Prevent Aging Skin

Ok, so you can't totally prevent it, but you wouldn't believe how much you can do to virtually eliminate the signs of aging. Did you know that there are two types of aging: Intrinsic and Extrinsic Aging?

Intrinsic aging is the natural aging process, determined mostly by genetics. This type of aging we can do nothing about, and just have to blame our parents for it. Diseases and poor nutrition also contribute to an increase in the aging process by depleting the body of important co-factors that our skin needs to function properly.

The amazing thing is that Intrinsic, or Natural aging only makes up 10% of our aging process. ONLY TEN PERCENT!! That means that 90% of the effects of aging can be controlled or even avoided altogether! Isn't that a relief? So, what can you do about it?

Extrinisinc aging is due to external, or controllable factors, like sun exposure, smoking, alcohol, and how you take care of your skin.

The number one factor in skin aging is SUN EXPOSURE. If you did a lot of sun worshiping when you were young, the damage is done, but don't let it get worse. Protect your skin every time you go out to minimize further damage. A sunscreen with SPF 15 is the minimum that you should use.

Sun damage exhibits itself outwardly by wrinkles, fine lines, loss of elasticity and hyper-pigmentation, or age spots and freckles. Sun damage can not always be seen to the naked eye. I special piece of equipment called Wood's Lamp can be used to reveal the amount of damage that a person has on her skin.

During a facial, an esthetician can evaluate the amount of sun damage and prescribe treatments to repair damaged skin. While elasticity and collagen tend to decrease, there are products that can help encourage the skin to produce more collagen and elastin to restore some of its lost vitality.

There are degrees of damage, and the less severe it is, the easier it is to repair. Preventing further damage is easy by covering your skin with a garment, sunscreen, or a makeup with sun protection. Tan glowing skin may look nice, but the damage it is doing will be your skin's undoing in the future.

Smoking and excessive alcohol deplete the skin of vital nutrients like oxygen, vitamins and more. These affect blood circulation within the skin, affecting the general health and function of the skin. Alcohol also dehydrates the skin and causes premature aging.

While you can avoid further damage by these outside aging factors, you can also work on repairing your damaged skin by regular skin care with quality product containing beneficial ingredients. Regular facials (every 4 - 6 weeks) are more effective than home treatments because of the equipment, and higher strength of ingredients that is available to better penetrate the skin layers. Hand in hand, facials and home skin care work together to keep your skin healthy and beautiful.

Please book your facials with Pam today, to learn more about your skin and what you can focus on to keep it healthy. She is taking a course at The Salon Professional Academy on College Ave in Appleton, to earn her Esthetician’s license. During her training, she is taking clients at the Academy for facials, waxing, and makeup services. Because she is still in training, her prices are very reasonable, AND you can earn discounts!
This first coupon entitles you to $5 off your first service with Pam. If you refer more clients to her, you receive $5 off for each referral. Simply fill out the back of a coupon (get more from Pam) and send your friend in for a service. Once the friend books a service and redeems her coupon, you will have credit at the Academy toward future services. There is no limit to the number of friends you can refer and get discounts for.
Once licensed, Pam will be performing these services in Oshkosh, but prices will be higher. Space is limited and she will fill up fast, so call the Academy(968-0433) and request Pam right away to schedule your service (Facials are a relaxing 1-1½ hours).
Book your appointment by the end of June and get a complimentary add on service during your first visit.

the importance of exfoliating, even dry skin

Skin never rests. It is constantly changing, growing, sloughing. One skin cells' life cycle is about 28 days from birth to shedding. As a skin cell makes it's way from the inner layers of skin to the outside of your body, it goes through a process of hardening. Once the skin cell is completely hardened, it has died, and serves it's role of protection for your body. Skin replaces the outer layers of dead cells with new cells to keep that safety barrier intact.

It is a constant process of regeneration. The rate at which the skin cells are moves to the surface and sloughed off is dependent on many factors, such as age, sun exposure, amount of exfoliation, treatments, skin conditions and others. Age causes cell turnover and metabolism to slow down. This lead to a decrease in lipids and moisture within the skin. This results in dead skin cells remaining on the surface longer. If the dead skin cells don't slough off, the new cells won't grow as fast, either.

