A French Touch Salon

The finest in Parisian skin care on the central coast.

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Sothys Regimen for Dry/Dehydrated Skin

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STEP 1: CLEANSE  

Dry Skin (lacking in lipids or oil) or Dehydrated Skin (lacking in water) requires a bit more gentle care when cleansing in order to retain whatever moisture is present.

OPTION 1: COMFORT CLEANSING MILK and LOTION (Toner)

Infused with SPA™ THERMAL WATER from Belgium to reduce sensitivity and cotton extract to soothe, this hypoallergenic milk dissolves debris and makeup as the unscented toner further whisks away makeup and sunscreen for a clean, fresh feel. Choose milks over gels that can strip natural oils.

OPTION 2: MULTI-ACTION CLEANSING OIL FOR FACE AND EYES

Apply to dry skin all over the face, eye contour, and eyelashes. Add a few drops of water and gently smooth over the skin until the oil transforms into milk. Rinse with warm water. Complete the cleansing routine with your usual lotion if required. Lightly scented maraca and acas berry.

STEP 2: DAILY ANTIOXIDANT DETOX ENERGIZING SERUM

An energizing and detoxifying cocktail of organic elderberry and Siberian ginseng extract to fight free radical damage that triggers cell degeneration. Skin appears more luminous and oxygenated. Applied day & night over face and neck.

STEP 3: SKIN SPECIFIC SERUM

“DRY SKIN” OPTION 1: ESSENTIAL LIPID ELIXIR

Truly dry skin feels tight, sometimes almost flakey. Whether genetic or temporary, it requires ultra-nourishing special care to restore elasticity and comfort. With a non-greasy texture, this delicately scented lipid-replenishing oil visibly preserves the skin from aging due to its Nutri 3.6.9 Omega complex.

“DEHYDRATION” OPTION 2: HYDRA 3HA INTENSIVE HYDRATING SERUM

The ultimate hydrator, this intense moisture boost stimulates moisture retention in the skin, since it absorbs rapidly and deeply in the skin for a “plumper” look.

STEP 4: MOISTURIZER

DAY: NUTRITIVE COMFORT  NIGHT: DETOX ENERGIE

This day cream intensively nourishes the skin for immediate and long-term effects based upon antioxidant omega 3,6,& 9 oils that replenish and soothe. At night, the skin is fortified and detoxified, it is restored to balance and comfort. and its natural radiance is revived, looking visibly younger.

Sothys Regimen for Normal/Combination Skin

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STEP 1: CLEANSE The key to results with any skincare product is akin to painting. You must first clean and “prime” the surface so that no debris or build-up interferes with a smooth and lasting application. OPTION 1: VITALITY CLEANSING MILK  and LOTION (TONER) Both contain refreshing grapefruit extract.  A “milk” simply designates an emulsion rather than a gel  that would be recommended for oily skin. Cleansing milks dissolve debris and makeup without stripping the skin of it’s natural oils.  Toners, applied with a cotton round, remove every last trace of dirt, oil or makeup and prepare or “prime” the skin for the next step. ADD-ON: Sothys’ Eye and Lip Makeup Removing Fluide is gentle yet effective enough to remove waterproof makeup. Mallow extract softens with no greasy residue for this delicate area. OPTION 2: MICELLAR CLEANSING WATER More recently introduced to the US, micellar waters have been widely used in Europe for a very long time.  For a quick 2-in-1 face and eye makeup cleansing routine, the little micellar cleansing clusters dissolve eye and facial makeup or sunscreen by applying with a cotton round. STEP 2: DAILY ANTIOXIDANT ULTRA C DERMOBOOSTER This lipid soluble Vitamin C is the ultimate free-radical scavenger to target signs of skin aging and hyperpigmentation.  You don’t skip your daily body’s vitamins, why would you skip your facial skin’s daily dose? Apply one pump onto clean skin before your cream. STEP 3: SKIN SPECIFIC SERUM HYDRA 3HA INTENSIVE HYDRATING SERUM The ultimate “lubricator”, Hyaluronic Acid hydrates our eyes and joints. And 50% of the hyaluronic acid in our bodies resides in the skin. As we age, these levels decrease, leading to drier skin and the appearance of deeper lines. Normal/Combination skin “plumps” with daily application of this serum, reactivating the skin’s “hydric” (moisture) memory. And serums are formulated with much smaller molecular weights that penetrate deeply to deliver their concentrated actives. STEP 4: MOISTURIZER DAY: HYDRA 3HA YOUTH CREAM   NIGHT: NOCTUELLE Prevent the slow depletion of hyaluronic acid in the skin with this day cream which not only creates a protective film to prevent moisture loss but also stimulates moisture retention over time. At night, Noctuelle detoxifies daily environmental damage with a polyphenol complex while stabilized Vitamin C and , Nasturtium extract stimulate cellular activity.

