Aging has it perks, but wrinkles are at the bottom of my list so I am fighting back!

Aging has it perks, but wrinkles are at the bottom of my list so I am fighting back!

"A Beautiful Complexion Begins With a Philosophy of Prevention and Preservation!" Well I didn't know laughing so much would cause the wrinkles around my eyes to look like a road map! If I only knew then what I know now about skincare I would have added a better skin care routine in my 20’s and 30’s. Now I am playing catch up in my 40’s. They say it’s important your skin care routine evolves as your skin changes through the years. And I really get it now. Going on 46 I am now looking for things to “treat” the areas of my face that bug me. It was like a switch. One day I was saying, “I look pretty good for my age” and the next day I looked in the mirror and thought “who is that!”

Lucky for me I have two pretty amazing estheticians that assist me and my issues. Mary and Jenelle give me advise and recommend the right products for “my problem areas”. They are skin superstars all the way around. Able to diagnose and pinpoint a solution every time. I need these girls in my life and I encourage you to see what they could do for you as well. 

So I want to share with you some top ingredients to look for in skin care products that will help EVERYTHING. And one of our products that has all these amazing ingredients in it, Anti Oxidant Infusion Creme. It is AMAZING and it works.  I especially LOVE it because I am allergic to everything! And I am NOT allergic to this...happy dance. I don’t know anyone that has tried it and didn’t love it. It is one of those products that when you are getting to the bottom of the jar, you make sure to get another so you don’t run out. Next time I will share with you how I can’t live without Venom, a topical Botox! Ok so here is all the good stuff.

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Retinol
Retinoic Acid (vitamin A) Topical vitamin A is shown to increase cellular turnover, so that dull surface cells are shed more rapidly. It thickens the epidermis, improves skin texture and elasticity and evens out skin tone. Retinoid products help your skin retain collagen, which is lost as we age – and more collagen means fewer wrinkles and dark spots. Retinoid products are derived from vitamin A and are available with a prescription or over the counter. They can dry the skin even as they encourage skin-cell renewal, so it makes sense to use a retinoid product with a moisturizer. Retinoids are well matched with nighttime moisturizers because sunlight can weaken retinoid effects.

Antioxidants

So why are there antioxidants in our skin care?  Antioxidants plays a very important role in your skin care. You probably have noticed an overwhelming amount of products who advertise that they have antioxidants infused in them.

One of the most important roles that an antioxidant plays is anti-inflammation or anti-inflammatory.  Alpha Lipoic Acid is a great antioxidant that has shown impressive results with anti-inflammation. When we are not inflamed we have an even skin tone and our wrinkles are less noticeable.

Sun damage can make skin appear tough with an erratic skin tone. We have found that Antioxidants stimulate blood flow in your skin. When that happens you have new cell formation, making your skin look younger and improving skin tone.

Antioxidants such as vitamins C & E are also great at treating wrinkles. These vitamins increase the growth of your collagen. And we have seen that Coenzyme Q-10 or CoQ-10 helps firm or tighten the skin.

So all of that so I can recommend what works and what our clients swear by and can’t live without now that they have found it. Our Anti Oxidant Infusion Crème. This is our number one selling product because of the unbelievable results you can achieve in a small amount of time and better results with extended use. With twice daily application you will see definitive results such as: Reduction of Fine Lines & Wrinkles, Improved Skin Tone & Texture, and an over-all improvement in skin health.

Anti-Oxidant Infusion Crème is one of the leading result producing anti-aging cremes available on the market. What sets this crème apart from all others is the proprietary blend of anti-oxidants and anti-aging active ingredients at their highest levels to ensure maximum results. Anti-Aging is definitely a science but it is not a mystery. Yes, you can reverse previous damage that is done by both intrinsic and extrinsic aging.

The aging process is a culmination of many factors. We begin the true aging process in our late twenties so the earlier that you begin to care for your skin the younger you will look in the long run. Signs of aging in the twenties are minimal but when we hit our mid-thirties this is when we truly begin to see the hints of the aging process. The older we get, the rate of speed our bodies re-generate slows down. It produces less moisture, less collagen, and less elastin, which are the simple building blocks of our skin. The good news is we can combat these things by applying clinical products, and always wearing sunblock.

The Anti Oxidant Infusion Crème is packed with several ingredients that are key to the anti-aging process such as the Algae Peptides, DMAE, Copper, Alpha Lipoic Acid, and Retinoic Acid. Here are the definitions of all those cool ingredients.

