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A French Touch Salon

The finest in Parisian skin care on the central coast.

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sun protection

Summertime Sun Protection!

May 5, 2014 By patkaspian

Bonjour, Mes Amis!

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and this close to summer is the perfect time to remind everyone how important it is to use sun screen 365 days a year!

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation:

  • Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. More than 3.5 million skin cancers in over two million people are diagnosed annually.
  • One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime.
  • About 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
  • Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is a proven human carcinogen.
  • More than 90 percent of the visible changes commonly attributed to skin aging are caused by the sun.

And sadly, the number of  skin cancer diagnoses are on the rise, rather than the decline in the US, and a vast majority of the complications related to skin cancer can be prevented by regular use of sun protection.

Being proactive is the best way to keep you and your family safe and healthy, so please be sure to apply sunscreen to yourself, your kids, and other loved ones every time you go outside, or even in the car (you can sustain significant sun damage through car windows!).  Not only will you have the peace of mind of keeping your skin healthy, you’ll reduce a significant amount of your skin’s visible signs of aging.

Need to restock on the most effective sun screen?  Check out this list of our favorite sun screens for an easy option for strong sun protection all summer long.

Colorescience Sunforgettable All-Natural SPF50 Mineral Protection

“Achieve the ultimate protection from sun damage and its aging effects with a soft focus finish. Colorescience Sunforgettable mineral sunscreens are easy to apply and re-apply throughout the day to keep skin protected and beautiful.”  Sunforgettable SPF 50 (the highest SPF ranking allowed by the FDA)  highly refined mineral sunscreen provides safe, non-irritating, UVA and UVB sun protection. The self-dispensing powder brush makes it easy to apply and re-apply throughout the day for continued coverage. Ideal for an active lifestyle, and easy for use with kids- won’t sting  the eyes, non-greasy alternative to heavy, chemically-based drugstore creams (pure minerals mean no chemicals, dyes, tints, oils or perfumes).

Even the most of sensitive of skins love this lightweight solution to the dilemma of what sunscreen to wear. The micronized minerals in this hypoallergenic powder actually reduce the surface temperature of the skin by a few degrees, making it the ultimate sunscreen for those with Rosacea. Chemically-based sunscreens interact with our skin chemistry, heating up the skin and activating capillary activity that leads to redness commonly exhibited in rosacea patients. Colorescience’s inorganic, physical sunscreen based on pure minerals does not interact with the skin, as it provides a safe “blanket” of protection to keep the skin cool, calm and free from over-activity that leads to redness.

Brush_3shades

Sothys Cellu-guard: Sun Care

The French know skin~ that’s why “Sothys has created a new generation of sun care: the exclusive association of Cellu-Guard  and jasmine flavonoids provides both dual tissue protection and triple cellular protection, while also enhancing the natural protection system of the skin against free radicals.” Don’t just protect- promote healthy skin despite exposure by caring for your skin apres-sun!

Need a little base color before the shorts and skirts come out to play? Face & Body Self-Tanning Cream has a non-tinted cream formula that gives a natural, sublime and long-lasting tan to the skin without the intense scents and orange hue common to other formulas.

Repairing Age-Defying Face Care is an intensive formula to protect and repair the skin against the aggression of free radicals caused by sun damage. Did you know that 95% of visible skin aging is DIRECTLY attributed to sun-damage? This emollient moisturizer doubles as an anti-aging cream, as it increases firmness, radiance and hydration. After a day of glorious (but damaging) sunshine, soothe and heal the skin by applying this delicious emollient cream as a mask- and then use it as a deeply repairing night cream!

Soothing After-Sun Body Care is a refreshing fluid which softens the skin immediately after exposure through its soothing active ingredients. Prevents photo-induced aging and hydrates to restore the skin’s full radiance.

sothys-sun-careJan Marini Sun Protection

Marini Physical Protectant SPF 45 is a weightless sunscreen that features Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide (our favorite chemical-free options) in a universal tint with microscopic sponges for additional oil control and a sheer, matte finish. Green tea extract and alpha bisabolol provide enhanced free radical protection while soothing and calming the skin from stress caused by UV and heat.

Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant SPF 33 comes in sheer, or three compatible sunkissed shades; we love to use them as the Ultimate BB Cream!  A sunscreen you’ll love to wear — this invisible, hydrating and weightless sunscreen feels amazing and smells great (think of the islands minus the coconut) for the ultimate in daily wearability. A fast-absorbing, cosmetically elegant formula features microscopic sponges for additional oil control making it the perfect sunscreen for wearing under makeup or as your light “this is my natural beautiful skintone” coverage. Enhanced by the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and skin rejuvenating benefits of phytomelanin and beta glucan 1,3 to help prevent and reverse damage caused by sun exposure.

 

spf 45

Please remember to wear your sun screen, mes amis; stay happy, stay healthy, stay beautiful!

Filed Under: Tips Tagged With: A French Touch, colorescience, Jan Marini, skin cancer, Skin Cancer Foundation, sothys, Sun Damage, sun protection, Sun Screen, UV Rays

Visit us at SLO’s Annual Health and Fitness Expo!

March 5, 2014 By patkaspian

Bonjour, Mes Amis!

photo (7)Mark your calendars for SLO’s Annual Health and Fitness Expo on March 22nd and 23rd!  For this whole weekend, over 100 businesses and organizations are going to get together at the Alex Madonna Expo Center to celebrate and promote healthier living in the San Luis Obispo area.

Admission into the expo is totally free, and you’ll have access to educational seminars, medical testing (including BMI, body composition, etc.), and the expertise of many health and fitness professionals from around the county.  What better way to invest a little time in yourself and your family than spending time together learning about how to become healthier, happier people!

Brush_3shades

A French Touch will be there, representing the very best that skin care has to offer starting with maximum sun protection from JAN MARINI SKIN RESEARCH and COLORESCIENCE PRO MINERALS.  As many of you probably know, The Skin Cancer Foundation reminds us that  up to 90% of visible signs of aging (hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, loss of tone and elasticity) is directly caused by sun damage to the skin.  So the very best way to protect yourself while you’re out enjoying the fabulous weather and outdoor activities that we are so lucky to have on the Central Coast, is to be sure you are using a TRULY broad-spectrum sunscreen, like Colorescience’s Sunforgettable SPF 50 Mineral Powders, or Jan Marini’s SPF 45 Physical Protectant (for those seeking a paraben free, chemical free alternative to 90% of the sunscreen market).Screen shot 2013-06-03 at 7.06.57 PM

The Expo is also hosting a 5K race through the beautiful hills and pastures around Madonna Mountain on the morning of Saturday the 22nd to kick things off.  After hosting a Facebook contest over the weekend to give away 2 tickets to the 5K, we happily extend our congratulations to Bonnie–a wonderful friend and client–and a lucky friend, who won their tickets free from us!  We hope that she has fun, and stops by to see us at our booth after her run!  

If you missed out on this Facebook contest, be sure to stay tuned; I’ll be keeping you posted on additional contests, as well as the amazing specials, that we’ll have at the Expo here on our blog and on our Facebook page, so be sure to ‘like us’ and follow along!

Bisous,

jessie signature

Filed Under: Tips Tagged With: A French Touch, A French Touch Parisian Skincare Salon, a french touch salon, Colorescience Pro Minerals, Jan Marini Skin Research, skincare, SLO Health and Fitness Expo, sun protection

Don’t Let the Winter Chill Dry Out Your Skin

January 15, 2014 By patkaspian

Bonjour, Mes Amis!

