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Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Yonka’s ESSENTIAL WHITE skin lightening products

All of the following information is provided by Yonka headquarters. At the bottom of the page is a link to an article I posted with a few—or more than a few—thoughts about this newest line of products from Yonka-Paris. And now, Essential White:

We are pleased to announce the launch of ESSENTIAL WHITE, a total regimen of complexion brightening and targeted dark spot care, perfect for clients looking to combat pigmentation issues caused by acne, aging, and other skin concerns.

Combining the perfection and strength of nature with advanced scientific research in pigment control, Yonka has formulated Essential White: a regimen of complexion brightening and targeted dark spot treatments to effectively combat pigment disorders, regardless of their origins. Essential White includes 3 products, Solution Clarte, Creme Lumiere, and Correcteur Cible, which can be used together as part of Yonka’s new Essential White treatment and as part of your home care regimen to combat dark spots and brighten the complexion overall.

For clients who are interested in brightening the complexion without targeted dark spot treatment, Solution Clarte and Creme Lumiere are available together as the Perfect Tone Duo.


SOLUTION CLARTE (clarifying solution)—gentle peeling exfoliator
This potent exfoliating fluid is your essential first step to a bright and velvety complexion free from dark spots. Its exclusive formula features a triple-acid synergy of dermatological acids including glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids. Prickly pear extract works in tandem with the acids and boosts the skin’s ability to dissolve lifeless skin cells. The skins deeper cells are soothed and hydrated with natural sugars, and the pigmentation process is controlled to correct tone irregularities. The result is an uncompromised smoothing and renewing effect that optimizes the brightening actions of the complete Essential White regime.

 At the heart of this formula is exfoliation and promotion of cell renewal through natural enzymes and acids.
  • Daily brightening and peeling solution
  • Elegant hydra-fluid gel texture
  • Fragrance-free formula
  • An essential first step to a bright and velvety complexion free from dark spots
  • Soothing freshness during the application
  • 95% natural ingredients

Active ingredients:
  • Opuntia ficus indica flower—Enzymatic exfoliation
  • AHA-BHA (Glycolic, salycilic, lactic acid)—Direct exfoliation
  • Brown algae—Regulation of melanogenesis process to correct pigment disorders
  • Hydrolyzed opuntia ficus indica flower extract, AHA (glycolic, salicylic, lactic and malic acids)—Exfoliating, eliminates dead skin cells
  • Apple extract—Anti-free radicals, protective
  • Ascophyllumnodosum extract—Bright, even complexion
Directions for use:
Morning and evening:
  • Cleanse
  • Spray with Yonka Lotion toner
  • Apply SOLUTION CLARTE to the face, neck and décolleté and massage in. No need to rinse off. This peeling can also be used on any area concerned with dark spots.
  • In the morning, apply suitable Yonka sun protection: SPF 25 or SPF 50
We recommend that anyone with sensitive skin only use the SOLUTION CLARTE treatment once a day, preferably in the evening.


CREME LUMIERE (lightening cream)—daily brightening cream

This powerful yet silky brightening daily treatment is the key element of your fight against dull and uneven complexion as well as dark spots. It’s truly innovative formula features a patented and extremely efficient active ingredient, Time–Defying Vitamin C, which will deeply control the pigmentation process. As a result, this most efficient Vitamin C will correct dark spots and prevent new pigment spots from developing. Additionally, anti-aging and hydrating ingredients will provide ultimate comfort and a smoother look. In just a few weeks, the complexion is unified as discoloration is drastically reduced. Now protected, your skin glows with new-found brightness, and remains perfectly balanced.

Active ingredients:
  • Time-Defying Vitamin C—Brightens, evens complexion
  • High molecular weight hyaluronic acid, beech bud peptides—Hydrating, anti-aging
  • Apple extract, vitamins A & E—Protective, antioxidant
Directions for use:
Morning and evening:
  • Cleanse
  • Spray with Yonka Lotion toner
  • Apply CREME LUMIERE to the face, neck and décolleté and massage in. This cream can also be used on hands.
  • In the morning, apply suitable Yonka sun protection: SPF 25 or SPF 50


CORRECTEUR CIBLE (target corrective)—high-precision spot treatment with Yonka exclusive C-White Complex

Ultra-concentrated in whitening and anti-discoloration ingredients, this high-precision local treatment is your ultimate weapon to target and correct dark spots. At the heart of this product is an exclusive Yonka formula, C-White Complex, which combines advanced research with Yonka know-how. This perfect symbiosis between Time-Defying Vitamin C and red algae regulates both melanin production and natural transference of dark pigment to skin cells. Therefore, over time, discoloration is less pronounced, less extensive and fades away. Thanks to this tailored solution, your complexion will recover its evenness and brightness and will fade discoloration and dark spots, revealing a bright even complexion.