Algae Peptides (Ahnfeltia Concinna 5%) contain the amino acid Hydroxyproline, which is the building block to collagen, so as you use this product it makes your skin grow its own collagen at a faster rate. This ingredient is key to battling both intrinsic and extrinsic aging.

Copper: This ingredient stimulates enzymes to help build new elastin and collagen. Also aids in the production of Keratin in the epidermis, which leads to improved skin texture.

DMAE (Dimethylaminoethynol): Ingredient that can help firm sagging skin by thickening the muscle mass.

Alpha Lipoic Acid (Thiotic Acid) Ingredient that is 400x the strength of vitamin C, the particle of this anti-oxidant is small enough to penetrate to the mitochondria of the cell, protecting and reviving the center of the cell where the cell’s energy is produced. This is ingredient is key to improving skin texture and radiance.

Retinoic Acid (vitamin A) Topical vitamin A is shown to increase cellular turnover, so that dull surface cells are shed more rapidly. It thickens the epidermis, improves skin texture and elasticity and evens out skin tone.

Other Ingredients: 2% Salicylic Acid, 5% Glycolic Acid

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“It is hard to be a woman: you must think like a man, act like a lady, look like a young girl, and work like a horse.” -Anonymous

“It is hard to be a woman: you must think like a man, act like a lady, look like a young girl, and work like a horse.” -Anonymous  

I have always aspired to greatness, and recognize similar qualities in others. Lori Ellen Halloway, Born Lori Easterling on August 20th, 1969 would become a whirlwind of success. Conquering fears, injuries, doubts and fatigue with grace, she is a real embodiment of hard work and dedication. It can easily be noticed going about day to day life she stands proud and tall, walking on what seems another level through life, just higher than my own. I observe and ponder what it is that this highly regarded wife, author, boss, teammate, and mother has found to make her such an inspiration. After years of learning from and talking to her, it has become clear. She has found success in all aspects of her life. Giving 100% to each of her roles has impacted her life for the better, propelling her into the greatness of being a well-rounded woman.

Structuring your life starts at home. A place where love is felt and Lori’s kindness is never mistaken for weakness. As you pass down the road, you might find yourself taking a second look at their home, as I do. I’d expected a bit of grandeur, but instead what caught my eye was the tidiness of the elegant homestead. From the curb the brick facing hints to Lori’s warm greetings waiting inside. Trimmed bushes greet you up the walk and roses meet you at the porch. With the breeze slightly moving the blossoms, their fragrance accompanies you as you wait outside the deep mahogany door. One sit on the sun stained porch swing melts anxiety. 

The two boys inside her home are 11 and 14, full of energy and wit. Through these two she becomes invigorated with spirit. Their sport teams shine with her proud coaches smile, and hours of scores she’s kept on the fields. She knows their value here, and they appreciate hers as well. She makes lunches, equipment runs, and PTO meetings each week. Inspired to offer thanks to educators in her community, she and her husband Bruce established a PTO donation kickback program at their Salon and Spa in Saline. Understanding the strength and value in numbers, they have been partners in life and love going on twenty years. 

Their tones share sincerity as they recall the courage and commitment in took to open their business, and the bond that keeps them flowing patiently along side each other. Voila Salon & Spa opened the doors to a dear part of Lori’s heart in 2002. After 8 years of working for others, or herself on a smaller scale, Lori decided to take a swing at opening her own full service Salon. Over 13 years later the tender part of her soul she shared with the rest of the world is thriving. Holding onto the importance of client care as strongly as when she first envisioned owning her business, and the day she took her first client. Along with her husband, she has complied a group of women that she can entrust with the confidence to love the clients like family, and greet them as warmly as friends at every appointment. Branching into the surrounding communities, Lori, Bruce, and the team at Voila make donations of time, money, salon products, and services to help encourage community involvement with local businesses.

