Professional Clinical Skin Care Since 1997
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Posts Tagged ‘facial treatments’

Why Topical Vitamin C is so important

Monday, August 13th, 2012

When I go out in the sun I always make sure I use our Crystal C Serum or Lactic C Firming  in the morning under my sunscreen. The main goal of incorporating topical vitamin C is to reduce oxidative stress and reduce hyperpigmentation.  In a recent cosmeceutical report, studies show that “oxidative stress stimulates the production of free radicals that may denature proteins, alter cell cycles and influence the release of pro-inflammatory mediators that may trigger the induction of some inflammatory skin diseases”. 

Many people get confused about the forms of vitamin C because L-ascorbic acid is the same as sodium ascorbyl phosphate and the names are often used interchangeably.  Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, L-ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbyl phosphate and ascorbyl glucosamine are all various forms of Vitamin C considered to be effective and stable antioxidants for the skin.  The percentage of actives may vary and that is why using a professional brand will typically provide more noticeable results.  Years ago, when topical vitamin C products were first brought to market, the stability was an issue.  Today, with new cosmetic chemistry advances, the pH levels of these “bio-available” forms of vitamin C make it much more compatible for even the most sensitive skin types.

It is important to remember that vitamin C can block tyrosinase.  Tyrosinase is an enzyme important in the production of melanin (which gives our skin it’s pigment).  By using the Crystal C Serum  or Lactic C Firming Cream once or twice daily, on clean dry skin you help reduce oxidative stress and may potentially destroy free radical activity produced by the sun’s UV rays.

Sometimes it is hard to know what to use on your face with all the choices we have.   Regardless of all the choices, if you are at a plateau, outdoors during the day, noticing some new pigmentation, or just need a change, consider incorporating vitamin c topicals into your daily routine whether in a serum or moisturizer prior to applying your sunscreen as a preventative measure that you can notice now, but enjoy for a lifetime.

 

Botanical Soothing Cream Review by Nancy Lee

Thursday, August 9th, 2012

Introduced to me by Lindsey Guest, Founder and CEO of BeautyARMY, this treatment has saved my skin! I suffer Rosacea and adult acne so even when I’m not going through a break-out spell I have red cheeks. With Botanical Soothing Cream, I only need a tiny amount and I am able to enjoy all day redness relief.

I find it’s more like a balm, I put a pea-sized amount on my fingers, rub it between my hands to emulsify it for an easier application and I press it into my cheeks, chin and the sides of my nose. I am a firm believer of pressing, not rubbing, your skincare.  I use an upward almost rocking motion.

I only apply Botanical Soothing Cream where I suffer Rosacea because to me, this is more of a treatment, applying it all over is a waste. I use a different SPF for the rest of my face.  It has a bit of that ‘sunscreen’ scent but I find it does not linger. I wait 2 minutes for the Cream to fully absorb and then I apply the rest of my facial makeup as usual. I haven’t run into any issues with my pressed powder foundation – no caking, discolouration or sliding off due to this product! My makeup stays fresh and my skin stays comfortable.

Skincare Strategies for the Working Mom

Friday, June 29th, 2012

Being a mom is a full time, important job, and can be even more difficult as many re-enter or continue in the traditional workforce.  According to data collected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 59% of women now work or are actively seeking employment. An even higher percentage of women with children ages 17 or younger (66%) work either full or part time. Working women are stuck between house chores, work schedules and taking care of the kids, and can find it difficult to squeeze in time for a daily skin care regimen. For such women, a simple and effective skincare system is essential!

Share with your wee ones

Have your little ones help with your beauty routine.  Children as small as four years old can be taught to help with every day beauty tasks. Share a face mask with your kids, let them apply it on your face and make it a fun beauty ritual you can do together. Or you can apply the mask before your child’s bath time so your mask can work while you are.

Recommended Product: Balancing Thermogel Mask. Offers up deep concentrated hydration at its most soothing and nourishing.

