Skincare

Hi Everyone!


   I am Rebecca Jones, the esthetician at Bellezza Salon & Spa; (that's my photo to the left at our charity fashion show last year).  It seems like almost everyday I am asked by our wonderful clients, friends and sometimes even coworkers, what I use on my skin.  I figured I would share some of my skincare secrets with you and what I advise my clients to get the best skin possible for you!

   To first explain you need to know that I have fairly normal to dry skin, it is also super sensitive.  This is a curse and a blessing, while I hardly ever had breakouts as a teenager, I fear that as I age, I need to moisturize even more than others to keep my skin dewy fresh and glowing!  Also, great skin does not come easy, it does take work.  I tell my clients all the time that the skin damage did not occur over night and neither will a skin transformation.  It takes time and patience, you also have to find the right products that work for you! 

   The first step to my skin is a daily regimen that starts first thing in the morning.  I am a morning person, so this is when I get my "extra" skincare steps in when needed.  In the shower, I cleanse my skin with either Glo Theraputics Hydrating Cleanser (I LOVE the scent and it has lactic acid in it for an anti-aging boost!) or I use Dr. Schwab's Herbal Foaming Cleanser (great for taking off makeup on your eyes, its creamy & and not irritating to skin at all!). 

   After cleansing my face, if I'm feeling a little "red" then I put on Glo Therapeutics Conditioning Tonic.  If not, I start by putting Glo's Vitamin C 10% serum all over (including the back of my hands because let's face it, that's where aging shows too!).  I then apply Glo Peptide + Defense; this is another serum of sorts, but I love the smell and find it to be a little more moisturizing for my dry skin.  It helps to protect my skin from damaging free radicals that my skin encounters all day long.
    I follow this up by placing my Glo Eye Restore eye cream under my eyes in a circle all the way around my brow bone.  Because the skin around your eyes is very sensitive, place the cream on with your ring finger for less pulling, it can help reduce creating more wrinkles.  I follow this with my Glo Conditioning Hydration Cream (this moisturizer is great for almost anyone, but if you have oily skin, you'll want to go with a lighter choice like Glo's Oil Control).  Then FINALLY, my final step is to apply GLO 40 SPF all over, including my neck and the back of my hands.  I can't tell you how many times I have been driving to work and notice all the sun on my hands as they are on the steering wheel.  I'm so glad to have them protected! 

   On my days off from the spa, I hardly ever wear foundation and skip the Glo moisturizer and sunscreen and opt for a $14 tinted moisturizer with sunscreen by Neutrogena. 

   For my evening routine, I basically follow the same cleansing steps, but change up my serums.  I will tell you that sometimes it's all I can do to peel myself off the couch to go wash my face at night. If you are like me in the way, it may be best for you to wash your face the second you get home!  On those nights, I use Neutrogena face wipes to at least cleanse off all of my makeup. Bare Minerals may say that it's so pure you can sleep in it, but trust me when I say that you and your skin will regret that decision in the morning!

   I usually cleanse at night with my Clairsonic.  Clairsonic says you can use it morning and night, but my skin is too sensitive for both.  I follow up with my Glo Super Serum or Tretinol, eye cream and then my moisturizer.  I sometimes use a heavier moisturizer at night, just depends on the season.  Charleston summers are so humid, I find I can get away with a lighter moisturizer in the evenings during the next few months.

  On Sundays, I follow up my cleansing with the Glo Pumpkin Enzyme Scrub. I only scrub 1-2 times a week, over exfoliating can actually be really rough on your skin and cause more damage. I also use a mask on my skin once a week (stays on 10 minutes), I do this in the shower and keep it on while I wash my hair, etc.

  I do wear Bare Minerals makeup; I love their foundations, blushes, lip glosses and bronzers. 

   Great skin also comes from with what you place into your body as well.  I drink a lot of water throughout the day.  I hardly ever drink alcohol and I do not smoke.  Smoking can take oxygen away from your skin, causing it to look dry & depleted of nutrients.  It can also cause breakouts and make you look a lot older than you really are!

