Humidity - how to keep your cool!!

I love summer!!!  But I hate what it does to my skin.

I start breaking out more and I become extremely oily!!

Here are some ways that I keep the acne and greasies to a minimum...

1.  Switch from a liquid foundation to a mineral foundation - a little goes a loooonnnnggg way!!  Don't over -powder because then you will look creasy and cakey!!

2.  Spritz your skin with a fine mist spray - to get rid of the powder look but still have nice coverage. Keep spritzer with you all of the time - they come in smaller sizes that fit in your bag.  **Remember the last thing you want to do is make yourself look older - this is a MUST have**

3.   If you find yourself having more acne, blackheads, skin issues in the summer months - you MUST treat BEFORE you get the acne not after!!!  So use your salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide products 4-5x a week - so you are attacking the problems before they happen!!

4.  Use the incredible oil absorbing sheets instead of continually adding powder to your skin.  My routine is this....I use the sheets several times a day(yes I am THAT oily at 35)....then 1-2x a day I use my powder.  Both times I use the spritzer for that glowy look!!

EZ ways to have better skin TODAY!

1.  You are what you eat...don't you remember this from a Saturday morning special??  So fill up on fruits, veggies, fish, nuts, whole wheat...cut the sugar, diet and regular soda, fast food, packaged processed junk food, and cut back on alcohol.  Your thighs, heart, and stomach will thank you too!

2.  Stop smoking!! One of the absolute worst habits you can have for your skin!  Your organs will thank you on this one.

3.  Drink water - the old 64 ounce rule just does not cut it today!!  For example I weigh about 120 pounds.  If you multiply 120 by 75% that equals 90 - that is approximately how many ounces I should have of plain water per day....90!!    Now if I exercise and sweat(which I do 4-5x a week) I usually have about 100-110 ounces.  So most people are not getting enough - measure yours per day and let me know if you are deficient with your water intake.  Plus water can help your skin be more plump and less dry.

4.  Get out of the sun!!  Stop laying out in the sun, stop going to the tanning bed aka cancer bed, and start wearing an SPF 30 DAILY!!!  Get a spray tan - become an expert on self-tanning!!  I have many great at home products on here to use for self-tanning!  

5.  Get enough sleep - I know you moms say yeah right...but an adult still needs AT LEAST 6   hours per night shooting for 8!!  This will save you money on purchasing eye creams for dark circles too!!  Sleep on your back as much as possible - sleeping on your face can cause wrinkles and make you look more puffy.

Look you spent Zero Dollars!!

Storewide Memorial Day SALE!!

Click on the Skinstore icon to the right

At checkout -  type in this PROMO code MAY20 to SAVE 20% storewide!!

YIPPEE!!

Save May 20-21

Save 20% on certain products including the MD Skincare Peel kit!!!!

Click on the Skin Store Icon to the right

Type in May2009 at checkout to Save 20%

Be an Ingredient detective!

I know that a lot o people are very loyal to their product lines.  I used to be the same way - only using one certain line and never trying something new.  

The truth is this - all products in product lines are NOT great. 

In other words - you may have a fantastic product from one line and the rest of the line be worthless.

It is perfectly fine to use products from different lines.  You may love an eye cream from Clinique and use a cleanser from Estee Lauder - all totally fine.

Don't let those counter reps at the department store push you around telling you that the products work together and that you must use the entire line to "get the best results".

In fact that is a complete lie!!

If you were to look at all of the products I use - you would notice very few are from the same product line.  In fact, I pick and choose what I like from a variety of different skin care lines.

The main thing to know is that you must be an ingredient detective - I know you love the packaging - the way the product is dispensed...but really that does not matter at all!!

You have to look at the ingredients!!  It is the ONLY way to know if the products you are using actually do anything to your skin or not.  

That is where I come in....:)

If you have a certain product that you want me to look at - send me an email and I will tell you if it is actually doing anything or not.

Big Announcement!!

Thank you to everyone who has been reading my blog and supporting me since inception in January!!

I truly LOVE writing on skin and how to deal everyone's individual issues.

I am sooo excited to announce my newest venture.

At Home Personal Skin Consultations - $100

And I mean personal - I will come to your home and provide an up close and personal consultation with you.  We will go over each product that you have ever used, what has worked for you, what your concerns are.  What concerns you have and what you hate about your skin.  I will go over each product that you use on a daily basis and tell you what you need to stop immediately and what you may need to add to have the best skin possible.  I will go through your makeup bag and see what needs to be tossed and what you may need to add to have that glowing gorgeous skin you have always wanted.

If you have wrinkles, sun damage, blackheads, acne, scarring if you have been to countless doctors and nothing seems to work - I am here for you!!  Whatever your problem have I am here to help you fix it!!!

I will be offering this service on Mondays and Wednesdays - spending as much time as it takes to get you exactly where you want to be.  Contact me at mindywhitton@hotmail.com to schedule your at home visit (or wherever you need me to meet you)

If you prefer we can do everything via email/phone $50

If you do not live in the Nashville area - we can do everything via email/phone.  I can do everything as mentioned above just via email and phone....we just won't get to meet in person.

