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Facials

Renew Your Skin with Refine Peels

March 6, 2018 By patkaspian

Essential for Fall and Spring, our Jan Marini Peels exfoliate the skin more deeply than our home-care products, working to not only clear away the dull-looking top layer of debris but also to revitalize your skin’s natural glow and beauty by stimulating the collagen layer. According to Jan Marini Skin Research, peels are one of the most popular aesthetic treatments available and are effective in treating acne, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, photo-damage, lines, and wrinkles. AND you don’t have to worry about downtime, often a side-effect of more intense peels.

The Refine Peel is our first clinical peel and should be done in a series of 3, 3 to 4 weeks apart, due to the strength of the peel. The Refine Peel uses Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid, and Citric Acid to provide excellent overall skin rejuvenation with less peeling and downtime than more aggressive treatments. It works to visibly combat uneven texture, fine lines and wrinkles, acne, and uneven pigmentation while rejuvenating the deeper levels of your skin.  The application of the Refine Peel is followed by a high-powered Retinol Activator—with Retinol, Anti-Aging Peptides, and calming Green Tea Extract—which synthesizes collagen as it regenerates tissue. Finally, we top off your experience with our signature Sothys hand treatment and Green Tea with Citrus, apply our popular, elegant  Antioxidant SPF33 Sunscreen, and off you go! 

You may see flaking that lasts from 3 to 5 days, easily minimized with our efficient Skin Zyme Mask (see above) and BIOSHIELD home care cream.  In fact,  Jan Marini’s new BIOSHIELD is a rapid recovery complex that was designed specifically to speed up recovery and enhance treatment results from these peels. Unlike most petrolatum-based (yes, read “petroleum”!) products recommended post-laser or post-peel,  this formula delivers Epidermal Growth Factor, Palmitoyl Oligopeptides and Tetrapeptides to stimulate collagen and reduce inflammation and Co-Enzyme Q-10 super-antioxidant to reveal healed, healthy, GORGEOUS skin!  

Our Peels provide collagen stimulation, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, even skin tone, reduce pore size, and even clear acne. Peels even help your other skin care products penetrate more deeply and work more effectively; your skin will look healthier, and your other home-care products will absorb so much more to reveal your most beautiful skin!  If you have any questions or aren’t sure whether a Refine Peel is right for you, the following video features an explanation and demo of our Refine Peel, and you can always call or email us to set up a free 15-minute consultation with our expert, Patricia. Don’t forget, you can always purchase and schedule with us online, too! 

Filed Under: Antiaging, Facials, Jan Marini, peels, Product, Service, skincare, sothys Tagged With: facials, peels, skincare

Non-Invasive Peels for Spring

March 6, 2018 By patkaspian

Perfect for those wanting noticeable skin-smoothing and brightening exfoliation without the downtime and irritation caused by aggressive treatments. Glycolic acid peels result in a more uniform complexion and smoother skin. They eliminate cellular debris and dead cells that congest the pores and dull the skin. By resurfacing the skin, peels minimize fine lines, control acne-prone congestion and lighten uneven pigmentation for more refined, radiant skin. Health benefits include exfoliation of abnormal cells that can lead to skin cancer.

Intensive Refine Peel

The Refine Peel is designed for all skin types for more significant skin rejuvenation in fewer treatments, and with less downtime than more aggressive procedures. Peel application is followed by a highly concentrated Retinol Activator containing peptides and antioxidants to enhance recovery and maximize results. Consultation required. Recommended homecare includes Retinol Plus for two weeks prior (stopping 2-3 days before), and beginning the following day. Homecare helps to condition, sustain, and accelerate results.

Jan Marini 40% Glycolic Acid Peel

This Glycolic Resurfacing treatment resurfaces and refines skin texture, minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, assists in resolving acne and fades the appearance of discoloration to even skin tone. 

Enzyme Peel

The Glycolic and Green Papaya Enzyme Resurfacing is an accelerated facial treatment that incorporates two effective topical exfoliants. The combination of glycolic acid and proteolytic enzymes safely intensifies the resurfacing action and provides dramatic results for virtually any skin type.

Brilliance Retinol Peel

This peel incorporates 1% retinol to enhance skin-refining for greater smoothness and brightness, and will assist minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, acne, sun damage and hyperpigmentation. Recommended homecare includes Retinol Plus for two weeks prior (stopping 2-3 days before), and beginning the following day. Homecare helps to condition, sustain, and accelerate results.

