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Serenity Skincare offers a range of premium services. Tailored to each client's specific skin conditions and schedule, professional products are selected and incorporated into each treatment to achieve the desired result: beautiful, healthy, younger looking skin.

Change it Up

August 8th, 2010

Skin care like exercise works better when you switch things up. If you still use the cleanser, toner and moisturizer you started with in your twenties, it’s time to rethink your program. In fact, seasonally you should consider the types of products you use. During summer you want products that hydrate without leaving a heavy residue. In winter you want protection from the cold outside and drying heat inside. Changes in hormones, age, and lifestyle may also affect which products work best with your skin.  The next time you visit Serenity Skincare consider changes to your old regimen.  New products, make positive results. 

Rhonda Allison Skin System

A Rhonda Allison Skin Care System

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Post Care for Injections/IPL/Laser/Surgery

March 18th, 2010

The search for the fountain of youth continues every day, but instead of combing the swamps of Florida like Ponce de Leon, we scan ads for IPL/Laser, injectables like Botox and Juvaderm, liposuction and facelifts.  All these techniques remove years from our appearance, but they also create downtime in order to heal from the procedure.  Follow-up post care can reduce the time it takes to heal and extend the benefits of the procedure.  Rhonda Allison Skin Care products offer several options. 

 

After an injection:

  • Post Balm and Growth Factor
  • Calming Skin Gel and ice if the injection site swells or itches
  • Hyaluronic Serum/ Peptide Formulas/Super C/Growth Factor increase longevity of the filler 
  • Growth Factor and Peptide Formulas help increase longevity of Botox as will any other rejuvenating topical.  Botox does not require as much healing support.  Wait to do any skin peels 24-48 hours after a fresh injection.

 

After IPL/Laser:

  • Pro Salve mixed with Sea Gems and Daytime Defense for day.  (If skin is open and raw, wait 24 hours before adding Sea Gems) If Sea Gems is too active, some clients prefer Drop of Essence. 
  • Calming Skin Gel for itching
  • Growth Factor 1-2 weeks after procedure depending on the depth of the laser

 

After surgical procedures:

  • Drop of Essence swabbed over areas of skin avoiding sutures
  • Ice with peas
  • All-Purpose Cleansing Pads, one pad, gentle cleanse avoid sutures follow with Pro-Salve mixed with Calming Skin Gel if there is itching (NOT FOR USE AFTER LASER, PEEL, PHOTO FACIAL
  • Therapy E Serum on incision sites (after removed) followed by Drop of Essence then add Growth Factor one week later

 

All Purpose Cleansing Pads remove surface residue from skin gently while providing antiseptic, antibacterial, and antioxidant support

Calming Skin Gel is a hydrocortisone balm that helps reduce itching and irritation

Daily Defense SPF 30 is a broad-spectrum sunscreen that uses zinc oxide as a natural sun barrier

Drop of Essence Hydration Drops is an Omega 6 essential fatty acid that calms burning sensations and hydrates and heals

Growth Factors are Epidermal Growth Factors that increases cell renewal after any exfoliations and assists in wound healing

Post Balm Lubricating Ointment is a lighter post peel occlusive that reduces tightness and discomfort of a peel

Pro Salve is an occlusive healing balm that accelerates cell renewal and prevents trans-epidermal water loss

Sea Gems is a complex that inspires healthy DNA mechanisms and enhances mitochondrial ability

Super C Serum provides free radical scavenging L-Ascorbic Acid with an active blend of collagen boosting peptide to enhance healing and reduce affects of environmental damage

Therapy E Serum is a potent healing serum, which aids in the repair of scar tissue with antioxidant, hydrating and humectant properties.

 

So enjoy today’s versions of the Fountain of Youth and use Rhonda Allison Skin Care advanced, therapeutic formulas to enhance the healing process

 

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Posted in skin care, skin care products | 25 Comments »

Facials: The Luxurious Necessity

January 11th, 2010

How many times have I heard someone say, “I love facials, they are such a treat!”, or “I always get a facial when I’m on vacation”.   I agree facials can be a luxurious way to escape from our day-to-day stress.  However, facials are also a way to maintain healthy skin.  Now, I don’t know about you, but my face is the first thing people notice and if my skin looks dull, lifeless with uneven pigment and blemishes am I creating the best impression possible?  I don’t think so.  Taking care of our skin is as important as taking care of our teeth or getting a regular check-up.  If you don’t skimp on those areas of your health, why would you skimp on the feature you present to the world everyday? 

 

So, since maintaining the health of your skin is a priority: how do you decide what to invest in and whom to trust with this important job?  There are literally millions of products available in stores, on the internet, on television, through mail order that claim to make your wrinkles disappear, your acne heal, your pigment disappear. Magazine ads display pictures of 30-year-old models airbrushed, with perfect skin claiming you can have the same results.  As with most claims if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

 

Products widely available for purchase are limited in how much active ingredient they can offer.  The purpose of these products is to appeal to the masses and if the ingredients are too active then the product is difficult to offer to a wide audience.  If your goal is to use products that provide the best results then you also need to think about how much of the price of the product goes into the jar vs. into the marketing machine that gets you to buy the product in the first place.

