Can you shrink your pores?

Looking through a women's magazine I came across an ad for a "pore-shrinking" skin perfecting lotion. Over the years I have seen dozens of products promising to shrink the pores.

Shrinking pores is big business but is it possible? 

Can you shrink your pores?

Smaller, nearly invisible pores are the ideal for perfect, flawless skin. Unfortunately you cant change the size of your pores. Why? Because pore size is directly related to the amount of sebum/oil that your skin produces. Is it hopeless? Is there is there nothing we can do?

NO! ...  and YES!

How to get the best results after your Microdermabrasion

Follow 3 Easy Homecare Steps for  the Best Results

Your smart must-follow skincare for the best results

Recommended home care after any light, medium and strong peel, microdermabrasion and aggressive skin treatment.

• CLEANSE: Only wash your skin with a mild, gentle cleanser, once or twice a day as needed. A clean-rinsing milky or lotion texture cleanser is preferable. 

The Pelasante Pure Cleanse lotion-texture facial wash is our recommendation

• HYDRATE: Twice a day apply moisturizer that creates a seal to protect the skin. Your moisturizer should NOT contain antioxidants, exfoliants (scrubs/AHA), essential oils or any active ingredients. Note: If it tingles WASH IT OFF. 

We recommend Pelasante Cellular Recovery Cream or LRS - lipid recovery serum capsules

• PROTECT: Sunscreen is vitally important. . Apply SPF daily. Reapply every 2 hours especially if you are sweating, swimming or are outside for long periods of time. 

NOTE: Your skin is at a higher risk of irritation, sunburn and sensitivity after your treatment. 

After our treatments we recommend: Pelasante Anti-PhotoAging SPF 50+ or the Pelasante BB Cream SPF 50 with universal tint

•  Hats are also your friend! So be stylish and put on your wide brim chapeau. 

Follow this home care routine for 3 to 5 days or until recommended by your skincare professional. Then go back to your normal skincare routine.

If your skin tingles unpleasantly when you return to your normal routine then you should continue with the above 3 step routine for a couple more days or until your skin has completely calmed.

3 important tips for best results after aggressive treatments

• Avoid using anti-oxidants after your treatments.

- the skin is going through its natural repair mechanism so using an anti-oxidant will interfere with that process.

• Avoid anything exfoliating (removes skin cells) 

Continuing exfoliation will just make your skin sensitive and raw. Plus it interferes with the skins natural healing process. Exfoliants include all scrubs, AHA's such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, BHA's such as salicylic acid or citric acid, facial brushes and washcloths.

• Avoid any essential oils, perfumes or active ingredients.

Essential oils are VOC's - volatile organic compounds, and instead of being good for the skin after treatments it can make the skin more sensitive and inflamed. Note: Tea tree oil should be avoided too.

The trick after any aggressive treatment is to avoid irritating, stimulating or interfering with the skins natural healing process. It takes 3 to 5 days for the skin to heal, repair and rebuild itself. This process will create stronger, smoother and firmer looking skin - which is the goal all along. So don't do anything to mess with it.

Did you know that this 3 step homecare is recommended whenever your skin is irratated or sensitive?

Michelle G. Lathe, L. E.

The Best antiaging treatment that will leave you glowing

Anti-Aging Treatments, this is your 1st step.

Your 1st step in anti-aging facial treatments 

Oldie but a Goodie

Tidying up old brochures I picked up one I had created for our Microdermabrasion Facial Treatment.  Looking it over I realized that fancy laser treatments get more media attention these days but a Microdermabrasion still delivers immediate results without a scary healing stage.

Start your anti-aging HERE

Dr. H. Lancer recommends Microdermabrasion as the 1st step towards Anti-Aging & Recapturing your skins youth. Microdermabrasion followed by peels, are his top 2 got-to anti-aging treatments. He suggests having these treatments BEFORE getting Lasers and fillers.

Trained by leading Dermatologist

When Microdermabrasion launched onto the skincare scene, Hermina and I were trained by Dr. Moy. His specialty treatment was quite the rage and included a standard chemical peel after Microdermabrasion.

Nurse Debbie performed the Dr Moy method on me and we were impressed.  (But not so thrilled that the Moy method made me scary to small children for a week...I peeled like a snake.)

Created our own complete facial treatment

In creating our Microdermabrasion Facial Treatment we started with the Moy method then transformed it into our own:

4 Element Complete Microdermabrasion Facial

Our Tuscany Spa 4 element Microdermabrasion facial includes:

• Surface Exfoliation and smoothing with Microdermabrasion, 
• Deep Exfoliating Rejuvenation with custom chosen (non-scary) peel, 
• Deep pore cleansing to clearing out congestion and acne, 
• and Intense Hydrating Relaxation with a specialty mask and restorative massage.

