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Mandelic Acid — All-star Acne Treatment

22 Feb

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Mandelic Acid Serum contains Mandelic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid.  Derived from bitter almonds, it is highly effective in treating acne without drying out the skin. The reason for this is that it’s molecular structure is larger than the better known alpha hydroxy acids (such as glycolic acid and lactic acid), which means it  penetrates the skin more slowly and is more gentle on the skin.


Mandelic Acid Skin Benefits:

–Rapidly exfoliates dead skin cells and surface debris from the skin.

–Antimicrobial/antibacterial: kills the bacteria on the skin that feeds acne.

–Helps repair sun damaged skin.

–Reduces fine lines and wrinkles without redness or irritation.

–Loosens blackheads for easy extraction.

–Inhibits the growth of melanin, the cause of brown patches, freckles, uneven skin tone and other sun-related skin care issues.

How is Mandelic Acid Serum different from Reveal 10?  Reveal 10 is stronger and is a combination of glycolic acid and lactic acid.  It can penetrate deeply into the skin to help with fine lines and wrinkles as well as pigmentation and acne.  On the downside, in individuals with sensitive or dry skin, Reveal may cause dryness or irritation.  Reveal 10 is a product for those with oily or non-sensitive skin only – for those who want the strongest product available and want to feel the burn.

How is Mandelic Acid different from Benzoyl Peroxide (Benzoclear 5 or 10)?  It is similar in that it helps kill bacteria and exfoliates the skin, but it is non irritating, and it also helps with fine lines and wrinkles and pigmentation (only when paired with careful sun avoidance). It also will not stain your pillowcases as benzoyl peroxide can do. These products work very well together, and if you have moderate to severe acne, it’s best to use Benzoclear in the PM and Mandelic in the AM.

Mandelic Acid Serum was launched last year and is already one of our all-time client favorites, we typically sell out of it every month!

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Reveal 10 versus Mandelic Acid Serum: What to Choose?

22 Jun

One of the most common questions that we get from clients is whether they should use Reveal 10 or Mandelic Acid Serum.

Both products are chemical exfoliants that work to remove the dead cells from the outer layer of the skin to expose fresher  living cells underneath. Exfoliating has a number of skin benefits: it gives you fresher, brighter looking skin, it reduces skin buildup that leads to acne and also reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Chemicial exfoliants use alpha hydroxyl acids that cause dead skin cells in the epidermis to separate from one another, allowing new skin cells to resurface. Studies have shown that alpha hydroxy acids also encourage elastin and collagen production, two components that contribute to firm, smooth and toned skin. Skin benefits associated with alpha hydroxy acids include wrinkle reduction, increased smoothness, reduction in skin discoloration and sun damage. They also help prevent the development of acne by removing skin buildup and bacteria from the skin.

Key differences between Reveal 10 and Mandelic Acid Serum

Reveal 10 contains a cocktail of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs): lactic acid, glycolic acid and mandelic acid. Because it contains all three AHA’s it is very potent and can cause mild tingling when applied to the skin. USE REVEAL 10 IF: You have normal to oily skin and are looking for faster results on reducing fine lines, clearing acne or enhancing your overall complexion. If you have sensitive or dry skin, Reveal 10 can cause dryness, redness or peeling.

Mandelic Acid Serum, by contrast, contains only mandelic acid, which is a larger molecule that penetrates the skin slowly and is less likely to cause irritation. USE MANDELIC ACID SERUM IF: you have sensitive or dry skin. When using mandelic acid wait at least 30 minutes before applying any other skin product, as it takes 20-30 minutes to fully penetrate the skin.

A Note on Acne

If you have mild to moderate acne, it’s best to use Reveal 10 or Mandelic Acid Serum if you have small bumps on your skin versus red, inflamed pimples. If you have the latter, it’s recommended that you use a benzoclear and kiss zit goodbye combo.

If you have any questions about what products are best for your skin, you can ask your question to our skin experts via email by using this link.

Your Pillow is Causing Wrinkles: Sleep Wrinkles 101

16 Apr

Where Do Wrinkles Start?

Just as your mother warned you, “If you make your face like that, it will stay that way,” sleeping a certain way on a pillow can leave your face just as it is when sleeping: Creased and wrinkled. This skin is made up of three layers: The epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue. As the skin gets older, the skin gets thinner and the subcutaneous layer manufacturing the cells needed to fill in the thin skin decreases in turnover.

What Causes Wrinkles?

The natural process of aging isn’t the only thing that causes wrinkles. Wrinkles are also caused by sun damage, free radicals, hormones, muscle use, and gravity.

Gravity Effects

Just as gravity pulls our feet toward the ground, gravity can pull the face down and accentuate wrinkles in the face. For this reason, sleeping on the face only increases the gravitational pull. Sleeping on the face affects how the muscles in the face contract overnight. If the face is smashed into a pillow, this creates sleep wrinkles on the forehead, cheeks, or chin that are difficult to unwrinkle during the day. What makes reversing these lines even more difficult is that they are not the result of muscle contractions, so typical wrinkle treatments, such as Botox, are ineffective in fighting against sleep wrinkles.

