Hello! Happy Pumpkin season!
This month I’ve featured our pumpkin facial, not only because it’s seasonal, but because it’s another way to add antioxidants to the skin. In addition to nourishing the skin, the acid made from pumpkin breaks down the “glue” that holds dead skin cells together in the outer layer (epidermis), gently revealing the new, fresh layer. Pumpkin is a rich source of antioxidant, as evidenced by the rich orange color.
So what are antioxidants? Anti-oxidants are molecules that can prevent or interrupt the cycle of oxidation, which leads to cellular destruction. Oxidation is the toxic by-product of the fuel-generating process that our bodies perform daily, which produces free radicals, often referred to as oxidative stress. Free radicals are the pirates that de-stabilize cells, and eventually lead to cellular breakdown. Like the carcinogenic black smoke that is produced at a campfire, our bodies generate toxins (free radicals) under increased stress illness, and now there is research to suggest that exercise can significantly increase free radical production. Sun is a major source of free radical damage. Antioxidants have the ability to neutralize free radicals and keep our immune systems on track.
In my esthetics practice, I recommend antioxidants to all of my clients, because stress, and oxidative stress, are obstacles to healthy, beautiful skin. Ideally we get an ample supply of anti-oxidants from a wide variety of foods, especially fresh vegetables and fruits. However, to maintain optimal health in a stressed lifestyle, I believe it is to our advantage to supplement a vegetable-rich diet with mega-doses of whole-food based antioxidants. They can be found in many forms. My personal favorite is Juice Plus, a capsule form, because of the ease and convenience. I also use Dr. Tony O’Donnell’s Radiant Greens and Pomegranate Plus, both of which are considered super foods. In short, antioxidants boost the immune system in a very immediate, measurable way.
In the past five years there has been a growing trend to use antioxidants on the skin – and for a good reason! Applied topically, antioxidant serums protect the skin from free radical damage from the sun, stress and other environmental assaults. Vitamin C was one of the first to be used, but it is the least stable, so expensive Vitamin C serums, often packaged in brown glass bottles, begin to lose their potency the minute the airtight seal is broken.
At Abundance, I have been using idebenone, a synthetic form of CoQ10 delivered in a time-released formula from PRIORI Skin Care, with impressive results. We use it in conjunction with other elements of a well-rounded skin care program to significantly change the texture and color of the skin. Each skin care line now uses their own formulation of antioxidants in various deliveries – cleansers, moisturizers, serums and masques.
So this fall, enjoy the rich, bright colored (the redder the better) fruits and vegetables because they are full of life-giving anti-oxidants. A single apple contains over 40,000 different phyto-nutrients, none of which you can get from a manufactured vitamin tablet! If you would like more information about our antioxidants, feel free to give us a call or stop by the salon – we’d be happy to share with you.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Reversing Sun Damage
For an esthetician, the end of summer takes on a whole new meaning – it’s the best time of year to begin your recovery program to undo the cumulative effects of summer sun. The most effective results for correcting skin damage are obtained with gentle chemical peels performed in a series of 6-8 weekly appointments. There is a great deal of misunderstanding around chemical peels. I often find that people are intimidated by scary stories of peel treatments that leave the skin swollen, red and flaky. However, there are different categories of peels – deep peels which are performed in a doctor’s office and superficial peels (30% alpha hydroxyl acid or less) which are used in doctors offices and spas. Within the superficial category, there is a wide range of peel materials that deliver a wide range of results.
Peels works by using one or more alpha hydroxy acids or AHAs (acids made from sugar, milk and various fruits and vegetables) to loosen the chemical bond that holds the dead skin cells together. By doing this very, very gently over a 6-8 week period, there is no “down” time or adverse side effects. At the end of the series, your skin is remarkably smoother, firmer, pores are minimized, and it appears visibly brighter, reflecting more light. For maximum results, it is generally considered safe to do two peel series per year.
During the past year, we introduced two very progressive new peels from PRIORI Skincare, the Skin Perfection Facial and the SuperCeutical Facial with Idebenone. Although I love the five skincare lines that we use at Abundance, I continue to be amazed at the results I see with the PRIORI Skin Perfection Facial. It uses a proprietary blend of AHAs, primarily lactic acid, which has a significant brightening effect on the skin. One of the additional benefits of lactic acid is that it deeply hydrates the skin, which means that your skin care products can penetrate much more deeply, delivery a better result. We offer the PRIORI peel treatments in conjunction with the GentleWaves LED Photomodulation treatments for a beautiful firmer, tighter and more luminous skin in eight weeks. A regular annual peel habit can help to minimize pre-cancerous cell build-up.