The 4 Element Microdermabrasion Facial Treatment is a 90 minute spa service that leaves your skin with a smoother, clearer, brighter appearance without irritation or excess redness.


You can go right back to work or pick up the kids, and everyone will comment on how good you look. We simply call it our MICRODERMABRASION FACIAL.

Tuscany Spa's Complete Facial Treatment. Unlike anything you've had before. You gotta try it

Your skin continues to improve over the next 3 to 5 days.

Another benefit of our 4 element microdermabrasion facial is that your skin will continue to rejuvenate over the next 3 days. This treatment stimulates the skins natural repair response. It helps your skin look firmer and nearly flawless by triggering the inflammatory cascade. This means the next 3 to 5 days the skins healing process continues to create additional improvement in your skins appearance.

"When you apply your makeup 3 days after our 4 element microdermabrasion treatment, you'll notice your foundation applies better and smoother. Seriously, you can see the difference in your skin for yourself." Michelle G. Lathe

After your 4 Element Microdermabrasion Facial I recommend that you "treat your skin as if you've had a sunburn." Which means to me to be gentle and kind to your skin; avoiding anything that would inflame or irritate a sunburn such as heat, rubbing, exfoliation and especially, scrubs.

(Find out what happens when post-care explanation were NOT followed by Senseless Susie. Truth is stranger, and stupider, than fiction.) 

3 simple steps for best results after your microdermabrasion 

1. use a recommended gentle cleanser,

2. use the recommended moisturizer,

3. use sunscreen.

There are also 3 important things you need to avoid. Get details in the next post: "How to get the best results after your microdermabrasion".

Yes this is a great treatment! And yes,  I've seen outstanding results; especially with severe acne scarring, reduction of fine lines and wrinkles,including around the mouth.

Time to get YOUR 4 Element Microdermabrasion

If you are ready to get our 90 minute 4 Element Microdermabrasion Facial Treatment make your appointment today online or by phone. Your skincare specialist will analyse your skin and determine the perfect treatment for you. 

Have you had a Microdermabrasion before? What did you like? What would have made it better? And have you had our 4 Element Microdermabrasion Facial Treatment? I look forward your feedback.

Michelle G. Lathe, L. E.

PS: Looking for a laugh, then check out the absurd true-story about Senseless Susie. It is an estheticians tale of  "what NOT to do".  

4 ways to get that sexy decollete you want

Are you embarrassed to show off your cleavage?

Did you know that your decollete aka upper chest, gets a great deal of sun and environmental exposure. Our clothing often shows off our decollete; v-neck tshirts, boat neck tops and swimsuits. But how often do you treat that area to a little TLC? Are you already seeing dark spots, wrinkles and damage to that area?

In this 2 part series I will cover several ways you can repair the damage to your decollete. In this Part One  i give you  4 at-home steps you can do TODAY. Part Two will go over the more aggressive Spa and Clinical options.

Did you know 1 month of bad skincare habits can age you?

I have a confession to make: I have gone to bed WITHOUT washing off my makeup. "NO!" I hear you gasp (got pretty amazing hearing haven't I?) Sadly, it's true. As an esthetician with 18 years experience I too am guilty of the #1 BAD for your Skin habit.

"It can be THAT bad" you say? Oh but it is! According to a heartbreaking article "What sleeping in your make up does to your skin: Our shocking experiment exposes the truth" they performed an experiment over one month that had horrible results; it proved that the skin aged 10 years in just 30 days! 

Are pain pills more harmful after exercise?

Your high dose NSAID could be shrinking your Muscles!

Twice a week Weight Training is recommended by the CDC for increasing muscle mass. For years I managed once a week with my pilates coach and twice weekly strolls. I stroll at a snails pace to prevent my shin splints from flaring up, so I cant seriously consider it walking.

The CDC recommends to add weight lifting to your exercise routine, especially as we mature, to counteract the bone and muscle loss that happens through our normal process of aging. Last year I finally added in regular circuit training and yoga.

Of course, I've over done it at times. Like the time I tweaked my neck doing a supported headstand or throwing off my back with too much weight on the shoulder press machine. OUCH.  It was not unusual for me to take a pain reliever after a workout to reduce the inflammation and pain. I found prescription Ibuprofen at bedtime to work wonders.

Then I read that taking those NSAIDs could be shrinking my muscles. That got me worried.

How to really get more beautiful skin with oxygen

This is the tale of the fish-faced Oxygen Facial.

In the early days of the Oxygen facial fad we had the company rep demonstrate the treatment. She said it would be an "amazing treatment especially for smokers skin". I was excited to see it in action.