Active ingredients:
  • C-White Complex (time-resistant vitamin C and red algae)—Brightening, anti-discoloration
  • Polysaccharides rich in fucose, vegetable glycerin—Moisturizing

Directions for use:
Morning and evening:
  • Cleanse
  • Spray with Yonka Lotion toner
  • Locally apply CORRECTEUR CIBLE to visible discoloration and massage in with your fingertips. The corrector can also be used on any area concerned with dark spots
  • In the morning, apply suitable Yonka sun protection: SPF 25 or SPF 50


Those of you who know me and/or have had facials in my salons know I freely share my opinions about any of the products I know and use—99% are Yonka products. Essential White is no different. I will give you my review of this new line of products in an article listed below. Regardless of my (or anyone’s) opinion, it will always come down to your own personal experience. One word of caution: I can tell you without a shadow of doubt that if you don’t use these (or any other products targeting pigmentation) without interruption, your chances of reducing the dark color of pigmentation is hugely reduced.
   
For more information, see:
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Friday, February 24, 2017

Supplements & Skin

What vitamins are good for skin?

Many people ask me about vitamins and other supplements. What should they take and which ones are good for skin? Although there may be certain vitamins and minerals that are specifically good for the skin, eating a well-balanced diet is the best way to get them.

My feeling is that all vitamins and minerals are important and that no one or two should be taken in lieu of the others. The best way to get your vitamins is through the food you eat. Barring being able to do this, taking a wide range of supplements is probably a wiser idea than just focusing on one or two. You can really throw off the balance of nutrients in your body by taking large amounts of one vitamin or mineral.

It is a complicated process how everything is digested and assimilated in your body, so use caution when seeking out vitamins to help your skin specifically. Do your research on supplements that will build a strong and healthy body as a whole; unquestionably this will also help your skin.

I have had several clients, myself included, who found that taking certain supplements including herbs, actually caused problem with their skin. Monitor what supplements you are taking and any changes, for better or worse, that are occurring in your body in general, your skin specifically, or even your energy level. Before deciding to take any supplements listed here or wherever you may find them, check with your health care provider to see if there are any contraindications that you may not be aware of.

Drink your salad. Because eating all the right foods and getting all the vitamins in the course of a day can be (or at least can seem) impossible, I do rely on several things that give my body the nutrients I should be getting from my food. I consider these supplements in my diet to be “foods.”

Something I love to take in lieu of pill supplements is Green Foods’ Veggie Magma. They call it, “Your salad in a glass.” It contains broccoli sprout powder and 16 other vegetables and herbs that make an excellent addition to my daily intake of food—especially if that intake isn’t so nutritious. Basically it provides a wealth of vitamins and minerals in a powder. I take the recommended dosage, two teaspoons dissolved in a glass of clean, preferably filtered water. I fill the glass halfway, stir in the powder, then try to get all the lumps out. Next I add the rest of the water and drink it down. It tastes really good, and I know it is good for me. Yes, it would be preferable to be getting all that nutrition and bulk fiber from eating vegetables, but this product is a great substitute.

Another way to drink your salad is to juice. I am an avid proponent of juicing as a way to ensure I am getting a good supply of fruits and vegetables, thus their nutrients, into my body on a daily basis. See a link to one of the articles on this blog about juicing for better health below.

Spirulina is a great energy booster for me. So much so that I won’t take it after 5 o’clock in the evening. Otherwise (I found this out accidentally) it tends to keep me up at night. If you know you’re not getting enough protein and other vitamins in your diet, I highly recommend spirulina. And if you’re looking for something to give you extra energy without the side effects of caffeinated drinks or supplements containing stimulants, try spirulina. For more detailed information about this nutritious supplement, see the article listed below.