Again email me at mindywhitton@hotmail.com to schedule a time to discuss your personal skin care issues .

I look forward to working on a personal level with each of you!!

Got dry skin - even in summer??

If you are dry even in the summer months you may be over-exfoliating.  

Stop using your retinols and glycolics as frequently.  Use only 2-3x a week maximum.

Also no more mechanical exfoliating - meaning the scrubs you are using to get rid of the dead flakes - this could be part of your issue as well.

The best way to mechanically exfoliate your skin is by using an extremely soft washcloth in the shower with baking soda as your exfoliator.  Do this 2-3x per week maximum.

You also need to add a hyaluronic acid product to your routine.  Hyaluronic acid is not an acid that is going to exfoliate your skin like a salicylic or glycolic will.  Hyaluronic acid binds moisture to the skin and is the body's own natural moisturizer.  It provides instant and ling-term hydration.  This type of acid is going to add moisture to your skin not oil.  

Another great way to use would be to put on immediately when you get out of the shower - thus your skin is a bit damp and will drink the moisture in!!

Use your hyaluronic product before you put your SPF on in the am and also use in the evening after you have cleansed.

More to come on how to deal with dryness in the summer!

Daily SPF!!

Ok peeps I just heard on the Today Show wrong information about SPF just as I was having writers block.

You must USE a separate SPF/Sunblock... the tiny amount of SPF that is in your makeup just is NOT enough!!!  

So your routine should be this in the am

1.  Cleanse skin

2.  Apply  moisturizer to dry areas or all over depending on skin type and need.

3.  Then apply your separate SPF 30 from your hairline covering your entire face - down your neck and chest - 2 quarter size amounts should do it.  For most people this is enough moisture and a separate moisturizer will not be necessary.  

4.  Then apply whatever makeup/foundation you want.

You MUST apply your SPF every single day - in the rain, snow, wind, sun, if you step outside for 1 minute you must have it on!!!

It is the best anti-ager - the best defense against brown spots, tone, texture, wrinkles, redness, broken capillaries, fine lines, sun damage - not to mention skin cancer!!  It is the single best thing you will ever do for your skin!!!  Men and women of all ages should be wearing SPF 30!!!  

If you do nothing else at all for yourself - just do this and you will see a difference!!!

I slather it on my husband - I have finally gotten him into the habit of applying it daily after 4 years of trying!!!

I also apply a mineral powder with natural SPF in it as my foundation for a bit of extra protection AND I use a separate touch up mineral powder during the day especially on my commute home with the sun blaring in my car.

OK I am finished preaching - now just do it!!

Got Dark Circles?? Spots to cover up? Here's my fav concealer!

There is always something that I am covering up on my face - whether it is red blotches, dark circles, or blemishes I use concealer everyday!!  

My favorite is Alison Raffaele True Concealer ..... for anything you want covered.  I know that I have blogged about my obsession with her concealer before but I just had to mention it again...

Her concealer goes on beautifully and stays put until you wash it off in the evening (I know you are all cleansing your skin before you retire to bed :)).  It has a smooth consistency and covers better than anything I have ever tried.  It is creamy but yet does not leave your skin greasy or oily.  Plus it lasts forever - I used mine for at least 2 years until I had to purchase a new one.  

Love Love Love this product!!  

The best way to use your own concealer or Alison's is to - 

First apply your SPF, any moisturizers you use, and your foundation....that's right apply your foundation BEFORE you use your concealer.  I have found that you can cover up unwanted issues better after you see what your foundation has not taken care of.  

Then by using the sponge tip applicator apply to the areas you want to cover.  I dab on a small amount to all areas and then I go back to each one and use my ring finger (which applies the least amount of pressure thus not removing too much of the product) to slightly smooth out the product so to cover exactly what I need covered.  Less is definitely more in this situation!!  

Then you can finish your makeup routine and finish with powder to ensure your makeup and concealer stays put.  If you are too powdery looking use your Evian spray to make yourself look dewy!!

As for choosing the perfect color for your skin - I always go just a tad bit darker - I believe that a concealer that is too light just brings more attention to the area you want covered. 

I use Alison's True Concealer #3 - I have light to medium skin tones.  Similar to Jessica Simpson or Jewel.  

I am offering NEW peels!!

Great offer on Professional Peels!!

Salicylic/Glycolic peels - $45 for the month of MAY!!

Retinol/Glycolic peels - $45 for the month of MAY!!

Call (615) 356-0919 or go to www.waxnashville.com and book online!

**service available with Mindy ONLY**

Looking dull?? No life to your skin? Here's your plan to a glowing you!!

These are questions that I am frequently asked....

When you are a child your skin cells are turning over all of the time.  As we grow older and are exposed to the environment and the old bad sun our skin starts to take on a dull appearance.

If you are missing your youthful glow - here are a few steps to take to retain your youthfulness!!