If you’ve never had a peel, here’s an offer you can’t refuse! Purchase the 8-week GentleWaves series (which includes the Skin Perfection Facial by PRIORI) and receive the Clarisonic Facial Brush, valued at $250, absolutely free! The brush is a great addition to your home care program, because it allows your anti-aging serums to penetrate 61% more deeply.
Products matter! All the facials in the world can’t make up for a consistent home care program. Consistent use of the new cosmeceutical products will produce dramatic results when used twice daily at home. Each of our five skin care lines feature anti-oxidants and anti-aging treatment products to support skin’s recovery from environmental damage.
We are excited about the press this week for our CoffeeBerry skincare line. The CoffeeBerry Night Complex was featured in Oprah magazine and the CoffeeBerry Day Complex was featured in US Weekly.
Salon Events
On September 23 at 7 pm I am excited to introduce Catherine Favre, a practitioner of Quantum Energetics Therapy (QET). I first heard of QET from a client. Intrigued by her recovery story, in which she credits Catherine with saving her life, I began working with Catherine to learn more about QET. The methodology evolved from experts in kinesiology, acupuncture, and chiropractic and is based on Quantum Physics. QET focuses on early detection and prevention of health problems, strengthening the immune system, and repairing injured or diseased tissue. I found QET to be an impressive diagnostic tool that has allowed me to better understand and take ownership for the state of my body. Please join us to meet Catherine and learn more about this amazing tool.
This month’s complimentary Make-over Event takes place on September 19. We will use the one of the hottest colors for Fall, TRUE’s Slate eyeshadow, which is featured in this month’s Allure magazine. We are offering a Gift with Purchase. Feel free to bring a friend, but do call ahead for an appointment, as your hour with one of our make-up artists is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
So welcome to Fall. Enjoy the season and don’t forget your sunscreen!
Chrysann
For an esthetician, the end of summer takes on a whole new meaning – it’s the best time of year to begin your recovery program to undo the cumulative effects of summer sun. The most effective results for correcting skin damage are obtained with gentle chemical peels performed in a series of 6-8 weekly appointments. There is a great deal of misunderstanding around chemical peels. I often find that people are intimidated by scary stories of peel treatments that leave the skin swollen, red and flaky. However, there are different categories of peels – deep peels which are performed in a doctor’s office and superficial peels (30% alpha hydroxyl acid or less) which are used in doctors offices and spas. Within the superficial category, there is a wide range of peel materials that deliver a wide range of results.
Peels works by using one or more alpha hydroxy acids or AHAs (acids made from sugar, milk and various fruits and vegetables) to loosen the chemical bond that holds the dead skin cells together. By doing this very, very gently over a 6-8 week period, there is no “down” time or adverse side effects. At the end of the series, your skin is remarkably smoother, firmer, pores are minimized, and it appears visibly brighter, reflecting more light. For maximum results, it is generally considered safe to do two peel series per year.
During the past year, we introduced two very progressive new peels from PRIORI Skincare, the Skin Perfection Facial and the SuperCeutical Facial with Idebenone. Although I love the five skincare lines that we use at Abundance, I continue to be amazed at the results I see with the PRIORI Skin Perfection Facial. It uses a proprietary blend of AHAs, primarily lactic acid, which has a significant brightening effect on the skin. One of the additional benefits of lactic acid is that it deeply hydrates the skin, which means that your skin care products can penetrate much more deeply, delivery a better result. We offer the PRIORI peel treatments in conjunction with the GentleWaves LED Photomodulation treatments for a beautiful firmer, tighter and more luminous skin in eight weeks. A regular annual peel habit can help to minimize pre-cancerous cell build-up.
If you’ve never had a peel, here’s an offer you can’t refuse! Purchase the 8-week GentleWaves series (which includes the Skin Perfection Facial by PRIORI) and receive the Clarisonic Facial Brush, valued at $250, absolutely free! The brush is a great addition to your home care program, because it allows your anti-aging serums to penetrate 61% more deeply.
Products matter! All the facials in the world can’t make up for a consistent home care program. Consistent use of the new cosmeceutical products will produce dramatic results when used twice daily at home. Each of our five skin care lines feature anti-oxidants and anti-aging treatment products to support skin’s recovery from environmental damage.
