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Sunday, December 6, 2015

About Carolyn Ash—skin care expert

Carolyn Ash is determined to demystify skin care

Consumers are inundated with technology, which includes information on proper skin care. Carolyn Ash is trying to take out all the hype and give consumers simple tools for healthy skin care. “Taking care of your skin is really very simple. It’s marketing and advertising that tends to complicate the process,” says the 54-year-old skin care veteran, whose always makeup-less skin is flawless.

“I graduated from skin care school in 1985. Unfortunately, back then, they weren’t teaching us much in school. It was incumbent upon me to study on my own to find out the true workings of the skin and how to take care of it. I think schools nowadays are giving a more complete education, which will definitely benefit the client.”

Ash opened her first Carolyn Ash Skin Care salon in Dallas, Texas in 1994 after working for The Spa at the Crescent (also in Dallas) for over seven years. It was at The Spa that Carolyn discovered she had a unique talent to communicate seemingly complex ideas about health and skin care into easy-to-understand steps and procedures. She also learned what to do and what not to do to run a successful business. 

Carolyn Ash does it her way

“I always knew I wanted to have my own business. I like having control over all aspects of how my office runs. This way I can be sure the customer is getting the very best service possible. Not too long ago a client came in for a facial and was telling me about a spa she had been to recently. ’I felt like I was just a number there,’ she said. I told her the only number she is at my salon is #1. I like that, and I truly believe that is how everyone feels when they enter (and leave) my office.”

It is a very personalized service offered at Ash’s salons. They aren’t big spas; they are comfortable environments that are set up to be one-on-one with the client. If you are interested in great skin and a wealth of skin care advice, Carolyn Ash Skin Care is the place to go.

Carolyn Ash emerges as a popular writer and talk show guest

Ash turned her passion for skin care and education into a popular first book entitled Timeless Skin: Healthy Skin for a Lifetime (2000). Her writing efforts have gotten her notoriety in Dallas, Chicago, and in her current hometown, Boulder, Colorado.

After being discovered through the publicity from Timeless Skin, Carolyn Ash has enjoyed educating people all over the country. She has been hired as a public speaker for various skin care companies and has traveled around to salons, helping to educate employees on the Carolyn Ash facial technique. “What I love about public speaking is reaching a lot of people at once versus one person at a time—in a facial for instance. I also love going into a salon and, even though they don’t necessarily use the products I do at my salons, I am able to impart important information on how to give a great facial and how to set up the business to ensure 100% client satisfaction.”

Carolyn has written for national publications such as Natural Health Magazine and American Baby Magazine. She has also been featured on TV, whether on local morning shows, or national programs like The Iyanla Show. In 2004, Ash published a 2nd book: Skin Care from A to Z. This second effort explores reader’s email questions along with case studies of clients from her salons. 

“My books are what I term evergreen. Although small bits of the data in the books may change as the years go by, the bulk of the information is as true today, in 2015, as it was when the first book was published in 2000. Skin care—your skin—just doesn’t need a radical new approach. Skin is a living, breathing entity and its care is somewhat never-changing. Products and trendy procedures may come and go, but your skin and your entire body have remained the same for millennia.”

The Carolyn Ash Skin Care mission

The mission at Carolyn Ash Skin Care is to give helpful and honest information for achieving clear and healthy skin—for a lifetime, whether to a client in one of her salons or a person ordering products by mail. Ash states, “If you don’t have clear skin, it will require diligence and discipline to achieve it. But clear and healthy skin is absolutely possible—for everyone. I just want to simplify the process so you can get on with your life!”

For more information, see:

Saturday, December 5, 2015

What is NOT rosacea?

Some books note a shiny face as one of the symptoms of rosacea. People who use Retin-A many times appear to have a shiny quality to their skin. This, coupled with the redness that can accompany the use of Retin-A and the sensitivity that inevitably follows using this acid, means you have already racked up three symptoms of rosacea. But do you have rosacea? You certainly would not be able to use something as irritating as Retin-A if you truly had rosacea. If you want to know more about Retin-A and my opinion about its use, read Retin-A—some basic info (link below).
—
—soe basic info.
Retin-A—some basic info
Retin-A—some basic info
Retin-A—some basic info

A common skin problem that is often mistaken for rosacea is couperose. Couperose, as you may know, occurs when the capillaries, which are very weak by nature, are broken or rendered dysfunctional for various reasons. This condition looks similar to rosacea in many ways but capillary damage is only one symptom of rosacea and couperose should not be thought of as full-blown rosacea.

I have seen many clients over the years who have severe couperose but not what I consider to be rosacea. And some people with rosacea don’t have noticeable couperose. Rosacea and couperose are, however, linked in a way because both of these skin conditions reflect problems with the capillaries.

Another skin condition that is commonly thought to be rosacea is acne, or even simple breakout. I think the confusion is due to people wanting to label their unknown problem as a known entity. Also, sometimes rosacea is called acne rosacea. If someone is breaking out and can’t figure out why, then labeling it rosacea, “adult acne,” or a host of other titles may bring about a feeling of control, a concrete resolution. Unfortunately, this labeling process might cause a person to not scrutinize lifestyle habits (in search of probable causes), and say, “Oh, well, it’s rosacea, and there isn’t anything I can do about it. I’m doomed.”

Wrong! Even if you truly do have rosacea, you certainly are not doomed! You are just a person who has to be more diligent than the next guy and consciously aware of what you are eating, drinking, and putting on your skin. And I’ve got news for you: other people should be as diligent as you have to be.

Although they may not be seeing outward signs of internal problems, if they are consistently eating a poor diet and/or under stress almost all the time (even if the skin is not reflecting a state of poor internal health), the body’s organs are taxed and someday, somewhere they will have to pay a price. And that is why I tell my clients who have problems with their faces that it is actually a blessing in disguise. Their faces are telling them that something is wrong inside and that action needs to be taken. Inevitably this means at the very least a new view on how and what they are eating, among other things.

