Professional Facial Brush...Is it Necessary?

When I first saw the new facial brush by Clarisonic I watched carefully to see if it was worthy of all of the "hype" I call it. Should I spend that much money on a facial brush? I contemplated carefully the pros and cons. I watched as a friend of mine (also an Esthetician) purchased one, and then listened as she raved and ranted about it, touting it's exfoliating capabilities and exclaiming to me that her face never "felt so clean." I was once told by a "Face Reader" that I often take a very "long time" to "make a decision" because I am so analytical. I still did not rush out to buy this brush, even after a representative offered me a discount.
Instead, I told my friend after her first use, that I wanted to compare her results using a skin scanner.

I knew that this would reveal what the Clarisonic Brush was really doing to Lisa's skin. Good or bad, the proof would be as they say "in the pudding". I am so glad I did this now looking back in retrospect. The first scan revealed what we had expected, very little sun damage and oils on Lisa's skin, which were perfectly normal.
After a couple of weeks of Lisa using the Clarisonic Brush, we then put her back behind the scanner. What I found was light violet light all over her face through the scanner. As you can see on the chart above, Lisa's once Normal/Oily skin was now very dehydrated. She was surprised to see that, as she felt like her skin had improved since using the Clarisonic Brush. So we started talking about the length of time that she was using her brush and how often. We compared to the manufacterer recommendations.
It turns out that she was ignoring the recommended time alloted usage. Whenever the little buzzer went off that "time was up", she would just restart her brush and continue using it! She was "over using" her brush to the extreme and dehydrating her skin severely! Not good at all. Oily skin can be a blessing if we balance it correctly. The skin needs it's oils. Dehydrated skin will age faster. Picture a peice of paper in the sun that was once wet, when it dries up, it shrivels up!!!
Too much of a good thing is a BAD thing! Just remember that. I recommend these facial brushes be used only according to manufacturer instructions. They are great for exfoliating and cleansing the skin. Mine felt softer after the first use. And thank goodness I had the sense to do a little experiment before purchasing or I can honestly say I would have done the same thing as my friend! There are other less expensive facial brushes out there that work excellent!

I purchased one at Costco by Oil of Olay that works comparable to the Clarisonic for a fraction of the price. I believe it was around $35.00. I love the exfoliating properties of a facial brush and it's ability to cleanse my skin more thoroughly. You don't always have to pay top dollar to get the best out of a new concept! Just do a little investigating first, check out online reviews of the product first.
Case in point: Last year I purchased a "Pretika" facial brush from Marshalls for around $35-40.00. I read reviews after I got home with it and discovered it was not a good product do to the fact it literally "died" on people after only a month or two. I decided to give it a chance and....well the darn thing died on me after a few months!!! Lesson learned!~ Pay attention to consumer reviews!!
I hope I have helped anyone out there trying to decided whether they should invest in a facial brush. I do think it's a good and effective skin tool for anyone to have when used appropriately.
Until next time, and hopefully sooner than later!
Caroline;)

What Is a High Frequency Device?

What is a “High Frequency” device? You will feel so empowered and enlightened when I reveal this one to you. This is such a simple easy and inexpensive way for you to control acne, stimulate collagen, oxygenate your skin, assist in lymphatic drainage, sagging skin, puffy eyes, cellulite and even stimulating hair growth. Circulation is enhanced, collagen and elastin production increased.
High Frequency was actually developed in the late 1800′s by one of my favorite renowned scientists, Nikola Tesla. It was originally intended for medical purposes such as treating strep throat and other infections.
A picture depicting a young Nikola Tesla.

French biophysicist D’Arsonval also did work in the same area of electrotherapy. In 1892 he then introduced the high frequency current as a means of treating skin diseases, etc..
While in beauty college we were taught about the many uses of a “high frequency device”. It was connected to our bulky steamer as one large unit. It seemed to be a pricey option for me at the time. So when my friend “Olga” from Russia showed up at school with her hand-held version, curiosity brewed inside. I asked her where she got it and she said she bought it in Russia! I asked her how much it cost her and I believe the price was under $40.00 American dollars. I began my research and discovered one on E-Bay for around $29.00 plus shipping. Not bad.

There are several glass attachments in various sizes and shapes. One looks like a spoon, the other a hair comb. Aside from the obvious uses of the “Hair Comb”, you can pretty much use whatever size attachment is more convenient for whatever part of the body you choose to treat. I like to use the smaller “spoon like” attachment for my temples and around my nose, the larger one for cheeks and forehead. It’s a pretty simple and easy application once you read the instructions that come with the unit.

When applied to the skin a mild electrical current passes through a neon or argon gas filled electrode causing a subtle glow. All high frequency electrodes produce a neon orange or violet colored glow. It all depends upon the gas they are filled with. Both colors provide equally effective results.

