Did you know that superficial and medium-depth chemical peels continue to be the treatment of choice for giving skin an overall youthful appearance by improving its tone and texture?
Peels have a proven track record for correcting such skin conditions such as hyperpigmentation, acne, psoriasis, rosacea, and chronological and environmental aging.
Our customizable PCA Skin Chemical Peels were developed over 20 years ago, and have progressed to be a very gentle, yet highly effective treatment. Its clinically researched formulations and gentle ingredients are carefully blended and work synergistically.
Our lead estethician Jean McBride attended the PCA Skin Biology and Chemical Peel seminar, and can provide you the perfect combination of a customized peel and daily care products to target your personal skin conditions. This professional treatment will dramatically improve skin health, and lead you to a more beautiful complexion.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Saturday, December 4, 2010
14 Tips for Strong and Healthy Nails
Check out this great article from ReadersDigest.com!
http://www.rd.com/living-healthy/14-tips-for-strong-and-healthy-nails/article16138.html
http://www.rd.com/living-healthy/14-tips-for-strong-and-healthy-nails/article16138.html
Dainty Digits
Nails make it easier to pick up small things, clean a frying pan, and scratch an itch. They also provide an external sign of your health, with weak, brittle nails often signaling some nutritional deficiency. Ignore your nails and you could wind up with painful ingrown nails or annoying fungal infections.
Follow these 14 tips for not only well-groomed, but healthy nails on all 20 fingers and toes.
1. To keep your nails hydrated, rub a small amount of petroleum jelly into your cuticle and the skin surrounding your nails every evening before you go to bed or whenever your nails feel dry. Keep a jar in your purse, desk drawer, car -- anywhere you might need it. Not a fan of petroleum jelly? Substitute castor oil. It's thick and contains vitamin E, which is great for your cuticles. Or head to your kitchen cupboard and grab the olive oil -- it also works to moisturize your nails.
2. Wear rubber gloves whenever you do housework or wash dishes. Most household chores, from gardening to scrubbing the bathroom to washing dishes, are murderous on your nails. To protect your digits from dirt and harsh cleaners, cover them with vinyl gloves whenever it's chore time. And for extra hand softness, apply hand cream before you put on the rubber gloves.
3. When pushing back your cuticles (it is not necessary to cut them), come in at a 45-degree angle and be very gentle. Otherwise the cuticle will become damaged, weakening the entire nail, says Mariana Diaconescu, manicurist at the Pierre Michel Salon in New York City.
4. Trim your toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails. This is particularly important if you have diabetes.
5. Dry your hands for at least two minutes after doing the dishes, taking a bath/shower, etc. Also dry your toes thoroughly after swimming or showering. Leaving them damp increases your risk of fungal infection.
6. Air out your work boots and athletic shoes. Better yet, keep two pairs and switch between them so you're never putting your feet into damp, sweaty shoes, which could lead to fungal infections.
7. Wear 100 percent cotton socks. They're best for absorbing dampness, thus preventing fungal infections.
8. Stretch out the beauty of a manicure by applying a fresh top coat every day, says Susie Galvez, owner of Face Works Day Spa in Richmond, Virginia, and author of Hello Beautiful: 365 Ways to Be Even More Beautiful.
9. To make your nails as strong and resilient as a horse's hooves, take 300 micrograms of the B vitamin biotin four to six times a day. Long ago, veterinarians discovered that biotin strengthened horses' hooves, which are made from keratin, the same substance in human nails. Swiss researchers found that people who took 2.5 milligrams of biotin a day for 5.5 months had firmer, harder nails. In a U.S. study, 63 percent of people taking biotin for brittle nails experienced an improvement.
10. Add a glass of milk and a hard-boiled egg to your daily diet. Rich in zinc, they'll do wonders for your nails, especially if your nails are spotted with white, a sign of low zinc intake.
11. File your nails correctly. To keep your nails at their strongest, avoid filing in a back-and-forth motion -- only go in one direction. And never file just after you've gotten out of a shower or bath -- wet nails break more easily.
12. Massage your nails to keep them extra strong and shiny. Nail buffing increases blood supply to the nail, which stimulates the matrix of the nail to grow, says Galvez.
13. Polish your nails, even if it's just with a clear coat. It protects your nails, says manicurist Diaconescu. If you prefer color, use a base coat, two thin coats of color, and a top coat. Color should last at least seven days but should be removed after 10 days.
14. Avoid polish removers with acetone or formaldehyde. They're terribly drying to nails, says Andrea Lynn Cambio, M.D., a New York City dermatologist. Use acetate-based removers instead.