While in the salon, a peak inside her neat drawers shine a light on her mastery of organizing salon implements, and the rest of life’s tools. With her “ there’s no time like the present” attitude towards organization she is quick and efficient.  Leaving a smiling nail client at her manicure station and gliding over to an eager new head of hair in her stylist chair she tackles color questions and split ends with confidence. With polished toes, and expertly applied makeup, she bursts with pride after each delighted customer goes off to finish their day. I can see their appreciation and respect in the kind words and smiles they share while pre booking their next appointments. Hand painted embellishments, plush rugs, and sparkling mirrors all reflect her personal touches she’s included here in her second home. A gentle sheer silver fabric sown into curtains ruffles slightly as it blocks the coat closet from client’s view. Across the sunlit Spa an antiqued chest has transformed into a stylish makeup station. Each compliment she receives is well deserved as she has spent hours repurposing furniture to bring out new beauty in vintage pieces. Ornate glass pull nobs add glamour and sparkle but are quickly outshined by her hand full of diamonds reaching to grasp them. Elegant setting for her memory lane incased in platinum will catch your eye, the stories they represent will capture your heart.

When it comes to apprenticeship programs for furthering education, she wrote the book on it, literally. Shear Savvy is sheer genius! Shear Savvy is a guided program for starting and running a successful state recognized apprenticeship program. Written by Lori, it is revered as a “practical, easy to understand” 1 breakthrough in incorporating education in the work place. Flipping the pages reveals the daunting task put on a salon owner’s already full plate. She is no bull in a china cabinet, as a previous apprentice who has studied under Lori for esthetics, I can attest to her tremendous focus and vigor for each program. Her patient approach makes each step of the process a splendid one. With orders coming in from all over the nation, Shear Savvy in seen as irrefutable to success in this aspect of the beauty industry.

Growing a business, raising a family, and being a well-spoken woman of beauty have never been enough on their own. Lori has mastered an art of womanhood embracing love, percerverance, respect, happiness, and dedication. Each day she gives us insight into how we can find happiness in the many parts of life, by grounding ourselves with the devotion our lives need as a whole. We can propel ourselves towards the many successes there are to be had if we try our best in every way.

“Successful women still have their feet on the ground, they just have better shoes.”

Oprah Winfrey

Author

Jenelle Franklin

Protecting our Patrons: The Importance of Disinfection

Protecting our Patrons: The Importance of Disinfection

Salon sanitation is imperative in all salon services. But the one service people worry about the most is having a pedicure. We have all heard horror stories from friends or read about one online. A terrible experience that started with a little voice in their head that told them to turn and leave. But they didn't and in retrospect, they should have listened to their instinct.

You should always make sure the salon you choose to have your pedicure in follows proper sanitation and sterilization guides set by the State of Michigan. Don't be afraid to ask how often they clean their tub and what germicide they use to do it. You should also ask if the tub has pipes or tubes the water is circulated through to create the bubbles. These tubs have a much greater risk of bacteria being stored in them and should be avoided. If it isn't avoidable make sure they run a sterilization agent through the pipes at least once a week.

The goal from our salon's perspective is 100% patron protection and to guarantee there is no transfer of any communicable virus or bacteria during the pedicure service. Here at Voila Salon & Spa we want you to know we guarantee our standards are above and beyond Michigan's requirements. (Which are placing washed equipment in a container holding a chemical sanitizing agent. Acceptable agents are those registered for use in interstate commerce by the USDA. Sharp edged tools mush be wiped with a 70% alcohol solution.) We insure that all implements are either single use or sterilized in between every client, not just sanitized. We use 99% alcohol on surfaces and Citricide II to clean the tub in between each and every client. This chemical sterilizer kills all bacteria and even kills the AIDS virus. Our pedicure tub is pipeless so there is no risk of bacteria being trapped anywhere in the equipment.

So with all this information we hope you know your health and safety is just as important to us as a beautiful pedicure experience. And we hope to see you and your friends soon. Voila Salon & Spa, 151 Keveling Drive, Saline, MI (734) 944-9363.

It is always good to remind people of terms and definitions commonly used in the beauty industry. These definitions are from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Sanitation - to wash with soap and water to remove dirt and debris and to reduce the levels of microorganisms to a safe, acceptable level. Before implements or equipment can be disinfected, they must first be sanitized.

Disinfection - the use of a chemical procedure that eliminates virtually all recognized pathogenic microorganisms but not necessarily all microbial forms. (Microorganisms are living organisms, good and bad, that are invisible to the naked eye.) All implements and equipment used on clients must be disinfected before use.

Sterilization - the use of a physical or chemical procedure to destroy all microbial life, including highly resistant bacterial endospores. (Endospores are thick walled bodies formed within the vegetative cells of certain bacteria. They are able to withstand adverse environmental conditions for prolonged periods.)

