that threaten the health of your skin.
“Volatile organic compounds are released from burning fuel, some paints, and glues,” Gross explains. Cooking over natural gas and the fumes from cooking oils or using a wood-burning stove can release particulate matter, as well as free radicals that weaken the skin barrier and damage healthy cells.
Paint, glue and cleaning products also emit VOCs. Gross suggests using these products outside or making sure the area is well ventilated—especially when cooking with natural gas or using caustic cleaning agents.

Paraffin wax candles also release airborne toxins. Byproducts of the wax, synthetic fragrances and dyes, and soot from the wick can emit harmful pollution particles. Dutch researchers studied the air particles in churches, where candles are burned for hours at a time, and found up to 10 times as many damaging free radicals in the air inside churches as they did in the air next to a busy highway.
Burning candles in a well ventilated room will help minimize the dangers. And replace your paraffin versions with healthier beeswax candles.

Your Four-Step Pollution Protection Plan
1. Power CleanYou’re already doing the most important pollution defense: washing your face. The particulate matter in the atmosphere is up to 20 times smaller than your pores, Dr. Tadlock explains. Daily deep cleaning will remove these microscopic particles before they can cause inflammation and irritation.
“In most cases, our hands alone cannot effectively remove pollution matter this size,” Dr. Tadlock says. That’s why a cleansing brush could be a powerful anti-aging tool. Clarisonic applied a tinted solution that mimics pollutants found in the air. After 60 seconds of cleansing, Clarisonic removed 30 times the pollution than manual washing.

2. Spike Your Skincare With AntioxidantsAdd an antioxidant serum to your routine. These concentrated treatments deliver high levels of agents that have been shown to neutralize free radicals to help decrease inflammation and lipid breakdown, Dr. Tanzi says. (Try: SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic, $118.) Eating your antioxidants will also fight pollution, Dr. Luftman says. So make sure you’re eating colorful fruits and vegetables with every meal.

3. Stay Sun SafeYou already know wearing sunscreen every damn day, no matter what, is the number one commandment in skincare. UV protection is even more crucial in light of the new knowledge about the effects of pollution.

For additional defense against pollution, make sure your daily SPF includes extra skincare ingredients. Antioxidants will help fight damage from pollution.

4. Keep Your Skin HydratedMoisture is crucial in pollution protection because hydrating agents help strengthen the barrier function of the skin. A healthy barrier can protect against pollution and irritation.
For those with dry or easily irritated skin, add a boost of omega-3 fatty acids to your moisturizer.

If you suffer from irritation, soothe your skin with calming agents, Gross suggests. The anti-inflammatory benefits will help short circuit the damaging effect of irritation and pollution.

Don’t forget your skin needs the same TLC as the rest of your body. “Treat it holistically—eat healthy, exercise and drink lots of water,” Dr. Luftman says.

And if juicing works for you, be our guest.

Call and schedule your facial today!  831.373.2273 or book on line at www.montereydayspa.com


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Article source: youbeauty.com

You're Doing it Wrong!

The Makeup Trick You're Doing Wrong Every Day

By Abby Gardner

For years and years now, anytime you asked a makeup artist for a how-to about highlighting and contouring they’d usually give you the same old tip about adding highlighter from the outer part of your brow all the way around the outside of your eye. But the times they are a-changin’.

Celebrity makeup artist Rebecca Restrepo recently clued us in to the updated technique she’s been using on clients, including Alicia Keys at the "The Amazing Spiderman 2" premiere. “The new highlighting technique is to add the highlighter shade to the inside corner of the eye (the area in between the bridge of the nose and the tear duct) helping to brighten the eye and give a well rested look,” she says. “This is the modern, fresh way to highlight. I like it better because it makes the eye brighter and softens the look of the eye while still enhancing definition and pop.” One of her favorite products to use for this is Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color Define and Highlight Eyeliner Duo.

"It tends to make your eyes appear slightly farther apart, which a lot of people with close set eyes enjoy," explains YouBeauty Makeup Expert Emily Kate Warren. She says to use a fluffy-but-small blender brush to dust onto your tear duct area and toward the direction of the middle of your lid.

Warren also thinks there's still an eye-lifting benefit for using light color under the brow bone as long as it's matte—the white shimmer is so bad-90s. She likes the Benefit High Brow pencil and offers this tip: "Scribble on the back of your hand and then use an eyeshadow brush to feather it under your brow."

And if you haven’t been into highlighting in the past, Restrepo thinks this is the perfect time to start. “Highlighting is important because it brings structure and balance to the face. When done correctly it sculpts the face while giving the skin a luminous look. I created the Elizabeth Arden Summer Escape Pure Finish Cool Radiance Highlighter for that purpose. In the summer, we are out more and showing more skin. A glow is beautiful all year round, but the summer is the perfect time to show off radiant skin.”

Needless to say, we’re definitely game for any trick this easy that makes us look younger and more radiant.

Call and schedule your appointment today!  831.373.2273 or book on line at www.montereydayspa.com


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article source: youbeauty.com

Expert Recommened Cheap Treatments for Dry Lips

Easy Tips to Get Soft, Beautiful Lips

Who doesn’t want a soft, luscious pout? But sometimes our health, dry weather, or just general neglect leaves our lips a dry, flakey mess. So we’ve got some great expert tips to revive your lips into the soft, kissable pillows they deserve to be.

Don't Lick Your Lips
Whether it’s a bad habit, or you’re trying to temporarily ameliorate the situation yourself, do not lick your lips. First, it just looks weird; second, it’s actuallymaking your lips drier than they were to begin with due to the enzymes in your saliva.


Drink 8 Glasses of Water a Day
Don’t forget to stay hydrated. Shoot for about eight glasses of water a day (or more if you exercise or are in hot weather). Dry, chapped lips can be a sign of dehydration, so drinking lots of water will help prevent those dry, flaky lips before they happen.


Exfoliate, Exfoliate, Exfoliate
Before you reach for your worn down ChapStick, exfoliate that dead skin away. It’s important that you shed the layer of dry, cracked skin on your lips before you treat them. Not only will this allow your lip treatment to work best, your lips will immediately feel softer.

We have two really simple, cheap lip exfoliant options:

Make Your Own Lip Scrub

• For a cheap and easy lip scrub, combine unbleached sugar with olive oil. Apply the mixture liberally to the lips and surrounding area.

The Toothbrush Trick

• If you’re not in the mood to get messy, this is by far the easiest exfoliating method you can use. Simply take a dry toothbrush and gently massage your lips.This will remove those dead skin cells and get your lips prepped for your balm.

Use Day & Night Lip Treatments 
Think of your treatment for dry lips as a normal part of your beauty regime. Just like with normal facial or body moisturizer, we recommend using a day treatment as well as a more intensive night treatment.

