"She said what?!?"

Most times after facials, clients have gently made mention I give them too much information, it's difficult for them to remember it all. This page was created to post these helpful hints and "pearls" of wisdom for your reference!

Can't say there is any format at the moment but scroll through and see what's here. I'll include links to several references when possible and always be adding new things so...stay tuned!

Skin Care Instructions:

More than likely you received samples of my skin care during a first time facial service. Here are instructions for each item:

Tri-Chai Cleanser:

• This cleanser can be used with or without an esthetic sponge (usually given to you after your service). I would suggest using the sponge two to three times a week and use your hands for the time in between. It is important to always use very light pressure when using the sponge as it is a very effective tool and you can cause irritation if you are heavy handed.
• Using a damp esthetics sponge, dispense approximately a dime to nickle sized amount of cleanser on edge of sponge and spread by folding the sponge. You may also use just your clean hands instead of a sponge if you have sensitive skin.
• Dampen face slightly and using light, circular motion cleanse entire face.
• Splash with warm water and pat dry with clean towel. You may also run the sponge under warm water to clear the sponge of cleanser, and use it to gently remove cleanser from face.

Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl): Basically this is "electrified" salt water. Our bodies also produce it to work in conjunction with our white blood cells to fight off infection. It works amazingly well on eczema, psoriasis, acne, etc. It can be used anywhere on the body, but for this example, it's only going to be used on your face. Typically, we'll discuss it during your facial and you may be leaving with some.

• For acne prone skin or rosacea, use once daily after cleansing and gently patting dry.
• Spritz over face and allow to dry.
• Follow with the Spot Treatment cocktail if you have acne to be treated.

Fresh Blooms Moisturizer:

• During your facial service, more than likely I showed you how to mix moisturizer and other products into a "cocktail" for better absorption. If you're a toner user, it's best to mist or press onto your face prior to applying moisturizer; you'll use way less moisturizer and it helps with absorption.
• Apply a small amount of moisturizer into hand. Using gentle pressure, apply starting at the base of neck up to forehead. Fresh Bloom Moisturizer is very gentle so it's fine to use under the eyes.
• Everyone's skin is different. If your face feels a bit oily, more than likely you applied too much moisturizer. Next time try a bit less until you are satisfied with how it feels on your face. This moisturizer was created for both a day and night time usage.

Spot Treatment "Cocktail":

• This is a mixture of Tuel Clear It Spot Treatment, The Ordinary Azelaic Acid and The Ordinary Mandelic Acid.
• In the evening, after cleansing face, mix 1/2 pearl size Clear It, a small smoosh of Azelaic Acid and 2-3 drops of Mandelic Acid in the palm of your hand then apply and massage into the active break outs. This is NOT meant for your entire face...just the trouble spots. Follow with the Moisturizer "Cocktail" after the spot treatment has been absorbed. It's also acceptable to just leave the spot treatment to do it's thing overnight, however; I would not suggest this if you've got really dry skin.

Moisturizer "Cocktail":

• Add moisturizer of your choice, half a pea-sized amount of The Ordinary Azelaic Acid and about 2 - 3 drops of The Ordinary Mandelic Acid (optional) into the palm of your hand. You will need about half as much as you normally apply.
• Spray approximately 7 pumps of Balanced Calm Toner onto the mixture in your palm and use your fingers to mix together to get rid of the lumps.
• Congratulations! You have just made a moisturizer cocktail as well as combined 3 different procedures into one! By mixing everything together the molecular structure of the creams become smaller so they are more readily absorbed into the skin.
• Gently apply from neck to forehead.

Smooth-n-Chill Body Polish and Exfoliant:

• After cleansing, apply small amount to skin and use small gentle circles to distribute. The most important thing to remember with this exfoliant is to be gentle! The fruit derived alpha-hydroxy acid will do the work, so leave on your skin for anywhere from 1 to 5 minutes and then shower off. This product should only be used once or twice a week at most. 

The Ordinary Brand: Most of my clients know I have a love/hate relationship with The Ordinary company. I am not affiliated with The Ordinary in any way, nor do I distribute any of their items; however the Azelaic Acid and the Mandelic Acid have been game changers for quite a few of my clients as well as myself. For the price, it's a little hard to ignore.

