What is a “zit?”

“Zits” are another word for a pimple and results due to a blockage of the skin’s pores. It can be a pustule or papule. Inside the pores are sebaceous glands which produce sebum. When the outer layers of skin shed as they commonly due because your skin sheds every 21-30 days depending on your age and body. The dead skin cells that are left behind become glued together by the sebum. This causes the blockage of the pore, especially when the skin becomes thicker at puberty. The sebaceous glands produce more sebum which builds up behind the blockage, and harbours bacteria.
When you have a breakout or a “zit” come to the surface of the skin it is IMPORTANT to remember not to “pop” them because it only spreads infection and can make your embarrassing pimples even worse or cause more to appear.  Unfortunately pimples effect over 70 million people all over the World. There isn’t a specific age, race, sex or reasons why some people are more prone to break outs then others.
There are several factors that cause pimples to break out on the face and back. Stress, diet, bacteria and a build-up of toxins including infection heighten your chances of breaking out. Stress is not just a mental state of being, it can also affect your physical wellness. If you have an infection, it will find an outlet through pimples. During your teen years your body begins to go through several different changes, including producing more testosterone (a male hormone found in females as well as males, but in varying amounts), which tells your body to start producing more oil. As a result, the dead skin cells mix with the oil, clog your pores and cause break outs.
There are a few kinds of pimples, all undesirable, but some more than others. When your skin is clogged up with enough skin cells and oil, you getwhiteheads; which are called closed comedones, they are small white bump under the surface of the skin. When an open comedone reaches the surface and is black in color it is called a blackhead. The dark color appears because of dirt, a hair follicle has broken off, or rather from melanin pigments (the stuff that gives color to your skin and hair).
If the wall of the pore breaks, it can become inflamed and red. If it breaks further below the skin’s surface acne nodules or cysts can form. It is important to get these treated, unless of course you want permanent scars.
Ways to prevent break outs

Change your pillow case daily to ensure you are not harboring bacteria from your hair, to your pillow and to your face
Avoid excessive dairy products. Dairy can be stored in your sebaceous gland and can clog your pores.
Refrain from touching your face, if you MUST touch your face use the back of your hand as has less bacteria then the palm side of your hands
DO NOT be a “product junkie” this will cause you have worse problems because you are mixing chemicals and changing the natural ph level of your skin
Exfolliate a minimum of three times a week

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Do you suffer from ingrown hairs?

Ingrown hair is a condition where the hair curls back or grows sideways into the skin. The ingrown hair condition is seen primarily among people having curly hairs although any skin or hair type can be prone to this condition. It may or may not be accompanied by an infection of the hair follicle  or “razor bumps” , which vary in size. While ingrown hair most commonly appears in areas where the skin in the beard, legs, arms, pubic region, it can appear anywhere on the body where hair grows.

Anything which causes the hair to be broken off short with a sharp tip can cause ingrown hair. Shaving is the leading cause, followed by waxing and tight clothing. The embedded hair causes a localized inflammation and can become painful and pus filled. Sometimes ingrown hair occurs naturally without shaving, as too much dead skin or blocked pores can make hair grow sideways.

The following are some GREAT and inexpensive home remedies to prevent ingrown hairs:

Prep and soften skin and hair. Prior to shaving, use a gentle scrub which will both remove dead skin for a cleaner shave, and help point hair out of the skin for it to be properly shaved. Shave after you have been in the shower for a bit, not right away, since the steam and heat will soften the hair.

Use a new blade, or try a different kind altogether. Old blades are both dull and can introduce bacteria into freshly shaved skin. Some skin types simply do not respond well to standard blade shaving. If you are still having ingrown hairs or razor bump/burn challenges, switch to a high quality electric razor.

Watch your pressure and technique. Press gently with the blade as too much pressure removes excess surface skin. Shave with the grain, as shaving against the grain will cause both skin irritation and point hairs back into the skin causing a bump. Try and avoid shaving over the same area too many times, as each stroke removes skin cells and can cause unnecessary irritation.

