Skincare should start early

Skincare should start early

All your skincare and beauty problems answered.

My daughter is nine years old and is required to attend school activities most of the time. I’ve noticed recently that her face is getting drier and darker. May I know, at her age now, is it advisable for her to apply moisturizer or sunblock everyday? If not, when is the best time for her to start? – Teresa

Product trainer Regenn Lee says that external aggressors such as pollution and the harshness of the sun do not recognize age. These will harm and damage the skin, regardless whether you are a child or an adult. Outdoor activities and excessive exposure to the sun are bound to cause UV damage, which appears initially as merely a darker skin tone and dehydration.

The darker skin tone is due to the overproduction of melanin. In between the epidermis and dermis, there are cells called melanocytes which, when exposed to ultraviolet radiation from the sun, will produce melanin.

This is absorbed by keratinocytes, which use it to protect themselves from the UV rays as a form of “sunshade”. This melanin response to UV becomes a natural sunscreen, providing protection to the keratinocyte cells by absorbing UV radiation, resulting in a visible tan.

This explains why your daughter’s skin gets darker after her outdoor activities. In the long run, overexposure to the sun will lead to hyperpigmentation which will be more prominent later when she becomes an adult. Prolonged exposure also causes water to evaporate from the surface, reducing the water and natural oil content in the skin.

Children may be too young for more intensive or targeted skincare. But a proper skincare regimen is recommended as soon as the child is able to be take ownership of taking care of her own skin. At different stages of our lives, our skin requires very specific needs that evolve over time.
At the tender age of nine, a child’s skin is still healthy and able to exfoliate naturally. The key is giving them the correct products to use, and this should be basic, water-based, light textured, non-comedogenic, gentle on the skin, yet able to meet her skin’s needs.

So, do use a moisturizer and sunblock every day for your daughter. She also needs to clean and tone her skin properly to keep a healthy skin.

A very mild and gentle cleanser helps to remove impurities and dirt, without drying the skin, and soften skin’s texture.

For help in choosing products that are right for your child, call Monterey Day Spa, to seek advice from our Estheticians - 831-373-2273

Book your appointment online now at www.montereydayspa.com!
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Lip Service: How to Shop for Lip Balms

Treat chapped lips and avoid "lip balm addiction" with these insider tips. 

By Amy Wechsler, M.D. 

While the dry air of winter is usually to blame for chapped lips, there are a number of contributors (such as excess licking habits or sun exposure) to a parched pout.

Our lips generally have a thin, oily film on the surface that provides natural protection against moisture loss. When factors strip that level of protection, lips lose moisture and become chapped. Thankfully, there are many steps you can take to prevent and heal dry, chapped lips.

MORE: Tips for Your Best Lips

• Avoid lip licking. If you can rid yourself of that habit, you will be well on your way to smooth, supple lips. Saliva contains enzymes that breaks down your food and skin tissue. 
• Always apply sunscreen. The skin on your lips is just as delicate as the rest of your face and thus needs to be protected from the sun.
• Check the ingredient list. Do not use products containing phenol or formaldehyde, both of which are harmful to skin and can create "lip balm addiction."
• Skip the lip plumpers. The short-term fullness that they might provide is not worth the moisture-depletion they’ll lead to.
• Hydrate while you sleep. Use a humidifier at night to ensure that you are sleeping in moisture-rich air.
• Shop smart. Look for products that contain natural ingredients such as  pure vegetable oils or beeswax.
• Look for add-ins. You can also benefit from products containing additional moisturizers or soothing agents, such as calendula or shea butter.

While chapped lips are certainly uncomfortable, they can almost always be prevented and can easily be healed. So, be sure to care for your lips just as you would the rest of your skin and you’ll have one less skin woe to worry about!

Be sure to check out the amazing Jan Marini product C'Esta Lips.  C-ESTA Lips, containing DMAE, is the first medically based product that actually improves the appearance of aging and sun damage in the lip area. Available to purchase in our online store, here - http://www.secure-booker.com/mds/ShopOnline/Product/3536769/C-EstaLips

Book your appointment online now at www.montereydayspa.com!