During the day, use a lip balm that contains the lip soothing ingredients Vitamin E or Rosehip. These will help replenish the delicate skin while locking in moisture. Our experts love Burt’s Bees Natural Lip Balm, Bioelements Instant Emollient Lip Moisturizer and Neosporin Lip Health.

At night, apply a soothing lotion or balm to your lips. Keep Aquafor or a tub of Vaseline next to your bed so you can easily dab it on before falling asleep—no excuses.

In addition to exfoliating, wetting your lips with a damp cloth before applying your lip balm/treatment can help your balm’s moisturizing ability (by locking in the water’s moisture), but it’s not required.

And don’t be afraid to apply your normal moisturizer to your lips while you’re treating the rest of your face—it will only provide added relief!

To schedule an appointment, give us a call at 831-373-2273.  You can also book online at www.montereydayspa.com

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Article source- chixrx.com

OPI's New Mariah Carey-Inspired Holiday Line

Recently, the well-known nail polish brand, OPI, announced a new collaboration with renowned recording artist and international superstar, Mariah Carey. This season, OPI will be launching a brand new line of limited-edition, Mariah-inspired holiday nail lacquers, dubbed, Mariah Carey Holiday. This seasonal promotion includes an assortment of brilliant red, warm burgundy, deep maroon and lush, chocolate brown hues, along with an array of glittery gold, bronze and pearl shades. Mariah Carey Holiday also features six new Liquid Sand™ lacquers, ranging from icy blue to frosted pink to sparkling graphite. Each of these unique Liquid Sand™ shades showcases OPI’s groundbreaking technology for a textured, matte finish infused with reflective sparkle.

In total, the new line will include 18 beautiful nail lacquers, perfect for every moment of the holiday season. Among these festive shades are colors such as "Underneath the Mistletoe," a spicy-sweet, candy-apple red, "Warm Me Up," a rich, warm coffee color, "It's Frosty Outside," a sleek, wintery silver and "Wondrous Star," a shimmer polish with flecks of gold.

“Mariah Carey is truly synonymous with the holiday season,” says Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “People around the world listen to her festive, iconic songs – ‘All I Want for Christmas is You’ is a personal favorite – and these 18 lacquers evoke the warmth, beauty, energy and positive spirit that’s present in Mariah’s music.

Mariah Carey Holiday by OPI places a heavy emphasis on the season's hottest nail trends, “red, glitter and texture for nails,” according to Weiss-Fischmann. “The 12 crème and glitter lacquers include classic reds, champagne gold, and warm burgundies, while the six Liquid Sand shades should be worn without top coat for a matte finish in icy, frosted colors.”

Mariah Carey Holiday nail lacquer shades each feature OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application. Liquid Sand nail lacquers should always be worn without top coat. The seasonal line will be available October 2013, at Professional Salons, including Beauty Brands, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, JCP Salons, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, and ULTA.

For more information, please visit www.opi.com
[Image courtesy of Harris Shepard Public Relations, Inc.]

To schedule an appointment, give us a call at 831-373-2273.  You can also book online and view our treatments at www.montereydayspa.com
 

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Permanent Makeup Photos

We are very excited to offer permanent makeup as a service here at Monterey Day Spa.  Occasionally we will share before and after pictures with you! 

Permanent makeup is a cosmetic technique which employs tattoos as a means of producing designs that resemble makeup, such as eye lining and other permanent enhancing colors to the skin of the face, lips, and eyelids. 


Desiree Before

 Desiree After

To schedule your permanent makeup appointment, give us a call at 831-373-2273.  You can also book online at www.montereydayspa.com
 

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DIY Food Facials for Fresh, Younger-Looking Skin

Make Anti-Aging Treatments Out Of Antioxidant-Packed Fruits & Veggies

The same fresh, natural ingredients you use in your recipes can do wonders for your skin. Whole fruits and vegetables—especially those with anti-aging vitamin C—can fight free radicals, prevent wrinkles, and give you firmer, younger-looking skin.

So go ahead, eat your fruits and veggies! But apply them to your skin too. Ediible face masks are fun, simple, and easier on your wallet than expensive anti-aging treatments.


Pomegranate
Pomegranates seeds might be hard to crack into, but they’re well worth the effort. These tart crunchy seeds are loaded with anti-aging compounds, like antioxidants and vitamin C, and are a popular addition to yogurt or oatmeal. But, they’re also beneficial when it comes to your beauty regimen.

This Pomegranate Exfoliating Scrub at-home recipe helps remove dead skin cells for smooth, soft skin.

How to make it:
In a food processor, combine 2 tablespoons of pomegranate seeds and 1 cup uncooked oatmeal. Transfer to bowl; stir in 2 tablespoons honey (an antiseptic) and 2 tablespoons buttermilk. Apply to face for a few minutes, then rinse. For rough patches (like elbows), add ¾ cup turbinado sugar.


Cranberries
This fruit is a popular ingredient in holiday side dishes, dressings, and drinks. Cranberries can also help naturally exfoliate lackluster dead skin.

Try this refreshing treatment twice a month.

How to make it:
Mix 1 cup fresh cranberries, 1 cup seedless red or green grapes, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, 1 envelope unflavored gelatin at medium speed for 20 seconds, until they have a paste-like texture. Cover and refrigerate for 45 minutes to thicken. Remove from the fridge and let sit about 10 minutes. Spread the mixture on clean, dry skin, avoiding the eye area. Relax for 15 minutes, then rinse off with warm water.


Pumpkin
This fall favorite is packed with anti-aging antioxidants and vitamins C and A. The inside "meat" of the pumpkin can be processed into a thick mask to help hydrate and soften skin.

How to make it:
In a food processor or blender, combine 2 cups canned pumpkin, 4 tablespoons low-fat vanilla yogurt, 4 tablespoons honey, and 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice. Coat face; leave on for 10 minutes, then rinse.


Strawberries
Vitamin C is a natural anti-aging compound and strawberries are full of it! Eating them helps, but you can double the effect by trying this strawberry mask, to help fight free radicals, which can damage skin cells and break down collagen.

How to make it:
In a food processor or blender, combine 1 cup frozen or fresh strawberries (or a mix of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries—they’re all antioxidant stars). Stir together blended berries, 1 cup vanilla or plain yogurt, and 11/2 tablespoons honey (a great moisturizer) in an 8-ounce glass. Enjoy smoothie, setting aside enough to coat your face. Apply once or twice a week.


Honey
Honey as a facial treatment may help skin retain moisture. It also heals dry or chapped skin and can give you firmer, smoother skin.

How to make it:
Warm a small pot of honey in a double boiler over low heat. After testing a small dab on the inside of your elbow for a safe temperature, apply the honey generously over your entire face. Leave the mask on for 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm, then cool water.