Homecare How-To’s

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Bonjour everyone!

Are we keeping up with our homecare regimen? This may actually be the best time to focus and give your skin the full attention it needs. 

Many of us are now 2 months behind on our monthly facial schedule- ouch! The good news: masks that keep us all safe also keep the lower half of our faces protected from sun-damage. That leaves the upper half to continue to protect with Colorescience Total Eye SPF35 for the delicate eye contour and SPF50 Mineral Face Shield in Regular or the new Glow version (see video below) read physical Zinc and Titanium Dioxide for the forehead and of course the decollete!

Since “Peel Season” (Spring) came and went without enjoying your peel series, you can still offer yourself a mini home peel weekly, combined with the right mask, to achieve noticeable results. 

Let me recommend some home options for EXFOLIATON + INTENSIVE MASKS to help maintain that lovely skin, until I have a chance to personally attend to it for you 😉

Concern: Your skin may be looking dull or lackluster and in need of radiance through cell turnover and regeneration. 

Solution: 

1.Exfoliating Multi Acid  Pads (Jan Marini) ONCE/WEEK. These come 30 pads per jar, giving you 7 months of weekly homecare peels. Though not the 40% solution I offer in-salon, the 12%  acid  cocktail  will SHAKE, not just stir up your regimen!

Apply a pad over clean skin and let activate for 10 min (tingle tingle!) Wash off.

2.Luminate Mask (Jan Marini) with a brightening complex to also help with dark spots (aka hyperpigmentation). 

Follow above Multi Acid Peel with thin application of this mask, leave on 10-15 min. Wash off and apply serum and cream, et voila!

Concern: Dry, Sensitive Skin that can’t handle strong acids but needs a boost of hydration and light exfoliation.

Solution:  

1.SOTHYS Lactic Acid Daily Exfoliator. This alpha hydroxyl acid is gentler than most (and you know the French prefer gentle care) and ideal even for sensitive skin. Just because it’s sensitive doesn’t mean it won’t benefit from dissolving that dead, dry layer of skin to reveal brightness.

2.SOTHYS Hydra-Smoothing Mask with Boletus mushroom extract and hyaluronic acid for intense skin hydration.

Have a specific skincare concern? Call Patricia at (805) 785-0340 to schedule a free virtual skincare consultation.

The Perfect Peel

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I’ve been impressed with the recent success of web and TV Wondergirl, Marie Condo, reviving the clichéd but liberating practice of ‘Spring Cleaning’. Formalizing and spiritualizing the intentional release of material objects to allow for a new sense of freedom and awareness in our lives, she has struck a chord with many.

Echoing her sentiments of releasing the old to appreciate a new awareness of the beauty in our lives, I propose the same holds true for what I offer my clients in the realm of skincare regimens. Spring and fall signify the ‘gentler’ environmental conditions that lend themselves to more intense skincare treatments, and an opportunity to ‘dispose of the old’ stratum corneum layer of dead skin, while stimulating collagen and renewing skin’s fresh, supple and glowing appearance while reducing pore size, improving elasticity and evening out skin tone.

Chemical peels are wonderful alternatives to laser facials, which can be costly and painful and are a quick way to resurface the skin, dissolving dead skin cells, softening fine lines, and skin imperfections caused by aging, hormones and the sun as well as reducing pore size.