Follow these 14 tips for not only well-groomed, but healthy nails on all 20 fingers and toes.
1. To keep your nails hydrated, rub a small amount of petroleum jelly into your cuticle and the skin surrounding your nails every evening before you go to bed or whenever your nails feel dry. Keep a jar in your purse, desk drawer, car -- anywhere you might need it. Not a fan of petroleum jelly? Substitute castor oil. It's thick and contains vitamin E, which is great for your cuticles. Or head to your kitchen cupboard and grab the olive oil -- it also works to moisturize your nails.
2. Wear rubber gloves whenever you do housework or wash dishes. Most household chores, from gardening to scrubbing the bathroom to washing dishes, are murderous on your nails. To protect your digits from dirt and harsh cleaners, cover them with vinyl gloves whenever it's chore time. And for extra hand softness, apply hand cream before you put on the rubber gloves.
3. When pushing back your cuticles (it is not necessary to cut them), come in at a 45-degree angle and be very gentle. Otherwise the cuticle will become damaged, weakening the entire nail, says Mariana Diaconescu, manicurist at the Pierre Michel Salon in New York City.
4. Trim your toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails. This is particularly important if you have diabetes.
5. Dry your hands for at least two minutes after doing the dishes, taking a bath/shower, etc. Also dry your toes thoroughly after swimming or showering. Leaving them damp increases your risk of fungal infection.
6. Air out your work boots and athletic shoes. Better yet, keep two pairs and switch between them so you're never putting your feet into damp, sweaty shoes, which could lead to fungal infections.
7. Wear 100 percent cotton socks. They're best for absorbing dampness, thus preventing fungal infections.
8. Stretch out the beauty of a manicure by applying a fresh top coat every day, says Susie Galvez, owner of Face Works Day Spa in Richmond, Virginia, and author of Hello Beautiful: 365 Ways to Be Even More Beautiful.
9. To make your nails as strong and resilient as a horse's hooves, take 300 micrograms of the B vitamin biotin four to six times a day. Long ago, veterinarians discovered that biotin strengthened horses' hooves, which are made from keratin, the same substance in human nails. Swiss researchers found that people who took 2.5 milligrams of biotin a day for 5.5 months had firmer, harder nails. In a U.S. study, 63 percent of people taking biotin for brittle nails experienced an improvement.
10. Add a glass of milk and a hard-boiled egg to your daily diet. Rich in zinc, they'll do wonders for your nails, especially if your nails are spotted with white, a sign of low zinc intake.
11. File your nails correctly. To keep your nails at their strongest, avoid filing in a back-and-forth motion -- only go in one direction. And never file just after you've gotten out of a shower or bath -- wet nails break more easily.
12. Massage your nails to keep them extra strong and shiny. Nail buffing increases blood supply to the nail, which stimulates the matrix of the nail to grow, says Galvez.
13. Polish your nails, even if it's just with a clear coat. It protects your nails, says manicurist Diaconescu. If you prefer color, use a base coat, two thin coats of color, and a top coat. Color should last at least seven days but should be removed after 10 days.
14. Avoid polish removers with acetone or formaldehyde. They're terribly drying to nails, says Andrea Lynn Cambio, M.D., a New York City dermatologist. Use acetate-based removers instead.
Internal and External Help
It often goes overlooked that what we put into our bodies is just as important as what we apply externally for the health of our skin. The saying "you are what you eat" directly correlates with the appearance of our skin and the way it feels. These 2 articles provide valuable information as to how to treat yourselves inside and out. They are lengthy, but are a great read.
Internal Help
Essential fatty acids are responsible for healthy cell membranes, which is not only what acts as a barrier to harmful things, but also as the passageway for nutrients to cross in and out and for waste products to get in and out of the cell. Because it is the cell membrane that also holds water in, the stronger that barrier is the better your cells can hold moisture. And that means plumper, younger looking skin. Also, the same inflammatory process that can harm our arteries and cause heart disease can harm skin cells. Essential fatty acids can offer protection to both.
Investigative studies have shown the link between healthy skin texture and the intake of essential oils is the positive effect these unsaturated fats have on the development of prostaglandin (PG) hormones, which are synthesized within the epidermal skin cells. Studies show that the developing skin cells extract essential oils from the bloodstream and convert them into PG hormones. Once taken up by skin cells, the essential fats become one of three types of prostaglandin hormones: PG-1, PG-2, and PG-3.
Good fats such as fish, flax and borage produce PG-1 and PG-3. Bad fats produce PG-2. Borage oil converts to PG-1, while fish and flax oils convert to PG-3. This combination of oils work together to produce absolutely beautiful, luscious skin that smooth, soft, silky, and radiant.