Yogurt
This breakfast staple is also a great skin smoother and purifier. Opt for plain (flavorless) Greek yogurt for the mask, not a fruity variety. Yogurt contains lactic acid, a compound found in some chemical peels, that may help clear blemishes, discoloration, and reduce fine wrinkles.

How to make it:
Mix 1 cup Greek yogurt with 2 to 3 drops of almond or olive oil and a tablespoon of honey; apply to face, leave on for 20 to 30 minutes, then rinse and pat dry.


Green Olive Pits
Those annoying little seeds inside Greek olives can do wonders for your appearance. When ground, these pits act as a grainy exfoliating face mask to help remove dirt build-up and dead skin cells.

How to make it:
Grind them up in a food processor and use them as a body scrub to remove dry, dead skin cells.


Green Tea
What’s the latest thing brewing for your skin? Green tea! These tea bags just may be your new beauty best friend. Green tea is loaded with anti-inflammatory compounds and tannins to help reduce puffiness on your skin. Green tea also provides antioxidants to fight against premature aging.

How to make it:
Chill damp tea bags in the fridge and put on eyes for 10–15 minutes.


Brown Sugar
Sweeten your anti-aging regimen with this. The natural grains in brown sugar help exfoliate skin to remove dead skin cells for a healthier glow. Use this treatment twice a week.

How to make it:
(Created by The Body Deli)
Pulse 1/2 cup dark brown sugar in a coffee grinder to make it finer and a bit less abrasive (no need to grind if you're using it for your body). Add 3 tablespoons olive oil for extra moisture and, if you want, a pinch of nutmeg for fragrance; stir until it forms a paste. Wet your face, apply scrub in a circular motion for 1 to 2 minutes, then wash off with warm water.


Maple Syrup
Save a drizzle of this sticky, sweet breakfast topping for a beauty pick-me-up. Pure maple syrup is loaded with antioxidant-laden compounds that may help repair free radical damage and reverse signs of aging.

How to make it:
(Created by June Jacobs)
Stir together 1 tablespoon warm milk and 1 tablespoon maple syrup. Add 3 tablespoons finely ground oats; stir again. Massage gently onto your face, leave on for up to 20 minutes, rinse off, and follow with a moisturizer.


Olive Oil
The Greeks were on to something when they started eating foods that now famously make up the Mediterranean diet. One of their more treasured ingredients is olive oil, which is loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances that are good for your heart.

Olive oil in your diet or used topically may reduce inflammation and free radical damage, and prevent wrinkling.

How to make it:
Apply olive oil directly to the skin, then rub with a cloth until the skin feels smooth. Rinse.


Avocado
Drop the tortilla chips and swap your guacamole in lieu of this moisturizing face mask recipe. Avocados are a great source for heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, vitamin B and potassium that can also help moisturize the skin and act as an exfoliating mask for dry skin.

How to make it:
Mix together one avocado, one egg white, two tablespoons of oatmeal, and one teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply liberally to face, leave on for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Do this twice a week and you’ll have softer, supple skin.


These are all great facials to try in between appointments with your esthetician!  To book your appointment, give us a call at 831-373-2273.  You can also book online at www.montereydayspa.com
 

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Article source: ChickRX

Tips to Flawlessly Apply Sunless Tanner

How to Get a Natural-Looking Glow with Self Tanner

Any stigma that sunless tanner may have once had is now long gone. Since tanning in the sun not only increases your risk of skin cancer, but also rapidly ages your skin, using a self tanner instead is the way to go. But you have to know how to properly apply it to get that warm, healthy tan glow without streaks and splotching. So we’ve put together eleven important sunless tanner application tips straight from the pros so that you can confidently fake your glow all year round. 


Go Yellow-Based
When selecting a sunless tanner product, opt for one that is yellow-based instead of orange-based.

Celebrity makeup artist and beauty expert Jessica Liebeskind likes Bobbi Brown Sunless Tanning Gel for Face and Body. “It’s yellow-based so it looks warm—not orange, like many other tanners,” she says. “It blends with your skin tone but gives you a golden glow.”

Self-tanners that are orange-based often have higher levels of DHA—the sugar that acts as the dye in sunless tanner products—which can leave your skin a tangy shade of orange. The lower the DHA levels—i.e., more yellow-based—the more natural your tan will look.


Consider Gel Tanners
Gel products are a smart choice because they apply with a more even consistency. As Liebeskind explains, gel products are key to a flawless sunless tanner application because they allow the product to evenly glide over the skin rather than clumping in areas, which results in a streaky finish.

But if you’re in a bind and don’t have a friend or partner to apply the tanner to your back, spray sunless tanner may be your best bet. If you feel that the spray is not reaching all areas of your back, you can spray it into the air and then step back into it a few times to soak up the pigment.


Patch Test
Since each person’s skin tone and pH levels differ, the same sunless tanner product can yield very different results from person to person. So when working with a new tanner, try testing a small patch on your skin (like your stomach or thigh) the day before using it to see how your skin color reacts to the tanner and the particular amount you applied.


Exfoliate! 
To avoid looking like a hot blotchy mess, you must exfoliate before applying sunless tanner. “[Sunless tanner] basically dyes your dead skin cells,” explains licensed esthetician Daniela Ferri. “That’s why you get a much more even color after exfoliation.” Your tan will also last longer if you properly exfoliate, as you’ll have removed the excess dead skin cells which would have soon sloughed off and left a patchy tan job.

For pre-tanning exfoliating, do it in a warm shower and avoid using any oil containing scrubs as they can interfere with the self-tanner and block it from properly adhering to your skin.

Exfoliate your whole body and face, but be particularly conscious of exfoliating around your knees, ankles and elbows. The dead skin cells that gather around those areas are magnets for self-tanner pigment.

Be sure to rinse shower products off completely and let your skin dry fully before applying your tanning product—we are talking bone dry (we like to wait a good 30 mins after the shower to apply tanner).


Moisturizer Option
If you’re feeling timid about applying a new self-tanner, you can go slowly by applying a mix of your tanning product with your regular body moisturizing lotion (make sure it’s oil free). In your hands, mix some lotion into your self tanner. Thoroughly rub the mixture together in your hands and then apply. While this may have the effect of diluting your tan, it will reduce the likelihood of streakiness.

Or, to avoid the risk of diluting your tan, you could simply moisturize the areas of your body that are particularly dry and more prone to over-absorbing the tanner—this includes your elbows, hands, knees and feet. Apply a thin layer of lotion to these areas prior to applying your self tanner (not mixed with lotion).


Go Easy & Start Low
Take your time, gently and slowly rubbing the tanner into your skin. Start by applying tanner to your legs and feet and working your way up to your stomach, upper chest and arms. You don’t want to have applied a smooth coat to your arms and stomach and then smudge or crease it by bending over to apply to your legs.