We are excited about the press this week for our CoffeeBerry skincare line. The CoffeeBerry Night Complex was featured in Oprah magazine and the CoffeeBerry Day Complex was featured in US Weekly.
Salon Events
On September 23 at 7 pm I am excited to introduce Catherine Favre, a practitioner of Quantum Energetics Therapy (QET). I first heard of QET from a client. Intrigued by her recovery story, in which she credits Catherine with saving her life, I began working with Catherine to learn more about QET. The methodology evolved from experts in kinesiology, acupuncture, and chiropractic and is based on Quantum Physics. QET focuses on early detection and prevention of health problems, strengthening the immune system, and repairing injured or diseased tissue. I found QET to be an impressive diagnostic tool that has allowed me to better understand and take ownership for the state of my body. Please join us to meet Catherine and learn more about this amazing tool.
This month’s complimentary Make-over Event takes place on September 19. We will use the one of the hottest colors for Fall, TRUE’s Slate eyeshadow, which is featured in this month’s Allure magazine. We are offering a Gift with Purchase. Feel free to bring a friend, but do call ahead for an appointment, as your hour with one of our make-up artists is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
So welcome to Fall. Enjoy the season and don’t forget your sunscreen!
Chrysann
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
June 9, 2009 ~ and now, for the weather ...
Yes, I know, you’re probably tired of hearing it, but it’s my personal mission to educate the masses about sunscreen. From our vantage point on Kelly Avenue, we see (and I don’t mean literally) throngs of people heading for the beach and I can only hope that they’re picking up the vibe I’m sending to wear that sunscreen! That luscious coastal breeze is so deceiving, distracting us into thinking that the sun’s not quite so hot. Don’t be fooled!
At any rate, I’m here to tell you that yes, I agree that we all need a little sun every day, but most of us can get our requirement for Vitamin D from the sun in about 10 minutes but after that, that sunshine is aging us, inside and out. It gets more serious ... although it’s my business to be concerned about the beauty of the skin, I’m much more concerned about the greater damage that can be caused by the sun: damage to our long-term health.
On the lighter side, excessive sun sets off a chain of free radical reactions that derails the immune system, leaving us with a trail of symptoms such as fatigue, dehydration, and damaged (fried) hair and skin which leaves us tired, cranky, and looking a little thrashed. Notice how your hair gets dry and frizzy after a day in the sun? (Not to mention the irritating sunburn.) There is new evidence to suggest that inadequate amounts of Omegas in our diet can reduce our natural resistance to the sun. If your immune system is already taxed, you are likely to become burned more easily.
On the darker side of things, excessive sun can trigger aggressive skin cancers, even in the very young. Skin cancer is the #1 cause of death in women between the ages of 22 and 29. One theory is that the packaging for cosmetic products containing SPF has decreased the sales of dedicated sunscreen products to this age group. According to educators at SkinCeuticals, it would take 2 tablespoons (ok, for the non-culinary inclined, that’s a shot glass full!) of liquid make-up or a moisturizer containing SPF to achieve the protection level stated on the label. That’s 2 tablespoons applied to the neck and face, which is not practical (or possible).
One more thing on combination products … moisturizer molecules need to be smaller to penetrate and be of service. Sunscreen molecules are large. Therefore, it stands to reason that the moisturizer, which represents the costly part of the product, is not able to adequately penetrate the skin and do its job (thereby wasted). It’s generally true that combination products are almost always made of chemical sunscreens (which most likely contain one or more of a scary list of ingredients known to cause damage to DNA) to neutralize UV. These chemicals must penetrate the skin to neutralize UV, which increases redness and heat in the skin, worsening those enlarged red vessels. On the other hand, physical sunscreens, which are made of minerals (zinc and titanium dioxide) lay on top of the skin, and reflect UV and keep damaging heat from penetrating. For these reasons, I almost always recommend a physical (non-chemical) sunscreen, which is non-toxic and keeps harmful chemicals and heat from penetrating the outer layer of the skin.