Waxing is another way to help prevent ingrown hairs because it is detaching the hair follicle at the papilla, or the end of the hair follicle. When the hair begins to grow back it is soft without stubble.

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Health benefits for non-surgical face-lifts/anti aging facials

Do you suffer from fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, scarring, acne, roscacea, scar tissue build up or have pain?

A microcurrent facelift machine is a marvelous way to safely and effectively improve your skin. It is a great alternative to Botox, Restalyn, Juvederm and other fillers. It approves the outer appearance and can effectively improve the health of your skin. The microcurrent machine triggers production of the body’s natural beauty chemicals, a microcurrent facelift machine can help provide satisfying results with less side effects than that of the standard facelift and at only a fraction of the cost.

Using microcurrent technology, amicrocurrent facelift machine will stimulate the tissues at the cellular level. This gentle electrical stimulation that mimic’s the bodies own electrical signals, will encourage the body to increase production of its’ own beauty chemicals. Amicrocurrent facelift machine, when used in sessions close together, have shown dramatic increases in blood circulation, and also and increase in elastin and collagen production. Not only that, buttreatment with a microcurrent faceliftmachine also helps to speed up cellular repair and healthy cell production. This is promoted by the body’s increased production of ATP and amino acids which cause improved skin tone, color, and a more youthful appearance. ATP can be enhanced and increased by 500%.

Not only do therapists usemicrocurrent facelift machines to help cancer patients with lymphaticdrainage, but salons everywhere are using the microcurrent faceliftmachine to help with skin exfoliation, help eliminate fine lines and wrinkles, improve muscle tone in the face and neck, improve facial circulation, help with product penetration, help clear acne, create smoother, softer skin, lift the bust, reduce the effects of sun damage, and also to lift eyebrows and neck jowls. Ideally, a microcurrent faceliftmachine can be used to help any patient gain or retain a more youthful look. Younger recipients can even use a microcurrent faceliftmachine to help prevent some of the effects of aging. Microcurrent faceliftmachines are also used because of their ability to help increase the rate wounds heal, stimulate regeneration of injured tissue, and also aid in pain relief.

Each microcurrent facelift machinetreatment will take about one hour from start to finish. Each treatmentwill use not more than 500 microamperes to manipulate facial muscles by isolating acupuncture points. Where a TENS unit uses current to contract muscles, themicrocurrent facelift machine uses a small enough current that is is virtually undetectable while administered. Because of this, there is no pain or downtime associated with each microcurrent faceliftmachine treatment. The therapist simply uses a two pronged cotton tipped instrument to gently deliver the microcurrent pulses. Twelve sessions are usually recommended to attain full success to achieve a look that decreases ones appearance by 7-10 years with routine follow up to maintain the results. On average, each treatmentis usually around $100.

However, there are many units available for at home use at a fraction of the cost. It is possible to achieve the benifits of amicrocurrent facelift machine without a professional. This said, don’t be afraid to get a professional opinion. There are also many salons who now do microcurrent facelift machine treatments. Typically, the cost of thetreatment varies on the education of the one performing the treatment.

A microcurrent facelift machine is definately the way to go if you are looking for a non-invasive or surgery free facelift. Results vary per person, but most have high success rates with this system.

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Health Benefits to a pedicure???

Do you have “Urine crystals” in your feet?

 Spring is finally here and that means Summer and sandal weather is just around the corner. Besides having your feet looking nicely manicured there are specific health benefits to having a pedicure. Pedicures are a good way to help keep your feet healthy, looking, smelling and feeling good. The rest of your body might not follow suit and feel as well because your feet harbor the most toxins. Thus the reason why there is sometimes an odor coming from your feet when they have been sweating and in closed quarters cramped in shoes all day.

A pedicure cleans feet, provides nail care and detoxifying foot massages. A good pedicure can be very relaxing and if you have foot problems it can be very therapeutic.

