Browsing Tag

aging

Associate of Occupational Science in Cosmetology, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Master Instructor

How Far Would You Go To Be Tan?


For some, the desire to be tanned will take them to the extremes of self injections with an unapproved illegal tanning drug called Melanotan.First developed in pill form in 1991 at The University of Arizona, Melanotan 1 was revealed to be an effective sunless tanning solution with low short term side effects.With continued research the formation of Melanotan 2 was introduced, but with increased short term side effects. Melanotan itself is a synthetic analog* of  a naturally occurring hormone A-MSH(alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone) which is present in individuals exposed to UV radiation, causing the process commonly known as tanning. A-MSH is present in greater amounts in individuals with naturally darker skin tones. Melanotan 2 is similar to Melanotan 1, itself a cyclic lactam analog of A-MSH; however, its peptide chain is shorter, and it shares other functional and structural differences (allowing for passage through the blood-brain barrier, and also making it significantly more effective for tanning. Melanotan will not do anything for people with albinism or vitiligo because these patients do not have skin cells with receptors for melanin.

In social circles Melanotan is referred to as ”The Barbie Drug” due to certain side effects such as loss of appetite, darkening of the skin, and increased labido. Other side effects include blue coloring of the lips, intense nausea and vomiting, facial flushing, fatigue, as well as increased freckling, moles, and hyperpigmentation. The Melanotan injections are given in the stomach on a weekly basis while a gradual tan develops. The skin will slowly darken on it’s own, but can be increased by exposing oneself to UV Rays. Once the injections are discontinued the skin should fade back at a normal rate. That’s not always the case though. Especially when you are talking about freckles, moles, and hyperpigmentation.

Melanotan is illegal and has not had the stringent safety and effectiveness testing that all medicines need before they are licensed for use. This means that the long term side effects of this treatment are not known. In addition to the possible side effects of Melanotan itself, there are also other potential dangers. Using non-sterile water to prepare the injections can cause serious blood infections, and sharing needles spreads blood-borne diseases such as HIV and hepatitis. Injections by untrained individuals can cause skin and tissue damage, and might result in permanent or life-threatening injury.They currently have research grade Melanotan 1 and 2 available for all those research chemists out there (anyone)to test out on their lab-rats(themselves).

However, you have to use this at your own risk because these kits are not FDA approved and not intended for human consumption.

There are many sites and videos for and against Melanotan. Two examples are below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwmBr32_uLc&feature=related against

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BlATY8LQ–I for

*A synthetic analog is a:

Synthetically created compound that differs from the Natural compound

Both in its structure and function.

July 9, 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, Esthetics

How Does Sleep Affect Our Skin

Dr. Michael Breus answered:
Here are a few good facts that people should bear in mind:

• As we age, lack of sleep affects us more deeply and shows up more
prominently on our faces (which explains why dark circles, fine lines,
and pallid complexions aren’t a problem in our twenties despite the
late nights, but can be later on).

• Sleep induces the production of collagen, a key ingredient in firm,
youthful skin.

• The skin’s capacity to hold water is enhanced by sleep, thereby
keeping skin moisturized and supple.

• Sleep deprivation can sting the immune system, leaving one
vulnerable to rashes and skin-related problems.

• Growth hormone peaks during deep sleep, and this hormone plays a
central role in initiating cellular repair.

June 4, 2012 by
Associate of Occupational Science in Cosmetology, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Master Instructor, Nail Technician

You asked–We answered

As skin care professionals, the most common question we all seem to get asked is…What products do you use?  Our skintourage bloggers put together a list of our top favorite “must have” products. Make sure to let us know what your must have products are! We want to hear from you.

Christen Brummett, Esthetics Arts Department Head:

Smashbox Makeup Primer-As someone with oily skin, I tend to shed makeup very quickly so having a makeup primer is a must if I plan to have makeup on my face for more than 2-3 hours.  I love Smashbox’s Primer because it is super lightweight and silky feeling (due to all the silicone); it doesn’t break my face out and keeps my makeup on all day.

Skin Ceuticals CE Ferulic Acid-This stuff is amazing!  The combination of Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Ferulic Acid provides a power pack punch of antioxidant protection.  This is one of the few products I have used that I really saw results in my skin.

Dermalogica’s PreCleanse– Used before your normal cleanser; it gets all the makeup off and smells amazing.  Not to mention, it is a fabulous brush cleanser!

April Genshaw, Esthetics and Cosmetician Instructor:

NYX Milk Eye Pencil-Perfect color base to make eyeshadow colors pop.  I still use over a regular eye primer.

Coconut Oil-Fabulous for removing makeup before cleansing, hydrating skin treatment and cortex strengthening hair treatment.

