NOW OFFERING BROW LAMINATION

You don’t have to settle for basic brows

 Say goodbye to messy, unruly brows and hello to perfectly groomed arches that lasts for weeks. Depending on your hair, Brow Lamination can make your brows look fuller, straighter, more uniform, and even help disguise gaps and sparseness. Here’s how it works:

What is the process? Our licensed estheticians apply a gentle solution to soften the hair follicles, making it easier to reshape your brows. Once the brows are softened, they will brush them into a flattering new shape and “perm” them into place. Finally, they’ll add a pop of color that complements your skin tone.

How is it different? Unlike microblading or tattooing, brow lamination is a non-invasive procedure that doesn’t require any downtime. It doesn't involve adding or removing any hair. Brow Lamination simply softens your existing brows so you can style them any way you like.

How long does it last? Depending on your hair, usually about 4 weeks.

What is the aftercare? After your appointment, you’ll need to wait 48 hours before getting your brows wet. Then, just like with perming your hair, every day you’ll need to brush your brows into place. They will not be shellacked to your head. You can comb them, move them, and style them any way you like. And they’ll stay that way all day.

Top 3 Skin Care Myths Debunked

Myth #1: If you have oily skin you don't need moisturizer. 

I know it sounds counterintuitive, but moisturizers are not just for dry skin. Every skin type--oily, acne-prone, normal, or dry--needs some sort of moisturizer to keep it hydrated, balanced, and nourished. Also, oily skin can be dehydrated (lacking water) just as commonly as dry skin. So if you don't moisturize, your skin will just produce more oil to try and compensate.

Myth #2: If you don't wear makeup, you don't need to wash your face before bed. 

I hear this excuse a lot. So here is a little illustration from my personal life: Today I did not wear any makeup. I did put my moisturizer and sunscreen on after my shower, like a good esthetician. I ate three meals, sneezed and blew my noise several times, touched my keyboard and many bathroom doors, itched my nose countless times (4 in the last 2 minutes), touched my face at least 100 times, rubbed my eyes, went outside into the sun and pollution, pet a dog, held my neighbor's baby (who also touched my face), drove and put gas in my car, and so on. Even though I washed my hands numerous times, it's pretty clear that my face is anything but clean. And now I'm going to get into bed and rub all of this into my drool-soaked pillow for the next 8 hours. Sleep is the time for your skin to rest and rejuvenate, and it can't heal if it's busy fighting off the effects of the day.

Myth #3: Anything marked "natural" or "chemical free" is best. 

I have been an esthetician for 15 years. And more often than not, when I see someone on my table complaining of acne, redness, and inflammation they're buying their skin care from Whole Foods. In their minds, "natural" is better. But the truth is that organic skin care just doesn't deliver results. In fact, a lot of these "natural" ingredients can cause inflammation and allergic reactions if not formulated with lab-derived delivery systems. Read more on this topic in my previous blog: http://ritual-spa.com/the-truth-about-organic-skin-care/

Working From Home?

Massage Therapy Can Help

Working from home, either full-time or on a hybrid schedule, has created a new set of challenges. Massage therapy can treat both physical and mental wellness while promoting a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.

Relieve Muscle Tension: Working from home often involves long hours spent in front of a computer or sitting in one position. This can lead to muscle tension, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and back. Massage therapy can help release those tight muscles, improve circulation, and alleviate discomfort, promoting better posture and reducing the risk of chronic pain.

Reduce Stress and Anxiety: Working from home can come with its own set of stressors, such as increased workload, lack of separation between work and personal life, and feelings of isolation. Massage therapy induces relaxation, triggers the release of endorphins (feel-good hormones), and reduces stress hormones like cortisol to help manage stress levels, improve mood, and promote a sense of calm and well-being.

Enhance Mental Clarity and Focus: The demands of remote work can sometimes lead to mental fatigue, decreased concentration, and brain fog. Not to mention the added distractions at home like kids, chores, and the refrigerator. Massage therapy stimulates circulation and oxygen flow for increased productivity and efficiency.

Underrated Products

Take your regimen up a notch with these skin care secrets!

When it comes to skin care, everyone knows the basics. Cleanser, Moisturizer, Sunscreen. But there are some underrated products that are actually more beneficial for skin health, and make more of an impact on improving your complexion and appearance.

Toners. Forget the Witch Hazels and Sea Breezes of yesteryear, today’s modern toners include active ingredients designed to calm, hydrate, purify, and more, all the while balancing your skin’s pH levels and removing residue.

Exfoliators. Exfoliation is the key to treating so many facial flaws. Dryness. Acne. Wrinkles. Pigmentation. Scrubs and enzymes remove dead skin from the surface while triggering new, healthy cells to grow.

Masks. Can you spare 20 minutes 2 times a week? Facial masks can really make a difference in your skin’s appearance. Clay masks can balance oil production. Cream masks can brighten and tighten. And sheet masks can replenish essential moisture.