To speed up the process of new cell generation, we can help our skin by exfoliating. There are chemical and mechanical means of exfoliation. Which you choose is up to you, but make sure you know what is happening to determine if you are satisfied with the ingredients that are being used.
Mechanical means of exfoliation is achieved by using a mildly abrasive substance, such as sugar, salt, pumice, oatmeal, etc, to gently scrub the dead skin cells off. This generally means that fewer or no chemicals are involved, so you don't need to worry about ingredients being absorbed into your body. You do have to use caution so that you choose an appropriate exfoliant so that you don't use something too harsh for your skin. Sugar and oatmeal are very gentle, if a small sized particle is used. These are usually in a base of lotion or oil to soothe and soften the skin during the process.

Chemical means of exfoliation is just that, a chemical that literally digests the dead skin cells. Substances such as alpha hydroxy acids, enzymes and other ingredients can be natural or artificial, but they all do the same thing. There are many different strengths available, and many treatments, like chemical peels, require you to slowly work up to using them. These chemical exfoliants generally leave skin feeling softer, though you may not really notice the difference between a chemical and a mechanical exfoliant's results.

In either case, exfoliation is vital to healthy skin. It not only softens and increases your skin's protection of your body, but it also enhances nerve stimulation and skin respiration. Exfoliation is important to your skin and overall health.

Book a facial with Pam K in Appleton at The Salon Professional Academy for a thorough skin evaluation, facial, exfoliating treatment, and a complementary service. Mention this blog DURING YOUR FACIAL consultation, and you will get a coupon for $5 off your first service making the basic facial cost only $17! Call Pam today at 920-420-2450 to book an appointment. Don't wait, call today to reserve your spot since space is limited and this offer only lasts for a few months. You won't believe the difference in your skin, and you will learn secrets to better skin health.

The Skin and its Functions

The skin, or the integumentary system, is the largest organ of the body. It performs 6 main functions: protection, absorption, secretion, excretion, regulation, and sensation. Here is a quick summary of each of the functions:

Protection
-shields internal tissues and organs from pollutants, smoke, UV rays, chemicals and other harmful substances
-barrier to infection from bacteria and viruses and to extreme temperatures
-the skin contains immune cells that provide the body with its first line of defense

Absorption
-vitamins and acids, water and oxygen are all absorbed through pores in the skin
-provides moisture, nourishment, protection

Secretion
-sebum, or oil, keeps the skin soft and pliable
-this layer of sebum makes up the acid mantle (pH of 4.5-5.5), which acts as a barrier to prevent bacteria from entering the body

Excretion
-the skin is the body's largest waste removal system
-release of toxins such as carbon dioxide, are release through sweat glands
-release of urea, salt, and other chemicals (ever eat garlic and it seeps out your pores so that others can smell the garlic??)

Regulation
-temperature is regulated by the skin
-goose bumps and shivering warm the body
-sweating cools the body
-the skin also changes blood flow to regulate body temperature

Sensation
-millions of nerve fibers transport information to the brain from the skin
-receptors detect pain, heat, cold, pressure, touch

By no means is this inclusive, but it is the basic example of what the skin does. It is important that you care for your skin. It doesn't have anything to do with vanity, it has to do with better health. Take care of your skin and what you put on it, so it can perform its duties well and keep you healthy.