   If you are ready to take the next step in your skincare routine, give me a call!! I can help you reach your skincare goals and give you your own personalized skincare steps to give you the best skin possible. If you add in facials every 4-6 weeks with your new skin care routine, you will see a change in your skin and so will others!

843-573-1112 - Call to make a facial appointment or to consult with me about your skin 
   

How to get Rid of Blemishes at any Age!

You're no longer a teenager, so why are you getting a breakout and how do you take care of it?  

When you're in your 

20s:  Excess oil production creates a breeding ground for P-acnes bacteria that causes acne & clogged pores.  You can fend off the breakouts by using a cleanser with glycolic or salicylic acid to control the oil and exfoliate the skin to keep it from getting so clogged.  (MD Formulations Basic Glycolic Cleanser, $32 is available at Bellezza)

30s: When your in your 30s, your skin cell turnover rate has begun to slow down and as a result, dull flaky skin can get trapped deep inside of your pores. Exfoliating can help keep skin smooth.  Cleansing your skin with the Clarisonic ($195), daily will help to keep your skin clean and blemish free! 

40s:  If you thought you were out of the woods for any blemishes, you'd be wrong!  Your estrogen levels have decreased and testosterone is starting to increase, which can trigger major acne flare ups.  Collagen production is also low, making the skin become thinner looking.  You can spot treat your acne with a benzoyl peroxide acne treatment (MD Formulations Benzoyl Peroxide Treatment 10%) and to up the collagen in your skin, try a Microdermabrasion treatment with light therapy, ($100).  

50s: Lessening collagen in the skin causes it to be red and inflamed.  Regular microdermabrasion treatments will jump start your cell-turnover rate to a faster rate, and the light therapy helps to rebuild your collagen production. 

Benefits of Collagen

Collagen is essential for young-looking skin because it gives structure to our skin cells. But as we age, the body produces less of it. Since naturally occurring enzymes break collagen down, in turn, causing the skin to thin, lose fullness and form wrinkles. The sun, polllution, free radicals and smoke are also responsible for disintegrating collagen.

Beauty Benefits of Collagen:

• Fewer Stretch Marks
• Less Cellulite
• Wrinkle Free
• Tighter Skin

What you can do to boost and improve your collagen production:

Using topical serums & moisturizers that contain peptides, vitamin C, and retinol.

Regular facials with IPL & LED treatments - these treatments helps sun-damaged skin, which is usually depleted of collagen. These treatments are only a $20 upgrade to any facial and are completely pain free!

Foods that can boost your collagen production:

• Orange Vegetables (rich in Vitamin A that restore and regengerate damaged collagen)
• White Tea
• Berries (Blackberries rid free radicals while increasing collagen levels!)
• Dark Green Veggies - very rich in vitamin C
• Water-Rich Vegetables
• Fish
• Soy
• Red Vegetables - such as tomatoes & peppers, have a natural form of SPF which help protect the skin from damage

Call for an appointment with our skincare therapist, Rebecca. She can recommend the perfect facial for your skin and help get your collagen back on track!

Galvanic Facial

It has been a while since I've written about the "mini face lift facial", but Bellezza's galvanic facial is becoming more and more popular! Galvanic treatments have been around in the skincare industry for years and they've lasted the test of time because it works!

What exactly does Galvanic do? Galvanic treatment delivers a galvanic current of different charges to the area you are looking to make wrinkle-free. But the procedure does much more than that, everyone's complexion after the treatment will begin to look more healthy and vibrant immediately - and look that way for up to 1 week! The High Frequency part of this machine works to kill bacteria that clogs pores and creates skin irritation (great for acne, after facials and after waxing).Its a great service to try before going to a big event because it gives you the glow you want, helps penetrate products deeper into the skin to help heal acne, smooth wrinkles, and even out skin tone.


You can get this treatment added on to any facial for only $20! After your initial facial plus the galvanic treatment, you can get just the galvanic without the whole facial up to twice a week to keep your skin looking great!


Individual treatments without the facial are only $30! And can be done every 3-4 days inbetween your 4-5 week facials.


All of my clients have been raving about how their skin looks & feels after their galvanic treatments!


