John and Ginger - beauty tips and advice
We hope our Tips and Advice page is of help to you.SKIN - DERMALOGICA
Who needs exfoliation?
What should I expect after an exfoliation treatment?
The sun and my skin ... are they really such enemies?
What's the best preventative approach for skin cancer?
What if sunscreens sensitize my skin?
What if I want that golden glow?
How do I prevent unbalanced pigmentation?
What are my treatment options for unbalanced pigmentation?
What is sensitive skin, and do I have it?
How can I avoid trigger factors?
What can I do for my skin when it's sensitised?
What is acne?
What can I do at home to help my breakouts?
How should I change my regimen if I am taking prescription acne medication?
Why do some people breakout in their thirties and forties?
What is premature aging and how do I avoid it?
How can I control premature aging?
Topical vitamins ... do they work?
What vitamins are most effective?
NAILS - JESSICA NAIL CARE
How can I look after my nails?
Any tips?
TANNING - FAKE BAKE
How do I use it at home?
How do I get the best results?
How do I maintain my tan?
If you needed more information or you have a specific query please click here to contact our professional beauty therapist Alexandra Bell.
SKIN DERMALOGICA
Who needs exfoliation?
Well, everyone exfoliates naturally. In fact, as you're reading this, thousands of tiny skin cells are falling off your body - about a million every minute! An exfoliation regimen simply helps your body along in the process, which becomes especially vital as we age. Teenagers completely regenerate their external layer of skin, on average every 14 days.
By the time you're 40, however, that rate has increased to 30-40 days. The result is dull, ashy or mottled-looking skin. An exfoliation regimen can reduce the time that dulling skin cells sit at the surface of our skin for a healthier, more vibrant complexion. Depending on your age and skin condition, your therapist might prescribe a combination of exfoliation therapies. Here are some examples:
- Acne-Prone Skin: A masque-style exfoliant, such as Dermalogica Gentle Cream Exfoliant, can help the skin combat extra oiliness and congestion without aggravating acne conditions.
- Dehydrated Skin: Depending on the sensitivity of your skin, you might select a masque-style or scrub-style exfoliant to help remove the dry, dead debris and reveal healthy cells. Combining Skin Renewal Booster with your moisturizer is another great option.
-Prematurely-Aging Skin: Prematurely aged skin is often the result of sun exposure. Sun exposure causes a build up of surface skin cells, which results in a dull, dehydrated appearance. A physical exfoliant such as Skin Prep Scrub, plus professional MultiVitamin Power Exfoliant treatments, will help slough away dead skin cells.
- Uneven Pigmentation: Exfoliation is an important component of every hyperpigmentation treatment because it helps remove the pigmented surface cells. Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant®, when used as part of the Skin Brightening System, is the most effective choice.
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What should I expect after an exfoliation treatment?
Depending on the strength of your treatment, your skin may feel a little tight and sensitized for a little while when you leave the skin care centre. This is perfectly normal, and should dissipate quickly.
The most important consideration after any form of exfoliation is to protect your super-vulnerable skin against the sun. An application of Ultra Sensitive Face Block SPF25 will help protect your skin without any chance of sensitization. You will also want to cleanse with a super-gentle cleanser, such as Ultra Calming Cleanser, and follow with your moisturizer to prevent dehydration. Your therapist may recommend Barrier Repair for extra protection.
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The sun and my skin ... are they really such enemies?
It's no exaggeration to say that the sun is potentially your skin's worst enemy. In fact, skin cancer, largely caused by unprotected exposure to the sun's damaging UV rays, is the most prevalent form of cancer in the world, affecting one in five people. And it's on the rise - recent studies suggest that depletion of the earth's ozone layer makes shielding the skin more important than ever.
Not a sun bather, you say? Well, unless you only go out at night, your skin is still bombarded on a daily basis. Driving to work. Walking the dog. Even sitting under indoor lighting. The bottom line - if the sun is in the sky, sun protection should be on your skin!
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What's the best preventative approach for skin cancer?