For more information, see:

Thursday, December 3, 2015

Clay Masks Q & As

What does a clay mask really do and why do I need one?

Clay, like earth, has an absorbing or drawing action that helps to clean superficial debris out of the pores. Even though you are cleaning your skin daily with facial cleansers, they are only removing surface oil and buildup from the day (or night). Clay masks help to pull out more material from the pores, leaving them clean and debris-free.

Of course, given time the debris will once again collect in the pores. Thus, you want to give yourself a clay mask at least once a week, more often (2-3 times per week) if you have problems with blackheads or breakout.

Clay also contains minerals and elements that are very soothing and healing for the skin. Most clay masks can be used on all skin types and are especially good for oily or problem/acne skin since these skin types tend to have a lot of congestion. You must keep the mask moist for proper results. (See the following question/answer for a more detailed explanation.) Try using a clay mask and see if you don’t experience cleaner, brighter skin.

I have used clay masks before, but found them to be way too drying, especially now that it is cold and windy here in the northeast. I really feel the need for a more moisturizing mask, and I also want something to use at night that will help with a few little dry patches I have on either side of my chin that just won’t go away.

The dryness you are experiencing with a clay mask is pretty common. That is why I recommend keeping the mask moist the entire time it is on your face. Clay does not need to dry on your skin in order to draw impurities to itself. If you keep the mask moist, this should solve your problem of dry skin after the mask.

Of course, you'll have a clay mask on!
Spraying clean, filtered water on your face is the cheapest and easiest way to keep your clay mask moist.
  • Simply get a small plastic spray bottle at your local grocery or drug store and fill it with clean water.
  • Once you have applied the mask, spray your face really well with the water.
  • Then have the bottle on hand to spray intermittently during the 15 minutes you have the mask on.
  • Spray well enough to keep the mask wet, but not so much that water is dripping off your face.
  • An alternative would be to spray your face with your toner, presuming you have it in a spray bottle.

Another tip is to lie in the bathtub with the mask on and the water bottle by your side. If you are a bath person, you know the relaxing benefits of a nice hot bath to soothe your muscles and indeed your soul. Having the clay on your face acts like a barrier and will protect your fragile capillaries from the heat of the steam.

Having dry patches doesn’t necessarily mean you need a moisturizing mask. It really depends on how much oil you have in your pores and if your skin is dehydrated. Are you congested (clogged pores) at all or in any particular place on your face? If not, then using a moisturizing mask is fine. But if you do have clogged pores, the clay mask is what you need.

Although I am not a fan of using too many different things at one time, if you want to, you could use the clay on the places you need it and the moisturizing mask on the places you feel dry. Another recommendation would be to apply a layer of your moisturizer under the clay mask. This way you will be infusing the cream into your skin while the clay still has the ability to clean the pores and stimulate circulation.

Also, don’t forget to exfoliate (before masking). It will help with dryness and congestion. (See The Extras.) Clay isn’t the only kind of mask you can use; it just happens to be my favorite. It’s effective and beneficial for most skin types.

For more information, see:

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Carolyn Ash Skin Care website gets a face lift!

I thought my website was looking a bit tired and needed an overhaul—a face lift, if you will. And it got one.

I hope you enjoy the exciting new look for Carolyn Ash Skin Care online. I believe the navigation is effortless and I  hope you find the online store easy to maneuver through. If by chance you run into any problems, please let me know so I can correct any issues pronto.

This new site also utilizes PayPal, so if you don’t want to use a credit card and have a PayPal account, you can pay for your orders that way.

I hope you like the new site and have an enjoyable time using it. Thank you for your continued support of my online business!

BE WELL,

Carolyn.
Carolyn Ash Skin Care


Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Yonka-Paris CELLULAR CODE SERUM—for mature skin

From Yonka headquarters: Yonka has recently come out with a new line of products: the Cellular Code line. Cellular Code SERUM reduces the signs of aging and fatigue by restoring cellular vitality and cell function. This cellular energy complex re-energizes the cells to smooth wrinkles, enhance radiance, and recover supple, firm skin. A silky, quick-absorbing formulation, Cellular Code Serum leaves the complexion revitalized and youthful.

Here are a few more of the key benefits:
  • Improves and restores healthy cell regeneration
  • Smoothes fine lines and wrinkles
  • Boosts skin’s defensive and repairing abilities
  • Firms and brightens skin
  • Elegant scent from essential oils
  • Non-comedogenic; dermatologist-tested
  • Quick-absorbing, paraben-free formula
Essential ingredients:
  • Lipoamino Acid - Fatty acid—prolongs life of cell proteins, improves cell functioning, reinforces the skin
  • Biacalin, polyphenol—boosts energy and youthfulness of fibroblasts (cells responsible for firm, supple skin)
  • D-ribose and garden nasturtium extract—encourages oxygenation of the cells, enhance skin’s radiance
  • Yonka “Quintessence” (essential oils of thyme, lavender, cypress, geranium, and rosemary)—balancing, restoring
Directions for use:
In the morning and/or evening:
  • After cleansing
  • Spray Yonka Lotion toner
  • Apply CELLULAR CODE SERUM
    • If you have normal to oily skin, this may be all the moisturizer you need. If you have true-dry skin, you will need to use your regular moisturizer over this serum to ensure proper hydration
  • Apply a pea-sized dollop of Yonka moisturizer of your choice over face and neck
  • Then use eye cream

For more information along with a few of my favorite Yonka products, see:
Any of you who know me will know this ad from Yonka is not a mindset I subscribe to in total. I prefer to enjoy what time is bringing me—regardless.