A Peek Into the First Month of our Cosmetology Apprenticeship Program Blog Post

A Peek Into the First Month of our Cosmetology Apprenticeship Program

There is a lot happening during the first month of an apprenticeship program. For me, the practitioner, settling into my role for the 10th apprentice in 13 years of owning a salon is testing my juggling skills, lol. You think it would be like riding a bike, but there is always that learning curve when trying to fit it all into an already busy schedule full of clients. I think that is what scares people the most about starting a program in their own salon. But as long as you have had the necessary meetings with the apprentice and they are well aware of this great opportunity that is about to happen, they are ready to roll with it. 

Bailey is doing amazing. I feel like a total flake sometimes, like when she told me, "I am finished with the first four chapters." And I am like, slow down sister, I don't have my lesson plans ready for anything else yet! It is a two year program, we have everything charted out for what we are doing and where we should be at for the entire program. And the first 3 months are just really boring as heck for Bailey. It's just reading, homework and theory workbook over and over and over. She told me she hated high school, so I was a little nervous at first, but she has only missed on average 1 question in each chapter in her workbook. She got so far ahead in her bookwork that I have her mingle with the clients and staff for an entire day a week. And I thought I would see how she tested so I gave her a 100 question test on Chapters 1-4 and she got a 91%. So now I am not nervous at all. She might have hated high school, but she is smart that is for sure. 

She is also getting her feet wet helping with small things around the salon. Things that will be incorporated into her training and she doesn't hesitate when asked to help me with something.  She has been trained on how to answer the phone and make appointments on the computer so she can help out when it's busy at the desk as well.

So we had a successful first month. I just finished filling in the paperwork to mail to the state so they can start tracking her hours. I just can't wait for her to get on the floor to  learn all the hands on stuff. Way more exciting than bookwork! It's a big responsibility and honor really, teaching someone everything you know about the industry. I have to remind myself to slow down. I want her to know everything all at once, but l know I have to build a strong foundation first so we can add as many floors as we need ;)

Meet our Cosmetology Apprentice

Meet our latest addition to Voila Salon & Spa, Bailey.

Some of you might not know exactly what that means. We, Voila Salon & Spa, are licensed through the State of Michigan as a School of Cosmetology. So instead of Bailey having to go to a traditional school she will get all of her education right here in the salon. She will then be able to go and take the necessary tests and boards to get Cosmetology License. This is a two year program and you will see Bailey at the salon a lot. So help us make her right at home and at some point you might volunteer to be a model for her to practice on!

Health Benefits of Pedicures

Health Benefits of Pedicures

Why do you think people feel so good after they get a pedicure from a licensed nail technician? It may surprise you that it isn’t just the polish color they picked and that’s the truth. If you ask twenty people after their pedicure service why they get a pedicure, most will tell you it is because they feel so great afterward.  There are so many health benefits and overall well being actions that take place during a pedicure that most people don’t even know about. And the cumulation of these things are why you feel so fantastic after your pedicure. 

The word pedicure is derived from the Latin words pedis which means “of the foot”, and cura, which means “care”. Foot care is a very important part of maintaining your health and well being. That is why it is especially important to see a licensed professional who is following state board patron protection and sanitation regulations to avoid injury during the service. One important Michigan law you should be aware of, it is not legal to use a Credo Blade or razor blade to remove calluses during a pedicure service. Doing so can cause bleeding and the release of blood born pathogens.

 What to Expect During a Pedicure

Women get the importance of a pedicure and many men are slowly, but surely understanding how important it is to their health. Many men shutter at the idea of a pedicure due to the fear of the unknown, but after getting a professional pedicure they look forward to the next one! So lets talk about what to expect. 

* A good pedicure service is a 45  min to 60 min service. You can get an express pedicure in 30 min but you don’t get all the  benefits. 

1. First you enter a private room where you sit in a reclining massage chair and slide your feet into an attached whirlpool tub. The tub is filled with hot water and an aromatherapy foot soak to soften the skin. The whirlpool bath improves circulation and helps reduce pain and swelling.
2. The cuticles are then softened with a cuticle treatment, the toenails are trimmed and filed and meticulous care is taken with the cuticles to remove excess buildup. 
3. A sea salt scrub is applied to the lower leg and gently massaged to remove dead skin cells and moisturize the skin. 
4. The most enjoyable part of the pedicure is the  foot and leg massage. Utilizing reflexology techniques, the massage is given to relax tense, hard working muscles. 
5. Finally, we clean up of the nail plate by removing all debris and oils left on the nail plate from the massage and prep the nail for polish application.

