A Potent Natural Mask for Congested Skin and Acne

Finally, a natural one-step product for oil control and redness reduction. SAIAN Active Rx is an intensive treatment for congested, oily, and problem skin. It removes excess oil, calms down irritation, cleanses pores and clears comedones, helps treat acne and prevent future breakouts. This mask is a perfect spot treatment and even treats folliculitis! It contains such potent acne-fighting agents as Bentonite, Zinc, Sulfur, Salicylic Acid and Camphor. Oxygen Plasma in this mask helps oxygenate the cells, increasing absorption of active ingredients.

Paraben-free, cruelty-free, propylene-glycol-free, contains no artificial color, no artificial fragrance, and no fillers. 

http://saian.net/product/active-rx-mask/

Why People Tell Me I'm The Strongest Person They Know

Hi, my name is Dasha, and many people tell me I am the strongest person they know.

It all started on April 28th, 2013 when my mother had a seizure, and was unexpectedly diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor the size of an orange.  She was given 5 weeks to live, but I managed to pull myself together and prolong her life by two and a half years. Today, I sit in her bedroom, look at her face as she sleeps, and cry. She may even know it at this point, but the doctors say we have less than 3 months left together before she leaves me for good.

This is my story:

I have lived an average life, some would say. I came to the United States as a 12 year-old kid, after spending 5 years being raised by my father's mom, in my mom's absence. Mom was busy making money in Los Angeles, and sending every penny to me in Moscow. I was her pride and joy, and even when times were tough, I was taking English lessons, tutoring, vocal coaching and piano lessons. Our family motto was always "there's always something to do".

The first few years in America were strange, because I felt so disconnected from my "new" mom. We lived in a $300 single apartment on Fairfax, just below Wilshire. Mom worked all day, and I learned how to cook all on my own. Soon our grandma joined us, and we had to vacate the single apartment, because the landlord couldn't have 3 people in such a tiny space. With all the money we had saved up, we were fortunate enough to secure a down payment of $17k on a mortgage on a condo in the Hollywood Hills. At that time, in 1999, that beautiful place was $169k, prices that today are laughable. That condo is the most beautiful, and beloved space I have ever lived in, and it was our home for 12 years.

Did I mention that I lived an average life? It was a very busy life, and some may say I grew up too quickly. I started working at the early age of 14, and at one point, I was getting my bachelor's of science in Marketing, working as a receptionist at a spa, going to beauty school for my esthetician diploma, helping my mom launch the skincare brand, and dancing in a gypsy dance troupe at night on the weekends. In fact, we took such a long time to get the business off the ground, I had to sleep in a room full of cardboard boxes filled with cosmetic jars, lids, sprayers, and bottles for the first 3 years. Those first 3 years were the toughest - we literally filled bottles and jars all night, and in the mornings,  woke up at 5am, packed the car, and drive to a beauty school to do a demo. We often drove to San Diego, Lancaster, Las Vegas, San Francisco, and anywhere else they would allow us to do a demo. Some days we made $500, and some days $80, and that covered our gas and lunch... but we were always together, and every day was special and fun.  That' how we got our start, and met our very first clients. 

The same clients are still with us today, almost 9 years later.

As I am typing this, tears roll down my eyes, because things will never go back to the way they used to be. I may never hear my mom speak to me again, and that is painful. My mom had the most beautiful voice in the world. She was a professional singer, and she has put out some incredible albums. Now music helps me... you know how? The first day we transferred her into the hospital bed, she refused to eat. She shut her teeth, and wouldn't allow me to feed her. After many failed attempts, I sat down on a chair next to her and, shaking in tears, started to sing. I sang all the Russian songs I knew, one after another, crying, but with a smile on my face...and she opened her mouth, and ate! Her head was rolling to the side, so I had to prop it up with my left hand while I spoon fed her with the right. That's how we still eat. She falls asleep sometimes while I feed her, and that scares me, so I have to quickly wake her or literally force her to spit the food out, so she doesn't choke... and it takes me a good hour to feed her like this, but it's the only way. While she eats, I tell her about my day at work, and even though it hurts, I tell her she needs to get well soon so she can come back to the office. I know it won't happen, and I'm sure she knows it as well, but she loves to be at work so much,  that I can see that thought literally breathing the life-force into her. It is a sense of purpose that makes life worth while, worth wanting to stay alive for. 

