Eye Serums-for all budgets

Previously working in the medical esthetic field I have tried every high end eye cream/serum. Honestly there is only one that I loved the results, iS Clinical Youth Eye Serum. While I loved the results, I didn't love the high end price. I have searched high & low for a product that provides amazing results just like that serum. My favorite line Skin Scripts had the perfect match, Peptide Eye Serum. 

Skin Scripts Peptide Eye Serum lightens and opens the eye zone for a refreshed youthful appearance. It is beneficial for skin with dark circles & puffiness. Improving dark circles 50%. 

Benefits: 

-Alleiviates under eye circles

-Reduces puffiness

-Improves circulation

-Plumps eye tissue

-Lessens the appearance of wrinkles

-Soothes & calms

-Tightens & firms

Usage:

AM & PM

I use half a pump for both eyes, a little goes a long way. The serum goes on smoothly for perfect application. 

What are peptides? 

Peptides boost collagen, reduce wrinkle depth & promote healing. Check out more information about peptides on my previous blog post here: 

http://www.skinstudiobymegan.blogspot.com/2015/08/power-of-peptides.html?m=1

Kiss those crows feet, dark circles & puffiness away for only $30. 

What pumpkins can do for your skin.

Fall is here and that means everything revolves around pumpkins. Did you know that pumpkins have amazing benefits for the skin? My favorite pumpkin product is Skin Scripts 15% pumpkin orange enzyme. I also have a pumpkin mask, however the pumpkin enzyme gives amazing results. 

What does the pumpkin orange enzyme do? 

Packed with Vitamins A & C, this enzyme will exfoliate and reduce oil. It dissolves dead skin while the orange provides a beautiful glow to the skin. Contains 11% lactic acid. 

Who can use it? 

This is a strong enzyme. Use on resilient skin. Peeling may occur. Has a tingle sensation. 

Benefits: 

-resurfacing and pore refinement 

-antioxidant 

This enzyme smells amazing. Try adding pumpkin to your facial treatments this fall. Your skin will love you. 

Skincare for your 20s

I cannot stress how important it is to start caring for your skin at a young age. Prevention is key. I have so many clients in their 40/50s wishing they didn't cleanse their skin with dove soap for years. They also wish they didn't bake in the sun for years & had clear non pigmented skin. Ladies in your twenty somethings or even late teens, start caring for your skin now. Here are some tips for skincare in your 20's. 

It's never to early to start an anti-aging routine. 

Start adding in anti-aging products & treatments now, prevention is key. 

Don't skip the sunscreen. 

Yes I mean year round. 

Start using an eye cream. 

It doesn't need to be a heavy cream. Use something with peptides like this Skin Scripts peptide eye serum. Prevent those crows feet now ladies & combat dark circles/puffiness. 

Wear sunglasses. 

Squinting causes crows feet. 

Don't drink from a straw. 

Drinking from a straw (and smoking) cause wrinkles around the lips. 

Retinol is a must. 

Try a product with Retinol. My favorite is this Skin Scripts Retinol pads used a few times a week. 

Antioxidants. 

Antioxidants protect the skin from environmental stress. They fight free radicals. I love to get mine from Skin Scripts Vitamin C serum. 

Don't pop your pimples. 

It causes scaring & discoloration. Let them heal naturally or have an esthetician lance them. Use ice to bring down swelling. 

Exfoliate at least 1-2 times per week. 

Depending on your exfoliator use it 1-2 times per week. Make sure not to over due it & over strip the skin. 

Stop Tanning. 

Because pigmentation is ugly. 

Maximize Your Microdermarbasion

Hooked on microdermabrasion...me too! Every client that is a newbie to microdermabrasion becomes hooked...actually addicted. Nothing is better than having the skin of a babies butt, clearing breakouts & minimizing fine lines and wrinkles. Today I'm going to talk about different ways to maximize your microdermabrasion. 

1) Enzyme/peel first. Microdermabrasion second. 