Another benefit is PG-3 may be effective in the prevention of skin cancer. Research shows omega-3 fats slowed the division rate of skin cells by promoting the formation of PG-3, which helps reduce the incidence of mutations and inflammatory conditions, even when cells are exposed to ultraviolet light. Thus, omega-3 fat supplementation may help guard against the development of skin cancer, in addition to slowing skin aging. In contrast, experimental studies have shown that higher PH-2 levels in skin cells promoted significantly more cancer development when cells were exposed to ultraviolet light than did skin cells with lower concentrations of PG-2.
We should supplement with 400 milligrams (mg) each of flaxseed, borage, and fish oils. This can be found in a 1,200 mg all-in-one capsule. For best results, take two to three capsules daily. Individuals with very dry skin, eczema, or psoriasis may require up to six capsules a day to reverse these conditions.
When will we see results?
As we age, our cell renewal rate slows down to every forty-five to seventy-four days. Some very impressive changes occur within the first thirty days of supplementation, and by the end of two and a half to three months, most individuals report dramatic improvement in their skin’s texture and appearance.
Topical/External Help
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for the formation of collagen, the fibrous protein that contributes to skin firmness and the elasticity of the skin. When your skin is exposed to free-radical generators like UV light, smoke, air, etc. the level of Vitamin C becomes depleted. You cannot stimulate the skins fibroblasts by increasing your oral intake of Vitamin C, so it is necessary to replenish it topically. Topical Vitamin C must be stable, active able to be absorbed, and remain throughout the life of a product once opened. Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) is one of the relatively few topical agents whose effectiveness against wrinkles and fine lines is backed by a fair amount of reliable scientific evidence.
Free radicals are produced during normal skin functions, but dramatically multiply with exposure to sun, air pollution, and other environmental assaults. Free radicals ravage the skin cells in the epidermis (top layer of your skin) and break down the collagen in the dermis that gives your skin its youthful resilience. Skin becomes discolored, loses elasticity, and ages faster than it should. Topical Vitamin C is the only ingredient that directly stimulates the skin's fibroblasts, providing the spark that produces living collagen in concert with specific chains of amino acids.
Vitamin C solutions should be used after your cleanser, or cleanser and toner in the morning before any lotions, creams or sunscreens are applied. With regular use, Vitamin C products can produce a complexion that is visibly brighter and clearer, with a smooth tight texture.
Retinol is a form of Vitamin A that is usable by the body. It plays a role both as an antioxidant and as a wrinkle reducer in many anti-aging skin care products and wrinkle creams. Inside the skin cells, retinol is converted into retinoic acid which activates the metabolism of the skin cells.
As an antioxidant, retinol helps to counteract the damage caused by free radicals. In this role, retinol helps to protect the skin from environmental damage.
More dramatically, retinol helps to speed up the metabolism of the skin cells. When delivered into the cells of the skin, each individual cell begins converting retinol into retinoic acid. Retinoic acid stimulates the skin cells, leading to faster regeneration and rejuvenation. Also leaving the appearance of a youthful, healthy glow, and helping to reduce the size of wrinkles.
Retinol comes in varies different strengths which can be applied nightly, weekly or monthly. Retinol should be used in the evening, after cleansing and before applying moisturizers.
Internal Help
Essential fatty acids are responsible for healthy cell membranes, which is not only what acts as a barrier to harmful things, but also as the passageway for nutrients to cross in and out and for waste products to get in and out of the cell. Because it is the cell membrane that also holds water in, the stronger that barrier is the better your cells can hold moisture. And that means plumper, younger looking skin. Also, the same inflammatory process that can harm our arteries and cause heart disease can harm skin cells. Essential fatty acids can offer protection to both.
Investigative studies have shown the link between healthy skin texture and the intake of essential oils is the positive effect these unsaturated fats have on the development of prostaglandin (PG) hormones, which are synthesized within the epidermal skin cells. Studies show that the developing skin cells extract essential oils from the bloodstream and convert them into PG hormones. Once taken up by skin cells, the essential fats become one of three types of prostaglandin hormones: PG-1, PG-2, and PG-3.
Good fats such as fish, flax and borage produce PG-1 and PG-3. Bad fats produce PG-2. Borage oil converts to PG-1, while fish and flax oils convert to PG-3. This combination of oils work together to produce absolutely beautiful, luscious skin that smooth, soft, silky, and radiant.
