Faces By Fern

Sun Damage Facials

2011-09-06T15:07:08-07:00

Did you look in the mirror one day and see some ugly brown spots on your face, where they never were before?

Why are they there, what does it mean, and what can you do about it?

Excess sun causes our skin to produce melanin as a protective reaction to the sun’s burning assault on our skin.

Melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color, acts as a barrier to further damage by absorbing ultraviolet light. A suntan results from this attempt by the skin to protect itself. You can think of these as a band -aid your skin creates.

Referred to as hyperpigmentation, those dark spots on your face were caused by the sun damage you got between ages 9-18, and now, 20 or 30 years later, you have uneven skin tone.

What once was a burn or a tan is now a scar on your skin, and these scars been slowly rising to the surface of your skin ever since.

Treating hyperpigmentation from too much sun can be successful, over time, and with focused daily skin care. Peels are a great approach, and when combined with microdermabrasion, the results are impressive.

The peels I use are made from mango fruit enzymes, and are effective in sloughing off the dead and discolored uppermost layers on your face. This mango peel exfoliates, smoothes, encourages cellular turnover, and has aromatherapy benefits.

This peel is a perfect prelude to the mechanical exfoliation provided by the microdermabrasion process, which sloughs off more dead skin using crystals through a hand-held wand.

I recommend a series of 6 microdermabrasion facials over a 6-12 week period. When done in a series, the first facial is 80 min and includes the mango peel, followed by 60 minute treatments with microdermabrasion only. Monthly maintenance continues from this point with the 80 minute facial.

The results are a smoother, healthier-looking, brighter skin. However, you must continue the brightening and smoothing process on your own at home.

I have a recommended regimen of products which will build on the process begun during your hyperpigmentation treatments.

Over time and with this series of treatments, along with your diligence at home, you will see that these brown spots are diminished, and that your skin is fresher and cleaner. This treatment works well for old acne scars too.

September's Special at Faces by Fern is the Microdermabrasion and Fruit Enzyme Facial. Click on the tab MONTHLY DEALS above for details.

Free Radicals, Spin Traps and You

2011-02-18T19:59:55-08:00

Everyone has heard of the damaging effect free radicals have on our skin and in our bodies, accelerating aging and leading to damage on a cellular level.

Free radicals are unstable, unpaired electrons which attack other cells and lead to the disruption of these living cells and harm our DNA.

In some cases, our body's immune system produces its own free radicals to kill viruses and bacteria. Most free radicals, though, are created from outside sources like pollution, radiation and cigarette smoke.

A few free radicals aren't a big deal for our bodies. But after years of accumulation, they attack our bodies as we age, resulting in damage and destruction of our elastin and collagen.

Vitamin C and Vitamin E are antioxidants which neutralize free radicals, and help prevent the kind of cell and tissue damage which could later lead to cellular damage and disease.

Our bodies don't make Vitamins C or E, so we must get these from our foods, supplements, and our skin care. This is why we are told to eat our fruits and vegetables - to help us get enough of these vitamins to protect our bodies against this internal destruction.

So, what do spin traps have to do with free radicals and antioxidants?

There is a scientific method to trap free radicals, through a measurement process called Electron Spin Resonance. That's how the term came about: Spin Trap.

After scientists used this process to detect the presence of free radicals, they discovered a wonderful side benefit:

Spin traps prevent the free radicals from moving from cell to cell, causing damage to our cells, and spreading their destruction throughout our bodies.

Spin traps have the ability to distinguish the good oxygen molecules from the bad ones, and can stop cellular damage before it happens.

The most exciting result is that spin traps are formulated into the products I use to treat your skin!

A Natural Difference (A.N.D.) has an entire line containing this spin trap technology. These products are in A.N.D.'s Rejuvenation line, and include:

Rejuvenation Concentrate, Rejuvenation Creme, Rejuvenation Eye Creme, Rejuvenation Mask (great for mature skin,), Repair Serum, Cherry Berry Nutritional Solution (a toner,) and their Pumpkin Peel.

You have to try these products! Call me to schedule your facial - you will enjoy the experience AND know you are getting the best products science has to offer!

5 Anti-Aging Strategies

2011-01-30T12:07:19-08:00

Clients often ask me what they can do to counter-act the signs of aging on their face.

Here are 5 things everyone can do:

Use Vitamin C

Vitamin C is essential in rebuilding collagen which makes the skin look firmer and plumper.