I managed to suppress my horrified visions of oxygen-induced fireball explosions when she sauntered into the spa with a full size Oxygen tank on wheels.

How to actually get beautiful, smoother skin ... instantly.

3 cents per day for Gorgeous Skin

The Tuscany Spa team and I have found the at-home secret to improving your skin, clearing out dead skin cells and giving your face a beautiful glow. The secret is an Exfolia Micro-Exfoliation Cloth. This reusable cloth gives you a smoother complexion in 2 minutes; just add water (lots) and your favorite cleanser. 

Exfoliating cloth at Tuscany Spa

The Exfolia MicroExfoliation Cloth has impressive properties:

What is Glycolic?

What is the buzz about Glycolic Acid and Glycolic Acid peels?

Today's blog will cover the basics about Glycolic: what is it, where its from, what it does, any concerns and why you should get a Glycolic Acid Peel.

Great prep before getting a Gly Peel Bar Treatment

• What is a Glycolic Acid?

Glycolic Acid is part of the Alpha Hydroxy family of acids. It has the smallest molecular size so works the quickest.

• Where does it come from?

It is found originally in sugar cane.

• What is a Glycolic Acid Peel?

It is an acid based exfoliating agent that has a minor tingling, heating sensation on the skin. In a peel form we use it as a Rapid Exfoliation Peel - quickly removing excess dead skin cells but without any peeling, flaking or irritation. 

• What does it do?

A Glycolic Acid Peel works by dissolving the glue that binds together dead epidermal skin cells so that you can remove the dry surface layer, revealing the smoother, brighter skin.

• Are there any concerns?

Sensitive skin may find the Glycolic Peel Bar too strong unless they prepare the skin for 2 weeks by using a Glycolic cream nightly at home.

As with all ingredients, if you havent used it before it is a good idea to use this 2 weeks before your peel to make sure you are a good candidate

• Why should I get one?

A Glycolic Peel will quickly bring back the skins natural glow, reduces the "food" (dead skin cells) that feeds the acne bacteria and reduces the appearance of dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles.

• At only $39 for peel with the March Gly Peel Bar, its a great time to get one. 

March Gly Peel Bar Blog

Any questions?

 Give us a call at 818-248-5500 or leave your comments below.

Michelle G. Lathe, L.E.

How to get an amazing NY peel, Right Now.

GLY PEEL BAR arrives in Montrose

New York is the hip place to go for one of Doctor Shultz's quick glycolic peels but now you can get all the benefits of a NY Peel in Montrose.
 

After reading about the BeautyRx Peel bar with Glycolic Acid in the American spa article, I got excited about glycolic acids all over again.The 80's saw the unveiling of glycolic acid as a skin care ingredient.. It created a buzz; because for the 1st time skin care was no longer just "hope in a jar", a term coined by Max Factor, but about results and anti-aging.  It was an exciting decade that brought about the advent of cosmeceuticals and reparative skin care.

A glycolic acid peel is an amazingly easy way to noticeably improve your skin. To give you all the benefits of a NY Peel Bar we are bringing in our own GLY PEEL BAR** to Tuscany Spa.

The benefits of Glycolic Acid with our GLY PEEL BAR treatment are:

Setting up for GLY PEEL BAR treatment at Tuscany Spa

1. Smooth the surface 
2. Give the skin a more youthful glow
3. Reduce appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots
4. Helps rejuvenate the skin
5. Immediate benefits with no Down-Time

Experience these benefits for yourself. Book your 30 minute GLY PEEL BAR** treatment, it's only $39 through out March 2015. Then head back to work or dinner looking brighter and refreshed.

But wait, there's more!
If you call NOW book your appointment you can get a FREE 10 minute chair massage*** with one of our amazing massage therapists (based on availability).

Book your appointment online at TuscanySkinSpa.Com or by phone at 818-248-5500.

                                             ----                               ----                 ----

**Please note: if you have not used a glycolic acid skin care or have not received a Glycolic peel or have sensitive skin you will need to prep your skin for 2 weeks prior to your GLY PEEL BAR treatment. Two week prep requires use of our Glycolic acid night cream $30 and regular consistent use of sun protection.

*** Massage therapists business hours are 10am to 5pm, Tuesday to Saturday. Chair massage appointments must be made by prior appointment and are based on the availability of our massage therapists, MaryJaye and Erin.

Follow us on BlogLovin. Leave your comments below.

Michelle G. Lathe, L.E.
Esthetics Director of TUSCANY SPA Skin and Body Clinic

2210 Florencita Drive, Montrose CA 91020
818-248-5500
www.tuscanyskinspa.com

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Banish Dark Circles and Eye Puffiness, Instantly!

