There are some things you can do before your waxing appointment that will make the experience even better.  If you are prone to ingrown hairs and inflamed breakouts, avoiding products such as scrubs are better.  We recommend topical antibacterial solutions, such as Tend Skin.  If you use this product for three days prior to your waxing appointment it will prep your hair follicles and allow them to come out more easily.  It also will help to prevent any future inflammatory breakouts or ingrown hairs.  It is beneficial to use it after the wax as well, starting the day after the wax and using twice daily for one week.

For sensitive areas such as bikini, brazilian, underarms, and facial hair always make sure your esthetician uses hard wax versus soft wax (with strips).  We use hard wax for these areas because it is much more gentler then strip wax and clients respond that it is close to painless versus the soft wax.  Why do some skincare spas still use soft wax for these areas?  The answer is simple: soft wax is less expensive in comparison and it provides faster waxing process which means more clients for the spa; however much more painful and can cause hematoma as well.  Soft wax should only be used on less sensitive, larger areas such as legs and back.

To avoid potential inflammatory breakouts or ingrown hairs, here are a few post-waxing tips:  use a topical antibacterial and exfoliating solution such as Tend Skin for the first week after waxing and a week prior your waxing appointment; avoid exercise or anything that makes you sweat and/or causes friction, such as intimacy, saunas and sun exposure for 24-48 hours.

Excess keratinization can occur on all skin types such as lipid dry, oily and reactive skin types.  Especially in the winter, gentle exfoliation plays an important role. When skin is dry, we tend to use havier creams to compensate for the dryness. However dry skin means you have a buildup of dead skin cells. Thus it doesn’t make sense to re-hydrate  dead, dry skin cells. Instead, use gentle exfoliating techniques to remove build up of dead skin cells, and then moisturize the new skin cells, resulting in a hydrated and supple skin. Gentle however is a key! Most people use too harsh mechanical exfoliants (with beads) which in most cases irritate the skin.

Excess keratinization or build up of dead skin cells is often seen in oily skin conditions as well. Desquamation or natural exfoliation can be slowed, as oil acts as a glue that holds dead skin cells to the surface. This can eventually contribute to clogged follicles. During the consultation part of our First Time Facial  I often find that many of our clients with the problematic skin that have excess keratinization, congested open and closed comedones (black and white heads), as well as pastules and papules (pimples) drink very little water, sometimes as little as only 1-4 cups of water a day! Which is clearly too little and can definitely lead to impaired lymphatic system and a build up of dead skin cells. Drinking about 2 liters of water a day is absolutely essential to avtivate essential processes and enzymes in the body. Don’t forget that we are made of more then 70% of water!

To gently yet effectively exfoliate the skin, use AHAs such as lactic or glycolic acid in the winter month (concentration and pH depends on your current skin condition); BHA like salicylic acid is more appropriate for oily skin type; lactic acid is also more appropriate for those with the sun damage as it inhibits melanin production. To improve and maintain overall skin health and assist in natural exfoliation, stimulate blood flow, micro circulation and lymphatic system by exercising and walking outdoors in the fresh air. Adequite hours of sleep play tremendous role in overall health. To increase moisture levels inside of the room in the winter time use humidifiers. If you love Environ products, like we do, integrate your AVST Pre-Cleansing Oil with AVST Hydrating Exfoliant Masque to gently exfoliate surface dead skin cells; or use Sebuprep and Sebumasque if you have oily and/or acne-prone skin type.

Unlike alpha linolenic acid (omega 3) and linoleic acid (omega 6) fatty acids, oleic acid (omega 9) fatty acids are not classed as essential fatty acids. This is because they can be metabolized by the human body from the omega 3 and omega 6 unsaturated fats, and therefore not essential in diet. It is now considered that many of us have an over-abundance of omega 6 and 9 in our diets. For some reason there are still some marketers that promote omega 9′s as EFA despite it being incorrect. When buying Omega 3 supplements, make sure that they are derived from smallest fish like mackerel, sardines or wild salmon that is free of mercury, and stick to Omega 3 versus a combination of Omega 3, 6, and 9.

*resource: Cosmetic Chemistry by Florence Barrett-Hill

Bob has developed his own blended technique which is called Mydrasis (patent pending) – very effective by the way. Mydrasis massage is an integrated body work which incorporates the principles of active isolated resistance, joint extension, trigger point, and muscle connect energy all being used in synchronism.

His technique has been recognized and acknowledged by medical and insurance community.

Bob uses a wide range of massage therapy and energy techniques as appropriate to each client to achieve health and wellness goals, for example:

~Improve and maintain physical and emotional health

~Reduce fatigue due to excessive neurological output

~Alleviate headaches or muscle aches

~Reduce physical pain and complications due to illness, injury, or other physical or emotional ailments

~Mind/body centering.

We are very pleased to welcome him to our team.  If you would like to make an appointment with him to find out how great he is for yourself, please give us a call or e-mail us.

Thank you so much!

We hope to see you soon!

Summer sun damage causes a weathered, leathery look, wrinkles, dark spots, and overall discoloration. To re-establish a healthly and hydrated glow, it is important to use skin care products that help to even out the appearance of skin color, lighten the look of dark spots, hydrate and protect.

Environ Skin Care has the perfect solution to help regain the appearance of moisturized, smooth, clear and youthful skin.

 September Promotion

Product of the Month: Environ C-Quence Energising Masque

A gentle micro-exfoliant masque, formulated with a non-irritating form of vitamin C, to assist in softening the appearance of fine lines and uneven skin tone. It contains salicylic acid to gently exfoliate and smooth dry skin, and vitamin C to give the appearance of a refreshed, radiant, more even toned complexion. It is particularly beneficial for sun damaged and mature skin which will appear revitalized almost immediately!

*C-Quence Energizing Masque is not appropriate for reactive/compromised skin such as rosacea and acne.

As A Free Gift With Purchase: Environ C-Boost 10 ML Travel Size

When you purchase a C-Quence Energizing Masque, you will receive an Environ C-Boost. An extraordinary clarifying  vitamin C antioxidant cream, it will assist in softening the appearance of fine lines, uneven skin tone, and help to protect against external elements. Used morning and night, it will help your skin achieve a uniform tone, refreshed glow and youthful appearance.

This is only September Promotion. So hurry till supplies last!

Here is the direct link to our page on Boston A-List:

http://boston.cityvoter.com/unique-verve/biz/150663

Thank you!