AM Regimen 

1.  Start by using a Glycolic cleanser - use a gentle cleanser to remove traces of makeup and oil, after removing that, then add your glycolic cleanser as a treatment.  Leave it on for 15 seconds to a minute massaging it into your face, neck, and chest and then remove with water.  This will help to alleviate those dead cells and get things moving.  My 2 favs are MD Forte Facial Cleanser and Glycolix.  Start by using the glycolic cleanser 1x per day for a 4 weeks and then use 2x per day.  

2.  Next your are going to use a topical Vitamin C for added protection against the sun.  Vitamin C also helps with tightening, toning, brightening, and the texture of your skin.  A few of my favs are Cellex-C Potency Serum and  LaRoche Posay Light Active C.

3.  Next is your SPF 30 DAILY protection!!!!!  Rain, sun, snow, going outside or not...you must use a SPF every single day for the rest of your life!!!!!!!!!!!! If you step outside even for 1 minute you must be protected and ladies your foundation protection is NOT enough!!!!!!!!  My favs are MD Forte Environmental Protection Cream SPF 30, Cellex C SPF 30, and Biomedic Facial Shield SPF 30 (use this if you prefer Avobenzone as the main ingredient).

4.  Then use your foundation and any other makeup you prefer.  I love Bare Minerals!!

PM Regimen

1.  Gentle cleanser followed by your Glycolic cleanser. (see above)

2.  Next you are going to use a topical Glycolic product.  I LOVE the Glytone Essentials Boost Mini Peel Gel that I just discovered.  It is a great option!!! I also am obsessed with the REN Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask....these are both fabulous options for an at home peel!! If you are new to glycolic products  - please know that they are suppose to tingle a bit and they will turn your skin a bit pink.  This means that they are working!!

3.  Adding a Retinol product will then be your last step.  I love the La Roche Posay Retinol 15, 30, and 60.  They are so simple to use - start with the 15 if you are brand new to retinols, the 30 if you have been using retinols for 6 months or a year, and the retinol 60 if you are used to using retinols for many years.  Retinols will allow your skin to turn cells over like they did on their own when you were a child.  Start be using 1-2x a week - for several weeks.  You will gradually use every night.  You are suppose to peel and be pink!!  This is what the product does so don't freak out - just back off a few days and then start back up.

 *** NOTE YOU MUST NOT GET INTO THE SUN AT ALL while using retinols or glycolics - they can make you extremely sun sensitive!!!!

Peels

Peels - what are they and how are they different?

Peels are preformed in either a salon/spa/or physicians office.  When I first started having peels done for my acne they were only performed by a physician AND they were paid for by insurance.  That was in 1995.  Not the case now to my knowledge no peels are covered by insurance now and most are given by an aesthetician or clinician. Peels range from very mild(with very little peeling) to having to be given some type of anesthesia because you are going very deep in the skin.  

Here is a breakdown of some of the most popular peels out there..

A glycolic acid peel is actually the same thing as an alpha peel.  Meaning alpha hydroxy and glycolic acid are the same thing.  When people hear the word acid they immediately become frightened.  Don't worry it is a very mild acid not battery acid.  Glycolic peels are excellent for sun damaged, rough skin.  They help to turn over dead skin cells making room for fresh cells to come forward.  They help with freckling, fine lines, and sun spots!  Great for anti-aging!!  You can expect to flake or "peel"  - peeling is what you want thus the name "peel".  You will not start flaking or peeling for about 3-5 days and then can expect to be flake free in about 10 -12 days.  You will be pink/reddish when you leave the salon or clinic - this is normal and expected.A series of these peels is recommended - I prefer a series of 6 and then a maintenance of 1x per month depending on the skin condition and texture.  

***Make sure that whomever is applying your peel is a licensed aesthetician with many years of experience.

Salicylic peels or beta hydroxy is another type of peel.  Salicylic acid is great for acne, pimples, blackheads, oiliness, and rough textured skin.  Again these are very safe and you can expect the same type of results from this type of peel.  

Combo of glycolic and salicylic peels  - these are one of my favorite peels!  I believe that by combining different types of acids you can provide the very best results!!!  This type targets anything from acneic  skin to fine lines.  Again you can expect the same type of reuslts as above.

Retinol peels - another excellent choice!!  These peels mainly target fine lines and deeper wrinkles.  Retinol is the cousin of Retin-a (tretenoin) - it is the over the counter version of the prescription treatment.  Retinol is a great way to target lines on the skin.  Your skin will peel anywhere from 4-5 days later and continue peeling for 10-12 days.  

Vitamin C peels  - light peels for those of you scared of the word peel this is your option.  Slight peeling occurs with this one.  You will not get the cellular turn over that you would from the others previously mentioned.  It is extremely mild.  These can bee added to a facial to brighten the skin.

There are many different types of at home peels.  I would recommend that after having a professional peel that for the best results and to keep your skin looking as fresh as possible that you use an at home peel or an alpha/beta hydroxy product 2-3x a week.

***YOU MUST APPLY AN SPF 30 AFTER HAVING ANY TYPE OF PEELS***

Skinstore SAVE 20%

Click on the Skinstore icon and SAVE 20% by using the MDAY20 code at checkout!!

Sale ends Monday May 4th!!

HAPPY MAY DAY!