Post-Holiday Skin Freakouts

Christmas is over, New Year's is almost here, and my skin is freaking out!!! Can you relate?

letsgohealthy.blogspot.com

All the holiday comfort food, sweets, and stocking candy are making a huge impact on the health of my skin. I'm sure you've heard the phrase "you are what you eat", but did you really take it seriously? The skin is the largest organ of the body, and is the third largest detox organ (right behind the liver and kidneys), so it's no surprise that what you put in your body comes out through your skin at some point. 

The biggest culprits:

• refined sugars
• dairy
• alcohol
• high processed foods

 xpressmag.com

Although I try to eat as many raw fruits and veggies and organic meat as the next health-conscious 21st century gal, sometimes you just need momma's cooking…hence, my breakouts. So what to do first? Today I started cutting out all of the foods on the above no no list (I don't drink, so at least I had that one going for me). Tonight I'll also be spot treating my breakouts with my favorite Image Clear Cell Masque that has active ingredients such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide to kill the acne bacteria; check out all my favorite products. My final line of defense in fighting the post-holiday skin are my professional tools in my treatment room like my high frequency machine. Luckily, I can do this myself since I'm a licensed esthy, but for all of y'all, I definitely recommend seeing a pro for this step! I offer 15 minute Blemish Treatments for this exact issue- request an appointment here.

Acne isn't the only post-holiday skin type either. Rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis can all worsen from from sugars, dairy, alcohol, and processed foods. For all these issues I recommend a natural oatmeal or chamomile masque at home, as well as a professional treatment with your skin therapist ASAP. Have questions? Feel free to email me at ClaritySkinSolutions@gmail.com.

Wishing you a happy new year and beautiful skin in 2015!

xo

Paige

My Skin Survival Kit

       

       
            As a beauty professional, I’m often asked what skincare products I love the most. I’m not talking about products I like, or use on occasion, but products I Love (yes, with a capital L). So here it is, fellow beauty junkies- the products I simply could not live without; the ones I will go to the lengths of purchasing twenty miniature travel bottles so I’m able to keep them in my carry-on bag when flying, because, goodness knows, if my checked bag got lost and I had to go without for a few days I would have a cosmecuetical-induced melt down.

            First up is my go-to cleanser: Image Skincare’s Clear Cell Salicylic Cleanser. Being naturally acne-prone, this cleanser is fantastic for my daily routine! Salicylic Acid is used as the main exfoliating ingredient, along with Tea Tree as an anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory ingredients of Horse Chestnut and Arnica.

            Next, is Eminence Organic’s Red Currant Rapid Infusion Masque. I have tried many masques in my esthetician days, and this is by far the best masque for a quick improvement in skin tone and hydration (it only takes TWO minutes!!!). This specific product is great for almost every skin type due to it’s anti-aging, refining, and antioxidant benefits. The Rapid Infusion Masque is also great for those on-the-go or those who are constantly traveling, since it comes it a 2 oz tube that’s perfect for carry-on bags! Hallelujah!

            Image Skincare’s Clear Cell Medicated Acne Scrub is a similar to my number one product, but, as the name says, it’s a scrub. In addition to all the key ingredients of the Salicylic Cleanser, the Acne Scrub contains Benzyl Peroxide- an anti-bacterial drying agent to target excessive oiliness and more difficult breakouts. Although this cleanser is perfectly acceptable on many people’s faces, I actually use it as an acne body wash for my chest and back. Let’s face it- bacne isn’t cute with a swimsuit.

            Right in the middle of my line up is another Eminence Organic product, but this one is strictly for the body. Their Apricot Body Oil is a must have for me after shaving, or to use when my skin is feeling super dry. Along with apricot oil, this decadent smelling potion also contains jojoba oil, grape seed oil, seabuckthorn oil, and pomegranate seed oil for ultimate rejuvenation. And did I mention it smells AMAZING?!

            My Prevention+ Matte Moisturizer by Image Skincare (they’re my favorite, in case you haven’t noticed by now) is pictured here in a professional large size tube, but is, of course, available in retail size for all my beautiful clients! I use this moisturizer SPF combo religiously every morning for hydration and protection. Since it is oil-free, it’s great for my oily/combination skin type, but is hydrating enough to leave my face feeling velvety soft. On days when feel like I need a little color or coverage I add a pump of Image Skincare’s I Conceal in “Natural” to my Prevention+, which is next in my product line. This “good-for-you” foundation never clogs pores, and can be used for just a little tint or to conceal all sorts of imperfections, depending on how you choose to apply it. Although the bottle is small, it lasts up to 6 months!

            Speaking of tint and color- last, but certainly not least, is Norvell Sunless Solution’s Self Tanning Mousse. I strictly use Norvell’s products professionally at my spa for custom spray tans because of their perfect, natural-looking color, which is why I bring it home as well. The Self Tanning Mousse is by far the most user-friendly self tanner you will find on the market! Since it is formulated as a mousse, it leaves you streak-free 100% of the time and is super easy to apply. What I love most about this product is that it’s great for those last second events you have no time to prepare for. Just is exfoliate, apply the mousse, and viola! A beautiful bronze every time!