Filed Under: Cleansing, Facials, Jan Marini, peels, Product, Service, skin protection, skincare, sothys

Do you know how to exfoliate your skin?

January 6, 2018 By patkaspian

facial scrub

Here’s an in-depth piece that we stand behind, by renown skincare expert Rene
Rouleau. It offers insight from Patricia and Rene as to what exfoliants to use,
how to use them and why.

Acids, Enzymes and Scrubs: Which Exfoliant Should You Use And How
Often?

Exfoliant: a cosmetic product with ingredients intended to remove dead cells from the skin’s
surface. This then reveals a clearer, smoother and more even-toned complexion. Whether it’s
an acid, enzyme or granular bead, these are commonly found in skincare products because
they’ve become a staple in home regimens. They offer incredible immediate and long-term
visible improvement for so many common issues: from unclogging trapped pores and bumps
that lead to blemishes, fading acne discoloration and sun spots or simply lessening dryness.
However, with so many different types of exfoliants and the various forms in which they come,
it’s hard to determine what’s best for your skin type. And how much exfoliation is TOO much?
Here’s the ultimate guide to getting the best results from exfoliants—without over-doing it. Yes,
over-exfoliation is a common problem. Over-exfoliation leads to less-than- healthy skin, so you
really have to be careful.

Here’s the breakdown on the perfect amount of exfoliation, what works and which is not too
much and not too little.

Exfoliation
Credit: NewBeauty

 

EXFOLIATING ACIDS
How they work: When applied to the skin, AHA’s (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) and BHA’s (Beta
Hydroxy Acids) create a chemical reaction that lowers pH that then dissolves and digests the
“glue” that holds dry, expired cells together. AHA’s are water soluble, so they don’t penetrate as
much into the pores (unlike BHA’s). However, they are incredibly effective for removing
pigmented cells from the sun or breakouts and giving an overall smoothness to the skin. The
most commonly used exfoliating AHA’s are lactic, glycolic, malic, mandelic and tartaric. (Citric
acid is not technically an exfoliant but instead a pH adjuster.)
Note: If you’re pregnant, your doctor may suggest to hold off using BHA’s so be sure to consult
with him or her.
To work most effectively at home, an acid must fall within a pH range of 3-4 and be at a
concentration of 5%-20%. What I love about acid exfoliators is that they do the work for you.
Meaning, you don’t have to rub and tug at the skin manually. They are also much safer, as long
as you use a formula with a proper pH and percentage that is appropriate for your skin type.
You put them on and let them work their magic. No fuss.
Who acids are best for: These are best for anyone with clogged pores, blemishes, blackheads,
dryness, flakiness, fine lines, wrinkles, large pores, dullness, discoloration and/or a rough
texture. They are perfect for anyone seeking an overall healthier and smoother look for his/her
skin. Of course, you’ll want to use one that is formulated for your skin type and follow usage
directions carefully. However, anyone can safely use acids—even those with rosacea.
NOTE: A tingling sensation may or may not occur when you apply an acid. This is not an
indicator of product effectiveness. Rather, a tingling sensation is a result of how your skin’s
protective barrier is acting at the time that you use the product. It can indicate that the barrier
function of your skin is compromised. It’s very common that people will feel the tingling
sensation when they first start using it and then it dissipates after a month or so. People tell me
“I don’t feel like it’s working as well anymore because I can’t feel it sting like I did when I first
started using it.” The truth is acids, when not overused, can actually repair your skin’s moisture
barrier so your skin will actually get healthier and be less reactive with continued use. You don’t
always need the pain to get the gain!

