Advanced Skin & Body Solutions

Category: Skin Care Tips

  • 6 Beauty Tips for Men

    From CoverGirl’s first male spokesmodel, James Charles, to male beauty vloggers dominating Youtube and Instagram, men have begun to take the beauty world by storm. As more men dip their toes into the world of beauty and skin care, Advanced Skin and Body Solutions thought to share some truly helpful, basic skin care and beauty tips. While some of these tips are not news to many women, it’s time we have the essential beauty tips talk with our male counterparts. Whether you’ve never cared for your skin or know your way around a makeup counter, here are some beauty tips for men that will keep you groomed and feeling good.

    1. Exfoliate

    Every day in our normal lives we accumulate oils, dirt, and dead skin cells on our skin. This can cause your face to break out with whiteheads, blackheads, and acne over time (or, unfortunately, sometimes overnight). Gently exfoliating your face with a natural scrub or cleanser reduces build-up and helps keep your face blemish-free. Be sure to do so in moderation as cleansing too often can strip the skin of natural oils that moisturize and help prevent wrinkles from forming.

    Exfoliation is also great for reducing ingrown hairs. Eliminating harmful bacteria before running a razor against your skin is always a good idea. It also frees up the hair root and allows for a closer shave. With warm water, gently scrub the area with an up and down motion. Then scrub in a circular motion to increase blood circulation. Once you rinse you’re safe to shave!

    2. Sunscreen & Moisturizers

    Protecting your skin from flakes and sunburns is just as important as protecting your skin from dirt and unwanted oils. If you’re looking to keep your morning routine short, you can purchase a moisturizer with SPF. Be sure to use sunscreen with at least SPF 30!

    3. Care For Your Beard

    You should treat your beard as you treat the hair on your head – by shampooing and conditioning it regularly. When you step into your shower, extended your hair care treatment from the top of your head to the bottom of your face. Your significant other will thank you for removing any excess oil and bad bacteria that could be passed over to them or make you sick.

    4. Tweeze

    No one should never deal with a unibrow or a few rogue hairs with a razor. Tweezing is the most effective and least drastic method of removing unwanted eyebrow hairs. If your eyebrows are especially unruly, you can always turn to a professional to wax them for you.  

    5. Fight wrinkles with Botox

    Sometimes our eye creams and preventative skin care isn’t enough to do the trick. Botox can be used to relax crow’s feet and other wrinkles and lines. Some doctors believe that starting with botox earlier on can actually help botox users age better in the long run.

    6. Ask for Help

    As the modern man journeys into the world of beauty, it may feel overwhelming. The biggest tip we can offer is to ask for help. There are countless beauty products, treatments, and services. Save yourself time, and possibly some money, by turning to a beauty expert for advice or recommendations.

    Advanced Skin and Body Solutions believes skin care is not just for ladies. Explore the benefits of treating yourself to a spa day. Never visited us before? Read our spa guide for first timers.

  • 5 Skin Care Tips for Your Neck

    5 Skin Care Tips for Your Neck

    We’re all guilty of it. We worry so much about the acne, wrinkles, dry flakes, dark spots, and scars on our face that we neglect other areas of skin that also need some love. Unfortunately, many don’t care for their neck until it’s already begun to noticeable age. Our 5 tips for neck skin care help prevent and heal aging neck and décolleté skin.

    Sunscreen: Sunscreen has become a staple in many beauty routines. SPF has even been adapted into cosmetic products like foundations and primers. But have you stopped applying sunscreen below the chin? Areas like the forehead are impacted more by the sun than our necks, but over time sun damage will age, wrinkle, and sag the neck. Prevent odd tan lines, threatening medical effects, and aging skin with extending your SPF 30+ routine down to the décolleté.

    Exfoliate: If you’ve forgotten to apply sunscreen to your neck, it’s likely you’ve also neglected your neck in your cleansing routine. The neck is more vulnerable to dryness, irritation, and scarring because the skin has less sebaceous glands that produce natural lubricant for the skin. It’s important to include your neck in your cleansing and exfoliation routine as dead skin accumulates naturally, making the skin look and feel older. Gentle exfoliation over the area on a regular basis with facial cleansing brushes should do the trick.

