Fall In To Rejuvenated Skin

Lets Renew, Restore and Rejuvenate your skin!

So it's been a long summer and most of us have been going to the beach, running, swimming, boating, or going to the lake. Spending time out doors is a great way to stay in shape and enjoy activities after being stuck inside for the winter months.

It's always nice to breathe fresh air and just enjoy the great weather..As we did these things over the past months have we been taking care of our skin from external factors?

I know in the past few years sunscreen has been talked about more frequently and we know we should be using it! It's a very important part of life that we take care of our skin. Have you been using an SPF 30 or higher and reapplying every 60-90 minutes?

We are not only worried about sun damage but skin cancer as well! About 1.3 million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer each year. Most of our exposure that causes skin cancer has happened in our childhood years. With repeated sun exposure you are subjecting yourself to harmful UVA/UVB rays. These harmful rays change the DNA and can mutate them into cancer cells. So DON'T forget to use your sunscreen!

So now lets talk rejuvenation of the skin.

Like I said before external and internal elements are a HUGE factor in the way our skin looks and feels. External factors include sun exposure, smog, heat, cold, pollution. Internal factors are eating healthy, water consumption, diet, exercise, stress, and hormones.

I always tell my patients the most important things you can do at home for healthy radiant looking skin is: Cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing. 

Find a good gentle, glycolic or lactic acid cleanser this will help keep your skin glowing. Glycolic acid in a cleanser is a exfoliant, so if you use an acid based cleanser skip the exfoliating scrub. Lactic acid is a very hydrating cleanser it is great for all skin types. Do not over exfoliate though if your skin is overly dry! Use a exfoliant twice a week a gentle sugar scrub will be fine. Also moisturize this will help keep your skin hydrated and glowing! 

Drink plenty of water to hydrate your body and your skin. Eat healthy and exercise. Avoid stress if you can..if you can't practice yoga or meditation. These are the basics.

 Most people have other issues with their skin like pigmentation, dark spots, melasma, rosacea, acne, wrinkles and fine lines. If you have some of these issues here are important tools you can use.

Let's turn damaged skin cells over! 

• Find a trusted and reputable aesthetician or doctor within a skin care office.
• Professional exfoliation methods like Chemical peels, Enzymes, Microdermabrasion, or Laser resurfacing.
• Chemical peels can help anyone who has acne, pigmentation problems, rough skin, large pores or if you just want to even out the texture of your skin.
• Dermaplaning will remove facial hair and exfoliate and leave skin smooth. This is very popular because you get two in one services and its inexpensive around 60.00.
• Facials can also help a great deal because of the professional products aestheticians use are stronger  than you can purchase.
• Lightening agents like kojic acid, arbutin, hydroquinone, vitamin C in a stable form for pigmentation.
• Salicylic acid and tea tree oil for acne because of the antiseptic benefits and it's easy on sensitive skin.
• Retin-A is great for acne & aging skin.  
• Use a great serum with peptides, stem cells and vitamin C these are great for all skin types.
• Eye creams are a must keep your eyes looking great and moisturized it will reduce fine lines!
• Dysport works GREAT on wrinkles on the forehead, between the eye's and even around the eyes for a nice refreshed look!!!
• Restylane and Perlane are also a great choice for deep lines around the mouth, and eleven's, also works great if you are loosing your lips!! YES filler injected into the lips can make a HUGE difference.
  
  

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*I am going to list a few of my favorite products...And yes these are my favorites I do not get get paid to share this information. When I find a great product that works I have to share it with friends!

Peter Thomas Roth - Instant Firm

If you need a quick fix for an event or photographs..This is a must have! You can use it anywhere on the face. This is only temporary... but the effects are great!!! You will be shocked!! I was! This is a great tool for Make-up artists ! It does leave a slight residue if you use to much but you can dampen a cloth and blot and it's gone..So are the wrinkles!