Enzyme and/or peel softens the stratum corneum first then the microdermabrasion mechanically exfoliates more surface skin.

 End result:

More polished & softer skin. More effective at removing the surface of the skin. 

Best For: Closed comedones (remove surface so trapped oil can escape). Rough & dry skin. 

2) Microdermabrasion first. Enzyme/peel after. 

Mechanically exfoliating the skin. Next enzyme/peel penetrates further into the skin. 

End Result: 

Better penetration of the peel, deeper into the skin to the melanocytes. More flaking. 

Best For: Pigmentation where you need to deliver skin lighteners, texture issues where you want the end result to be lots of peeling. 

3) Enzyme first. Microdermabrasion second. Finish with peel. 

Enzyme softens stratum corneum. Microdermabrasion buffs or polishes skin for further penetration. Peel penetrates deeper into the skin. 

End Result: Ultimate penetration of the peel, deeper into the skin for acne & pigmentation. 

Best For: Resilient skin; acne and pigmentation, texture issues. Lots of peeling. 

I recommend having a regular microdermabrasion prior to adding onto it. It is always ideal to see how your skin reacts to the microdermabrasion alone. 

Tea Time: Best Tea For Your Skin

I have a slight obsession with tea. I can't get enough of it. Today I'm going to discuss the best tea for different skin types. Tea is a fabulous source of antioxidants to stop free radicals from damaging your skin. It's also a great way to stay hydrated because let's be honest...who can drink the daily amount of recommended water? So drink up. 

Spearmint Tea: Great for hormonal acne & oily skin types. Spearmint tea reduces androgen levels. 

Rooibos Tea: Great for acne prone skin & inflammation. Reduces acne & inflammation with its high levels of antioxidants and contains zinc. 

Green Tea: Good for all skin types. Balances insulin levels & hormones. High in antioxidants. 

Chamomile: Relaxes & destress, provides antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial benefits. 

I love Yogi tea (found in organic section at Kroger). Being acne prone their Skin Detox tea really helps my skin out. 

I also love their Skin Health for normal skin types. The cinnamon flavor is perfect these fall days. 

Fall Skin Tips

Tomorrow is the first day of fall and I could not be happier. I love everything about fall. With new seasons comes new skincare changes. As the weather cools down, it is important to switch up our home care products as well as professional treatments. Here is a few tips to change in your skincare routine. 

Hydrating Toner: With humidity levels dropping, hydrating toners restore moisture to the skin. Skin Scripts Cucumber Hydration toner is full of hyaluronic acid & heavy water to ensure your skin is getting the hydration it needs. My clients love the way this smells. Plus it's only $20 & can be used as a makeup setting spray. Read more about this toner in my previous blog post here: 

http://skinstudiobymegan.blogspot.com/2015/07/do-i-really-need-toner.html?m=0

Change moisturizers: Not everyone needs to change moisturizers, but for my clients who tend to dry out in fall...it's time to make the switch. Try switching from your current moisturizer to one that's a little heavier. Example: if you currently use Skin Scripts cacteen moisturizer try switching to the ageless moisturizer. It's a little heavier & will give the skin the hydration it needs. 

Add in Hyaluronic Acid or a hydrating serum: Try Skin Scripts Ageless Hydrating Serum. This stuff is my favorite. It is 60% Hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid binds moisture to the skin. This stuff is great to get rid of milia, plump the skin & even hydrate acne prone skin. Perfect for all skin types. This miracle product is only $30. Check out what one of my best friends said about this after using it once! 

Read more about this product in my previous post here: 

http://skinstudiobymegan.blogspot.com/2015/08/ageless-skin-hydrating-serum.html?m=0

Peel away pigmentation: Fall is the best time to start peeling away that summer skin damage. Try a chemical peel series to lighten pigmentation. 