Apply only a light amount of tanner to those areas mentioned above which tend to over-absorb color (hands, feet, elbows and knees). We try not to directly apply to those areas, but rather, apply directly to another nearby area and then spread it over lightly to the more cautious zones.

If you are new at applying tanner, you may want to opt for a product that contains a tint so that you can more easily identify any missing spots. This tint washes off when you shower (and will wash off of your clothes too).


‘Tan’ Your Face Too
There’s nothing like skipping your face in your tanner application to give you the full Lindsay Lohan oompa loompa effect. If you have particularly sensitive or acne prone skin, look for a product designed specifically for your face that will not clog pores or be too strong for the delicate facial skin.

You can apply the product lightly with your fingertips making sure to avoid your eye area. For a more guided approach, grab a makeup sponge (like the type you might use to apply foundation with) and apply the tanner.

The golden rule with your face is to go easy. You can always build color over time by applying a thin layer each day, or can add more color using makeup bronzer.


Avoid Orange Palms
The next worst thing to a streaky self-tanner application is the tangerine palms you sport for three days after. To avoid the telltale signs you’re faking it, you can apply your tanner with gloves. If you do use gloves, just don’t forget to lightly go back over the backs of your hands with your product so you don’t end up looking like you wore gloves to the beach.

If you don’t use gloves, you may want to apply a dab of Vaseline to your fingernails (do it to your toenails too) to prevent your cuticles from absorbing the pigment.

After finishing applying your tanner to your face and body (including the backs of your hands), wash just the palms of your hands and the skin between your fingers with water and soap. You may want to scrub them with a wet washcloth for more precision. Then dry these areas well, trying not to smudge the tanner on the backs of your hands.


Let It Dry
After you apply your tanner, even if it feels dry, don’t jump into your favorite white dress just yet. Stand around for at least a few minutes before putting on a loose fitting robe, and try to avoid sitting down, getting into bed or getting dressed for at least 15 minutes, as this could potentially smudge the tanner and get you an uneven color. The longer you can wait, the better, and opt for loose fitting clothing when you do get dressed.

Be sure to avoid doing anything that will make your skin moist for at least six hours after applying your tanner—that means avoid showering, exercising or swimming during this time.


Make it Last
To maintain your sun-kissed look, be sure to reapply once or twice per week. If you want your tan to look darker, you can “build it” by applying more tanner after showering the following day. Avoid exfoliating because this can unevenly strip off your tan.

Between applications, protect your tan by applying your regular moisturizing lotion. The more you moisturize, the better. If your skin gets dry, your tan is more likely to flake off. Again, skip exfoliating for now.

Don’t forget to apply sunscreen daily. Even though your skin may look darker, it does not have a greater ability to protect you from burning.


Quick Fixes
If you’ve already applied your product and realize you’ve got a couple of blotchy or streaky areas, fear not: we’ve got your back.

If you discover small areas that you've missed, but the rest of your application looks flawless, just apply a thin layer of tanner to the lighter areas. This should cover and blend nicely with the rest of your tan.

If the pigment is clumped in areas, you need to exfoliate to remove the hyper-pigmented skin cells. Soak in a warm bath and then exfoliate with a lemon scrub. Check out a sunless tanner fix scrub recipe here: http://montereydayspa.blogspot.com/2013/07/seven-diy-body-scrub-recipes.html . The acidic properties of lemon will help remove the dye that the exfoliator does not.

For your face, don’t scrub too strongly or use a harsh exfoliator that could actually cause more irritation and redness on your skin. Instead, apply makeup remover to your face with a cotton ball. This should remove enough of the pigment to where you won’t feel too orange. Also, just washing your face and using a face brush can help to remove a significant amount of unwanted color. If you don’t have a facial brush, head to your kitchen for some baking soda. Mix a paste of the baking soda with a few drops of water and apply to your face lightly in circular motions then rinse.

To treat dyed nails, simple polish remover will strip away most of the color. If not, dab a little hydrogen peroxide on a cotton ball and apply it to orange areas—that should do the trick.  

 

Schedule your appointment with us today by calling 831-373-2273 You can also book online at www.montereydayspa.com
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Article source: ChickRX

 

How to Get Longer, Thicker Lashes

How to Grow Fuller Lashes & What to Do (and Avoid) to Thicken Existing Lashes

A pair of thick, long eyelashes beautifully makes your eyes pop, and when you have them, you can get away with wearing only minimal makeup. So we’ve outlined the most effective ways to lengthen and thicken your lashes—tips to help you better grow them, tips on which products and techniques are most effective, and tips on what NOT to do.    


Nutrition for Long Lashes
Beauty problems can often be traced back to, or improved by, the nutrients you consume. Beautiful eyelashes are no different.  

Registered dietitian Carlene Thomas explains: “B vitamins, and especially biotin, can help eyelashes and the hair on your head grow.” Additionally, a “biotin deficiency can actually cause eyelashes to fall out.”  

Many also believe that biotin can help strengthen brittle nails and improve acne. Yes please.  

The best way to consume nutrients is by eating them, rather than taking supplements (which is convenient since eating is so much more fun), so boost your biotin intake with foods like nutritional yeast, liver, cauliflower, salmon, bananas, carrots, egg yolks, sardines, legumes, and mushrooms—all rich in biotin.    


How to Pick the Right Mascara
There are critical things you should consider when choosing mascara, and important tips to follow to properly apply it.  

• Hypoallergenic: If you have sensitive eyes or find mascara irritates your eyes when you wear contacts, you may want to opt for hypoallergenic mascara. It will say on the packaging whether it’s hypoallergenic. Almay is known for making a drugstore alternative for those with sensitive eyes.     
• Waterproof:  Pass on waterproof mascara for day-to-day use and save it for beach days instead. The ingredients that bind the mascara to your lashes are too harsh to use daily, not to mention all the elbow grease it takes to remove the mascara can wreck havoc on your lashes.    
• Double-layer:  Because it’s impossible to pack too many ingredients into a tiny tube of mascara without sacrificing their effects, it’s best to use two with separate purposes. Pick your favorite lengthening mascara and layer it on, then follow-up with a coat of your go-to volumizing mascara.    
• Lower Lashes:  To avoid those pesky under eye smudges when you try to apply mascara to your bottom lashes, use a smaller wand designed to paint those little lashes. You can find mascara for bottom lashes (Clinique makes one), which comes with a teeny wand, or you can simply purchase small wands from the drugstore or a beauty store and use those with your current mascaras.      
• Lash Serums & Primers: Lash serums are designed to boost your lashes with vitamins and protective ingredients. Primers, on the other hand, when applied as the first layer on your lashes, can enhance the effects of your mascara coated on top. There are several different product on the market that will get the job done, when you hit up your favorite beauty store, ask the assistants what their go-to serums and primers are.        
• Tube Mascara: Tube mascara adheres to each lash in a tube-like manner—it does not simply refer to mascara that comes in a tube. Because of its properties, tube mascara results in lengthened, thickened lashes with less of those pesky little flakes. It also tends to have more staying power.       