Use after cleansing, before moisturizer. Vitamin C is both an antioxidant and collagen booster.

Begin with one application in the morning, every other day, and slowly move to using daily. You may use morning and evening.

Use Vitamin A

Also known as retinol, retinyl palmitate, retinyl acetate and retinoic acid, Vitamin A is a proven anti-aging ingredient. It works by stimulating cell turnover, which resurfaces and smoothes the skin.

A retinol cream is also good for blemished skin as it helps to keep the pores free of excess skin cells. Use in the evening after cleansing. Use either Vitamin A or Vitamin C.

Eat protein

Proteins provide most of the body’s amino acids which give the body all it needs to build collagen and elastin, the two substances necessary for supporting firm, smooth skin. Click here to read about other foods that benefit skin health.

Wear sunblock

Wear it every day, no matter the weather and make it part of your regular morning routine. Click here to read about the best sunscreens.

Get regular facials

Facials remove the upper layer of dirt and dead skin, and along with techniques and products, will promote healthier, younger-looking skin.

Faces by Fern is offering a special for February: Cherry-Chocolate Rose Facial.

This is an anti-aging treatment, using pure plant and fruit compounds. Not only will you enjoy the vivid scents as each product is applied, you will love how your skin looks afterward!

Read more about it in the Monthly Deals, then come on in!

While you are here, you can choose your Vitamin C serum, Retinol Cream, or Sunblock, and take $10 off your purchase!

2011-01-11T08:38:32-08:00

As an esthetician, I not only treat the skin, I treat the spirit. I believe that many people are lonely, and are starving for some human touch. I provide that non-threatening, nurturing touch, without an agenda, to my clients. This truth was brought home to me when recently, as I was saying goodbye to a new client, I did what I usually do: I hugged her. She hugged me back, but took a while to let go. I felt her need, and continued my hug until she was ready to end hers. This is what I do for others, and in turn, I too am nourished.

Skin Tags

2010-12-18T14:48:57-08:00

Skin Tags may be linked to sugar intake & increased insulin levels. Why? When you eat foods high in carbohydrates like pastries, white rice and white potatoes, your body creates insulin to remove the sugar from the food.

"Skin tags are small, soft, finger-like lesions most commonly found on the neck and under the arms. They are skin-colored and benign." Shelley Burns, Skin Deep, May/June 2010.

People with 30+ skin tags indicates increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Solution? Focus on low-glycemic foods: apples, berries, brown rice, pears, vegetables & multigrain and multi-seed breads.

You may need to visit your dermatologist to remove existing skin tags if they are a source of discomfort, but you may be able to prevent new skin tags by decreasing your sugar intake, and thereby, decreasing your risk for insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

Faces by Fern is a relaxing skin care studio where gentle and effective skin care is practiced using products formulated to support your skin's natural desire to heal itself, with ingredients derived from plants and fruits.

Healing products and a soothing touch at amazing prices - call today for your skin treatment and find out what the buzz is all about!

From Dreadful to Delightful - Enjoy Your Facial!

2010-11-06T08:46:53-07:00

A young woman contacted me recently to describe her one and only experience with an esthetician. She said it was a HORRIBLE experience! Not only was she made to feel awful about her problematic skin, but the treatment hurt! In my book, that's a big NO-NO.

This woman was looking for someone who would get her skin to a healthy state, and to be kind and gentle about it. When I heard her story, I cringed.....Her experience is one I've heard about from other clients.

An esthetician with a haughty attitude or condescending manner can forever turn someone off to getting healthy skin.

Someone with this experience will look daily into their mirror, grimace at their reflection, and yet feel helpless about how to change their condition.

As your Esthetician, I am your Skin Coach - that's my purpose and focus.

I am here to help with your skin issues and to acheive healthy skin for you. I do this with a number of effective, botanical products.

However, all the best products in the world do not make up for a heavy hand and a dismissive demeanor. As your skin coach, I am here to support, advise and direct you towards YOUR healthiest skin.

After her appointment with me, I asked her how she felt about her facial. Her response was, "That was NOTHING like my last facial. I feel awesome, so relaxed and my skin looks amazing! Thank you so much - I loved it!"

That's what I'm talking about! A happy client, a good experience, a great result.

Now, it's your turn! Contact me for your healthy skin treatment at facesbyfern2@gmail.com, or see my Make An Appointment page tab above.

