Two facials & two peels w/ daily skincare.

What is rosacea, and how is it treated?
Rosacea (rose-AY-sha) is a chronic skin disease that causes varying degrees of redness and swelling, primarily on the face, but also at times on the scalp, neck, ears, chest, and back. It is considered a vascular disorder (a disorder of the blood vessels).

The condition can develop over a long period of time and is more common in adults, particularly those with fair skin. More women get it than men, though in men the condition is often more pronounced. Severe, untreated rosacea can lead to a disfigurement of the nose called rhinophyma.

There are four grades of rosacea:

• Grade 1: Mostly redness.
• Grade 2: Pimples and other blemishes.
• Grade 3: Edemas (swelling due to fluid retention) and inflammatory bumps on the nose.
• Grade 4: Symptoms affecting the eyes.

No one knows the cause of rosacea, but it is thought to run in families and can be aggravated by environmental factors and diet. Although rosacea can be accompanied by pustules, it is not acne. Researchers believe rosacea might be caused by several things: abnormal function of the blood vessels, sun damage, and an abnormal inflammatory reaction.

People with rosacea often learn that certain things trigger their flare-ups. It is believed that fluctuations in temperature (especially extreme heat or cold) is a common trigger. Spicy foods and alcohol consumption can also cause flare-ups.

How is rosacea treated?
The key to rosacea treatment is to catch it early. It may start with skin that merely flushes red. Reducing skin temperature and calming the skin is usually the first objective. Once inflammation is under control, other treatments follow. There are many treatments, including topical agents containing azelaic acid or the antibiotic metronidazole. Both have proven helpful in relieving the symptoms of rosacea. Your physician may also prescribe internal antibiotics in the tetracycline family. Esthetically, rosacea is treated with chemical exfoliation, ultrasonic treatments, and calming, soothing, hydrating treatments.

While not a cure, any of these treatments can help control symptoms, sometimes for several years. Self-treatment is not advised, beyond a simple and gentle cleansing routine. Some over-the-counter remedies may actually worsen symptoms, as will aggressive scrubbing and rubbing.  Your licensed esthetician may refer you to a dermatologist for evaluation and medical support.

What to expect from a rosacea treatment
Be ready to fill out a medical questionnaire and describe what medications and skin care
products you are using. Your therapist will do an analysis of your skin, look for any interactions between products and medications, and devise a treatment plan that’s suitable for your unique needs. Be prepared to commit to a series of treatments and a home care regimen.

After your professional treatment, your skin care therapist can recommend a home treatment plan, as well as follow-up professional treatments. Your skin may be more sensitive after treatment. Many professional skin care lines provide specialized products that sooth the inflammation of rosacea. Your esthetician will carefully choose products for you that are least likely to irritate your skin.

What about home care?
Your esthetician can provide the best guidance on caring for your skin after a treatment. In general, people with rosacea should keep a diary of things that trigger their condition: environmental factors such as sun, wind, stress, exposure to heat or severe cold, alcohol or spicy food consumption, and irritating face products. Responses to treatments vary widely; trial and error is unfortunately part of the process when working with rosacea.

Contact About FACE by Nancy to enhance your personal and unique beauty with effective, long lasting treatments that save you time – all day, every day.

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How to Get A Facial

 
A professional facial with great skincare products will give you scrupulously clean, glowing, smooth skin.  As a licensed clinical aesthetician, I see many clients in my treatment room in Los Angeles.  To get the best experience, here are some essentials on how to get a facial.

Should be needless to say – go only to a reputable business, and always look for or ask for proper licensure. Many nail salons are offering skincare, in addition to brow grooming, lash extensions, etc. Know that only estheticians and cosmetologists can perform these services. Nail technicians do not receive any training and are not licensed to perform skincare.

Effective products are essential, this is where most places will skimp to save money. As you know, good skincare products are not cheap, there are years and even decades of development, research and testing behind them. Always ask what products are being used on your skin. Not just a matter of creaming and steaming, but protective antioxidants, essential oils, soothing hydration, and skin strengthening peptides are essential ingredients that your skin is thirsty for.

During the client consulation, you and your skin care professional will have a thorough conversation about your skin. You need to inform your aesthetician if you are currently taking any prescription medications, such as Accutane, Retin A, or any other medication as they can affect your skin. Inform your aesthetician about products you are using such as acne products or OTC retinols. Your aesthetician will customizes the facial for you and avoid any skin irritation. Let your aesthetician know about any allergies or sensitivities. If you are a new client, you will have to fill out a client consultation form addressing these topics, and other essentials before your facial.