If you're directly exposed to sunlight, ensuring proper coverage is vital. Recent studies show that it's better to apply an SPF15 more frequently (every 30 minutes) than it is to use a higher SPF less frequently. It's also important to keep in mind that a higher SPF doesn't necessarily mean better coverage. You see, a product's SPF is calculated based on how much sunscreen it contains. An SPF15 blocks over 90% of the sun's damaging rays. An SPF45 contains as much as three times the number of sunscreen agents, yet only blocks a few percent more rays.
Also, wearing a wide-brimmed hat when you anticipate long-term exposure is a great way to prevent damage not only to the face, but the neck and ears as well. And we say bring those big, eighties glasses right back into fashion - larger sunglasses shield the delicate eye area, helping to reduce damage and slow the formation of crow's feet! Find a form that meets your needs.
Not only have sunscreen formulas improved dramatically over the past years, but there's been an explosion in applicator types.
For daily use, why not opt for Dermalogica mix-in Solar Defence Booster SPF30 that can customize your existing moisturizer?
Taking the kids to the beach? Our alcohol-free, Waterproof Solar Spray SPF25 provides the longest-lasting protection. And everyone should have a pack of Full Spectrum Wipes SPF15 in their gym bag, glove compartment and purse - the hygienic, sunscreen- saturated towels make full protection just a wipe away!
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What if sunscreens sensitize my skin?
Thanks to years of research, even the most sensitized individuals - often the ones most at risk from the sun - can get the protection that they need. Using super-fine milled Titanium Dioxide particles, Ultra Sensitive Face Block SPF25 reflects the sun's damaging rays without the need for chemicals.
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What if I want that golden glow?
Yes, you can have your tan and stay healthy, too! Sunless tanning creams can help the skin achieve a natural-looking, golden glow without dangerous sun exposure. And, if you were scared off by the streaky, orange products of the past. well, times have changed!
Dermalogica has pioneered a new standard of sunless tanning with its new Protective Self Tan SPF15, with a bronzer that gives the skin an instant glow as it develops into a long-lasting tan. Best of all, the SPF15 protection makes it the most guilt-free tan under the sun!
And if you do have the misfortune (or bad planning) of too much sun and too little sunscreen, our After Sun Repair is a treatment balm for immediate relief.
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How do I prevent unbalanced pigmentation?
Pigmentation disorders are caused by a myriad of factors, which include sun damage, hormonal imbalance, and skin trauma or disease.
Of all these causes, sun damage is both the most common, and the most easily prevented! Simply applying a sunscreen with a minimum SPF15 every day, and avoiding peak sun times around midday, will do a lot to prevent the sun damage that can make your skin's pigment act up. Dermalogica Solar Defence Booster SPF30 provides optimum daily sun protection.
Hormonal imbalance, a cause of pigmentation mostly affecting women, can occur during any time that the body's natural hormone balance is disturbed. These triggers can include hormonal changes, such as those that happen during the menstrual cycle, menopause, prolonged stress, pregnancy or even when taking birth control pills.
Unlike pigmentation related to trauma or sun damage, hormonally-induced hyperpigmentation generally disappears when balance is restored to the body, and it can be treated during the interim period with topical skin brighteners.
The pigmentation related to skin trauma (cuts, wounds, scrapes and the like) is difficult to prevent in the case of accidental damage to the skin. Picking at acne lesions is also, of course, a big no-no, and will only exacerbate the pigmentation associated with the wound healing.
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What are my treatment options for unbalanced pigmentation?
When it comes to hyperpigmentation (when pigment-producing cells are damaged and produce too much colour), there are two possible treatment approaches -- botanical and chemical.
Chemical lighteners, predominantly those containing Hydroquinone, are the only approach officially recognized by the US Food and Drug Administration as effective skin lighteners. However, Hydroquinone has been linked with many negative side effects and can cause severe skin allergies and worsening of the pigmentation condition. (This is why Hydroquinone is now actually banned in much of Asia and Africa.)
Botanical skin brighteners are a much safer approach for brightening the skin, and are as effective when used consistently in a professional brightening regimen. Brightening agents to look for include Licorice, Bearberry, Rice, Kiwi and Mulberry, coupled with Lactic Acid and Vitamin C.