Sun protection for healthy skin:
1. Cleanse your skin.
2. Moisturize your skin.
3. Apply sunscreen daily.
Sun protection for beautiful* skin:
1. Cleanse your skin with an anti-aging cleanser.
2. Apply an anti-oxidant serum.
3. Apply a moisturizer for your skin type.
4. Apply a physical sunscreen made of zinc oxide or titanium.
*Some of my readers just want healthy skin and don’t really care about beautiful skin, but for those of you who insist on seeing changes in your skin, you must come in to the salon and see our current line-up of cosmeceuticals, those amazing science-based products that can make your skin smoother and more radiant.
This month we’re featuring PRIORI’S AHA line, because I am thrilled with the results that I’ve seen among my clients in the past 12 months. It’s the perfect line if you want to correct ill-behaved skin, seriously hydrate your skin, remove fine lines, or smooth out the texture of your skin. Seriously, I’ve had several clients report that even their husbands noticed the new glow in their skin.
This is a great opportunity to try it for the first time or just stock up, as we are featuring the PRIORI AHA products with our BUY TWO GET THREE special. Buy any two PRIORI AHA products during the month of June and get a third one of equal or lesser value for free. Do the math, it's a great deal.
So get out there and enjoy the summer. Ride your bike. Play volleyball on the beach. Work in the garden. Drink wine on the deck with your friends. But don’t forget, it’s very cool to wear sunscreen.
Chrysann
At any rate, I’m here to tell you that yes, I agree that we all need a little sun every day, but most of us can get our requirement for Vitamin D from the sun in about 10 minutes but after that, that sunshine is aging us, inside and out. It gets more serious ... although it’s my business to be concerned about the beauty of the skin, I’m much more concerned about the greater damage that can be caused by the sun: damage to our long-term health.
On the lighter side, excessive sun sets off a chain of free radical reactions that derails the immune system, leaving us with a trail of symptoms such as fatigue, dehydration, and damaged (fried) hair and skin which leaves us tired, cranky, and looking a little thrashed. Notice how your hair gets dry and frizzy after a day in the sun? (Not to mention the irritating sunburn.) There is new evidence to suggest that inadequate amounts of Omegas in our diet can reduce our natural resistance to the sun. If your immune system is already taxed, you are likely to become burned more easily.
On the darker side of things, excessive sun can trigger aggressive skin cancers, even in the very young. Skin cancer is the #1 cause of death in women between the ages of 22 and 29. One theory is that the packaging for cosmetic products containing SPF has decreased the sales of dedicated sunscreen products to this age group. According to educators at SkinCeuticals, it would take 2 tablespoons (ok, for the non-culinary inclined, that’s a shot glass full!) of liquid make-up or a moisturizer containing SPF to achieve the protection level stated on the label. That’s 2 tablespoons applied to the neck and face, which is not practical (or possible).
One more thing on combination products … moisturizer molecules need to be smaller to penetrate and be of service. Sunscreen molecules are large. Therefore, it stands to reason that the moisturizer, which represents the costly part of the product, is not able to adequately penetrate the skin and do its job (thereby wasted). It’s generally true that combination products are almost always made of chemical sunscreens (which most likely contain one or more of a scary list of ingredients known to cause damage to DNA) to neutralize UV. These chemicals must penetrate the skin to neutralize UV, which increases redness and heat in the skin, worsening those enlarged red vessels. On the other hand, physical sunscreens, which are made of minerals (zinc and titanium dioxide) lay on top of the skin, and reflect UV and keep damaging heat from penetrating. For these reasons, I almost always recommend a physical (non-chemical) sunscreen, which is non-toxic and keeps harmful chemicals and heat from penetrating the outer layer of the skin.
Sun protection for healthy skin:
1. Cleanse your skin.
2. Moisturize your skin.
3. Apply sunscreen daily.
Sun protection for beautiful* skin:
1. Cleanse your skin with an anti-aging cleanser.
2. Apply an anti-oxidant serum.
3. Apply a moisturizer for your skin type.
4. Apply a physical sunscreen made of zinc oxide or titanium.
*Some of my readers just want healthy skin and don’t really care about beautiful skin, but for those of you who insist on seeing changes in your skin, you must come in to the salon and see our current line-up of cosmeceuticals, those amazing science-based products that can make your skin smoother and more radiant.
This month we’re featuring PRIORI’S AHA line, because I am thrilled with the results that I’ve seen among my clients in the past 12 months. It’s the perfect line if you want to correct ill-behaved skin, seriously hydrate your skin, remove fine lines, or smooth out the texture of your skin. Seriously, I’ve had several clients report that even their husbands noticed the new glow in their skin.
