A French Touch Salon

The finest in Parisian skin care on the central coast.

SPF

Colorescience throws shade on sun damage

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There are a million reasons why we should wear sunscreen but for some reason, we have excuses for not putting it on or reapplying! Many think that a little SPF applied in the morning (in our lotion or makeup) is enough to keep us protected but, that’s not the case! Beyond the serious risk of melanoma, dermatologists remind us that 95% of aging is directly due to sun damage.

For that reason, we’re throwing shade on four sunscreen excuses on why people don’t use SPF correctly or enough. Colorescience offers a non-chemical line of UV Protector products: the Sunforgettable Brush-on Sunscreen SPF30 or 50 (won 2017NewBeauty Chioce Award), Tint du Soleil™ UV Protective Foundation and the Daily UV Protector SPF30. Besides with such loyal Colorescience fans such as Drew Barrymore, who is always on the go and loves a “less is more” look, we think you’ll agree Colorescience makes using sunscreen excuse-free.

Bad Excuse #1: Most are Sticky, Stinky, or Greasy

Sunscreen has a bad reputation for being greasy, sticky or stinky. Find a sunscreen with a lightweight formula and test it on your skin before purchasing. This will give you a good idea of the smell and feel of the sunscreen on your skin. A side note is… creamy sunblocks are considered “organic” in consistency because they interact with your own skin’s chemistry so, they lose their effectiveness 3 to 4 hours after application.

Colorescience Solution:
Daily UV Protector SPF blurs imperfections with a non-greasy, weightless whipped formula or the Sunforgettable Brush-on Sunscreen SPF30 or 50 with UVA/UVB protection offers sheer, natural-looking coverage. Either way, both deliver odorless, lightweight, and “barely-there” protection that won’t sweat off or leave you cringing.

Bad Excuse #2: Reapplying Messes Up Makeup
We should all know that all sun blocks require reapplication, which can be determined by their SPF (Sun Protection Factor) number. An SPF of 30 would allow you to stay in the sun 30 times longer than you could without protection but, that doesn’t mean that you can just relax and soak up the sun. No matter what level of SPF, you need to reapply every 3-4 hours due to water, rubbing of clothes, and sweat. Doctor’s also recommended an SPF 30, anything under is too little.

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Colorescience Solution:
Sunforgettable Brush-on Sunscreen SPF30 or SPF50 comes in five tints to even out your skin tone making you look flawless so, whose needs makeup!

Bad Excuse #3: Sunscreens Contain Chemicals
Pure minerals are essentially the only sun protection recommended for young children, whose delicate skins will absorb chemicals from cream-based sunblocks that can be systemic (entering the bloodstream). Also, some adults are allergic to commonly used chemical blocks in over-the-counter sunscreen cream.

Colorescience Solution:
Daily UV Protector SPF offers a multilevel defense system combating harmful UVA/UVB rays, free-radical damage, and environmental aggressors. The Brush-0n’s consist of pure mineral powders which don’t release any irritating ingredients, because they’re made with the most natural block available in nature (zinc, and titanium dioxide).

Bad Excuse #4: Allergies and Acne
Most sunscreens are greasy and clog pores, especially from sweating in the sun! And it is widely recognized that acne-prone skins can’t handle the double-dose of chemicals and pore-clogging creams.

Colorescience Solution:
Since the Sunforgettable Brush-on SPF is a mineral powder, it is extremely lightweight, yet powerful for a barely-there feel that provides the safest, non-irritating, instant UVA and UVB sun protection. This also means that you can “forget” about grease! Colorescience UV Protector line won’t cause breakouts or irritations.

How’s your SPF IQ?

Take the American Cancer Society’s  Sun Safety Quiz and test your knowledge on sunscreen. In addition to using sunscreen, avoid tanning beds, limit your direct exposure to the sun and cover up whether it’s a cute caftan, wide-brimmed hat, rash guard or umbrella. Down the line, your skin will thank you by looking ageless.

What are the right steps for your morning skincare routine?

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Owner of A French Touch Salon, Patricia Kaspian, gives us those steps and the short version.

Those of us living or working on the central coast, we all know about the microclimates, from the dry, tough heat up in Paso Robles to the foggy, cool days in Morro Bay. And of course, add in the environmental hazards such as the recent fires and our skin is screaming for attention. What can we do for our skin, to start the day off right? I sat down with a French touch salon’s owner and skincare expert, Patricia Kaspian to find out what we should be doing for our morning skincare routine. I have to admit I’m not good when it comes to a routine with many steps; i mean who has that kind of time these days but then, the alternative is damaged and prematurely aging skin and who seriously wants to look old before their time?! Exactly! We’re on the same page.

