Month: July 2013

It’s Going to Be a Cruel Cruel Summer

Posted on Cybil SolynLeave a commentPosted in Skincare

We’re in the midst of summer and everyone knows what that means – high heat and sweaty skin. And since it feels like August instead of July out there our summer is going to be hotter than ever!

During the summer, many of us enjoy pool, hiking, or walking on the beach. This is why a GOOD SPF is needed. I always recommend the Epicuren SPF’s since there’s one for whatever your lifestyle needs. Chemical free, ultra light weight Zinc SPF 20, Water resistant but not goopy Active Sport SPF 30, and Xtreme Cream 45 with propolis for those extreme days in the sun. I also love the Jane Iredale Dream Tint SPF 15 for a coverage that protects and conceals but won’t sweat off, or my all time favorite car SPF PowderMe SPF 30 which is powdered titanium and zinc that won’t go bad in high heats – like your glove box!

Ocean water is full of salt and even just being by it can leave your skin dry to the touch due to the sticky salty air. On days like these, there’s nothing better than taking a good shower to wash everything from your skin with a gentle exfoliation. One of the best ways to do this is by gently exfoliating your body with a Cactus Cloth and a gentle body wash. Of course there’s I shouldn’t need to say this, but lets just in case -avoid exfoliating sunburned skin since this will only further irritate it and cause pain and flare up. However, if you’re in the “peeling” stage of a sunburn,(which won’t happen if you wear and reapply a good quality SPF!) go ahead and gently exfoliate the area; it will help speed up the process.

After you’re left feeling clean and refreshed, make sure to nourish your skin.I personally love mixing in a small squeeze of Injablu with Restore Hydrating Lotion for added skin benefits. Not only will it soften your skin but it will help keep it hydrated in the summer heat.

Do You Know What’s in Your Skincare?

Posted on Cybil SolynLeave a commentPosted in Skincare, Wellness

Knowing what’s in your skincare products is not only an important step to achieving great skin, but research suggests it can also lead to better health. According to a study conducted by Chemical Safe Skincare Research in 2006, the average woman absorbs more than five pounds of toxins annually from her bath, body and skin care products.

Scientists have linked many of the toxic chemicals used in skin and body care products to such problems as allergies, gene modification, reproductive hormonal disruption, endocrine disruption and even cancer.

The effect prolonged exposure of these chemicals can have on the body has never thoroughly been studied, but considering the health concerns they have been linked to, minimizing their use is certainly wise.

If you’ve purchased a product from me, then you know I’ve done my research on it’s efficacy and safety, but if you have anything sitting around not from me you may want to take a look at it. The number one thing I tell people to stay away from is Laurel or Laureth sulfate, Benzoyl Peroxide, Glycolic, and SPF’s with a lot of chemicals in them.

It is likely that just about every skin care product on your vanity or in your bathroom contains one or more of the ingredients listed above. Before panicking and getting into a frenzied attempt to toss them all, it is important to note that in many cases, the amount of these chemicals used in skin care products is minimal. But knowledge of these ingredients, and how to spot them on labels is certainly very useful as it can help you to make informed choices and reduce how often you come into contact with them.

Sunburn SOS

Posted on Cybil SolynLeave a commentPosted in Skincare

It happens to the best of us. Here’s how to handle the situation stat! Keep it cool and damp. It takes up to 24 hours for a burn to stop burning into the skin. Cover the area with Mud Puddle and get fast relief! This Hungarian mud reduce redness and inflammation and aid in the healing process. You can also add it to a cool bath and just soak in it. Moisturize with a healing cooling gel like Noni which is a Hawaiian secret. Once the burn isn’t hot to the touch you can use a thicker moisturizer to help avoid bad peeling.

Protect Yourself From Fungus

Posted on Cybil SolynLeave a commentPosted in Skincare

Summer is full of wet, hot, sweaty fun – especially by pools. It doesn’t matter if it’s your own, a friends or a public hangout, pools are great substitution for beaches. When it comes to pools, however, we should all keep in mind the possibility of contracting a fungal infection.

