In my experience, most women seek a facial treatment not only for the pampering and relaxation, but also for the much needed deep cleanse of their skin. As a Skin Care Therapist, I feel that I have not given a successful skin treatment if extractions of the pores are not performed. However, it is not always easy to get those pores to cooperate. In order to achieve a good extraction session, the skin requires regular treatment at home that should include exfoliation and even light extractions, when possible. [Read more...]
Do It Yourself Extractions
What is the California Acne Treatment?
All kinds of people suffer from acne. Yes, even people from the celebrity-studded California have trouble with acne. The beaches, sun, and fun would make it seem as though California is a paradise, but even still there are a few Californians that still suffer with acne-related problems. [Read more...]
Simple Homemade Acne Treatments
You’ve probably tried many different methods to get rid of your acne. Acne can be very frustrating due to the scarring over the affected area. While there are many extreme treatments available for acne, not everyone is comfortable with that idea. Rather, we prefer to switch to homemade acne treatments, which are not only safe and secure, but inexpensive as well. [Read more...]
Facial Scrub Secrets
With the topic of this week’s featured video clip being facial scrubs and how to properly apply them, I thought I would offer some advice on how to choose the best scrub for your skin. A best friend of mine recently reminded me of a little skin care secret that I had once revealed to her years back. [Read more...]
Get Silky Smooth Skin with La Source
My hands were so dry they looked and felt awful! I’ve tried so many creams and scrubs but nothing really helped. So when I walked by a Try-it demo at the Crabtree & Evelyn store, I just had to check it out! [Read more...]
Dermalogica or SkinCeuticals? Part Two.
It has been a little over two weeks now since I received and began using my new SkinCeuticals skincare products. So, what’s the verdict, you ask? Here it goes… [Read more...]
Preventing Pregnancy Stretch Marks

Is Proactive Acne Treatment Right for You?

Proactive uses a form of combination therapy that attacks and disposes of acne. The combination therapy includes the Renewing Cleanser, Revitalizing Toner, and Repair Lotion. With the introduction of these three skincare products to your skin, acne stands little chance of reappearing on your face ever again. The Renewing Cleanser exfoliates your skin and opens up the pores to help the Benzoyl Peroxide, a key ingredient to fighting acne, to penetrate your skin. The Revitalizing Toner helps to remove the accumulation of dead skin cells in your pores, providing further deep cleansing of your skin. Finally, the Renewing Lotion, also containing Benzoyl Peroxide, continues to destroy acne causing bacteria while offering your skin the comfort of moisturization.
Proactive Solution Skincare also offers other great acne treatment products. The Refining Mask assists the skin in balancing the production of sebum. This will help to prevent the formation of blemishes. The Proactive Oil Control Lotion partnered up with any of the other Proactive Solution Skincare products will help to ensure that your skin will stay shine-free. The Proactive Renewing Cleanser, Revitalizing Toner and Repair Lotion are recommended to be used twice a day, morning and night. The Refining Mask need only be applied when a breakout occurs or to help absorb excessive oiliness of the skin.Consistent use of Proactive skincare will help to ensure that your skin is able to fight off acne quickly and efficiently.
How Do You Know if Proactive Solution Skincare is for You?
Acne can occur at any age. Some people believe that acne is only battled by teenagers going through puberty. Although it is true that a large percentage of people with acne are teenagers, there is
The Proactive acne treatment is effective and can work for anyone battling acne. My husband used Proactive for a very long time. During that time, his skin was as clear as ever, with his acne under strict control. However, with extended use, his skin did also become very sensitized and dehydrated. The somewhat aggressive nature of the ingredients used to zap the acne caused redness and flakiness of his skin. If you should find the same thing happening to you, rest assured that there is an easy fix. You do not have to stop using Proactive. Simply add into your skincare regimen an additional toner that will help to hydrate your skin and reduce the sensitivity. The Dermalogica Soothing Protection Spray is a great product to use in this case. You can also consider adding an oil-free, hydrating serum
or weekly hydrating Mask to assist in hydrating your skin.
philosophy Shelter Tinted SPF 30

The texture is perfect for in the winter. You get the protection of SPF 30 with a boost of moisturization, which is always welcomed in the cold and dry months.
- Your skin is left with a beautiful sheer coverage that is just enough to give you a smooth and balanced look.
- It is lightweight and has a soothing and gentle lavender fragrance. I love the touch of aromatherapy!
- A little goes a long way, so one tube can last a very long time.
I am extremely pleased with this tinted SPF and I’m eager to expand my collection of philosophy products. I plan on continuing use of the philosophy Shelter Tinted SPF 30 throughout winter and spring. I am so excited about my new discovery!
What are your experiences with the philosophy brand? Do you have any favorites that you can recommend??
Safe and Effective Acne Treatment in Pregnancy

The new year has already brought many new and exciting things into my life. I am thrilled to announce that I am now pregnant with my second child! Needless to say, you will begin to notice many new post topics relating to pregnancy. I have decided to start off with a topic in which many pregnant women can relate to, acne during pregnancy and how to safely treat it. Unlike my first pregnancy, I am experiencing some of the less than ideal symptoms, with (very mild) acne being one of them!
Acne is a skin condition that usually affects individuals who are experiencing puberty. The reason why acne usually occurs during puberty is because this is the time that we experience hormonal imbalance due to the changes in our bodies. There is also another time in life when women in particular experience hormonal imbalance and this is during pregnancy. A pregnant woman’s hormones will continuously fluctuate throughout pregnancy in order to accommodate the new change in her body. Unfortunately, acne can be one of the results of this hormone imbalance.
Acne During Pregnancy
Many women feel different kinds of emotions during pregnancy. The hormonal imbalance often makes women prone to mood swings and highly sensitive senses (i.e, smells, etc.). Having acne during pregnancy is stressful for all women, but especially those who are already experiencing insecurities due to the changes in their body.
Acne treatment in pregnancy may not always be necessary, but it would definitely benefit the pregnant woman if she could control and manage the outbreak. Treating acne during pregnancy must be done with caution. There are many medications as well as over the counter remedies that can be dangerous to the fetus. Mild acne may only need topical applications of acne cream or spot treatments. While severe acne may require an oral acne medication prescribed by a dermatologist.
Topical solutions containing salicylic acids are not recommended for pregnant women who wish to treat their acne. Instead, medical practitioners and dermatologists recommend the use of Benzoyl Peroxide, which is an effective acne fighting ingredient that is not harmful to the fetus or Mother. The only downside to using Benzoyl Peroxide for treatment of acne is that it often works slowly and the benefits may not be seen immediately. Accutane, Retin-A and Tetracycline are all completely safe for non-pregnant women, but in pregnancy, these prescription acne drugs have side effects on a fetus. There are also possible side effects associated with women who are trying to get pregnant. If you are trying to become pregnant, or find out that you already are, it is crucial to inform your dermatologist before continuing use of any of these acne medications.
Some safe and effective acne treatments with the use of Benzoyl Peroxide that are safe for use during pregnancy are the Proactive Refining Mask, which can be used as a treatment mask or spot treatment, Neutrogena On-the-Spot Acne Treatment, Vanishing Formula, and Desert Essence Blemish Touch Stick with Eco-Harvest Tea Tree Oil
. Keep in mind that every pregnancy is unique, even for the same person. It is best to always seek the advice of your Dermatologist or Esthetician about your skincare options, especially while you are pregnant.