6 steps to a healthier you

Life is full of things that drain us and affect our health. Some of those things, we can't do anything about. We just have to deal with events the best we can.
There are things that we can control, and those things have the greatest impact on how healthy we are. Here, we review 6 things that are vital for good health and mental well being.
1. Rest & Relaxation
Most people neglect their rest and don't give sleep enough importance. There are well documented effects of sleep including renewed vigor, reduced tension, and time for the body to repair and regenerate. Although each person is different, generally a person needs 6 to 8 hours of sleep per night. Keeping a regular sleep schedule is just as beneficial for your body. If you can find your pillow the same time each night, your body will find your sleep much more restful.
2. Exercise
I know, the dreaded word, but it doesn't have to be agonizing. Simply finding the activity that works for you is the key. There are a myriad of options you can choose from for picking the right activity for you. Most importantly is to balance your workout so you include cardiorespiratory fitness with strength training and flexibility. Even simple things go a long way toward keeping you fit, like parking at the farthest distance from the entrance to work or shopping, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Believe it or not, these little things help keep you fit in the long run.
3. Stress Management
Did you know that there is good stress and bad stress? Stress that compels us to action is considered good stress. Feelings of stress, anger, helplessness and depression are bad stress. Learning to manage the bad stress and deal with life's blows is vital to good emotional and physical health. Often times, just having a good shoulder to lean on and listen to you vent is all you need to make it through tough times.
4. Nutrition
Nutrition is the process of turning raw materials such as carbohydrates, fats and proteins, into energy. The energy is then used to regulate body temperature, build and re-build structures of the body, and move and think. Adult men and women have different needs and different body types have different needs, but basic nutrition is vital to us all. Common sense dictates raw fruits and vegetables are good for you, but what about sweets and fats? You can easily include these items in moderation into your diet without guilt. Don't deprive yourself, or you will more than likely binge. A little bit once in a while helps keep urges under control.
5. Hygiene
Simply put, keeping your body and environment clean and healthy. Both in your work and your home, there are basic things that keep you healthy. For example, use products that don't contain any harsh chemicals or toxins, and maintain a regular cleaning and bathing routine. This includes reading labels to see what you are putting on and in your body, as well as asking questions about what options you have when making a purchase. Seek the advice of qualified professionals to help you make these decisions.
6. Ergonomics
Most of the above topics are pretty basic. What most people don't think of, though, is the workplace. How you sit at your desk, how you stand while working, how you lift a box, and many more instances are vital to your health. You can easily sprain a muscle or permanently damage yourself by simply twisting or moving the wrong way. Seek proper technique for your particular workplace to make it as safe and ergonomically friendly as possible.

Why you should moisturize

People with oily skin tend to think that they don't need a moisturizer since his or her skin is already 'greasy.' In actuality, once you wash your face, you should apply a moisturizer of some kind no matter what your skin type.
Normal skin can sense when it is low on moisture. Once the face has been washed, there is no oil left. The skin senses this and starts to produce excess oil to recover from this oil loss. If you moisturize your face after washing it, the skin doesn't overproduce oil since it is already well hydrated. Overproduction of oil can result in more breakouts and shine.
You don't have to apply a heavy moisturizer if you tend to get oily later in the day, but some light cream should do the trick. If you tend to be dry all day, lean toward a richer cream that contains more oils. In any case, make sure you use a moisturizer after you wash your face to keep a healthy balance.
Know your skin type to best choose products that suit you best. Seek the advice of a qualified esthetician or dermatologist.

Earth Day

Being Earth Day, I thought I would share with you one of my most requested items and most requested recipe. Laundry Detergent: If you can make a cake, you can do this and it is much easier. I used to make this on a large scale and sell it in the store, but now I just make it by request since I carry Laundry Berries, which I also love.

First some exciting money facts:

Cost to make your own: Around $2 per batch. This is about 5.7 cents per load (using 2 tablespoons for each load, you get about 35 loads). Arm & Hammer laundry detergent about 12.4 cents per load. Tide detergent is 30 cents and more per load. Wouldn't you love to make laundry cost less!! This can revolutionize your budget, since we also provide you with a fabric softener that will cost pennies on the dollar compared to some of the costly and harmful fabric softeners you may be or may have used.

Fels Naptha Laundry Powder

1. 1 bar Fels Naptha soap, grated (comes out to about 2 cups) - You can find this in the grocery store laundry aisle, probably on the bottom shelf. It is only about $1

2. 1 c Borax - Found in the grocery store laundry aisle and some hardware stores. It is a wonderful multi-purpose cleaning agent that used to be a household name. There are plenty of uses listed on the box and more can be found online.


3. 1 c Washing Soda - Also found in the grocery store laundry aisle. I use Arm & Hammer brand since that is all I have ever found. It is one of those little know useful items, so it may be on the bottom shelf, also.