I used this around my eye's and mouth and it was great! If you have puffy eye's or wrinkles this is a must have!! You can pick this up at Ulta or Sephora. Below you will find the link.

 http://www.peterthomasroth.com/p-213-instant-firmx-eye-temporary-eye-tightener.aspx

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Beautyfit Beauty Bum - Anti-cellulite and Transdermal muscle toning cream.

If you have tried creams, gels, working out and eating right and still need help with tightening and firming this is for you!

This is my review for this product: I absolutely love it. I have always been very healthy take great care of my skin, drink plenty of water. I am only 115 pounds. I workout 3-5 times a week alternating cardio and weights. I have always had an issues with bumpy...not so tight.. loose skin on my thighs also called cellulite...ugh! This is a huge problem with a lot of women...Girls this is a great product I have been using this for 3 weeks now and my thighs and butt are looking good. My husband even said it looks great and BELIEVE me he is honest ALL the time even when you don't want him to be!! I am going to link the website for this product so you can check it out and read the other reviews. Now GNC carries it, but it was cheaper on beautyfits site..If you try this let me know how you like it! Oh by the way it does burn and you will turn red. It will subside..Its doing it job promotes circulation and helps to break the fat up...Drink plenty of water to flush toxins and fat out of your system. Make sure you read the ingredients to make sure you are not allergic to any of them.

https://www.beautyfit.com/products/products_beautybum.html

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Obagi C Serums

This is another great product I use and it helps with my melasma. You can not see the melasma anymore !!!

Obagi CRX- Clarifying serum  with 10% Vitamin C and 4 % Hydroquinone. I use this everyday morning and night after I cleanse my skin, Along with my Obagi night cream. LOVE IT! My skin has never been this clear!

How Does Hyper-pigmentation Occur?

Lighten & Brighten Your Skin

Melanin is a substance that gives skin and hair it's natural color. Those with darker skin have higher amounts of melanin. In contrast, those with fair skin have less melanin.

In humans melanogenesis is a darkening of the skin, or an increased production of melanin, also called hyper-pigmentation. This is common and usually a harmless condition. This will show as patches of skin that become darker in color than the normal surrounding skin. The darkening occurs when an excess of melanin (the brown pigment) that produces normal skin color forms deposits in the skin.

We use a Fitzpatrick scale 1-6 to measure or  type skin color. Someone who has very pale skin, freckles, light eyes, red or blond hair would be a 1 on the scale. The other end of the scale would be black skin, dark hair, rarely sun sensitive would be a 6. Every person on this scale can have different forms of hyper-pigmentation. With this being said there are ways to treat every Fitzpatrick type with different acid peels, home care products, and professional treatments in the office.

It is very important to have an aesthetician or doctor to understand your skin type and what products work best for you! Always ask questions!! Everyone is different and what works for one does not work for all! This is why I tailor all my treatments to each patients needs.


Hyper-pigmentation can occur from different types of sources UV rays, sun damage, hormonal changes, and post acne inflammation. There are a variety reasons why you may see hyper-pigmentation on your skin.

I also see a  lot of women with melasma around their lips (it looks like a mustache) or on the cheeks and forehead. WE CAN FIX THIS!! 

8 out of 10 people I see in the office have some form of hyper-pigmentation.

Are there treatments for hyper-pigmentation ? Yes, With proper home care and professional skin care treatments you can make a difference in your skin.  Following the directions given to you by your aesthetician or doctor is a MUST! If you don't follow the protocol you will not get your desired results. Sometimes you need to have pretreatments if you have a series of chemical peels also post care is very important.

AND PLEASE USE YOUR SUNSCREEN THIS IS NECESSARY TO KEEP YOUR HYPER-PIGMENTATION FROM BECOMING WORSE OR NEW SPOTS APPEARING.

Today we have many different tools and ingredients to help treat hyper-pigmentation.