Your skin care therapist will be able to prescribe the regimen best for you, but it will most likely begin with a professional series of Skin Brightening treatments. These highly-active treatments include a professional-only exfoliation to smooth away the unevenly pigmented skin cells, followed by the application of a powerful botanical serum.
Of course, your at-home regimen is also vitally important.
After cleansing in the morning, use Dermalogica Day Bright SPF15, which contains optical illuminators, and will help protect your skin from further sun damage while actually helping to combat melanin production on the cellular level.
At night after cleansing, use Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant®, a Rice-based powder that smoothes and brightens the skin. Then apply Night Bright, which penetrates deep into the skin and delivers a potent dose of eleven botanical brighteners to regulate melanin production.
How much you can reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation depends largely on what is causing the problem in the first place, as well as how deeply into the skin the pigmentation extends.
Generally speaking, most people see results within 8-10 weeks of beginning a treatment program. Keep in mind, however, that all sun exposure must be avoided during this time - even one unprotected day in the sun can completely reverse all positive treatment results.
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What is sensitive skin, and do I have it?
No other skin condition is more misunderstood than sensitive skin. In fact, almost 90% of the population report having sensitive skin at one time or another! To understand whether you have sensitive skin, you first have to understand what causes it.
Sensitive skin is a genetically-inherited condition that predominantly affects very fair-skinned individuals, usually of Northern European ancestry. Someone with truly sensitive skin is highly prone to blushing, has a very fine complexion and may experience bad hay fever, allergies or asthma.
What most people suffer from is in fact sensitized skin. Rather than a result of genetics, sensitized skin is a reflection of your environment, lifestyle and physiology. Pollution, stress, hormonal imbalance, cosmetic allergies, alcohol, a poor diet and over-exfoliation can all trigger the sensitized skin condition.
The good news is that sensitized skin can be treated. The bad news is that, left untreated, the skin's response can actually result in permanent cellular damage, which can lead to premature aging.
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How can I avoid trigger factors?
A few lifestyle modifications can usually solve most people's skin sensitization. Maintaining the skin's barrier function is vital, so remember to always apply your Dermalogica moisturizer after cleansing and whenever your skin feels tight or dry - our Barrier Repair was developed with this specific goal in mind.
Skin Hydrating Booster is the ideal addition to your skin care regimen to optimize the water level of your skin. Also, always avoid over-exfoliating your skin - remember, more exfoliation is not better! If you notice redness or tightness that lasts more than a few hours, you should discontinue the use of your exfoliant for a few days.
Sun protection is also critical because sensitized skin is even more vulnerable to UV damage. Dermalogica Ultra Sensitive Face Block SPF25 is a chemical-free sun shield that was developed specifically for sensitized skin. Lastly, avoiding trigger factors such as hot drinks, spicy foods. msg, alcohol, caffeine and cigarettes can help your skin recover and rebuild its normal resistance.
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What can I do for my skin when it's sensitised?
We all know the discomfort of an attack of sensitization - the skin feels tight, red and swollen, and it seems like everything you do just makes it worse! The first step is to avoid all trigger factors. Then, you need to follow a special regimen to help your skin recover.
Cleansing with Dermalogica Ultra Calming Cleanser, an extremely gentle gel/cream and tissue-off formula, will remove all irritants from the skin's surface.
Follow with Soothing Protection Spray to mist on anti-ozonate protection that'll help shield the skin from further assault. Barrier Repair provides the last step, creating an invisible silicone barrier against the outside world. Your Environmental Control regimen doesn't replace your existing skin care routine - think of it as an emergency response.
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What is acne?
Acne is a genetically-inherited disease, which is the result of several factors occurring in the skin. Aside from excess oil secreted by the sebaceous glands, there is a proliferation of cells that clog the pores, trapping oil in the follicle. Bacteria inhabit the follicle and digest the oils, generating waste products which then cause the irritation to the skin.
Oilier skin conditions tend to experience more acne breakouts because they provide more food for the bacteria. Teenagers' hormonal changes increase oil production, in turn increasing acne breakouts.
A quick Face Mapping by your skin care therapist will identify your acne-prone areas.
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What can I do at home to help my breakouts?
Excellent skin care and hygiene are vitally important to remove the excess oils and bacteria that are associated with acne.