Doing all the right things all of the time. I don’t want to portray myself as a yoga-practicing, acupuncture-receiving, perfect-diet-eating, do-everything-right-all-the-time person. I am far from that! All of those things and more are the things I aspire to do. Life, as we all know, has other plans for us from time to time.

Take my diet as an example. I know a lot about nutrition and what to eat and what to avoid for my particular body. There are times, however, that I let go of that knowing and literally let myself go. It may be a shock for some of you who have decided that I am a certain kind of person, but I do eat sugar and “bad” foods on occasion. And sometimes I do so in excess, especially when I am under stress or have a large project that takes a lot of my time to complete.

I am sharing this with you so you will afford yourself the same leniency of being human as you no doubt extend to others. I think we are hardest on ourselves and give a lot more leeway to our fellow humans when they falter. Be kind to yourself and do try to do the right things most of the time. When life takes over and you can’t do it all, be sure to have supplements that will give you the vitamins and minerals that your body needs even though you may not be able to eat your way to this level of nutrition.

For more information, see:

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Sunday, February 19, 2017

Yonka Products for True-Dry Skin

I wanted to post some information to help you put together a skin care program using Yonka products if you have true-dry (oil-dry) skin.

Yonka offers several creams for true-dry skin, so I have listed all the moisturizers below that can be use day and/or night; singularly or in combination with each other.

Click on any product name to be taken to its corresponding article on this blog. If one has not published yet, you will be taken to that product’s page on my website.

You first need to determine the amount of oil your skin produces to truly understand which products to use. Please read:

 

My skin is bone dry—never oily:

     

    I have sensitive skin that is true-dry (oil-dry):


    If you haven’t already, please read the following for more helpful information: 
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    Wednesday, February 15, 2017

    Scaly, dry skin on your eyelids? It could be eczema

    I have eczema on my eyelids. What strength hydrocortisone cream should I be using? Should I be concerned about using it so close to my eyes?

    Hydrocortisone is a topical steroid cream that helps with dermatitises like eczema, which is a skin inflammation. Steroids are anti-inflammatory thus helping to reduce the redness and swelling from dermatitises (and any inflammation).

    Prescription steroid creams are always going to be stronger than OTC brands. That’s why they are prescribed by a doctor. In the over the counter variety, you will most likely find 1.0% topical cortisone creams. Prescription products are usually around 2.5%.

    You definitely don’t want to get this or any cream in your eyes. And unfortunately, eczema commonly manifests on the upper eyelids and under and around the eyes. So you must use extreme caution if you are going to use a medicated cream around your eyes.

    During the day you wouldn’t want to put anything on your eyelids. Due to the fold in the eyelid skin, the chances of the cream migrating into your eye is pretty high. At night you could use the cream or ointment sparingly to help treat the upper eyelid area. If using prescription strength, consult with your doctor to get his or her professional advice. No matter where you purchased the cream, strictly follow the instructions on the cortisone product label.

    FYI: both of these photographs show extreme cases of eczema around the eye area. In my practice I see eczema quite often. And many times it is just a small piece of skin that is affected. Sometimes my client isn't even aware she is developing eczema; other times clients are fully aware.

    If using a topical cortisone cream on the skin irritation doesn’t seem to be doing the trick, I highly recommend going to see your dermatologist. And while you’re there, have a full-body mole check!

    For more information, see:
    at

    Monday, February 6, 2017

    Hair Removal Options: Depilatory creams

    Please first read Thoughts about Hair Removal Options for some important preliminary information.

    Depilatory creams are creams or lotions that contain a chemical that dissolves hair, basically causing it to break off. Like shaving, this method only takes the hair off at the skin’s surface, so depending on how fast your hair grows back, the results won’t last long (no more than a few days to a week), and repeated applications will be necessary for continued results. Most brands contain irritating ingredients such as calcium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide. Potassium thioglycolate (derived from thioglycolic acid compounds), one of the key ingredients in depilatory creams, causes hair breakage (depilation), but also has the consequence of severe allergic reactions in some people.

    Depilatory creams have come a long way in recent years and many include soothing ingredients to help offset the rather harsh, caustic chemicals that remove the hair. Still, these products can cause even the most non-sensitive skin to feel irritated; they can possibly even cause a reactive chemical burn. As with any new products, especially those that contain harsh chemicals, you need to do a patch test on a small section of your leg. By doing so if you are allergic or intolerant to the cream, you will avoid having an allergic reaction on your entire leg.