Be sure you like what you see, the treatment room should be clean and organized. The facial table should be made up with clean sheets and towels, and the equipment should be properly sanitized through the use of either an autoclave or barbicide solution. If you do not see these, ask how tools are sanitized. If you don’t like what you hear, take your business elsewhere. For your facial to be most effective and enjoyable, a relaxing experience is what you should expect.

A facial includes the following: makeup removal, cleansing, steam, exfoliation, extractions, facial massage, facial peel and / or masque, toner, eye cream, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Other add-on treatments can be customized to you, or may be more effective at another time.

While state requirements do vary, your aesthetician is required to wear gloves during extractions. The process can can be a bit uncomfortable, if painful – do let your aesthetician know. When properly done, extractions improve the feel and look of your skin. My extractions are steady but I do not force something that is not ready to be removed. The extraction fluid I use is very good, and softens sebum immediately. I never want to leave extraction marks on my clients. When they walk out of my treatment room, it will be with even toned, gloving skin.

Facial massage is eliminates toxins, stimulates circulation, bringing blood flow with nutrients, and oxygen to your skin. Massage is not suitable for all skin conditions, and your skin care therapist will tailor the steps for you. Stay relaxed, and ask for an extra blanket if you get a bit cold. It is fine to fall asleep, many clients do just that as it’s one of the few times they can be very relaxed and pampered.

Masques hydrate, nourish, and soothe your skin. Your skincare therapist will quietly explain what she is applying to your skin, and how the ingredients work. Skincare ingredients are essential, and I only use the best in my treatment room.

Your facial experience will include some education on how to care for your skin. What you do daily to your skin is just as important, if not more than your monthly facials. Cleanse your skin two times a day, and Use the best products. Avoid facial waxing, and do not use any strong products for at least 5 days.

A great facial will leave your skin firmer, glowing and radiant. I recommend going home to relax, and keep the zen feeling going. The next day, Your skin will be smooth and clear. Remember to hydrate and protect your fresh, exfoliated skin with an SPF moisturizer. An investment in yourself, glowing skin is a luxury, not a right.

Contact About FACE by Nancy to enhance your personal and unique beauty with effective, long lasting treatments that save you time – all day, every day.

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Asian clients prefer to natural brow that is full and straight. It is the brow of innocence and youth. A straighter brow also draws attention to the roundness of the eyes, and highlights glowing skin. As an Aesthetician that is also Asian, I can understand the great demand for a clear, even-toned, and hydrated complexion. Hyperpigmentation is a challenge for Asians, Blacks, and Hispanics as well.

Black clients usually love a hydrating, even-toned glow. These clients can also to have pigmentation issues, as with Asian and Hispanic clients. Exfoliaton or a PCA chemical peel will result in a healthier, younger-looking skin. Black clients usually also lean toward an arched brow, with some Cleopatra elegance – looking like a Queen that she is. Usually possessing an ageless appearance, remaining wrinkle-free for a long time, sunscreen protection is also a must for these clients, although many do not wear it. And lash extensions, they love it.

Caucasian clients prefer a more groomed look, sometimes quite arched brows for a sexy appeal. Some like a more natural, low maintenance approach – I assess each client carefully by listening carefully to their preferences, and also by asking a lot of questions as to their lifestyle. A client often wants to simply look more groomed or professional; sometimes a thinner brow tail is all that they really need. Lighter skin often is sometimes more sensitive, combination skin is one the most common things I treat.

Hispanic clients love a strong brow as well, complimenting the exotic dark haired look. Many prefer an arched, dramatic look. I work with my clients to give them a best version of what they are looking to accomplish. Exfoliation is key to this population in keeping the skin, and neck area looking bright and even-toned.

Middle Eastern clients in particular, love a “made up look.” Embellished and extravagant is the preference. In the summer, many tourists visit Los Angeles to escape the even hotter desert summers in the Middle East. A strong brow that is on the longer side is the usual preference. Many also love the permanent makeup lips, and long, dramatic lash extensions. Making a statement, glamour as a constant is preferred.

Working closely with my clients, it is their preference and feedback that I am listening for. As I work, they are always given a mirror to check the process as we go, so we both know that the client is getting a look that they really appreciate. Perfecting it, in a way that only a beauty professional knows how to do – my clients always leave my Los Angeles treatment room looking better than they expected. As an Aesthetician working with many people of different backgrounds and types, I specialize in skincare, chemical peels, lash extensions, and permanent makeup. I like to keep it as simple as possible, without compromising a beaYOUtiful result.

Contact About Face by Nancy to enhance your personal and unique beauty with effective, long lasting treatments that save you time – all day, every day.

