Call them what you’d like – age spots, brown spots, sun spots, hyperpigmentation – we call can agree they’re a frustrating and annoying skin issue. And, since summer just ended, you may be noticing new brown spots you accumulated from too much fun in the sun. So, what can you do about it? (more…)
Here at Vasseur we are crazy about Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO). We not only use it for cooking, but for a number of other beauty applications –from removing makeup to repairing damaged hair. We think you will be surprised to learn all the ways EVOO can be used to enhance your beauty routine.
When getting a facial in France, you will notice one key element may be missing. Extractions, those 5-10 sometimes-cringeworthy minutes that we love to hate, are not typically performed by estheticians in France. You will also be hard pressed to find French estheticians that will perform microdermabrasion or chemical peels or even find any that use any alpha hydroxy acids at all. Why is this? The French don’t like to do anything to the skin that is considered harsh. So, should you be worried? Are extractions really something that can damage the skin?
We at Vasseur wholeheartedly believe that extractions are not only good, but especially necessary for individuals with blackheads, whiteheads, acne or skin congestion of any kind. But this is only true when the extractions are being performed by a professional.
Here’s what you need to know:
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.
DID YOU KNOW? Often times, the blackheads and even “freckles” on your face are actually just hardened, lodged in dirt stuck in your pores.
This is where extractions come in. Durring 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.
When done correctly, extractions should be only moderately uncomfortable. If they don’t hurt at all, your esthetician probably isn’t getting much done and if you are in a lot of pain (the more common situation) then no doubt, your skin is being pushed too hard, which can cause damage and even push the dirt even further into your pores. Your skin may be slightly red afterwards, but it the redness should fade within 10-15 minutes. And most importantly, if your extractions are performed correctly, then your skin should look glowing and extremely clean afterwards.
To Pick or Not To Pick?
Now that you understand the benefits of extractions, what should you do if you don’t have a facial scheduled anytime soon and you notice some white heads on your face? You can’t just leave them there, can you? Well, that’s exactly what you should do. Picking (or “extracting”) your own face is one of the worst things you can do to your skin. Why? Well, for starters your hands are covered in bacteria–by touching them to your face you are spreading that bacteria to your face. Even if you wash your hands, there is still dirt under your nails. Secondly, the skin must be prepped correctly in order to be extracted properly. Thirdly, picking at your own skin causes scars. About 90% of the scaring that we see on our acne clinic clients are caused by picking. And, as a general rule, the darker your skin tone, the more prone your skin is to scarring. Trust us – while picking may give you momentary satisfaction – in the long run it is not worth it.
So, if you have any nagging pimples on your skin that you are tempted to pick — or if you just want to “spring clean” your skin (which should be done at least every quarter, but as frequently as every week) call to schedule a facial. Some spas -like Vasseur Spa- will even let you come in to quickly extract your skin free of charge just so you won’t do it at home!
QUICK TIP – Rather than pick a zit, ice it! Use our Ice Zit tool ($2.95) or an ice cube in a plastic bag and ice the inflamed area for 2-5 minutes and cover with Kiss it Goodbye for 30 minutes. Repeat this process several times and you will see the pimple shrink before your eyes!
This month, I am traveling around Europe discovering the skin care trends and secrets that keep European women looking fresh and ageless. After spending some time in Paris speaking with estheticians and friends that live here, here is what i’ve learned:
– French women place a high priority on looking good and tending to their appearance as they age. If a French women let’s herself go physically, it is considered a reflection that she does not have things together mentally.
– French women prefer a naturally sexy look. They place a much higher emphasis on having good skin care then covering up with make up. This is known as the “enhance but don’t camouflage” philosophy.
– For French women, prevention is key. A preventative, proactive skin care approach is typically adopted from a young age. French women generally begin using anti-aging products from a younger age and make sure to wear sunscreen before going outside.
– French women LOVE their facials. We heard from several estheticians here that many French women get weekly facials. This is seen as necessary maintenance rather than a luxury.
– In addition to facials, lymphatic massage treatments are very popular – this is an intensive massage that helps prevent and reduce cellulite.
– French women compliment their skin care regime by eating a light, healthy diet. Many shop for and prepare fresh vegetables several times a week and drink copius amounts of water.
– French women use humidifiers to retain moisture in their skin, some even have humidifiers at their desks at work!
– To kick start circulation in the morning, a common trick that French women use is giving themselves a cold blast in the shower.
– French women love to take luxurious baths – many take baths several times a week and have a variety of enhancements: oils, salts, bubbles and aromatherapy mixes.
– In terms of make up, French women abide by the less is more philosophy. Many just wear lip gloss, mascara and concealer if necessary.