How to Apply Fake Eyelashes
Mascara can only thicken and lengthen your lashes so much. If you’re looking for a more dramatic pop, consider fake eyelashes (which you would apply after putting on mascara).  

Gone are the caterpillar falsies of your mom’s years; today you can purchase well-manicured lashes at many price points. You can opt for separates (a cluster of just a few lashes) instead of whole strips, for more subtle, precise application.  

To apply false eyelashes:    

• Practice makes perfect. If you have a big event coming up, try out your lashes a few days before. You’re not going to get it perfect right off, so you don’t want to be panicking a few hours before your big night out.     
• Trim the fake lashes. If you’re using a lash strip that is too long for your lash line, simply cut away the extra length (from the inner lash side). Try to make sure that the strip at least extends to the edge of your iris, the colored part of your eye, on the side closest to your nose.     
• Pick the right glue. Skip the lash glue that comes with the extensions and opt for one that beauty pros swear by: Duo is one of the most popular. It’s waterproof, will hold your eyelashes in place, but isn’t so strong that it’s hard to remove the lashes.     
• Apply the glue to your hand, then the lashes. Apply a thin layer of glue to the back of your hand and then pull the strip of lashes through the glue. Be sure to really get the ends of the lashes. The ends are the key to staying power.      
• Let glue set before applying. Before you try to attach the lashes to your lash line, let the glue set for about 40 seconds so that it becomes tacky, then stick on your lashes. It will stick to the skin better that way.     
• Don’t skip on the eyeliner when using false lashes. Once they’re dry, apply liner between where your false lashes stop and the inner corner of your eye to prevent the area from looking bare and telltale fake.     
• Carefully remove. Tempting as it might be, do not pull those suckers off. Instead, dip a Q-tip in makeup remover and gently dab it along the lash line, letting it sit for a few minutes. This will dissolve the glue and allow you to gently remove the lash strips.        

Eyelash Extensions
In the last year, eyelash extensions have become all the rage. Rather than applying false lashes yourself (which you’re generally only wearing for a day), you can go to a salon to get individual lashes glued in place between your natural lashes. You can even custom pick the length of your lashes if you’re worried about looking too drag queen fab at the office.  

The process can take a couple of hours, but can provide you with a few weeks of beautiful, eye-batting lashes (salons recommend you come in for touch ups every two to three weeks—those take about 30 minutes).  

To maintain the life of your extensions, try to sleep on your back (this is a great way to prevent wrinkles anyway). carefully remove your eye makeup with removers that are not oil free, and brush out extensions daily to prevent tangling. Some swear that if you properly care for your lashes, they can last from one to two months.  

Note, though, that as the lashes shed, they may cause a slight increase in shedding of your own lashes. If lash extensions are making your eyelashes thinner, certainly discontinue getting them.    


Prescription Treatments
If you’re sick of falsies, extensions, and endless tubes of mascara that never seem to do the trick, Latisse could be your answer.  

The FDA’s first approved product of its type, Latisse is a prescription topical medication that you apply to your lash line once a day. In most, it results in longer—sometimes mega-long, darker, thicker eyelashes.  

Like with all the prescriptions, there can be side effects, oh, and not to mention Latisse is pretty pricy.  

“Patients will generally notice fuller, longer eyelashes within two months of daily use,” explains dermatologist Dr. Debra Price. “However, the increase in eyelash fullness and growth is not permanent. Upon discontinuing Latisse, eyelashes will gradually return to their original state. Once optimal improvement is achieved, it is possible to maintain results with less frequent use.”    


Combat Eyelash Loss
Your eyelashes shed naturally, but if they’re falling out in clumps, you might want to evaluate the problem. Using expired mascara, overusing waterproof mascara, not removing your eye makeup religiously, or having a vitamin deficiency can all contribute to eyelash loss, among other things.  

So replace your mascara—you should be doing this at least every three months anyway, make sure you gently remove your eye makeup every night before hitting the sack, and incorporate more biotin-rich foods into your diet. You can also try applying an eyelash serum/conditioner after you’ve removed your makeup at night—this can help strengthen and moisturize your lashes.  

If your eyelashes are still shedding too rapidly, make an appointment with your doctor to rule out possible eye infections, thyroid or autoimmune diseases that could be leading to hair loss.  

 

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How to Treat and Prevent Acne on your Back and Bottom

11 Tips to Banish Acne on Your Back & Bottom

As if breakouts on our faces aren’t enough, so many of us are also plagued by acne
on our backs and bottoms (fondly referred to as “bacne” and “buttne”, respectively).

Acne can occur anywhere on your body where you have hair follicles and oil
secreting glands, not just on your face. Accumulation of dead skin cells or buildup
from products like lotions and body washes can clog these glands and pores.
When the pore becomes clogged, bacteria get trapped, causing acne to form. The
face, chest, back and bottom are the prime acne areas (and if you have acne on
your face, you’re also more likely to have it on your back or bottom). Hormonal
imbalances may also contribute to the formation of body acne, which is why if
you’re experiencing severe breakouts, it’s best to visit your dermatologist to rule out
other possible health problems.

If your back and bottom acne is mild to moderate, consider trying these at-home
remedies. Like with acne on your face, your approach to treating the acne on your
back and bottom should be multifaceted and should also include adopting habits
that help prevent breakouts from happening in the first place.

To help clear up and prevent acne on your back and bottom, check out these 11
expert tips below.


Shower Regularly & Use The Right Cleanser
First, make sure that you are showering regularly, and if you have oily skin, you
need to shower daily. Also, after a workout, resist the urge to hang out in your
workout clothes and instead hop straight into the shower to wash off the sweat and
bacteria on your skin.

When showering, use a body cleanser that contains an acne-fighting ingredient like
benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid that will work to treat your acne while preventing
new acne.


Exfoliate 
Exfoliating two to three times per week when you shower will help reduce the
buildup of dead skin cells that can clog pores and lead to breakouts. Gently exfoliate
using an acne-fighting body scrub like one containing salicylic acid. For extra
benefit, you can wear exfoliating gloves when doing this, just be sure your gloves,
loofahs, sponges are nice and clean so you’re not spreading bacteria as you go.


Use a Body Brush
Sometimes we fail to properly cleanse our back in particular because it has lots of
hard to reach areas. So when cleansing or exfoliating your back, use a soft body
brush with a long handle or use another device designed to help you cleanse hard
to reach areas. Be mindful to scrub gently; scrubbing too hard can cause further
irritation and breakouts.