 Health Benefits of a Pedicure

So where are the health benefits you ask? 

1. Performing these steps insures removal of bacteria and germs around the nail plate. 
2. Eliminates foot odor and prevents ingrown toenails and infection. 
3. Exfoliation  encourages healthy skin cell renewal, prevents cracking and softens calluses.
4. Foot and leg massage utilizing reflexology techniques increases circulation, relaxes muscles and encourages healing in many parts of the body. 
5. You gain improved skin, muscles and joints and prevention of common foot problems and infections. Overall your body relaxes when your feet become pain free and the therapeutic benefits promote a happy mood. A professional pedicure has been shown to alleviate back, hip and joint pain!

We are seeing more and more men, mostly upon their wives request, and we are thrilled they are finally OVER feeling funny about getting their feet done! We are concerned about your health and guarantee your safety by following all patron protection rules and regulations including equipment and implements protocols. We recommend a monthly pedicure to keep your feet happy and healthy all year long! We look forward to seeing you soon!

Author: Lori Halloway

How to Choose the Right Nail Technician for the Best Acrylic Nail Application

I have always admired a beautiful set of nails. Even when I was a little girl I loved watching my mother file and polish her nails, she is one of the lucky ones with strong natural nails that grow like a weed. But many women, like myself, were not blessed with strong natural nails and are looking for the right Nail Technician to give them the perfect set of acrylic nails. I love acrylic nails. They give me instant gratification and longer, stronger perfectly symmetrical nails. It is my opinion that the best kind of acrylic nails are the ones you can not tell are acrylic! Acrylic nails should look like God put them there. I do not believe in the "one nail" fits all look you get from the "walk-in" chain nail salons. A great Nail Technician has to be able to properly mold and shape the acrylic on the nail plate so it looks like the nail grew right out of the nail bed! It has to have to proper shape, width, thickness and length. So when you are looking for the best Nail Technician for the best acrylic nail application make sure you are able to communicate with them and they understand exactly what you are looking for. Here are some other very important things to consider when choosing a salon or Nail Technician.

1. Make sure the salon has an establishment license. Little nail salons pop up all over the place and are soon shut down by the state because they are operating illegally. And if they are not operating legally the chances of having good hiring practices, reputable products and good sanitation measures are slim. 

2. Make sure your Nail Technician is licensed. It is very important that the person you choose has had the proper education in order to use the right techniques and patron protection protocols to keep you safe as a client. State law requires the license to be posted on the wall of the salon.

3. Make sure the salon is clean and demonstrates proper sanitation of implements and the work environment.  

4. Ask how many years of experience the Nail Technician has and how far in advance you need to book your appointment for your fill in order to get in when you need to. The busier the Nail Technician the better chance she is awesome at what she does.

5. Ask what brand of professional acrylic system she uses. You want to make sure she is using a reputable brand that does not contain MMA, Methyl Methacrylate. There are many professional lines on the market that are great like OPI, Creative Nail Design, NSI and Young Nails. Products that contain MMA have to be filed with an electric file or nail drill. The acrylic is so hard you can not file it with a regular nail file. Note: not all techs who use an electric file use products containing MMA. To read more about the dangers of MMA go to http://www.beautyweb.com/consumer_alert_mma.htm.

6. Last but not least the price. For an experienced, talented, licensed Nail Technician using a professional brand acrylic nail system the range for a full set of acrylic nails should be between $50 to $60 and the price for a fill from $25 to $35. A full set of nails done properly should take about 60 minutes to finish and a fill should take about 45 minutes. Products that contain MMA are 1/6 the cost of professional brands and salon using this dangerous chemical tend to charge less for the service. If your Nail Technician isn't spending the proper amount of time with you to make sure your nails are flawless and will last for two to three weeks it might be time to find another Nail Technician.

Voila Salon and Spa 

151 Keveling Drive

Saline, MI 48176

(734) 944-9363

Five Minute Makeup Tutorial Featuring Glominerals Makeup Line

Welcome to Five Minute Makeup. I am Lori Halloway owner of Voila Salon and Spa in Saline MI. Over the last 10 years I have heard from too many women that they stopped wearing makeup becuase it just took too long and they didn't have time.
I am going to tell you the simple items you need for everyday makeup, from Glominerals makeup line, and show you how to apply them to look your best in five minutes or less.