This is a great opportunity to try it for the first time or just stock up, as we are featuring the PRIORI AHA products with our BUY TWO GET THREE special. Buy any two PRIORI AHA products during the month of June and get a third one of equal or lesser value for free. Do the math, it's a great deal.
So get out there and enjoy the summer. Ride your bike. Play volleyball on the beach. Work in the garden. Drink wine on the deck with your friends. But don’t forget, it’s very cool to wear sunscreen.
Chrysann
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
May 1, 2009
My first thoughts of May usually turn to Mother’s Day, but this month is packed with so many fun activities and events! Jumpstarting the fun on May 9, we’ve been invited to participate in PROJECT YOU at Studio 4 Pilates, and we’re very excited about that! Chrysann will be offering skin analysis and consultations, and Maureen and Natalie, our make-up artists, will be doing complimentary make-overs from noon until 6:00 p.m. Other businesses celebrating women will be there as well … hair, nails, photography, Pilates, nutrition and more. It’s sure to be a fun event. The first 100 guests will receive a gift bag. Tickets are available at the salon for $25 or $30 at the door.
On May 15, we’re very excited to support Saviz by providing make-up services for her models in a fashion show for Dee Harley in Pescadero. If you haven’t yet checked out the beautiful designs, be sure to stop by the shop a La Piazza. You’ll find beautiful designers from France, Israel and Germany and fabulous accessories as well. For more information about the fashion show, stop by the shop and see Saviz and she’ll provide all the details.
One of our favorite events, Rock the Block, is happening again this year on Saturday, May 16 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. This year we will be holding a Newsletter Raffle for a Clarisonic brush, so be sure to stop by and sign up for our newsletter to enter the drawing.
On Wednesday, May 20 at 7 p.m., Dr. Marsha Nunley from the Gottfried Center for Integrative Medicine in Oakland will speak at Abundance on a topic that is important to all women at some point during their lifetimes. Dr. Nunley will address the often-confusing topic of bio-identical hormones and the choices, consequences and politics that influence women’s medicine today. Please be sure to RSVP for this event, as seating is limited to 14.
Dr. Greene will be in the office on Thursday, May 7. Be sure to call early as his calendar is filling up as the good word continues to spread about his good work with injectables.
Enjoy this beautiful month and we'll look forward to seeing you at one of these upcoming events.
Chrysann
On May 15, we’re very excited to support Saviz by providing make-up services for her models in a fashion show for Dee Harley in Pescadero. If you haven’t yet checked out the beautiful designs, be sure to stop by the shop a La Piazza. You’ll find beautiful designers from France, Israel and Germany and fabulous accessories as well. For more information about the fashion show, stop by the shop and see Saviz and she’ll provide all the details.
One of our favorite events, Rock the Block, is happening again this year on Saturday, May 16 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. This year we will be holding a Newsletter Raffle for a Clarisonic brush, so be sure to stop by and sign up for our newsletter to enter the drawing.
On Wednesday, May 20 at 7 p.m., Dr. Marsha Nunley from the Gottfried Center for Integrative Medicine in Oakland will speak at Abundance on a topic that is important to all women at some point during their lifetimes. Dr. Nunley will address the often-confusing topic of bio-identical hormones and the choices, consequences and politics that influence women’s medicine today. Please be sure to RSVP for this event, as seating is limited to 14.
Dr. Greene will be in the office on Thursday, May 7. Be sure to call early as his calendar is filling up as the good word continues to spread about his good work with injectables.
Enjoy this beautiful month and we'll look forward to seeing you at one of these upcoming events.
Chrysann
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Getting Green
Spring seems like just the right time to talk about growing green. It doesn’t really matter where you are in the process, there are always more ways we can improve our carbon footprint. In the salon environment, there are laws that govern the disinfection processes for various implements and equipment and, of course, chemicals must be utilized to effectively maintain health and safety standards. Beyond compliance, however, there are many things that we can do at Abundance to strive for the green.
To kick off this month’s conversation, I am excited that Diana Zamudio, an interior designer and owner of Green Intention Design, will speak at Abundance at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1. Diana is a wealth of information about designing and building with green practices and materials. If you haven’t yet been to Green Intention Design, you’re missing out … it’s a beautiful showroom in downtown Half Moon Bay, filled with eco-friendly art and accessories for feathering your nest. One of my favorite products is the Fire and Ice dinnerware made from recycled glass. You really must see it to believe it. Hope you will join us for Diana’s presentation.