Natural Plant and Fruit Compounds

2010-10-04T13:11:55-07:00

The science of skin care is awesome - and, I love that I can share it with you!

During October, I'm offering a Cherry-Chocolate Anti-Aging Facial, using products which contain only the purest, natural plant and fruit compounds, offering healthy benefits to you!

From nature's "kitchen" are found nutrient-rich ingredients like shea butter, licorice, beta glucosamine, vitamin B, calendula and horse chestnut to cleanse.

Extracts of cherry, blueberry and red wine extract nourish and balance.

Active flavonoids from lush, rich cherries search out and destroy damaging free radicals for effective exfoliation.

And for dessert (!) - a revitalizing chocolate mask to preserve the vitality of mature skin cells and to nourish and tone tired skin.

Top that all off with copper and green tea moisturizer to protect from pollution, air conditioning, heating and excess sunlight.

Ready to try it? Click on "make an appointment" tab above to contact me. You will also see there my complete menu of services.

Let's get in the fight together with some great science and powerful ingredients!

Smarter Skin Care

2010-09-25T11:21:45-07:00

This blog is full of good information, presented in an easy to read manner. Enjoy!

The Derm Blog: http://thedermblog.com/

"Surprise Beauty Secret: Just Add Olive Oil" via Health.com

2010-08-27T13:36:16-07:00

Beautiful skin from within

By Diana Cerqueira

Women whose diets are rich in olive oil have less skin damage and wrinkling, says Lisa Drayer, RD, author of The Beauty Diet: Looking Great Has Never Been So Delicious. For big beauty benefits, "cook with it instead of vegetable oil and use it on bread instead of butter," she advises.

Go to the website to look at the slide show and see all the different products they promote. Can't wait to go home and cook with some olive oil, love all natural anti-aging ingredient.

Cut and paste this url into your browser:

http://living.health.com/2010/08/19/surprise-beauty-secret-just-add-olive-oil/

Aromatherapy Body Polish

2010-05-25T11:36:44-07:00

Dead cells make our skin dull, lifeless and rough. Removing these dead cells increases the cell renewal process and gives your skin extra shine and glow.

Scrubbing enhances the absorption capability of your skin and improves blood circulation at your skin's surface, making this a nourishing and healthful treatment.

Just as a professional facial can leave your face glowing and fresh, a body polish will leave your whole body smooth, soft, and vibrant, exposing the fresh, healthy skin below.

After a full-body polish, you'll feel energized, pampered and refreshed. It removes stress and is great for the imperfections caused by sun damage, stretch marks, blackheads and clogged pores.

Body polishing products vary and can consist of relatively abrasive ingredients such as natural grain sand, salt, brown sugar or coffee. While these ingredients are "natural" and are good exfoliants, they actually cause microscopic cuts in the skin. The scrub I employ contains tiny spherical plastic balls which do not wound the skin.

At my skin care studio, you will experience the same treatment that was the former signature treatment at The Mirage in Las Vegas using Paul Scerri products from Switzerland.

These unique products have been one of Europe's most renowned product lines for 25 years, using the disciplines of herbal science, aromatherapy and phytotherapy.

Paul Scerri is one of the most advanced aromatherapy lines and incorporates a unique method of application that respects the lymphatic and nervous systems.

Your treatment begins as I massage your hands and feet with a combination of essential oils including Cinnamon to increase warmth and circulation. Relaxing oils are then applied along your spine to soothe and calm.

Your back is rubbed down with a lymphatic massage oil to soften your skin, then scrubbed with an abrasive peel to aid in refreshing and smoothing your skin. An herbal lotion is used to complete the cleansing process, all of which is removed with dry towels.

Following is an application of oils including Peppermint to tone and stimulate your skin, finishing with a hydrating mineral mask to nourish and moisturize your body.

This symphony of steps is repeated on the legs, arms, abdomen and declotee. Your treatment comes to a close with a relaxing neck and facial massage. The entire treatment lasts about an hour.

While body polishes are appropriate for just about anyone, they are not recommended if you have cancer, fever, sunburn, or a skin condition that could be aggravated by the vigorous scrub. This is a great treatment for seniors!

Always tell your therapist if you think you might be allergic to a scrub’s ingredients.

Treat yourself to an Aromatherapy Body Polish to energize and refresh your skin! Contact me via the Make An Appointment button above and enjoy this treatment at a $25 discount during June.