Hydroquinone is one of the oldie but goodies. A prescription needed for hydroquinone! You can purchase retail products from your medspa or doctors office like cleansers, moisturizer, sunscreen, and serums that have hydroquinone and other skin lighteners in them. Always make sure what products you use are for your skin type, you can cause damage leading to hypo-pigmentation which is loss of color leaving the skin with white or lighter color patches, there is no treatment for hypo-pigmentation.

Ingredients to look for...........

Watermelon extract - skin lightener
licorice extract - skin lightener
Willow bark extract - skin lightener
Mulberry - skin lightener
Bearberry - skin lightener
Kojic acid - skin lightener
Glycolic acid - exfoliant and skin lightener
Arbutin - skin lightener
Niacinamide - skin lightener
Paper Mulberry - skin lightener



Remember please use your sunscreen to prevent early signs of aging, hyper-pigmentation and the most important use it to help defend yourself from Skin Cancer! 

Summer Is Here Is Your Skin Ready?

Protecting Your Skin  From The Elements & Keeping It Healthy! 

When the weather starts to warm up most people stop taking care of their skin due to sun bathing, swimming, sports and other outdoor activities. Most of the clients I have seen stray from regular facials, exfoliants and peels. 

Should you stop having professional treatments due to season change? Absolutely NOT! You should treat your skin the way you treat the rest of your health care needs. 

The warmer months are very important, so keep your professional treatment schedule with your aesthetician. In the warmer months you should be cleansing & exfoliating on a regular basis. Due to the humidity and the external factors you come into contact with this will help keep your balanced. 

*I prefer taking care of your skin all year long.

You will also want to use a non-comedogenic broad or full spectrum sunscreen with moisturizer as well. This will protect your skin from burning and help protect the acid mantle. Your skins acid mantle is what protects your body from micro-organisms entering your body which cause infection and inflammation. Also using a good skin care regime will also help fight free radicals which also cause acne flair ups and other skin conditions.

Do you know why sunscreen says UVA or UVB? UVA rays are the aging rays from the sun which break down and alter the DNA causing irregular cells. UVB rays are the burning rays from the sun. Neither of the rays are good, they cause cancer by altering the DNA as well as breaking down your collagen and elastin. 

I allow myself 15 minutes of sun exposure without a sunscreen to soak up Vitamin-D that's it! After 15 minutes I use at least a 30 full spectrum sunscreen and reapply every 45-90 minutes.

Also drink plenty of water to keep the skin hydrated this is also very important!! A simple thing like consuming enough water will help to keep pores clear and keep the right amount of sebum and water balance. Did you know your body is made up of 70% water? Keep a bottle handy! 

Can you have peels or other exfoliation methods in the warmer months? Sure you can! Just be smart and follow all the rules!

You can opt for enzyme peels or masks for your exfoliation methods. Fruit enzymes are perfect for warmer months and smell AWESOME. Most enzymes have a nice fresh fruit smell. Also enzymes are perfect for sensitive skin or rosacea conditions. 

They are also strong enough for aging skin. Most enzymes are pumped up with peptides which feed the  skin nutrients and help boost collagen. Enzymes also refine and smooth the skin. So keep the skin cells turning over creating healthy new cells and have a great glow! 

You should do this all year long! Cell turnover is very important to having a bright complexion and healthy skin.

Also I would like to say you should have a skin mapping done each year to check for abnormal skin conditions or growths this helps to detect any early signs of skin cancer.

Do you have crepe skin on your arms, legs, chest or face? Don't forget your whole body needs care having a good skin care regime will pay off.

You can also exfoliate your whole body it is the healthy thing to do. Plus you will love the way your skin shines. I offer many body treatments. You can do enzymes, chemical peels, microdermabrasion even masks for the body to achieve your goal. 

You can also purchase skin care products with glycolic acid in them to help remove the dead skin cells and nourish the skin with vitamins and moisturizers.

Glytone has a great retexturing moisturizer and it has sunscreen in it!! 