Hi Patricia! I know you have a very busy schedule so let’s get to it…please educate us on what we need to do for our morning skincare routine.

Patricia: Your morning routine is to begin with a freshening cleanse so it responds well to the products that you’ll be using. These are the steps i highly recommend…

  1. A milk cleanser…it won’t strip the skin.
  2. Toner…a very important part of your routine! It removes every last bit of dirt or what the cleanse doesn’t get. It prepares your skin for better absorption of the products that will follow.
  3. Then your eyes…a very delicate area. Use a multi-action eye contour cream or serum that penetrates well into this delicate tissue to address concerns like fine lines, puffiness ir dark circles.
  4. This next step is critical and not many women know about it…add a professional vitamin c (over the counter versions fall sadly short of what a spa or medical line such as Jan Marini can provide in terms of results).a daily vitamin which is a free radical scavenger. For the whole day, it builds the skin’s defenses against any environmental aggressions.
  5. If you’re applying the Jan Marini skincare regimen, cleansing and vitamin c (above) are followed with an exfoliating glycolic acid bio-clear cream to stimulate cell turnover to keep your skin glowing.
  6. Customized serum and moisturizer is next to create that nourishing, moisturizing barrier which delivers more peptides & anti-oxidants. And, a good moisturizer will make the skin supple and less prone to wrinkles over time.
  7. Don’t forget about your neck cream!! We have Jan Marini’s Juveneck. Please don’t stop at the face. Take it downtown ladies and nourish that décolletage.
  8. Lastly, the finisher, is the sunscreen…whether it is Sothys SPF 30 (face & body), the anti-oxidant SPF 30 from Jan Marini or the all-in-one, make-up & SPF 50 mineral sunscreen by Colorescience…we have many powerful protective options that fit your taste and lifestyle. But remember…sunscreens last only 80-90 minutes a day so you must reapply! Even if you’re driving.

What do people need to know about most face washes? If there is soap in the wash, do they not tend to strip our skin?

Patricia: Yes, they do, compromising the delicate acid mantle of the skin.  I recommend using a purifying foam gel for oily skin, for dry or sensitive skins use a milk cleanser. I’d suggest using the bioglycolic cleanser which dissolves more dead cells and debris, getting rid of the flakiness and dryness so then, you’re left with skin primed and ready for better absorption.

Most people have a lifestyle, and patience, that can only handle a few steps in the morning. What steps would you say are a priority if someone just can’t or won’t take the necessary time in the morning to care for their skin?

Patricia: First, micellar waters are very big right now. They’ve been popular in Europe for years and we’re loving this easy peazy option because, they thoroughly clean and tone the skin and double as an eye makeup remover. Micellar water by Sothys is a great choice and perfect for all skin types. They can’t be beat for gym workouts and travel kits. Next, the vitamin c…it’s critical. It’s a step that you can’t afford to miss. Followed by your sunscreen. An anti-oxidant sunscreen which is actually hydrating. That could be the shortened version of taking care of and protecting your skin for the day. However, for those of you that have dry skin…you have to add a hydrating step with a serum or cream moisturizer.

Ok, people. Those are the steps for you to follow. Whether you do them all or can’t make the time and do the short version…starting your day off right by protecting and hydrating your skin will keep you looking fresh and youthful. You can come in the salon and find everything you need to follow these steps…one stop shop and Patricia would be more than happy to help you and answer any questions you might have. Patricia has high ratings and a following for a reason! Better yet, book online and get the full “French touch” experience! Au revoir!

 

Protect Yourself 365 Days a Year!

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Bonjour, Mes Amis!

Summer is over, and we’re finally getting a taste of fall’s fog and chill today!  I love cooler weather, and am embracing the chance to wear boots and sweaters today!

photoHowever, we at A French Touch and our friends at Colorescience want to remind you that sun protection is not just a thing of summer days past!  Our skin is always vulnerable to sun damage, even during cold weather and fog!

The Skin Cancer Foundation says, “You are probably in the habit of packing sunscreen for a day at the beach or pool. But the sun is up there 365 days a year, and you need protection much of that time to reduce your lifetime sun-exposure total. Everyday exposure counts; you do not have to be actively sunbathing to get a damaging dose of the sun.”