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PCA Skin chemical peels are quite popular in Los Angeles.  The #1 manufacturer of chemical peels in the United States, they are effective and also quite safe when used properly. I prefer peels over physical exfoliation methods such as microdermabrasion. Peels are less abrasive, suitable for those with acne, barrier impairment, and other sensitive skin conditions that can not tolerate a more aggressive approach. Dead skin is lifted and the peel is completed over a time period of about a week, working along with your skin’s natural healing process.

A PCA Skin chemical peel is absorbed in the skin and you sleep with it on overnight. The layering and leave on approach is very nourishing as the products and serums contain antioxidants and melanogensis inhibitors. Additionally, lactic acid that naturally is found in the body, and it is also very hydrating for the skin. Skin peel is done mostly over the 2nd and 3rd days, with about a week to result in a dewy, fresh complexion.

One of the best ways to treat acne scarring and pigmentation is to do a series of gentle peels over time. A customized PCA chemical peel for your skin type and conditions will revitalize your complexion, increase collagen production, firm, smooth and brighten. And this includes treating uneven skin texture, and lines and wrinkles. I have clients that are really clearing up their acne, though the reminders from the past remain – acne scarring. After clearing up breakouts, we progress to the aesthetic peels to give them back the skin they fondly remember.

Medium to dark skin types can not tolerate deep microdermabrasion because aggressive exfoliation can cause pigmentation and can cause uneven skin tone. In addition to over the counter physical exfoliation products such as apricot shell, sugar, salts, etc – microdermabrasion is a mechanical physical exfoliation. With microdermabasion – using crystals, or diamond tip mediums to “sand” the outer layer of skin, those with more active pigment cells, need to exercise caution. These methods are abrasive and if misused may cause more pigmentation problems. It is also difficult to judge in how long to “scrub” as you may not realize you have gone too far until after completing the methods. For those with acne, I do not recommend any physical exfoliation of any type.

Lasers are a more drastic way to address these kinds of skin issues. Laser treatments can be expensive and painful. Many times they need to be repeated. You would want to get references on the person/professional before using laser therapy for anything. Again, those with more active pigment cells need to be careful.

Another thing that I look for is pre-blended peels, to increase consistency and best treatment results. PCA Skin peels can target your skin type and accomplish great improvements to your skin over time. All skin pigmentation problems, overall skin tone, and light acne scarring can all benefit from the right type of exfoliation. Aesthetic chemical peels work on the surface of the skin to loosen and help flake off the old dead skin cells that build up over time. As one ages, natural cellular turnover slows down. With a series of gentle peels over time, effective treatment serums that can now easily penetrate your skin – there will be considerable improvements to your complexion. As part of your regular maintenance, chemical peels los angeles are well tolerated, safely address many skincare concerns, and have excellent results.

Contact About Face by Nancy to enhance your personal and unique beauty with effective, long lasting treatments that save you time – all day, every day.

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Melasma is overproducing, sensitized pigment cells that cause patchy pigmentation areas primarily on the cheeks, forehead and upper lip.  You must wear sunscreen vigilantly, and be very careful in dealing with it because many things can make it even worse.  Here a list, it’s a long one – stress, hormones, heat, not eating or sleeping regularly, sun exposure, your home lighting, and even the light emitting from your laptop or computer.

A fair complexion is very near and dear to many people, especially those that are from or around Asia.  A tanned complexion especially for a woman is a huge no no.  Even the men desire and seek the light skin all the celebrities have.  One time, I was on the phone to an IT support person in the Philippines, and we started a detailed discussion on how to brighten and lighten the skin as we waited for my computer to reboot.  The IT guy, and yes he was a guy – suggested glutathione oral supplements, and so I even purchased those online and tried that too.

Adversity to tanned skin is because it is seen as not only aging, but originates from the view that an untanned complexion means not having to do outdoor manual labor in the crop fields, etc.  I write about this, not in agreement but to convey the historical reasons for this very strong preference, and how it is still very prevalent today. Personally, with dark hair, I just think the contrast looks better on me.

While there are many others in Europe and the United States do prefer a tanned look as it is slenderizing, has an athletic appearance, etc.  In contrast to the view above, a tan is also a status symbol, as in being able to vacation abroad, or summer at the resort and therefore having the leisure time, and resources to do so.  Melasma, however is a lot more complicated than a tan.  Melasma, also known as the mask of pregnancy is an uneven complexion often triggered by hormones.

If you have melasma, I don’t need to detail why it is at the top of a priority list of things you want to change.  Fall season is the perfect time to correct melasma and hyperpigmentation issues with medical grade aesthetic peels and treatments.  I will customize a protocol for your skin type, as melasma is often combined with sensitive skin, aging, acne, dry skin or oily skin.  It can be done, I’ve proved it treating my own melasma and am well equipped with the experience, knowledge, training, and some very effective professional skincare therapy products.

