You down with PPE?! (Yeah, everybody!)

During our recent plight of the dreaded Covid-19 Pandemic/Debacle

I woke up and found myself in a new world.

A masked one. Im certain I wouldn't mind so much if I was an Avenger or maybe even a kick a** ninja girl but I am not. I am just simply me. :) I dread wearing masks. I get the sense of security it can give ones psyche and i am sure it provides protection of some sort (to varying degrees depending who you ask) but I personally am not fond of them. Its hard to breathe, talk, and show my beautiful smile :) . For those who work as Essential Workers on the Front Line donning the mask for long hours let me say "Thank You for your perseverance and your sacrifice". The heat, sweat and oil buildup can cause skin irritations as well as bruising. Moisture and Vapor, as well as secretions such as saliva or mucus, get trapped inside the mask. That then acts as an irritant (dermatitis) to the skin and causes an upset to the equilibrium of the skin around the mouth. Chaffing and tiny papules are common with this type of skin irritation. The best way to keep the skin protected is by using a gentle hypoallergenic cleanser and a heavy cream preferably with vitamin K and E to create a barrier that will protect your skin from friction and also combat bruising. We now live in a world where masks are the new norm. I would say there is a bit of heroism in all of us in surviving.

Maintaining your skin and protecting it is no longer viewed as a luxury it is a necessity.

Stay Healthy and Stay Safe

-Mia

Skin A-Peel:The Methods Of Exfoliation

#AskMiaJ

Your skin has five layers to it, and the newest skin cells are at the base of that. As the cells mature, they travel from the base layer of the epidermis to the outermost layer. At that point, they form the stratum corneum, the "tougher outer layer that [acts as] a barrier and prevents things from coming in. Exfoliation is the act of sloughing off dead skin cells. While the reveal of new skin is what the goal is, one must be careful not to over-exfoliate as this creates tiny cracks in the skin barrier and leads to loss of moisture and inflammation.

There are 3 major ways to exfoliate. The selection type depends on your skin condition and what you're trying to achieve.

Mechanical/Physical- Scrubs,brushes, abrasive particles such as oatmeal that physically remove dead skin to primarily loosen and remove flakes of dry or dead skin from the surface. If you are looking to even out your skin tone this may be a good selection for you.

Chemical exfoliation- which is often applied as a chemical peel containing AHA,BHA usually acids-that "break the bonds” between skin cells, the little bridges that keep them together. These treatments are typically much stronger and more abrasive than those products available in your drugstore. Although they can usually treat more serious or stubborn conditions such as Acne scarring, wrinkles, sun damage and Hyperpigmentation. If you want a thorough exfoliation and also want to treat a condition this may be the route for you. Please note chemical peels should ONLY be administered by Licensed skin care professionals.

Enzyme exfoliants- Fall under the “Chemical umbrella” however they are a more mild exfoliating option. Enzymes come from natural sources like fruits, and work like chemical exfoliants to break down keratin in skin, but at a much slower pace, for a more gentle and safe turnover process.Pumpkin,Pineapple and Papaya are just some of the fruits containing said enzymes that when used with a gommage technique,digest dead skin cells.This type of exfoliation works best for sensitive skin types.

The ideal goal is healthy, functioning skin that allows you to put your best face forward!

What are some ways you exfoliate? Have you seen any noticeable results?

-Mia J

Lymph Notes on Lymph nodes

As we enter into the latest skin care trends of the year, I would like to talk about Lymphatic Drainage in regards to skin care. For those of you who may not know Lymph is a clear, slightly yellow fluid containing white blood cells integral to your body's immune system assisting to defend against/fight off infection.

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"Lymphatic Massage" benefits people dealing with:

• Lymphedema

• Fibromyalgia

• Swelling or Edema

• Skin Disorders

• Fatigue

• Insomnia

• Stress

• Digestive problems

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When offered as part of a skin care treatment, the skin is examined and a consultation takes place to determine your overall goal and how this treatment will benefit you.

*This is not a Quick Fix*

This is a Progressive rather than Aggressive treatment : A gentle gliding movement to stimulate and encourage the flow of the lymph. This is a detoxifying purge to rid the body of impurities. While the immediacy of the effects vary due to the constitution of each individual, this is a Specialized Facial boosted with bliss to make certain you leave lighter than you walked in!

-Mia J