Three Levels Of Skincare

Beautiful skin is the best accessory, and yours glowed all summer, didn’t it? But with fall fast approaching, you’re realizing there’s a price to pay for all that fun in the sun. Those long, lazy days spent swimming and beaching have left your skin a touch tired, a tad dull, a smidge flat and now begging for attention.

Amanda J Skincare will work to restore your skin on multiple levels.

Level one is cleansing
First, the skin is cleansed to remove makeup, dirt and other impurities.
Next, the Amanda, a licensed esthetician will analyze your skin to determine the appropriate products to use for the remainder of the facial, addressing problems such as acne, rosacea, sun damage and dullness. Exfoliation removes dead skin, and extractions clear the skin of clogged pores and blemishes, zapping bacteria caused from environmental factors.

Then comes the best part, a facial massage that tightens and firms the skin, facilitating product penetration. A hydrating mask, designed for your skin type, will nourish skin back to health, before you are gently released back to the real world!

Level two takes it deeper
Microdermabrasion. Maybe you’ve heard the term or seen the results on your friends. But what is it about Microdermabrasion that makes it so effective?
Even though the epidermis — the skin’s outermost layer — is your primary defense against the environment, over time your skin has a tendency to exhibit wrinkles, acne scars, enlarged pores and age spots. Microdermabrasion works to reverse all of that damage.

Microdermabrasion works to gently remove the damaged surface level of skin resulting in a smoother, more youthful appearance. The procedure is a simple and painless process — it feels like light, soft sandpaper brushing against the skin — that takes about forty-five minutes. Your skin will appear slightly sunburned for a few days after the procedure, and you will be required to stay out of the sun while you heal. After the first few days the results become apparent. Microdermabrasion is a simple procedure with far faster results and is less invasive and eliminates down time much more than chemical peels and is far more cost effective than laser treatments.

Level three is daily maintenance
Great skin is within your reach. Be sure to establish a daily routine that cleans, tones, moisturizes and protects your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Amanda can work with you during your appointments on selecting products and skin care regiments to maintain your skin going forward!

To book your appointment please go to AmandaJSkincare.com

Benefits of Regular Facials

When received regularly, facial massage can result in noticeable improvements to skin tone, texture and appearance. A facial can also restore the skin’s normal balance of oil and pH. Additional, temporary results may include: heightened skin softness and pliancy, increased circulation of blood to the face and an overall soothing of the spirit. An added bonus, most people find receiving a professional facial to be exceptionally relaxing and enjoyable.

For a complimentary skin care analysis and to book a facial please contact Amanda at AmandaJSkincare.com

Top 5 habits for healthy skin

Skin care: Proactive skin care will help you keep your skin youthful and healthy.
Read these tips by the Mayo Clinic staff

Your busy lifestyle leaves little time for pampering skin care. The result: Your skin isn't the baby-soft body glove you were born with. As you age, your skin gradually becomes thinner and finely wrinkled. Oil-producing (sebaceous) glands grow less active, leaving your skin drier. The number of blood vessels in your skin decreases, your skin becomes more fragile, and you lose your youthful color and glow.

Good skin care — such as avoiding the sun, washing your skin gently and applying moisturizer regularly — can help delay the natural aging process and prevent many skin problems. These simple skin-care habits will help you protect your skin to keep it healthy and glowing for years to come.

1. Protect yourself from the sun
The most important way to take care of your skin is to protect it from the sun. Ultraviolet light — the invisible but intense rays from the sun — damages your skin, causing deep wrinkles, dry, rough skin, liver spots, and more serious disorders, such as noncancerous (benign) and cancerous (malignant) skin tumors. In fact, most of the changes seen in aging skin are actually caused by a lifetime of sun exposure.

For the most complete sun protection, use all three of these methods:

Avoid the sun during high-intensity hours. The sun's rays are most damaging from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reduce the time you spend outdoors during these hours.
Wear protective clothing. Cover your skin with clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants and wide-brimmed hats. Also, keep in mind that certain clothing styles and fabrics offer better protection from the sun than do others. For example, long-sleeved shirts offer better protection than short-sleeved shirts do. And tightly woven fabrics such as denim are better than are loosely woven fabrics such as knits. Several companies now make sun protective clothing (SPF clothing), which is specifically designed to block out ultraviolet rays while keeping you cool and comfortable.
Use sunscreen. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) greater than 15. Apply liberally 20 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every two hours, after heavy sweating or after being in water.

2. Don't smoke
Smoking accelerates aging of your skin and increases wrinkles. Skin changes from smoking can appear in young adults after 10 years of smoking.