Believe me, you will be thrilled when the pigmented skin is lifted, and is peeled away. Of course, after a peel treatment you must allow your skin to naturally exfoliate and peel.  You need the right products, with active, fresh ingredients, bottled in the right conditions to control, inhibit, reduce, and stop the pigmentation at every stage of it’s production cycle.  Finally, you will see there is an effective and safe way to get this very annoying condition under control.  Your complexion can once again be beautiful, bright, even-toned, and glowing.

Contact About Face by Nancy to enhance your personal and unique beauty with effective, long lasting treatments that save you time – all day, every day.

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Permanent Makeup is technically micropigmentation or in other words, a cosmetic tattoo. An ancient Asian beautification practice, permanent makeup has gained popularity around the world. Tattooing for medical reasons such as scaring or vitiligo are essentially the same procedure, this is sometimes the last resort when no other solution exists.

Cosmetic tattooing or permanent makeup did not exist in the United States until early 80′s. During the mid-ninties, a California woman started flying all over the country promoting her new service. A popular industry was born, and as it grew, many people from various backgrounds got into this business. Many are tattoo artists that came up the traditional ways – under an apprenticeship of a senior tattoo artist and or self taught.

Many permanent makeup artists today are still entering into the business without any formal training nor state licenses. This is often when you will see a permanent makeup business where it is advertised that the business specializes in and only does permanent makeup. The reality is that they are unable to do ANY service in a beauty salon because they have not have met the educational requirements for beauty professional licensing, nor have they received formal disinfection and sanitation training according to state boards. You definitely should ask questions when you allow someone to use a needle on you.

Some cities have municipal bans and zoning restrictions on tattoo shops. In the late eighties, a California beauty professional appealed the regulation, and the ban was updated to exempt aestheticians, cosmetologists, electrologists, and physicians. As an aesthetician, my background includes the study of psychofigurism – the study of the facial features, facial symmetry, and facial bone structure. Along with artistic ability, I customize brows, eyes and lips for a client’s face and individuality.

Additionally, application service of false eye lashes, and lash extensions are not allowed unless they are licensed Aestheticians or Cosmetologists in California. As a true beauty professional, I’ve had hundreds of classroom hours on disinfection, sanitation, eyebrow shaping, lash extensions, and permanent makeup.

Contact About Face by Nancy to enhance your personal and unique beauty with effective, long lasting treatments that save you time – all day, every day.

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Calm puffy eyes by placing a chilled slice on each eye.  If you have permanent makeup eye liner, you don’t need to worry about smearing!

Defog the bathroom mirror after a hot shower. Just rub a slice on the mirror and it will also give off a wonderful, fresh scent.

Place cucumber sllices on sunburns to cool and keep your skin moist.

Have a healthy treat in the afternoon, cucumbers have vitamin B and carbohydrates to give you energy.  In Traditional Chinese Mediine, if you are a Ying person – digesting more of this vegetable will also help to balance and cool your energy.

Cucumber Martini Recipe
Ingredients:
2 oz. Vodka (Grey Goose)
1/4 oz. Lemon Juice
2 slices Cucumber
3 pieces Mint
1/2 oz. Sugar Syrup

Crush together some fresh mint and a cucumber slice in a cocktail shaker.  Add the other ingredients and ice.  Shake and strain into a chilled martini glass.  Garnish with a slice of cucumber and a fresh mint sprig.  Enjoy!

Contact About Face by Nancy to enhance your personal and unique beauty with effective, long lasting treatments that save you time – all day, every day.

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Hydroquinnone – Yes or No?

Living in southern California offers many wonderful life style benefits. Special care must be taken to maintain the health, beauty and radiance of your skin. About Face by Nancy provides non-invasive services and customized treatments to meet your individual skin type and specific conditions.

With professional techniques and technologies, I can help improve the appearance, condition and health of your skin at any stage or age. Maintaining an even-toned complexion is a challenge for many, especially in this sunny climate. About one-third of the population is allergic to hydroquinnone, the only FDA approved lightening agent. The FDA has proposed banning it for years, although no formal action has yet been taken.

I provide free 15 minute personal consultations to explain your options, and answer any questions your may have. Our professional lines of clinically proven skin care products can help to maintain the balance, hydration, and protection your skin really needs.

Love the skin you’re in. Take charge of your health and beauty today with professional skin care.  Have a beautiful day!

Contact About FACE by Nancy to enhance your personal and unique beauty with effective, long lasting treatments that save you time – all day, every day.

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