SPA TREATMENT FOR YOUR EYES!

 Tuscany Spa at-home treatment benefits

Tuscany Spa is excited to introduce our newest Revitalizing Eye Treatment. It combines

• gentle exfoliation
• customized eye massage 
• refreshing anti-aging, cooling eye masks 

This treatment targets 

• puffiness, 
• dark circles 
• wrinkles and more

Schedule your Revitalizing Eye Treatment with your next facial. 

See the instant improvement for yourself. Book online at Tuscany Skin Spa or call (818) 248-5500.

Plus you can continue the benefits of the Revitalizing Eye Treatment at home with your own pair of Eye Slices, with carrying case and eye cover mask.

Eye Slices are innovative eye treatment pads that combine

• the natural essence of nature 
• with bio-innovation 
• to bring about an all-in-one solution to all common eye concerns.
• reuse your eyeSlices 10 times

Come in to get your own eyeSlices.

You'll love them!

Michelle G. Lathe, LE

Tuscany Spa, Skin and Body Clinic

6 dry skin beauty hacks every woman should know

Since the California Santa Ana winds are back so is dry, flaky and dull skin. So these 6 dry skin beauty hacks are the perfect way to keep your skin luxuriously moist and beautiful.

1. Regular exfoliation keeps the dead skin cells at bay.  Scrubs are good only twice a week but the real benefit is with a nightly glycolic/aha cream. Just slap it on and go to sleep. Voila!
In the evening apply a glycolic face cream on face and neck and then a body lotion with glycolic  from decollete down to toes and fingers.

MGL: I love using our Pelasante Gly Facial Creme 15% every other night and then our Glycolic 15% Body Lotion nightly (my hubby uses it on his feet, much nicer when playing footsie). Both are rich in anti-aging antioxidants and leave our skin baby soft. 
Please Note: scrubs are used to remove excess dead skin cells which you create every 3 days. Using a scrub too often will leave the skin drier, irritated and with more breakouts from the excess friction.


2. My eye doctor recommended I increase my intake of healthy oils to combat my dry eyes. Avocado, coconut oil, flax-seed oil and olive oils were some of her recommendations. This makes perfect sense since I recommend the same thing to help combat dry skin, so ask your MD about increasing healthy oils in your diet.  

MGL: Do you think I can add real butter to my mashed potatoes and claim it as a health additive?

Want your own copy? Just let us know in the comments

3. A richer night cream in the winter months is a standard dry skin trick. Make sure it isn't too heavy to clog your skin, create congestion and breakouts, and that it also contains healing antioxidants. It doesn't need to be heavy or super thick to work well.  

MGL: My current favorite is the Overnight BioTherapy Night cream. My skin got drier so I alternate nightly with my glycolic to reduce rough, dry layer and the next night the BioTherapy melts into my skin and feels silky soft in the morning.

4. Drier air causes more of our natural moisture to evaporate so simply sitting with a humidifier turned on for 20 minutes helps replenish the moisture. Doesn't matter if its a cold or warm humidifier, either will work.

MGL: I like to set it up with distilled water, for 20 minutes while I am reading, since I am doing that often, or watching tv. Make sure to clean and dry your humidifier before you put it away for the next season.

5. Vaseline for your body. It creates a coating on the skin to seal in moisture, but you need to put moisture underneath it first. Gently scrub your skin, rinse, apply your favorite body lotion, then a thin layer of vaseline and leave on overnight.

MGL: For my hands and feet,  I scrub with mdf face and body scrub then apply Pelasante Critical Care Hand Creme for hydration, layer with Vaseline to seal it in and toss on an old pair of gloves and socks to keep the vaseline off my sheets and pajamas at night.

6. When all else fails play Cleopatra and take a milk bath. The natural lactic acid in milk will gently exfoliate your skin while the fatty acids in rich, fatty milk will hydrate your skin. While you luxuriate in your milk bath, rub some of it on your face as well. Afterwards either leave it on or rinse off then apply your favorite moisturizer.  

MGL: There are lots of lovely milk bath products you can buy but my client Seri pours real milk right into her bathtub and takes a some time for herself. Sounds so decadent.

Try a few of these dry skin beauty hacks and let me know which are your favorites. Do have other dry skin hacks that you've tried and love, leave it in the comments. Remember to book your facial and body treatment at Tuscany Spa, we a have a wide range of services to treat and nourish the dry skin on your face and body. With the holidays coming up remember to treat your hardworking skin to some TLC.