A person spends more than 1/3 of his or her life asleep, and the more years a person sleeps on his or her face, the more wrinkles that are likely to accumulate.

Solutions to Sleep-Related Wrinkles

The most common suggested solution to prevent sleep wrinkles is to sleep on your back — but unfortunately, about 75% of the population finds back sleep uncomfortable and prefers to sleep on their side. The Vasseur Beauty Pillow is a specially-designed pillow that allows you to comfortably sleep on your side while keeping your delicate facial tissues away from the pillow, thus preventing sleep wrinkles. To learn more visit www.beautypillow.com.

Is your skin stuck in a rut? Try this simple trick

1 Mar

Seasonal transitions can send your skin into a tailspin. The skin on your face is constantly exposed to the environment and is very sensitive to change –so the change from the cool and dry winter air to the warm and breezy spring often results in dull, lifeless and blotchy skin. If you’re feeling like your skin has lost its luster then it’s time to kick your skin care regime up a notch by adding a serum under your moisturizer in the AM and PM.

Serums contain highly concentrated ingredients chemically formulated into molecules much smaller than those in creams, and are absorbed more quickly and deeply into the skin for a highly intensive effect. By applying a serum closest to the skin after cleansing it is able to penetrate the skin more deeply. Following this immediately with a moisturizer will lock the nutrients into the skin.

Here’s what to do: Continue reading →

Power Product Combinations for Dramatic Results!

10 Feb

They say two heads are better than one– well, in skin care, often times two products used together can be even more powerful in getting you results for your skin.

All of the following power product combinations came directly from our clients- and our clients know better than anyone what works for their skin.

FINE LINES AND WRINKLES: Idebenone + Hyaluronic C Serum.

  • In the evening apply idebenone cream and then Hyaluronic C serum. Let the products set for 5 minutes and then apply a damp warm towel to your face for 15 minutes. This will increase the penetration of the products and give you even more dramatic results.

STUBBORN PIMPLE: Ice Zit + Kiss Zit Goodbye + Benzoclear 5 + Reveal 10.

  • This is our ultimate pimple fighting combination and will annihilate any problem area in 1-2 days. First, wash your face with Foaming Cleanser and ice the area using our Ice Zit tool or an ice cube for 3 full minutes – this will decrease the inflammation and allow for better product absorption. Then, apply Reveal 10 and Benzoclear 5. Let this set for 5 minutes to penetrate and then cover with Kizz Zit Goodbye and leave on overnight.

OILY SKIN: Exfoliating Cleanser + Reveal 10.

  • This is one of our favorite skin tricks. Apply your exfoliating cleanser by rubbing a quarter size amount over your face in gentle circular motions. Don’t rinse – leaving the cleanser on your skin apply Reveal 10 to your face. Next, place a warm damp towel over your face and let set for 15 minutes. Then rinse off your skin with warm water. You will be amazed by how soft and oil free your skin is!

DRY SKIN: Healing Serum + Supermoist or Day 25.

  • Whether your skin is peeling, you’re experiencing harsh weather conditions or you just have extremely dry skin, this combination will kick your moisturizer up several notches. Take a nickel size amount of either Day 25 (daytime) or Supermoist (PM) and add 3-6 drops of healing serum. Mix together and then apply to your skin. The ultra concentrated Healing Serum will mix well with your moisturizer to increase the penetration and hydration delivered to your skin.

DULL SKIN: Foundation + Day Glow.

  • With this combo, you are guaranteed to get compliments on your skin. In the AM, apply your skin care as usual then apply your foundation (we recommend youngblood or Vasseur’s non-pore clogging custom foundations). Let set for one minute and then apply your Day Glow cream. Day Glow contains a gentle shimmer that when applied on top of your make up will give you a tangible glow.

EYE AND MOUTH WRINKLES: Gold Serum + Eye Q Gel.

  • Your eye area and mouth area are different from the rest of your skin – the skin is thinner and contain less oil glands and thus these areas need special treatment. To get started, prepare some chamomile tea and then take the used tea bags and put them in the freezer for 30 minutes. When these are ready, apply Gold Serum, let set and then add your Eye Q Gel on top (this also works on the mouth area, don’t be fooled by the name!). Wait 3 minutes and then apply the cool tea bags to the eye area for 15 minutes, this will both decrease any puffiness and soothe the area.

Do you have any other Vasseur power combo’s that work for you? Please share below!

The Benefits of a Facial

2 Feb

Would you go months without working out and expect to be in your best shape? Would you gorge on junk food and expect to feel good and healthy? Such is the case with your skin. If you don’t maintain it with regular facials and good skin care, your skin is not going to look it’s best – period.

Over the years I have come to realize that most see facials as a rare indulgence—something for special occasions only. While we respect that this may always be the case for some, we want to spread awareness about the importance of facials as necessary maintenance in your health and beauty regime.