ACIDS CAN BE FOUND IN EXFOLIATORS
Cleansers Acids can make a great addition to gel or lotion-based cleansers and when
massaged over the skin can quickly dissolve dry cells. Since cleansers are rinsed off fairly
quickly, though, you won’t get a lot of exfoliation from them. You’ll want to be sure to also
exfoliate using a leave-on product for maximum effectiveness.
Toners These are becoming more popular and provide a quick hit of light exfoliation. However,
I believe these do not replace the need for a true leave-on formula with a thicker viscosity
(thickness), like a serum or cream. This is because water-based products evaporate too quickly
and won’t penetrate very deep—even if you feel an immediate tingling sensation. Plus, many
acid-based toners only use a small percentage of acids so they can be fairly weak. (Of course,
all formulas are not equal so I’m generalizing here.)
NOTE: In an effort to not over-do any exfoliation efforts, I do NOT recommend using an acid
toner followed by an acid serum or acid cream. The combination is simply too strong. However,
for retinol users who don’t have sensitive skin, using an acid toner before applying a retinol
product can help the active ingredients penetrate deeper into the skin.
Serums Unlike creams, serums have the smallest molecules, so they penetrate the skin’s
surface most effectively. They are my absolute favorite way to thoroughly saturate cells to get
the best results. Serums enter the dermis when applied to the skin and followed with a
moisturizer. Due to their viscosity, they can work for a longer period of time than acid-based
cleansers and toners do.
Creams While moisturizers have larger molecules, AHA’s formulated within a cream texture
can still be effective for surface exfoliation. However, when it comes to BHA’s, where they have
better capabilities to get in the pores, creams with salicylic acid will not be very effective. I see
fewer and fewer acid-based face creams these days since serums are much more efficient.
Masks/Peels Exfoliating masks are great for that quick hit. Like serums and creams, they hug
onto the skin due to their thicker viscosity. Masks typically only stay on the skin for 5-15
minutes. Therefore, their formulations are stronger since they have to work more quickly. This is
a good thing when you want quick results.
Body products A few specialized scrubs, serums and lotions on the market contain AHAs to
help manage the skin condition called keratosis pilaris (KP). This is a condition in which small
tiny bumps appear, causing a rough, red texture. Regardless of whether or not you are
someone with KP, using these types of exfoliating body products will dramatically smooth the
skin and manage dryness that comes with age.

EXFOLIATING ENZYMES
How they work: Dead cells are what comprise the top layer of skin. These dead cells contain a
keratin protein that makes the skin feel rough to the touch. When you apply an enzyme product
to the face, it dissolves and digests the proteins into smaller particles to reveal smoother skin.
Enzymes are fruit-derived and are absent of acids or grains. This means they can offer a
gentler, no-sting, no scrub exfoliating action for sensitive skin types. Pineapple, pumpkin,
pomegranate, and papaya are the most common fruit enzymes used in skin care products.
While both acids and enzymes will dissolve dry skin cells, there are a few main differences in
how they work. Enzymes work more on the surface, while acids slip deeper into the skin’s
barrier. Water activates enzyme peels, and they work more slowly to digest cellular buildup.
Therefore, they should be applied to damp skin and left on for 15-20 mins. Acids, on the other
hand, can be applied to dry skin. When used in a peel, they can work in as little as 5 minutes.
Who benefits most from enzymes: while exfoliation will always improve skin conditions like
clogged pores, blemishes, blackheads, dryness, flakiness, fine lines, wrinkles, large pores,
dullness and discoloration, enzymes are a good option for those who have already tried acids
and found their skin could not tolerate them.

EXFOLIATING SCRUBS AND OTHER PHYSICAL EXFOLIATORS
How they work: Facial scrubs are cream or gel-based products that contain small particles or
beads. When massaged across the skin, they help smooth it by lifting off dry, dead skin cells.
These are also known as physical or manual exfoliators. Other types of these exfoliants include
sonic cleansing brushes (Clarisonic), razors and washcloths. When maneuvered over the face,
the bristles, blades and woven fibers also lift off expired cells.
Physical exfoliators make a great complement to acids and enzymes. Acids and enzymes
dissolve and loosen dead cells, but it’s the lifting action that you can get from a physical
exfoliator that actually takes them off the skin. I suggest using them 1-2 times per week for most
skin types, whether that’s a scrub, Clarisonic-type brush(which we carry), razor or a washcloth
rubbed firmly over the skin. If you’re not using any other exfoliants, you can up this to five times
a week.
Who benefits most from physical exfoliants:for all skin types, even sensitive skin. The key with
facial scrubs and other physical exfoliators is to use a very light pressure. Let the beads gently
glide over the skin. People often make the mistake of pushing too hard, which can result in the
skin feeling irritated and looking red.
PRO TIP: Facial scrubs also work very well to keep the skin on the neck smooth. When
exfoliating the neck area, make sure to look upwards so the skin on the neck is nice and taut.
This makes for easier use. Exfoliate the area three times a week at night and be sure to follow
with a neck cream to nourish those fresh, newly-revealed cells.

