Just like the skin on your face, your body skin needs to be exfoliated regularly. Imagine all the build-up of dead skin cells, lotion, perfume and debris from your clothing just settling on your skin. When you do not exfoliate, this layer of grime just continues to accumulate on the surface of your skin. It is the perfect recipe for acne. There is quite an easy fix to this problem. Prevention of body acne starts with showering. It is crucial to not only shower at least once a day, but you should also cleanse your body immediately after any activity that causes you to sweat. While in the shower, you should always use a loofah, or some method of exfoliating your skin while cleansing with your soap or body wash. You can take your pick of many options such as the previously mentioned body loofah, body brush, bath mitt, body sponge… the list goes on. If you don’t already use one of these shower tools, I really encourage you to start now. You will surely see and feel a difference in your skin.

If you are already plagued with body acne, there are many products designed to help treat the condition. For severe cases, I would not recommend using an exfoliating shower tool. This will be too aggressive and only spread the bacteria. Rather, I would strongly urge you to use a washcloth combined with a body acne clearing wash such as the Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash, Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment or Murad Acne Body Wash. Murad also has a very unique Clarifying Body Spray which is highly effective in treating body acne. Another method of treating body acne is with microdermabrasion. Most spas and salons will offer this treatment for your chest and other areas upon request. Finally, the last step in treating body acne is to only use an oil-free body moisturizer such as Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion, Fragrance Free or Clinique Sun Care UV-Response Body Gel-Lotion SPF 15 on the affected areas of your skin. It is also a good idea to wear breathable clothing, especially in the summer. Cotton and linen fabrics are most ideal and will be less irritating to your body acne.

Body acne can definitely a be painful, annoying and embarrassing ordeal. With consistency and the proper tools, it just takes a few simple steps to treat the problem. If you have tried all of the above methods of treatment and still find no relief, visit your dermatologist. Your skin may require prescription strength treatment or an oral medication that will work to heal the skin from the inside out.

What is Paraffin Wax?

Paraffin is a soft wax containing paraffin oil, which is nonflammable and refined from petroleum. Due to it’s very high capacity for heat, paraffin wax is able to absorb and retain a great amount of heat, but at a lower than normal temperature. This allows the wax to be used on the skin without the risk of causing burns. As with all wax substances, when at room temperature, paraffin remains a solid. Once placed into the paraffin tub and warmed, the wax becomes a liquid. When the paraffin is applied to the skin, it begins to solidify again as it cools. All of the heat that the wax retained during the melting process then transfers to the skin. This process is called heat of fusion and is precisely what makes a paraffin wax treatment so unique and special.

What is Paraffin Wax good for?

Skin Treatment – Used on the skin, paraffin wax provides an intense moisture therapy, making this treatment most ideal for dry to severely dry skin. The warm wax opens up the pores, allowing maximum absorption of the paraffin oil and other calming oils such as lavender into the skin. The heat from a paraffin treatment also helps to promote circulation in the skin, which results in a more radiant appearance. Paraffin wax treatments are not only nourishing, but are also extremely soothing and will help to soften the texture of the skin.

Heat Therapy – Paraffin wax is not only beneficial to the skin. Many body treatments will incorporate paraffin wax due to it’s superb heat therapy. Here are some of the ways paraffin can be used as heat therapy:

• To relax tired and stiff muscles
• To soothe Arthritis joint pain
• To alleviate Tendinitis pain
• As a treatment before therapeutic massage or exercise
• During physical therapy
• To warm very cold hands or feet

Overall, I would say that paraffin wax serves as an excellent treatment. With it’s many uses, owning your own
paraffin bath is a great idea. A paraffin tank is easy to use and maintain. It is a small investment, with great gain.

Very few tools are necessary to preform your own extractions. Of course you will need your skincare products. This should include a cleanser, scrub or exfoliating masque, treatment masque to suit your skin’s needs, toner and moisturizer. I also highly recommend purchasing a bottle of witch hazel, which you will use on your skin as an antiseptic after extractions. The special tools you will need specifically for extractions are a facial steamer such as the Conair Warm Steam/Cool Mist Facial Sauna, a box of tissues, a warm, wet facial cloth and a couple of cotton pads. If you prefer not to invest in a facial steamer, you could just use a few more wet ,warm facial cloths as a tool for relaxing and opening up your pores.