Facial massage also helps to keep the skin looking radiant. It is proven to stimulate circulation and help remove toxins through the blood and lymph system. Facial massages are offered with full facial services and also helps decrease puffiness of the face and eye's. 

So this summer drink plenty of water, lay off the caffeine, use your sunscreen and keep going in for your aesthetic services.

Julie Canoutas - Aesthetician

What Is Dermaplaning?

Do you want satin smooth skin and no peach fuzz?

Dermaplaning is a manual, non-invasive exfoliating treatment that provides an alternative to chemical peels or microdermabrasion. 

 The treatment starts with your aesthetician cleansing the skin with a gentle cleanser. After cleansing the next step will be to degrease the skin with an AHA acid or another degreasing agent. This will dry the skin so the dermaplaning procedure can be performed. Your aesthetician will hold the skin taught and use a surgical #10 blade to gently scrape the dead skin cells and fine vellus hair away.  After the dermaplaning procedure is finished  moisturizer and sunscreen is applied. Your skin will feel AMAZING and will have a radiant glow! 

You can have this procedure done as is, or as a complete facial depending on your goal. The aesthetician may add on a chemical peel or other products as well, depending on skin type, condition or treatment plan.

 Dermaplaning is a good choice for anyone who has fine facial hair (vellus hair/peach fuzz), extremely sensitive skin, redness or rosacea, or visible facial veins. 

Dermaplaning improves the appearance of acne scarred skin and smoothes out fine lines and wrinkles. 

It is also an excellent treatment for melasma and environmentally damaged skin.

*If you can't wax due to allergies or medication contraindications dermaplaning is a great alternative!

*Facial hair does not grow back darker and thicker, but returns slowly and becomes sparser with each treatment.

Dermaplaning is recommended for patients who want a non-surgical, non-invasive, affordable skin rejuvenation treatment, with a focus on quick treatment sessions, no recovery time, and no major side effects.

Benefits Of Dermaplaning:

Stimulates skin cell turnover.

Stimulates collagen and elastin production.

Improves uneven pigmentation such as sun spot and melasma.

Decreases appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and acne scarring.

Improves texture of the skin.

Gives the skin a healthy, radiant glow.

Increases skin hydration.

Allows for increased absorption and penetration of skin care products making them more effective.

Removes fine vellus hair.

*Don't Forget Dermaplaning Is A Great Alternative to Facial Waxing*

Contraindications For Dermaplaning:

Current inflamed acne lesions.

Skin cancer.

Active cold sores.

Uncontrolled diabetes

Dermatitis.

Open skin lesions.

Use of Accutane currently or in the past 12 months.

Dermaplaning procedures are gentle and relaxing.

 Of the facial procedures available this is one of the most affordable.

Are you ready to show some skin?

Summer Is Almost Here!!

Are your breakouts on your back making you hide your swimsuits and Tanks? 

No worries there's a trick for that. 

We all get some type of breakouts on our backs. It doesn't matter if you are male or female  it's going to happen.

 A lot of women get breakouts from their hormones, yoga tops, sports tops or bra's. 

Men get them on their back due to blocked follicles, oily skin mostly, not exfoliating and working out. 

Teenagers have this problem as well! Due to rapid hormone changes, Which means excess sebum (oil) production.

So how do we fix this problem? 

Let's go over some products and tools you can use. 

Everyone should use some form of exfoliating brush or body scrub for the back area. Sometimes the back gets neglected when showering because its hard to reach.

 I always have a "dry brush" in the shower. They have wooden handles and  brown bristles. This is a cheap exfoliator ! You can pick them up for around $5.00 at any drugstore, target, or even bath & body works.  

I like using a glycolic acid cleanser or exfoliant with or without the brush as well. As long as you are using one or both you will love it and your back will feel super clean! This would be for minor breakouts or normal exfoliating.

Now if you are having severe acne breakouts on your back, I suggest getting a salicylic cleanser. This is an oil soluble cleanser and will really help to loosen the impaction and help to dry out the lesion . Also I might add a benzoyl peroxide/salicylic lotion or spray. 

