Your Best Body...EVER

Shape up this spring, so your body is beach-ready for summer

Okay, so maybe you had good intentions to start shaping up in January. You promised yourself that you’d run on the treadmill for 30 minutes, six days a week; eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day; get eight plus hours of sleep every night; and turn down fun parties that included booze of any kind. Maybe you planned to have a beach-ready body by the first of March, so that maybe—just maybe—you’d finally be ready to sport that itsy-bitsy bikini that has collected dust in your closet (you know, the one that still has the tags intact?).

In truth, you got a late start—or maybe you never started at all. So what? The important thing is that you care enough to start now. SKIN has come up with a few easy ways to shape up in time for some summer fun. Honor your health, your skin and your body this spring, so you’ll look summer fresh—ready to hit the beach running!

More Water, Please

A great body starts with great skin. Hydrate your skin from within by drink-ing tons of water. A person’s body is made up of 60 percent H2O; therefore, it’s imperative to replenish the body’s water supply on a daily basis. Everybody’s water needs vary, and can be dependent on several factors, including health, activity level and place of residence.

On average, drinking eight ounces of water, eight times a day, is a sufficient amount; however, keep in mind that foods also contribute to your daily water intake—especially fruits and vegetables that are made up of nearly 100 percent water by weight (i.e. cucumber and watermelon).

The simple task of drinking plenty of water will not only give you radiant skin, but help you to feel your very best, too.

Berries in Bloom

Raspberries, strawberries and blueberries are in full bloom by late spring. Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, berries help heal weathered skin. Additionally, the fruit acids found in berries can shrink your pores and tone your skin. (It certainly doesn’t hurt that these fruity delights are good for you, too!)

Spray Your Way to Bronze

Sure, the safest approach to tanning is to keep away from the sun’s rays altogether. But c’mon—we all enjoy some time in the sun every now and again. Wear sunscreen, but spray on your tan. A spray tan gives you a sun-kissed glow, minus the harmful effects of the sun. Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is the active ingredient in sunless tanning products. When the DHA reacts to the amino acids in the top layer of the epidermis, it creates a tan-like effect.

So, strut your bronzed self on the beach with a smile—you achieved your much-loved tan the healthy way!

Work it Out

The first thing that comes to most people’s minds when they think of a better body is exercise. So it comes as no surprise that maintaining an active lifestyle is one of the best ways to get the beach body you want. Rather than sticking to the same boring routine, switch things up a bit: Go hiking on Monday, biking on Tuesday, jogging on Wednesday, dancing on Thursday, and golfing on Friday. Keep your heart rate up for at least 20–30 minutes a few days a week, and strength train at least two days a week—you’ll be beach-body-ready in no time. We guarantee it.

Out with the Old

The term exfoliation has become a cosmetic buzzword, but the process of shedding old skin is an important one. So what exactly does exfoliation entail? It’s simple: Scrubbing away dead skin cells to reveal younger, fresher skin. From at-home care like body scrubs, to spa treatments like chemical peels, exfoliation should occur on a regular basis. Get that healthy glow by shedding old skin… and loving the new you.

Use Protection

You know the drill: Use sunscreen before you begin your day. While daily exposure to sunlight is necessary for the human body, prolonged exposure is detrimental. In fact, wearing sunscreen is equally as important as wearing your seatbelt; it can save your life. UV rays can cause skin cancer and early aging signs—two things we don’t want. It matters no less if the day is cloudy or cold; sunscreen is important at all times.

Get Your Best Body Ever… with Body Revolution

“My mother, who has worked in the skin care industry for several years, has been on the lookout for something that could help reduce the stretch marks and scars on my stomach. When CosMedix launched its Body Revolution system, she had me try it out, understanding the superiority of CosMedix’s products.

I documented my progress and took pictures, because I wanted others to witness the tremendous results that CosMedix offers. In fact, the preparation process alone gave me remarkable results; I felt like a new person when my deep, purple stretch marks started getting lighter and smaller, eventually matching up with the rest of my skin.

I used the 3-Piece Restorative Body Kit, which includes Body Clean, Body Build and Body Shape, for four weeks before my first body peel (Body Lift). During this time, I put together a book of ‘before and after’ pictures for others to see my progress. The pictures spoke volumes—it was clear to others and to myself that the Body Revolution system is effective. My stretch marks are no longer prominent; my scars have faded; and my self-esteem is higher than it’s been in a long time.