 

The benefit of choosing products that are offered through trained estheticians are that these products are recommended based on you skin type and goals.  As you achieve various goals, the program can be adapted to address new concerns.  Skin care like exercise should be adapted to keep improving and a professional can help you make the right choices.

 

So the next time you’re on vacation, go ahead indulge in a facial.  But don’t forget to schedule a regular visit when you get home.  Beautiful skin isn’t a luxury it’s a necessity.

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Change it Up

November 4th, 2009

The end of the year is a time to tie up loose ends and think about plans for the New Year.  It is a time to re-evaluate what’s working and what needs to be adapted and changed for further growth.  I find the end of the year is my time for clearing out the old and bringing in the new.   I empty my junk drawers, throw out old make-up and rethink my skin care choices.   The skin as a living organism requires change and stimulation.  Like exercise, you need to change your program occasionally to continue to see progress and results.  One easy way to change up your skin care is to try a new cleanser or add a new serum to your current regime.   

 

If you normally use a milky cleanser, try a mild gel in the evenings a couple of times a week to clear out deep-seated debris.  If you prefer a squeaky-clean feel, incorporate a glycolic cleanser.  Vitamin serums add nutrients and anti-oxidants to your skin regime.  At Serenity Skincare, we offer a wide range of protective and nourishing serums that add an extra boost to your normal moisturizer.

 

At your next salon visit check out the array of cleansers and serums that can give your skin the extra boost it needs.

 

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Posted in skin care, skin care products | 2 Comments »

Spotlight on Yonka’s Creme 52

August 31st, 2009

 

Yonka’s Crème 52 provides results for a variety of skin conditions.  This product has the highest percentage of rosemary of any of the 50 series and provides powerful firming and oxygenating properties.  Crème 52 helps

 

  • Tone the skin
  • Shape the facial and neck contours
  • Refine the complexion leaving it more luminous
  • Reduce puffiness and minimize fluid retention

 

For optimum results use the recipes listed below.

 

For firming and hydration

Combine one pea size drop of Crème 52 with an equal portion of Masque Hydratant 60 apply to face, neck, and allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes.  Rinse and apply your favorite Yonka moisturizer.

 

For clarifying dull, acne prone skin

Combine one pea size drop of Crème 52 with one pump of Yonka Juvenile and one pea size drop of Masque 103 apply to the face, neck and allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes.  Rinse and apply Crème 15 with another pump of Yonka Juvenile.

 

For nighttime firming

After nighttime cleanse apply to clean face and neck a combination of one pea size drop of Crème 52 and one pump of Galbol 90. 

 

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Skin Care in the 21st Century

June 3rd, 2009

21st Century skin care is all about ingredients. There are anti-oxidants like Vitamin A, C and E; lipids like essential fatty acids, cyclopentasiloxane a huge word for the silky silicones that fill in fine lines and coat the skin with soft protective polymers and the latest rage, peptide technology. Peptide is a word you see in skin care, but most people don’t know what it is and how it can affect the skin.

Different types of peptides work in different ways. Some peptides stimulate the skin to produce more collagen. Peptides are tiny protein fragments of amino acids which when linked together make up long chains of collagen fibers. When collagen breaks down it returns to these fragments. Adding peptides to the skin makes your body think that the collagen is breaking down so it stimulates the skin to make more.

Neuropeptides block the release of neurotransmitters from nerves. The thin tissue around the eyes and mouth allow for the absorption of these peptides and help to simulate the affect of Botox. Peptides block the signals facial muscles receive when we make an expression, which reduces the appearance of wrinkles. Neuropeptides also help to control inflammation by blocking the inflammatory response in the skin.

Matrixyl 3000 is a branded peptide that combines palmitoyl oligopeptide and palmitoyl tetrapeptide 7. This formula stimulates collagen. According to clinical trials, matrixyl 3000 led to a 33% decrease in wrinkle density, a 23% decrease in the volume of wrinkles and a 20% decrease in the depth of wrinkles. A study presented at the World Congress of Dermatology in Paris found peptides produced faster and similar results to retinol without the irritation.

Lupine protein is a hydrolyzed protein made from the seeds of the lupine plant and contains 35-40% of all essential amino acids. This natural extract provides the same benefits as other peptide technologies and may be absorbed more readily by the skin.

Research suggests peptide technology provides real results in skin care. Check out the ingredient list in a formulation before you select the product. In order to achieve the maximum affect the peptide should be listed in the top 5-10 active ingredients.

Science continues to discover new ingredients to maintain youthful, healthy skin. The days of hope in a bottle are over, now the bottles come with real results. Welcome to 21st century skin care.