Since we opened in November 2004, we specialize in leading edge “clean” skin care lines, but only those that eliminate the parabens traditionally used for preservative. Likewise, to avoid chemicals on the skin (did you know that the average person’s skin weighs about 7 pounds?), I prefer to use Epicuren’s Zinc Oxide sunscreen, which is mineral-based and contains none of the toxic chemicals currently used to neutralize UV.
Beyond products, Abundance has made a commitment to avoid burning paraffin-based candles. Instead we use soy candles, also from Epicuren, famous for its purity. We use purified water and organic teas in our refreshments. When we host events, we serve a whole-foods based menu, supporting local farmers and including our favorite, local La Nebbia champagne, which is the official salon sip.
Our housekeeping staff uses earth-friendly cleaning products throughout, and we have converted to recycled paper products in the restroom. Although State regulations require that we use paper towels for hand-drying hygiene, where possible, we use energy-saving light bulbs and grow our own flowers for use in the salon. We recently replaced the laundry equipment with more efficient appliances.
Recent “green” accomplishments were completed just in time for the newsletter … we eliminated the salon printer and now email receipts at the client’s request (thanks to Mike Alifano for that fabulous suggestion!). Many of our clients opt to bring in their own shopping totes to avoid the use of a paper shopping bag. And last, but not least, last week we replaced the company vehicle, an SUV, for a more earth-friendly and spunky Subaru sedan.
So wherever you are, begin there and day by day, we will all do a little more to show respect our valuable resources and preserve this beautiful planet for the future.
Best wishes for a spectacular month of April,
Chrysann Rudig, L.E.
Owner, Esthetician
To kick off this month’s conversation, I am excited that Diana Zamudio, an interior designer and owner of Green Intention Design, will speak at Abundance at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1. Diana is a wealth of information about designing and building with green practices and materials. If you haven’t yet been to Green Intention Design, you’re missing out … it’s a beautiful showroom in downtown Half Moon Bay, filled with eco-friendly art and accessories for feathering your nest. One of my favorite products is the Fire and Ice dinnerware made from recycled glass. You really must see it to believe it. Hope you will join us for Diana’s presentation.
Since we opened in November 2004, we specialize in leading edge “clean” skin care lines, but only those that eliminate the parabens traditionally used for preservative. Likewise, to avoid chemicals on the skin (did you know that the average person’s skin weighs about 7 pounds?), I prefer to use Epicuren’s Zinc Oxide sunscreen, which is mineral-based and contains none of the toxic chemicals currently used to neutralize UV.
Beyond products, Abundance has made a commitment to avoid burning paraffin-based candles. Instead we use soy candles, also from Epicuren, famous for its purity. We use purified water and organic teas in our refreshments. When we host events, we serve a whole-foods based menu, supporting local farmers and including our favorite, local La Nebbia champagne, which is the official salon sip.
Our housekeeping staff uses earth-friendly cleaning products throughout, and we have converted to recycled paper products in the restroom. Although State regulations require that we use paper towels for hand-drying hygiene, where possible, we use energy-saving light bulbs and grow our own flowers for use in the salon. We recently replaced the laundry equipment with more efficient appliances.
Recent “green” accomplishments were completed just in time for the newsletter … we eliminated the salon printer and now email receipts at the client’s request (thanks to Mike Alifano for that fabulous suggestion!). Many of our clients opt to bring in their own shopping totes to avoid the use of a paper shopping bag. And last, but not least, last week we replaced the company vehicle, an SUV, for a more earth-friendly and spunky Subaru sedan.
So wherever you are, begin there and day by day, we will all do a little more to show respect our valuable resources and preserve this beautiful planet for the future.
Best wishes for a spectacular month of April,
Chrysann Rudig, L.E.
Owner, Esthetician
Monday, March 2, 2009
Strategies for Smart Skin Care
In light of recent changes in our economy, many people have inquired about how business is going, expecting, I think, a grim reply that we’re doing fewer facials and product sales are plummeting. On the contrary, we are very busy at Abundance, doing what we do best, which is customizing skin care programs based on the unique and changing needs of our clients. Since each client’s skin is different, his or her program is designed to reflect the current skin condition and individual skin care goals. Often the routine must change because the skin has changed … we’ve corrected and balanced the skin, so perhaps fewer facials are necessary and different products might be required. Mission accomplished! And sometimes, the protocols will change because one or more elements of the client’s goals, life style, or schedule has changed. We continually evaluate progress against the client’s goals and make appropriate adjustments.