Smoking causes narrowing of the tiny blood vessels in the outermost layers of skin. This decreases blood flow, depleting the skin of oxygen and nutrients, such as vitamin A, that are important to skin health. All of these factors increase damage to the elastic fibers (elastin) and collagen, which give your skin strength and elasticity.

In addition, the repetitive facial expressions you make when smoking — such as pursing your lips when inhaling and squinting your eyes to keep out smoke — may contribute to wrinkles. It's also possible that repeated exposure to the heat from burning cigarettes may damage your facial skin over time.

3. Wash your skin gently
Cleansing is an essential part of caring for your skin. The key is to treat your skin gently.

Use warm water and limit bath time. Hot water and long showers or baths remove oils from your skin. Limit your bath or shower time to about 15 minutes or less, and use warm, rather than hot, water.

Avoid strong soaps. Strong soaps — those most capable of stripping oil from your skin — can leave your skin dry. Instead, choose mild soaps or detergent substitutes with added oils and fats. Good choices include Dove, Vanicream, Cetaphil and Purpose.

Avoid irritating additives. If your skin is sensitive, avoid products containing perfumes or dyes. These can irritate your skin and may trigger an allergic response.
Remove eye makeup carefully. Use a soft sponge, cotton cloth or cotton balls when removing eye makeup to avoid damaging the delicate tissue around your eyes. If you wear heavy, waterproof makeup, you may need to use an oil-based product, such as Eucerin, Aquaphor or petroleum jelly, to remove makeup.

Pat dry. After washing or bathing, gently pat or blot your skin dry with a towel so that some moisture remains on the skin. Immediately moisturize your skin with an oil or cream.

4. Moisturize regularly
Moisturizers help maintain your skin's natural moisture levels. They work by providing a seal over your skin — to keep water from escaping — or by slowly releasing water into your skin.

The moisturizer that's best for you and the frequency with which you need to moisturize depend on many factors, including your skin type, your age and whether you have specific conditions such as acne. A good way to test if you need a moisturizer is to wait 20 minutes after bathing. If your skin feels tight, you should apply a moisturizer.

Select a moisturizer with an SPF of at least 15 to help protect your skin from damaging ultraviolet rays. If you have sensitive skin, look for products free of heavy dyes, perfumes or other additives. If your skin is very dry, you may want to apply an oil, such as baby oil, while your skin is still moist. Oil has more staying power than moisturizers do and prevents the evaporation of water from the surface of your skin. If your skin is oily, you may want to skip moisturizing.

5. Shave carefully
Shaving is a common and inexpensive way to remove unwanted hair. But shaving can cause skin irritations, especially if your skin is thin, dry or very sensitive. For a smooth shave:

Press a warm wash cloth on your skin before shaving to soften the hair. Or shave after a warm bath or shower.

Don't shave dry skin, which can cause razor burn. Apply shaving cream, lotion or gel before shaving to protect and lubricate your skin.

Use a clean, sharp razor. If using an electric razor, don't use the closest setting, which can aggravate the skin.

Shave in the direction of hair growth, not against it.

Rinse your skin afterward with warm water.
If irritation does occur, apply a lotion that doesn't contain ethyl or isopropyl alcohol. Though alcohol and alcohol-based products may feel cooling, they don't really soothe irritated skin because the alcohol evaporates rapidly from the skin.

For a complimentary skin care analysis please contact Amanda at AmandaJSkincare.com

Berries in Anti-Aging Lotions for Skin

There has been lots of buzz concerning the power of berries, in particular Acai berries, and thanks to Oprah promoting her Acai Berry products.

There is some science involved, and many skin care companies are making lotions that include berries as ingredients. The studies backing up the claims look at the effects of ultra violet light and envirmonmental stress that generate free radicals. These are unstable oxygen molecules that are short of an electron. Free radicals can be likened to molecular hammers that hack away at our skin cells until they are neutralized by an electron donor.

Scientists have discovered a compound known as matrix metalloprotease (MMP), it plays a key role in the skin’s response to damage by free radicals. MMP’s set off a biological chain reaction called an enzyme cascade, the reaction speeds up the breakdown and elimination of collagen. Unless the activation of MMP’s can be stopped, collagen is broken down and eliminated faster than your skin can produce it. Wrinkles, fine lines and rough spot follow soon thereafter.

A recent study has found that ellagic acid, an antioxidant found in numerous fruits, vegetables and nuts, (especially raspberries, strawberries, cranberries and pomegranates) can protect the skin against UV damage by blocking the production of MMP in damaged skin cells and by reducing inflammation.