Agadir Hair Spritz-Dual Purpose thermal iron enhancing spray, firm hold hair spritz.

Lip Balm-I’ve yet to find a favorite, but I always have to have something.

Lisa Johnson, Esthetics and Cosmetician Instructor:

Temptu Airbrush Foundation-it’s easy to apply, soft natural matte finish and lasts all day long without touching up.

Mirabella Lip Definer in Clear-Gives you the protection from bleeding and feathering lipstick without the worry of the “ring around the lips” look when the lipstick fades off.

Lime Crime Lipstick (any color)-Has amazing color that lasts all day without looking dry or cracked.  The color is vibrant and it comes in many unusual shades.

Circadia Vitamin C Serum-Not heavy and dries quick.  Helps with my aging skin and gives me a nice glow.  It’s my “must have” product.

Moroccan Oil – My only must have for my hair.  It cuts my blow dry time in half and helps repair any damage to my hair and leaves my hair soft and tangle free all day. It doesn’t weight my hair down or make it oily like many other products.

Emmy Downey, Esthetics Instructor:

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20-It’s sheer and lightweight with a hint of color.  I get that perfect healthy looking glow.  Plus, I get my daily dose of sunscreen.

Urban Decay’s 24/7 Concealer Pencil-Perfect for hiding those dark circles and blemishes.  It’s a creamy formula that dries matte and stays put.

Therametics Lip Balm-“Heaven on a stick!”  An anti-aging lip balm that soothes and repairs dry chapped lips.

Hempz Body Moisturizer-100% pure natural hemp seed oil along with Vitamins A, C and E help to give your body a dramatic dose of hydration.

Mona Green, Esthetics Instructor:

Circadia Honey Cleanser-A micro-exfoliating cleanser that is gentle enough to use every day, without disturbing the protective lipid barrier.

Circadia Vitamin C-Heal and calms the skin while neutralizing free radicals.  It prevents collagen deterioration while restoring firmness, diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and smoothing uneven texture.

Circadia Night Time Repair-Encourages cell turnover, boosts radiance, increases elasticity and enhances the skin’s natural repair system.

Jennifer Hubbard, Nail Technician Instructor:

Green Stuff-My wonderful makeup remover and I use it to shave with.

Fake Bake-I love the look of a beautiful tan but don’t want to expose myself to the UV rays of a tanning bed.

Circadia Mandiclear Peel with Vitamin A Accelerator-This is my favorite peel.  I love the way my skin looks and feels afterwards.  It glows and feels a lot tighter.

Enjoy Smooth and Shine Serum-This is the only serum that I have found that keeps my hair shiny and smooth without leaving the feeling of heavy oily hair.

Coconut Oil-This is the only product that will penetrate into the hairs cortex.  This doesn’t leave your hair with the heavy oily feeling that other products can.

Check out this website to see how you can become a skin care professional too!

May 7, 2012 by
Associate of Occupational Science in Cosmetology, Cosmetology, Esthetics

Foods that Keep Your Skin Looking Fabulous

We have all heard the old adage “Beauty Is Only Skin Deep.” Well, recent research has shown that is not the case. Beauty actually begins on the inside, specifically in your gastrointenstinal tract. The foods you eat, and thus the micro/macronutrients you put in your body have a direct correlation on how healthy your skin is.

Here are a few things to make sure and keep stocked in your fridge this summer to keep you skin glowing:

Sweet Potatoes
Thanks to the large concentration of beta carotene found in sweet potatoes, they’re great for your complexion, and their protective qualities can even defend against sun exposure (but still use sun block, please).

Kiwi
A perfect summer snack, this tart-tasting treat is chock full of vitamin C (in fact, it contains more per serving than almost any other fruit). This vitamin C, in turn, helps the collagen in our skin stay firm. Other options for vitamin C: broccoli, strawberries, tomatoes, and, of course, oranges.

Sunflower Seeds
More than just a treat, sunflower seeds contain vast amounts of vitamin E, an antioxidant that slows the aging process of your skin, and can keep you looking younger for longer. You’ll also get a ton of Vitamin E from whole-grain cereals, Swiss chard, spinach, and more.

Tea
Full of antioxidants and phytonutrients, tea is a great break from the eight to ten glasses of water you should be drinking a day.

Salmon
This delectable fish is bursting with omega-3 fatty acids, which are proven to stave off the body’s production of inflammatory substances. This, in and of itself, can decrease your number of wrinkles, clogged pores, and troublesome fine lines.

Blueberries

Referred to as one of the “super foods.” This powerful little berry is choc full of antioxidants that help with cell repair and cell turnover.

April 30, 2012 by