Wednesday, October 31, 2007

IS HOT WATER AGING YOUR FACE?

Yesterday I discussed the importance of hand washing when cleaning your face.

Today I want to alert you to the part hot water plays in robbing your skin of its natural moisture as well as aggravating skin conditions.

As recently as our mothers' time, it was believed that hot water aided the cleansing process because the warmth opened pores for more effective cleaning. Then, it was said, cold water should be used to rinse the cleaning agent away. The cold was supposed to shrink pores and tighten skin.

Now we know that extreme changes in temperature actually harms our skin due to the stress on the thread-like capillaries just under the surface in addition to robbing naturally produced moisture in our skin. The longer our skin is dry, the more vulnerable it is to bacterial attack since the 'acid mantel' that holds the protective cell layer in place is our first line of defense against air-borne bacteria.

In addition, although this stress is not thought to be the root cause of a condition called Rosacea, is certainly causes flare ups and severely aggravates the permanent redness and network of visible spiderweb-like veins usually seen in this syndrome.

NEVER, NEVER use anything but warm water for both applying cleanser and rinsing it off afterward.

You face should never feel tight or sensitive after cleansing. If it does you are stressing your skin which could lead to early signs of aging.

In an upcoming post I’ll discuss how to choose a cleanser that matches your skin type as well as some recommendations for products I’ve found to be effective both for myself and for my clients.

Take care and hugs,

Carolyn

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

HOW IMPORTANT IS HAND WASHING TO A CLEAN FACE?

Dear Friend,

How many of us are sure that our face is clean...really clean... without damaging the underlying layers of skin?

For example, do you know that you should wash you hands before cleansing your face? This step lowers the number of bacteria on your hands. Why would you want to put more bacteria on your face?

This step is especially important if you have acne since bacteria is a major contributor to your condition. Naturally, you want to lessen the number of germs on your face, not add more!

Medical experts have found that washing your hands for 20 seconds can seriously reduce the germs on our hands. Twenty seconds is the amount of time it takes to sing, "Happy Birthday" through once.

PS...stay tuned for regular tips on improving your skin care routine.

PPS...soon you'll be able to claim your free copy of the "Basic Skin Care Users' Guide" which will include recipes for skincare products you can make in your own kitchen!

Monday, October 29, 2007

NEW LINKS!

Today I've added the first two links to vendors who I feel would be beneficial for my new friends.

The first, Derma Doctor, offers a variety of good quality skin care products at reasonable prices. These are products I would use myself and recommend
to my clients.

The second, Spa Finder, lists spas in your area that accept their gift certificates for spa services. I added this link
to make your holiday shopping easier especially if you are buying gifts
for someone living in another city or town. What a wonderful gift that
will last beyond the holiday!

I sincerely hope that these sites provide you with great products, service and prices. If they don't please let me know and I'll contact the advertisers directly.

Take care and HUGS!

Carolyn

Saturday, October 27, 2007

BIG NEWS FOR CAREER CHANGERS

Have you ever considered a career in skin care therapy (esthetics)? Giving facials all day in a serene spa setting seems like not working at all, doesn't it?

I have just published a book for all those looking for a new career that seems more like a dream than a job. In my book, "Are You A Career Changer?" I describe expectations, negatives, positives, and the hurdles to choosing a career in esthetics. I also include lists of questions to ask prospective beauty schools and prospective employers. I have included all the information I wish I had before I enrolled in beauty school at the age of 53 as well as the knowledge I've gained over the past 5 1/2 years working in the field.

Reading "Are You a Career Changer?" will present a balanced view of preparing for and starting a career in skin care and will arm the reader with the information so they can avoid the pitfalls that derail so many others.

To purchase either a paperback or electronic version of "Are You A Career Changer?" go to www.lulu.com/content/1357269.

Monday, October 22, 2007

WATCH FOR NEW LINKS

Hi Friends,

Because I want to offer you opportunities to find quality skincare products and services, I just finished researching a list of merchants and will soon be able to provide links to those I feel will offer the best service and products to you. Two of the links will offer a variety of good skin care products and the third will help you research spa topics as well as find a spa near you.

I limited myself to three links to start with because I didn't want to become one of those over produced blogs that scream...buy!...buy!...buy! from the minute you open the site. I hope I've selected merchants that will help you. In fact, one of them offers an on-line skin analyzer which should help you narrow the search to products that are designed for your skin and skincare concerns.

Take care and hugs,

Carolyn

Friday, October 19, 2007

WHAT'S AHEAD

Hi!

What's ahead on Great Skin & More? Here's some of the topics I'll be posting.
  • Do you really know how to cleanse your face effectively and without damaging your skin?
  • Do over the counter products really provide the results they promise?
  • Do I really need to use a toner after cleansing or is this just a ploy to get more of my money?
  • If I eat right and exercise, isn't that enough to ensure my skin will be the envy of my friends especially as I age?
  • Is there anyway to prevent wrinkles and when do I need to start working on this?
  • What sunscreen SPF rating to use on my face?
  • Do I have to spend a fortune on skin care products to get results?

If you don't see a topic you want to know more about related to skin care, please send me a comment and I'll be glad to respond.

I'll be back again soon.

Hugs...

Carolyn

Thursday, October 18, 2007

OPENING DAY

Welcome...


So this is it! I've taken a deep breath and I may hyperventilate but here it is. My first post to my own blog. I can't believe it!!!


I am a California licensed esthetician. In case you are unfamiliar with this job title, it is the formal name for a skin care therapist.


This blog will discuss skin care issues. I will periodically provide links to original ebooks for sale. The first book I've written lists the road blocks and pitfalls when starting and building a skin care practice. The target audience are those interested in making a career change.


Other ebooks will be study guides for those already in school and preparing for the state board licensing exam.


I will also be providing product reviews based on my personal use of the products I recommend.


I hope to also build a community of estheticians who will join in the discussion with suggestions, recommendations, and tips.


I look forward to hearing from you and hope you'll return often.


Carolyn E. Johnson