According to Water’s Edge Dermatology, “It is easy to get a fungal infection. Fungi spread easily from person to person. Many people get a fungal infection through close personal contact with someone who has a fungal infection…Fungi grow quickly in warm, moist areas. For most people, a fungal infection causes a mild rash or itching.”

Some of the possible fungal infections include Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis), Nail Fungus (Onychomycosis, Tinea Unguium), Jock itch (Tinea Cruris), Ringworm (Tinea Corporis) and Scalp Ringworm (Tinea Capitis). The good news is there are some ways to protect yourself.

A few simple things can help protect you from fungus.

  • Footlogix Rough Skin Protective Mousse. It works on keeping the foot tissue protected from fungal infection, while healing and hydrating that skin.
  • Use powder in areas you are going to get sweaty like bikini line, under breasts, balls, and between butt cheeks.
  • Avoid using or sharing another person’s towel and comb/brush.
  • Don’t wear another person’s shoes or sandals.
  • Don’t keep wet bathing suits on for longer than necessary.

Don’t let a fungal infection put a damper on your summer! Just be cautious of your surroundings and follow the tips above to help avoid them. Remember, if by chance you do contract an infection; visit your doctor for advice on how best to treat it.

Confessions of an Esthetician

Posted on Cybil SolynLeave a commentPosted in Opinion

As the person who removes your hair and picks your face it can be hard being me. I hate causing you pain. Every time you cringe I die a little inside. I know you want to be waxed, but the idea of making you suffer is hard on me. I try and make every clients visit as comfortable as possible, but there are a few things you can do to help. Take an aspirin or ibuprofen about a half hour before your hair removal service. While you’re at it, pop a Tums or other antacid if you’ve been treating yourself a little hard. I know it sounds odd, but if you smoke or drink a lot of caffeine or alcohol, it creates acid in your body. Acid makes your skin more sensitive, leading to more pain and redness.

Wear your SPF. I know I feel like a nag, but you’re aging your skin and promoting cancer. I love that you are coming to see me on a regular basis. It means you care about your skin! So please be just as concerned with the future of your skin by slathering the stuff on and re-apply on a regular basis.

Treatment is cumulative. Please do not think I’m trying to up-sell you when I ask you to rebook, upgrade to a more expensive service, or pick up product. I do this because it’s what will help your skin in the long term. Just as poor diet, air pollution, and overexposure to the sun will slowly damage your skin, a healthy, young skin will be your reward for taking my advice to heart. I work with all kinds of budgets and lifestyles, but my work is only as good as your compliance.

It’s okay if you just want to chill. No matter which service you’ve come in for, you honestly don’t have to entertain me. I love to hear about you and your loved ones, and if that makes you relax (which for many is the case) then I’m happy to chat, but spa time is meant for YOU. You are my number one care. I want to relax and renew you. If that means you just want to lie there and contemplate the meaning of life, I’m cool with that. In fact, I’d probably do the same.

You are beautiful. You are amazing. And although my job is to help you be the most beautiful and healthy you possible – you are perfect JUST AS YOU ARE. Do you know how often I’ve heard you complain about your wrinkles, your cellulite, the length of your lashes, the size of your butt, or apologize for the condition of your skin? It’s fine if you need to vent, but please know that it bothers me when you can’t see your own beauty. We are going to work on all the things you want to improved, but I want you to know that I don’t have one single client who looks like you, has your life experience, or your particular sense of humor. In short, I really like you for YOU, and trust me if I didn’t I wouldn’t let you back on my book. My secret goal for every visit is that you see yourself with more grace and kindness, just as I see you. So please, please, PLEASE see yourself through my eyes – for the wonderful, beautiful, person you are. I can make you look and feel better, but only if you can see it. —you’re perfect.