All Posts By

mmcleod3

Associate of Occupational Science in Cosmetology, Cosmetology, Esthetics

Mosquito Bites: Home Remedies to stop the itch

By: Jennifer Hubbard, Esthetics and Nail Instructor

Ever had a pesky mosquito flying around you, land on you and then “OUCH” it happens, you’ve been bit?!?! The anticoagulant (a substance that prevents coagulation (clotting) of blood) helps mosquitoes while they feed. However, this injection of insect fluids is also the reason why mosquito bites itch. Along with the anticoagulant, the mosquito saliva will enter some of the insect’s own proteins and binding to the skin cells. As an immune response, histamines will be released, causing a swelling where the mosquito bite is located. With the release of histamines we all get an allergic reaction and feel an itch whenever we get bitten. This response is natural and is part of your body’s way of protecting itself. As the swelling grows the pressure on your nerve cells in that area increases. This increase in pressure gives that itchy feeling. Once that happens you search for some medication to try and stop the deadly itch, but you have none. Here are some great home remedies to try and the benefits of each:

Dampened Green Tea Bag

  • Place cold tea bag on the bite. This will help soothe the itch & compounds in the tea help

with inflammation.

Oatmeal Bath

  • Soothes the skin

Honey

  • Antibacterial ingredient, but be careful because it could attract other bugs

Scotch Tape

  • Helps keep you from itching

Aloe Vera

  • Anti-inflammatory properties that draw out the sting

Battery

  • Uses electric current to inactivate the bite. Wetting the battery enhances the conductivity so current goes through your skin

Preparation H

  • Reduces swelling, itching and inflammation

Rubbing Alcohol/Witch Hazel/Tea Tree Oil

  • Antiseptic properties, prevents bites from getting infected and stinging sensation distracts you from the itch

Baking Soda/Toothpaste

  • Dries to a paste which dries out the skin

Basil

  • Rub on inflammatory properties and repels mosquitoes

Clear Polish

  • Blocks the sensation of the itch

Aspirin

  • Contains acetyl salicylic acid for anti-inflammatory purposes

Listerine/Vicks Vapor Rub

  • Contains menthol to relieve itch
September 4, 2012 by
Esthetics

Parabens-Horrible or Hype?

At the most recent Dallas Esthetic Show, I sought out my idol (and hopefully soon to be mentor), Dr. Pugliese. He is renown in the industry as a leader in skin care ingredient research and testing. Dr. Pugliese has also written one of my favorite books “Physiology of the Skin.” As a fellow scientist I appreciate his in depth knowledge and the continual research that he does.

During a classroom session, my new best friend, Dr. Pugliese (he may not be aware of this fact) and I were chatting about parabens, and all of a sudden this quiet, reserved man took on a whole different tone and voice. Dr. Pugliese, in no other words, explained that parabens are not harmful to the skin and that people are blindly blaming parabens without probable cause. I was absolutely astonished by this. As someone who eats organic, uses sulfate free products, and overall tries to be healthy, I have been under the impression for the past 5 years or so that parabens are bad. I had understood that parabens are wax preservatives that preserve the body and skin, like embalming fluid…yuck! However, as Dr. Pugliese explained, these waxes are widely regarded as safe and in fact; most foods contain these products in much higher content than any of our cosmetics. Parabens are only needed to be used at the .1% to effectively work as a preservative and most fruits contain over 100 times more of this amount than the cosmetics, yet there is little concern or any evidence to show that there are negative repercussions from using/ingesting this compound.

As a scientist, I appreciate looking at both sides of an argument, then making a decision. Personally, I haven’t quite decided how I feel about parabens, but I am now more open to research supporting the use of parabens. This definitely won’t be the last we hear about these molecules!

June 18, 2012 by
Associate of Occupational Science in Cosmetology, Cosmetology

Destination to Relaxation

By April Genshaw

Ok Lassies! If you are like me you love relaxing in a wonderfully warm bath all jazzed up with goodies for your skin and your peace of mind. At this time of year it is crucial to maintain the hydration levels of your skin, both internally and externally. One great way is to use natural humectants applied topically to supply and maintain those levels. What better and fun way to do this than by creating for yourself a tropics inspired bath night! So…… let’s waste no time talking about it! You need to get these things ready for your destination to relaxation (and a beautifully hydrated body).

Supplies Needed:

1 can coconut milk; 2 if you want a healthy drink during your bath

½ c. baking soda

1 grapefruit (you will only need the ends for the bath; enjoy eating the rest)

brown sugar

coconut oil

honey

plastic cap(optional)

candles for ambiance

cabana boy(if one’s willing)

relaxation/tropical music; ooooo…….ocean wave sounds!

Prepare Supplies:

*Cut ends from grapefruit so that it makes 2 half circles

*Portion out desired amount of brown sugar for body scrub

*Bath Soak: Combine coconut milk, baking soda and 4tbsp. coconut oil; this can be mixed  together beforehand or in bath itself.

*After Bath Moisturizer: Combine 1 part honey to 2 parts coconut oil; make desired amount.

*Set up your cabana retreat(aka bathroom)

Show Time: these steps can be completed by you or your cabana boy!

* Draw bath water and add soak

* During bath place small amount of brown sugar on ends of grapefruits. Hold the grapefruit in the palm of your hand. Buff in circular motions starting at the feet and working upwards toward the heart. Reapply sugar as needed using one grapefruit for the legs and posterior areas, and the other for torso and arms.