At Abundance, budget has always been a factor in designing an effective home care program. All skin care products we recommend must add value and deliver results. We carry five skin care lines, each with its own properties, benefits and price points, which assure that we are able to meet a wide variety of needs. When it’s time to change products, we are conscientious about keeping track of what products the client is using, and making those transitions when bottles are empty to minimize waste. Each product on your bathroom counter should have a specific purpose and add value to your anti-aging program.
We continually educate our clients on the proper use of professional products. In most cases, professional formulations are different than those of over-the-counter products and far less product is required. Anti-aging serums have a smaller molecular structure in order to penetrate more readily, so less product is required. Re-training clients to use products properly is an ongoing part of client education.
Making judicious recommendations is important. Generally, we won’t send a client home with an anti-aging serum that can’t penetrate because the epidermis is too thick. Instead we prep the skin with the appropriate exfoliator to increase absorption before introducing an expensive serum.
The current economy hasn’t changed the way we approach skin care at Abundance ~ ~ we always have and always will design and evaluate our skin care programs to factor in the ongoing needs of each client.
All the best for a beautiful, blustery March 2009,
Chrysann Rudig, L.E.
Esthetician, Owner
At Abundance, budget has always been a factor in designing an effective home care program. All skin care products we recommend must add value and deliver results. We carry five skin care lines, each with its own properties, benefits and price points, which assure that we are able to meet a wide variety of needs. When it’s time to change products, we are conscientious about keeping track of what products the client is using, and making those transitions when bottles are empty to minimize waste. Each product on your bathroom counter should have a specific purpose and add value to your anti-aging program.
We continually educate our clients on the proper use of professional products. In most cases, professional formulations are different than those of over-the-counter products and far less product is required. Anti-aging serums have a smaller molecular structure in order to penetrate more readily, so less product is required. Re-training clients to use products properly is an ongoing part of client education.
Making judicious recommendations is important. Generally, we won’t send a client home with an anti-aging serum that can’t penetrate because the epidermis is too thick. Instead we prep the skin with the appropriate exfoliator to increase absorption before introducing an expensive serum.
The current economy hasn’t changed the way we approach skin care at Abundance ~ ~ we always have and always will design and evaluate our skin care programs to factor in the ongoing needs of each client.
All the best for a beautiful, blustery March 2009,
Chrysann Rudig, L.E.
Esthetician, Owner
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Happy Valentines Day!
Welcome to February at Abundance, where you will find something special for everyone you love. This month’s featured facial is my personal favorite … the DNA Organic Facial using the purest ingredients from DNA Skin Care laced with captivating scents throughout each step of this relaxing 90-minute treatment. Even hands and feet will feel the love!
Tips for Winter Skin
Skin of all types will need more hydration this month. Here are our top tips for loving your winter skin … implement as many as you can and feel free to call if you have a specific question or concern.
1. Cold temps remove moisture from the air and dry out our skin. Drink lots of water – at least 64 ounces a day. Keep a stainless steel water bottle with you to avoid toxicity from chemical leaching in plastic bottles.
2. Use a humidifier in the home.
3. Add herbal teas and more omegas such as flax seed or flax seed oil to your diet.
4. Exfoliate! At least once a week, a gentle scrub like Epicuren’s Apricot Facial Scrub, will help to remove dead skin cells, allowing your products to penetrate more deeply. Or try Priori’s Perfection Facial Gel for a light AHA exfoliation.
5. Those with a dry skin type may need to switch from to a milky or creamy cleanser such as the DNA Crème of Nectar to avoid over-drying the skin.
6. Add a humectant containing hyaluronic acid – your skin will love it! Hyaluronic acid pulls 1,000 times its molecular weight in water from the air. We like TRUE Moisture Enhancer and Epicuren’s Moisture Surge. These can be used to spot treat dry areas or a few drops can be added to your moisturizer.
7. We’re getting fabulous feedback on the new liquid Skin Tint from TRUE Cosmetics. In addition to lightly blending out imperfections, this new tinted moisturizer adds a significant boost to your hydration under the TRUE mineral powder foundation.
8. Don’t forget your sunscreen!
By Popular Demand . . .