Begin your facial treatment with cleansing your skin twice with your facial cleanser. Also use this time to start your facial steamer. Follow this step with your exfoliating scrub or masque. Before removing your exfoliant, steam your skin in your facial steamer for at least ten minutes. Be sure to adjust the position of your face as necessary to ensure that all areas of your skin are being steamed. If you are using the facial cloths instead of the steamer, freshly moisten the towel with warm water and place towel on your face, leaving yourself a small breathing hole. Remove the towel when you feel it has cooled off and repeat this step once more. At the end of your steaming, remove your exfoliant with a wet, warm cloth. Pat your skin dry with a tissue. Now you are ready to start your extractions.

Stack two tissues together and fold them in half diagonally, forming a large triangle. With your pointer finger tip facing the top of the triangle, take all three tips of the tissue triangle and wrap your finger like a burrito. Do the same with your other pointer finger. Now that your fingertips are protected, you can begin extractions. Using a magnified mirror and good lighting, locate the areas of your skin that are most congested. These areas are normally your chin, on and around the nose and the forehead. Begin extracting your pores by taking your fingertips and placing them on your skin about a half inch or so apart, facing each other. Gently apply pressure using a subtle squeezing method. A good technique is to use a gentle and slow zigzag motion of your finger tips. This will help to loosen the pores and urge the dirt and debris to surface. Be sure to not pinch the skin at any point! You will only irritate the pores and possibly cause bruising or breakout. Not all pores are going to cooperate, so do not force the extraction. Move along to another area after a minute or two. You will find that over time, these extractions will become easier as your pores become more pliable. For the tougher extractions, leave the job to your Esthetician. She will be able to take care of the congestion that requires treatment with special tools or stronger product. Once your extractions are complete, soak a cotton pad with witch hazel and wipe over the extracted areas. Do not use another warm towel because at this point, you want to encourage your pores to close back up. Follow your extractions with your treatment masque, toner and moisturizer.

Just as with any facial treatment, refrain from touching your skin or applying makeup for at least an hour after the treatment. Extractions cause the pores to become very vulnerable, making your skin more prone to irritation. The best time to do your own facial treatment with extractions is at night. However, if you decide to treat yourself on your day off first thing in the morning, or when you plan to be out and about after the facial, don’t forget to apply your sunblock. Giving yourself a facial treatment and being able to perform your own extractions is very beneficial to your skin. For further tips or a more hands-on demonstration, ask your Esthetician. She should be happy to help you out because not only do you benefit from learning to properly take care of your skin, but it makes her job easier too!

What is Skin Exfoliation?

Skin exfoliation is a process in which the upper most layer of your skin, consisting of dead skin cells and debris, is removed through mechanical, chemical or enzyme treatment.

Why Exfoliate?

The removal of dead skin cells, oil, dirt and debris will instantly leave your skin looking fresh and feeling clean. Regular exfoliation will give your skin a smooth texture, clear complexion, healthy tone and beautiful glow. By incorporating exfoliation into your skincare regimen, you will not only be preventing skin congestion and break out, but you will also be fighting against premature aging by assisting in accelerating regeneration of healthy skin cells.

Types of Skin Exfoliaton:

As mentioned above, there are three main types of skin exfoliants – mechanical, chemical and enzyme. Each type offers various methods of exfoliation that work for different skin types. If you are familiar with your skin type, you can decide on which form and method of exfoliation will work best for your skin.

Mechanical Skin Exfoliants -

• Facial Sponges, Buff-Puffs and Washcloths: These manual exfoliating tools are used on the skin to remove surface dead skin cells through physical friction. They should always be used on damp skin, avoiding blemished areas to prevent irritation.
• Facial Scrub: Facial scrubs offer moderate skin exfoliation and are gentle enough to be used once a day, everyday. Most facial scrubs will use finely ground rice, nuts (usually almond) or fruit seed (apricot) to polish the skin, revealing a more clean and clear surface. There are also some scrubs that utilize jojoba micro beads, which have a smoother texture and are less abrasive on the skin. Facial scrubs are suitable for all skin types, except very fragile skin. A scrub should never be applied to acne skin, as it can spread infection and cause painful irritation.
• Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion can be performed both at home and at a spa. The at-home versions of microdermabrasion come in a cream form and work much like a facial scrub. The granules present in a microdermabrasion cream are much smaller than that of a scrub, made from aluminum or magnesium oxide crystals. Microdermabrasion creams are recommended for all skin types except sensitive and acneic and can be used two to three times a week. Regular use will keep the skin looking healthy, youthful and radiant. There are two microdermabrasion treatments offered at the spa. The original microdermabrasion treatment utilizes a machine which propels a high-speed flow of aluminum oxide crystals onto the skin, while the machine’s vacuum system sucks away dirt, dead skin cells and used crystals. The newer and now more popular microdermabrasion treatment is known as the “diamond peel”. The diamond microdermabrasion system replaces the micro-crystal flow with a disposable or reusable diamond tip wand. This allows areas closer to the eyes and mouth to be treated more precisely, without the risk of stray crystals causing damage or being ingested. Spa grade microdermabrasion is appropriate for all skin types and are performed in multiple sessions for best results.