Dermalogica products are non-comedogenic and completely water-soluble, making them ideal for breakout-prone skin.
Always follow a strict regimen of thorough cleansing with anti-bac skin wash and lukewarm (never hot) water, followed with a hydrating conditioner such as Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner, and an oil-free moisturizer.
Exfoliate twice a week, and use Daily Microfoliant® every day, to help the skin rid itself of congestion-causing debris. Dermalogica Medicated Clearing Gel helps regulate sebum (oil) production, remove follicle-clogging debris and kill acne bacteria.
For an existing breakout, Benzoyl Peroxide provides unsurpassed clearing while a calming mask reduces irritation.
In addition, lifestyle changes can often improve your skin. Try to reduce stress, drink plenty of water and limit your intake of caffeine and cigarettes, which may stimulate the adrenal glands and promote oil production. And always remember never to pick or squeeze pimples, as you'll be left with an even bigger blemish and a scar to remember it by!
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How should I change my regimen if I am taking prescription acne medication?
If, after a month of following your recommended regimen your complexion does not clear, it may be time to involve a dermatologist.
Depending on what you were prescribed, you'll have to make some adjustments to your at-home regimen, to help your skin adjust to the new medication.
For example, you may opt for a more gentle cleanser, such as Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel or The Bar.
Users of Retin-A, Adapalene and Accutane should not use any exfoliating products, or undergo waxing on the treated areas. All users of prescription exfoliating products, as well as of antibiotics, should avoid sun exposure as much as possible, and apply a Dermalogica Solar Defence product with a minimum SPF15 daily.
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Why do some people breakout in their thirties and forties?
Stress and hormonal changes are the primary cause of the re-emergence of acne well after puberty. Recent studies indicate that 40 to 50 percent of adults between the ages of 20 and 40 are diagnosed with persistent, low-grade acne.
Along with several lifestyle changes, including reducing stress and improving diet, there are several products on the market designed to address these problems.
Dermalogica Oil Control System is a collection of three medicated, skin purifying formulations - a cleansing Anti-Bac Skin Wash, Skin Purifying Wipes, and Oil Control Lotion - all designed to control oil and prevent breakouts.
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What is premature aging and how do I avoid it?
Far from natural! Now, we wouldn't suggest for a minute that there's anything wrong with growing old gracefully. The natural aging process is defined in our very genetics, resulting in the complex hormonal and \physical transformations that take place throughout life.
Premature aging refers to the unnatural acceleration of the natural aging process, primarily due to damage from sun exposure and an unhealthy lifestyle. While the natural aging process cannot be slowed, most people who exhibit signs of aging are actually suffering from premature aging. Sound far-fetched? Consider this: not only are over 99% of wrinkles caused by sun exposure, but premature aging can add up to twenty years to your appearance!
Taking care of your skin early on can help your skin stay healthy well into your golden years. It's an investment that only takes minutes a day! Avoiding unprotected sun exposure is the most important measure you can take to protect your skin.
General lifestyle factors are also important - a diet too rich in highly-processed foods and alcohol, and lacking in fresh fruits, vegetables and whole foods, can have a significant impact on the health of the skin.
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How can I control premature aging?
Let's face it - we've all done things in our pasts that our skin would rather forget! And, while the damage may be done, there are a number of ways in which you can treat the signs of premature aging.
It all starts with regular visits to your skin care therapist, who can work out a prescriptive regimen based on a detailed skin analysis using Face Mapping.
More than likely, you will begin with an intensive series of MultiVitamin Power Exfoliation treatments, a hydroxy acid and Retinol approach that is designed to dramatically smooth away debris and increase new cell renewal. Then, regularly-scheduled MultiVitamin Power Treatments will keep your skin on track.
Your at-home regimen will also play a crucial role. Using vitamin-enriched products, specifically those containing stabilized Vitamins A, C and E, can deliver the vital nutrients that the skin needs to help firm and improve elasticity.
Dermalogica MultiVitamin Power Concentrate and MultiVitamin Power Firm for the eye and lip area applied on a daily basis, along with our MultiVitamin Power Recovery Masque 1 to 2 times weekly, will very effectively deliver these critical vitamins to your skin.