Thanks for reading, commenting and sharing the info.
Michelle G. Lathe

November Product Spotlight - Overnight Biotherapy Hydrating Night Cream

  Overnight Biotherapy Hydrating Night Cream ™

We are so excited to offer our new skincare multi-targeting system to you!

• Reduce appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Moisture boosting night cream leaves your skin looking soft, supple, and firm



Overnight Biotherapy Night Cream 

• Powerful antioxidants effectively combat environmental damage 

It's the perfect night cream, ideal for ALL skin types:

• Hypoallergenic and Paraben Free; great for sensitive skin
• Barrier Repair and Lipid Replenishment nourishes dry skin back to optimum health
• Hydration is improved through controlled delivery system, lightweight enough for even the most breakout prone/combination skin.

Overnight Biotherapy Hydrating Night cream™ is specially formulated to 

• Attract, hold and distribute moisture using a system of ceramides, humectants and emollients.
• Powerful and effective antioxidants, peptides, and stem cells (cultured cells from apples) combat signs of premature aging and environmental damage.
• Packaged in a specialized sealed delivery jar to prevent contamination
• Affordably priced at one third LESS than its more expensive competitors.

This luxurious, creamy, moisturizer will give your skin a boost, leaving it looking and feeling great. Best of all, Overnight Biotherapy Hydrating Night Cream™ goes to work WHILE YOU SLEEP!

Visit Tuscany Spa to get your Overnight Biotherapy Hydrating Night Cream™ today!

A word about ingredients:

Ceramides: a family of lipid molecules in the top layer of your skin that help cells hold onto water. As we get older we need to use products containing ceramides to make up for the loss from our own cells.

Humectants: a way to encourage water retention (the good kind). Our preferred humectants are hyaluronic acid, yucca extract, sodium pca and glycerin

Emollients: they have the quality of softening or soothing the skin. Our preferred emollients are squalene, phytosphingostone

and cholesterol. 

AntiOxidants: Free radical scavengers that fight environmental damage. Our preferred antioxidants are Green Tea Polyphenols, Caffeine and Reservatrol (antioxidant found in red wine).

ZOMBIE PEEL

Tuscany Spa Zombie Peel Promo

Just in time for Halloween we are spotlighting our ZOMBIE PEEL.

This fabulous peel removes the damaged epidermal skin to reveal your glowing youthful skin underneath.

Tuscany Spa - Before Peel

•  works great for acne - bringing up under-the-skin breakouts, smoothing scars and acne pigment.

• amazing anti-aging treatment reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots.

• with the removal of this build up of dead skin cells, your skincare products can work more effectively and you can get the true benefits of your skincare ingredients.

Tuscany Spa - After Peel

In just over a week your beautiful skin feels more hydrated, softer, smoother with a more balanced skin tone.

This Zombie Peel is a $300 value and we are offering a 

one day only ZOMBIE PEEL PROMO on 

Wednesday Oct 29th, 2014 for $95. 

In order to take advantage of this offer we require you have a complimentary consultation and patch test by Oct 22nd to confirm that you are a candidate for this peel. 

CALL TODAY TO BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT

(818) 248-5500

Zombie Peel appointments cannot be booked online.

November Pumpkin Cranberry Facial Promotion

Happy Thanksgiving.

All of us at Tuscany Spa are looking forward to all the yummy pumpkin and cranberry foods that are a hallmark of this season. Nourishing pumpkin is good for both your body and your skin, cranberry is full of antioxidant vitamin c, both superfoods are great to eat and even better for your face.

So we are offering the perfect Thanksgiving treat for you: A Pumpkin Facial or Cranberry Facial with an LED Firming Light treatment for only $115. (Regularly $165.)


We will also be collecting items for our forgotten soldiers care packages this holiday season including postage for care packages, select magazines and paperbacks, cards and letters from you and your kids. Please visit our blog on "Tuscany Spa, Supporting our Soldiers Drive" for more details on how you can help.

Have a wonderful fall season and a happy thanksgiving.
Michelle and all of us at Tuscany Spa: Hermina, Alison, Darryl, MaryJaye and Rima 

Anti-Agings' 1st Stop & 70/70 promo is back

Recently I was reading an article on "Recapturing Your Skin's Youth" by dermatologist Dr H. Lancer. In addition to his smart, modern, do-it-yourself skin care routine as the start of an anti-aging program, (detailed in our previous blog); he also recommended 4 medi-spa treatments as the anti-aging upgrade; when you need a more aggressive approach. 

First stop: Microdermabrasion. 
Microdermabrasion "sands" the superficial layers of the skin. It is good for sun-damaged skin, age spots, superficial pigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, clogged pores, blackheads, whiteheads and some mild acne scars.