They give these guidelines to help provide your skin with the year-round protection it needs to be healthy and to fight off the visible aging that sun damage causes:

  • Use a sun screen of 15 spf or higher every single day.  Colorescience has you covered here, with their 30 and 50 spf Sunforgettable natural mineral protection brushes, which provide sheer, cs non-irritating physical protection from the sun.  All Colorescience brushes and primers have an SPF rating of 20 or higher, making them perfect for that extra bit of protection added to your make up routine!  If you’d rather use a cream than a powder, Jan Marini’s Antioxidant SPF 33 Protectant is the perfect alternative, and is on sale while supplies last for 50% off with the purchase of any other Jan Marini product!  Stop by whenever you have a chance!
  • Make sure to protect all areas of exposed skin, and easily overlooked places like lips, ears, around eyes, scalp, anything that isn’t covered by clothing!
  • Reapply every 2 hours at least, regardless of the SPF!
  • Cover up!  Wear non-sheer fabrics, hats, and sunglasses to ensure further protection from the sun, especially on sunny days.hat
  • Seek the shade, but never a tan!  Remember, mes amis, the only safe tan comes in a bottle (and even then, only from high-quality brands like Sothys!)
  • UV rays can penetrate clouds and fog!  “Just because you can’t see your shadow doesn’t mean you’re safe from the sun’s damaging rays. Believe it or not, up to 80 percent of the sun’s UV rays can penetrate through clouds and fog.”

Your skin’s youthfulness can only go as far as you are willing to go to preserve it!  Protecting your skin from sun damage is the easiest and most effective step you can take to preventing the visible signs of aging.  So remember, apply and reapply, every day!

Bisous,

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A Healthy Tan, is there such a thing?

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If you’ve been spending time in the sun this summer to achieve a bronze, kissed-by-the-sun look, then you’re most likely over-exposing your skin to UVA and UVB rays.  But, did you know there is a safer way to get a summer glow?  You don’t have to allow the sun to be the culprit that’s aging your skin more quickly.  With Colorescience Pro Minerals and Jan Marini Sun Care products, you’ll have a beautiful, healthy bronze, without the damaging effects of the sun.

There are 3 main products that we recommend for a healthy tan!  

1. Colorescience Pro Illuminating Serum – in Bronze or Champagne Kiss: This  radiance-boosting formula, rich in peptides, antioxidants, and hydrating hyaluronic acid provides a healthy, luminous base.  Both Bronze and Champagne Kiss work beautifully on their own, but you can also give your skin a hint of bronze and an illuminating glow by blending the two together.

2. Jan Marini Tinted  SPF 30 Antioxidant Block: This skin-friendly iron oxide mineral formula creates a sun-kissed look by adding a warm neutral shade to the skin that compliments virtually any skin tone.  The waterproof formula ensures continuous coverage for extended exposure to the sun’s rays.  Compared to other sunscreens, the Jan Marini Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant provides a lasting oil-free, matte finish, leaving your skin with a soft, silky, conditioned effect.

3. Jan Marini Bioglycolic Sunless Self-Tanner:  This product allows you to enjoy an attractive, glowing tan without over-exposing your skin to the damaging effects of the environment.  Bioglycolic Sunless Self-Tanner is composed of an amino acid that interacts with the skin’s proteins to activate a natural, long-lasting color change without dying your skin.  This means your skin won’t appear orange because the color will adjust to your specific skin type to match its tone and coloration.

Remember to minimize your sun time!

Minimize your time in the sun to maximize your protection against aging.  Exposure to the sun not only causes harmful damage to your skin, such as burns, wrinkles, and fine lines, but also enlarges your pores.  If you’re noticing your pores getting larger, you can learn how to reduce the size of your pores and get that flawless look you desire.

Sunburn Recovery Tips

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Summer is here, which typically means more time in the sun.  If you find yourself in the position that you forgot to re-apply your SPF protection consistently throughout the day and you are now suffering from a red, sore sunburn, here are a few ways to treat and soothe your skin.

1.) Drink cold water.  Drinking cold water will lower the temperature of the body and internally hydrate.  This is important to remember because your body loses fluids when it becomes overheated.

2.) Apply a lightweight lotion that contains antioxidants.  Sunburn is the ultimate cause of inflammation and skin damage.  Using a lotion with antioxidants will help reduce damage that a sunburn can cause deep beneath the skin, encouraging repair.  A clear, fragrance free aloe vera gel will relieve and reduce irritation from the burn, while soothing and softening the skin.  The aloe will help restore moisture and lost nutrients that were removed by the sun.  In addition, it can be re-applied continuously to moisturize the burn without causing more damage to the skin. 

3.) Don’t over moisturize with standard lotion.  If you apply too much lotion (without healing power)  to your sunburn, the heavy oils in the lotion have the potential to act as a barrier and trap heat, causing the skin to remain red longer. 

And finally, let this be your lesson – remember to reapply SPF consistently throughout the day, wear a protective hat, and stay under the shade whenever possible.