Chemical Skin Exfoliants -

• AHA/BHA Peels: AHA, aka Alpha-Hydroxy Acid and BHA, or Beta-Hydroxy Acid, are the most commonly known chemical skin exfoliants, which can be used at home. Glycolic, lactic and fruit acids are AHA’s that produce a light to mild exfoliation by removing the outermost surface layer of your skin through the loosening of the glue-like substance that holds the dead skin cells together, while speeding up cell renewal. AHA’s will help to control skin congestion, reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, balance your skin tone and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Although AHA peels are easily done from home, they are still offered at spas at a professional strength of over 30%, which are not available over the counter. AHA peels can be used on all skin types, with caution toward sensitive skin. BHA acids, such as salicylic acid, work just as AHA’s, but are used primarily on problematic and acneic skin, due to it’s healing properties. AHA/BHA’s, depending on strength, can be used several times a week or on a daily basis.
• Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) and Phenol Peels: The TCA and phenol peels are only offered through a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. These chemical peels are highly potent and require down time for recovery. The results of a TCA or phenol peel are smoother texture, brightened tone, and tighter, younger looking skin. This method of exfoliation is extreme and costly. These high-grade peels are recommended for more serious skin treatments like the removal of scarring or severe hyperpigmentation.

Enzyme Skin Exfoliants -

• Papain (papaya enzyme) and Bromelin (pineapple enzyme) are the most widely used enzyme skin exfoliation treatments. Exfoliation with the use of enzyme therapy works to dissolve the dead skin cells sitting on the surface of the skin. This method of exfoliation is the least aggressive and rarely produces a negative reaction on the skin. All skin types will benefit from daily use of enzyme treatments.
• Protease enzymes are the newest form of enzymatic exfoliation. Proteolytic enzymes mimic the role of your body’s own natural protease enzymes to promote decay of protein impurities, dissolution of dead skin cells and acceleration of cell renewal. This type of skin exfoliation works best when used daily and is suitable to all skin types, including sensitive. As with other methods of exfoliation, protease enzymes will give your skin enhanced clarity and suppleness, but without the risk of any irritation.

As you can see, exfoliation is crucial to the health and overall appearance of the skin. With so many forms and methods of exfoliation available, you are bound to find the one that best suits your skin type. Just be sure to always try new skin care treatments with caution and ease. Over exfoliation will cause your skin to dry out and possibly break out, while not exfoliating often enough could lead to congestion and dullness of your skin. Proper and consistent skin exfoliation is an easy way to keep your skin healthy and looking beautiful.

Skin Care Tip #1: Do you sometimes find that your night cream settles more into your pillow than your skin? Here is a solution to getting the most out of your night cream from the experts at Skinstore.com.

Lightly heating your night cream before massaging it on will help the product to penetrate better into your skin rather than your pillow. Here’s how:

1. Heat water in a small cooking pan on your stovetop.
2. Hold a spoonful of cream over the water for a few moments. Be careful not to burn your hand from the steam.
3. Apply the warm skin care product to your face.

Using the microwave to heat skin care products is not recommended because the extreme heat may cause changes in the ingredient properties.

Skinstore.com Customer Favorite Night Creams:

Philosophy When Hope Is Not Enough Replenishing Cream

Elizabeth Arden Good Nights Sleep Restoring Cream

Skin Care Tip #2: Need a quick fix for relieving puffy eyes in the morning?

Skinstore.com experts suggest placing your eye cream or serum in the refrigerator before bed. Then in the morning when you apply your skincare product, the cool temperature will help to wake up your eyes.

Skinstore.com Customer Favorite Eye Creams:

Murad Lighten and Brighten Eye Treatment

L’Occitane Immortelle Eye Balm

I plan on testing out these techniques tonight (and tomorrow morning). I encourage you to try them out too. Share with me how it did or didn’t work for you!