diagram on exfoliated skin

WHAT DOES TOO MUCH EXFOLIATION DO TO YOUR SKIN?
• A stripped moisture (lipid) barrier layer, resulting in dehydration, flaking, redness, and
inflammation
• Dryness (moisture will seep out of the cells)
• Advanced aging due to chronic and prolonged inflammation
• Destruction of healthy cells
• Stimulation of melanin activity, possibly resulting in an increase of hyperpigmentation (brown
spots and patches)
• Stinging and irritation (due to a stripped barrier function)
Your skin needs a certain number of protective layers to keep the skin in a healthy state and
retain its natural moisture. With the rise of consumer access to products that can truly create a

visible change in the skin, exfoliating too often with rotating brushes, acids, enzymes and scrubs
may be harming and inflaming the skin, more than you realize.
How often should you exfoliate? For most skin types, I do not recommend using a leave-on
exfoliator or a facial scrub on a daily basis. Sometimes those with thicker, oilier and acne-prone
skin can withstand daily exfoliation for a while until things clear up. Regardless, you’ll never get
the best results by giving your skin the same thing day in and day out. Your skin’s integrity
thrives off of a variety of performance ingredients.

GENERAL RULES WHEN IT COMES TO EXFOLIATION
Use an exfoliant no more than five times a week. When it comes to making recommendations
for the skin, it’s always hard to generalize for all skin types but for most, 4-5 times a week is
plenty. Whether that’s in the form of a facial scrub, serum, mask or whatever, you’ll want to stay
within this range.
So there you have it. I think you get the idea that using exfoliators is super beneficial! If you’re
not using one, get on it right away. If you think you’re using them way too much, then back off a
bit. Again, five times a week is plenty.
Here’s what NOT to do: The one thing I see and hear that literally makes me cringe is those
who use a Clarisonic brush (along with a cleanser), then follow it with an acid-based toner
MORNING AND NIGHT. You’re getting exfoliation from the brush then also from the toner twice
a day. That adds up to exfoliating fourteen times a week. Way. Too. Much. Even if you feel like
that improves the look of your skin, I’m here to tell you that the skin needs those protective
layers to be healthy. This over-exfoliation creates way too much inflammation within the
skin—even if not visible. And inflammation is the underlying cause of skin aging. Your skin’s
protective barrier MUST stay intact in order for the skin to stay in a healthy place. Go easy, my
beauties!

One final thought. Retinol or prescription retinoids are technically not exfoliants, though many
people think they are. When used for long periods of time (months and months), they can reveal
a smaller-pored, less-lined texture. However, they don’t offer the quick smoothing results that
acids, scrubs, and enzymes do because they work in a much different way. I recommend retinol
and retinoids all the time as they are a great complement to exfoliants.

Need expert advice from a licensed esthetician? Schedule a consultation with Patricia. She’ll
access your skin care needs and put you on the right exfoliator path to healthy, shiny, radiant
skin.

Filed Under: Antiaging, Clarisonic, Cleansing, Facials, Jan Marini, Product, Service, skincare, sothys, Tips Tagged With: Exfoliation (cosmetology), facials, Parisian skincare, peels, salon, san luis obispo, skincare

It’s Time to Quench Your Skin’s Thirst

November 14, 2017 By patkaspian

 

cream moisturizer

Is your skin dry and needing to be revitalized? After the summer, our skin could use some TLC, repair from the heat and sun as well as prepping for the upcoming cold weather. We can help with this.

SOTHYS to the rescue! Their Hydra 3Ha is formulated to restore your skin to a more hydrated, youthful and beautiful look and feel. This revolutionary skincare product increases your skin’s hydration by 71% and is great for all skin types. It contains a patented natural extract from a wild Boletus mushroom which activates the genes responsible for the management of the skins water resources helping the skin to regulate and maintain its own moisture content to maximum efficiency.

Don’t forget to make an appointment for the Hydra 3Ha Hydrating Intensive Treatment, which drenches the skin in well-being and absolute hydration while revealing a plumper, visibly younger skin. This facial includes an enzymatic exfoliating gel, restructuring serum, intense hydration gel mask, a peel-off plumping mask, and a smoothing serum. This is definitely a treatment that you don’t want to miss.

Schedule your appointment now!

Filed Under: Antiaging, Facials, Product, Service, skin protection, skincare, sothys, Tips Tagged With: A French Touch Salon Skincare, anti-aging, Anti-aging cream, Beauty, Central Coast, facial, French Skin Care, Health, hydration, salon, san luis obispo, Skin, sothys, wrinkles

Introducing Sothys Energizing Trio

August 2, 2017 By patkaspian

Bonjour mes amis!

I hope you’re not feeling as tired as I have lately, but I do know that we’ve all been there. When this happens, it’s pretty visible; we get a little more snappy, haggard, or absent-minded than usual.