woman-with-winter-skin-in-snowEven though the words “winter chill” might only mean 60 and overcast here on the beautiful Central Coast (while the rest of the country is under several feet of snow, no less!), colder weather and drier air is here, which could wreak havoc on your skin. The dry air literally zaps all of the moisture out of your skin that we get from natural oils, products, and even the humidity that is more prominent during the rest of the year, and can leave your skin looking and feeling parched and chapped.  Jan Marini recently shared an article about dry skin in which Sarasota, FL, dermatologist Elizabeth F. Callahan, MD, said “Treatment for dry skin needs to Jan_Marini_Rejuvenate_and_Protectrestore moisture to the epidermal barrier so it can properly hold water in and allow the skin to heal.”  A well-known celebrity aesthetician, Nerida Joy, also advises, “Dry skin needs to be treated with a hyaluronic acid serum and a vitamin C serum. Hyaluronic acid helps to coat the cells with moisture, and vitamin C acts as a skin protector. It’s also really good for those with sun damage since it provides antioxidant benefits, too.” This is why our Rejuvenate and Protect Kit, which contains Marini Physical Protectant SPF 45 OR Antioxidant Daily Protectant SPF 33, C-Esta Serum, and C-Esta Cleanser (your FREE gift with purchase), comes out in Winter.  Check out these simple tips that can be easily added to your daily skin care regimen to protect your skin during these dry months!

1.  Avoid Hot Water.

Using hot water to wash your face actually does more damage than good; the heat sucks the moisture out of your skin, and leaves you with a dry, nonabsorbent canvas for the rest of your products.  Instead, use cool, room-temperature, or lukewarm water with your cleanser after (not in!) the shower.  The lower temperature will help your skin absorb moisture, rather than encourage evaporation and exaggerate capillary and Rosacea damage,  so that there’s a bit of moisture there already for your moisturizer to lock in.

sponge on face

2.  Remember the Sponge Metaphor!

This (as many of us know!) is one of Patricia’s favorite metaphors when it comes to caring for your skin!  Imagine that you’ve spilled something over your counter top (most likely a Peppermint Mocha, in my case!), and you grab a sponge to clean it up.  Now, a dry sponge will absorb some of the mess, but probably not a lot of it.  A pre-moistened sponge, however, will be much better at absorbing what is left of your delicious Mocha, simply because it’s already damp.  Our skin works the same way; when our skin is dry, it doesn’t absorb nearly as much of our lotions and creams as when it is moisturized and healthy.  Keeping your skin adequately moisturized will not only help you maintain a fresh, healthy look but help the rest of your products penetrate more deeply.  Moisturized skin is also better able to fight the formation of wrinkles and expression lines, while dry skin has weaker support and therefore wrinkles more, and has a weaker moisture barrier. 

3.  Use a Good Cleanser.

sothys

 Sothys Milk Cleansers are the best to use when it comes to maintaining a moisturized healthy look.  These gentle products don’t strip the skin of natural oils but still remove dirt and buildup from your skin.  Also remember to NEVER use plain old soap; regular soap will suck the life right out of your skin and limit the ability for it to absorb other products (talk about looking like a dried out sponge!).

4.  Use Toner.

Toner is a French secret that is still largely undiscovered by American culture; this super-moisturizing lotion is the perfect step to add to your skin care routine, right after your cleanser and right before your moisturizer.  The French actually use toners (just a dab on a small sponge or cotton pad will do), rather than water, to wash off their cleansers because it moisturizes the skin so much more; and the more moisture is actually in your skin (be it from naturally produced oils or a Sothys Toner), the better your moisturizer will work, because it will lock in that moisture and keep your skin looking fresh and youthful.  And remember that Sothys toners are alcohol-free- a MUST with any toner!  And, like most of Sothys skincare, paraben-free to boot!

5.  Use Sun Protection!

According to Allure Magazine, “Even in the winter, UV rays can interfere with skin-barrier function and prevent skin from holding on to moisture.  Use a lotion with SPF 30 or higher every morning and carry a sunscreen powder, such as Colorescience Sunforgettable Mineral Sunscreen Brush (SPF 50), for touch-ups.”   Our Jan Marini Antioxidant Daily Protectants, available in our Rejuvenate and Protect Bundles and on special this month, are the perfect product for your morning sun block, or the perfect alternative if you prefer an elegant cream sunscreen to a lighter weight powder.