    Avoid Harsh Materials in Your Wardrobe: You wouldn’t put a brillo pad up against your arm and expect it not to damage your skin. The same logic applies to your wardrobe. Keep wool and other scratchy materials away from your neck to prevent irritation.

    Don’t Skip Out On Your Vitamins: Collagen makes the skin elastic and allows a plump, youthful look. Vitamin C, Omega-3, and Omega-6 naturally help your body produce more collagen. L-ascorbic acid (a liquid vitamin C) can be applied to the skin, making it easy for the skin to absorb the necessary nutrients to stimulate collagen production. Taking Omega-3 and -6 before bedtime is another great trick, giving the body a chance to fully repair cell membranes and construct collagen. 

    Eating the following foods are another way to get these vitamins:

    • Flaxseed oil (makes for a great salad dressing)
    • Cold-water fish
    • Avocados
    • Dark leafy greens
    • Blueberries

    Keep Your Head Up (Literally): Have you ever heard of “tech neck”? “Tech Neck,” a new phenomenon, is neck pain induced by constantly looking down at phones, laptops, or tablets. The spine pain isn’t the only result of looking down at your technology. Horizontal wrinkles develop on your neck since neck skin and muscles aren’t as thick or strong as face skin, respectively. Limiting screen time can help prevent neck wrinkles as well as lifting your phone or tablet up to eye level to avoid looking downward. Don’t let your neck give your age away; Always keep your head up!

    Advanced Skin and Body Solutions offers many services to keep your neck looking young, helping boost your confidence and keep you feeling beautiful.  Micropenning, peels, and microdermabrasion – an age defying facial- can be performed on the neck for younger skin. Cosmetic injections can also be used to relax specific neck muscles, aiding the reduction and even eliminating wrinkles and prominent neck bands. Book an appointment online or call us today at (425) 643-5772. 

  • DIY Pumpkin Face Mask

    Halloween is right around the corner! We’re so excited because then that means we get to use and put our pumpkin skills to the test. Also, because there are plenty of benefits to using pumpkin in your skincare routine. Because of that, we’re offering a do-it-yourself pumpkin mask option you should try on your next day of TLC or on a girl’s night.

     

    How Pumpkin Can Help Improve Our Skin

    Before we start with the ingredients, Advanced Skin and Body Solutions wants to explain the benefits of using pumpkin. For one, it’s a source of vitamin C to protect the skin from sun damage and improves collagen production. Additionally, the minerals found in pumpkin like copper, potassium, iron, and more work together to improve your hair, keep cells safe, and continue skin renewal. The carotenoids in pumpkin protect your skin from the sun and lastly, pumpkin can help treat your acne. Whether it’s mild or the worst acne you’ve seen, the B vitamins in pumpkin help solve your acne issues and improves blood circulation overall.

    Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

    1 small pumpkin
    ½ teaspoon of honey
    ½ teaspoon of milk

    How to Make Your Pumpkin Face Mask:

    Remove the seeds from your pumpkin and scrape the gooey meat of the pumpkin and beat it until it’s creamy. Then, mix in the honey and milk.

    Be sure to clean off your face and makeup before applying the mask. Be sure not to get the mask in your eyes. If you want to apply the mask to your neck and lower neckline, be sure to add twice the amount of ingredients.

    Leave the mask on for 20 minutes and to wash it off, use a warm and slightly wet cloth.

    If you’d rather just let yourself be pampered by our professionals, we’ve got just as much pumpkin and more to bring out the best in your skin. Stop by for our pumpkin dermazyme facial and pumpkin refresher facial specials. Plus, this month, you can get 15% off ALL pumpkin skincare products.

  • 6 Natural Alternatives to Face & Body Lotion

    6 NATURAL ALTERNATIVES TO FACE & BODY LOTION

    There is no need to spend hundreds of dollars on expensive face and body lotions when you can get the same benefits from nature. Below are a list of natural alternatives to keep your skin looking healthy and feeling smooth.

    COCONUT OIL

    This is a very popular alternative that is very well-known, cheap and can be found at your local grocery store. Coconut oil contains antioxidants and vitamins that help your skin stay moisturized. Many people worry about feeling sticky after applying it, but coconut oil absorbs rapidly into your skin and it leaves it feeling moisturized and smooth. Coconut Oil contains fatty acids that help reduce signs of aging, keeps dry skin moisturized, and can also help with other skin problems such as stretch marks, scars, cellulite, or even diaper rash. It can also be used as a natural SPF sunscreen as it blocks 20% of ultraviolet radiation.