Eye Creams. Unlike moisturizers, eye creams are specially formulated with smaller molecules to penetrate the thin, sensitive skin around the orbital socket. They also contain special ingredients to specifically target Crow’s feet, under-eye circles, and puffiness.

Dermaplaning

Exfoliation and Hair Removal All In One!

Dermaplaning is the hot, new service everybody’s talking about. Funny thing is…it’s not new. It’s actually been around for decades. But for whatever reason, its popularity has exploded over the last few years. And once you try it, you’ll understand why.

What is Dermaplaning? Performed by a licensed esthetican, Dermaplaning uses a medical grade scalpel to gently remove dead skin cells along with vellus hair (light and dark peach fuzz). It was originally invented for exfoliation, but the added benefit of hair removal made it that much more desirable.

What Are the Benefits? Skin appears brighter and smoother. Texture feels softer. Pores look smaller. Products penetrate deeper. Makeup goes on smoother. We recommend coming every 4 weeks for best results.

How is it Different From Shaving? Shaving uses a straight blade to cut the hair off bluntly at the surface. With Dermaplaning, we use a 10-R Surgical Butter Blade held at a very specific angle to physically exfoliate the skin and remove the fine hairs. Anything you buy for home use is just not the same.

How Will My Skin Look Afterwards? Glowing! Your skin will immediately look and feel smoother. Sensitive skin may be a little pink, and you might experience a little dryness for a few days, but nothing a little moisturizer can’t mend.

Friendly Fare

Eating Your Way to Better Skin.

We’ve all heard the phrase, “you are what you eat.” Sure…we get it. Eating well and drinking lots of water lead to a healthier body. Not a lot of argument needed. But what some of us don’t realize is how much food affects our skin.

Try These:

Salmon. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fatty fishes like Salmon help combat inflammation that can break down collagen and elastin. They also strengthen the cell membranes, allowing the cells to hold more moisture for a brighter, plumper, and more youthful complexion. Can’t stomach this seafood staple? Try fish oil supplements instead.

Kale. Kale is one of the best sources of lutein and zeaxanthin, nutrients that absorb and neutralize the free radicals created by UV rays. It’s also rich in Vitamin K, which helps diffuse dark under-eye circles. Plus, just one cup gives you your entire day’s requirement of skin-firming Vitamins A and C.

Dark Chocolate. This sweet treat is rich in cocoa flavanols, plant compounds that help protect your skin from UV damage, fight free radicals, and increase blood flow. Dark chocolate also helps reduce stress hormones that can lead to collagen breakdown (wrinkles) and excess oil production (acne).

Avoid These:

Dairy. Lactose intolerance isn’t the only side effect of your love affair with dairy. While yogurt, milk, and other items have plenty of health benefits, certain hormones in dairy products may stimulate the overproduction of oil that can lead to clogged pores and pimples.

Sugar. Cake. Cookies. Alcohol. Certain sweets kick-start a process called glycation, whereby sugar molecules bind to protein structures in your skin. This makes them weak and dysfunctional, which shows up on the surface as wrinkles, sagginess, and a loss of radiance.

Gluten. Oh sigh…how I love my bread. But high glycemic-index foods have been linked to both acne and wrinkles. First, they cause a spike in blood sugar, which triggers the hormones that stimulate oil production and breakouts. Second, just like sugar, they trigger collagen breakdown through the glycation process discussed above. Check Out More Face-Friendly Foods >>

Summer Skin S.O.S.

5 Tips for Surviving the Season

Hurray for summer! Blue skies. Longer days. And tons of fun in the sun. But while you're soaking it up, your skin is suffering. Here are a few tips to minimize sun damage and stay safe all season long.

Hydrate. Inside and Out. Did you know that the average adult loses 2-4 liters of water every day? So obviously, you need to consume more H2O to stay hydrated in the summer. But the water you drink can't penetrate through the dead skin cell layers of the Epidermis. Try a moisturizing mask and a toner/spritzer to keep your skin hydrated, too.

Change Your Moisturizer. As temperatures and humidity rise, your oil production goes into overdrive. Swap your rich winter cream to a lightweight moisturizer to help keep skin balanced.

Use a Vitamin C Serum. The sun can do some serious damage. In addition to increasing the risk of skin cancer, it breaks down collagen, darkens brown spots, and creates free radicals that wreak havoc on healthy cells. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can help filter UV rays and counteract the sun's negative effects.

Use Sunscreen. Whether you burn or tan, are light skinned or dark skinned, you're susceptible to sun damage. Protect yourself with an SPF 30 that has both physical and chemical ingredients. And remember, sunscreen does not replace your moisturizer so make sure you're using both. To learn more about sunscreen, check out our blog.

Treat Sunburned Faces Immediately. To calm a sunburn, use a bag of frozen veggies or put ice in a plastic bag and apply. Don't put ice cubes or cold water directly on the skin. To prevent peeling, try a soothing aloe mask and extra moisturizer. And don't pick at blisters or peeling skin or the skin might scar.

