Skin health and ageing of the skin are both influenced by many different factors, including heredity, sun exposure, the environment, health habits, and general lifestyle. Maintaining skin health requires education and proper care to achieve best results.  
            People are born with their skin type, which is determined by genetics and ethnicity. Like everything else, skin changes over time. Generally an individual’s skin will become drier over time. Acne, however, is considered a disorder and can be treated with regular facials, medication, or proper care of the skin. The sun and its ultraviolet rays have the greatest impact on how our skin ages. Approximately 80 to 85 percent of our aging is caused by the rays of the sun. As we age, the collagen and elastin fibers of the skin naturally weaken. This weakening happens at a much faster rate when the skin is frequently exposed to UV rays. While the sun may play a predominant role in how the skin ages, changes in the environment also greatly influence the aging process. Pollutants in the air can change the health and overall appearance of the skin. Smoking, drinking, prescription and illegal drugs also contribute to the aging process. And, can also cause acne which is a primary concern for many clients to seek skin care help from an esthetician. The best defense against these pollutants is the simplest one: follow a good daily skin care routine and if possible regular facials from your esthetician. 
    Facials help maintain the health of the skin and correct certain skin conditions through deep cleansing, massage, and use of masks and other products, and various treatment methods. Providing education and consultations are also a part of a facial to help the client continue treatment of their skin at home. Facial treatments include the following benefits to the skin: Deep cleanses, exfoliates, increases circulation and detoxifies, relaxes the senses, nerves, and muscles, stimulates skin functions and metabolism, slows down premature aging, treats conditions such as dryness, oiliness, or redness, softens wrinkles and aging lines, and helps clear up blemishes and minor acne. Home care is probably the most important factor in a successful skin care program. The “key” word here is PROGRAM. Client’s participation is essential to achieve results. A program consists of a long-range plan involving home-care, facial treatments, and client education.
            The most important home care preventative and skin health techniques for your skin is to cleanse, tone, moisturize and wear SPF daily. Cleansing your skin daily will help keep dirt and other debris from clogging your skin, toning will balance your skin Ph level, moisturizing seals moisture and protects the skin, and SPF is imperative to keeping your skin healthy and protected from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Are you ready to take control over your skin? Now that we have a little education, it is time to make our appointment for our next facial!

Everyone loves to have a golden tan. How nice would it be to have it all year long with out the harmful effects of the sun’s UV rays? Being tan can boost your confidence and even make you feel “healthy,” but with all the high risks of skin cancer from the sun’s UV rays, having a tan is just not safe… Even worse, tanning beds have been known to have a higher risk of being “carcinogenic to humans”. In our modern age maybe it’s good time to consider another method of tanning. Airbrush tanning is a quick and easy alternative to keep your tan all year without the harmful effects of UV rays.

            Airbrush tanning is about a 15-20 minute session that is performed by a trained technician. The Technician sprays a special tanning solution all over the client’s body. The tanning solution is safe and contains a chemical called dihydroxyacetone (DHA) which causes the outer cells of the skin to darken. The solution will continue to develop in color over the next 6-8 hours.  There are some solutions that set in 2 hours for the person that needs to shower right away. Bronzers and gold shimmer can be added to the solution to give an instant glow. The airbrush tan will last about 5-7 days and is not absorbed into the body.

            Exposing the skin to UV rays, whether from a tanning bed or direct sun rays, can cause burning and eventually lead to skin cancer. Sun Damage is the #1 cause of aging skin. Use of a good SPF is the best anti-aging preventative care for skin. That does not mean one cannot still have a glow as if he/she has been at the beach all week. Airbrush tanning does not have harmful UV rays to cause skin aging, it is safe and gives an instant tan once applied to the skin. One airbrush application is equivalent to 6 tanning bed sessions, thus making airbrush tanning more economical and a convenient tanning method.

            Some tips to consider before getting an airbrush tan are; to shower, remove any lotions or perfumes, remove deodorant, exfoliate the skin, and shave any areas needed. Lotions, perfumes, etc. will act as a barrier against the solution and the skin will not tan properly. During the tan session, it is recommended to wear dark, loose clothing. Underwear or bathing suits are recommended to cover any areas of the skin not intended to be tan. Immediately after tanning, try not to sweat excessively or wear light/tight fitted clothing as the solution can stain and rub off onto the clothing. To prolong the tan, moisturize twice a day and try not to over exfoliate the skin. Remember that the tanned surface is still susceptible to the sun’s harmful UV rays, an SPF is still recommended before sun exposure.

            It is truly possible to have a healthy glow all year long without harmful side effects. A golden tan is only a phone call away. It is time to make an appointment!