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Posted in Skin Care Ingredients | 6 Comments »

Beautiful Brows

April 23rd, 2009

Figure 1

Figure 1

Figure 2
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 3

 

Eyes, they say are the window to the soul. And if our eyes are the windows, the eyebrows are the frame and the right shape frames the eyes to enhance their beauty. The best way to determine the ideal shape for eyebrows is simple. Take a pencil to use as a guide and an eyebrow pencil to mark the start and stopping point for the shape. For the start of the brow (figure 1) hold the pencil in a straight line next to your nose, that’s where the brow should start. For the arch, hold the pencil in a straight line over the outside of the iris (figure 2 the colored part of the eye), that’s where the arch should peak. For the end of the brow (figure 3) hold the pencil at an angle so that the pencil touches the outside of the lips while the middle part of the pencil grazes the outside of the eye, wherever the pencil touches at the angle is the end of the eyebrow.

The next step in eyebrow shape is not so easy. Brows can be angular or rounded, thin or thick. Face shape determines what style is best for your face. An angular shape gives structure to someone whose face is round. A round shape helps soften a thin, angular face. The thickness of the brow depends on personal preference and how much hair grows naturally.

Some make-up artists think that removing hair above the brow line should be avoided, but, in some cases removing this finer less visible hair gives a more defined look to the brow. It all depends on your preference and the look you are trying to achieve.

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Posted in Waxing | 10 Comments »

Face First

March 23rd, 2009

Whenever someone tells me, “I’ve never had a facial,” it’s like someone has told me they’ve never been to the dentist, or the doctor. Our face is the first thing people notice when they meet us and a regular facial helps insure that your skin is healthy with a smooth, clear and even texture. During a facial, dead skin cells are gently removed and fresh, younger cells are revealed. Although you can purchase over the counter products that serve this function, professionals are able to use facial products that can’t be purchased in a drug or department store. After the surface cells are removed, the technician can use products based on the skin’s condition that will help encourage positive renewal. Products that would normally have a tendency to sit on the skin can penetrate more easily after a thorough cleansing. Depending on the type of facial you try, massage may also be incorporated. This step helps to stimulate good circulation, aids in the detoxification process and a final bonus it feels great!

Some people think they can’t afford facials. If you buy shoes, handbags, nice clothes or go out to eat, you can afford a facial. I know men and women who don’t think twice about dropping $50 to $100 on a pair of shoes or a new blouse or shirt, yet they won’t invest in the one thing people see everyday, their faces. So, if you’ve never had a facial, it’s time to see what you’ve been missing. Book one today, your face will thank you.

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Posted in Facials | 5 Comments »

Out “#$%!” Spot

March 23rd, 2009

Lately I feel like my client’s have become Lady Macbeth only they aren’t worried about spots of blood, they are worried about dark brown patches of skin on their face and hands from too much sun exposure and damage. Uneven pigment presents one of the most difficult challenges to the esthetic world and here’s why. Brown pigment is produced in the skin by melanocytes and the pigment is a means by which the skin protects itself from sun exposure, skin disease and skin traumas. When any of these factors are present irregular pigment can result.
Dermatologists, and skin care professionals have available a variety of products that help to bleach this pigment from the skin and help to protect the skin from further sun damage or trauma, but unfortunately the least amount of exposure can cause more pigment. The best approach to even skin pigment involves a three pronged approach: increased cellular turnover, suppressed production of melanocytes, limited sun exposure.
The quickest and most effective means to reduce pigment is through the use of lasers. This approach although effective can be expensive. I’ve seen people spend the lot’s of money only be disappointed months later when the pigment returns because they failed to continue a regime of limited sun exposure and product usage to maintain an even complexion. If the pigment is created due to hormonal imbalance the pigment can return in as little as 6 months.
If the pigment is more topical, a series of peels can help to reduce the pigment. Again, the issue is maintenance. That’s where the suppression of melanocytes and sunscreen and reduced sun exposure make the difference. Products that help to suppress melanocytes are Hydroquinone, Mequinol, Retinoids, Ascorbic Acid, Licorice Extract, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Kojic Acid, Alcosin, and Arbutin. These ingredients have pluses and minuses in their use topically and in their ability to suppress melanocytes without irritation. (In a future blog I’ll outline how each of these ingredients interact with the skin)
I can’t stress enough the need to limit sun exposure. If you are attempting to even your skin tone it is critical to use a sunscreen daily that blocks UVA rays. These sunscreens should contain avobenzone, oxybenzone, zinc oxide and/or titanium oxide. Additionally, I strongly recommend hats and clothes that are constructed to provide UVA protection, especially if you are in the peak hours of exposure from 10 to 2.
A clear, even complexion is the mark of youth and to achieve it in later years requires a consistent, diligent approach. Lady Macbeth cleansed her hands, but the spots stayed on her conscience never to be removed. With proper treatments and on-going use of good products, and limited sun exposure your pigment spots will be gone.

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