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aricle source-youbeauty.com  

How to Treat & Prevent Stretch Marks

What Works & Doesn’t to Minimize Stretch Marks

It’s hard to find a woman who doesn’t have any stretch marks: those unsightly lines that may first appear bright pink, purple, reddish or brownish and later fade to a lighter pigmented white or grey/silvery color. While it can be difficult to prevent and treat these little buggers, and there are so many ineffective products on the market, read on for the things you can do to minimize stretch marks.

The Cause
“Stretch marks, also called ‘striae,’ appear on skin that is subjected to continuous and progressive stretching,” explains internist Andrea Ruman. When your skin can’t keep up with your body’s rate of growth it can cause the skin to thin and leave stretch marks.  

“Weight gain, particularly rapid weight gain, is the most common cause of stretch marks,” explains Dr. Ruman. On the other hand, she adds that rapid weight loss can also make stretch marks appear more prominent on your body (these freaking marks just won’t give us a break).  

Stretch marks also often appear on pregnant women, adolescents who are going through growth spurts and even on health-conscious bodybuilders. Dermatologic surgeon Dr. Joseph Sobanko adds, “Other known causes of these marks include endocrine disorders and the use of topical or oral steroid medications,” he explains.   And of course, genetics also likely play a role in determining the likelihood that you’ll get stretch marks and to what extent.  

Stretch marks can most commonly be found on the areas of your body where weight gain manifests the quickest—think abdomen, thighs, buttocks, hips, breasts and upper arms.      


Catch Them Early
Just how it’s important to treat a scar early, it’s best to treat stretch marks while they’re still fresh. “Stretch marks are most likely to respond to treatment in their earliest stages, when they are purplish in color,” explains Dr. Ruman. “Once stretch marks become white, a process that may take several months, they are quite difficult to treat.” If you did not catch them early, the good news is that most stretch will fade to a very pale color over time and do not require medical treatment. You can wear them proudly, or if you’re having trouble doing that and find the marks to be unsightly, there are treatments available that may help. There is, however (sadly), no magic cure-all.    


Topical Treatments
Again, treatments are likely to only be partially effective (at best), but knowing that, the most common treatments for stretch marks are vitamin C, retinoids and fruit acids.   “Topical application of tretinoin cream (Retin-A), adapalene (Differin) and tazarotene (Tazorac) may be useful for stretch marks that are under six weeks old,” Dr. Ruman explains. These are all examples of retinoids, which can be effective at increasing collagen and elastin production in early stretch marks. Note that these should not be used if you are pregnant or nursing.  

Ob/Gyn and fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Dr. Charles Bollmann explains that a study has shown that when people applied 0.1 percent tretinoin cream (Retin-A) daily for six months to their stretch marks it led to a significant improvement in the severity of the marks after two months, as compared to people who applied other types of products.  

While Retin A may be a great product on the horizon for treatment, keep in mind that this is only one study and further research is needed to develop groundbreaking products. As Dr. Sobanko urges, “It is important to note that topical treatments are very unlikely to work because the underlying cause is deeper in the skin: the loss of collagen and thinning of the epidermis.”    


Laser Treatments
Whether you’re plagued with fresh stretch marks or old, faded ones, laser treatments may be your best option for beautifying your skin. They can be expensive and time consuming, though, and there are no guarantees you’ll be satisfied with your results.  

For fresh stretch marks, Dr. Sobanko explains that vascular lasers can help to improve the appearance of the marks by targeting the pigment to improve overall color. More specifically, Dr. Ruman adds, “Laser treatments at four to six week intervals (with a 585-nm flashlamp pulsed dye laser, a 1064-nm long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser or intense pulsed light) have shown to improve the appearance of stretch marks in their earliest purplish color stage,” says Dr. Ruman.  

If your marks are older or simply manifesting as white textural changes, they are more difficult to treat, but may be treated by a different type of laser to better blend them into your skin. “Laser treatments using the 308-nm excimer laser have been shown to repigment the skin,” explains Dr. Ruman. “These lasers stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, helping purple and white stretch marks to take on a similar appearance to the rest of the skin.”  

If you’re looking into laser therapy, remember to evaluate your physician’s skills and qualifications. “I would encourage you to see a board-certified physician who is skilled with laser treatments,” recommends Dr. Sobanko. “You should inquire if they are a member of the American Society for Lasers in Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS) or the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS).”  