I like to apply masques and serums and gently move the glass attachments (electrodes) around my face to help to “drive” them deeper into my skin, enhancing my treatment and getting better use of my product. The hair comb attachment feels really good as you gently slide it across the scalp you can feel a neat “tickling” sensation that sort of feels like a scalp massage. But this actually helps to stimulate circulation to the scalp and encourage hair growth. Bacteria is killed upon contact with the electrical current being sent out onto the skin surface, circulation to the area is enhanced, pores size is reduced. Skin continues to get healthier and plumper with each use. You can turn the knob on the handheld unit to increase the intensity of the current. It’s better to start at a low setting and build up over time until you are used to the “rubber band smacking” sensation.
I love the oxygenation of high frequency as the presence of oxygen is necessary for collagen production as well as antioxidants like Vitamin C. It is a safe and non invasive technology that makes it win big brownie points for me!
Make sure you do not use your device by a water source, while wearing jewelry or in a way contrary to instructions. It is really intended for professional use. But reading up on and following instructions insures you much success and safe use of your unit.
Please feel free to message me with any questions. I would love to hear any comments you may have.

Micro Needling For Skin

I was so excited to come home on Tuesday from a busy day at the Spa to find my new “Micro Needling Device” I had bought from Amazon. I explored this treatment a few years ago and decided to put it on hold for a bit while I investigated other options for helping my skin to produce collagen (skin plumping protein). You have probably heard about how our skin slows collagen production with age and begins to sink in some places and lose the firm plumpness of our youth.
This is a way I can manipulate my skin at home at a very affordable cost! The device can be called several names such as “Micro Needling”, “Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT), “Derma-Roller”. What people don’t realize is how valuable this little $29.00 device can be. I am familiar with a Day Spa in a very affluent area that sells this “treatment” along with a professional peel solution application at a hefty price tag of $150.00!!!

This little hand-held device has several micro needles on a roller that put tiny holes in to the skins’ surface. If you have ever explored laser therapy than you are familiar with lasers that put tiny pin holes in the skin. This causes the skin cells to go in to repair mode, fibroblast activity (firing off collagen proteins), plumping and healing the skin, making acne scars fade, stretch marks much less noticeable, refining the pores, etc.
Instructions are usually included.

Results are similar to fractional and resurfacing lasers, but without the issues of ablation, heat and necessary downtime. Heat is one of the main causes of hyperpigmentation (uneven dark patches on the skin). I couldn’t wait to use mine, and noticed results, Yes, immmediately! My skin felt tighter, my pores looked smaller. It takes a full 14 days for the collagen activity I set off to complete its cycle. So, it will only get better over the next 2 weeks.
I plan on using my device 3-4 times a week in the evenings. Luckily, as a Professional Aesthetition, I have access to professional grade peel solutions and was able to treat my skin with a solution along with a “Hyaluronic Serum” for hydration and added plumping results. You can get great results with ”Hyaluronic” serums purchased on the internet or at your local health food store. A good antioxidant Vitamin C Serum would make a great addition to your Micro Needle Therapy. Make sure to follow instruction carefully, never apply a professional peel solution without the help or aid of a professional.
I started by cleansing my skin with an organic cleanser, then exfoliating it with some of Eminence’s Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant.

This step is important because you want make sure skin is cleaned thoroughly and any surface dead skin cells removed for proper penetration of the micro needling device as well as the products you apply afterwards.
After using my micro needling device I spritzed my skin with some toner. Because I felt like my skin was sunburned after my treatment (a normal reaction), I decided to apply a ”Calm Skin Masque” with Arnica by Eminence Organics Skincare.

I finished up by applying some Eminence Grapefruit-C Gel and some soothing Stone Crop Moisturizer along with my favorite Wild Plum Eye Cream.

Please feel free to send me any questions you may have about this home therapy device. I look forward to sharing more Spa Secrets with you next week!
Hyperpigmentation: is a common, usually harmless condition in which patches of skin become darker
in color than the normal surrounding skin.
Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic acid is a polysaccharide. It is a thick, slimy substance. Our bodies produce it naturally in abundance, but it can also be made synthetically. Hyaluronic acid is often used in plastic surgery by injection of a product called Restylane to erase wrinkles and plump up lips.

Just Another Day With My Skin

I live in North Texas and we are currently in the middle of a drought. For weeks now, temperatures have been in the 3 digits, not a good thing for ANY type of skin. My skin type is oily, sensitive and slightly acneic. I was also diagnosed with Rosacea back in '2005. So, needless to say, whenever I see a person in my treatment room with this type of skin, I sympathize immediately!
This morning I decided to steep some Red Rose Tea to use as a cleansing agent. Don't let the delicate appearance fool you! Roses are known for their ability to detoxify the skin, flushing out impurities, tightening and toning and even adding a radiant glow!

After steeping my tea for about 10-12 minutes, I decided to add some to a small bottle to "spritz" on to my skin throughout the day.

You can also spritz your tea on to your skin to seal in your make up or even just to give your skin a little pick up throughout your day. I wouldn't go past the 24 hour mark before brewing some more though!

After cleansing my skin and rinsing with my Red Rose Tea, I decided to smooth on some "Unfiltered Raw Honey" that I had picked up at Sprouts. I found this big bottle for only $9.99! And was very surprised to find Wild Raw Honey at such a bargain price!

Why Honey? You may ask. Honey, especially raw and unfiltered, has live enzymes that exfoliate and nourish the skin. It also has the ability to hydrate, soften and soothe the skin. Something my skin needed after the ravages of the hot Texas Sun! The Sun draws water out of your skin leaving it dehydrated, revealing facial lines and making it look older than it should.
On my way now to finish the rest of my morning routine. I hope you have enjoyed and learned something from my post!