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October 2007
“Wrinkles should merely
indicate where smiles
have been” – Mark Twain
Thank you for taking the time to read this newsletter.
It is a pleasure to share my passion for skin care and touch therapy
with you. I hope that these articles will enable you to better
understand your skin and how to keep it vibrantly healthy and balanced!
Dermalogica is launching its newest product line AGE
Smart this month and the press is already praising it as THE
system for our aging skin. I’m really excited about this advancement
and am attending the Seattle product introduction on October 22nd.
I promise to give you a full report!
This month I want to talk about the efficacy of topically applied
vitamins as well as introduce you to the amazing Peptide – a little
protein molecule that has big benefits for your skin! Recovering
from
Summer’s Sun tells you how to get your skin glowing. And lastly I
want
to tell you how electrotherapies are used in European Facials to
enhance the effectiveness of skin care products.
Please tell me if there are topics you would like to
see covered in future newsletters. If you have comments or questions,
please send an email to mary-brooke@mirabellaskincare.com
or call me at 378-4250.
Topically Applied Vitamins – Do
They Really Work?
It has long been known that vitamins work internally to improve the
condition of the skin but now science agrees that vitamins
applied directly to the skin can provide great benefits.
Firmly-backed research is now declaring that topically-applied vitamins
do in fact work quickly on your skin and provide much needed protection
from environmental assaults like UV rays and airborne toxins. And it
has even been proven that topically-applied vitamins can decrease the
signs of premature aging.
But buyers beware! Just because you see “Vitamin” on your product’s
label isn’t a guarantee you are getting something that actually
provides those benefits to your skin! The percentage of vitamins
included in a product and the ingredients they are combined with can
drastically alter their effectiveness. For example, vitamins that are
in a waterless (anhydrous) base are more stable, and vitamins that are
protected from light have a more noticeable effect on the skin.
Vitamins C and E are antioxidants known to protect against free
radicals. However they must be properly stabilized in order to
optimize their effect on the skin.
How do you know if your products are actually delivering high quality,
high concentrations of vitamins that your skin can absorb? It is
recommended that you select professional products, researched and
developed by ethical companies who test their products on human skin to
prove actual benefits of their formulations. This is one of the many
reasons I chose Dermalogica as my Professional Skin Care Product
Line…did you know that all Dermalogica products are researched and
developed by the International Dermal Institute? …and are tested on IDI
educators!
Here are some of the vitamins that have been proven
effective when
applied directly to the skin:
Vitamin C – is an antioxidant that plays an
essential role in building collagen (the connective tissue that
comprises up to 70% of skin) so it helps protect skin from premature
aging (like wrinkles).
Vitamin E protects the skin from cancer-causing free
radicals and is essential for the proper utilization of oxygen in skin
cells; it helps soften and smooth the skin, relieves dryness and
promotes healing.
Vitamin A – a powerful antioxidant that improves
skin’s elasticity, promotes the formation of new skin cells, and
soothes and hydrates the skin.
Pro-Vitamin B5 (Panthenol) conditions the skin
and promotes tissue healing.
Essential fatty acids prevent skin dryness and roughness.
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Check out
Dermalogica’s MultiVitamin line – these
topically-applied products deliver a high concentration of pure
vitamins to help nourish, heal, and protect your skin.
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THE NEW PROTEINS: Peptides for
the skin
The peptides used in skin formulations are synthesized from amino
acids, and have a small molecular size that allows them to quickly and
effectively penetrate the skin to perform specific functions, such as
synthesizing collagen, which strengthens the skin and improves
elasticity and tone, or rebuilding the dermal matrix, thereby reducing
surface lines – all without irritation.
So what does this mean for you?
Studies have shown marked improvement to fine lines,
wrinkles, age spots and skin firmness within 1 to 12 weeks, depending
upon the health of the skin and the depth of the wrinkles.
