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