Second stop: Chemical Peels
Before a patient tries lasers or injectables, Dr Lancer almost always recommends a chemical peel first. Peels are like an extra-effective polish and cleanse session: they exfoliate the outer layer of skin to refresh the skin, smooth lines, and lighten brown spots. Peels can be of varying strengths.

For the past 15+ years at Tuscany Spa Skin and Body Clinic we combine these two treatments into our Microderm/Peel Facial and achieve exceptional results. Our upcoming 70/70 facial and body massage promo includes this Microderm/Peel Facial.

Get a Microdermabrasion + Mild Peel  

or choose an LED Firming light therapy+ Mild Peel.  

Each 70 minute facial is ONLY $70!   

Available 09/03/2013 to 09/15/2013.*

The Third Stop: Lasers. Dr Lancer believes a nonablative laser, aka nonwounding laser,  would be the next step after chemical peels. A laser treatment should be performed by an experienced board certified dermatologist that will perform the service him/herself and has different lasers available so they can use best tool for you.

The Last Stop: Injectables. The same caveat regarding lasers applies here as well. Also LESS IS MORE. Dr Lancer warns if you over-do injectables - the excess plumping can be like an overfilled balloon that will eventually lose its original shape.

 *70/70 Promo IS BACK Sept 3rd to Sept 15, 2013
Choice of Facials: Microderm+Mild Peel or an LED+Mild Peel

or

Choice of massage:  Focused area or Full Body Massage with Aroma or CryoHeat Therapy. 

Only $70 for 70 minute treatment

Call 818-248-5500 or book online at www.TuscanySkinSpa.com today to schedule your appointments.

___      ___

Smart, Modern, Do-It-Yourself Skin Care

In "Recapturing Your Skin's Youth" Dr Lancer recommends a 3 step, twice a day system as the start of an anti-aging program. Dr Lancers calls this a smart, modern, do-it-yourself skin care routine. It is a straightforward home care routine we recommend to our clients as well.

Morning: 

Morning skin care Trio

1. Cleanse - massage your face, eyelids, neck and chest with a non-irritating cleanser for 1 minute. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry. Suggestion: Pelasante Gentle Foaming Cleanser with Papaya enzymes and green tea extracts

2. Nourish - apply a nourishing product with free-radical scavenging antioxidants to face, neck and chest. Pelasante Power Hydrator for Face and Neck with antioxidant Green tea and Reservatrol.

3. Protect - follow with at least an SPF 30 sunscreen, preferably with antioxidants.  
Pelasante Anti-Photoaging Sunscreen SPF50+ Antioxidant

Night: 
1. Polish - Sensitive skin start once a week and increase to every 3 days. Using an exfoliant, polish the damp skin on face, neck and chest for 60 to 90 seconds. Rinse thoroughly. Suggestion: md formulations Face  and Body Scrub with Glycolic acid and gentle polishing granules.

Please note: At Tuscany Spa we do NOT recommend Daily use of a polish/scrub on the face or neck as it can lead to inflamed, irritated skin and increased dark spots/hyperpigmentation. Scrub/Polish the skin every 3rd day. Do NOT rub vigorously, be gentle. You can also "soften" your exfoliant by mixing it with your cleanser. 

2. Cleanse - massage face, eyelid, neck and chest with a non-irritating cleanser, for 1 minute. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry.

3. Nourish - apply a nourishing product with free-radical scavenging antioxidants to face, neck and chest. Pelsante Fortified Moisturizer with Vitamins A, C , E; Co-Q10, Lipids and Green Tea.

(Note: CoQ-10/ CoEnzyme Q-10 is an antioxidant with the ability to regenerate the skin, easily absorbed and a close relative of the newer idebenone. Highly recommended by Dr Lancer)

3b. Enhance - Take your anti-aging routine to the next level with an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) or Retinol product under, or in place of, your Nourishing night product.
AHA  at 10%+ concentration can lighten age spots, minimize appearance of fine lines, improve texture, minimize acne, stimulate cell turnover and can be used nightly.  Suggestion: Pelasante Gly Facial Creme 10% or 15% Glycolic Acid and with Vit A,C,E, Co-Q10 and Green Tea extract.

Retinols really work to reverse years of sun and environmental damage, they are similar to AHA's but go further signaling the skin to produce new collage and hyaluronic acid. Retinols combined with an anti-inflammatory such as green tea polyphenols are less irritating and great for sensitive skin. Try: RETINOL SMOOTHING SERUM 10X with Green Tea and Hyaluronic Acid. Start once or twice a week and gradually increase to nightly or every other night.