Pumpkin everything: Not only is fall perfect for pumpkin spiced lattes, pumpkin candles & pumpkin seeds...pumpkin is also a fabulous skincare ingredient. Who would have thought. Try a pumpkin facial this fall. If you currently have a microdermabrasion or chemical peel package, add a pumpkin enzyme or mask to your treatment. The pumpkin enzyme is packed with Vitamins A & C. It will exfoliate and reduce oil while enjoying it's lovely scent. This 15% pumpkin enzyme dissolves dead skin while orange provides a beautiful glow to the skin. Contains 11% lactic acid. 

I hope everyone enjoys the first day of fall. If you are interested in switching up your skincare routine contact me for a free consultation. 

859.619.2155

skinstudiobymegan@gmail.com

Megan Johnson, Licensed Esthetician

Ageless Skin Hydrating Serum

Ageless Skin Hydrating Serum

This is one of Skin Scripts best sellers. I haven't had a client who hasn't gone crazy over this serum. Everyone who has sampled it always purchases it. That says a lot in the skincare world. Skin Scripts line is a natural, effective, cruelty free skincare line. The prices are very affordable & the products produce amazing results. This serum reminds me of Skin Ceuticals hydrating B5 gel but a fraction of the cost. The main ingredient is Hyaluronic Acid, which binds moisture to the skin & plumps the skin. This product contains 60% Hyaluronic Acid, making it a wow product. 

Functions:

-Multi-functioning serum that binds moisture to the skin. 

-Balances surface lipids

-Reduce visible wrinkles

-Improves cellular respiration

-Plumps skin

Who is it good for? 

All skin types, especially dehydrated, dry, milia& Acne-prone skin. 

How to apply: 

Morning & Night after cleansing & toning the skin. Apply a moisturizer after to seal the serum in the skin. Usually half a pump to one pump gets the job done. 

How it works on milia? 

Milla is a lack of free water in the skin. Our skin is made of bi-layers which have perfect oil to water balance. Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL) happens when the skin isn't properly hydrated. What happens to oil in bi-layers  without water? The oil crystallizes into hard balls on the skin. This serum puts the water back into the skin. In 4 weeks of using this serum, you can extract the milia. Within 8 weeks the milia should dissolve itself. Drink lots of water and use this serum am & pm to get rid of milia. Use this all the way up to the lash line.

How it works on acne? 

Enzymes help with natural desquamation (shedding of dead skin cells). Enzymes need water to be active. Skin cells on dehydrated skin leads up to a build up of dead skin cells causing acne. Using this serum helps stop acne in its tracks. Many of my acne prone clients use this serum in place of a moisturizer. I like to use this serum and follow up with Skin Scripts light aloe moisturizer. 

Find out why all of my clients & myself love this serum. Contact me at 859.619.2155 to try some today. Positive note it is only $30. WOW

Power Of Peptides

Many ingredients in skincare products become the latest "fad" in the skincare world. Lately tons of clients have been inquiring about peptides. 

What are peptides? 

Peptides are proteins made up of long or short chains of amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. 

What do peptides do? 

-boost collagen

-promote healing

-reduce wrinkle depth

What products contain peptides? 

-peptide restoration moisturizer

-vitamin c/green tea serum

-ageless hydrating serum

-peptide eye serum 

All of these products are very effective & affordable from my favorite line, Skin Scripts. Skin Scripts is all natural and cruelty free. 

Do you have peptides in your skincare routine? 

Clarifying Toner Pads...perfect for teens

Today I'm going to discuss my favorite skincare product for teens dealing with troubled skin. Skin Scripts Clarifying Toner Pads (formerly known as Blemish Control Toner Pads). Same great product just a new name. These pads are only $17. I love the effectiveness and simplicity of these pads. Teenagers, especially boys are the hardest to get on a good skin care regimen. These pads are so quick & simple, teens love them. These pads are also great for adults. I rotate these pads with Skin Scripts Glycolic/Retinol Pads (posting about those soon). 

These Clarifiying toner pads contain 2% Salicylic Acid, 2% Glycolic Acid and Tea Tree. 

Functions: 

Assists in cellular turnover bringing oil and debris to the surface of the skin; Salicylic then dries the uplifted oil. Tea tree calms & soothes the skin. Relieves breakouts while improving the quality & clarity of the skin. 