* You can get this from a Medspa or doctors office.*

Another problem is using comedogenic products. Using products that are clogging to the pores. There are tons of products that do this. Always pick products that say non-comedogenic. They could be soaps, lotions, body butters ...you get the hint. 

Always remove clothing you wear to and from the gym quickly ! Don't spend the day running errands in them! Germs love hot, damp clothing and it breeds bacteria. This will cause breakouts causing inflammation. Lets be real.... It's not comfortable! 

Comedogenic products will clog your pores causing blackheads and whiteheads or even more inflamed breakouts.

*Another great tip.*

If you have long hair keep it pulled up when at home. I see breakouts on the forehead, back and around the ears due to hair sitting on the skin. The oils in the hair transfer to the skin causing breakouts. If you have breakouts on the scalp, neck or around the face you may want to use a clarifying shampoo a few times a week as well.  

Professional Treatments

If you start using some of these tips you still may want to schedule an appointment with your esthetician. We can perform back treatments with steam and professional products you can't purchase. We are also trained to perform extractions. 

When I perform a back treatment on my clients they feel very relaxed. You get a great exfoliation, mask and a massage. It's worth giving a try! 

Julie Canoutas-Aesthetician 

910-452-3666

Why is Exfoliating Important?

The Importance Of Skin Exfoliation

Physical, enzyme and chemical are the three types of exfoliation methods. Learn the differences and why it is important to exfoliate.

What is exfoliation? Exfoliation is when you remove the dead skin cells from the stratum corneum (the outer layer of skin).  When you exfoliate you are stimulating new cells to rise from the basil layer to the surface. Some exfoliants also stimulate collagen production as well like microdermabrasion and chemical peeling!  This will give your skin a smooth texture and nice refreshed glow. 

Everyone should be exfoliating a few times a week depending on their skin type. If you have combination, acne prone or oily skin this is very important! Exfoliating removes the impurities and impactions out of the pores. This will also make your pores appear smaller.

When you exfoliate dry skin types you will notice that make-up goes on smoother. You will have a more even texture and fine lines and wrinkles will not be as noticeable. You will feel more hydrated because your products will go on more evenly and penetrate deeper.

When using professional exfoliating methods you can also target and treat melasma, acne, fine lines, wrinkles, hyper-pigmentation and scarring. 

Physical Exfoliation: Examples of physical exfoliation would be mechanical brushes, dry brushing, exfoliating scrubs, microdermabrasion, derma-planing and ultrasonic facials. These forms also removes the dead skin cells from the surface and stimulate cell turnover. 

Chemical Exfoliation: Examples of chemical exfoliation would be using a Beta-Hydroxy acid or Alpha Hydroxy acids. This helps to dissolve oils in the pores and loosen the bond between the cells increasing cell turnover. This will lift the dead skin cells making the skin flake or peel off. There are many different strengths of chemical peeling agents. Chemical peels range from 20% - 70%. 

*Always tell your doctor or aesthetician if you are taking any medications orally or if you are using topical medications. If you take any of the following medications discontinue at least 3-5 days before any exfoliation method. Check for any contraindications below. These are a just a few medications.  If you have herpes simplex take your prescription 3 days prior to your peel to avoid any outbreaks and continue for 10 days.

*Stop using Retin-A, Retinols, Renova, Tazorac, Clindamyacin, Accutane, Alpha hydroxy acids, Benzoyl peroxide, Beta-hydroxy acid, Differin, Antibiotics, any medications that may be drying or irritating 3-5 days before any professional exfoliation.

Contraindications : Active cold sores, herpes simplex, open lesions, sunburned skin, excessively sensitive skin, dermatitis, inflamed rosacea, accutane within the past year, chemotherapy, aspirin allergies, rashes, pregnancy, vitiligo, broken capillaries,  and autoimmune diseases. 