Thanks to CosMedix, I feel beautiful again. I am grateful to have been introduced to the Body Revolution system, and I hope my results will inspire others to make a change.”

- by Tanna Drake

Sun Smart Skin from the Esthetician’s Point of View

Through the ages, having a sun tan has gone from being undesirable to being a show of status. However, as we better understand the damage caused to our DNA from overexposure to ultraviolet light, we recognize the danger behind the beauty of sun-bronzed skin.

Every time we step into the sun, we battle three different waves of ultraviolet light—UVA, UVB and UVC. While UVB is the wave responsible for tanned skin and sunburns, all three, in excess, damage the skin. This damage can range from premature wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and the breakdown of elasticity to DNA damage and even skin cancer. While the effects sometimes take years to show up, many experts believe the majority of damage occurs in the first twenty years of life. Fortunately, by utilizing proven ingredients daily, you can help prevent and reverse many of the signs of trauma.

Sunscreen is a critical part of skin protection. There are certain factors to look for when choosing a sunscreen. For instance, is the active ingredient mineral or chemical-based? Common chemical forms include avobenzone (parsol 1789), octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene, oxybenzone, ecamule (Mexoryl SX), homosalate, Padimate A and Padimate O. In contrast, there are only two mineral sunscreens approved by the FDA—titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.

Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing the sun’s rays, while mineral sunscreens reflect them away from the skin. For this reason, many skin professionals today recommend the mineral form, which is also available in certain mineral makeup.

When it comes to combating the signs of damage, antioxidants are essential. UV overexposure often creates free radical cascades where highly unstable molecules with unpaired electrons tax the body. Antioxidants help relieve this stress by sacrificing an electron to neutralize the free radical threat. Look for tetrahydrocurcumonoids, oat glucan, D-alpha tocopherol, tocomin, astaxanthin, gluconolactone, and my favorite, L-superoxide dismutase, when comparing products. Other reparative ingredients to consider include aminoguanidine, aloe vera, copper complex and niacinamide.

Restorative treatments, like exfoliating facials, chemical peels, intense pulsed light and laser treatments, work to correct past damage. Effective corrective ingredients include vitamin A, lactic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, azelaic acid, arbutin, L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C), cassia beta glycan and epidermal growth factors.

Despite the effectiveness of today’s treatments, it is still much easier to protect the skin than to reverse the signs of damage. Using proper sunscreen, avoiding the sun at the highest point of the day—11 a.m. to 3 p.m.—wearing a large brim hat and using an umbrella are sensible ways to enjoy the sunshine and soak up a little vitamin D without reaping all of the negative benefits of UV exposure. For existing sun damage, see a licensed skin professional for a complete analysis of your skin and recommendations on how to correct it.

By Victoria Wigg, LME   Article Courtesy of COSMEDIX

For Dog Lovers!

On Thursday March 3rd, Signature Studios Spa will hold a Benefit Day for Falmouth Dog Park.  All proceeds from any Skin and Nail services will be donated towards meeting the goal of raising  $40,000 to build and maintain the Falmouth Dog Park.  Schedule an appointment today and help our four legged friends enjoy a place to roam and play.    Details about the Dog Park can be found Here.

Why Winter Hydration Is Important

Feel that chill in the air? Winter is well on its way. And while many of us look forward to sweater weather with relish, you wouldn’t know it by looking at our skin. Between the icy outdoor air and the desiccating indoor heat, it’s no surprise that the biggest beauty gripe of the season is dry skin. However, what most see as a minor inconvenience could hold serious consequences for your complexion years down the road. In the fight against premature aging, winter hydration is just as important as summer sun protection.

While the cold alone isn’t enough to signal a four-star beauty alarm, the drop in humidity compounded with around-the-clock heating are solid clues that its time to step up your skin care regimen. To keep your home cool in the summer and toasty in the winter, your air conditioner dehumidifies the air to control the climate. While this saves you from constantly bundling up when it’s cold outside, it also throws your skin into a state of panic.

Like a sponge, your skin absorbs moisture from the environment to keep its cells healthy and functioning. It also creates a lipid (fatty) barrier to maintain optimal moisture levels even when the humidity fluctuates, like during the winter. Between this lipid barrier and sebum—natural oils secreted by the sebaceous glands—the skin helps combat trans-epidermal water loss, or TEWL. If these natural defenses are compromised, the skin’s cells can quickly lose vital moisture, dry out and die. Over time, dead cells can build up, creating a dull appearance and blocking topical ingredients from reaching the healthy cells below.