Restore Nightly

You may not be getting 8 hours of sleep a night due to a busy schedule but you can still maintain the health of your complexion each night.  Your skin is rejuvenating itself while you sleep, so nighttime is an ideal time to apply more intensive moisturizers. Simply taking a few minutes to cleanse and hydrate your skin before you hit the pillow will help restore your skin overnight—and you’ll wake up looking refreshed.

Recommended Products:  Anti Wrinkle Face and Neck Cream. This cream can be used as a face, neck, eye and chest cream.  It can be applied quickly, which is a perfect solution for someone with limited time.

Don’t leave home without it

Always carry a bottle of sunscreen with you in your purse. Sunscreen will be your best protection from sun damaged and aging skin, so we recommend using it every day and reapply as needed. You may not think you are getting much sun if you work in office or at home, and may not see the need for sunscreen application, but it is crucial. Sun damage is cumulative and you need to think about all the daily activities you do which can cause damage through sun exposure.  Walking to your car, driving (think about that left arm hanging out of the window!), taking your dog for a walk, and even getting the mail, are all necessary daily routines but result in cumulative exposure to the sun. If you have a sunscreen handy, you can reapply through the day.

Recommended Products: Oil Free Sunscreen SPF 30.  Offers broad spectrum UVA & UVB protection without leaving a greasy film. Contains aloe vera and antioxidants to help soothe and balance the skin.

Get Back to the Basics

Your skincare regimen does not need to be a complicated, multistep process. Using a cleanser, toner and moisturizer each morning and night that is suited for your skin type will help maintain skin health.  Sometimes simple is better (and quicker)!

Spa Hospitality

Wednesday, May 30th, 2012

Arrived last night in Charlotte, NC.  Nothing beats Southern hospitality!  Having dinner with our new rep group, I was so appreciative that they had me to their home for a fabulous dinner (amazing carpaccio on a beautiful, frozen pink salt slab that looked like an art piece for starters).

While we all “engage” our customers via social media, and hear about Facebook’s staggering billion dollar IPO, nothing beats face to face contact in business.  Social media will never replace personal interaction and kindness.  Social media will never replace a clean work space, a welcome smile, the aroma of good cooking, essential oils at the spa or a great meal with associates.

How does this equate to you the spa owner or entrepreneur?  Even while growing your business and customer loyalty via social media, continue to ask yourself how you can create “southern hospitality” to your business.  As we all know, “the devil is in the details” Never underestimate these few tips below that, whether you know it outright or not, endear yourself to your valued customers:

Maintain a very clean retail area.

  • Merchandise the inventory on the shelf so it makes customers want to look at it.
  • Provide a mirror so if a customer can try something on or can see.
  • Have a magnifying glass to read the ingredients on your products.
  • Offer something to drink
  • Hire and train knowledgeable front desk person(s), who even if she/he is on the phone, knows to friendly acknowledge customers and can help push retail sales by educating customers about your spa products.
  • Place nice aromatic diffuser or light candles, so when a customer enters your spa, they feel like they are being transported and can start to relax.
  • Train your estheticians to remember to limit their personal life stories when working with a customer, and monitor this.
  • Always have clean, fresh reading material in the lobby (not year old People Magazines).

At the end of the day, your business is like a home and it should make customers feel relaxed and comfortable.  It reflects your philosophy and communicates your values whether you know it or not.

 

Not Just a Pretty Face

Monday, May 14th, 2012

When the word ‘skincare” comes up, many people think about skincare for the face but many people suffer from skin conditions on the body as well. Many of the products in the Control Corrective line offer multiple skin benefits that make your beauty care regimen fully functional.

Skin Nourishing Balm – This emollient, aromatic balm is the ultimate healer!  Place the balm in your hands and rub until it melts like butter. This can be used all over the body including skincare for all over the body. knees and elbows to relieve dry itchy skin. Also, try rubbing some on your upper chest before you go to bed and breathe in the aromatic essential oils as you drift off into your beauty sleep.