Recommended for: 

Oily & Acneic skin (great for teens) 

How to use: 

After cleansing, apply to skin 2-3 times per week. Adjust usage based on skin sensitivity or dryness. 

Ingredient Breakdown: 

Glycolic Acid: Reduces wrinkles and promotes resurfacing. Dissolves dead skin cells. 

Salicylic Acid: Penetrates into pores to dissolve impacted sebum (oil). Exfoliates and reduces redness and inflammation. 

Tea Tree: Provides antiseptic properties to reduce spread of infectious material to cause acne. Reduces oil production. 

Make sure to always use sunscreen daily, especially when using products that make you more sun sensitive. 

If you are interested in trying these majic pads out contact me at 859.619.2155 or email skinstudiobymegan@gmail.com 

Do I really NEED a toner?

Do you really need a toner? That is a good question. Some toners in skincare lines are completely useless and can even be irritating. With a million things on our to do lists...a long skin care routine is the last thing we need. With previous lines I have used, I was never impressed with their toners, until I tried Skin Scripts. This toner makes me take the extra 3 seconds a day to give my face a nice spritz. 

Let's discuss toner and their benefits. Most toners help remove extra dirt, oil & makeup residue left behind after cleansing. Some toners are designed for certain skin conditions and ingredients to benefit each condition. My problem with lots of toners on the market is they are full of fragrances. Fragrance is a huge NO NO in skincare products and I always stay away from them. They irritate and clog the skin. Another issue with most toners is they are full of alcohol, "astringents" are what they are usually labeled. These dry out the skin and can cause irritation. 

I use to say just skip the toner...then Skin Scripts blew me away (again) with their Cucumber Hydration Toner. The smell is amazing and it has no fragrances. The cucumber extract gives this product that amazing smell. Every time I spritz this on a client, they always comment on how nice it smells. I can't forget to mention Skin Scripts is an all natural professional skincare line with amazing results. 

Functions: 

Re-hydrates the skin while improving cellular function and absorption of ingredients. Cucumber soothes and cools irritated skin. 

Recommended for: 

All skin types including dry and dehyrdrated. Provides probiotic support to skins acid mantle to support acneic skin. 

Benefits: 

-topically reduces discomfort and irritation

-assists in boosting hydration levels 

-balances surface lipids 

Active ingredients: 

 -heavy water: has a high molecular weight to deliver moisture into the skin, preventing trans-epidermal water loss & is hydrating

-cucumber extract: soothe and cool irritated skin

-hyaluronic acid: binds moisture to the skin 

-sodium PCA: boosts moisture to the skin

-borago officinalis seed oil: high concentration of gamma linolenic acid, an omega 6 essential fatty acid, anti-inflammatory 

How to use: 

AM & PM after cleansing spritz onto skin. Either spritz directly onto skin or apply with cotton ball. 

Tips & Tricks: 

-keep in the fridge for a cool spritz 

-use after applying makeup to set your foundation 

-spritz while at the pool, lake or traveling for a refresher 

Take home Skin Scripts Cucumber Hydration Toner for only $20 for a 3.3 oz bottle! 

BENEFITS OF A FACIAL

Many clients who come in for microdermabrasion or other services will ask, what are the benefits of a facial? Well tonight's post is all about the benefits of a facial. A facial is a professional service to improve and rejuvenate the skin. Facials maintain the health and correct certain skin conditions through deep cleansing. The skin is the largest organ in the body, take good care of it.

Benefits of facials:

• Deep Cleanses
• Exfoliates
• Increases Circulation & Detoxifies
• Slows down pre-mature aging
• Treats skin conditions such as dryness, oiliness, breakouts.
• Softens wrinkles & aging lines
• Clears up blemishes & minor acne. 
• Relaxes the senses, nerves & muscles.
• Speeds up the cellular turnover rate.
• Promotes collagen production. 