Topical Treatment
After showering, gently towel off and then apply a gel or cream containing benzoyl
peroxide or sulfur to help treat the acne. Keep in mind that benzoyl peroxide and
other acne treatments can permanently bleach or stain fabrics so it’s best to let the
treatment dry completely for 10 minutes or so and then to sleep in loose-fitting
light-colored clothing.

If your breakouts are on areas of your skin where you cannot reach, opt for a spray
skin treatment—Neutrogena and a few other acne brands have products on the
market.


Avoid Picking 
It goes without saying, but avoid any and all scratching, picking or prodding of
breakouts on your back and bottom (and your face, too). Picking at acne can easily
cause scarring and can introduce new bacteria to the area, making the whole
situation even worse.


Avoid Textured Fabric
Having lace or textured fabrics directly pressed up against the skin on your back and
bottom can cause friction against the skin, and lead to irritation and acne breakouts.
So think twice before you wear a thong, go commando, or wear rough fabrics up
against your skin. Opt for soft, smooth cotton fabrics to provide a protective barrier
between your skin and clothing.


Avoid Certain Body Lotions 
If you’re prone to body acne, be mindful of the lotion you’re applying when you get
out of the shower. For most people, you don’t even need to be applying lotion to
your back or bottom. If you have dry or rough skin and do want to apply lotion to
these areas, look for a non-comedogenic or water-based body lotion.


Avoid Fabric Softener & Choose the Right Laundry Detergent
For many, fragrances and other chemicals can react with sensitive skin and cause
breakouts. If you’ve recently started breaking out after trying a new detergent, it
might be to blame. Opt for fragrance-free, unscented detergents and use dryer balls
in lieu of fabric softener. This will help prevent a layer of chemicals from sticking to
and irritating your skin throughout the day.


Wash Your Sheets
Once you’ve got the right type of laundry detergent, wash your sheets with it at
least once a week. Even when they look spotless, your sheets are actually harboring
bacteria, skin cells and other germy microorganisms that are just waiting to stake
claim on your skin while you’re sleeping.


Eat Healthy
Don’t overlook the effect a healthy diet can have on your skin’s health. Eating certain
foods can help clear up your skin and give it a healthier, prettier tone.









Reducing Acne Scars 
After getting a breakout under control, you’re often left with the unsightly telltale
scars acne can leave behind. And back and bottom acne tend to scar worse than
acne on other parts of your body.

Acne can cause different types of scarring, which require different types of treatment.

In addition to the treatment and prevention tips above, if your back or bottom
acne is more severe, your dermatologist may recommend prescription oral and/
or topical medications or laser and cosmetic procedures that target the skin’s oil
glands to reduce the acne.

Schedule your appointment with us today by calling 831-373-2273 You can also book online at www.montereydayspa.com
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Article source: ChickRX

How to Fade and Smooth Different Types of Scars

Expert Recommended Tips to Reduce the Appearance of Old & New Scars

Some scars are cool, some are a beautiful part of your life story, and others are these ugly things you’d love to erase. We’ve compiled the top ways to treat your existing scars—from those caused by acne, chicken pox, burns and cuts to deep raised keloid scars—and tips to proactively treat wounds and new scars so that they don’t leave a permanent mark.      


Acne Scars (Non-Pitted) As if the actual breakout wasn’t enough, once your skin clears you may be left with telltale discolored marks.  

Scars form where acne lesions once were. “Extra blood vessels form around the wound [and] pigment [is] released as part of the healing process,” explains licensed esthetician and acne specialist Daniela Ferri.  

The coloring of acne scars differs depending on your skin tone. In lighter skin tones, Ferri explains that you don’t see a very dark mark, ”but you will see redness lingering from all the little extra blood vessels.” In darker skin tones, however, you won’t see much redness but you will “see a dark mark from all the leftover pigment” in the skin.    

To immediately reduce redness or pinkness from scarring, try tabbing green concealer over the marks before applying your foundation. This can help to counterbalance the redness and blend the scar into your skin tone.  

Ferri recommends a three-step approach to permanently reduce the discoloration caused by acne scars (this also works for discolored marks caused by other types of wounds):  

First, and the most important thing you can do to reduce the appearance of these marks, is to apply sunscreen (think SPF 30 or greater) before any type of sun exposure, year round. Without protection, the sun’s UV rays will actually darken the scar’s pigment rather than fading it into a tan.  

Second, Ferri recommends a properly formulated alpha hydroxy acid gel, which will help remove pigmented, damaged cells. There are several over-the-counter products you can use, but proceed with caution as they may cause irritation and redness in people with sensitive skin. You can also ask your  esthetician for an alpha hydroxy acid peel to reduce the appearance of scars.  

Third, use “a properly formulated, broad-spectrum, high potency antioxidant serum or lotion, with a focus on Vitamin C,” Ferri says. Vitamin C can help reduce inflammation and help lighten dark scars. Kojic acid and arbutin (bearberry extract) are other natural ingredients to look for in a serum or lotion, as they’ve been shown to help lighten dark marks.  

Or, if it’s not too harsh on your skin, you could use a topical lightening cream containing hydroquinone to reduce the discoloration caused by acne or other types of older scars, explains dermatologic surgeon Dr. Joseph Sobanko.    


Pitted Scars (Acne or Chicken Pox)
While some of your scars may have simply caused skin discoloration, others may have caused skin pitting, or depressions of the skin. These types of scars can be a real pain to treat, but there’s hope.  

Intense inflammation, such as that caused by acne or chicken pox, can cause a loss of collagen in the skin and result in skin pitting. There are two types of pitted scars: atrophic scars (generally shallow pits) and ice pick scars (generally deeper and narrower, looking like puncture marks), and both require treatment from a dermatologist to improve their appearance.  

For atrophic (shallowly pitted) scars, Dr. Sobanko recommends visiting your dermatologist for treatments that help smooth your skin surface and induce collagen formation: “The most successful treatments often replace collagen and smooth the contours [of your scar]. Examples of such treatments include medium depth chemical peels, dermabrasion and resurfacing lasers.”  

If you are trying to minimize the look of ice pick scars, which often appear on the face, Dr. Sobanko explains that the collagen replacement treatments listed above for shallow scars will not work. Ice pick scars require “subcision, or gentle release of the scar from its attachments to the base of the skin, with a small needle,” he explains. Goes without saying, but this is something you need to see your dermatologist to treat.    

Burn Scars
What do flatirons and cupcake pans have in common? Yes they’ll both make marvelous creations, but they can also both burn the hell out of you. But luckily, you can treat the burn mark before it comes a permanent scar.  

Once the burn wound starts to heal, Ferri recommends you start applying an antioxidant serum or lotion to the area regularly. She recommends looking for one with vitamin C to help reduce inflammation and lighten discoloration.  