I am delighted to announce that Dr. Bradley Greene, facial plastic surgeon, will be seeing patients on a regular basis two days each month at Abundance. Thanks to all of you who have so warmly welcomed Dr. Greene. Dates and times for Dr. Greene's hours will be posted on our Events page each month.
Valentine Guest Speaker
This month’s featured guest speaker is Mary Ann Gutoff, a Body Wisdom coach and certified practitioner for the “I Love Me” meditation series. Mary Ann will work with 12 lucky guests during a one-hour guided meditation. The I Love Me Meditation series provides tools which, when practiced, will raise your vibration and attract more love in your life. This series is recommended by members of the Abundance community who have already taken the course, so if you haven’t yet met Mary Ann, you won’t want to miss this opportunity. Check our Events page for more details.
Valentine Make-over Event
Our Valentine gift to you ~ our monthly complimentary make-over day is Saturday, February 14. The first 12 guests to RSVP will receive a full make-over to celebrate the day of love!
Stay tuned next month for a series of engaging speakers who will present a variety of topics on Healthy Aging: Jane Guyette from Inner Healing will talk about how safe detoxification can add quality and longevity to your life; Dr. Eric Shapira will discuss the aspects of healthy aging; Jane Regan from HB Design will present the concept of Aging in Place and Lisa Mandelbaum will discuss how acupuncture and Chinese medicine can add quality to our golden years.
So this February, live a little and love a lot!
Happy Valentine's Day!
Chrysann and the entire staff at Abundance
Tips for Winter Skin
Skin of all types will need more hydration this month. Here are our top tips for loving your winter skin … implement as many as you can and feel free to call if you have a specific question or concern.
1. Cold temps remove moisture from the air and dry out our skin. Drink lots of water – at least 64 ounces a day. Keep a stainless steel water bottle with you to avoid toxicity from chemical leaching in plastic bottles.
2. Use a humidifier in the home.
3. Add herbal teas and more omegas such as flax seed or flax seed oil to your diet.
4. Exfoliate! At least once a week, a gentle scrub like Epicuren’s Apricot Facial Scrub, will help to remove dead skin cells, allowing your products to penetrate more deeply. Or try Priori’s Perfection Facial Gel for a light AHA exfoliation.
5. Those with a dry skin type may need to switch from to a milky or creamy cleanser such as the DNA Crème of Nectar to avoid over-drying the skin.
6. Add a humectant containing hyaluronic acid – your skin will love it! Hyaluronic acid pulls 1,000 times its molecular weight in water from the air. We like TRUE Moisture Enhancer and Epicuren’s Moisture Surge. These can be used to spot treat dry areas or a few drops can be added to your moisturizer.
7. We’re getting fabulous feedback on the new liquid Skin Tint from TRUE Cosmetics. In addition to lightly blending out imperfections, this new tinted moisturizer adds a significant boost to your hydration under the TRUE mineral powder foundation.
8. Don’t forget your sunscreen!
By Popular Demand . . .
I am delighted to announce that Dr. Bradley Greene, facial plastic surgeon, will be seeing patients on a regular basis two days each month at Abundance. Thanks to all of you who have so warmly welcomed Dr. Greene. Dates and times for Dr. Greene's hours will be posted on our Events page each month.
Valentine Guest Speaker
This month’s featured guest speaker is Mary Ann Gutoff, a Body Wisdom coach and certified practitioner for the “I Love Me” meditation series. Mary Ann will work with 12 lucky guests during a one-hour guided meditation. The I Love Me Meditation series provides tools which, when practiced, will raise your vibration and attract more love in your life. This series is recommended by members of the Abundance community who have already taken the course, so if you haven’t yet met Mary Ann, you won’t want to miss this opportunity. Check our Events page for more details.
Valentine Make-over Event
Our Valentine gift to you ~ our monthly complimentary make-over day is Saturday, February 14. The first 12 guests to RSVP will receive a full make-over to celebrate the day of love!
Stay tuned next month for a series of engaging speakers who will present a variety of topics on Healthy Aging: Jane Guyette from Inner Healing will talk about how safe detoxification can add quality and longevity to your life; Dr. Eric Shapira will discuss the aspects of healthy aging; Jane Regan from HB Design will present the concept of Aging in Place and Lisa Mandelbaum will discuss how acupuncture and Chinese medicine can add quality to our golden years.
So this February, live a little and love a lot!
Happy Valentine's Day!
Chrysann and the entire staff at Abundance
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