Pregnancy and the Skin

Not everyone gets the "glow!"

With Mother's Day just around the corner, I thought it would be a good time to talk about how pregnancy affects your skin. The baby news may be joyful, but the problems that follow are anything but.

Acne. If you don't have acne-prone skin, then you probably won't break out during your pregnancy. If you do, then it often depends on where your normal hormone levels lie. Thus, if you tend to be a little heavier on the androgen side, then being pregnant with a girl can reduce breakouts. On the other hand, being pregnant with a boy can lead to excess oil production and make your breakouts worse. But don't despair! There are plenty of baby-safe treatments to try:

Yes: Low-dose Benzoyl Peroxide, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Sulfur Masks, Microdermabrasion, High Frequency
No: Accutane, Tetracycline, Retinols, Salicylic Acid

Pigmentation. During pregnancy, many moms-to-be see an increase in pigmentation called Melasma or Chloasma. Caused by a rapid increase in melanin production triggered by rising estrogen levels, these patchy brown spots are usually temporary and can be treated safely with a number of different ingredients:

Yes: Azelaic Acid, Vitamin C, Kojic Acid, Arbutin
No: Hydroquinone, Retinol, Sun Exposure

Eczema/Dermatitis. Pregnancy hormones and increased blood flow will often make your skin more sensitive. If you start to see dry patches or flare ups, try one of these anti-inflammatory treatments:

Yes: Chamomile, Calendula, Coal Tar, Antihistamines, Oatmeal
No: Cyclosporine, Protopic, Elidel, Alcohol, Harsh Detergents

Of course, check with your doctor if any concerns arise.

Out Damn Spot!

Pigmentation Demystified

Uneven skin tone is probably the most hated facial flaw amongst women today. And it's also one of the most difficult to treat. Even if you have success in lightening those stubborn spots, one week in the sun can often bring them back. So what's a gal to do? The first step is to understand how melanin works, and accepting that if you choose to fight it, it's a battle that lasts a lifetime. Sigh.

Hyperpigmentation and Sun Damage. Inside our skin we have pigment cells called melanocytes that determine the color of our skin. They also serve as protectors, manufacturing melanin whenever our skin experiences some sort of "injury." And just like with a tan, the melanin slowly fades away once the injury has healed. But if the skin is injured repeatedly by sunburns, sun exposure, or recurring acne lesions, the melanocytes go into a sort of permanent overproduction that never stops. Some spots can take up to 20 years to develop, and the darker your skin tone, the more melanocytes you have, thus the more prone you are to pigmenting.

Melasma. Often mistaken for sun damage, Melasma is a form of hormonally induced pigmentation that can occur any time hormones change. Pregnancy, lactation, contraceptive use, perimenopause, and menopause can all trigger the body to produce more melanin, resulting in large, dark patches that look like symmetrical stains on the skin. And while the sun doesn't cause Melasma, it can definitely bring it out.

Treatments. Once pigment becomes permanent, meaning the Melanocytes have entered the state of ongoing overproduction, fighting it becomes multifaceted. First, you have to exfoliate the skin to bring the damaged (discolored) cells to the surface. Microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and exfoliants like Retinol are my favorite methods. But just like a penny at the bottom of a pool, as the cells rise up, they often look darker and more distinct before they fade away.Next, you need to break up and lighten the melanin clusters in order to reduce their appearance. Vitamin C, Arbutin, and Licorice Root all do a good job in this department. Finally, you need to suppress new melanin production with ingredients like Hydraquinone, Kojic Acid, or Niacinamide.With these simple steps, and a little patience, you can achieve some dramatic results. Just remember to stay out of the sun!

BACK TO BASICS

EXFOLIATION

“Tell me about your facial products.” I ask this question every day. And I get a lot of different answers. Sometimes it’s simple, like a cleanser and a moisturizer. And sometimes it’s a laundry list of serums and masks and different days of the week. Regardless of the regimen’s complexity, one thing comes up again and again as missing…exfoliation. 

Exfoliation is Key. From acne to fine lines to pigmentation, exfoliation is the best way to treat most facial flaws. Every age can benefit. For teens, exfoliation keeps dead skin from building up so pores remain open, oil flows freely, and no bacteria can grow. For 20 to 30-somethings, exfoliation helps products penetrate to protect healthy cells from environmental damage. And for us 40+ers, exfoliation triggers the underlying tissues to help skin heal and regenerate.

Choose from Physical or Chemical. Exfoliation can be done with a scrub (beads), with an enzyme mask (fruit-based), or with an acid (lactic or glycolic). But never, under any circumstance, can it be done with St Ives Apricot Scrub. Haha. It really is a terrible product.

Exfoliate 2-3x a Week. Just like working out, “every once and a while” doesn’t do much. Cell turnover slows down as we age, so extra exfoliation can help new cells grow and push the damaged cells up and off.