Ashleigh Caradas a private practice dietician and consultant to corporations lists Berries as number two in her top 10 of ant-ageing super foods.

Berries are a rich source of anthocianidins — antioxidants which help reduce inflammation, prevent cancer and improve circulation. Include fresh or frozen strawberries, blueberries, raspberries — or any other type of berries you can get your hands on — in your diet on a regular basis. Eat them plain or topped with yogurt for a sweet and delicious snack. The Brazilian Acai berry is particularly high in antioxidants and has been touted as a powerful skin booster. The Chinese goji berry is another super food that has exceptionally high antioxidant capabilities.

You can see the remaining 9 foods here

Should you smear raspberry or pomegranate all over your face? As with anything else moderation is the key and no one “thing” works for everyone. It is best to consult with a licensed Esthetician to determine your skin type and develop a personal skin care regiment.

To get your complimentary skin care analysis and begin your skin care regiment please contact Amanda at AmandaJSkincare.com

Benefit of Drinking Water for the Skin

The benefit of drinking water in large amounts for proper kin health is a controversial area. Many believe and have stated that water is very beneficial for proper skin care. The main stated benefit is that drinking a large quantity of water keeps the skin hydrated and prevents dry skin. Claims are also made that drinking water gives the skin a radiant, healthy, younger looking complexion with no wrinkles, and allows skin to maintain its elasticity and suppleness.

However, many experts are now refuting the above-mentioned benefits. Unless the individual is severely dehydrated, drinking large quantities of water will not prevent dry skin. Basically the moisture level of skin is not determined by internal factors. Instead, it is external factors such as skin cleansing, the environment, the number of oil glands, and the functioning of these oil-producing glands that determines how dry the skin is or will become. The water that is consumed internally will not reach the epidermis. In fact, the water moves through the body system rather quickly. If the skin is dry, the best solution is to treat the skin from the outside with a suitable and dry skin moisturizer or dry skin lotion. This forms an effective barrier to water loss from the skin.

It appears there is no significant benefit of drinking water to cure or prevent dry skin. How about spraying or misting water on the skin to help reduce dryness? This once again is a treatment where there are significant differences in opinion. Some argue that misting water on the skin will help hydrate it and help prevent dryness and skin aging. Others argue that water misting has no significant hydrating effect. This latter opinion appears to be the truth. It is best to prevent moisture from escaping the skin in the first place with proper moisturizers rather than wetting the skin constantly. However, it is important that the environment is not dry. Moisture in the air will limit the amount of water escaping from your skin compared to a dry environment where water will be more readily drawn out of the skin.

Is there any real benefit of drinking water for skin health? Actually, although combating dry skin is not a benefit of drinking water, there are some other potential benefits.

As mentioned, drinking water in adequate amounts is necessary to flush out toxins out of the body via the excretory system. With inadequate amounts of water flowing through the body, these toxins can build up in the body and escape through skin pores. This contributes to acne. Therefore, by flushing the body internally with water, acne breakouts are less likely to occur due to toxin release through the skin.

Another benefit of drinking water in large amounts for the skin is in the treatment of skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis. In addition, proper hydration will help to eliminate sunken eyes and circles under the eyes. Skin plumpness is also sometimes stated as a benefit of drinking water.

What Is A Facial?

A facial cleans, exfoliates and nourishes the skin to promote clear, well-hydrated skin. A facial is the second most popular spa service after massage.

Basic Steps of a Facial

• cleansing
• skin analysis, where the esthetician puts eyepads over your eyes and looks at your skin through a brightly lit magnifying lamp
• exfoliation, usually while a steam vapor is directed at your face.
• extraction of blackheads if you want it and it's suitable for your skin type. (It can cause broken capillaries and discoloration if done on sensitive skin, or done improperly.) People have different pain tolerance for extractions. They can be uncomfortable, especially on thin or ruddy skin.
• facial massage to relax you and stimulate your skin and facial muscles
• a mask targeted to your skin type (dry, oily, combination, sensitive, mature.)
• application of toners and protective creams
• advice on home skin care

Ideally, get a facial every four to six weeks because that's how long it takes the skin to regenerate. Try to have a facial at least four times a year, as the season changes. You may need it more frequently if you are trying to clear up a case of acne, especially at the beginning. Otherwise, once a month is plenty.