But these aren’t the only external effects of tiredness—our skin shows it too. Tired skin is dull and exhibits aging more visibly.

Luckily, there are always aids for our exhaustion. A healthy dose of caffeine in the morning can help with any excess tiredness. As for our skin, there’s Sothys’ Energizing line.

Sothys’ Energizing line aids the skin’s energy reserve through harnessing several key ingredients: Siberian ginseng, rice phytosterols, and sophora flower extract. In effect, these ingredients work to protect the mitochondria of the skin cells. These mitochondria are responsible for producing the ATP (cellular energy).

In addition to aiding in ATP production, use of these products promotes micro circulation and cell-oxygenation in the cells of the skin. This allows the skin to flush out any toxicity and drains any puffiness/inflammation in the face (common in tired skin). It also encourages collagen production in the skin and helps to reconstruct the dermis, protecting the skin and retaining its elasticity.

Long story short: These products restore energy to your skin, allowing it to better circulate and release toxins, as well as kick-starting the processes that retain skin’s youthfulness. The result? Skin that is youthful, radiant, and healthier overall.

The line offers three main products: Energizing Day Cream, Energizing Booster Serum, and Energizing Night Cream, all of which are available at A French Touch.

Boost the metabolism of your skin cells with our SOTHYS Energizing Treatment.

According to Sothys…”This intensive treatment with Siberian Ginseng envelops the skin in a wave of light to reveal its youthfulness. Following a thorough cleanse & enzymatic exfoliating scrub with pineapple extract, a specific digi-energy massage stimulates the flow of Chi. A deeply relaxing massage then prepares for a boost of vitality combining layers of frothy hyaluronic acid and a peel-off Vitamin C mask. To complete this one-of-a-kind facial, the Enlightening fluid brings instant lifting and smoothing results. Your skin and soul are energized for complete wellness.”

So do what you have to do, because we all have busy lives and aren’t always able to get the recommended amount of sleep. As tired as you may get, your skin doesn’t have to reveal it (and with some green tea, no one need be the wiser!).

À bientôt!

Filed Under: Antiaging, Facials, Product, skincare, sothys, Uncategorized Tagged With: A French Touch Salon Skincare, anti-aging, Beauty, facials, French Skin Care, french skincare, Parisian skincare, salon, san luis obispo, Skin, Skin Care, spa

What can retinol do for your skin?

March 27, 2017 By patkaspian

Taking care of your skin whether you’re in your 30’s or 50’s is a commitment and knowing what to use in order to great the best results is key. I don’t know of anyone that isn’t looking for that miracle cream that instantly reverses aging, instantly gives a flawless completion or lifts like you’re in a wind tunnel…but, with how fast the skin care industry is producing innovative products it might only be a matter of time. Crossing fingers! In the meantime, one of our favorite skin care ingredients, which has been around for a while and has had proven results, is a retinol. Retinol is a form of retinoid, a derivative of vitamin A. Strengths in retinol vary from over the counter to prescription strength (through your dermatologist) and can be found in serums or creams.
So what are the results?
Retinol, communicates with your cells and helps not only the damaged cells get back their normal healthy function but protects the good cells. Retinol allows the damaged cells to retain more healthy collagen and elastin, which keeps wrinkles from forming.
However, while retinol can boost collagen production, it cannot replace elastin. We start losing elastin in our late teens.
For those of us with dark spots or suffer from hyper pigmentation, retinol does help shed away the dead skin cells of your skin which is why some people are nervous about the continuous use and the flaky results seen with retinol. But, as mentioned before, you can buy a retinol that is appropriate for your skin type and sensitivity.
Sloughing off your top layers of skin will reveal new growth underneath, minimize fine lines and wrinkles, improve your skins texture as well as reduce symptoms of hyper pigmentation and slowing of the production of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. Keep in mind that you will need to use retinol on a daily basis in order to see positive results.
The unknown added bonus of retinol
Now for the secret benefit of using a retinol that we don’t see mentioned in most articles, is that by using a retinol, you are preparing your skin to accept your other skin care products better. There is a better absorption rate thanks to using a retinol.

 

Here’s a great line up of proven retinol products from SOTHYS AND JAN MARINI SKIN RESEARCH that we offer in our salon:

sothys, jan marini

Filed Under: eye cream, Facials, Jan Marini, Product, skin protection, skincare, sothys Tagged With: A French Touch, A French Touch Salon Skincare, Jan Marini, Pigmentation Solutions, skincare, sothys

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