It’s worth doing your homework on your doctor before laser treatment, as “seeking treatment with a professional who is not skilled with laser treatment can potentially lead to scarring and a worsened appearance,” explains Dr. Sobanko.    


Microdermabrasion No longer just a treatment to polish away wrinkles and blemishes on the skin, microdermabrasion may also be used to treat stretch marks. Microdermabrasion works by gently removing the top layer of the skin to promote the growth of healthier, most elastic skin.  

If you are looking for a non-laser treatment for older stretch marks that just won’t fade as fast as you would like, this might be an option.    


Prevention
“Home therapy options such as lotions or ointments containing cocoa butter, vitamin E or glycolic acid, while not hurtful, have not been shown by research to help with prevention,” says Dr. Ruman. “These products do not seem to protect skin from the stresses caused by stretching.”  

While moisturizing your skin may not make a difference in preventing stretch marks, it’s worth a shot. It’s a good idea to keep your skin moisturized for a variety of reasons, and since moisture helps your skin stay more pliant, perhaps it might have a slight impact on helping your skin cope with stretching. Just try to avoid dropping cash on expensive lotions and other products promising to prevent stretch marks from forming—pregnant women beware!  

Ultimately, to truly prevent stretch marks you should place your bets on avoiding rapid fluctuations in your weight. If you’re pregnant, your best bet is to try to avoid gaining excess weight—work with your doctor to establish a healthy target body weight and monitor your growth.  

Since certain conditions and medications can also cause stretch marks, also ask your doctor if you’re on any medications or have any health problems that may put you at a predisposition for developing stretch marks and, if so, see if there’s that anything can be done to minimize your risk.  

Book your appointment online now at www.montereydayspa.com!

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aricle source-youbeauty.com  

January Winter Special

	Offering an exclusive Winter Special promotion for the month of January!
	Relax and Indulge With our Warm and Cozy January Special Get Warm and Cozy with our Relaxing Spa Pedicure and Hot Cup of Cocoa - Indulge with a relaxing lavender sea salt bath soak for your feet. Trim, cut, shape and buff the nail and cuticles. Receive an invigorating foot and leg scrub that warms and relaxes the muscles and tension in your legs and feet.  Next you will be treated to a detoxifying foot mask wrapped in warm towels, followed by a relaxing and therapeutic herbal muscle calm foot and leg massage. Finish your treatment with your favorite nail color or buff. $50/60min   Book Now! Stay Connected               Offer valid until 1/31/14

5 Acne Myths

Now that adolescence is behind you, do you believe acne is as well? Or that skipping sunscreen and letting your skin soak up those UV rays will help conceal the appearance of your acne, or even help heal it?

The truth is that these and other myths about acne are widely believed, and anecdotal evidence only helps them thrive. The problem is that when you have acne, you know how important it is to get rid of it and to heal and fade acne scars left behind – but if you follow incorrect advice, you will only make your problem worse. Begin taking steps to improve your skin by learning the truth about these five acne myths.

1. Acne only happens to teenagers.
Teenagers certainly do deal with more than their fair share of acne, but some people get acne for the first time as adults of 20, 30, or even older.

2. You have acne because your face is dirty.
The truth is that if you take regular showers, your face is no dirtier than anyone else’s, nor is it dirtier than any other part of your body that is washed daily. Blackheads, despite being dark in color, are not caused by dirt. The fact is that acne is a complex condition and it cannot always be pinned down to a direct cause.

3. Tanning can make acne go away.
Tanning is never a good idea, but it can be especially problematic if you have acne. That’s because while you may think your skin looks better in the short term with a tan, those UV rays are actually drying out your skin and ultimately exacerbating your acne, as well as any scars your acne may cause.

4. Acne is not affected by what you eat.
Almost all of your body’s systems as well as your overall health are directly impacted by what you eat. While acne may sometimes have a genetic component, it has also been directly linked to dairy intake. Research is ongoing, of course, and other foods may eventually be implicated as well. In the meantime, it’s probably a good idea to ask your doctor about the wisdom of limiting dairy products in your diet in order to improve the health and appearance of your skin.