4. 1/4 c OxyClean (optional, though I don't use it)

Mix it all together into a bumpy, granular mix. Don’t worry about stuff getting correctly dispersed, even if it doesn’t quite look like it does. Use 1T for a light load. Use 2T for a large or dirty load (It’s true! Only 2 Tablespoons per load!)

Fels Naptha Laundry Detergent

This is basically the same formula as above, but in a liquid form.

Simply melt the Fels Naptha gratings in 2 cups water on the stove. Stir gently, but constantly, not letting it boil or suds over, until it is all melted, looking much like orange juice. Once melted, pour the water slurry into a 5 gallon pail and add 1 gallon hottest tap water.

Add the remaining powders and stir gently. Once fully stirred, add hottest tap water to about 3 gallons, or 2/3 to 3/4 full in the bucket. Let sit overnight. This WILL GEL. Stir in the morning, and it is ready to use. It makes kind of a gelatinous sludge, but it works GREAT!!!!

Use 1 -2 cups per load, depending on soil and load levels.

Laundry Rinse (instead of fabric softener which is so bad for you and the environment, you don’t even want to know)

1 gal white or apple cider vinegar

25-30 drops essential oil - optional (Straight vinegar works just fine though.)

Use 1/4 c in the rinse cycle. NO, your clothes won’t smell like vinegar. The vinegar clears the last bit of soap remaining on all your clothes and reduces static while softening the clothes and neutralizing foul odors. Towels that are washed with fabric softener will absorb less water, but when you use vinegar, the towels will actually absorb more water. Fantastic!!

And now you’re on your way to a cheaper, greener and healthier cleaning strategy. Don’t you feel good?

Esthetician in the making

Hello everyone. This is a happy post for me since I am embarking on a new endeavor that will help me make better products, serve my clients better, and expand my skin care knowledge.
I have enrolled in a six month Esthetician's training course from a certified cosmetology school in Appleton. The school is The Salon Professional Academy (TSPA) located in the College Center Plaze just off Hwy 41.
While I am a student there, I am learning about skin care, waxing, and makeup. Once I complete the course and pass the state board examination, I will be certified to do facials, waxing, and makeup application.
Thankfully, I have a fair amount of knowledge on the subjects already, given my Bachelor's Degree in Microbiology/Chemistry, but I am learning a lot about more specific conditions and treatments that are available. It is very exciting for me and I am enjoying it thoroughly.
Starting in mid-May, I will be taking clients at the TSPA at greatly reduced prices.
I have coupons at the store that entitle you to $5 off your first service with me. If you refer more clients to me, you receive $5 off for each referral. Simply fill out the back of a coupon (get more from me at the store) and send your friend in for a service. Once the friend books a service and redeems her coupon, you will have credit at the Academy toward future services. There is no limit to the number of friends you can refer and get discounts for.

These services are great for your skin, and will help you learn how to better care for and maintain your skin at home. Once licensed, I plan to perform these services in Oshkosh, but the prices will be higher. Now is your chance to get in on the good deals (only until October 1, 2009)!

From the experience of the instructors at the school, space is limited and will fill up fast, so call me(420-2450) or the Academy(968-0433) right away to schedule your service (Facials are a relaxing 1½ to 2 hours).

Services starting at:

Corrective Facial $22

Spa Package- 4 Facials $66

Corrective Facial Add-on's $5 each:
- Detoxifying Mask - Eye Mask - Lip Buff - Acne
- Clarifying Mask - Glycolic - Light Plex

Back Facial $20

Lip wax $8

Brow wax $8

Chin wax $8

Arm wax $12

Underarm $12

Bikini $16

Full leg $25

Half leg $15

Full Back $20

Partial Back $12

Makeup Application $10

Available times & dates for full facials: (subject to change)

Saturdays 9AM 10:30 AM 12:30PM 2PM

May 23 June 13, 27 July 11, 25 Aug 8, 22 Sept 5, 19

Thursdays 5PM 7PM

May 21, 28 June 4, 11, 18, 25 July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Aug 6, 13, 20, 27 Sept 3, 10, 17, 24 Oct 1

Tuesdays 5PM 7PM

Aug 4, 18 Sept 1, 15, 29