Year: 2013

Between Your Treatments

Posted on Cybil SolynLeave a commentPosted in Skincare

Taking care of your skin between treatments is vital. I always so, “I detail the car, but you keep it clean!” But what do you do when you want to give yourself a little extra between treatments? My favorite – masks. There’s a mask for just about everything and it’s the secret weapon every star and beauty queen uses. From Cleopatra and her milk and honey masks, to Anne Hathaway and her love of mud masks. The right mask can do wonders for perking up and healing your skin between treatments. Come in and ask me about what mask is best for you!

Avoid The Sugar Coma

Posted on Cybil SolynLeave a commentPosted in Wellness

If the words “ho ho ho” bring to mind a delicious snack cake wrapped in foil rather than Jolly Old Saint Nick, you’re not alone. We know what the holidays can do to our waistlines so we’re continually looking for a new, better way to eat nutritiously while the rest of the world enjoys a sugar high — then crashes.

It is rare to get through the holidays without hearing someone complain about the weight they’ve gained, exercise they’ve missed out on, or horrible food choices they made during the season. It does not have to be the case for you, though. There are lots of things you can do to stay on track nutritionally, while still loving every moment of the holidays.

An interesting study offers good news and bad news regarding holiday weight gain. According to The New England Journal of Medicine, reports suggesting that the average American gains 7 to 10 pounds of weight between Thanksgiving and Christmas are hogwash. Several recent studies have shown that the average person gains one pound of weight over the holidays. That’s the good news.

The bad news is that most people don’t ever lose that extra pound. Because the average adult gains one or two pounds per year, it means that a lot of that poundage is picked up during the holiday season.

So, what to do? How can you plan for a holiday season that includes lots of nutritious food to give you energy and leaves you with absolutely no weight gain?

Shop Smart
Who among us is not guilty of filling the pantry with goodies during the holiday season? It’s as much a custom as watching It’s a Wonderful Life or A Christmas Story. It’s fine to have those once-a-year snacks available, but balance it out by having nutritious food around, too. Fill containers in your fridge with fresh fruit to snack on and keep pita chips and pretzels in the cupboard for when you’re craving something salty. Mix it up. When you’re in the mood for something not-so-healthy (but utterly delectable) allow yourself to have a small amount, satisfying your real hunger with healthy alternatives.

Lighten up on the Appetizers
Here’s our theory as to why appetizers are always so darn delicious: they are generally full of fat and dense with calories. If you’re hosting or attending a party, focus on the appetizers with the most nutritional value. Shrimp cocktail, veggies with low-fat dip, and fresh fruit are all delicious and give you something to munch on while working the room.

Do the Old Switcheroo
It’s easy to create the perfect holiday meal while saving calories and fat. Non-fat yogurt or applesauce can be substituted when a recipe calls for oil in baked goods. Light cream cheese, low-fat milk, and chicken stock all add flavor to a dish without cramming it full of fat and calories. Make it a game of figuring out ways to make old, traditional dishes with healthier ingredients.

Hydrate
We hear it so often and it’s such boring advice that we’re hesitant to include it, but the truth is, we’re often really dehydrated when we may feel as though we’re hungry. We run around trying to get to this holiday program and picking up that relative at the airport, and frankly, we forget to drink enough water to satisfying our bodies. When it comes to water, our bodies rebel in any number of ways when we’re lacking in H2O. We become tired, cranky, and begin to believe that the only thing that’s going to make us feel better is reaching for a snack. It’s not the snack our bodies crave; it’s water.

De-Stress
One way to prevent stress-related eating is to find ways during the holiday season to relax and be at peace with your body. Take a long walk with the kids or a friend, put a few minutes aside each day to simply sit quietly, or schedule a relaxing treatment with us — anything that allows you to unwind is especially welcome this time of year.

3 Holiday Traditions Explained

Posted on Cybil SolynLeave a commentPosted in Uncategorized

The Holiday Season is full of traditions, but have you ever wondered where some of our favorite traditions originated?

Poinsettias
Originally called Cuitlaxochitl, poinsettias are native to Mexico, where they have been used in Christmas celebrations since the 17th century. Mexican legend tells of a young girl, who had no money or gift for the celebration of Christmas. In the legend, an angel tells her to pick weeds and put them on the altar. Deep red flowers sprouted from the weeds and became the Poinsettia. Joel Poinsett, America’s first ambassador to Mexico, stumbled across the plant during his time in Mexico. An amateur botanist, he fell in love with the plant and sent cuttings back to his greenhouse in South Carolina. As it grew in popularity in the United States, it was given a new name to commemorate the man who brought it to America – the poinsettia.