5. Acne will eventually go away on its own.
Most often, it won’t. There is a reason why you have acne; that reason needs to be discovered and treated in order to make a significant difference in your acne. Ignoring your acne and doing nothing may simply make it worse. Getting serious about finding an effective acne remedy and a product that will fade any scarring is your best bet for clearing up your skin – fast, and for good.

Often people try home remedies or simple, natural cures. Certainly, some of these have value and some skin protective properties. However, most of these types of treatments deliver limited results at best (i.e. lemon juice to fade acne scars), and are far more effective when combined with a proven, safe product like dimethicone silicone gel and Vitamin C.

A great way to help combat acne is with routine visits to your esthetician.  Call today to schedule your facial appointment at 831-373-2273.  Or book online at www.montereydayspa.com

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***Don't forget that Monterey Day Spa gift certificates make the perfect holiday gift!  Order yours now at www.montereydayspa.com*** 

A Brow Study

Love this brow how-to I found at thebeautydepartment.com!  Check it out.



POST + PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY NADINE, GRAPHIC DESIGN: EUNICE CHUN


There’s only one thing that I love more than a side-by-side diagram. A side-by-side-by-side diagram! This way we can really single out one feature and study the difference between three different application techniques. Yes, I left out a brow pencil, one of the most popular brow products, but only because I’m saving it for my next brow study. Today we’re focusing on bare, brow shadow and wet brow shadow.

• BARE: This look is for those of us who like a soft and effortless look. Use a spooly brush or disposable mascara wand to follow the natural brow direction: 1. brush the base hairs upward and 2. brush the “tail” diagonally downward.
• BROW SHADOW: This look is for those of us who like to frame the eyes and define the brow. With a stiff, angled brow brush (my favorite is MAKE UP FOR EVER’s Angled Eyebrow Brush #270) and a brow powder (I love Laura Mercier’s Brow Powder Duo because you can dip the brush back and forth into both shades), draw individual brow hairs in upward motions as you work your way from the inside of the brow to the tail. 
• WET BROW SHADOW: This look is for those of us who like a really bold brow to make a statement. It’s also a great way to change the shape of the brow (see how I made Lacy’s more angular and pointed above). To do this, simply wet the same brow brush (revisit my Retro Brow Tutorial for more details), dip it into the brow shadow, draw the outline of the brow you want, then fill it in. You can also do this technique with a Brow Stencil.

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: thebeautydepartment.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

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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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.  

 

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 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

Tips to Get Smooth Results Shaving the Bikini Area

How to Shave the Bikini Area & Prevent Bumps & Irritation

What, you’re not a fan of the ‘70s full bush? If waxing, trimming or other hair removal techniques don’t always (or ever) cut it for you, and you find yourself shaving your bikini area, then this article is for you.

Shaving down there is convenient, no doubt, but even the best of us could use some help with our technique. Between the potential to cut or nick your skin, or get irritation or ingrown hairs (those little red ant-bite like bumps that can pop up), shaving your bikini area can be a dangerous job. But if you’re going to do it, do it right. With the help of our ChickRx experts, we’ve put together an awesome list of dos and don’ts for how to shave the bikini area to maximize your chances of getting smooth results and minimize the likelihood of ingrown hairs and rough skin. Your lady parts will thank us.


Exfoliate 
You know by now that exfoliation is key to maintaining youthful, radiant skin on your face and body, but did you also know it’s a crucial step to preventing shaving irritation?

Before you shave, you need to exfoliate to remove the dead skin cells to give you a clean surface to shave. Certified holistic health coach Heather Vargas recommends a mix of sugar with jojoba or almond oil as a great exfoliation product. Bonus: this scrub can be used to exfoliate the underarm area before shaving to reduce bumps and irritation there as well.

Or, dermatologist Dr. Debra Jaliman explains that a simply gently rubbing the area with a warm washcloth may do the trick.


Soak in Warm Water
You want to shave at the end of your shower so that your skin has time to soak up the steam from the shower. Or, if you shaving outside of the shower or bath, try first covering the area to be shaved with warm washcloths, Dr. Jaliman recommends. She explains, "Warm water opens the pores around the hair follicles so they are more easily released when shaving.”


