August Skincare Crossword Puzzle:

LOVE YOUR EYES

Eye creams and gels improve the skin’s health around the eye area. As we age, the skin around our eyes begins to thin due to damage from the sun, lack of sleep and fatigue. Eye creams and eye gels are each valuable in protecting the thin, delicate tissues around our eyes. They help to firm and tone the skin, reduce lines, decrease puffiness, and protect the skin from the elements. Both eye creams and gels can help to gradually slow down the aging process around the eyes and affectively nourish the skin by delivering both cosmeceutical and performance or active ingredients to these delicate tissues.

EYE CREAM:

Eye creams are best suited for mature and dry skin types that require more hydration and moisture. They contain more emollients than gels and are usually thicker to best protect the thin, delicate tissue of the eye area by lubricating and moisturizing the skin. Creams improve hydration and are more nourishing, and they also help to keep other ingredients on the skin for improved performance and barrier function. By preventing dehydration and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) moisture content at the skin’s surface is improved. The eye area will feel more nourished, be more plumped and smooth, making the skin softer, eliminating fine lines and diminishing problem areas resulting in a more youthful appearance.

EYE GEL:

Eye gels are best suited for younger or for more oily skin since these skin types do not tend to lack moisture and lubrication. Eye gel is also an ideal solution for those who do not need as much skin repair as others. Eye gel is a substance that is not rich in texture like eye cream and is more cooling than creams. Rather than emollients, carbomers are frequently used in gel products as thickening agents or polymers that have the ability to absorb and retain water, and can swell to many times their original volume. Eye gels tend to be absorbed faster than eye creams and are used for more instant results to reduce puffiness, to soothe and cool the area around the eye, and to diminish dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles. Eye gel is best for morning applications as less residue is left on the skin leaving the skin around your eyes tight making them look fresher and more youthful, and it is less likely so smudge making it ideal for makeup application.

It is important to find an eye cream or gel that contains quality performance or active ingredients which cause actual changes in the appearance of the skin. Product ingredients are derived from a variety of sources including herbs, essential oils plants and synthetic performance ingredients. Performance ingredients can be lipids which protect and repair the skin’s barrier, provide plumpness and smoothness, glycerin which hydrates the skin’s surface, or alpha hydroxy acids (AHA’s) which exfoliate the corneum and leave the skin smooth and ready to absorb ingredients such as cosmeceuticals which are products intended to improve the skin’s health and appearance. Cosmeceuticals are typically stronger than performance ingredients and may cause biochemical reactions and physiological effects to the skin. In view of that, it is important to select products that are recognizable and reputable.

NIA 24 has a wonderful and effective eye care product
called Eye Repair Complex, which is suitable for all skin types and is product that addresses all concerns of the eyes and contains performance ingredients such as Pro-Niacin which is clinaclly shown to visably improve skin tone, texture and hyperpigmantation, Matrixyl, which einforces collagen and elastin to visably reduce fine lines and wrinkles, Vitamen C, Licorace and White Birch which visably brighten to illuminate under eye discoloration, and lastly Caffiene that reduces the appearance of puffiness around the eyes, through improved microcirculation.

Obagi Elastiderm Eye Treatment Cream is a firming eye cream that reduces fine lines and wrinkles and is ideal for mature, damaged or fatigued skin around the eyes. It helps restore a youthful glow and healthy appearance to the entire eye area by encouraging the production of collagen and elastin with the use of performance ingredients such as Vitamin E, Dimethicone, and Titanium Dioxide.

For those who prefer gels Obagi has Elastiderm Eye Gel which is moisturizing eye gel that improves elasticity and skin health by soothing the delicate tissues around the eyes, reducing visible signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles, and by promoting the natural production of collagen and elastin while it hydrates and tones for firmer, younger-looking eyes. This lightweight formula is ideal for use under makeup, and it provides enough moisture to double as your daily eye cream.

Another of my favorite Obagi products which is neither a cream nor a gel is the Obagi System Professional-C 5% Vitamin C Serum for Eye Area. This treatment Provides antioxidant protection to the delicate eye area using 5% L-ascorbic acid which helps in defending against damaging UVA and UVB rays. It also helps prevent premature signs of aging around the eyes such as fine lines and wrinkles and contributes to collagen synthesis. You can apply this product after cleansing and toning and prior to applying your eye cream or gel of choice.

A common mistake when applying any eye care treatment is overusing the product. This can lead to irritation in the eye including redness, stinging, and puffiness. It is best to start with a small dot of cream or gel and gently dab around the perimeter of the eyes to blend using your ‘ring’ finger. Be sure to always follow the manufacturer’s directions of a product for the best results and safety during use.

Eye treatments should be used sparingly both morning and night to achieve the full benefits of the product ingredients for eyes that are nourished, smoothed, revitalized and youthful in appearance.

Waxing Menu

Therese Amato is an experienced Licensed Aesthetician specializing in Waxing. She received her education at The New England Center of Aesthetics & IDI Speed Waxing Techniques Certification at The International Dermal Institute in New York. Her extensive skin care knowledge enables her to provide clients with the most ultimate personalized care allowing the area where the hair is being removed to stay calm and clean. Therese’s very precise eyebrow shaping technique leaves the eyebrow looking completely natural. Using only high quality products with the finest ingredients clients can feel confident even with sensitive skin.

Nufree Nudesse Professional Hair Removal Product:

Nufree is a botanical soy based product that contains no wax yet is an effective hair remover that is gentle and effective. No sugar or honey are used in this product. Nufree has proved to be the best form of liquid epilation for over 30 years by Aestheticians, Dermatologist, and Plastic Surgeons. Nufree is a "non-wax, non-sugar" liquid product that joins with hair oils, NOT the skin. This keeps the skin from becoming overly sensitive after the service. These are just a few of the reasons why Nufree is the most effective hair removal treatment in the world.

*We also carry alternative products for those who have allergies to soy