    OLIVE OIL

    There are many uses of olive oil in the kitchen, but did you also know you can use it as a beauty product? Olive oil contains vitamin E, which serves as a moisturizer for the skin. It also promotes collagen production, which helps reduce the appearance of scars while keeping your skin looking young. Olive oil can also be used as a replacement for shaving cream and it will make your shave even smoother. The best part? You can find it in your own kitchen.

    ALMOND OIL

    This is another great alternative! Almond oil contains vitamins A, D and E that keep your skin nourished. Applying a few drops under your eyes can help reduce puffiness. Almond Oil penetrates multiple layer of your skin, so it gives you a deeper moisture than coconut oil which might be a better alternative for people with dry skin.

    SHEA BUTTER

    This butter is extracted from the nut of the karite nut tree, most commonly known as shea tree. Shea butter is known for promoting cell regeneration, which helps for the healing of wounds and a younger looking skin. It is a natural fat that is full of antioxidants and fatty acids, which include vitamins A, E, F, and K.

    COCOA BUTTER

    If you suffer from dry elbows, knees, and feet, cocoa butter is the perfect alternative for you. Cocoa butter is a highly moisturizing butter that come from the fat in the cocoa beans. It absorbs quickly into your skin leaving it soft and smelling great. Cocoa butter helps fade scars and it is safe to use for people with highly sensitive skin.

    ALOE VERA GEL

    Got a sunburn? Aloe vera gel is a natural anti-inflammatory that comes from the aloe vera plant that is very well known to help soothe your skin when you get sunburns. Aloe vera gel helps heal blemished or irritated skin and reduces stretch marks and wrinkles. It helps decrease pigmentation, brightens up your skin, helps fight aging, and you can even use it on your hair! When looking for Aloe Vera Gel, make sure it does not have any additives in it otherwise, it won’t be any better than regular lotion.

  • Look and Feel Great Next Time You Travel With These 5 Tips

    With Summer finally here a lot of us are looking forward to our vacations and smaller trips we’ve been planning since we first felt winter roll in roughly 8 months ago. There are a lot of things to consider when going on a trip: where to go, what hotel to stay at, should I fly or drive etc… But we here as ASBS want to help you take care of something that you may not plan for, your skin. With these 3 tips you can make sure that you and your skin look and feel great no matter what you choose to do on your next adventure.

    1. Pack Your Favorite Cosmetics. This one might seem like a no brainer but a lot of the things that you use to keep your skin healthy at home are either unavailable or very expensive at your travel destination. Do yourself a favor and buy some travel friendly containers so you can siphon off a small amount of your favorite skin care products to take with you. Look into our popular HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator from SkinMedica that we carry at ASBS. It’s growing popularity makes this solution to smoothing fine lines and wrinkles a must have during your travel escapades. To purchase one for yourself, contact us!

    2. Avoid Touching Your Face. Your skin won’t be used to the new bacteria and allergens that could be present during your vacation so try your best to not expose your face to additional stressors by bringing it into contact with anything that may have built up on your hands.

    3. Moisturize. If you’re flying to your travel destination the various pressure changes and cabin conditions inside of airplanes can do a number on your skin by drying it out. Avoid looking like a piece of beef jerky as you’re getting off the plane by moisturizing heavily before your flight.

    4. Leave the Harsh Products at Home. While travelling, your skin will be exposed to new stressors that are not present in your hometown. Avoid using harsh peels or products with certain acids that can do more harm than good when you are on the road.

    5. Eat and Drink Healthy. Diet plays a crucial role in terms of overall skin health. Whether you are at home or on vacation, drinking plenty of water and having healthy meals will make sure that you build up the foundation for healthy skin so all of the skincare products you use can do an even better job.

  • Spring Skin Complications & Solutions

    Now that we see more daylight and see more flowers and feel the heat seeping into our lives again, we can officially conclude that Spring is here! You might be thinking you can say goodbye to dry skin, etc, but Spring is packed with plenty of skin problems of it’s own. Here are some solutions to those that might help you enjoy the coming of Spring a little more.