6.  Come Visit Us at A French Touch!

kit hiverFor the rest of January, our Sothys Milk Cleansers and Toners are on sale; receive double the quantity for the price of the smaller bottles. Such a great way to keep your skin soft and silky during the cold weather, and all year long!

We are also offering a Sothys Winter Hydration Sample Kit, complete with a few of their most nutritive moisturizing products, for $25 to keep your skin hydrated and healthy no matter what the weather. It includes Nutritive Comfort Cream (moisturizing facial care), Hydra-nourishing Body Lotion (moisturizing body care), Essential Lipid Elixir (softens and enhances moisture barrier), and Velvet Hand Cream (velvety-smooth nourishment for your hands).

Finally, make sure you are wearing your Colorescience or Jan Marini sunscreen daily, and look into the Rejuvenate and Protect Bundle from Jan Marini, which is on special this month; $130 (about $40 off!) for Marini Physical Protectant SPF 45 OR Antioxidant Daily Protectant SPF 33 (your choice!), C-Esta Serum, and C-Esta Cleanser for a healthy dose of Vitamin C.

No matter what the weather this winter, remember that keeping your skin hydrated is the most fundamental step in maintaining healthy looking skin and helping your other skin care products penetrate more deeply all year round; don’t lose that winter glow just because the weather outside is frightful! (Or just 60 and overcast, but you know what I mean!)

Bisous,

jessie signature

Filed Under: Tips Tagged With: A French Touch, A French Touch Parisian Skincare Salon, a french touch salon, colorescience, Dry Skin, Hyaluronic Acid, Jan Marini, Milk Cleanser, Moisterization, Moisturizer, Rejuvenate and Protect, sothys, specials, sun protection, Toner, Vitamin C, Winter Damage to Skin

Protect Yourself 365 Days a Year!

October 8, 2013 By patkaspian

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,

jessie signature

Filed Under: Tips Tagged With: A French Touch, A French Touch Parisian Skincare Salon, colorescience, Colorescience Sunforgettable, Mineral Sun Protection, Skin Care, SPF, Sun Damage, sun exposure, sun protection, Sun Screen, Year-Round Sun Protection

New Product! Marini Physical Protectant SPF 45

October 5, 2012 By patkaspian

A French Touch Parisian Skincare Salon is proud to present the latest product from Jan Marini Skin Research!

Marini Physical Protectant is a sunblock, but it is also so much more. It carries the same antioxidants as your favorite Jan Marini Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant, but at SPF 45 – a little extra protection never hurts!

With the holiday season coming up, sun protection may not be high on everyone’s priorities. But the sun still reaches your skin in cold weather, so that’s no excuse to allow damaging rays to prematurely age your skin. This particular sunblock works overtime to prevent aging through its use of purely physical filters to prevent sun damage without resorting to harsh chemicals. These filter both UVA and UVB rays to prevent skin damage and premature aging. In addition to this damage-fighting technology,  Marini Physical Protectant contains antioxidants which enhance your skin to keep it looking youthful.

Marini Physical Protectant is unique in that it carries a universal tint which works on any skin tone. The weightless formula carries microscopic sponges to absorb oil and give your skin a sheer, matte finish. In addition to all that, the sunblock is enhanced by the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and skin conditioning benefits of green tea extract, alpha-bisabolol and CoEnzyme Q10 to soothe and calm the skin from stress caused by UV and heat.

The best part: this month, when you buy Marini Physical Protectant, you can get 50% off your next mini facial! Don’t miss this opportunity to try a cutting-edge new product and keep your skin healthy!

Filed Under: Product Tagged With: a french touch salon, antioxidants, Beauty, Health, Human skin, Jan Marini, Jan Marini Skin Research, makeup, Parisian skincare, Shopping, Skin Care, skin products, skincare, SPF 45, sun protection, sunblock, sunscreen, Ultraviolet

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