Candy Canes
Soon after Christmas trees became popular in Europe, people began making their own decorations, usually cookies or candy. Straight white sticks of sugar were popular as Christmas tree decorations during this time. In 1670, the choirmaster at Cologne Cathedral asked a local craftsman if he could make the white sticks with a crook in them, reminiscent of a Shepherd’s Crook. He handed these out to children who came to the cathedral to help keep them quiet during services. The trend caught on as it also made it easier to hang them on Christmas trees. The stripes weren’t added until hundreds of years later, when candy canes became popular in the United States.

Gingerbread

The history of gingerbread cookies, houses and whatnot at Christmas is murky since the ginger root is Asian and the Germans hold the cookies dear, but everyone knows that Christmas just isn’t the same without a house or a man or even some type of giraffe or something! Gingerbread people have been seen in historical texts as far back as 1598 in Shakespeare plays, but it was the Germans who created the houses we all have come to love.

From these humble beginnings, these and so many other traditions have become a huge part of holiday celebrations across America and around the world. No matter what your favorite holiday traditions are, I wish you a joyful holiday season, celebrating traditions with family and friends.

The Holiday Season

Posted on Cybil SolynLeave a commentPosted in Uncategorized

The Holidays are just around the corner which means it’s time to start making your gift giving lists. Since the holiday season can get a little hectic it’s important to be well prepared so you can have time to enjoy the season stress free. Here are a couple of tips to keep in mind for the upcoming holidays:

  • Christmas is the season of giving but a lot of us tend to forget some pretty important people. We always shop for our close friends and family members, but what about our coworkers, teachers, employees and service workers? It’s important to show your gratitude and appreciation for their hard work, but in all the bustle we can forget about them. Even a little “Thank You” card can go a long way! So be sure to put those people on your list now so you aren’t left scrambling for something last minute
  • During the holidays, there are tons of different gift options and it can be overwhelming. When in doubt, give a gift that you enjoy. Maybe it’s a homemade brownies or a gift card to your favorite florists. If it’s a gift you’d enjoy than it’s more likely that someone else can enjoy it too.
  • Retail products are great holiday gifts, but don’t forget to include gift certificates. Gift certificates are great for holidays because not only are they easy to use but they can also help you get the job done fast. Adding a small something to a gift certificate makes that piece of paper more tangible and thoughtful as well. Solyn Studio gift certificates purchased in store all come with a gift bag of goodies to add a smile and fun to the gift when unwrapping.
  • Shop early! Items run out and crowds can be daunting. The sooner you get all your presents taken care of the more time you can spend relaxing and enjoying the spirit of the holidays.

Keeping Hydrated in Winter

Posted on Cybil SolynLeave a commentPosted in Skincare

Let’s face it, winter weather can be tough on us. The moment we switch on the heat in our homes everything begins to dry out, like fruit in one of those dehydrating contraptions we see on late night television. You can head off the winter skin woes by changing your routine up just a tad.

  • Try a richer moisturizer.
  • During the summer with the heat and moisture we tend to use something light and water based but as the dry cold winter comes on you may need something with a touch of oil.
  • Make sure that your hat, gloves and socks are dry before slipping them on.
  • Dry protective clothing will help keep your skin from cracking and chapping.
  • No matter how big a hurry you are in, don’t forget to use sunscreen.
  • Not only can you become sunburned from the wintertime sun, but the reflection of the sun off of snow can do a number on your skin. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to your body (including your hands and top of your ears), and reapply frequently.

If your summer routine consists of peels, masks and *shudder* toners (please throw that toner away!), you might want to rethink your strategy during winter months. You can use these products, but look for formulations that will nourish your skin rather than strip it. Look for a deeply-hydrating mask and a richer body cream. Cut down on how often you use peeling products and seriously consider switching to a much better for you year round enzyme instead.

For many people – particularly those who live in areas with extended winter weather – Seasonal Affect Disorder (SAD) is a very real issue. Aside from depression, people suffering from SAD often experience fatigue and weight gain. Experts believe that a lack of light cuts serotonin to our brains. We need this serotonin to make us feel happy. The trick to actively seek light, either by using a lightbox for 30 minutes a day or getting outside at every opportunity. The real problem is that people with SAD can have a difficult time feeling motivated enough to get out there and do something. If it helps, think of sunlight as a natural medication for mood.

