Saturday, April 19, 2014

The Power of Tea Tree Oil!

The Power of Tea Tree Oil
April 19, 2014
Produced in Australia from the tree M. alternifolia, tea tree oil acts as an antiseptic, fungicide, insect deterrent, and more. It has been used in Australia by aborigines for generations and, since the
country's colonization, has spread to the rest of the world.

Tea tree oil, which can be found as an essential oil as well as in creams, ointments, shampoo,
and even toothpaste, can be used to treat a staggering variety of conditions, including: acne,
arthritis, athlete's foot, burns, cuts, dandruff, eczema, gingivitis, infection, insect bites and stings,
lice, muscle sprains, psoriasis, and rashes. And that's just a partial list!

Potential Benefits
The exact cause of tea tree oil's effectiveness is difficult to ascertain, and researchers are still
looking into just how much the natural remedy can do for us. Newer studies have looked at its
ability to stop the spread of sometimes-deadly methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus in
hospitals.

Use Safely
While there are plenty of benefits to using tea tree oil, its strength can also be problematic,
even dangerous. The Mayo Clinic advises that it's not safe to ingest or take tea tree oil internally,
and it is considered particularly harmful if ingested by pets.

Also, like most natural remedies, the US Food and Drug Administration does not regulate tea
tree oil as it does other medicines, leaving no standard quality of tea tree oil products. And,
while many people enthusiastically support tea tree oil, it is no substitute for professional
medical care.

Yet, many people agree that, if nothing else, tea tree oil should be a part of your first aid kid
in case of bites, burns, or scrapes. But who knows? You might find yourself using it for much
more than that.

Did you know that Siren Serum's main ingredient is Tea Tree oil?
-Ericka 
CLEAN. by SLM A Chic Lil' Day Spa Long Beach 310.209.8462

Spring is in the air... but what's in your pores?

Spring has always been a time of rebirth, renewal and cleaning! In the spring animals shed
their fur, plants start to bloom. and we humans often have an urge to purge!

And with good reason! From the winter blues, to holiday feasting, and the chilly temperature,
our bodies response to winter is often to horde, to gain weight and often times our skin's
response to be dull and dry.

We are all affected by the seasons, man, plant and animal alike! Thus there are certain things
we must do, not just out of tradition, but in order to maintain our balance. Summer is all about
maintenance, oxygen treatments and lots of sunscreen. Fall & Winter are perfect for mild
peels, deep exfoliation and hydration. Where as Spring is perfect for... yeah you guessed
it CLEANING!!

Get a Deep Cleanse, a mild Vitamin C facial, a Microcurrent (toning), or a Microdermabrasion
and shed your winter skin just in time for Summer!

www.SirenLyricMuse.com

Spring is in the air... but what's in your pores?

Spring is in the air... but what's in your pores?
April 19, 2014
Exfoliation Fundamentals
Refresh and Revive Your Skin
Chrissy Spehar
Professional exfoliation, followed by at-home care, is key in maintaining healthy, radiant skin.
While it's important to not over-exfoliate--which could lead to a chronically red, irritated
complexion--proper application of this technique can be the difference between a dull skin
tone and a fresh glow.

The exfoliation process involves gently sloughing off the outer layers of dead skin cells
with the use of an abrasive tool--such as a loofah sponge or brush--and/or a coarse
product, such as a skin cleanser containing sea salt or ground nut shells.

By removing dead skin cells, which can block pores and cause blemishes, the exfoliation
process leaves the skin healthier and more vibrant while allowing other products, like
moisturizers and serums, to penetrate more effectively. Any area can be exfoliated,
including the face, neck, chest, back, arms, or legs, but it is important to always use
products intended for your skin type.

Exfoliation 101
There are three ways to exfoliate:

1) Using a tool that scrubs, like a loofah, or washcloth;
2) Using a product containing abrasive particles, like a walnut facial scrub;
3) Using a product that contains gentle exfoliating acids, like alpha-hydroxy, beta-hydroxy,
or salicylic acids.

The first two options require rubbing action on the skin. The third does not; instead,
the product removes the outer layers of skin by reacting chemically with dead skin cells.

"Going to the spa and getting a great exfoliation is the easiest way to kick start healthy skin,"
says Mary Blackmon, founder of Spa-addicts.com. Professional exfoliation, including microdermabrasion and chemical peels, is often more intensive than at-home treatments.
After a professional session, explains Blackmon, you can follow up with exfoliating
treatments at home using a tailored product specifically for you, as recommended by
your esthetician.

At-Home Exfoliation
Exfoliating can be a great home care tool for maintaining the results you experience after
spa treatments. For instance, if you exfoliate regularly after a waxing session, you will be
less likely to experience ingrown hairs and blackheads on the waxed area. If you and your
esthetician have determined at-home exfoliation should be part of your skin care plan,
following a few simple steps will increase the efficacy.

When exfoliating your face, use products specifically designed for this purpose. "Be gentle
with your face, especially around the delicate eye area," says Blackmon. "Make sure to use
products that are specific to the area of your body that you are exfoliating." Products
intended for the body are often too harsh and abrasive for your face, where they could
cause irritation, rashes, and/or breakouts.

Exfoliation can dry out the skin, which can cause wrinkles over time. Consequently, if
you exfoliate regularly, moisturizing is important. And don't over-exfoliate, Blackmon says.
"Twice weekly should be ample."

Your exfoliation needs will vary depending on your age and the climate in which you live.
For instance, warm weather can cause sebaceous glands to overproduce, which can lead
to the accumulation of even more dead cells. Also, older skin may require less exfoliation
since it's dryer and more delicate. Consult your skin care practitioner to determine the best
course of action.

When exfoliating at home, use the following guidelines for best results:

1) Moisten your skin. Otherwise, you are likely to irritate the skin and the treatment will not
be as effective.

2) Apply an exfoliating cleanser to your skin or squeeze some into your loofah. If exfoliating
delicate areas, like your face and neck, simply pour the cleanser into your hands. Make
sure to use a cleanser that is suited to your skin type, and is not too abrasive.

3) Scrub the exfoliating cleanser over your skin using a circular motion.

4) Use a sponge, exfoliating gloves, or loofah for more resilient skin, like that found on
the arms, back, and legs.

5) Rinse skin completely.

6) Follow with a moisturizer designed for your skin type.

A Partnership
If exfoliation is not done properly, you could end up with dry, irritated skin. Consequently,
it is important to trust the expert--your skin care professional --and follow her/his
recommendations on what's right for your skin type.

Oftentimes, professional exfoliating treatments, followed with proper home care, can
put you on the path toward healthy skin. Work with your esthetician to determine your
best course of treatment.

"The number one desire of all estheticians is to help you face the world with confidence
and pride in the way you appear in public," says Alison O'Neil Andrew, an Atlanta-based
esthetician. Your skin care professional will help you find the products right for you, and
it's your job to communicate with your practitioner your skin care goals, what's working,
and what isn't.