What threatens the skin’s natural defenses? Anything that strips its lipid and sebum barrier leaves skin vulnerable to dehydration. Talc-based cosmetics, common cleanser detergents like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and topical irritants, like alcohol and benzoyl peroxide, that can cause inflammation all pose a threat to skin’s delicate moisture balance. Chronic barrier abuse can lead to cracked, broken skin, contributing to signs of premature aging. With skin immunity and repair function in jeopardy, lines and wrinkles can easily follow.

Fortunately, you can prevent the type of winter damage that can lead to premature aging with topical ingredients that work with the skin’s barrier to minimize moisture loss. In addition to natural emollients like shea butter, moisture-enhancing ingredients like jojoba oil, liquid crystals and heavy water can work wonders on both seasonal and persistent dry skin.

Jojoba oil comes from the jojoba shrub, found throughout the southwestern United States and Mexico. Jojoba oil acts similarly to human sebum, conditioning the skin and helping to trap in moisture. Combined with other key moisturizers in a formula like CosMedix’s Hydrate+, this highly prized emollient encourages healthy hydration, especially in skin stripped of its own natural oils.

While jojoba oil helps hydrate skin by locking moisture inside, liquid crystals, like those found in Emulsion, help support the natural liquid crystal matrix of dermal tissue and cell membranes. Existing in a state between liquid and solid, liquid crystals help enhance the absorption of topical hydrators that might otherwise remain on the skin’s surface. Because all cellular components in the body exist in a liquid crystal state, liquid crystal skin care products communicate with the skin’s cells to help correct concerns like moisture loss.

One ingredient you’re not likely to hear a lot about is heavy water. However, with a list of benefits that includes ionizing radiation, boosting immunity and fighting acne bacteria, this little known substance is a skin care powerhouse. Heavy water, or deuterium oxide, is water enriched with deuterium, a hydrogen isotope found naturally in the ocean. Denser than water (hence the name), it’s more resistant to evaporation, making products rich in this moisture-binding ingredient, like Mystic, dry skin must haves.

By targeting moisture loss from outside and within, multi-active hydrating products like those in CosMedix’s chirally correct skin care line can help eliminate winter dryness and prevent the aging effects that build with time. Used in conjunction with a skin care regimen customized to your skin’s needs, corrective hydrators can help you give dry skin the cold shoulder this season and every season.

Credit: CosMedix 

Acne Treatment Advice for Holiday Party Season

One of our favorite parts of the holiday season is that it’s also holiday party season. That means an excuse to bring out the “special occasion makeup” as well as to wear our favorite party dresses. However, if you have acne prone skin, this can be your least favorite time of year as you’re constantly concerned with how your breakouts are making you look less gorgeous than you’d hoped for. It doesn’t have to be like that! You can implement an acne treatment  system that will help you have beautiful skin for holiday party season and the New Year, too!

Find an Acne Treatment Plan. The first step is to find the right acne skin treatment  for you. However, you’ll want to be careful. Many acne treatments, including Acne Complex, will cause you to break out before you clear up as they force the bacteria in your skin to the surface and flush your skin. Don’t begin a program just days before your big party. Leave enough time to get through the initial breakout phase and allow your skin to clear.

Change Your Diet Right Now! If you haven’t read The Water Secret, then put it on your holiday gift list! However, in the meantime, make sure you’re getting eight glasses of water a day and preferably much of that by “eating your water” so that you can also get a healthy dose of important antioxidants and nutrients.

Start a Back Acne Treatment Plan: Most holiday party dresses will expose your back, so if you’ve got back acne as well then you’ll want to start treating that immediately. Use an exfoliating body wash such as Murad Acne Body Wash and stick to loose fitting clothing made of natural fabrics until your back acne begins to clear up.

Choose Good Makeup: And we don’t mean makeup that covers up your acne breakouts! We mean makeup made of good clean ingredients with limited chemicals. What we put on our face can create breakouts just as much as what we put in our body causes them. Opt to spend a bit more for higher quality makeup and learn about the ingredients. In the long run, you’ll protect your skin and spend less on products to clear up your acne.

Holiday season is great fun, but if you’re feeling less beautiful than you really are, you won’t enjoy it to the fullest. Start an acne skin treatment plan today to glow for the holidays and the New Year.