There is some evidence that supplements such as St. John’s Wort and 5-HTP can help ward off depression while increasing the serotonin to our brains. When the sun is not out to give us vitamin D naturally, foods rich with this vitamin become even more important. Add cod liver oil, canned sardines, egg yolks and salmon to your diet for a vitamin D boost. If you’re having a problem with SAD, see your doctor to find out which of these suggestions she recommends and if there is anything else you can add to your wellbeing arsenal.

Even if you lounged around all summer, exercise is essential during the winter months. Not only will a regular exercise routine tighten your body, but it will also lift your mood and give you something other than shoveling snow to concentrate on.

Finally, consider the mood-elevating power of being kind to yourself. Call to schedule a relaxing facial that will plump up your skin with moisture and give you some time to just enjoy.

The Iderm Hollywood Facial

Posted on Cybil SolynLeave a commentPosted in Skincare

“What is that?!”

“It looks like (dropping into a whisper) something from an S&M movie.”

“That looks (gulp) scary…”

Aaaah, the poor Iderm machine. I know it looks scary, but unless you suffer claustrophobia the Iderm facial will be your new best friend. I swear! It’s built on 50 years of skin care technology and designed to be very comfortable, soothing even, as it makes deep and lasting improvements to your skin.

The Iderm Facial

The galvanic power of Iderm has been praised by Oprah, The Doctors, and Housewives of Beverly Hills. This galvanic facial provides dramatic results for the skin from the inside out. The Iderm is known as Hollywood’s best kept secret because the science behind the Iderm’s exclusive process increases circulation and provides nourishment, while decreasing inflammation, minimizing bacterial growth and pore size, and evening out pigment.

Uhhh, So what is it exactly?

Okay, okay. Let me see if I can explain this in a more simple way. The Iderm is an exclusive process that increases circulation and provides nourishment, while decreasing inflammation, minimizing bacterial growth and pore size, and evening out pigment. By acting like a magnet (that’s what galvanic is really, a magnet) it draws impurities out of the skin (imagine two magnets with the same polarity pushing apart) and pushes product deeply into the skin’s cells (imagine two magnets of different polarity pulling together) while exercising the muscles and tissues of the face (think those stimulating ab belts) at the same time.

Oh! That’s cool. What it like?

You can expect wet pads of various solutions to be put on your face, neck, and chest and then those leather pads with the metal numbs on them to be placed over the wet pads. It’s those nubs that allow the galvanic to push and pull. The leather is there because it can withstand all the solutions and be sanitized. Most people say the treatment is very comfortable and even soothing. You lie and have your hands and feet rubbed for 40min or so. Many fall asleep or zone out.

Neat! What can I expect?

With your treatment your skin will experience immediate results feeling refreshed, tightened and hydrated. Maintaining your facial treatments over time with Iderm will improve the color, texture, firmness, tone and health of the skin. With a series the benefits will go deeper and last longer. Fans of the Iderm say it can make them look 10 years younger and increases the results of any of their other treatments. So go ahead. Love the Iderm. It’s totally heavy metal!!

Fall 2013 Makeup Trends

Posted on Cybil SolynLeave a commentPosted in Makeup

This year, the hot makeup trends are both subtle and bold. Check out these three trendy looks.

Bold Lips
Be daring with a bold lip color like candy apple red or hot pink. Jane Iredale has 6 new shades of red and 5 pinks so you’ll be sure to find the one perfect for you. It might be a little intimating to breakout a blast of color, but I swear that once you start sporting a bold color you will be the envy of all. I literally just had a client in my office who I put a bold red on. She freaked out saying to was too dark and looked freaky. I asked her to wear it for me until she left the studio. My next client walked in a few minutes later, looked at her as she was putting her shoes on and said, “OMG! I wish I could pull off that color. You look amazing.” I smiled and the both ended up buying a bold color that they now love getting compliments on.

Metallic eyes
Shining blues and shimmering pinks will grace the lids of many women this year. I’ve seen the Jane Iredale Pearl Powder on just about every model gracing a cover this month! While this look is typically reserved for a night out on the town, more and more women are sporting the fun look everyday. Of course, metallic eyes must carefully be paired with bold lips or a more mellow color for daytime, but at night be bold by pairing them both together.

Barely-there makeup
If you wouldn’t dream of wearing bold lips or metallic eye colors, there is a more subtle trend in makeup too. Trendsetters say the barely-there look is in. The foundation of this look is, you guessed it, your foundation. This is simple with the right Jane Iredale base. Come in for a color match if you aren’t already using the best barely there, perfect coverage, skin care makeup on earth. Add a warm eye shadow color and glossy lips and you’re set. A trick I like to use for barely there makeup is add the blush color to the eye lip in the crease. It will pull the look together seamlessly.