    Problem 1: Scaly rough patches that may be eczema
    Surprising to some, the heat of Spring can actually dry out your skin and the water within
    it, causing patches of scaly skin to appear.
    Solution: Find a humectant-based moisturizer to apply after you clean any area of your
    body experiencing eczema. This way, the skin will remain moist and smooth.

    Problem 2: Small pimples and blushing
    Perhaps you have a small or big case of rosacea. Rosacea can appear on different parts
    of your body and the face. For those with sensitive skin, it’s not uncommon to start
    feeling and seeing the redness from heat.
    Solution: Find an anti-inflammatory soother or use sunscreen daily of SPF 30.

    Problem 3: Heat Rash with itching
    A heat rash is often the cause of your sweat ducts being blocked and so your body heats
    up since it can’t release that sweat (which is what actually cools you down) beneath the skin.
    Solution: Applying some menthol on the affected areas should improve the burning sensation. Ice packs to cool you down will also reduce the rash.

    Problem 4: Itchy skin because of increased allergies in the air
    While the brutal cold has come and gone, itchy skin because of blooming allergies isn’t
    uncommon.
    Solution: Shower after coming from outside so those allergens don’t stay on your skin for too long, exercise near the end of the day since allergen counts will be less, and be careful what you put on your face. Be sure to apply sunscreen coats and try to limit the use of products that contain harsh chemicals.

    Keep your skin feeling and looking great with some TLC at Advanced Skin and Body Solutions. It’s clear to see that the Spring is great, but can still cause some irritation to your skin. Our Signature Series Experience features 3 facial treatments at our best value to keep your skin smooth, healthy, and protected. Book yours today!

  • 5 Common Makeup Mistakes to Avoid

    5 Common Makeup Mistakes to Avoid

    Due to a lack of experience or practice, it can be easy to make numerous makeup mistakes. This can alter your natural features and take away from your appearance. To ensure that you apply the makeup well, there are a few mistakes to avoid.

    1. Forgetting Primer

    Whether you’re applying foundation or eyeshadow, primer is essential to ensure that the makeup stays in place throughout the day without running or smearing. Primer is an effective way of preventing the eyeshadow from creasing and will also prevent the foundation from fading after a few hours to ensure that your face continues to look flawless.

    2. Heavy Eyeshadow

    It’s important to avoid going overboard when it comes to applying eyeshadow, which can create a dramatic look that doesn’t allow you to look like yourself. Opt for colors that complement your eye color and allow them to stand out.

    3. Too Much Powder

    It can be easy to assume that the best way to cover up blemishes or freckles is to apply several layers of foundation and powder on top of the skin. Unfortunately, this can allow the makeup to look as if it’s caked on for an unnatural complexion. Use foundation and gently apply the powder for a subtle finish to create a dewy and fresh look that enhances your skin tone.

    4. Dark Makeup During the Day

    Dark eyeshadow or smokey eyes are often too dramatic to be worn during the day. It’s important to stick to neutral and light shades that are more appropriate and doesn’t cause you to stand out. Although dark makeup can be worn, stick to using it at night when you’re headed out to dinner or to a semi-formal event.

    5. Thick Eyebrows

    Women often want thick eyebrows that are more natural and use pencils or eyeshadow to outline a completely different shape. Unfortunately, the natural eyebrow can still be visible underneath the makeup for an awkward and unnatural look. Instead of creating a new shape, opt for enhancing the one that you already have for a subtle look that doesn’t overpower your face.

     

  • Winter 101: Caring for Your Skin this Season

    Windy winter weather does a number on skin. Regardless of skin type, you probably experience some degree of dryness, itching, or peeling from the cold outdoors and the dry heat indoors. Men and women both suffer from the effects of winter weather, making a great winter skincare
    routine a must have for everyone, especially when the days start getting shorter. Minimize the damage and seasonal discomfort with these tips for healthy, comfortable winter skin:

    Moisturize Well and Often
    You probably won’t be able to get away with using the same moisturizer that treated your skin right in warmer weather. Winter is a new ballgame and requires more intensive moisturizing that not only hydrates, but seals in moisture so that you’re not left high and dry halfway through your day.

    In general, you need a quarter sized amount of moisturizer on your face and a golf ball sized dollop for your body. Always moisturize after a hot shower, which can leave your skin tight and dry, and then again as needed throughout the day.