Please like our salon page on facebook if you enjoyed this tutorial, https://www.facebook.com/Voilasalonandspa. All the items are available on our online store at www.voila-salon-spa.com/OnlineStore. I hope everyone can find five minutes to look your best everyday.

Skincare Tips for Your 20's 30's 40's 50's 60's

Skin Care Tips for Your 60s

Guest Post by gloProfessional’s National Educator, Ami Shvartzman.

Your 60s can be lovely time for your skin because your hormones have finished fluctuating and your skin is becoming more stable. During this time it is particularly important to focus on tightening and skin rejuvenation. Here are some tips for aging gracefully with firmer, more radiant skin!

Quench Your Skin – The name of the game is moisture, moisture, moisture! As we age our estrogen levels drop and there is a slight decrease in oil production in our skin. Using a serum with hyaluronic acid will help plump fine lines and hydrate skin because Hyaluronic acid is a great hydrator and can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water without being heavy. Try glotherapeutics Advanced B5 Hydration to boost that moisture!

Get your beauty sleep – Getting enough rest is an important part of skin’s health and vitality. Sleep not only helps rejuvenate both the body and spirit but also helps prevent puffiness and dark undereye circles and regulates metabolism. Make sure that you are getting at least 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep per night and your body will thank you!

Lip Service – Don’t forget to protect those sensitive lips! The skin on and around your face tends to be a bit more fragile during this time- especially your lips! For smooth, hydrated lips try the Exfoliating Lip Wand. The nourishing wax microcrystals in the Exfoliating Lip Wand melt on contact to deliver soft, smooth and hydrated lips.

Build a Barrier - Snag some of glotherapeutics’ Barrier Balm to soothe and heal extremely dry or dehydrated skin such as dry feet and cracked cuticles on your fingers.  

Tighten up and get rich – The breakdown of collagen and elastin is more prominent at this age. Focus on rich, emollient moisturizers with extra anti-aging and tightening additives to help repair skin. Try glotherapeutics’ Skin Firming Cream which contains ingredients to firm and hydrate your skin while preserving collagen and improving tone. 

Skin Care Tips for Your 50s

Guest Post by gloProfessional’s National Educator, Ami Shvartzman.

Women of a certain age… (or so the saying goes) are experiencing a time in their lives when they know who they are and are truly comfortable in their own skin. Unfortunately, the onset of menopause in our 50s can mean chaos for our skin. Things you may have noticed in your 40s (like fine lines, wrinkles and age spots) are now more pronounced. Hormonal changes tend to drop estrogen levels, causing our skin to become more sensitive which requires more attention. Don’t worry! There is still time to manage the aging process and fight back! Despite all of these changes you still have the power to keep your skin looking fresh and vital! Here are some tips to look fab in your fifties: 

Condition While You Clean – Keeping the skin clean is important at any age but gently cleansing the skin is especially important at this time. We suggest using a hydrating cleanser like glo therapeutics Conditioning Milk Cleanser which contains ingredients like Jojoba Oil, Shea Butter, Hyaluronic Acid and Rose Hip Seed Oil. This will help to treat and moisturize the skin while keeping it clean.  

Boost Collagen  – Due to hormonal changes during this time we also tend to lose collagen in the skin. This leads to sagging, loss of elasticity and deeper wrinkling. Both Vitamin C and Copper Peptides stimulate collagen synthesis in the skin. Vitamin C in particular also provides protection against UV damage, reduces redness and promotes wound healing. Try glo therapeutics Ultra 15% Vitamin C Serum which also contains fantastic anti-aging peptides to help repair the skin. glo therapeutics Peptide + Defense is also a wonderful option as a lightweight moisturizer that contains peptides and natural protectants to help improve skin’s function and elasticity.

Don’t Forget the Neck –The neck is an area we often forget to treat but is a vital part of keeping skin looking fresh and youthful. There are less sebaceous glands in the neck and thus less oil production in this area which leads to dehydrated skin. Don’t let neck wrinkles creep up on you! Give glo therapeutics Neck Firming Serum a try for daily maintenance. This wonder product actually contains ingredients to help treat, firm and hydrate the neck area and acts as a skin brightener to assist with age spots as well.

Lighten Up – This tends to be a time when age spots and hyperpigmentation start to darken at the surface. Help fight age spots by using a Hydroquinone (a powerful skin lightener) serum like glotherapeutics Triple Action Serum. This wonder product also contains Retinol to assist with cell turnover and helps to decrease inflammation as well as Glycolic acid to help improve pigmentation, texture and tone.