Remember, makeup is something to have fun with. So many of us get in our heads about what we can and can’t wear, but for every so called makeup “rule” out there, there’s another one that tells us to break it. So try something different. It’s not a tattoo, you can take it off. Play! Have fun! And see how changing up your style turns heads and gets you noticed.

Solving the Facial Mask Mystery

Posted on Cybil SolynLeave a commentPosted in Skincare

Facials aren’t a one-size-fits all process. Every person that schedules a treatment is as unique as the treatment provided. When you come in for a facial, we will ask several questions about your skin and create a specific mask for your skin type. Here’s a look at the benefits of various facial masks.

Clay and mud masks
These masks are great for oily skin types. The thick cream will absorb excess oil and clear your pores, which will prevent blemishes from popping up. People with oily skin often have problems with acne and use clay masks to balance their skin. While clay masks wage war on oil, it can also leave behind dry patches. You’ll want to apply a facial moisturizer after a clay mask.

Hydration masks
If your face is prone to dry skin, you’ll want to look into a hydration mask. These moisture-rich creams infuse your skin with the ingredients it needs to stay flexible. These masks are particularly helpful for people with hard water, which often leaves skin rough and patchy.

Firming masks
If you want to fight the signs of aging, you’ll want to apply a firming mask. These masks are used to treat sagging or loose skin. The masks are chock-full of ingredients that stimulate the collagen in your skin, promoting a younger look. While the main purpose of this mask is to tighten the skin, it can also improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

Facial masks are one of the primary components of a facial. Be sure to schedule a facial to experience the rejuvenating effects of these great masks.

Autumn is Here

Posted on Cybil SolynLeave a commentPosted in Skincare

As we transition into Fall, we look forward to autumn and the end of Summer. With the warm and relaxing days coming to an end we can look forward to pumpkin pie, cooler days, and drier skin.

Fall is my personal favorite season. We get to put on the new fashion trends we’ve seen but couldn’t wear in the stores and on runways the last month or so. The rich, jewel tone colors flatter nearly everyone, and gloss and shimmer make way for bolder glitter and sparkle.

Fall means going to the back of our closets and bringing forth our longer sleeve blouses and hanging up the capri’s. It’s the perfect excuse for shopping because as the colder weather sets in we all could use a new pair of boots and a couple new sweaters. But in your rush to cover up, don’t forget that the change in season also involves a change in how you treat your skin.

In the summer time, we all want to achieve the perfect fresh, glowing skin associated with the outdoors. We’re all about protecting it from the sun, wind, and fun. Our beauty routines reflect this mindset in products such as sunscreen, oil blotting, hydrating lotions, self-tanners, and the occasional Aloe Vera. The heat and humidity of summer means we need to protect ourselves from sun damage while making sure our skin stays hydrated for that supple, healthy glow.

As we look towards October, it’s the perfect time to begin a regimen of skin care to prepare for the oncoming winter months. Think extra hydration and exfoliation. You may need to add a moisturizer to go over the serum you used by itself during the summer as well as an enzyme mask and protection balm to keep your skin supple and hydrated.

Luckily if you see me at Solyn skin Fitness Studio I’ve got you covered. In October be prepared to talk about your summer routine and the adjustments we need to make to transition into fall and winter.

The Zit Stops Here

Posted on Cybil SolynLeave a commentPosted in Skincare

It’s the night before the biggest event of your life and a pimple pops up on your face in a spot that could only be missed in a pitch-black room. Acne is frustrating at any time, but there are moments when you simply must get rid of the offending zit fast.

Facials
Come in to see me. Not only do I have the tools to safely remove any dirt or debris from clogged pores, but I have an arsenal of products and doodads that can help get rid of that zit FAST! So before you try and conquer your face with your fingers, contact me.
Spot Treatments
Clay, sulfur, and algae are my favorites as spot treatments. Experiment to see which your skin prefers. Wash your face and apply the treatment directly to the acne twice a day. More than twice a day may cause extreme drying, so it is best to stick with two times a day until the acne disappears.
Warm Compress
Quite frankly this is where I always start with an unwanted blemish. Sometimes a wash cloth soaked in hot (NOT SCALDING) water applied to the area for 5-10 min does the job. The wet heat will either bring that red bump to the surface for removal, or make it go away all together. It also makes the skin more receptive to products so it’s what I like to do first.
Professional Advice
Leaving acne untreated can result in emotional and physical scarring and often have a simple solution in proper skin care, better makeup, and regular facials.