So what exactly does a facial include? All of my facials are customized to each skin type. I use Skin Scripts products, a natural skincare line that provides amazing results. Ask me about a gluten free facial.I recently switched up my facials and clients are loving it. My facials typically include:

-Skin Consultation: After reviewing your client intake forms, we will discuss your skin concerns & expectations. 

-Deep Cleansing: Using a treatment cleanser, I cleanse the skin of dirt, oils & makeup. This allows me to analyze the skin and determine the best products and treatments for you. 

-Steam: Steam softens the skin and hardened oil in the pores, it is also hydrating. 

-Enzymes: Depending on your skin type & conditions, I will choose an enzyme tailored to your skins needs. Enzymes are mild, natural, and great for sensitive skin. Enzymes are ingredients designed to dissolve keratin proteins on the surface of the skin, resulting in exfoliation and softer, smoother skin. I love skin scripts enzymes. They are fruit based enzymes that smell amazing.

-Exfoliaton: Speeds up cell turnover, dead skin cells shed naturally every 28 days (this process slows down as we age). This helps rid the skin of the dead cells to reveal healthy fresh skin. Exfoliation is done manually through a scrub or microdermabrasion or chemically with a chemical peel, depending on your skin. 

-Ultrasonic Skin Scrubber: This little tool is amazing. Check out my blog post here ULTRASONIC SKIN SCRUBBER BLOG 
                                                    Here is its three functions:

1. Soft Peel & Cleansing Mode: During the first step, the machine is loosening dead skin cells.The peeling step of this process pulses water quickly into the skin to bring out trapped dirt and oil.

2. Nutrition Mode: During the second phase of ultrasonic, the skin scrubber penetrates product deeper into the skin. This allows the product to reach deeper into the skin than it normally would. 

3. Firming Mode: During the final step of ultrasonic, the machine allows the esthetician to tone and lift the face. This results in elasticity to the skin, eliminates fine lines & wrinkles, and shrinks the appearance of pores.

-Massage- Facial massage is relaxing and increases circulation.

-Mask: Lowers the temperature of the skin, reduces redness, hydrates & delivers key ingredients. 

-Products: Customized to your skin type, eye creams, serums and a moisturizer will be applied.

-Protect: You will always leave with sun protection at Skin Studio By Megan.


After the facial we will discuss recommendations for future skin care treatments and products. Remember good home care is necessary for optimal results. One facial is not a miracle in an hour, but it will promote healthy, glowing skin. I recommend a professional exfoliation treatment (facial, microdermabrasion, chemical peel) every 4-6 weeks. As I stated earlier, our skin cells shed every 28 days, this helps remove dead skin cells and rid the skin of impurities. 

I found this on pinterest and shared it on my facebook page awhile back & I just love it. 

NEW Refine & Renew Duo Review

Let me start by saying I LOVE Skin Scripts products so when I found out they were launching a new duo I was thrilled. I was even more thrilled this duo is safe for all my expecting clients...pregnant ladies need good skin care too. This duo is safe for all skin types and is an excellent daily exfoliant without over stripping the skin. Check out  how you can over strip the skin on my older blog post. Now let's chat about these two new products. 

Raspberry Refining Scrub: 

This scrub smells SO good I want to eat it. Massage this onto the face, neck & chest for 2-3 minutes. Rinse and follow up with the serum. 

Benefits:

-polishes & refines the skin

-anti-inflammatory

-lightens discolorations 

-safe for eczema & psoriasis 

Functions: 

Polish and energize the skin with the antioxidants raspberry and marionberry which brighten the skin and provide anti-inflammatory like benefits to soothe skin irritations. Jojoba beads and blue corn meal gently exfoliate to remove surface build up provides physical exfoliation while exfoliating and lightening ingredients work in tandem to promote a clear, healthy skin tone. 

Beta-Carotene/Papain Renewal Serum: 

This serum feels amazing and light weight. It glides on the skin. Use nightly after the scrub. Reduce usage of flaking occurs. 