Sharp Razor
Now you’ll need a clean, sharp razor. Shaving with a dull blade is an invitation for irritation and bumps to come party on your skin. To ensure your razor is sharp, you could go for a disposable razor and ditch it after one or two shaves. You could also consider trying a man’s razor, which we personally find to work best (love the Gillette Mach3 Turbo—yeah it’s not normal looking for a woman, necessarily, but we find it stays sharp for a lot longer than women’s razors and gives a nice close shave!).


Soothing, Protective Shave Gel
Apply a shave gel to the area. Dr. Jaliman recommends Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel with natural colloidal oatmeal, particularly for shavers with sensitive skin prone to ingrown hairs. Dr. Jaliman explains that the product's oatmeal formula "really seems to help the inflammation patients experience during shaving." She explains, "Colloidal oatmeal has been used for centuries to sooth irritated, dry skin, rashes and even poison ivy. It has the ability to bind water to the skin and act as a barrier to outside elements. Also, the protein components in colloidal oatmeal can offer long-lasting moisture protection." Apply a generous amount of shave gel to the skin before taking out your razor.

Or, Vargas likes using coconut oil as an alternative to store bought shave gel. She recommends applying a thin layer of coconut oil to the skin immediately before shaving for a moisturizing, protective layer. Note, though, that some people find that coconut oil may aggravate acne for people with acne-prone skin—so if that describes you, perhaps avoid the oil.


Shave in the Direction of Hair Growth
With your protective shave gel or coconut oil on your skin, and a fresh, sharp razor, Dr. Jaliman recommends that you shave moving slowly and stroking the blade in the direction of your hair growth (so if your hair grows downwards, start at the top and shave downwards). Note that if your hair is longer than about a quarter of an inch, you’ll want to first trim it down before shaving.

Though the hair down there is coarser, you may be tempted to press harder against the skin with the razor, but don’t. This will just cause more trouble and pulling on the sensitive area and may even lead to cuts and infection. Be careful and go slowly. It’s a task that can test your patience, but one you want to make sure you do right.


After You Shave: Prevent Red Bumps & Irritation
What you do after you shave also plays a big part in determining if you’ll experience irritation and red bumps.

After you’ve shaved, dry the area completely. Do not rub too hard with the towel as this can lead to rough, dry skin or irritation.

Once dry, to help prevent irritation, you can try applying baby powder, tea tree oil or coconut oil. Or, if you’re looking for solutions specifically designed to help prevent and combat red bumps, you can try physician Dr. Darria Gillespie’s recommendations: Tendskin or MiN New York Solution 2. Or, licensed esthetician Daniela Ferri loves FerroRosa FrictionFixTM. She recommends applying the powder to the shaved area each morning before getting dressed, before working out or before sitting for long periods that could put extra pressure on the delicate skin. This will reduce inflammation and irritation while absorbing moisture and oil, and preventing friction and pressure.

The Right Undies
Pressure and friction are common causes of irritation, which can prevent hair from growing back properly, and can lead to red bumps and ingrown hairs. One important way to minimize friction and irritation down there is by wearing the right underwear to protect your skin. “Prevention comes in the form of properly cushioning the skin,” Ferri explains. “This means—hate to be the barer of bad news, ladies—no thong when wearing denim, tweed, twill or any other type of textured material. It also means no lace and no mesh underwear. Ever.”

So save those perfect little lacy pair of underwear for when they won’t be on for long (wink wink) and just go with more basic, protective pairs for day-to-day wear. Ferri recommends smooth, non-textured cotton underwear that will cover the entire area to prevent rubbing against your clothes: “Many of my clients have enjoyed a great deal of relief from their ingrown problems just by changing completely to boy cut or boy short 100 percent cotton underwear.”

Note that if you’re currently dealing with a bout of irritation and ingrown hairs from your last shave, it’s best to wait until it clears to shave again. Shaving over an already inflamed area could lead to a serious skin infection and scarring. If your skin is warm to the touch and painful beyond what is normal for you, book an appointment with your doctor to as it could be the sign of a skin infection.


Not wanting to deal with it?  Call Monterey Day Spa to schedule your wax appointment!! 831-373-2273 You can also book online at www.montereydayspa.com

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Article source: ChickRX

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