Dr Lancer recommendation for Dryness or Crepe-y skin around the eye: Apply an eye cream after your nighttime nourishing step. It should have same nourishing cream ingredients but be lightweight, lower concentration and formulated specifically for the eye. Apply just under eyebrow and under eye to where bottom lashes begin. Pelasante Corrective Eye cream contains 90% Green Tea, Retinol, peptides, vit K and antioxidants for firmer skin,  reduce appearance of dark circles and fine lines.

__    __    __

*70/70 Promo IS BACK Sept 3rd to Sept 15, 2013
Choice of Facials: Microderm+Mild Peel or an LED+Mild Peel

or

Choice of massage:  Focused area or Full Body Massage with Aroma or CryoHeat Therapy. 

Only $70 for 70 minute treatment

Call 818-248-5500 or book online at www.TuscanySkinSpa.com today to schedule your appointments.

Lunchtime Peels: How to improve your beautiful skin quickly

Your "Lunch-time" Peel Deal

The "lunch-time" Peels cost $80 to $95. These treatments offer incredible results.  Afterwards you can return to work or your daily life, immediately, without flaking, redness or peeling. Which is why these peels are often called a "lunch-time" Peel.

Results from lunch-time peels are visible even after 1 treatment. They help clear acneic skin, brighten and even out skin tone, help reverse the visible signs of aging by improving and reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, sagging and dark spots.

"Reveal fresher, younger skin in under 30 minutes."

Achieve maximum results with a series of 4 or 6. Series can be pre-purchased for a considerable savings.

You can also enhance your 90 minute Tuscany Spa Signature facials  with a "lunch-time" peel. This increases the benefits of both the facial and peel to create your own customized invigorating antiaging, acne or relaxing treatment.

Keep reading for more information on the who, what, when and why of Lunch-Time Peels.

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What does "Lunch-Time" mean

• A Lunch Time peel is a Rapid exfoliation peel which means it quickly takes off surface dead skin cell leaving the epidermis (top skin layer) intact. 
• A Lunch Time/Rapid Exfoliation peel is different from Chemical Peels. 
• Chemical peels are meant to completely remove the epidermis skin and leaves the skin raw or peeling. 

Benefits of Lunch-Time Peels

• Very effective in treating a large range of skin concerns such as aging, sun damage, acne, mild scarring, improving skin brightness, and evening skin tone. 
• Help with improving skin texture and firmness by triggering the skins inflammatory cascade mechanism which stimulates the cells regrowth. 
• (Think of it as a workout for your face, the same way weight training builds muscles, Lunch-time peels "build" up your skin cells.)
• Smoothing off the surface removes the environmentally damaged cells that show the ravages of time. It reveals the healthier skin hiding underneath.
• Removes the damage caused by months of sun-soaked summer vacations and activities. 

What is a "Lunch-Time" peel

• A peel is an acidic solution that is applied to the skin. 
• Lunch-time peel dissolves the outermost layer of skin cells,  to reveal the fresher, younger layer below while leaving the epidermis intact. 
• "Lunch-Time " Rapid Exfoliation peels can be light or moderate. 
• Light peels and most Moderate peels require no down time from work and your normal activities. 
• Moderate peels may  leave the skin with a day or two of mild sensitivity and/or minimal redness or slight flaking. 

Preparing for treatment

• Most skin colors and types can benefit from chemical peels, though it is best to check with your esthetician about which peel might be right for you. 
• If you’re taking acne medication, Retin-A or Accutane, talk to your esthetician and/or doctor about stopping the medication before and during treatment to avoid complications. 
• Your esthetician can review any other contraindications with you prior to your treatment to determine if a chemical peel is right for you. 
• Be sure to get a thorough consultation prior to your peel.

What to expect during your peel

• The skin is cleansed and a prep solution is applied to remove surface oils and allow the peel to penetrate the skin evenly. 
• Any sensitive areas that cannot be treated are protected with a thin film of petroleum jelly. Your eyes are covered to protect them. 
• One or more chemical mixtures will be applied, such as glycolic acid (from sugar cane), trichloroacetic acid (similar to bleach), salicylic acid (wintergreen—good for acne), lactic acid (milk), mandelic acid (bitter almonds - good for sensitive skin acne), or a combination of these.
• The peel will be applied with brush, cotton swab or gauze in a thin, even layer.
• One, or multiple layers, may be applied to the skin depending on the type of peel, depth of penetration and skin response.
• The acids react with the skin to produce a “controlled wound,” to trigger the skins natural inflammatory cascade. This allows fresh skin to regenerate and emerge.
•  A tingling, warm or prickling sensation is normal; a fan will help reduce uncomfortable sensations. 
•  Most peels remain on the skin only a few minutes, and are closely watched by the esthetician. 
•  After some peels, a neutralizing solution is applied to stop the peel. Other peels are self-timed and stop on their own.