* Optional Step: Apply small amounts of after bath moisturizer to scalp and hair, clip up and bag in plastic cap. Thoroughly rinse after bath or next day, may need a small amount of shampoo depending on the amount unabsorbed.

* After bath apply moisturizer to entire body. Start at feet and work towards the heart. Allow to absorb before dressing.

After this treatment you should feel completely hydrated and relaxed, and with these easy steps you can have a tropical getaway anytime you like. Hope you enjoyed!

February 13, 2012 by
Cosmetology

I Love the 90s

By Mikala Ewald & Madison Unruh

The Skintourage's Mikala

The Skintourage’s Mikala

Imagine a world where fashion was limited…a world where everyone was decked head to toe in the latest trend. You walk into a social gathering and see the same hair styles, makeup looks, and very similar clothing on everyone in the room. This may seem like an implausible nightmare, but this was the reality just 20 years ago.

Recently, I was studying the history of beauty trends throughout the decades and noticed that until the 1990s everyone followed the same beauty trends and tried to emulate the same hair, makeup, and fashion looks (picture flappers in the 1920s, hippies in the 1960s, bellbottoms and disco of the 1970s, the big hair and glitter hairspray of the 1980s, etc.).

The 1990s introduced the idea of the rejection of fashion and encouraged self-expression. 90s women began wearing makeup as a means of self-expression and empowerment. Beauty and fashion were about more than just looking pretty. Their unique looks translated their level of confidence, power, and individuality.

Yes, trends still existed, but as a whole individuality was accepted. People began expressing themselves with piercings, tattoos, and color rather than sticking to one specific, idealized version of pretty.

What changed? Perhaps one of the biggest contributions to individuality in the fashion world is the Internet. Yes, the Internet. Before the World Wide Web, a fashionista’s only options for style inspirations were the mall or the little boutique down the street. The Internet introduced the world to fashion from every continent. Not only can you see trends that are big in Japan, England, or France, but you can also buy clothes from these places on the internet.

Another big player in self-expression through hair, makeup, and clothes was late 80′s and early 90′s music. We’re talking about the age of the Material Girl – Madonna. She made pushing the boundaries of fashion acceptable, cool even. And let’s not forget about 90′s grunge. Bands like Nirvana made ‘not caring’ about how you look a fashion statement in itself. This idea is still carried on today. Celebrities like Lady Gaga and Nicki Minaj are constantly changing their look.

Working in the beauty industry, one of the biggest complaints I hear is: “I just don’t think I could pull that look off!” My response is always, “why not?!” Those of you that know me, know that I have bright red and purple hair. I’ve also been known to wear purple, blue, or even green lipstick. Sometimes, I get strange looks, but more often than not I get compliments followed by the typical response of “I could never pull that off”. But the truth is, you CAN!

If you want to wear blue eyeshadow or black nail polish or color your entire head of hair pink, then go for it! The only trick to pulling off a bold look is having the confidence to do so. Go ahead and express yourself, after all it is the latest trend. ;-)

January 30, 2012 by
Associate of Occupational Science in Cosmetology, Cosmetology, Nail Technician

Silicone, not just for breasts

By Christen Brummett

When most people think of silicone on or in the body it makes them think of breast implants, which can be made of silicone or saline. Many of the same reasons plastic surgeons use silicone are also the same reasons why your esthetician may recommend it for your skin. Silicone acts like an oil, forming an occlusive barrier on top of the surface of the skin. This mimics the skin’s natural barrier, which keeps the hydration in and helps to prevent a feeling of dry skin.

Both water loss and drier skin naturally occur as the skin ages, so silicone can be very beneficial for maturing skin. However the newer silicones aren’t just for your grandmother! Besides the protective barrier, silicone still allows oxygen in and out of your follicle, which prevents break outs. So unlike other oils, which can cause oily/acne skin to break out, silicone won’t do that. Silicones are also used as a makeup primer.

Your makeup can even out pigmentation, but won’t even out the texture. Silicone will sink into any crevices which leaves the skin feeling very smooth and primed for you makeup. So how do you know that your moisturizer or primer has silicone? Look for anything that ends with –cone; examples include dimethicone, methicone.

January 27, 2011 by
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Master Instructor

Co-Enzyme Q10

By Christen Brummett
Co-enzyme Q 10 is also called Ubiquinone and is usually abbreviated CoQ 10. This natural supplement has been used for years to help promote the health and beauty of the skin and the entire body. CoQ 10 is said to help reverse aging and damage in the skin, fight free radicals, prevent cancer, and new research in Japan is showing that this little ingredient might even be able to reverse deafness! I will say that anytime I hear such outlandish claims about an ingredient my internal “skeptic radar” starts going off. How could something possibly do all of these amazing things? Well, the science behind this small, amazing  ingredient supports these claims…
Our cells are the basic unit of life and almost all cells contain mitochondria. This small organelle, mitochondria, are the energy producers of the body. They produce a specific substance called ATP (adenine triphosphate). ATP is used in every cell for anything from movement to division, replication, and repair. ATP is absolutely essential to do all necessary functions in our body. CoQ 10 helps to speed this process along. So….if we have more CoQ 10 then we have an ability to form ATP quicker. For skin care, the increased ATP production allows for newer, healthier cells to get to the top of the skin quicker, and repair the daily damage from pollutants, UV rays and other free radical damage.

Co Q 10 can be taken internally, in a pill form, for the optimal skin results it is recommended to be applied topically.

January 26, 2011 by