There are only 4 products I wholeheartedly recommend from The Ordinary line: Azelaic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Alpha Arbutin Serum and The Buffet Serum. Other than that, I do not recommend any of their other skin care products. The best place to purchase is usually Ulta.com online so you don't end up making a trip to Ulta and finding out they usually don't carry the Mandelic Acid in-store and most of the time are out of the Azelaic Acid. Sephora carries a 3.4 oz Azelaic Acid for less than $30.

Tea Toners

Spring and summer usually mean organic tea toners during facials. Tea toners are gentle and amazing for skin that is stressed, super sensitive or had too much wind or sun. The best thing about them is how easy they are to put together...just make tea!

I also included a bit of info on each of the botanicals I use so you can figure out which ones may work best for you.

The steps to follow include:

• Always use distilled water (tap waters or bottled water for drinking may have pollutants in them - you don't want that absorbing into your face!)
• Always use organic botanicals or tea blends. They should be hexane free and certified organic
• Always keep finished tea toners in the refrigerator as they oxidize quickly if left at room temperature
• Always make sure to strain all solid matter before pouring into a clean, sterile misting bottle
• If using whole berries or larger petals from dried flowers (i.e. hibiscus or calendula) it's easier to pulse them with a small, clean coffee grinder (I have one I specifically use for botanicals and it only cost about $15). The goal is to make it smaller but not powderize so that it's easy to strain once it has steeped.
• Start out with about 1/2 teaspoon of each dried ingredient. Once you've made tea toner a couple of times you'll get a feel for combinations that work best for your face. 

These are very easy to make at home! Below are a few combinations I have used in the past:

• Yerba mate, rooibos, sea buckthorn berry, calendula
• Hibiscus, rooibos, calendula, yerba mate
• Chaga, blueberry, rooibos, calendula, chamomile
• Calendula, rooibos, chamomile, yerba mate

Yerba mate: Caffiene in this tea assists in reducing dark circles and puffiness under eyes, contains vitamins A, B1, C and E for antioxidants and cellular production and anti-aging benefits...and much more. I use this and calendula in almost every tea toner I make.

Sea buckthorn berry: A superfood for your skin! Source of Omega 3, 6 and 9 to help keep skin hydrated, aids in healing, antioxidants to protect skin from environmental stressors.

Rooibos: This is such a help for eczema and acne. Almost every site I visited spoke about removing itchiness, flaky dryness and assisting in healing acne. Very high in antioxidants! I really love to use this in toners!

Calendula: This amazing botanical is an anti-inflammatory, antitumor agent, and wound healer. Studies have suggested that Calendula extracts have antiviral,antigenotoxic (property of chemical agents that damages the genetic information within a cell causing mutations, which may lead to cancer). 

Chaga: a medicinal fungus that grows on Birch Trees. Topically applied, it appears to calm inflammation, provide some degree of sun protection, and even lighten the appearance of sun spots!

Wild Blueberries: High in vitamins A, C and E and high in antioxidants, blueberries brighten dull and sun-damaged skin. It's high in alpha arbutin which reduces the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. 

Chamomile: This multifaceted flower assists in fading spots, eliminating acne scars and fighting breakouts. It has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.

Green Tea: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Helpful for oily skin and acne prone skin.

Uva Ursi Leaf: A natural form of hydroquinone (skin lightener), minimizes pores and reduces puffiness.

During a facial service, we normally have a chance to chat about diet, household things, DIY, pretty much everything. What follows are things I have found that have worked for me as well as my clients. Reference links have been attached when possible.

N-acetyl L-cysteine (NAC): This amino acid is a powerhouse for acne sufferers. Most of my acne client are taking this supplement and experience clearer skin as well as a multitude of other benefits such as: improved immune system, breaks up mucus in lung diseases like chronic bronchitis and has the potential to lower androgen levels and regulate menstrual cycles as well as help with PCOS related acne. NAC helps replenish glutathione, arguably your body’s most powerful antioxidant. For more info, check out the following link: https://www.selfhacked.com/blog/nac-top-25-science-based-health-benefits-n-acetyl-cysteine-nac/