Benefits: 

-improves skin barrier integrity by balancing surface lipids 

-exfoliates to reduce visible wrinkles 

-anti-inflammatory

Functions: 

A mild exfoliation serum for sensitive skin.  Beta Carotene is a natural form of Vitamin A. Enhances cellular renewal and assists with collagen stimulation....bye bye wrinkles. 

I love how big the products are and the duo can be yours for only $60! You can also purchase them individually. If you have any questions on these products feel free to contact me at 859.619.2155 or skinstudiobymegan@gmail 

Are you over stripping your skin?

Over stripping your skin is SO easy to do. This is the number one skincare mistake I make...and I accidentally do it often. Being oily, most clients & myself want to wash away all the oil. When we break out we tend to try and scrub away our problems. This is only doing more harm then good. Once oil is stripped from the skin, the natural barrier(acid mantle) is compromised. The acid mantle protects the skin from environmental factors. Once the skin is stripped it can lead to acne, dehydration and sensitivity. This happens because when skin is missing oil, it wants to over compensate and produce more oil. 

Over stripping leads to:

-more oil

-more blemishes

-dehydration

-sensitivity

Ways you can over strip the skin: 

-over cleansing

-over exfoliating

-over using products (combining too many exfoliating products in your regimen) 

Make sure you aren't going crazy with the clarisonic ladies & gentlemen..this can definitely over strip the skin. 

Ways to help compromised over stripped skin:

-Skin Scripts Cacteen Balancing Moisturizer: this is one of my favorite moisturizers ever. It is so lightweight and amazing. It helps normalize water/oil balance & soothes irritated and sensitive skin.

-Facial: Get a nice hydrating and calming facial

-Skin Scripts Ageless Hydrating Serum: This stuff is the best. Ideal for all skin types. This helps improve the skin's barrier function. This product was just featured in Skin Inc for this exact reason. It improves hydration, balances surface lipids, reduces visible wrinkles, improves cellular respiration, and plumps the skin. It is 60% hyaluronic acid. 

Next time you are having extreme oiliness or breakouts, remember cleansing and scrubbing excessively will do more harm then good....trust me. If you have questions about over stripping the skin feel free to email me at skinstudiobymegan@gmail.com

Latisse & Long Lashes

Let me start by saying I LOVE LATISSE. You know those people with amazing natural lashes? Well I am not one of those blessed beauties. My clients always ask me a billion questions about Latisse so I thought I would clear up some confusion in a post. Here are my most frequently asked Latisse questions. I have used Latisse on and off for years. 

Here is a 4 week before & after of my lashes with Latisse. It's not the greatest before & after but you can see those lashes growing. Side Note: my mascara is super clumpy...I was using cheap mascara (yikes)

Won't that change my eye color? 

The answer is NO. This impression is from when Latisse was originally used for Glaucoma patients, it was injected directly into the eye. Since Latisse has been used externally for lash growth, there has been NO changes in eye color of patients. 

Do I have to get a prescription?

Most med spas or plastic surgeons offices will just have you sign a consent form before purchasing Latisse. 

Do I have to use it forever? 

Yes. Lashes have a growth cycle and do fall out. Once you stop using Latisse & the lashes that grow in will be your regular lashes. However, after I use Latisse for awhile and get my lashes the length I prefer, I only use it every 3 nights to save some product & money. 

If I use it twice a day will they grow faster?

No. However I have heard people swear by using it twice a day the first week. The rep for Latisse told me when I first got into the medical field that it will not make them grow faster. 

How long will it take to see results? 

Most people start to see a change around week 4. 

It is so expensive... how long does it last? 

The 3 ml bottle lasts me anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks. I have learned a few tips & tricks to save my precious prescription.

I always put the one drop of Latisse into the bottle cap. Then I dip my brush into the solution. I swipe over both eyes on the top lash line. I use the same applicator for both eyes to make my applicators last longer. I would NOT advise this if you have any kind of eye infection. 

Are there side effects? 

Working in the medical field prior I have sold lots of Latisse. The only complaint I hear is some people have redness around the lash line. 