Calming Balm- After you get your eyebrows or lips waxed, the skin can be red and irritated. Apply this soothing facial moisturizing gel to help calm and hydrate the skin. Keep cold in the refrigerator and use as needed.

Sensitive Skin Enzyme Mask – It may be called a mask but that does not mean you can’t use it on other areas of the body. This creamy, clay mask doubles as a skin polisher and brightener.  In addition to your face, this mask is also great for dry hands and arms.

Anti Wrinkle Face and Neck Cream – This is an all in one wrinkle fighter. The benefit of this multifaceted cream is itcan be used as an eye cream, face cream, neck cream and declote’ cream. Great for those of you that just wants one cream for everything and don’t have time for several steps in the morning and/or evening.

Cucumber Bead Cleanser – Cleanse with cucumbers all over the body. Works well as a luxurious body polish or as a facial pre-shave. Use this aromatic exfoliating cleanser in your shower for a spa-like experience from head to toe.

 

Share how Control Corrective Skincare has helped make your beauty care regimen fully functional by leaving a comment below.

When and why to use Salicylic Wash?

Thursday, April 5th, 2012

Salicylic Acid is used in many dermatologic preparations.  Found in products for acne, calluses, keratosis pilaris, and dandruff shampoo, salicylic acid works as a comedolytic and keratolytic agent helping epidermal cells shed easily, loosing up congestion and neutralizing bacteria within the pore.  Salicylic acid can be used for many different skin types.  It is capable of penetrating and breaking-down fats and lipids which makes it a great choice when working with acne-prone skin.

I have worked on many women over 35, concerned with wrinkles, but also experiencing micro-comedonal congestion, whether from hormones, cosmetics, pressure and friction or simply not using the right products.  These are the perfect clients to recommend using our Salicylic Wash 2% three to five times per week.  It is often all that is needed to gently loosen and exfoliate the skin, without over drying.

For acne-prone skin, whether oily or dry, the benefit of combining salicylic acid with glycolic acid provides a stronger keratolytic effect that is often necessary for chronic acne conditions, very oily “resistant” skin.  The key is to blend these actives in way that does not over-dry the skin.  The Control Corrective, Acne Spot Treatment, which can be used once to twice daily on the affected area, will do the trick for most.  It will not only help clear up the blemish, but will help lighten the residual dark spots.

When choosing a peel for acne prone or “rough” aging skin, our professional Beta Peel 22% is a great choice.  This creamy peel contains a strong enough percentage, but will not “over-dry” the skin.  Left on 2-3 minutes, then neutralized, it is a perfect peel for those who have built up a tolerance to AHA peels.  Keep in mind that 2% salicylic acid = 8% glycolic acid in terms of strength, so when comparing a glycolic acid peel to a salicylic acid peel, the percentages need to be converted in terms of action on the skin.

It is also important to note that salicylic acid peeling is not advised for those allergic to aspirin, while on Accutane, when using Retin-A (or retinoic acid derivatives), during pregnancy, on highly sensitive skin, sunburned skin, on clients going through treatment for auto immune disorders, chemo/radiation, or other treatments that make the skin more photo-sensitive.  Always review current medication usage with your clients so you can adjust the facial treatment to best meet their needs.  Watch a video demonstration of our Beta Clear Facial to view how to incorporate this peel into your menu.

Salicylic acid peels and products are credited with great skin improvement for many skin conditions and can be a great way to boost and improve the complexion.