Also try a dark mark corrector containing antioxidants. “This will help the skin heal in such a way that it won’t respond to the trauma by sending pigment to the cells around the wound, which is what makes a dark scar,” Ferri says.  

Another simple, extremely effective way to prevent the mark from getting darker is to use an SPF 30 sunscreen. Be religious with this. If you’re going outside—no matter how long—put sunscreen on. If you sit by a window, put sunscreen on.  

If the scar is on your face and you want to put makeup on, Ferri says that’s fine, but make sure it’s non-comedogenic and you wash it off completely before bed. You should, however, wait until your skin is not “raw” and hot from the burn before wearing makeup.  

If your burn is very painful or anything more than a slight burn, you may want to see your doctor to make sure no infection or other damage occurs to the skin in your healing process, and to get any prescribed topical treatments to promote proper healing.      


Keloid Scars For some people, when they get a cut (or incision), it creates keloid scarring. Keloid scars are large, lumpy scars, slightly raised from the skin. While they can form on any part of the body, the chest, shoulders, upper back and earlobes are the most common spots for keloid formation.  

“Keloids are the excess growth of scar tissue at the site of a healed skin injury, ranging from minor scratches to body piercings, tattoos, burns and surgical incisions,” explains internist Dr. Andrea Ruman. “When a keloid is associated with a skin incision or injury, the keloid scar tissue continues to grow for a time after the original would has closed.”  

Dr. Ruman stresses that keloids are benign and should not be painful, so they don’t require medical treatment. But since keloids’ pronounced appearance can make some people feel uncomfortable, there are treatments that can reduce their appearance.  

Keloid treatments include “corticosteroid injections, external pressure, freezing (cryotherapy), laser treatments, radiation and surgical removal.” Surgical removal should be approached with caution as it may result in an even larger keloid scar formation. While these treatments may help for some, they can often be ineffective, explains Dr. Ruman.  

If you have a known history of keloids, you want to do everything you can to prevent their formation in the first place: Dr. Ruman recommends you avoid elective surgeries, tattoos and ear piercings.      


Treating Fresh Wounds to Minimize Scarring
Immediately after you get cut, scrapped or punctured, properly treating the wound will go a long way to help minimize future discoloration.  

As soon as you’ve been hurt, examine the wound and make sure it’s not too deep, bleeding too much or has imbedded debris. If any of these apply, visit your doctor for treatment—getting an infection like MRSA isn’t worth trying to be a hero and treating a serious wound yourself. Also keep in mind that if you were wounded by metal or an animal bite, you may need a tetanus shot.  

Next, clean the wound with cool (clean) water—warm water may accelerate bleeding—and gently wash the area with soap and a clean cloth. Avoid using hydrogen peroxide as it may hinder the healing process.  

From here, you should use an antibiotic cream or ointment to keep the wound clean and moisturized. Continue applying ointment and clean bandages to the wound for a few days. By continually applying moisturizing ointment, you help the skin repair itself and prevent the wound from drying out and forming scars.  

Do not pick at a scab once it forms. (Keep it covered if you can’t resist the urge!). Your skin forms scabs to repair itself, and when you remove it, you set back that healing process and are opening the wound to infection, which can result in further scarring.  

 

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Article source: ChickRX

Simplest Nighttime Bathroom Routine Needed to Get By

Bare Minimum Beauty & Hygiene Routine for Lazy Nights

You’ve probably read all about what you need to be doing before bed to maintain and improve your skin, and it can amount to a long, daunting list. Removing your makeup, cleansing, exfoliating, using masks, applying toner, dabbing on acne treatments, moisturizing, slathering on eye cream, etc. Then there’s the work to maintain basic hygiene: brushing, flossing, mouthwash, eye care, washing your hair, etc. That’s a lot of tedious work when all you want to do is unwind and get to bed.    

So for the days when you’re feeling particularly lazy, we’ve pared down that nighttime routine list to the bare minimum experts recommend you should be doing to stay in proper form, based on your specific issues and needs.      


Facial Cleansing Whether you’re wearing makeup or not, it’s important to wash your face to remove the dirt and germs you pick up in day-to-day life and whenever you touch your face. Washing your face gives your face a clean slate, so to speak, so your skin can embark on its natural exfoliating and rejuvenation process while you sleep. This is probably why some research has shown that cleansing before bed can give keep your skin more youthful.  

But for those tired, lazy nights, just how diligent you need to be with your face washing depends on your skin type.  

Dry Skin (or Normal)
For dry skin, you have a little leeway when it comes to your facial cleansing. Opt for a creamy (non-soap) cleanser, which has moisturizing properties. Wet your face with warm water, work the cleanser into your skin using your fingers and then rinse and pat dry with a clean towel. Make sure the water is not too hot as this can make your skin feel tight and dry it out even more. Though your skin needs extra moisture, you can skip it every now and then if you’ve used a moisturizing cleanser.  
Absolute worst case, in the laziest of scenarios, with dry skin you’re more able to get away with just splashing your face with water and rubbing it off with a clean towel. This will remove a basic layer of makeup, dirt, etc. that’s on your skin before bed.  

If you’ve missed a little makeup residue on your skin from your quick cleansing routine, just know that the makeup may slightly dehydrate your skin, licensed esthetician Daniela Ferri explains. She says that leaving makeup on overnight will not cause you to have more wrinkles, but if you have dry skin and it becomes drier from sleeping in your makeup, the dehydration will make your skin appear dull, lackluster and can magnify existing wrinkles.    

Oily or Acne-Prone Skin
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, it’s particularly important to make sure you cleanse before bed to remove makeup, excess oils and dirt so you don’t wake up to a breakout. Licensed esthetician Daniela Ferri explains that foundation and powder create a barrier on your skin, and if you’re also producing excessive oil, your pores will quickly get clogged. This leads to blackheads and breakouts.  
To remove makeup and grime, dampen your face with warm water and lightly apply a cleanser formulated for oily or acne-prone skin with your fingers. Rinse thoroughly and pat your skin dry with a clean towel.

Or, for a faster approach, simply scrub your face with facial wipes or pads that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide (likely the same ingredients in your cleanser)—keep the wipes by your bed if you’re feeling extra lazy.      


Eye Makeup Removal
Regardless of your skin type, it’s important to wash off your eye makeup most nights. Keeping your eye makeup on can lead to eye infections and clogged pores in your eyelids, which can lead to those painful little styes and puffy red eyes.  

You can quickly remove eye makeup with makeup remover pads (keep them next to your bed if it means you’re more likely to use them). If you skip the eye makeup removal now and then, it’s not likely to lead to problems, but try to avoid making a habit of it—your skin and pillowcases will thank you.      