Latisse vs. Eyelash Extensions 

I say Latisse all the way. I have performed and received eyelash extensions. Even with the proper technique the extensions can still be harsh on the lashes. Think about it...they are using a glue and eyelash extension applied to your natural lash. It definitely weighs down on your lash. Many of my clients have come to me for advice to grow lashes after years of eyelash extensions. Extensions are lots  of maintenance people...like getting your nails filled in. I think Latisse is a much safer alternative for long luscious lashes. 

Side Note: Use Latisse to fill in your eyebrows from over tweezing. It works like a charm. 

Contact me at skinstudiobymegan@gmail.com to find out the best deals on Latisse in Lexington. Many places have buy the 5ml get the 3ml free rebate going on currently.  

Chemical Peel 101 & Giveaway

It amazes me how many clients are scared of chemical peels. I think we have all seen the Sex And The City episode where Samantha's skin looks crazy post peel. I blame that episode for the fear in many clients. I also think the name "chemical peel" scares people off a bit. Tonight we are going to discuss different types of peels & why you should try one at your next appointment. I love alternating clients between peels & microdermabrasion...it is good to switch things up! 

                             

Many clients don't understand there is generally 3 levels of peels...light, medium & deep. Being acne prone and working in the medical field I have tried just about every peel ranging from no peeling to my face falling off in sheets. I have found I have better results doing light "lunch-time" peels more frequently rather than a series of deep peels. Not to mention the down time is much better. Let's discuss chemical peels. 

Benefits of chemical peels: 

-improves skin texture

-reveals healthy glowing skin 

-removes dead skin cells 

-preserves youthful appearance 

-increases moisture retention

-improves skin barrier function 

-stimulates collagen & elastin

-reduces surface pigmentation 

-reduces fine lines & wrinkles 

-reduces acne & acne scarring 

Downtime: 

All the peels I perform at Skin Studio By Megan are "lunch-time" peels. They can take anywhere from 15-30 minutes per treatment. Lunch time peels speed up renewal process on top layer of skin. The downtime is very minimal if any. The skin may appear red after treatment and that will fade within 30 minutes to a few hours. No makeup for at least 2 hours. You also may feel tight & dry for a few days. A few of my peels have minimal flaking for 3-5 days. The downtime is similar to microdermabrasion. 

Types of peels: 

Lactic: 

milk-based 

hydrating & exfoliating 

normal-dry

sun damage 

hyper pigmentation 

lightening 

Glycolic: 

-dissolves desmosomes that hold skin together

-normal, oily, acneic & dry

-minimizes poor size 

-mild-moderate acne 

-pigmentation 

Salicylic: 

-normal, oily & acneic 

-resurfaces & refines skin & pores

-dries up oil

-excellent antioxidant 

-inhibits inflammation 

TCA:

-re-texturizing 

-melasma 

-acne 

-hyper pigmentation 

-evens skin tone 

These are just a few popular peels at Skin Studio By Megan

Remember there are tons of different peels out there. Just because you had a glycolic peel at one office doesn't mean it will be the same at another. Peels vary in pH levels & percentages. 

Giveaway: 

I am giving away a FREE chemical peel to one lucky winner. Here is how to enter. Like the giveaway on Instagram or Facebook. Comment which peel you think is best for your skin type. Share this post. (If private comment that you shared so I will know). The winner will be chosen Monday June 15th. Tag a friend on Facebook or Instagram to be entered twice. 

INSTAGRAM LINK

FACEBOOK LINK

Skin Scripts peels are good for all Fitzpatrick types. Most companies peels are not recommended for darker skin types. 

Here are some testimonies from clients about chemical peels.

 "Best chemical peel experience ever! I've always been so scared to get one done but Megan did an amazing job my skin has never looked or felt better!" -Devan W

"I just wanna take the time to give a huge shoutout to Megan Johnson!!!!!!!! Received a chemical peel and different sorts of her fabulous treatment two days ago, and my face already looks and feels so much better! Thank you Megan you are amazing!!!! If you are having troubles with your skin I recommend setting up and appt. with her!!!" -Hannah G

Birth Control & Acne

Note: I am NOT a doctor. You should always discuss concerns with your skin & birth control with your physician. 