Get More Advanced – It’s time to bring in the big guns. Get the ultimate in anti-aging products with glotherapeutics Cyto- Luxe line! The Cyto-Luxe line was created to be best and most luxurious line for anti-aging on the market. Utilizing Phytostem Technology and cutting edge ingredients these products not only feel great but also have clinical proof to show that they make a difference in the fight against wrinkles.  Try glo therapeutics Cyto-Luxe Serum which smooths the appearance of wrinkles by promoting collagen, supporting the skin and softening expression lines.  Cyto-Luxe Serum works synergistically with Cyto – Luxe Cream to increase the production of Collagen and Hyaluronic Acid. Lastly,  Cyto- Luxe Eye Cream increases collagen and elastin to target expression lines and reduce dryness around your eyes.

Skin Care Tips for Your 40s

Guest Post by gloProfessional’s National Educator, Ami Shvartzman.

As women mature into their 40s they bring with them a certain wisdom and grace. While beautiful, this maturity can start to surface in our bodies in new ways.  During your 40s your body goes through profound hormonal changes which can have a major impact on your skin! Your skin may experience a greater loss of collagen and elastin, appear drier, thinner and more fragile and the lines and furrows around the face tend to get deeper. It’s also the time when dark spots and uneven tone really can start to surface. How can you help with all of these changes? Try the following tips!

1) Bump Up Your Daily Cleanser -
As at any age, cleansing your skin is your first step! Go beyond a basic cleanse and use glo therapeutics’ Hydrating Gel Cleanser which contains Lactic Acid to exfoliate dead skin cells and restores your complexion by hydrating and brightening the skin.

2) Combat Hyperpigmentation -
Skin pigment problems like sun spots and uneven tone become increasingly common in our 40’s. Products containing Hydroquinone can help cut down on any darkness or blotchiness in the skin. The glo therapeutics Lightening Serum is the perfect blend of 2% Hydroquinone, Lactic Kojic and Azelaic acids which aid in reducing pigmentation.  Vitamin C also aids in decreasing hyperpigmentation and is a great anti-inflammatory. It improves elasticity, helps build collagen and provides extra protection against UV damage. Try glo therapeutics Ultra 15% Vitamin C Serum which also includes cutting-edge peptides to assist with stimulating collagen synthesis.

3) Reconsider Your Skin Type –
Teens are not the only ones with acne! Oil production tends to slow down as we go through a number of hormonal changes in our 40’s. It’s important to note that breakouts may occur during this time of life due to changes in hormones. We suggest keeping glo therapeutics’ Renew Serum handy for a great Salicylic Acid acne spot treatment that also contains  Alpha Hydroxy Acid and Retinol.  Dry skin also becomes more common during this stage of life, even if you formerly were someone with oily skin. Advanced B5 hydration contains Hyaluronic Acid, which is a water binder, it holds and maintains up to 1,000 times its weight in water. It is a great hydrator without being heavy!
           
4) Treat Texture -
Using Retinol to help speed up that cell turnover rate is key! Retinol is an anti-aging ingredient derived from Vitamin A which encourages a younger and more radiant complexion by assisting with cell turnover and cell regeneration. Tretinol 0.5% is a powerful Retinol serum in a waterless base that helps prevent new wrinkles from forming while resurfacing and rejuvenating skin! Super Serum is another powerful all around anti-aging serum that contains a small amount of Retinol and several peptides to help to build the skin’s matrix. It’s the ultimate in anti-aging!        

5) Take Care of your eyes -
This is an extremely important time to take care of your eyes!  Your windows to the soul are a very delicate part of your body and you may notice fine lines and wrinkles beginning to form in this area. Help treat crow’s feet with glo therapeutics’ 7.5% Vitamin C Eye Gel. This product  uses the power of L-ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) to help reverse fine lines and help prevent darkening in the eye area. Top this with the ultimate in phyto stem technology, Cyto-luxe Eye Cream. This fantastic eye cream increases collagen and elastin, reduces dryness and targets any unwanted expression lines!   

Skin Care Tips for Your 30's

Guest Post by gloProfessional’s National Educator, Ami Shvartzman.

30 may well be the new 20 but looking like a 20 year old requires a bit more maintenance! Dull, dehydrated skin, fine lines and sun damage often start to appear in our 30’s and bad habits are usually the culprit. This is the time to fess up to your skin care sins and enhance your current skin care regimen.