There are specific toxins that build up prodominately in the arch and toe area of your feet call urine crystals. Urine crystals are often increased concentrations of uric acid can cause crystals to form in the joints, which leads to joint inflamation and pain. Characteristic of gout. Uric acid can also form crystals or kidney stones in your bladder that can damage the kidneys. Reflexology is a great tool and technique to losen the particules so that your body can excrete in a normal fashion.  A few specific types, however, can be important in certain clinical situations.

A great cheap trick to not have urine crystals build up in your feet and body is to drink PLAIN water and lots of it. This will help the body flush unnecessary toxins from harboring in the body.

 There are some things to consider when looking for a good pedicure. All instruments should be new or sterilized prevent the spread of fungus or disease. A pedicurist should be licensed and accredited and make you feel comfortable. If you are not at ease with your pedicurist, you should not proceed with the pedicure.

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Black Circles Under Your Eyes???

Do you suffer from black circles under your eyes? If you do you want to read this blog.

Skin is the largest organ in our body and it tells a story. Our body gives us “symptoms” that something is wrong and it is our job and duty to be in-tuned to these “symptoms” and to make the proper changes to rectify whatever it is that we are doing to our bodies.

Sweating is a wonderful natural form of detoxifying. Although sweating doesn’t fully allow our body to release toxins. Our colon is the main organ for this. If you suffer from black circles under your eyes it could mean that you need to cleanse your colon and rid your body of toxins. The skin around your eyes is the thinest part of skin anywhere on the body.

Often times I see clients who have black circles under their eyes and when asked if they have regular bowel movements 9 out of 10 times the answer is “no.” Lack of hydration is another reason for these circles because the skin is dehydrated. Water is a very important liquid that our bodies need to allow our system to flush properly.

A great recommendation for a gentle colon cleans is Yerba Prima 30 Day Colon Cleanse. This can be found at Super Supplements and has one specific for women and men.

Please remember when cleansing the colon to drink extra water during this time. Also, keep a food diary of what foods you are eating, you will find that certain foods upset the stomach. Avoid heavy starches and foods during this time. The purpose of a cleanse is to rid yourself of toxins so NO McDonald’s. You will notice some weight loss during this time as a wonderful added side effect.

Cleansing your colon is recommended once a year and can be done every 6 months. John Wayne had 16 lbs of undigested food in his colon that was found during his autopsy. He could have had Thanksgiving dinner from last year still awaiting to be released!

Another great cheap in-expensive trick for those bags under the eyes is Perpetration H. This should be applied at night because our bodies heal and renew at night. DO NOT use the medicated one as that will cause your eyes to burn. Remember this is a temporary “fix” and you need to go to the root of the health issue as to why you are experiencing this problem.

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Dangers of washcloths???

If you are currently using a washcloth to wash your face daily then you will want to read this.

Using a washcloth on a daily basis can change the natural moisture level of your skin. This is also known as over exfoliating because a washcloth is abrassive and leaves skin dry, damaged and chaffed. I see clients on a regular basis who state they have rosacea, a skin disease that causes redness and pimples on your nose, cheeks, chin, and forehead. The redness may come and go. 90% of the time this is caused from the overuse of a washcloth or using a product that is too harsh for their skin type.

Usually, washcloths sit by a dirty bacteria filled sink or in the shower and are re-used the next day. Germs and bacteria harbor on this washcloth and is now spread to your face, causing break out activities.

Try using:

Warm water to loosen dirt and clogged pores. Use a pea-sized bit of cleanser, Use your fingertips in an upward circular motion to cleanse. Rinse with cool or lukewarm water.

Exfoliate with a LIGHT exfoliator ONLY 3 times a week and not consecutive days

Use a daily SPF moisturizer.

Toner: Optional

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Tacoma & Puyallup Day Spa Grand Re-Opening

Please join us for our Grand Re-pening April 8th@ 5pm
Tour our new facility, enjoy food catered by Mama Stortini’s and prize giveaways.

Rejuvenation Salon & Spa NEW location:
5324 84th St E Tacoma WA 98446
253.208.4695

We open our doors April 1, 2010
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