            So there you have it- my to-die-for product list! And just as a last closing remark: I know all of you lovely ladies and gents want to achieve the most perfect skin possible, but please purchase wisely. There are many stores, online and established alike, that attempt to sell impersonating products! Beware!!! All of the products I mentioned in this blog (and typically ever take the time to acknowledge) are professional product lines; meaning you can’t just buy these at your local drug store or on Amazon. Be certain you’re purchasing your professional products from authorized retailors! I’ve seen and heard too many stories from disappointed clients who attempt to purchase online just to save a few bucks, but in turn, receive an expired, damaged, or completely wrong product. As always, feel free to contact me by email (ClaritySkinSolutions@gmail.com), Facebook (Facebook.com/PaigeBrewsterSkinTherapy), or by simply responding to my blog with any questions you may have!

Stay beautiful, y’all!

xoxo

Paige

ClaritySkinSolutions.com

Wedding Ready Skin for Every Bride

As a bride-to-be and skincare specialist I totally get it- flawless skin is an absolute MUST on the big day. That’s why I’ve created a timeline for all you future Mrs. (fill-in-the-blank)s! I did some research and found out around 40% of couples say their “I dos” after 13-18 months of engagement, so I’m basing this timeline on a year. However, great skin is certainly obtainable for shorter engagements too!

ONE YEAR:

Begin a monthly facial routine (if you don’t already have one). Choosing the right skincare professional is key to getting your skin in tip-top condition; make sure she/he really listens to your concerns and goals before committing completely. A good home-care routine is also necessary:
Results = 70% homecare + 30% professional treatment
Ask your esthetician what she/he reccomends you use at home for your specific skin concerns.

NINE MONTHS – ONE YEAR:

Really buckle down on a cleaner diet. Your skin is your largest detoxifying organ in your body, which means everything you put in it comes back out. Eek! This is also a good time to cut back on the alcohol and coffee consumption, neither of which are good for the skin.

NINE MONTHS:

Have your eyebrows shaped perfectly, by a PROFESSIONAL. Not to knock any nail salons, mall kiosks, or do-it-yourselfers, but be certain your brow pro really knows what they’re doing. Your eyebrows frame your entire face and can compliment or take away from certain features (depending on how well they’re done).

THREE – TWO MONTHS:

Have your makeup artist booked and do a trial run. Trial runs prevent any mishaps or boo-boos from happening on the big day, plus you get an entire day to look _extra_ gorgeous for no reason! Date night? I think so! Win-win!

TWO – ONE MONTH(S):

If you’ve been on any sort of deep exfoliation series (i.e. chemical peels, lasers), it’s best to end it now so your skin has plenty of time to recover and replenish.

ONE MONTH:

If you’re planning on having a spray tan for your wedding day, try one now. You’ll want to be completely comfortable with your spray tan tech and the color you choose plenty of time before. If you’re a spray tan newbie, get all the aftercare info you need to maintain your color.

TWO WEEKS:

Schedule your last facial before the wedding. A couple of weeks ensures that any strange and unpredictable reactions won’t forever haunt you in your wedding pictures. Although a chance of this happening is highly unusual (especially if you’ve been following a professional’s advice and have already received prior treatments), we just want to be on the safe side. Also, if you book your treatment any closer to the wedding you’ll be too distracted to enjoy the relaxation benefits of your service!

ONE WEEK:

Have any needed facial hair removal done NOW! Red brow areas & upper lips are NOT cute with a wedding dress, I promise.

FOUR – THREE DAYS:

If you bikini wax or sugar, have it done now so you’re honeymoon-ready! Some skincare pros offer “blemish treatments” where they use high frequency to “zap” any pesky breakouts. If your trusted professional does this service, take advantage of that now as well!

ONE – TWO DAY(S):

Get your wedding spray tan, and purchase any recommended maintenance products if you want to stay bronzed for the honeymoon vaca. Most spray tan solutions take 24 hours to completely develop (no showering before then), so give yourself plenty of time before rehearsal dinner and other pre-wedding events.

DAY OF:

Don’t stress! Someone wise once told me to plan on two things for your big day:

1. Expect at least one thing to go wrong. I hate to be the one to break it to ya, but sometimes the flower girl leaves her shoes at home, the cake doesn’t make it all in one piece, and the DJ is running a hour late. It’s YOUR big day- everyone will wait, and everything will all turn out exactly as it’s supposed to. Keep your focus on why you’re they’re in the first place: your marriage.

2. Have a designated buffer. This person may be your maid-of-honor, mother, or third cousin twice removed, but as long as they’re there to deal with any “situations” it makes your special day less stressful and more enjoyable for you!

Some extra tips for you shotgun wedding brides:

Have at least one professional facial, no closer than two weeks before your wedding. The exfoliation will give you the perfect bridal glow!
Start eating clean and upping water intake ASAP! Nothing makes you look more beautiful than healthy skin!

Just my two cents:

• Even if you’re not a regular lip waxer, take into consideration outdoor weddings can make the blondest hairs appear dark (especially if you wear any makeup bronzers). You don’t want to realize that when you’re looking at wedding pictures a month later- take extra precautions now.

• Drink plenty of water! Hydration is key to healthy, glowing skin!

As featured on TheBrideBox.com