    The safest place to use a depilatory cream is the upper and lower legs. You can use it on other areas such as your bikini line, but you absolutely need to do a patch test first for this area. Depilatory creams tend to work most effectively on finer, lighter hair and since the hair in the bikini area is much courser and stronger, it may not respond as well as the hair on your legs. Add to this the natural sensitivity of the skin around your bikini line, and putting a chemical composition there may cause mild to severe irritation.

    I rarely if ever use depilatory creams. But if I have gotten out of my normal routine or don’t want to shave my legs for some reason, using a depilatory cream once in a while seems to work well for me. I am more apt to use this technique during the hotter summer months when I want to quickly get rid of the hair all over my legs, not just the lower half. By applying one of these creams, closely following the directions (or else irritation will surely follow), within a few minutes my legs are smooth without having to go through the possible nicks and cuts of using a razor.

    Nair® is probably the most commonly known depilatory cream available. It’s like Reynolds Wrap® is to tin foil; you think of the brand name as the product itself. There are several other companies that manufacture similar products so you will have a lot of variety to choose from. If one brand causes problems, you may want to try another company’s product, and see if you can find one that works for you.

    Using a washcloth in the shower is the best way to thoroughly remove the cream and hair from your legs. The slightly abrasive nature of the wash rag helps to complete the process of hair removal, and since you will be rinsing your body off in the shower, it makes for an easy cleanup. Just be sure you have a washcloth with you. Also, don’t rub so aggressively as to cause irritation. Use just enough pressure with the washcloth to help the hair come off.

    Your skin will probably be irritated after using a depilatory cream and anything, even a moisturizer, can cause further irritation on sensitive skin. So, you may want to skip applying moisturizer or at least wait a while. How long you should wait will be up to you to decide, but don’t put lotion on immediately after removing the hair, or you may be sorry.

    Also, I do not recommend using a depilatory and then immediately applying either sunscreen or a self-tanning product. And definitely don’t be exposed to the sun directly after depilating. Given the many potential irritants involved in all of these products plus radiation from the sun, there is no telling how potentially problematic using all these chemicals at one time could be. If you’re going out in the sun, do the hair removal the night before to ensure a safe outdoor experience.

    There are many ways to get rid of unwanted hair, depilatory creams are just one of the ways. Like shaving, you will grow stubble almost immediately, but these creams can be a quick and easy way to “shave” without shaving.

    For more information, see:
    at

    Thursday, February 2, 2017

    Is it OK to use a washcloth on my face?

    What I can say about washcloths is I’m just not a fan. They harbor bacteria and can put extra drag on the skin without you ever noticing. Although the rough terry cloth will exfoliate some dead cells off the surface of your skin, I recommend actively exfoliating with a product instead of relying on a washcloth to do this work. If you’re rubbing your skin hard enough with a washcloth to get any significant exfoliation, you are rubbing your face too hard. 

    When you use your hands to cleanse and wash away products, you can tell by touch if everything is rinsed off your face. You also get a feel for your skin on a twice-daily basis. You can tell if there are any blemishes or unusual bumps that you wouldn’t be able to feel through a thick piece of cloth.

    With that said, it certainly is not the end of the world if you use a washcloth to clean or remove products from your face. However, if you just can’t live without one, the best “kind” to use is a clean washcloth—every time you use one.

    For my clients who just can’t give up washcloths, I recommend purchasing enough of them to get you through a week. This way you’ll never be without a clean cloth. If you use a washcloth twice a day, get a bundle of them. They usually come in packages of 5 or 10. If you don’t do laundry more than once a week, get two packages.

    I was reading your blog and you mentioned that it's not good to use a washcloth. Do you just use your hands?

    Using your hands is the best way to remove your cleanser. I have a lot of clients who love using a washcloth and if you’re one of those people who can’t live without—don’t worry about it. I’m more interested that people are cleaning their skin—no matter how they ultimately remove their cleanser. If you’re wondering how to wash your skin, see link below.

    My last recommendation if you’re using a washcloth on your face: Don’t rub too hard!

    For more information, see: 
    at