After the peel

•  It is vital to apply sunscreen of SPF 30 or greater to the skin for the next 48 hours, minimum. (Using sunscreen DAILY should be part of your regular routine to maintain the best results)
• You must also stay out of the sun, as your skin will be very sensitive to UV rays and could be damaged by sun exposure. 
• Sun-damaged areas of your skin will appear darker at first, then will lighten. This is normal.
• To assist in removing the flaking skin, an enzyme peel or light microdermabrasion treatment is sometimes scheduled a week or so after the initial peel. 
• For maximum results, a series of peels is usually recommended, and may be necessary for treating challenging issues such as hyperpigmentation.

Home care after any peel

• Follow the advice of your esthetician/skincare therapist. They will recommend nourishing and healing products to use following your peel. 
• The correct homecare will keep your skin in balance to enhance the benefits of the peel. 
• Plus your homecare ensures you get the best results because it helps your natural recovery and rebuilding process.

Can you get a peel all year-round?

• The best time to have a lunch-time peel is from fall to spring when the weather is cooler. 
• I recommend you take the summer time OFF of peels and exfoliating treatments. During summer months focus on hydrating and post-sun calming treatments.
• Peels can be done in a series of 6 then take at least one month off to give the skin a "rest". 

Book your own Lunch-time Peel today. Call 818-248-5500 or schedule your appointment online.

IMPORTANT NOTE: 

If you are a new client, I recommend FIRST to schedule a complimentary 5 minute PEEL PATCH TEST appointment. Your patch test should be at least 2 days before any peel is performed on your face/skin. The patch test checks for sensitivites, allergies or negative results we want to avoid.

A patch test is performed by applying the peel solution on a small spot behind or in front of your ear. You will know within 24 or 48 hours if you have any sensitivities to the peel.

NEVER, EVER DO A PEEL WITHOUT CHECKING FOR SENSITIVIES OR HAVING A FULL CONSULTATION WITH YOUR ESTHETICIAN/SKINCARE THERAPIST.


I look forward to hearing your experiences with Lunch-time Peels. Have you had them before and how did they work for you? Please let me know if you have any questions regarding our LunchTime Peels.

Michelle Lathe, L.E. 

Skin Cancer self check and mole map

Happy Spring,

After my 4 day cosmetic chemistry UCLA extension course, I was surfing the web for followup info. I happened upon this spa industry site with a wonderful skin cancer self check poster.

This is a great image on how to inspect and recognize a body mole.  It contains the ABCDE's of Melanoma and a visual representation, a how-to self exam for moles and potential melanomas and a self assessment chart. This is excellent info.

You can print out your own version of the mole map from the American Academy of Dermatology. Also check out their self exam How-to Video.


What it does not mention to check UNDER your breasts and your genitalia. Even if you never got UV exposure in those areas a mole can still show up. So remember to check those spots too.

With summer coming up, please apply your SpF liberally and every 2 hours when you are exposed. It is better to use and SpF 15 generously than an SPF 50 sparingly; you will actually get better sun protection.

Avoid tanning beds if at all possible - they are notorious for creating skin cancer. If you want visual proof, this blog shows how a tanning bed user was first diagnosed at just 21 years old.

If you get a sunburn, stop all UV exposure; if you have to be out and about you must slop on your SPF, cover up and slap on a hat to minimize further injury. Apply cool compresses or gels, and as soon as possible use a vitamin c toner to minimize the UV damage.

Tuscany Spa offers post sunburn cooling facials to calm the burn, soothe the discomfort and help minimize the UV damage. Another shameless plug: we have a fantastic long wearing (8 hour) sunscreen that is also waterproof for 6 hours. Contact us for details.

Take Care,
Michelle

Green Peel for QueBecca

We are getting set up to give our Becca a deep peel with the Herbal Green Peel. This will be her last peel with us before her and her husband relocate to Quebec, Canada. So we are going to go through the process together on our blog.

I have enclosed a link to the video about the Green Peel and before and after photos. It is a wonderful alternative to chemical peels. It smooths lines, reduces scarring, regenerates tissue and reveals healthy, smooth radiant skin.

We will be posting our before, during and after photos of Que-Becca getting this treatment, probably one of the last we get to give her. She has had this Green Herbal Peel before and has loved the results.

If you have any questions, please feel free to post them.

Michelle

PS: Since she is moving to Quebec, I am on a one-woman mission to change the name of our Becca to Que-Becca. So when you see her next time say Hi to Que-Becca. ;-)

Photos: http://www2.schrammek.de/en/green-peel/success.html
Info Video: http://www2.schrammek.de/en/green-peel/video.html