And there’s nothing to fear – our peels are pH neutral to reduce the risk of irritation and pain.

At A French Touch Salon we offer these controlled chemical treatments to your face, neck, chest as well as hands and arms. I start the conversation with your concerns, your skin type including skin color, texture, level of skin imperfections and elasticity to determine what chemical acid solution works best for you.

I also review your history with AHA and BHA home care or previous peels to assess your readiness to begin a peel series. Acclimating the skin to these beneficial yet powerful acids is critical to providing the results you’re looking for.

Glycolic or Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) Peel

These peels address rough/dry skin and texture. Glycolic Acid peels can also be combined with skin lightening agents (LUMINATE MASK) to lessen dark spots or skin discoloration due to sun damage, hormones and aging. I also offer a RETINOL PEEL combing a 1% Retinol Mask with the peel to more specifically address fine lines or acne.

Termed the “lunch hour peel”, these peels provide results, without the downtime of redness or flaking. Expect to look refreshed and beautiful immediately after your Glycolic Peel, while taking the necessary precautions of avoiding unprotected sun exposure for 24 to 48 hours post-peel.

And to enhance your facial results, I recommend adding a Glycolic Peel to your facial appointment. The results are significant, as the peel resurfaces the skin and promotes deeper absorption of serums and masks during your facial.

Lactic Acid Peel

For dry, more sensitive skin, we now offer the SOTHYS Pro Lactic Acid Peel. This intense multi-acid peel based on lactic acid and plant extracts is designed to even out skin tone and combat the signs of aging. It promotes a softer more hydrated skin while stimulating natural collagen production, softening wrinkles and fine lines and repairing the effects of sun damage.

Much like the Glycolic Peel, there is zero downtime, but diligent sun protection is advised for 24 to 48 hours.

Jan Marini Salicylic Refine and Sothys TCA Peels

Everyone has been raving about our most excellent Jan Martini REFINE Salicylic Peels, with visible results that address deeper skin concerns. To date, this has been our most intensive peel with 3 to 5 days of flaking skin.

We now offer a Sothys TCA peel. Stay tuned for more details!

Also recommended as a series, it requires more regeneration time, so scheduling your Refine peels every 3-4 weeks is recommended rather than the Glycolic or Lactic weekly schedule (3 over 3 weeks).

After-peel Care:

Remember that peels in general are a form of aggression for the skin that ultimately stimulates collagen repair under the skin- this is why we see such great results!

Let us recommend soothing home-care products and retinol to help you achieve your goals of beautiful skin. We look forward to customizing our peels for your particular skincare needs!

Jan Marini Tapped Into the Fountain of Youth with Regeneration Booster – Anti-Aging Powerhouse!

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Most people don’t speak skincare.  When researching options, ingredients become a blur of words we can’t pronounce and percentages that never seem to break .1%.  However, it is absolutely essential that we do understand what we are putting on our skin and why.

Jan Marini Skin Research combines the latest and greatest technology with tried and true methods to create products that actually work.  One of their most notable forays into cellular technology led to the creation of a cutting-edge new product: Age Intervention Regeneration Booster. For those too sensitive to retinol, this serum offers the ideal solution for skin regeneration and rejuvenation.

An incredible innovation by Jan Marini Skin Research was the incorporation into her products of TGF Beta 1, one of many growth factors, collectively referred to as cytokines, which help maintain skin’s youthful appearance. The Transformation line of products incorporate this growth factor for maximum transformative power. Additionally, our favorite Regeneration Booster incorporates this growth factor along with keratinocyte growth factor, epidermal growth factor and Cycloastrogenol.

This patented formulation combines advanced growth factors, peptides and antioxidants to hydrate skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and improve the appearance of texture and overall skin tone.