And don't forget your hands, which are one of the first areas to show signs of premature aging and sun damage - MultiVitamin Hand and Nail Treatment was developed specifically to counter this.
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Topical vitamins ... do they work?
As far as your body is concerned, your skin is the last in line when it comes to getting its share of nutrients. Over time, fewer of your ingested vitamins ever make it to the skin because they are diverted to the internal organs, leaving the skin starved. Applying potent vitamin complexes topically can make up for this lack of nourishment, helping to address the signs of premature aging on the cellular level and neutralize dangerous free radical activity.
Technically speaking, getting those vitamins where they need to go is a huge challenge. Extremely reactive, vitamin complexes are generally very unstable, which means you should never use a product that comes in a dropper bottle or jar, where it would become contaminated after the first use.
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What vitamins are most effective?
Vitamin A (Retinol, Retinyl Palmitate) - Essential for normal skin development, Vitamin A regulates skin growth and cell division. Not only does it help improve moisture content, it actually promotes cell renewal and can help reverse the signs of premature aging. A powerful antioxidant, it also scavenges free radicals.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbyl Palmitate) - Also an antioxidant, Vitamin C is a key component in collagen production, and also strengthens capillary walls, for a more firm skin tone. It has also been shown to help regulate hyperpigmentation and boost the skin's immune system.
Vitamin E (Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate) - Powerfully antioxidant, Vitamin E also helps to protect the skin's moisture barrier, smooth the skin, reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Pro-Vitamin B5 (Panthenol) - A powerful vitamin that encourages cell regeneration, which stimulates the healing process.
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NAILS - JESSICA NAIL CARE
Ten tips to look after your nails
1. Never soak the hands in polish remover--it dries out the nail.
2. Remove polish by stroking from the outer edge down towards the end of each nail.
3. Try to use polish remover no more than once every ten days. Even non-acetone polishes can dry the nails.
4. If you have peeling nails, don't file on the peeling area. This makes the condition worse. Treat them first -- with our Fusion and Flawless treatments.
5. Keep the skin around your nails moisturized. This helps prevent hangnails. (Our Phenomen Oil and Nourish products happen to be great for this.)
6. It's an old wives' tale that nails need to "breathe". Keep them polished and they stay protected.
7. Nails should be trimmed once a month to promote growth. Avoid using scissors. Use nail clippers instead.
8. File by stroking the nail gently at a 45-degree angle, playing the file across the nail like a violin. Use long strokes from side to the centre and back.
9. Don't use remover to thin out nail polish. If necessary to thin, use a basecoat.
10. Applying treatments and polish on and under the nail seals it better.
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TANNING - FAKE BAKE
Using Fake Bake at home
Step 1 - Exfoliate
While bathing or showering apply Fake Bake Body Polish, paying particular attention to the hands, knees, elbows, ankles and feet.
Step 2 - Tan
Using the enclosed gloves apply Fake Bake in small amounts over the entire face and body, lightly glazing over, hands, elbows and knees. Allow apporximately 20 minutes for the product to dry before dressing. The product should be left on the skin for at least 6 hours before washing off the guide colour.
Step 3 - Moisturise
After tan application shake the Skin Smoothie well, apply lightly to hands, feet and elbows - this will smooth product over the areas. Daily shake the Skin Smoothie well and mist over the enitre body before showering (not recommended for the face).
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Tips & Tricks
We recommend that you sleep in the product to allow the tanning agent to develope fully. When you shower in the morning the guide colour will wash off, revealing your beautiful Fake Bake Tan.
Start with feet; work your way up the body. Apply to one body part at a time; apply in each area before moving to the next area. Using both hands, rub tops of hands together to the tips of each finger. This tans the hands without tanning the palms.
Allow Self-tan to absorb 20 minutes before bedtime.
Colour will intensify in 3 hours. Next morning, shower to rinse off excess product. This will eliminate product from rubbing on clothing throughout the day. Moisturize with Skin Smoothie after the shower.
To achieve a base tan, apply Self-tan 3 nights consecutively. Do not use Body Polisher on the 2nd and 3rd mornings. However, you should still shower, just don't scrub.
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