A typical home care regimen for combination skin/acne prone adult:

  1. Cleanse with Salicylic Wash 2%
  2. Apply Balancing Tonic
  3. Apply Acne Spot Treatment on blemishes (1-2x daily)
  4. Apply Aroma Matte Day Cream (SPF 30)
  5. Apply Oil Free Healing Lotion at night as desired
  6. With fingers or fan brush apply Sulfur Calming Mask (as needed- left on blemishes overnight if desired)

5 Simple Ways to Transform Your Bathroom into a Spa Oasis

Wednesday, March 14th, 2012

Many women love escaping for a day at the spa, although it may be an indulgence reserved for special occasions.  What spa goers often do not realize is that they can still experience the same tranquility and relaxed feeling at home if they take a little bit of time and focus on it.   Below are several tips for transforming your bathroom into a spa oasis and help you feel some of the pampering that you get from a relaxing facial or massage.
Clean Up
A messy or dirty bathroom can feel cramped; not a place you want to spend much time in. Clean up the clutter of toiletries to a minimum. Stash cosmetics and other products in the medicine cabinet, under the sink or in the linen closet to avoid looking at clutter. Are you overdue?  How about getting new bathroom shelving liners, rearrange product, discard dated beauty products, paint your bathroom, have scented candles or, improve lighting?
Comfort and Joy
Invest in soft 100% cotton towels and a comfy terry robe that is soft on your skin for that spa-like feeling.  Remember to always launder your towels and robe in hypoallergenic, fragrance free detergent with no dryer sheets, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Ambiance is Everything


Aromatherapy candles, soft music, and lighting adjustments (to dim) are all ways to help you forget your daily stresses and set a relaxing mood.
Apply a Mask
Take the time weekly to use a facial mask.  Our Sensitive Skin Enzyme Mask will gently exfoliate, hydrate, and brighten the complexion.  Masks are great to put on while in the bath, or left on the skin 5-10 minutes either before or after your shower.  After removing hydrate well with your favorite control corrective serum of choice and moisturizer.
Be Natural


Natural elements are wonderful to create the spa experience at home. Softly running water and living plants help create a calming connection with nature. Bring a potted plant into your bathroom-they often thrive in the bath thanks to the high levels of moisture and humidity in the air.
Lastly, book “me time”, so you indeed do take the time-out to rejuvenate, relax and replenish yourself whether at the spa or at home. Pamper yourself and your friends and soon your family will thank you.

Spa Lessons from Cancun

Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012

Last week I went to Cancun, Mexico for a launch event with our distributor and to meet the resort directors that carry our brand.  We had the opportunity to go to several five-star resorts as a small group for a “behind the scenes” tour with the spa directors.   I was reminded of three important aspects of the spa experience that all spa businesses should think about:

Reminder 1

Never forget that the facial experience begins the minute your client walks in the door.  You do not have to be a 5-Star resort to implement simple things to set your spa aside.  Every property we walked into immediately offered us a choice of two key beverages, and beautifully scented wet hand towels.  There was also

Ellen in Cancun displaying Control Corrective

fresh fruit in a basket along with a full cookie tray.  A lovely receptionist smiled, and offered us the refreshments.  It started to relax us right away and the lesson being that the experience really does begin before the treatment, and the front desk should be in charge of “setting the stage”.

Reminder 2

Hire the right attitude.  You can always teach an esthetician how to execute a good facial if you have excellent products and good training materials.  What is more difficult to train is to instill a gracious attitude.  I would rather have a new graduate from beauty school with a positive outlook, a love of helping others and a willingness to work hard over a ten year veteran who thinks there is only one way to be successful, and claims, “the reason the clients come here is because of me”.  Always interview for the attitude.

Reminder 3

How are you creating a memorable experience?  Find something you can do differently than your competition.  I scheduled a massage in our hotel and had no idea what the experience would be like.  I was

Fish Pedicure Treatment

delighted to be led to a small, but absolutely wonderful spa facility.  After enjoying the facilities, the massage therapist led me to a large couch area with spa music piping through and dim lightning, where she put aromatherapy heated mitts on my feet, and around my shoulders and let me enjoy for several minutes before the massage.  I was already feeling the relaxation and nurturing and drifting away before she led me to the treatment room.  I think of this as the “appetizer”….  What type of complimentary appetizers can you offer to create a memorable experience for your clients?  This costs very little in money and the obvious gain is significant…larger tips, client retention, word of mouth, and experience being elevated.