Age Intervention Regeneration Booster is innovative in its use of advanced telomerase enzyme technology, a discovery which earned three women scientists the 2009 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine.  This technology is meant to protect chromosomes from degradation, allowing for longer-lasting DNA cells. The Nobel Laureates showed that this solution can be found at the ends of chromosomes in their telomeres – long, thread-like DNA molecules that carry our genes – and in telomerase, an enzyme that forms these molecules.  If the telomeres are shortened, cells age. Conversely, if telomere activity is high, telomere length is maintained and premature cellular aging is delayed. By helping to stabilize the telomere, the technology present in this product slows down the process of skin aging.

Age Intervention Regeneration Booster combines telomerase enzyme with anti-inflammatory agents, peptides, and other skin-enhancing ingredients, enabling the skin to appear dramatically younger and aiding in the improvement of fine lines and wrinkles, firmness, discoloration, elasticity, texture, and overall skin health.

Home care after your peels in the form of Retinol and Regeneration Booster work synergistically with the peel’s activity to significantly improve the appearance of the skin. You’ll never forget it’s “Peel Season”, with BOOSTER your new partner in keeping those telomeres youthful!

Why Dermatologists All Recommend Topical Vitamin A

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Taking care of your skin whether you’re in your 30’s or 70’s is a labor of love, a commitment to keeping your skin healthy and knowing what to use in order to achieve the best results.

One of the most highly recommended class of anti-aging compounds used by dermatologists and estheticians alike is Vitamin A.  Also termed “retinoids” (preformed Vitamin A) these ingredients essentially regenerate tissue. As such, prescription Retin-A, now referred to as Tretinoin, was originally promoted to resolve acne through its anti-inflammatory properties, regulating the sloughing off of skin cells as it reduces the likelihood of clogged pores. 

How it works

Studies ultimately confirmed retinoids’ benefits to extend to anti-aging by stimulating collagen production and reducing wrinkles. It is in fact this cellular turnover activity that evens out skin tone and increases blood flow to the skin, promoting a younger-looking complexion. Retinol in essence 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.

Prescription retinoids are very strong and can be extremely irritating to skin, with resultant dryness and flaking. Because retinoids stimulate cell growth, they can make skin more sensitive to sunlight. Covering skin during the day or using sunscreen is essential to minimize the risk of burning. 

Retinol- the kinder, gentler retinoid

Retinol is a form of retinoid, a derivative of vitamin A. Strengths in retinol vary and can be found in serums or creams. The increasing popularity of retinol is significantly due to its non-irritating side-effects compared to prescription grade, allowing it to become an integral party of a daily (and even twice/day)  anti-aging regimen. Since the benefits from using Vitamin A are cumulative (it needs to build up in the skin to show significant improvement), daily use is critical. 

My experience with clients who chose to use a prescription retinoid are confirms that most women are not able to use the prescription form daily due to its drying, irritating effect (flakiness, redness). They therefore cut back on applying it 2 or 3 times a week only- barely giving the cell regeneration activity to synthesize and improve the skin. Retinol on the other hand, can be used daily to achieve those results consistently and without the “ugly” phase that Retin-A requires before the skin finally  (if ever) acclimates to it.

Our choice of retinol 

I quote from Jan Marini, a leader in skincare technology whose products I have been recommending to my clients for over 20 years:

“Age Intervention RETINOL PLUS from Jan Marini Skin Research provides unparalleled skin rejuvenation benefits. The strongest levels of stabilized all-trans-retinol are synergistically combined with advanced topical agents to maximize efficacy while simultaneously decreasing or even eliminating acclimation/irritation concerns. Acclimation with prescription retinol can include redness, drying and visible peeling of the skin, leading many to discontinue its use. Retinol Plus delivers the equivalent skin-smoothing and brightening results without the downtime associated with prescriptions, while providing anti-aging and collagen boosting peptides, antioxidants, hydrators and skin soothing ingredients. Retinol PLUS truly separates itself from the pack.”

Those are the facts- your skin will ultimately show the results.At  A French Touch, we recommend incorporating Retinol Plus into your regimen with the Jan Marini Skincare Management System customized to your particular skin, and strongly encourage the use of this regimen before, during, and after any peel series to maintain and enhance the rejuvenating effects of our peels.