(Contraindications for this procedure are: pregnancy, seizures, pacemakers or any other "metal" in the body)



Call today to book your appointment with Rebecca

843-573-1112

The Five Rules of Skincare

Want the best skin you've ever had? Follow these 5 simple steps to help reach your goals this year:

1. Cleanse with a cleanser that is specifically made for your skin type. Not sure what kind of skin you have? Wash your face, but don't apply any moisturizer. After an hour does your skin feel tight? If so, its most likely normal to dry. Does it feel slick? Oily. Or is it somewhere in between? You may have combination skin. Follow up with a toner (NOT an astringent) that can help balance the pH of your skin.


2. Follow up with a serum that can help keep your skin in tip top shape! Find one with all the ingredients to help you with anti-aging properties, to help acne or to replenish moisture! Try Glo-Minerals Super Serum to combat everything and help fight off free radicals!

3. Follow up with a moisturizer! Everyone should wear a moisturizer, even if you have oily skin! MD Formulations has a great antioxidant line that is perfect for any type of skin!

4. Exfoliate at least once or twice a week! Md Formulations has the perfect glycolic face and body scrub...perfect to use before getting spray tanned!

5. Wear sunscreen, Wear sunscreen, wear sunscreen!!! Everyday, even if it is in your makeup foundation.


2 last minute details to ensure your skin looks it's best?

- Wash your face in the morning AND at night! Your skin repairs itself at night, so give it room to breathe!

- Visit me, Rebecca Jones, skincare therapist, at Bellezza for a one on one consultation about your skin, get a customized facial to help give your skin a boost and get on the right track to beautiful, even toned skin!

Its a new decade - but that doesn't mean you can't turn back the hands of time!

Happy New Year from Bellezza Salon & Spa!

Looking to improve your skin this year?

Look no further, we've got the advice and right customized facial for you!

Ages: 16-20

It is never too early to start a great skincare regime! You'll need the right cleanser for your skin, a great serum and a moisturizer. Don't forget your daily sunscreen too! A facial every 6-8 weeks is recommended to help keep your skin on track!



Ages: 20-30s

Once you're in your 20's - your skin is already aging more rapidly than it did ten years ago. Combat the signs of aging by plumping the skin with a great ginkosome serum during the day and a citrusome serum for night to help reduce the wrinkles you already have. Come in for a customized purifying facial every 4-6 weeks to help hydrate, correct & protect your skin! Once in your 30s, microdermabrasion is recommended to help even out skin tone and kick start your skin's glowing - youthful look!

Ages: 40s-50s

If you haven't tried microdermabrasion yet, now is the time! It evens out skin tone, reduces fine lines, wrinkles, & age spots, plus it can help reduce the look of acne scarring too! A series of 6 is recommended to see results. Glycolic facials are also an option for someone who is looking for a more intensive peel.


Want to kick it up a notch? Add on a galvanic non-surgical facelift for $20 to any facial for an instant mini "lift"!

Mini Non-Surgical Facelift

Look great at all the family & friend gatherings this season with our Facial Galvanic Treatment!

Galvanic treatments have been around for years in the facial industry, but have just recently had a major come back in skin treatments! What makes the galvanic treatment add on so special, it makes skin look younger, healthier, and more radiant. It does this through using several types of gels and by alternating the charges in them by creating an electrical current.


How does this work you ask?

The galvanic instrument is applied across the skin, both it and the pre-treatment gel are positively charged (the instrument is run through first at a negative charge). The charges repel each other and it forces the treatment gel into the skin much deeper than usual. However, since the pre-treatment ingredients are still negatively charged, they will be pulled upwards and out of the skin, bringing their impurities with them.
The general result should be to make skin healthier, smoother and generally free of impurities.

The results are beautiful skin and who doesn't want that for their skin?

Add on your Galvanic Treatment to any facial for $20. You may have just the treatment for $55, but without the other facial ingredients being used, results will not be as favorable than if used with a full facial.

Our esthetician recommends getting a facial with upgraded galvanic treatment first, then a series of just the galvanic treatments afterwards for upkeep & maintenance.

Tired of dealing with breakouts?