Birth control is used for many purposes but it can be used to help your acne. 

How does birth control help acne:

-regulates hormones 

-lowers body testosterone level, which can reduce acne (testosterone is the male hormone that increases oil production)

Before starting or stopping birth control remember these things: 

-sometimes your acne will flare up when starting or stopping birth control (hormones are changing) this may last around 3 months

-hormonal breakouts are typically cystic and located around the chin area 

Which birth control is best for acne: 

Generally skin is clearer when the pill has moderate to high forms of estrogen. 

Higher is estrogen and lower in androgen. 

A few examples include: 

-orthotricyclen 

-sprintec 

-zovia 

Which birth control is bad for acne: 

Higher in androgen and low in estrogen. 

A few examples include:

-depo-provera (plus you'll gain a TON of wait...trust me my body has never been the same)

-mirena or skylar IUD

-nuvaring 

Remember I am in no way a doctor but after researching and discussing with physicians I thought I would share these tips. Many of my clients struggle with acne issues and birth control so I thought this information could be useful. 

9 Summer Skin Tips

Summer is my favorite season...I spend almost every weekend at my parents lake house. As an esthetician my job is to inform clients on sun protection. I am not denying that I get some sun, I am just smart about staying protected! Sun spots, melanoma & freckles everywhere aren't a good look. Here are some tips for staying protected & summertime skin care. 

1- SPF: This is probably in every post I have..but who cares. It is the most important thing you can do to for your skin. Elta MD is the best sunscreen ever. Applying once a day isn't going to cut it people. I apply every 2 hours. 

2- HATS: Keep your face protected from the sun with a fabulous big floppy hat or your favorite team's baseball cap. Not to mention after taking a boat ride it helps conceal my crazy hair...WIN WIN. 

3-HYDRATE: I cannot stress the importance of staying hydrated from the inside out. I know it can be tough to drink 8 bottles of water a day, so try switching it up with this Aloe Gloe drink (organic section of Kroger). It is amazing for your skin. 

Or try this yummy cucumber, mint & lemon water detox drink I blogged about HERE 

4- GET THE GLOW: My favorite self-tanner is St. Tropez bronzing mousse. It is so simple to use & gives the skin a great color. 

5- Moisturizers: Now that it's summertime switch from an oil based moisturizer to water based. I also recommend Skin Scripts Ageless Hydrating Serum. Hyaluronic Acid binds moisture to the skin & this product is FULL of it. I am obsessed with this stuff! 

6- Foundations: Try switching up your foundations to a tinted SPF or water based foundation. Skin tends to lean towards oily in the summertime so look for matte foundations. 

7- Spritz Spring Water: La roche-posay thermal spring water is like magic. Minerals calm the skin while making the skin look dewy. This is also great to spray after applying mineral makeup to set. I always have a bottle around me in the summer months to spritz my face & body to cool me down. 

Contains a high concentration of Selenium, a powerful natural antioxidant.

Mineral-rich micro-droplets provide immediate, intense soothing.

8- Vitamin C: Vitamin C is SO important especially in the summer months. Vitamin C helps protect against sun damage as well as pigmentation on the skin from previous exposure. Check out my post all about Vitamin C serum HERE! 

I still love my Clinical Care Vitamin C Serum, however my new favorite is Skin Scripts Vitamin C with Green Tea Serum. It is the BEST. I apply Vitamin C morning & night along with my favorite Vitamin C gummies. Call me a child but they are delicious, I have to make myself not eat the whole jar.

9-Sunglasses: Not only fashionable but great to keep you from squinting aka causing crows feet & 11 lines. 

I hope everyone has a fabulous summer filled with lots of travel & time spent with family. Hopefully these tips will help you maintain healthy summertime skin. Thanks for reading.