* Beta-hydroxy acid - Salicylic acid is the only beta-hydroxy acid. This acid is better suited for oily, acne and combination skin types because salicylic acid is oil-soluble. This means it will attract the oil in the pores and dissolve it. Salicylic acid also speeds up cell turnover, removes impurities from the skin and pores. Salicylic acid is also an antiseptic.

* (If you are allergic to aspirin do not use salicylic acid thats where aspirin is derived from.) Make sure you always tell you aesthetician or doctor about any allergies to medications, foods, or  ingredients.

* Alpha-hydroxy acids - Glycolic, lactic, malic, citric and mandelic acids are water soluble and are the most common used acids in skin care. This also helps to stimulate cell turnover, and remove dead skin cells from the skin. AHA's can be  used to treat any skin type.   

* Enzymes - Enzymes can be found in fruits and vegetables like pumpkin, papaya, avocado, lemon, orange, grapefruit, passion fruits, cranberries and many more. This is a gentle way to exfoliate and would be recommended for first time peels or people with rosacea or sensitive skin. You can find enzymes in peels, masks, and cleansers. Enzymes digest the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin and feed your skin vital antioxidants. So just think of little pac-men eating the dots.  

Exfoliants are great for full body skin care ! You can use body scrubs and get body treatments from your spa as well. 

Exfoliating also helps product penetration. So when you cleanse your skin and exfoliate your serums, moisturizers, night creams and eye creams are more effective! 

You should have professional exfoliating treatments performed every 4 weeks for optimal skin health. Home care is key! Your aesthetician can recommend a home care regime that is tailored just for your skin type.

Body Lotion By Glytone

Great for moisturizing and exfoliating!

* Always consult your doctor or aesthetician prior to professional skin care treatments*

Customize Your Own Home Facial

We all can use a good facial, Especially with the weather warming up. Your skin will thank you. When you can’t make it to your esthetician try this home facial. 

A Refreshing Home Facial :

• Cleanse the skin: Use a cleanser for your skin type. I prefer a glycolic and lactic acid cleanser. This will help loosen the bond between the old skin cells and bring a refreshed glow as well as hydrate your skin. 

• Exfoliate: Use a gentle exfoliant. You can mix 1 tablespoon of brown or white sugar with 1 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 drops of lemon juice. Gently massage in to the skin in circular motions. This will help to remove dead skin cells on the surface of the skin as well. Remove the exfoliant with warm water. Pat dry. 

• Steam: You can steam your skin two ways. Turn the shower on and steam the bathroom while completing the first two steps, or add water and warm a couple of towels in a crock pot on low heat. Make sure NOT to burn your self! Always check the temperature of the towels on your wrist before applying it to your face! You can always open the towels up and shake them out to cool them down. Apply the warm towels to your face hold it gently to your face and relax. This step will also remove any exfoliant left behind. 

• Mask: Apply the mask. Depending on your skin type you can use one of the following. A clay based mask for oily skin and a gel or creamy hydrating mask for normal, dry or sensitive skin.(follow directions on the mask you use for time limit) If you don’t have one of these mask on hand that's OK I will give you some mask tips. A cocoa mask will benefit all skin types. Mix one teaspoon of cocoa with one teaspoon of warm water, coconut oil or coconut water leave on for 15 minutes. Remove with warm water. Another great mask would be to apply honey to the skin. Honey is hydrating and anti-microbial. 

• Moisturize: Apply a moisturizer with a sunscreen for daytime or a moisturizer or night cream if you are done for the day. 

This is a great at home facial. Home care is very important. If you are in your teen’s you should at least be using a good cleanser and moisturizer with a SPF 30 daily. 

Also adults should be on a home care regime specific to your skin type and condition. Its never to late to start using proper products. Anyone over 25 should start using at least one anti-aging product. This is just a small protocol. 

You should have a esthetician review your skin at least every four weeks. With home care and professional care you can have the skin you want. Beautiful Skin is for everyone! 

Best Regards,

Julie Canoutas