As enthusiastic as I am about peptides (and I do apply them daily
because I love the effect), you need to know they are not a miracle
“cure”, and they do require a commitment; if they are not used
continually, the skin will eventually return to its former
condition…that’s just what skin does without constant dermal
stimulation. However, I believe them to be one of the most potent and
effective ingredients currently on the market, and well worth your
attention.
Peptides are found in Dermalogica’s Power Rich (Palmitoyl
Pentapeptide 3) and Super Rich Repair (Palmitoyl
Tetrapeptide 3, and Palmitoyl Oligopeptide).
New peptides are being developed all the time, and cosmetic chemists
are excited about their possibilities, as are all of us who are
passionate about skin care. So stay tuned!
Recovering from
Summer's Sun
Healing sun damage and preparing for seasonal changes are
the goals for skin care as summer rolls into fall. Perhaps you’ve
already noticed changes to your skin. Dehydration becomes more
apparent as we move indoors, and tanned skin begins to fade to a dull,
flaky
finish.
So how can you extend that summer glow? If you have fallen off
the wagon, so to speak, or you’ve been having too much fun to think
about caring for your skin, now is the time to resume good habits or
perhaps begin new ones.
As the season changes so does the skin. Consider adding two highly
beneficial steps to your daily skin care ritual…exfoliation and masque.
Exfoliation includes the use of gentle scrubs, enzymes, or hydroxy
acids (lactic or salicylic are the safest and best to use) to help
clear away the dead cellular debris that builds up and leaves skin
looking dull and flaky. If these cells aren’t sloughed off regularly
they become an impenetrable fortress that leaves your moisturizer
floating on top of instead of absorbing into the skin – a big waste of
those great active ingredients (including vitamins and peptides) that
are so beneficial to lustrous, healthy skin!
Not in the habit of using masques? Can’t find the time? Think of what
you’ve been missing! A masque is like a mini vacation – your skin
looks and feels rested, refreshed, and rejuvenated! Masques provide
immediate and noticeable results. Create a self-nurturing ritual with a
relaxing cup of herbal tea and your favorite masque – most masques take
about 8 – 12 minutes. And if you’re really pressed for time, try
applying your masque in the shower, right after you have cleansed and
exfoliated. The humidity from the shower makes skin more permeable and
you only need to leave the masque on for 3 minutes to get great
benefits. Try to do this 2 to 3 times each week.
With each season your skin care goals may change and it may be helpful
to reassess your skin care products and formulations. Perhaps you now
need to treat dehydration, address pigmentation brought out by the sun,
or erase fine lines that have increased in number and depth. You may
wish to add specialized serums to boost the effectiveness of your
current products, or adjust your formulations to reflect the seasonal
environment.
My complimentary Face Mapping
Consultation will help determine what
your skin needs most!
ELECTRICITY in the Facial
Treatment:
The essence of the “EUROPEAN FACIAL”
Electrical current has been used in skin care treatments
internationally since the 1920’s and 30’s and remains to this day one
of the hallmarks of “European Skin Care.” The fact that it is not more
widely used in the United States comes more from a lack of knowledge
and training, and perhaps the additional cost of equipment for the
practitioner. Yet it has the ability to increase the efficacy of a
treatment with quantifiable, visible results.
I would like to introduce you to two safe and effective
electrotherapies available in my practice, Galvanic and Direct High
Frequency currents.
Galvanic current has the unique ability to alter the pH of the skin and
force highly concentrated and specialized serums deeper into the skin,
thus improving their effectiveness for superior results. Galvanic
current can also be used to soften the skin and undersurface congestion
to aid in the safe and sanitary removal of whiteheads and blackheads.
A side benefit of Galvanic current is that it can have a subtle firming
effect on the skin and underlying capillaries.
Direct High Frequency provides an antibacterial effect to the skin
which makes it a terrific tool for working with clients who have acne
breakouts. Another application of Direct High Frequency is to use its
gentle warming properties with a masque or serum to increase product
absorption.