Another benefit is PG-3 may be effective in the prevention of skin cancer. Research shows omega-3 fats slowed the division rate of skin cells by promoting the formation of PG-3, which helps reduce the incidence of mutations and inflammatory conditions, even when cells are exposed to ultraviolet light. Thus, omega-3 fat supplementation may help guard against the development of skin cancer, in addition to slowing skin aging. In contrast, experimental studies have shown that higher PH-2 levels in skin cells promoted significantly more cancer development when cells were exposed to ultraviolet light than did skin cells with lower concentrations of PG-2.
We should supplement with 400 milligrams (mg) each of flaxseed, borage, and fish oils. This can be found in a 1,200 mg all-in-one capsule. For best results, take two to three capsules daily. Individuals with very dry skin, eczema, or psoriasis may require up to six capsules a day to reverse these conditions.
When will we see results?
As we age, our cell renewal rate slows down to every forty-five to seventy-four days. Some very impressive changes occur within the first thirty days of supplementation, and by the end of two and a half to three months, most individuals report dramatic improvement in their skin’s texture and appearance.
Topical/External Help
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for the formation of collagen, the fibrous protein that contributes to skin firmness and the elasticity of the skin. When your skin is exposed to free-radical generators like UV light, smoke, air, etc. the level of Vitamin C becomes depleted. You cannot stimulate the skins fibroblasts by increasing your oral intake of Vitamin C, so it is necessary to replenish it topically. Topical Vitamin C must be stable, active able to be absorbed, and remain throughout the life of a product once opened. Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) is one of the relatively few topical agents whose effectiveness against wrinkles and fine lines is backed by a fair amount of reliable scientific evidence.
Free radicals are produced during normal skin functions, but dramatically multiply with exposure to sun, air pollution, and other environmental assaults. Free radicals ravage the skin cells in the epidermis (top layer of your skin) and break down the collagen in the dermis that gives your skin its youthful resilience. Skin becomes discolored, loses elasticity, and ages faster than it should. Topical Vitamin C is the only ingredient that directly stimulates the skin's fibroblasts, providing the spark that produces living collagen in concert with specific chains of amino acids.
Vitamin C solutions should be used after your cleanser, or cleanser and toner in the morning before any lotions, creams or sunscreens are applied. With regular use, Vitamin C products can produce a complexion that is visibly brighter and clearer, with a smooth tight texture.
Retinol is a form of Vitamin A that is usable by the body. It plays a role both as an antioxidant and as a wrinkle reducer in many anti-aging skin care products and wrinkle creams. Inside the skin cells, retinol is converted into retinoic acid which activates the metabolism of the skin cells.
As an antioxidant, retinol helps to counteract the damage caused by free radicals. In this role, retinol helps to protect the skin from environmental damage.
More dramatically, retinol helps to speed up the metabolism of the skin cells. When delivered into the cells of the skin, each individual cell begins converting retinol into retinoic acid. Retinoic acid stimulates the skin cells, leading to faster regeneration and rejuvenation. Also leaving the appearance of a youthful, healthy glow, and helping to reduce the size of wrinkles.
Retinol comes in varies different strengths which can be applied nightly, weekly or monthly. Retinol should be used in the evening, after cleansing and before applying moisturizers.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Quick Tip of the Day
How to: Heal Dry Hands
In the winter months, dry hands can be your worst enemy (and quite annoying!)
One helpful solution is right there in your kitchen!
Take a lemon and cut it in half. Rub the inside of the lemon directly onto the backside of your hands. Lemons contain high concentrations of vitamin C and citric acid, which stimulate the connective tissue production.
It will sting for a bit, but it will be worth it!
It will sting for a bit, but it will be worth it!
5 Winter Skin Tips: Give Extra Attention to Your Skin
Cooler winter temperatures and central heating really take a toll on your skin. An increased awareness can make all the difference between a dull winter complexion and radiance.
- Before turning off your warm shower, alternate cold and hot water for about 15 seconds several times. Use this hydrotherapy technique to revitalize the skin by increasing the flow of blood through the body. It’s invigorating and highly beneficial.
- Use a good moisturizer... SPF! SPF! SPF! Despite the gloomy days of winter, UV Rays are still very present. PCA's Perfecting Hydrator provides FIVE melanogenisis inhibitors in addition to an SPF protection of 30. (This product also works great under makeup, almost like a primer!)
- Exfoliate at least twice a week. This will remove dead skin cells and allow the skin to absorb extra moisture. Hydrated skin looks and feels better. PCA's Gentle Exfoliant will do the trick.
- Besides drinking your eight glasses of water a day, try a glass of hot water with lemon. This Chinese remedy energizes your entire system.
- Lastly, get plenty of sleep. Your oxygen levels will drop if you don’t get enough sleep. Therefore, your cells will not be renewed as quickly, allowing for premature degenerative skin aging.
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