    Here’s a trick if you suffer with dry, cracked hands from avoiding the flu (i.e. washing often) – Put a small amount of moisturizer on the back of one hand and then rub the two backs together. Your palm will be dry enough to open doors, but the backs will be nicely moisturized.

    You can also try our Drop of Essence Hydration Drops special this December. For 10% off, receive all the moisture you’d need to heal dry winter skin. It includes day and night moisture, reduces inflammation, slows down aging, and more.

    Use Gentle Cleansers

    Harsh ingredients such as salicylic acid can help some skin types remain breakout free, but it can also cause breakouts in some people. Everyone should avoid using sulfates on the skin and most do not need harsh ingredients to keep skin looking clear and bright. The key to getting clean, blemish free skin is taking the time to wash your face the right way:

    1. Moisten face with warm water and a washcloth – Wash your body first in the shower or hold a warm, wet cloth over your face by the sink instead of splashing water on before cleansing. Even if you only do it for a few seconds, the heated moisture will open pores and make cleanser more effective.

    2. Lather up – Using your facial brush, a washcloth, or your fingertips, apply a gentle cleanser to your face using circular motions. Focus on oily and clogged areas, and continue to wash your face for at least 30 seconds. Putting on soap and then rinsing will likely not get rid of all the makeup or oils built up on your face. Don’t scrub too hard.

    3. Rinse – Rinse well and then apply a moisturizer while the skin is still damp. Your body deserves the same care and treatment as your face. Use mild, sulfate free cleansing formulas on your body and only bathe as needed. Most skincare experts agree that modern humans bathe far more than necessary, stripping away oils that naturally keep skin looking luminous and moisturized.

    Wear Sunscreen

    You need sunscreen during the winter on exposed skin just as you need it in the summer. The face, neck, and hands, are generally exposed to the elements if you spend time outdoors in winter, making skin protection an important consideration.

    If you’re interested in slowing down the signs of aging, use sunscreen regardless of skin type. While we need a certain level of vitamin D, few people get it from spending time in the sun. A supplement is just as effective, and while using sunscreen decreases the body’s ability to absorb the vitamin, regular application prevents sun damage like cancer and helps you stay moisturized.

    Protect Yourself with the Right Clothes

    Wind chill will have you feeling the dry effects of winter fast. Wear your hat, gloves, and scarves when you go outside, and pay attention to weather reports. Some people unwittingly expose themselves to minor frostbite when they go out to play, run, or engage in another winter activity. In extremely cold weather, skin starts to suffer the consequences fairly quickly. Use a warm, moist washcloth or compress and moisturizer when you come in from prolonged periods in the cold.

    Hydrate and Humidify

    Even though you don’t feel hot and dehydrated, you can just as easily suffer from the effects of bad hydration during the cold months. Hydration improves cell regeneration and helps keep your skin moisturized from the inside out. Every bodily function improves with proper hydration, making it an important part of winter skin and hair health. However, you may not notice the immediate effects of hydration on your skin, which is why drinking plenty of water should supplement any skincare routine.

    During winter, you may not spend much time outside, but your home, office, and car might do more damage than you realize. As soon as you crank up the heat, the unit zaps the moisture right out of the air. You may notice the difference in the way your skin, hair, eyes, and nose feel during the colder months.

    Humidifiers are relatively inexpensive, and you can also find ones that use aromatherapy essential oils to further improve winter health. Clean them regularly and hook one up at the home or office to keep a normal level of moisture in the air. You may want to place several small units around an area to disperse moisture more evenly instead of relying on one large unit.

    Talk to a Professional
    Everyone has different skin, sensitivities, and winter ailments. Talking to an esthetician or other skincare professional may be the single best way to ensure your skin is completely cared for throughout the winter season. You may be using the wrong cleanser or moisturizer for your skin type or a consultation may alert you to considerations you’d never thought about before.

    At Advanced Skin and Body Solutions, we specialize in total body skin care for optimal health, rejuvenation, and enhancement. Make an appointment for a winter facial and skincare treatment today and see how a professional’s guidance can help you have the best winter skincare ever.