–French women love their perfume and see it as a critical part of their daily beauty routine.
What are your thoughts and reactions? Is there anything that French women do that you’d like to try?
Have you ever thought about getting facial fillers but don’t know the difference between the options- Botox, Juvederm, Restylane and Radiesse? Below is a simple chart that reviews the main differences between the top injectable options on the market.
Botox vs Juvederm and Restylane vs Radiesse
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You might think that because your skin is about one tenth of an inch thick, it protects your body from absorbing the many things you come into contact with.
But the truth is that when toxins are absorbed through your skin they bypass your liver and enter your bloodstream and tissues – with absolutely no protection whatsoever. Think of it like this: when you put skin care on to your face, your blood vessels, sweat glands, and nerve endings soak in the toxins.
When you consume toxins in foods, by contrast, the enzymes in your saliva and stomach can break them down and flush them out of your body. Food also passes through your liver and kidneys. The toxins which make it through are detoxified to varying degrees by enzymes before they reach the remainder of your body.
And some studies suggest skin can sometimes absorb more than your digestive tract. According to evidence presented at 1978 Congressional hearings, the absorption of the carcinogen nitrosodiethanolamine (NDELA), which is commonly found in skin care products, was shown to be more than 100 times greater when exposure came through your skin than via your mouth. (more…)
Every year, without fail, we see an uptick in our clients breaking out during the summer months. Why is this? Because summer also happens to be the time when fruit consumption – particularly berry consumption – goes way up. While these high sugar, high acid fruits are plentiful (and delicious) in the summer months, you should also know that they cause a rapid increase your blood sugar, which spikes your insulin levels…. leading to acne growth.
But because berries are natural, most people forget the fact that they are still very high in sugar and eat them in large quantities.
Although berries are one of the most healthy ways to get a good boost in energy or satisfy a craving for something sweet, their quick absorption and high sugar content also creates spikes in blood sugar.Whether consumed through whole foods (like fruits) or in processed foods (like store-bought cereals), both natural and refined sugar stimulate the same initial response in the body. Insulin is released to help ensure that blood sugar—or blood glucose—levels are evenly regulated. Unfortunately, insulin also stimulates your skin to make those nasty, embarrassing pimples. Read more about the clinical proof of the link between sugar, dairy and acne here.
This summer, aim to eat fruits that are lowest in sugar and are more steadily absorbed into the bloodstream. Tomatoes, avocados, and green apples are all good options. If you do want some berries, try not to eat more than a handful every few days (especially if you are acne prone).
I want to be clear – having a few berries every once in a while will not break you out. Going on regular berry binges, however, will. So, unless you want that strawberry coming back as a juicy, red pimple on your nose, we recommend cutting back on your berry intake!
Today’s blog post is a reprint of an excellent article on the topic of the root causes of acne written by Dr. Mercola.
“Just like other chronic diseases running rampant in Western society (like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity), acne is primarily a disease of the Western world.
More proof is continuing to emerge that the root cause of acne is not bacteria or genetics, but environmental factors—particularly your diet. Acne is much less of a problem in non-Westernized societies, where refined carbohydrates and sugar are consumed in much lower amounts. Solid evidence exists that diets high in sugar and refined carbohydrates are the primary CAUSE of acne.
Understanding the most common factors that may be causing your breakouts is the first and most critical step to targeting your acne at its source, and thus combating it for good. Based on my 30+ years of experience, here are the top 10 most common causes of acne breakouts:
This may come as a surprise, but subconsciously touching your face all day makes it quickly become the dirtiest part of your body. This is something most of us do without even being aware of it, and is the common cause of breakout around your chin and jawline. Make a conscious effort to not touch your face during the day. Also, be sure to clean your cell phone often or use an ear piece (recommended), as holding your cell phone to your face can also be causing bacteria to spread and giving you breakouts on your cheeks.
If you are devolping breakouts on your chin, jaw line and neck area, it might be a sign that you’re getting more dairy or sugar in your diet than your body can tolerate. Your skin acts as an excretory system to get rid of things that your body is not in agreement with, so when you get too much dairy or sugar, it is by nature harder to digest and can come out in the form of cystic blemishes in the lower area of the face. READ: It’s Proven: Sugar and Dairy Cause Acne
It’s finally spring…which means flowers, walks outside, beach days and lots of sun. And, as you know if you’ve read my blog before, i’m religious about sunscreen. But, what most people don’t know is that all sunscreen is not created equal and the sunscreen in your makeup alone is not enough to protect you. It is critical that you not just wear sunscreen every day, but that you wear the RIGHT sunscreen. Here’s what you need to know:
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