Think of it this way – while you may rather spend money on shoes, clothes or lattes, nothing about you is more important or visible than your face. You can’t change your face, or really even cover it up (foundation tends to emphasize imperfections rather than mask them—and nobody looks good in a ski mask). If your eyes are the windows to your soul, then your complexion is the window to your health and beauty. We want that window to be flawless and glowing! Here’s why regular facials are the best way to do that:

  • Expertise:  Through exfoliation, deep-cleansing of the pores, stimulating improved circulation, and use of professional-strength products and equipment, your esthetician can make a lot of progress towards improving your skin in a single session. Much like a personal trainer, she has experience, techniques, products and equipment that cannot be replicated at home.
  • Deep and Thorough Cleaning: There are over 20,000 pores on your face alone- these pores are being bombarded with dirt and grime from not one, but two directions. Since your skin is an eliminating organ, toxins from sweat purge from the skin and linger there and external debris (dirt, pollution, bacteria from your hands) also get trapped and lodged into your pores. Not only does this contribute to dull looking, sallow complexion, for those who are acne prone, this bacteria lingering in your skin is the feeding ground for pimples. This is where a facial comes in. Your esthetician will perform extractions to remove the lodged in dirt and grime from your skin. During a facial, the skin is prepped and softened using concentrated steam from distilled water. This breaks up the dirt making it easier to purge. At this point, it needs a little push in order to come out. If it is not pushed out, then some will slough off naturally, but the deepest, most lodged in dirt will remain- this is why extractions are necessary to truly clean the skin. Be careful – if extractions are not performed by a professional they can damage your skin and make the problem worse. Learn more about the benefits of extractions here: Extractions 101.
  • Guidance: Finding the right skincare products can be both confusing and expensive.  Getting a professional facial cuts down on that mystery and provides you with invaluable guidance. The esthetician will analyze your skin and then customize the products they use during the facial according to your particular skin type and concerns. Without the training and knowledge of a licensed esthetician, it can be extremely difficult (and sometimes futile) endeavor finding the right products for your skin.  Your esthetician not only will use great products on your skin during the facial, they will also recommend the right products for your skin type for home use so that you can maintain your results at home.
  • Stress Relief: The stress of our hectic daily lives shows up in our skin so taking an hour to relax and be pampered will help you out both physically and emotionally.  Massage is a big part of a professional facial.  It helps you to relax and reduces the stress hormone cortisol. If cortisol is left to run amuck in the body it will only hurt you over time, and additionally massage releases oxytocin, which is one of the body’s main “feel good” hormones.

With all of that being said, we recommend you get regular facials monthly or bi-monthly (at Vasseur, we have a monthly facial program to make it more affordable). You will be amazed by what a difference this will make in your skin.

Three Tricks to Instantly Brighten and Tighten your Complexion

27 Jan

1) Wake Your Skin Up: Lack of sleep interferes with proper blood flow to the skin making the complexion sallow. There’s nothing better to wake up your skin than splashing your face with very cold water; the cold water will give a quick boost of circulation and instantly get your skin looking fresh.

2) Get Your Blood Flowing: Dull and tired skin is often times caused by lack of proper blood flow to the skin. Here’s a simple trick: Immediately after applying your products at night, close your (clean) hand to make a fist and use your knuckles to massage the skin in small circular motions for two minutes. This helps to gently stimulate blood flow to the skin to bring new nutrients to the skin cells—and a glow.

3) Give Your Skin a Dose of Vitamin C: the benefits of using topical Vitamin C are endless. Skin brightening, skin lightening, collagen-building, anti-aging, antioxidant-delivering, and the list goes on and on. So we recommend adding a high potency topical Vitamin C serum to you daily skin care routine (like Vasseur Skincare’s Ester C Cream or Hyaluronic C Serum).

Learn More Below: Everything you need to know about Vitamin C in skin care Continue reading →

Everything You Need To Know About Cellulite

29 Dec

If you are a woman over the age of 18, there is an 80-90% chance you have at least some cellulite. So, it’s not surprising that we have many clients ask us about the best ways to treat it. Below please find a very comprehensive article written by doctor and cellulite expert Audrey Kunin, that explains exactly what cellulite is and what does and does not work in treating it. Continue reading →

The Easiest Way to Prevent Wrinkles

22 Dec

It’s no secret that some people place more value on taking care of their skin than others. For some, washing their face is the most effort they are willing to put in, while others (like our Vasseur Platinum clients) receive multiple advanced facial treatments a month. But, when it comes to looking your best longer and preventing wrinkles, some actions matter more than others. If you do nothing else to take care of your skin, make sure to do this: Continue reading →

A Safe Alternative to Retinoids

21 Nov

We get many clients who contact us after having an adverse reaction to products containing retinoids. We are never surprised. As we wrote in a blog post last year – retinoids are a controversial ingredient in the skin care world: they are known to cause chronic inflammation and thin the skin over time, which can lead to long term damage.

After much consideration and research, Vasseur decided to instead use the safer, natural alternative to retinoids — alpha hydroxy acids. We put the most effective alpha hydroxy acids (lactic, glycolic and mandelic) in a potent cocktail called Reveal 10. Reveal 10 is one of our most powerful products that is effective in treating fine lines, acne, and pigmentation.

Here is how alpha hydroxy acids work: Continue reading →

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