Variations on the Classic European Facial
Variations on the classic European facial include the "mini-facial" (cleansing without extractions) and specialty facials. Add vitamin C, and you have an "age defense" facial. It's an "oxygen facial" when a mist of pure oxygen is part of the treatment, and a "collagen facial" when special collagen sheets are placed on the skin. An acne facial will pay special attention to extractions

For a complimentary skin care analysis and to book a facial please contact Amanda at AmandaJSkincare.com

Basic Skin Cleansing

The aim of cleansing is to remove:
*surface dirt
*all make-up
*the top layer of dead skin cells
*potentially harmful micro-organisms (bacteria

The way in which any individual chooses to carry out this process is determined by habit, skin feel requirements and activity.

Young (teenage) skin

Typical skin type - oily /combination:
*remove make-up
*cleanse, using mild or light cleanser
*tone
*moisturise (using a light product, because of the presence of sebum) containing sunscreen ingredients that will block UVA/UVB.

Adult skin

Example skin type - normal to dry:
*remove make-up
*cleanse twice daily with a mild cleanser
*tone
-by day, use a medium moisturizer, with sunscreen ingredients (UVA/UVB)
-by night, use a heavier night cream without sunscreens
moisturise hands regularly.

Elderly skin

Usual skin type - dry:
*cleanse with cream cleanser
*use heavy-duty moisturizer daily with sunscreen
*always use a night cream

For a complimentary skin care analysis please contact Amanda at AmandaJSkincare.com

About Your Skin

Your skin is one of the most important organs that your body has. Not only is it the largest, comprising about 15% of the body weight, the total skin surface of an adult ranges from 12 to 20 square feet, but it protects what is inside and reveals the health of what is internal as well. Because of this, it is very important to take care of our skin because that is what we show the world each day.

In terms of chemical composition, the skin is about 70% water, 25% protein and 2% lipids. The remainder includes trace minerals, nucleic acids, glycosoaminoglycans, proteoglycans and numerous other chemicals.

The skin consists of three main layers: epidermis, dermis and subcaneous tissue.

The epidermis is the topmost layer of the skin. It is the first barrier between you and the outside world. The epidermis consists of three types of cells keratinocytes, melanocytes and Langerhans cells. Keratinocytes, the cells that make the protien keratin, are the predominant type of cells in the epidermis. The total thinkness of the epidermis is usually about 0.5 - 1 mm. At the lowermost portion of the epidermis are immature, rapidly dividing keratinocytes. As they mature, keratinocytes lose water, flatten out and move upward. Eventually, at the end of their life cylce, they reach the uppermost layer of the epidermis called stratum corneum. Stratum corneum consists mainly of dead keratinocytes, hardened proteins (keratins) and lipids, forming a protective crust. Dead cells from stratum corneum continuously slough off and are replaced by new ones coming from below. The skin completely renews itself every 3 - 5 weeks.


Another significant group of cell in the epidermis are melanocytes, the cells producing melanin, the pigment responsible for skin tone and color. Finally, Langerhans cells are essentially a forepost of the immune system in the epidermis. They prevent unwanted foreingn substances from penetrating the skin.

The condition of epdermis determines how "fresh" your skin looks and also how well your skin absorbs and holds moisture. Wrinkles, however, are formed in lower layers.

The junction between the epidermis and the dermis is not straight but undulates like rolling hills - more markedly so in some areas of the body than others. A series of finger-like structures called rete pegs project up from the dermis, and similar structures project down from the epidermis. These projections increase the area of contact between the layers of skin, and help to prevent the epidermis from being sheared off. They are not present in the skins of unborn babies but rapidly develop after birth, and are very noticeable in a young person's skin when it is examined under the microscope. As skin ages they get smaller and flatter.

Networks of tiny blood vessels run through the rete pegs, bringing food, vitamins and oxygen to the epidermis. In pale people these vessels can be seen through the epidermis, particularly if the veins widen (so-called 'broken veins'). If the blood carries plenty of oxygen it will be pink and the skin will tend to have a rosy color. If the blood is running sluggishly and has lost most of its oxygen the skin will look bluer. These blood vessels respond to temperature changes. They open up in hot weather, bringing lots of red blood cells - and hence a pink flush -to the skin, and close down in the cold; this is why cold skin often looks blue.

To learn more about your skin type and how to care for it please contact Amanda at AmandaJSkincare.com

Skin Care Myth #2-Skin cells and Skin Repair

Myth:
It is important for skin regeneration to have at least eight hours of sleep a night. While we are sleeping new skin cells are formed, waste is removed and the skin prepares itself for the day ahead.