You know it’s a good trip when all I could think about at the Cancun airport was when I can get back to these resort spas that work so hard to create an enchanting experience.

Skincare Review from Tiffany Miller

Friday, February 10th, 2012

Skin care has its own isle in drugstores, rows in department stores and special websites dedicated to perfect skin. Like all of you I strive for that perfect face. As a makeup artist I am constantly looking for products for my clients, especially moisturizers. Hearing and being taught that moisturizers are the key to young healthy skin, finding that perfect potion is always a daunting task but I believe I can point you in the right direction!

I have so many bottles of creams and exfoliates taking up room under my sink. Touched once and put away. Control Corrective changes that. You don’t buy a product that promises an all in one healer. You find the product that fits your needs. Aging controls, sun damage, acne, sensitivity even deep skin treatments. With each category offering four to five products it’s easy to find what you are looking for and the people of Control Corrective are there to help.

I myself have dry patches and places of redness. Most of this happens around my nose and chin. My concerns with wrinkles are only around my eyes. Being contact lenses user, pulling and rubbing my eyes daily seems to cause some small wrinkles. I am twenty two years old and even now I can see signs of aging due to tanning earlier in life and not taking the proper care of my skin. Control Corrective sent me an assortment of samples products to test out meeting my needs. I have more favorites to tell you about.

In order of use I will start with the Cucumber Bead Cleanser. It is just the right amount of exfoliate my skin was never left feeling raw or over exfoliated. Topping that with Crystal C Serum makes skin glow feel moisturized a layer of Botanical Soothing Cream, which provides SPF of 30 and done. I really enjoyed this combo and it has helped my skin so much. I could always tell a huge difference when using this particular combination.

It’s hard to find an exfoliate that is not just a rough scrub to rid your skin of dead cells. The line between raw over done skin and fresh smooth skin is where Control Corrective did it right. The Cucumber Bead Cleanser is so gentle yet very effective. I also was very impressed with the Hydrant Stabilizer, so creamy and is the best layer of moisturizer I have found.

Control Corrective was founded by Ellen Clark in 1997, in Orange County, California. I see these as amazing skin care products for all skin types and skin issues. My only down side is those with sensitive skin may not be able to use all products due to scents in the products. Yet they offer a Sensitive Skin line, which is wonderful! I cannot wait for so many people to find out about this company and bring light to a new revolution of skin care.

At-Home Glow Holiday Facial

Wednesday, December 14th, 2011

While nothing replaces a great facial from your esthetician, many people get busy with social commitments, or due to budget constraints, cannot get a facial as often as desired.  So what can you do at home?  We recommend the following facial protocol that you can do bi -monthly to keep your skin smoothed, refreshed and brighter for the holidays.  Great to have nice music, playing and creating a relaxing environment for yourself:

 

Step 1:  Cleanse withGentle Facial Wash or Sensitive Skin Cleansing Milk.

Step 2:  Do a second cleanse with the Cucumber Bead Cleanser.

Step 3:  Put Chamomile Tea Bags in a steamy hot pot, and steam your skin for 3-5 minutes (towel over the head to hold in the steam if desired).  This softens the skin.

Step4: Apply 1/2 teaspoon of our Skin Nourishing Balm and massage skin for 3 minutes to increase circulation and soften the skin.  After, tissue off excess.

Step 5: Apply Sensitive Skin Enzyme Mask with fan brush or fingers.  If eye puffiness or redness is a concern, saturate two cotton rounds with our Soothing Chamomile Eye Makeup Remover  rest on your eyes while the mask is on your face.    Leave on ten minutes, then rinse and remove with gentle washcloth.

Step 6: Apply Firming Tri Peptide Serum or Crystal C Serum and massage into the skin.

Step 7: Finish facial with application of Collagen Eye Defense and Ceramide Daily Cream to the face and declote’.

Step 8: Apply your favorite makeup and you will shine!


Questions?
Our skincare experts are available to help with all your skincare questions or concerns. Drop us an email or send a note to our customer service representatives.
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