Each client that has acne is unique, so that's why I like to give an analysis for what kind of treatment they should receive when heading to the spa for facials. While acne can be one of the most frustrating skin problems for adults and teenagers, it is also one of the most common reasons a person comes to me for facials, peels and microdermabrasion. There are many different types of acne all caused by different factors such as genetics, environmental, hormones and immunity. Before you spend time going to a doctor, you should try spa treatments for mild to moderate cases of acne.

How does a pimple form? Well, a pore becomes clogged with dead skin cells, dirt and oil. P. acnes bacteria feed off the oil in the clogged pore and attract white blood cells to the area. When your body responds, it can cause swelling and redness that is common with most acne.

There are many options in the fight against acne and scars caused by acne. We offer glycolic peels, microdermabrasion, and deep cleansing purifying facials.

These peels work by removing superficial layers of the dead skin cells that can clog pores. Most people can start to see results within their first or second treatments! It is recommended that you do a series of at least 6 peels or microdermabrasion 7-14 days apart. While there is no "downtime" with these treatments, you could possibly have some redness or peeling, but not much.

With these treatments and the right formulated skincare routine, you can have glowing, clear skin by the time summer gets here!

Receive $20 off your first treatment when mentioning this blog!

If you have any further questions regarding chemical peels or microdermabrasion, you can contact me, Rebecca Luther, Skincare Therapist, at Bellezza Salon & Spa: 843-573-1112.

Calling All Mascara Lovers!!!!!

Toss out the mascara... you don't need it anymore!

Have you ever wondered how celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Gwen Stefani or Nicole Kidman have beautiful long lashes on the red carpet? Their secret is Eyelash Extensions!

Eyelash extensions started in Asia and has quickly made its way to the US becoming popular among celebrities in the past few years. For 2009, the new trend is to wear these beautiful lashes, not just for special occasions, but for everyday wear!

Many of my clients that wear the Xtreme Lashes love that they can roll out of bed and still have glam eyes with no effort! You don't have to worry about mascara, clumping, running, or smudging anymore! The eyelashes can be customized for you with different colors, lengths, & thickness. The model in the photo above decided to be bold and add a few highlights of purple lashes mixed in with black.

Eyelash extensions are the best accessory for 2009!! Check out all of my "Before & After" photos on Bellezza's website. Eyelash Extensions are great for brides, proms, balls, formal occasions, or just for everyday wear!

Not sure if a full set is for you? I can do a "half" set for clients as well, call or come by for more information! Flirty "half" sets are great for Prom!!

Hope to see you soon!
- Rebecca Luther, Skincare Therapist & Xtreme Lash Technician

Turn on the Lights!

What is "Light Therapy"?

Light therapy is an effective, non-invasive anti-aging treatment, where there is no pain or downtime. Unlike laser treatments, light therapy doesn't damage the skin in order to stimulate rejuvenation. We most commonly use the light therapy treatment after a microdermabrasion session, but it can be added on to any facial as an upgrade to help increase the efficiency of other treatments, such as serums or masks.
The light therapy is used mainly to treat and prevent acne, reduce the signs of aging and improve overall skin appearance. Bellezza offers the red light therapy, which specifically targets helping to heal blemishes & limit scarring by accelerating the skin's natural healing process and stimulating the production of collagen for skin rejuvenation. It can also help reduce the appearance of superficial hyper-pigmentation (freckles, age spots, etc). The lights can even help reduce minor muscle pain!

Light therapy is included in our Microdermabrasion Treatment or you can add on a light therapy session to your facial today for only $15! Give it a try and see what kind of results it can give your skin!

Rare Minerals Skin Revival Treatment

Come in and try the NEW Rare Minerals Skin Revival Night time treatment by Bare Escentuals!

The first and only preservative-free, mineral-based skincare treatment made with a new generation of active minerals that have proven skin-renewing properties.
It gently exfoliates the skin to promote faster skin cell renewal, delivering clearer, brighter, smoother-looking skin while you sleep.
Rare Minerals by Bare Escentuals comes in different colors to hide your imperfections; so even when you sleep you have glowing skin!

Ask Rebecca for a sample when you stop by for your appointment and experience what others are raving about!