Vitamin C and Glycolic Peels: What are They, and are They Right for You?

As skin cells grow and divide at a natural pace, new cells are formed and come to the surface, replacing the older dead cells on the outermost layer of our skin. These older, damaged cells typically fall away with time and regular cleansing. But several things can interfere with this process, including sun exposure and environmental pollutants. When dead skin cells are produced too quickly or fail to slough off at a natural pace, the skin surface can start to look aged and dull.

Facial Treatments and AHAs

Enter the magic of AHAs, or alpha hydroxyl acids. This family of molecules includes, among others, lactic acid (derived from milk products), citric acid (from fruits) and glycolic acid (often derived from sugar cane). All of these natural products provide a very gentle acidity that helps loosen and slough away the outer layer of aged and damaged cells on the surface of our skin. This reveals the new cells beneath and exposes them to oxygen, which encourages healthy growth.

Shedding away the dull outer layer of skin with a very gentle peel can even skin tone, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and help the skin regulate its production of oil.

Who Benefits from a Glycolic or Vitamin C Peel?

Everyone! But especially those with large pores, age spots, acne, or oily, uneven, or sun damaged skin. A single treatment can restore a healthy bloom, but regular treatments with a high concentration of AHAs can actually help encourage the regeneration of collagen and elastin and reverse some of the natural effects of aging.

Vitamin C and glycolic peels are most often recommended for adult men and women, but here at my salon we also offer a one-hour mini facial treatment for teenagers. A mini-facial can bring out the natural radiance of young skin and help control acne problems.

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Men: Manage Your Winter Scruff

Even though spring is around the corner, this is still the season of the beard, the time of the year when men can feel free from the constraints of formality (within reason) and let their facial hair express its natural inclinations. Easing up a bit on your shaving routine can be manly and appealing to the ladies, and it can also help you stay in touch with the natural patterns and habits of your facial hair. Here are some general tips that can help you keep your winter scruff in a balance between out of control and under control, between edgy and just plain lazy.

Fuzz

Every two to three days, take a hot shower to open your pores and soften your skin. Then use a stubble trimmer to keep your scruff active, but cut close to the skin. Dry your skin with a towel first (don’t stubble-trim a wet face) and use plenty of moisturizer. Don’t neglect the skin beneath your fuzz.

Scruff

For a little bit more length then the pirate stubble, use a beard trimmer on a low setting every four days. Pay special attention to your neckline. Make sure the line is tapered for a natural look, not sharp.

Full Beard

For longer, thicker beard growth, use a heavy-duty beard trimmer twice a week. Before trimming, comb your beard against the growth to fluff and detangle it. Between trimmings, wash your beard with beard wash or gentle organic hair care product instead of just facial cleanser. Again, you’ll need to pay special attention to the areas where you’d like the beard to end. A natural line is the key to a handsome bearded face. So is good grooming. Keep your beard combed and free of cookie crumbs.

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Sunscreen: Is it Necessary in February?

When clients come to see me for facial treatments like glycolic and vitamin C peels, a few common skin care topics tend to come up over and over again. Some of the questions I hear every day deal with winter skin care, and since these issues are important, I thought I’d share them here.

My freckles are increasing and I seem to have uneven patches and sun damage. But it’s February. What does this mean?

It means you’ve been in the sun! Winter sun in Michigan has the same UV rays as a Florida beach sun in July. It’s the same sun. And if you plan to be out and about during the day, you’ll need to use the same protection, no matter the season and no matter where you live. Don’t neglect your skin. Sunglasses and felt hats on the streets of Manhattan are just as important as big shades and floppy beach hats in Miami.

Okay, okay, I get it! I’ll take care of my skin, I promise. What sun protection products should I use?

Add years to the resilience and even tone of your skin by applying PABA free sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Every day. I recommend skin care products by Aveda and Intelligent Nutrients.

Should I protect my hair as well?

Of course. Have you ever seen a plastic awning or an old poster in the window of an ice cream shop? Have you seen how the surface cracks and the colors fade after just a short period of exposure? The same forces are at work on your hair. Of course, sun damaged hair can’t cause serious health problems like sun damaged skin, but dryness, dullness and fading are all part of the package. Try Suncare Protective Hair Veil, by Aveda. This product contains UV filters derived from natural plant oils and green tea extract, and it forms an invisible shield that helps sun-drenched hair retain its moisture and vibrancy.

Valentine’s Day Styles for 2012: Sweet, Messy, Edgy, Romantic

Valentine’s Day is just a week away, and romance is already in the air! Can you feel it? Here at the salon, we sure can. We’re already being asked about styles and products that can take a romantic adventure to the next level. Choose your Valentine’s style carefully and remember: hair that flows beautifully and catches the light of the moon can turn your evening out into a night to remember.

The hottest romantic styles this year are just a bit messy, and they temper soft sweetness with a dangerous edge. If your hair is long, consider a few subtle highlights to capture the glow of candlelight, and then choose a style that brings out your mysterious side, your fascinating duplicity. A loose curl or soft wave can go from honey sweet to sexy and sly with a bit of product to produce a wet, sleek shine. And a tight updo can become a mesmerizing puzzle if it’s messy, pulled apart, or tossed into a careless tangle. Try braiding some of your hair before pulling it back, or pinning curls to let them dry before styling.

For short hair, the same rule applies. Temper gentle softness with a piecy or razored edge. Try a glossing treatment for an ultra-smooth straight look, or let short curls come apart slightly. Bobbed hair is in now, but the bob of the moment is unpredictable, asymmetrical, surprising, and a bit off-center. Make this look work for you by playing up the romance. Bangs that are just a millimeter too long will have your companion staring into your eyes, and a single out-of-control lock demands to be touched. As always, remember that no matter what you’re wearing, your hair is the defining element of your look.

Aveda’s Smoothing Treatment Service

Beautiful hair comes in every texture and every natural style. And as many of us know, the most fascinating hair in the world can be the thickest, the strongest, and the most sensitive to environmental conditions like humidity.  If your hair is rebellious, temperamental, very fine, or very coarse, be grateful. Your hair is full of life! It’s radiant, just like you. But you should also know how to bring your brilliant locks under control when you need to.

Here at my salon we offer a wide range of soothing and smoothing products that can tame stubborn kinks, frizz, and fly-aways. Our services are available to help you add gloss and weight and even re-texture your hair for a radical, semi-permanent change when you feel like trying something new. Since we support Aveda and recommend their line of healthy, natural skin and hair products, we can also tell you a bit about their treatment services, and the Aveda Smoothing Treatment is one of my personal favorites.

This keratin-infusing treatment involves a special technique using Aveda’s Smooth Infusion products and a single procedure that can leave your hair smooth, relaxed and humidity-proof for up to two months. 83 percent of the ingredients in your Smooth Infusion treatment come from plant based and non-petroleum derived ingredients. This safe, ecofriendly procedure relies on natural tourmaline to loosen curls and waves and make the styling process easier, even after months of washing, daily styling and exposure to all kinds of weather conditions.

If you’re interested in putting Aveda’s Smoothing Treatment to the test, visit the company website to find a location in your area. Meanwhile, feel free to contact my salon for more information about smoothing treatments, Aveda products and our own range of services that nourish your hair and make the most of its unique beauty.