How to achieve the perfect LASH LIFT.

Todays post in on how to achieve the best lash lift. Lash Lifts are an amazing service if provided by a great lash artist. A lash lift permanently curls your own natural lash by lifting them up & out. A lift will last until all the lashes fall out naturally (generally 6-12 weeks). We typically shed 1-5 lashes per day. Make sure your lash artist has lots of before & afters showing their work. The biggest problem with lifting lashes is some artists don't separate the lashes on the rod properly. See photo below.

Here are some tips for better lifts:

-Using a lash growth serum will make your natural lashes longer, thicker & fuller, resulting in a better lift. I love and retail GrandeLash MD $65. If you have short and brittle lashes, use a serum 8 weeks before getting a lift.

-Do not use waterproof mascara the week of your lift, before the lift & after. It is really tough on the lashes and hard to remove.

-Avoid wearing eye makeup for 24 hours after the lift.

-Tinting the lashes (darkens natural lash) will make the lashes appear longer...resulting in a better lift.

-Don't touch or play with the lashes after the lift.

AFTERCARE:

-no steam, heat, saunas, water, oils, lotion, shampoo, face wash, makeup remover wipes for a minimum of 24 hours after the lift. This will cause the lift to fall. Be careful even cooking (boiling water, grill, etc.).

-try not to side sleep

-avoid oily face washes, this will cause lift to drop prematurely

Lashes should always be dried before leaving the appointment. Water will weigh down and cause the lift to drop. I always fan dry clients lashes before they leave.


Here are some of my favorite lifts I have personally done at Skin Studio By Megan in Lexington, KY.

Fight inflammation with food

Inflammation is part of the bodies immune system. When inflammation is out of control, it can damage the body. Foods with sugar and saturated fat can spark inflammation. We all know inflammation leads to breakouts and makes them worse, as well as other skin conditions. So lets chat about the foods that reduce inflammation. Hit the grocery store and stock up on these items:

-tomatoes
-olive oil
-green leafy veggies (spinach, kale)
-nuts like almonds and walnuts
-fatty fish (salmon, tuna,sardines)
-celery
-beets
-broccoli
-blueberries
-pineapple
-ginger
-raw oats
-green tea
-dark chocolate
-red peppers
-tumeric
-black beans

Those are some of my favorites that are easy to add into your diet. Smoothies & juicing can be amazing for reducing inflammation & can combine several anti-inflammatory foods. What are your favorite anti-inflammatory foods? Email me at skinstudiobymegan@gmail.com to chat more.

Eliminating Bruising After Injections

HOW TO PREVENT BRUISING FROM INJECTIONS 

 Arnica Montana is a game changer to help with bruising, swelling, aches & pains.  

Arnica is an herb used for bruises, swelling, aches & pains. This magical supplement is not only good for fillers/botox injections but great for the following:

-pre-surgery 

-pain

-swelling

-insect bites

-cartilage pain

-arthritus

-injuries

-bruising

Arnica is one of the best remedies available to heal bruises faster, speeding up the process of healing. It also sends more white blood cells to repair bruising. 

How to use it: 

Arnica comes in oral form or a topical gel. The topical form is great to rub on sore muscles. For oral supplements, you simply dissolve them under the tongue. Most recommend using arnica 4 days before and 4 days after injections.  

I recently had a terrible bruise on my knee, thanks to arnica it healed quickly. This also helps relieve my shoulder pain and inflammation. 

Other Tips For Limiting Bruising with injections:

-avoid alcohol 

-avoid aspirin & NSAIDS

Keep in mind I am NO doctor hah, so check with your doctor before taking any supplements. 

FAVORITE EVERYDAY CLEANSERS

FAVORITE EVERYDAY CLEANSERS 

Today's post is all about my top two cleansers that can be used daily without irritating or drying out the skin. With so many cleansers out there it is hard to pick a good one that is full of active ingredients and healthy for our skin. I have tried hundreds on cleansers being an esthetician & using different brands throughout the years. Cleanser is one product that is worth spending some money on and investing in a good quality cleanser. I also have a few favorite treatment cleansers....check out my  post on Skin Scripts Glycolic cleanser HERE....but todays post is everyday cleansers. 

1) Skin Scripts Green Tea Citrus Antioxidant Cleanser

This cleanser smells amazing & is great at removing makeup. This is a foamy, gentle cleansing option that protects the skin from cellular damage while improving clarity and tone. This is targeted for all skin types including rosacea and sensitive. 

Benefits:

-clarifies and purges

-maintains healthy cell function

-protects bacterial attacks

-provides cellular protection from free radicals

-inhibits inflammation

Try this cleanser out for only $26.50

2) iS Clinical Cleansing Complex

This cleanser gently resurfaces, is anti-acneic and deep cleansing. This one is my all time favorite cleanser that I can use daily. This is a lightweight gel cleanser that also removes makeup. This is great for all skin types. I LOVE this for acne-prone or congested skin.

Benefits:

-deep-cleanses without drying

-helps control acne breakouts

-minimizes pore size

-smoothes & softens

-excellent for shaving

-lightweight gel

-paraben-free 

This cleanser is a little bit pricey than the first ($40) but a little goes a long way. 