Try the following:
1.       Clean, Exfoliate, Brighten - Cleansing is by far the most important step in skin care because clean skin is essential for healthy skin. Dull skin can make us look older than we actually are so actively combat dullness with an exfoliant like Daily Polishing Cleanser. This gentle powder cleanser and exfoliant  contains Sepiwhite (a lightening agent to help eliminate darkness in the skin) and it also travels wonderfully. Talk about a multitasker!

2.       Speed Up Cell Turnover - As we move into our 30’s our cell renewal rate tends to slow down. Exfoliating with ingredients like Alpha Hydroxy Acid and Retinol help remove dead skin cell layers which helps speed up skin renewal! Try a serum like Retinol CS - it’s a great combo of 3% Retinol, 5% Glycolic Acid (a wonderful alpha hydroxy acid) and several brighteners for an overall rejuvenating effect!

3.     Show Antioxidants Some Love - Antioxidants, or miracle workers as I like to call them, help repair and prevent damage to the skin. They also increase collagen production, promote healing and help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Try 15% Vitamin C to help protect the skin against sun damage, cell damage and to reduce discoloration.

4.       Gulp It Down - Drinking enough water is essential for the overall health of the body but is specifically important to the skin in our anti-aging quest. Drinking enough water gives our skin a fresh, radiant glow so give the largest organ in your body what it needs and drink at least 64 ounces per day!

5.       Nourish It - Not only is hydrating the skin internally by drinking enough water extremely important but it’s also important to hydrate it externally as well.  Since hydrated skin shows fewer signs of aging, we suggest increasing your use of moisturizers and hydrating serums. Applying a topical hydrator like B5 Hydration helps restore the skin’s suppleness with the perfect balance of nourishment and hydration.

6.       Protect and Strengthen Skin - Hopefully at this stage you are wearing sunscreen on a daily basis because we all know by now that  unprotected sun exposure will cause wrinkles!  Now is the time to bump it up a notch and reapply as needed throughout the day! Try SPF 40 Facial Moisturizer which contains physical blocks like zinc and iron oxides. It also has Shea Butter and Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate the skin and Copper Peptides for an anti-aging effect.

7.    Look Well Rested (Even If You’re Not) - Between your work schedule, keeping up with kids and traveling, your thirties can be one of the busiest times of your life!  It’s also a time when dark circles start to develop! Using products like Vital Eye Cream can help cut down on puffiness and dark under eye circles while hydrating the under eye area.

Skin Care Tips for Your 20's

Guest Post by gloProfessional’s National Educator, Ami Shvartzman.
 

Skin care in your twenties is all about prevention! Developing a good skin care routine as early as possible is a great way to set yourself up for a lifetime of beautiful skin.  Keep it simple and inexpensive by following these steps. Trust me… your 50 year old self will thank you!

1.       Keep it clean - Make sure to cleanse skin thoroughly and daily with a cleanser and tonic best suited for your skin type. Keeping skin clean prevents breakouts now and will help prevent large pores and scarring later on. For normal skin types I recommend our Purifying Gel Cleanser and Purifying Tonic.        

                  
2.       Exfoliate- Exfoliating is the best way to prevent build up and get skin on a regular regenerative cycle early on. Using a physical exfoliant like glo therapeutics’ Refresh Facial Polish is a great everyday scrub for removing debris and superficial skin cells. Using a retinol serum or a hydroxy acid serum like Renew Serum is also very beneficial for cell turnover and acne.

3.        Butt Out- Another biggie is to avoid smoking! Smoking is one of the leading causes of premature wrinkling (not to mention all of the other health concerns). Cigarettes emit free radicals and suck the moisture right out of your skin.

4.       Just Eat It- Believe it or not eating healthy and exercising can have a big impact on your skin. Developing a healthy eating and workout regimen while still in your twenties is extremely beneficial. 

5.       Skin Care Means Sun Care- Even though the sun might feel wonderful it is a major threat to your appearance and your health! Protect yourself against those damaging UV rays and your skin will thank you later. Remember to begin protecting your neck and hands as well! Oil Free SPF 40+ has the perfect amount of sun protection without feeling greasy or heavy.

6.       Hydrate and Treat Your Eye Area – The eyes are the windows to your soul so be sure to keep them from wrinkling prematurely. Use an eye cream and wear a pair of sunglasses while outside! Take the  time to hydrate, soothe and protect eyes from free radicals with Eye Restore.