Fact:
Skin repair continues day and night, and is not dependent on the length of sleep. Other factors associated with not sleeping may have a more negative effect.

Your skin completely reknews itself every 4 weeks that is why it is important to visit your skin care professional once a month. Though you can't see it happening, every minute of the day we lose about 30,000 to 40,000 dead skin cells off the surface of our skin.

So just in the time it took you to read this far, you've probably lost about 40,000 cells. That's almost 9 pounds of cells every year! But don't think your skin might wear out someday. Your epidermis is always making new skin cells that rise to the top to replace the old ones. Most of the cells in your epidermis (95%) work to make new skin cells.

The other 5% make a substance called melanin (mel-uh-nun). Melanin gives skin its color. The darker your skin is, the more melanin you have. When you go out into the sun, these cells make extra melanin to protect you from getting burned by the sun's ultraviolet, or UV, rays.

That's why your skin gets tan if you spend a lot of time in the sun. But even though melanin is mighty, it can't shield you all by itself. You'll want to wear sunscreen and protective clothing, such as a hat, to prevent painful sunburns. Protecting your skin now also can help prevent skin cancer when you get older.

To schedule your skin care analysis and treatment program please contact Amanda at AmandaJSkincare.com

Skin Care Myth #1 Cucumbers On The Eyes

Myth:
Cucumber contains a special ingredient that helps to reduce swelling around the eye or bags under the eyes.

Fact:
More than 90% of the cucumber consists of water. It is the cooling effect of the water in the cucumbers on eyes, together with increased humidity, that reduces the swelling. Some products contain extracts of cucumber, which in high concentration may help to improve the hydration of the skin. Gentle massage also helps.

For a complete Skin Care Analysis and treatment program please contact Amanda at AmandaJSkincare.com

Skin Care Just For Men

For the most part, men need gender-specific beauty products—their skin is oilier, thicker, and warmer (more blood vessels), and shaving heightens some of these differences by regularly removing surface oils, causing micro-inflammation and dehydration. Men’s skin ages differently from women’s, too, and it can be more vulnerable to external aggressors.

While finding a man who will surrender himself to the joys of manicures and facials is still far from commonplace (let alone one who cares about what facial cleanser—if any—he puts on his face), with Father’s Day coming, an occasion presents itself to cajole an overworked dad, husband, or other to find his Adonis within and start exploring the beauty of life without under-eye bags, deep forehead creases, and out-of-control cuticles.

You can check out the rest of that article anytime at Black Box Magazine, but make sure you check out the Father's Day special at Amanda J Skincare today!

Father's Day Special

Includes deep pore cleansing, exfoliation, hand and foot, and scalp massage. Reg. $65.00. Only $50.00 for Dad if you mention this ad!

For all specials and services see www.amandajskincare.com

Pricelist and Services

WAXING

** Please inform me if you are using Retin-A or Accutane before waxing. Outgrowth must be 1/4" minimum for hair removal.

Eyebrow wax $15.00

Brow shape (tweeze only) $20.00

Lip or chin $10.00

Bikini line $25.00

Brazilian bikini wax $35.00

Underarms $20.00

Half leg wax $25.00

Full leg wax $45.00

Full leg wax with bikini $60.00

Back wax $35.00 and up

Half arm wax $20.00

Full arm wax $30.00


LASH AND BROW TINTING

(Great for enhancing brows or covering grays!)

Eyebrows $15.00

Eyelashes $15.00


CUSTOMIZED EUROPEAN FACIALS

(For men, women and teens)

$65.00 and up
Based on your skin consultation, I will customize the treatment with non-irritating, fragrance free skin care products. Treatment includes the following:

Steam

Double cleansing

Power exfoliation

Skin analysis

Massage

(includes face, neck, shoulders, arms, hands and feet)
*warm mitts and booties for hands and feet also included

Manual extractions, if desired or needed

Treatment masque

Moisturizer

Sun block


BACK CLEANSING TREATMENT

$65.00

A relaxing treatment that gives your back a silky and luminous look. Regenerates skin and improves circulation. Treatment includes steam, cleansing, exfoliation, extractions, if needed, and a soothing massage followed by a moisturizer. A facial for your back!


MICRODERMABRASION

$85.00

This procedure utilizes crystals to “sandblast” and finely resurface superficial layers of the skin. Microdermabrasion is right for all skin types and for anyone interested in improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, acne prone skin, black heads, white heads, mild acne scarring, pigmentation problems, uneven skin tones, and dull, lifeless sun-damaged skin. Microdermabrasion also treats the neck, chest, and hands.

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