Have any questions about cleansers? Contact Megan at skinstudiobymegan@gmail.com 

Treatment Timelines

I have SO many clients come in for facials, peels, or microdermabrasion and they just had botox injected two days ago. This is a huge NO NO. I always want to go shame the person who injected them for not explaining after care and what should not be done after injections. This is my inspiration for today's post which is all about treatment timelines. I will put some common treatments down below and give a timeline for before and/or after.

Botox & Dysport:

Before- most treatments can be done right before botox...always ask when booking appointment for injections if its okay to do if you recently had a big procedure done

After- Do not do any treatments of any kind for two weeks after being injected with dysport or botox. Many doctors suggest different time lines but always play it safe for about two weeks post treatment. Getting a facial is definitely not worth getting a droopy eyelid from doing it too soon after getting injected.

Fillers:
Do not do anything for at least two weeks after fillers. This aftercare is pretty much the same as botox. However, if you still have bruising and swelling I would continue to hold off on treatments like facials, peels or microdermabrasion.

Microdermabrasion:

Before- No injections, exfoliating treatments, lasers, or invasive treatments for at least two weeks before. Also hold off on exfoliating products such as scrubs, retin-A, benzoyl peroxide, acne topical products, retinol, or any harsh products for 5-7 days before treatments. If it is your first time getting a Microderm, stop exfoliating at least 7-10 days before.

After- No harsh exfoliating products, harsh topical creams, or treatments for about a week.

Best Selling Product: Skin Scripts Glycolic/Retinol Pads

My all time best selling product is Skin Scripts Glycolic/Retinol Pads. These pads are good for every skin type (except sensitive) and help out with so many skin issues. What I love about these pads is how simple they are. Cleanse your skin, then simply wipe the pad all over the face....viola! Simple as that. These pads are designed to gently and progressively renew the skin to provide brightening, clarifying and restoring benefits to all skin types in need of perfecting. The best part is...these bad boys are only $22.50

Recommended For:

Hyperpigmentation, melasma, oily & acneic skin. 

How to use:

For pore refinement or acneic skin use 2-3 times per week. 

For melasma or hyperpigmentation, spot treat 2 times per day directly onto pigmentation. Reduce use after pigmentation has lightened. 

Benefits:

-lightens pigmentation 

-provides surface renewal and resurfacing

-prevents future breakouts

-assists in anti-wrinkle actions 

This product is perfect for those who's skin cannot tolerate prescription retin-A. This still provides the same benefits just in a more gentle way. This product is so simple, so easy, so cheap & provides amazing results. I literally cannot keep these on my shelf. Tip: Clean scissors with rubbing alcohol and cut pads in half to save more product. A half a pad usually will cover my whole face. I also love to use these on my neck, chest & hands. Anywhere that has pigmentation....these pads will go. If you are interested in trying these best seller pads, contact me to get a sample. 

Face Reality Peels...Liquid Gold

Face Reality is an acne training program along with products & treatments. Taking this course and becoming an acne specialist has changed the game & help me learn so much about acne. This program is meant to be completed with Face Reality home care, in office treatments every 2 weeks and lifestyle/dietary changes. I wanted to discuss Face Reality peels in todays blog post. I will do another post soon featuring more about the program & home care. Face Reality is proven to get you clear when using home care & in office peels. I cannot guarantee you will get clear if you are only doing the in office treatments. It is crucial to combine these peels with home care. However I do have a few clients who opt to only do the peel & are loving the results.  All my clients (and myself) are ranting & raving about these amazing peels. Most of my acne clients love mandelic peels....well this is mandelic & more!

Why Face Reality peels over other peels? 
Face Reality peels are strong enough to have the exfoliation, antibacterial & skin lightening properties needed for acne, but gentle enough so the client can continue using their home care the next day. They are self-neutralizing peels that do not need to be washed off and this makes them less irritating.
I have had literally hundreds....probably thousands of chemical peels over the years struggling with acne prone skin. I have found some I love, but non compare to these Face Reality peels. They have also helped out the redness & pigmentation in my skin. I love how I don't have any downtime after (besides maybe a flake or two) & my skin looks fabulous the next day...I also stay oil free afterwards.

Are Face Reality peels just for acne?
Absolutely not. This blend of acids & ingredients is also amazing for anti-aging and for pigmentation.

After care:
Do not use your "active" products (serums or acne med) the night of your treatment. Since the peel is self-neutralizng, do not wash your face for 5-6 hours after.

 How long to be off prescription products or accutane before treatments:
Depending on topical prescription products, you need to discontinue 2 weeks before starting Face Reality. Accutane needs to be discontinued for one month prior.

What is in Face Reality Peels:
Acne Peel 1:
5 % TCA
5% Mandelic
5% Lactic
blend of azelaic & kojic acids to lighten pigmentation



Acne Peel 2:
7.5% TCA
5% Mandelic
5% Lactic
blend of azelaic & kojic acids to lighten pigmentation


What is the downtime?
With acne peel 1 most clients do not get dry or irritated. If you were to have any "peeling" it would be light flaking, not peeling in big sheets. When you bump up to acne peel 2, you may experience more dryness & slight flaking. This peel is designed for little to no irritation and/or flaking. Just moisturize lots the next few days following.

Here are two different client feedbacks. I am telling you all....this peel changes the skincare game. My face stays sooooooo smooth, soft & oil free after. Come get your peel on at Skin Studio By Megan, certified Face Reality specialist.