However, electric current is not recommended for pregnant women, folks
with seizure disorders, or those with metal plates or pins, pacemakers
or heart conditions. And naturally there are those who prefer a more
“Classic” Facial Treatment that uses only the hands. Whether you
choose a European or Classic style Facial is entirely up to you. These
electrotherapies simply amplify the efficacy of highly concentrated
professional products that are designed to work alone or with the
addition of electrical modalities.
FEATURED PRODUCTS
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Dermalogica’s
MultiVitamin Power Recovery Masque
Also called “Ambulance
in a
Tube” this is an intensive masque of concentrated vitamins and
botanical extracts that helps calm environmentally-stressed skin.
Firming Vitamin A increases elasticity and moisture content while
antioxidant Vitamin C aids in collagen synthesis, restoring suppleness.
Vitamin E and Pro-Vitamin B5 promote healthy tissue regeneration, while
calming botanical extracts of Licorice, Comfrey and Burdock soothe the
skin.
How it Works:
• Vitamins A, C, E,
F and
Pro-Vitamin B5 help repair and restore skin to optimum fitness.
• Beta Glucan
soothes
irritated skin and enhances moisture barrier properties.
• Nutrient-rich Algae
Extract moisturizes and softens skin.
•
Calming extracts of Licorice, Comfrey and Burdock soothe skin
and decrease sensitivity. |
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Dermalogica’s
MultiVitamin
Power Concentrate
This unique skin treatment
delivers
a concentrated dose of pure vitamins to help reduce the signs of
premature aging. Vitamin A increases elasticity and moisture content,
firming and strengthening the skin. Antioxidant Vitamin C stimulates
natural collagen synthesis to restore suppleness, while Vitamin E
promotes healthy tissue regeneration as it slows further cellular
damage.
How it Works:
• Vitamin A increases
elasticity and moisture content.
• Antioxidant Vitamin
C
stimulates natural collagen synthesis to restore suppleness.
• Antioxidant Vitamin E
promotes healthy tissue regeneration.
• Essential oils of
Grapefruit,
Lime, Orange and Mandarin Orange soothe and calm the skin. |
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Dermalogica’s
MultiVitamin Power Firm – for eye and lip area
Combat visible lines around
the eye
and mouth area with this powerful firming complex. Seaweed Extract,
Vitamins A, C and E, plus a healing shield of Organic Silicones,
protect against damage, accelerate repair, strengthen elasticity and
improve smoothness.
How it Works:
• Pure Vitamins A, C and E
in an anhydrous (waterless) base accelerate the skin's natural repair
process, strengthening elasticity and improving smoothness.
• Corallina Officinalis
Extract,
a red seaweed, helps to firm the skin, reducing the appearance of fine
lines.
• A protective shield of Organic
Silicones helps prevent moisture loss and protects vulnerable skin |
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Dermalogica’s
Power Rich
Restore
firmness,
elasticity and hydration to depleted skin with Power Rich. More than a
moisturizer and more than a formula for prematurely-aging skin, this
treatment works to help stimulate and strengthen damaged tissue while
supplying vital nutrients to help reduce fine, dry lines, resurface and
regenerate skin. This pharmaceutical-strength grade of formula used in
Power Rich guarantees that you’ll see a difference in your skin after
just one week.
How it Works:
• Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-3
(Peptide) triggers collagen production, which increases firmness
and helps restore elasticity.
• Vitamins A, C, E and B5
help reverse the signs of prematurely-aging and sun damaged skin.
• A unique, non-acid
exfoliation
complex to help stimulate cell turnover and cell renewal without
disturbing skin’s pH balance.
