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.

Fight Winter Skin: Stay Smooth and Hydrated for a Springtime Glow in January

Here in Florida, winter doesn’t take much of a toll on delicate skin; Local concerns are focused more on sun damage. But I often have clients who migrate north or have spent much of their lives trying to hold back the effects of New York and Chicago winters, which are often accompanied by dry indoor air, smog, and day-to-day stress.

No matter where my clients come from, seasonal skin care presents challenges, and we’re all searching for ways to keep skin protected and hydrated under changing conditions. Here are a few general skin care tips that can help:

1. Skin produces natural oils that protect and hydrate better than any available product. So let these oils do their work. Wash your face with water, never soap. To remove makeup, use gentle cleanser, but don’t scrub, and don’t rub your face aggressively to dry it. Just pat with a soft cloth.
2. Skin thrives on organic, plant-based nutrients, not harsh chemicals. The delicate skin cells of the face also respond well to retinol, or concentrated vitamin A. Look for skin products that contain actual retinol, not derivatives like retinyl or retinyl palmitate.
3. For the sake of your skin, try to limit sleepless nights, hectic scheduling, and excessive alcohol consumption. Eat plenty of leafy green vegetables, carrots, and colorful fruits.
4. Baby your skin when you can. Schedule regular facials, including a glycolic or vitamin C peel at least once every few months.  For daily moisturizing and protection, we recommend Aveda Balancing Infusion for dry skin, and the Aveda Botanical Kinetics Skin Care Starter Kit for dry-to-medium complexions.
5. No matter your age, where you live, or how the seasons affect you, always protect your skin from the sun. Use a daily moisturizer or foundation with sunscreen, and wear sunglasses with UV protection.

Men’s Hair: What to Ask For and How to Maintain

Many men (and women too) often settle into a comfortable routine when they find a style they like. It can take a few hits and misses, but people are creatures of habit, and once we develop a steady relationship with a look, it can seem risky or unnecessary to make a significant change.

But change is necessary. And it’s also fun. If you’ve been wearing the same style for more than five years, it’s probably time to start looking for something new. Begin by paying attention to celebrities and other men with styles you admire. Consider your overall look, including your bone structure and clothing preferences, and keep an eye on men who make the kind of impression that you’d like to create when you walk into a room.

Note how different lengths, part placements, and textures have different effects. And when you’ve narrowed down your options, find a way to describe your intentions to a stylist. (For a completely new hairstyle, it’s probably a good idea to visit a professional stylist rather than your regular barber. Go online or get recommendations from friends if you aren’t sure how to choose.) Once your stylist understands what you want, ask questions as he or she conditions, cuts and sculpts your hair.  Most salons will be more than happy to provide tips on maintaining your look, and if you ask about products, your stylist can easily give recommendations. Some products are only available or accessible through high end salons, but feel to ask about alternatives and substitutes.

If you leave with a new style and find that you can’t perfectly reproduce the look by yourself, don’t worry. Just make the style your own and wait to see the changes it brings into your life.