  • Halloween Skin Care Tips

    For some of us, it seemed Halloween would never come! But the holiday is finally here and we’re prepared to fight where it really matters — on your skin. Halloween is exciting and fun, but can also come with some negative side effects for your skin because of the chemicals in makeup that can be harsh. We have compiled some of our easy to follow tips for October 31st that will ensure your skin survives the fun!

    1.  Go easy on the makeup and candy: Skip out on makeup if you can, but if your costume and vision of it involves makeup, then be sure it’s not on for too long or fall asleep in it. Thoroughly clean your face off before the night is over. You’ll be tempted to eat a variety of candy, but try to balance it out with some fruits and veggies as well so your body reaps the benefits of it.
    2. Fake Lashes & The Works: Sometimes your costume requires a little eye pizazz, which can make getting ready so much fun! Be careful though because applying too much glue can actually make it easier for your natural lashes to fall when it comes time to remove them at the end of the night. The flashy glitter that many costumes require may not be the safest to apply on your face. Don’t use fabric glitter as it may contain harmful materials that can scratch your eye. Stick to makeup glitter.
    3.  Grade Barrier Creme: To protect your pores from becoming clogged by a lot of makeup, use grade barrier creme first before the application of any makeup. That way the makeup will be easier to remove and will not stain your skin temporarily purple, green, or any other color.
    4. Test out the makeup first: There’s nothing worse than applying your Halloween makeup and then to find out you’re allergic to it. Red, itchy spots begin to show and you no longer feel confident going out in your costume or are so uncomfortable it’s unbearable to focus on anything else. So as you search for makeup this Halloween season, be sure to use the top portion of your hands as a paint palette to test out the different makeup options.
    5. Pumpkin Dermazyme: Advanced Skin and Body Solutions’ Pumpkin Dermazyme is intended to repair your skin after a night of Halloween shenanigans and the best part is right now its got a special price all of its own. Pumpkin is filled with enzymes that help detox your skin and kill bacteria that clog and inflame the pores. This treatment is perfect for before or after the Halloween fiasco and the best part is that its effective for all skin types, from the driest to the oiliest. Aside from helping to even out your skin tone, you can expect a combination of a microdermabrasion and pumpkin to leave your skin glowing. Set up your appointment now!

    For more information on your skin this Halloween or on our services, feel free to contact us!

  • Back To School Tips for Your Best Skin

    Ahh! Those freshly sharpened pencil smell is in the air and so is the smell of freshly bound course reading material. Fall is coming in soon, which means it’s the start of school! It’s time to let your skin recover from the summer sun and to take in the incoming fall breeze, and here’s how:

    1) Moisturizer & Makeup: One of our favorite reasons summer is over is that you can wear more makeup and won’t expect it to run.  However, now that school is starting and it’s all a different semester, let’s try something new.  Don’t put so much makeup that it looks caked on.  Remember, lots of makeup can clog your pores, thus creating a breakout of pimples.  And of course, remember that before applying any makeup, moisturize your skin with moisturizer that is at least 15 SPF.

    2) Keep Clean to Avoid Skin Infections: For those going to college or dropping off your child at college, living in the dorm or a student apartment is more of a reason to be aware of possible skin infections.  Keep your hands clean and before you hit the bench press or the elliptical, be sure you clean the area and equipment.  Remember, everyone else will be working toward making that team sport or prepping early for Spring Break. In  the community shower, be sure to wear sandals.  These cautionary details go a long way!

    3) Dark Circles: Who would have thought that your average potato, so delicious when you fry it, would be able to fix those dark, puffy circles we get after a long night of studying or after a long day in general.  Because of the natural bleaching elements found in raw potatoes, this can lighten the dark circles and reduce puffiness.  To obtain as much juice as possible, grate a couple of potatoes and with a cotton ball or a cotton facial pad, soak up some of the juice and dab it over the dark circles.  Let the juice cover your eyelids and the dark circles.  For about 15 mins., let the juice settle, then wash your face with water.  Make this routine twice a day for about three weeks.

    4) Back-To-School Facial: Advanced Skin and Body Solutions currently has a special on this  corrective treatment for all those preparing to hit the books and even those already needing a break from the stress of it all.  This facial provides balance of hydration and acne treatment to look your best this semester.  It will also provide a more clear complexion for oily and acne prone skin, especially for those uneven tans. For the best results, this facial should be completed in a series of 3.  Make your appointment today or contact us if you have any questions!