• Extracts of Kukui Nut,
Apricot
Kernel Oil, Licorice, Rice Extract and Soy Photoestrogens enhance
skin texture, elasticity and tone. |
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Dermalogica’s
Super Rich
Repair
Deliver immediate benefits to
chronically dry, dehydrated and prematurely-aging skin with this
super-concentrated, heavy-weight cream. Powerful peptides stimulate
collagen production while an acid-free renewal complex smoothes fine
lines for dramatically improved elasticity and tone. Ultra-emollient
Shea Butter and Oil of Evening Primrose replenish skin with maximum
hydration, relieving dryness and reinforcing skin’s natural defensive
barrier. Antioxidant Soy Flavonoids shield against the extreme
environmental elements that can accelerate the visible signs of aging.
How it Works:
• Hyaluronic Acid
provides
the instant hydration dry skin craves.
• Shea Butter and Oil of
Evening
Primrose reinforce skin’s natural protective barrier.
• Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-3
and
Palmitoyl Oligopeptide stimulate collagen production and improve
elasticity and tone.
• An acid-free smoothing
complex
smoothes fine lines without irritation.
• Active Soy Isoflavonoids
defend against environmental assaults that can accelerate the visible
signs of aging. |
O’Malley & Potter Essential
Oils:
Headache and
Migraine Relief – The essential oils in this blend have been
traditionally used to relieve symptoms of headache, migraine, stress,
motion sickness, and anxiety. Place in your aromatherapy inhaler, mix
with a carrier oil or lotion and use in massage, or add 6 drops to bath
water. Contains essential oils of Lavender, Rosemary,
Peppermint, Marjoram, and Melissa.
(Do not use during pregnancy or
while nursing).
Sweet Dreams Insomnia Relief –
The essential oils in this blend have been traditionally used to
relieve symptoms of insomnia, depression, anxiety, and stress. Place
in your aromatherapy inhaler, mix with a carrier oil or lotion and use
in massage, or add 6 drops to bath water. Contains essential oils
of Lavender, Marjoram, and Bay Laurel.
(Do not use during pregnancy or while nursing).
For a full
on-line description of European Facials, Lymph Drainage Therapy, and
Therapeutic Massages check out our web site at www.mirabellaskincare.com
DRAWING
Stop by Mirabella and enter to WIN a
Clarisonic MD Facial Cleansing
Brush
($195 Value!)
Drawing to be held October 31st (need not be present to win)
New at Mirabella
Give. Glow. Stress Relief Therapy Candles by Dermalogica
Paraffin-free, soy candles with pure essential oils
$26 each or free with $100 Dermalogica purchase
Dermalogica Travel Briefcase Bags
$30 each or free with $150 Dermalogica purchase
THANK YOU for
your referrals
So many of you have referred
friends, family, and associates and I hope you
know how just how much
that means to me and the growth of my practice.
It is also an honor to receive such a high compliment.
To you I humbly say Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
POST GRADUATE EDUCATION - UPDATE
It has been my goal throughout my 20 year career as a health
practitioner to stay on the cutting edge of new advancements in
Therapeutic Massage, and Skin Care through advancing my education.
That is part of my commitment to my profession and to my clients, to
provide the best and most up-to-date care I possibly can.
Upcoming education:
October 15 – International Dermal Institute:
New applications for high-tech electrical modalities (galvanic, direct
high frequency, and others)
November 12 & 13 – International Dermal Institute:
Chinese Acupressure Facial: effective for headaches, migraines, eye
strain, sinus problems, Rosacea, acne, sensitization, and allergy-prone
skins.
November 24 through 27 – Upledger: Lymph Drainage Therapy.
This training is a continuation of my LDT training over the past 2
years. It will help improve my proficiency in working with the amazing
and complex lymphatic system of the entire body. Until now my focus
has been on the face and neck before and after surgery and to help
conditions such as acne, Rosacea, psoriasis, and eczema.
PARKING
There is limited parking available in
the Presbyterian Church lot, directly behind the Fitness Center. If
street parking is unavailable, you are welcome to park there during
your visits to Mirabella. Call for details. 378-4250
You have received this newsletter because you are a
valued client and provided me with this email address at your first
visit. If you would like to unsubscribe, please do so by replying to
this email and I will remove you from the list immediately.
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