Moisturizers & Eye Creams
One of the best things you can do to prevent wrinkles from forming is not to apply moisturizer, but to protect your skin from the sun. Because of this, if you’re tired, go ahead and skip your moisturizers and eye cream without feeling guilty. In the morning, you can apply a daily moisturizer and, of course, make sure to apply sunscreen.  

(For dry skin, make sure you’ve read the section above on using a moisturizing facial cleanser.)  

If you have aging skin, and it’s dry to normal (not oily or acne-prone), you may want to be more vigilant with your night creams. So if you’ve skipped a thorough facial cleansing on a lazy night, you can still apply your anti-aging moisturizer before you hit the sheets—it may be more difficult for it to penetrate your skin, but you’ll still derive benefits from it.  


Dental Hygiene   “The recommended brushing time is between 2 to 3 minutes per session with a minimum of two brushing sessions per day,” says dentist Marielaina Perrone, DDS. That being said, we get it, you don’t always want to brush when you’re exhausted—but you really should. So, to cut corners, instead of waiting until bedtime to brush those pearly whites, do it just after you’ve finished dinner. This might also help deter after-dinner munchies (double bonus!).  

When it comes to flossing, doing it twice a day would be great, but you really just need to make sure you’re getting it done once a day to fight gum disease. This once-a-day floss can be done when you brush after dinner or even at another time, when you have more motivation, during the day.  

As for mouthwash, you don’t really need it. Properly brushing and flossing are enough to do the trick, so unless you just can’t sleep without the minty aftertaste of mouthwash, you can skip it.    


Hair Washing If you’re debating washing and styling your hair before bed because you know you won’t have time in the morning, just go ahead and skip it. Skipping washes is actually beneficial for the health, color preservation and shine of your hair. Washing too frequently depletes the healthy oils from your hair leaving it lackluster and even frizzy.  
In the morning, if your hair is looking oily, spritz on dry shampoo (or even baby powder) and style as usual. Worst case, you can always rock the low, chic bun look.      

Eye Health
In an ideal world, you would only wear your contacts maximum eight hours per day, but we all slip up on that. If you do wear contacts, though, make sure you wash your hands thoroughly and remove your lenses before bed (or earlier, if you can). Contact lens overuse can cause serious, painful damage to your eyes by blocking oxygen from reaching your cornea amongst other things.      

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6 Ways to Lighten Armpits & Bikini Area

Remedies for Darkened, Irritated Skin

If you’ve ever been shy about wearing a sleeveless shirt or bikini because of darkened areas of skin, you’re not alone. Hyperpigmentation near sensitive areas you frequently shave or wax is common. The good news is there is a solution. We’ve assembled six expert-recommended ways you can lighten your skin and prevent new areas from darkening.


First: The Cause
Oftentimes, frequently shaving the bikini area and underarms can cause the skin to darken, especially if you’re prone to ingrown hairs and nicks, which can leave the skin sensitive and result in scarring or hyperpigmentation.

Chemicals can also darken your skin—think deodorant/antiperspirant. But then again, excessive sweat can also darken underarms. So avoiding antiperspirants all together isn’t necessarily the solution (or pleasant!).

However, there can also be a much larger culprit behind the darkened skin than just on the surface. “Darker skin in your armpits can be a sign of a hormone imbalance,” explains gynecologist Dr. Carrie Swartz. It can also signal insulin resistance, and other health conditions that shouldn’t be left unchecked. Because of this, Dr. Swartz recommends bringing the issue up with your doctor or your dermatologist before attempting to remedy the situation yourself, just to be on the safe side. 


Chemical-Free Deodorant
Once you’ve ruled out underlying health issues, an all-natural deodorant may be the key to remedying your sensitive underarm skin. There are many popular brands that have made the move to chemical-free or less chemical-containing beauty products.

Try to avoid deodorants and antiperspirants that contain aluminum, a possible irritator and skin-darkening culprit. Be sure to check the ingredient panel carefully, because just because a product is labeled “all-natural” doesn’t always mean it is.

If you’re feeling crafty, certified master elite trainer Christina Estrada shares her recipe for all-natural deodorant perfect for sensitive skin below:

All-Natural Deodorant Ingredients:
1/4 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup baking soda
1/4 cup corn starch or arrowroot powder
Essential oil drops (optional)

Blend the first three ingredients in a bowl until smooth. For fragrance, you can mix in a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Add about 1/4 teaspoon under each arm and rub in well. Store the extra deodorant in an air-tight container.


Whitening Deodorant
To prevent excess sweating/odor while treating any hyperpigmentation, you could try a whitening deodorant. There are several on the market with different ingredients, so make sure you find one that’s gentle on your skin to prevent further irritation and pigmentation.

Look for a whitening deodorant that moisturizes while lightening the existing dark spots to help relieve irritation after shaving. Check out ones containing sunflower oil, which is a great moisturizer for underarms.


Exfoliate
Dead skin cells don’t just build up on your elbows and knees. They can accumulate in the underarm and bikini areas, irritating the skin and making it appear duller and darker.

Before shaving, you should exfoliate using a scrub, loofah or exfoliating brush. This will help remove the dry skin and has the added benefit of helping to prevent ingrown hairs and skin irritation in the bikini area.

 Schedule your appointment with us today by calling 831-373-2273 You can also book online at www.montereydayspa.com

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The Platinum Club Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:

Evelyn Munoz

Partner

Monterey Day Spa

(831) 373-2273

evelyn@montereydayspa.com

Monterey Day Spa Announces Exclusive Platinum Club Membership Opportunity

Monterey Day Spa is pleased to announce the execution of an exclusive members only club called, The Platinum Club.  The Platinum Club offers a limited 100 members only one customized massage or facial per month of only $65.00.  Members will be the first notified about any new products, treatments, events or specials, and receive special discounts throughout the year in addition to a savings of $300 a year with membership.  Can’t make it in for a month?  That’s okay, Monterey Day Spa has you covered with their roll over program, allowing you to receive two services the next month.  

Monterey Day Spa aspires to be their client’s sanctuary for escaping the stresses of everyday life.  Offering a high end spa experience through its highly professional and well trained staff, sophisticated design, state-of-the-art services and tranquil atmosphere, each client receives the very best from the moment they walk in the door.  

All spa treatments are wellness based, using high grade products and natural spa therapies from the highest grade aromatherapy oils and creams.  With a Platinum Membership members will choose one of their signature massages and/or facials featured on the day spa website.  For more information please call 831-373-2273 or email at info@montereydayspa.com  

 Monterey Day Spa also offers other services including natural nail care, waxing, body treatments, permanent makeup, and more.  

Monterey Day Spa’s hours of operation are Monday – Friday 10 AM – 6PM, Saturday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM and Sunday 11AM – 7PM and is located at 380 Foam St. Ste A Monterey, CA 93940.  After hours appointments are available upon request.  To make an appointment, or book on line at www.montereydayspa.com