I sit like this with her, while she moans in confusion, unable to move or speak, and talk to her, sing to her, and feed her. I only stopped singing once - when I started a song we usually sang in a duet, and she realized she couldn't sing along. A tear ran down her cheek, and I understood this was painful for her, too.

Grandma is 85 now. She is frail, and using a walker after her recent fall and hip surgery. She can't be in the same room with mom, because the sight of mom being so sick is too much for her to handle. It's ok, I guess... different people cope in different ways. 

As for me, I don't have any other family - it's just me, mom, and grandma. I have promised myself to keep strong, and never give up, because for the past two and a half years I have been responsible for the lives of 3 people. In my hands lay the duties of running a corporation and providing enough business to keep my employees fed, taking care of my sick mom and elderly grandma, staying grounded, positive and healthy, looking youthful and radiant as the brand ambassador of a skincare company, and making sure I have no regrets.

Many people tell me I am the strongest person they know. Perhaps, and I'm sure life has a beautiful plan for me.

No GMOs in Our Skincare Products

No GMOs in our skincare products - not today, not in 2006 at the first day we opened! We have ALWAYS used the best, highest quality ingredients, no parabens, no artificial fragrance or color, and we NEVER test on animals! Our botanical ingredients are organic, including the Organic Strawberry Oil (Fragaria Ananassa) we use in our Strawberry Cleanser.

http://saian.net/product/strawberry-cleanser/

This product removes all make-up easily, is absolutely gentle on all skin types and tones, and is so natural and silky, you can even wash your face with your eyes open! Gluten-free, vegan, free of perfumes, dyes, sulfates, parabens, and pretty much....edible!

When to Start Using Anti-Aging Products?

The aging process starts after he age of 21, so if you’re not doing any anti-aging treatments at that time, at least start protecting the skin with sunscreen. Did you know that anti-aging products have been taboo for young clients in the past? The reason for this is that many crèmes geared for older clientele were based on heavy oils (including mineral oils) that sit on the surface and clog the pores, instead of letting young skin breathe. In this day and age, anti-aging products (such as SAIAN skincare) are absolutely light and weightless, containing no oils, and no toxins. Anyone can use these products from an early age, and the skin will just get better and better with time.

Adding Pumpkin to Your Skin Care Routine

We may often take the humble pumpkin for granted, but did you know that autumn's generous gift is a real miracle for our skin? It is an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamins and essential elements the skin needs. Pumpkin is not just for carving and eating - it makes for a wonderful facial or body mask! All parts of the pumpkin, including seeds, can be used in creating amazing skin care products. Pumpkin Masks and Peels are always a popular choice for many estheticians, because of their amazing exfoliating properties and creamy pleasant texture. It’s no wonder that November’s holiday treatments always include this deliciously fragrant gourd. Enzymes and Alpha-Hydroxy Acids in pumpkin exfoliate dead skin cells while promoting skin repair and cell-turnover. A pumpkin mask or peel cleanses, conditions and moisturizes while helping to firm the skin.

From a nutritional standpoint, just an ounce of pumpkin seeds contain 4.2 mg of iron, which helps fight lead-poisoning, and only a half a cup of canned pumpkin is rich in potassium, vitamins С, В1, В2, В5, Е, and has 953mg of Vitamin A! That vitamin A comes in the form of immune-boosting beta carotene. The name beta-carotene is derived from the Latin name for carrot, and it gives yellow and orange fruits and vegetables such as pumpkin their rich hues. Like all other carotenoids, beta-carotene in pumpkin is an antioxidant which protects the body from damaging molecules called free radicals.

Dermatologists use beta-carotene for its ability to increase cell turn-over and regeneration in the outer layers of the skin, making it effective for diseases and skin conditions related to epithelium damage. Research suggests that taking high doses of beta-carotene internally may decrease sun-sensitivity. People with erythropoietic protoporphyria, a rare genetic condition that causes painful sun sensitivity as well as liver problems, are often treated with beta-carotene to reduce sun sensitivity. A combination of antioxidants may help protect the skin against the sun's ultra-violet radiation. Long-term supplementation with beta-carotene
may reduce UV-induced skin redness, and appears to slightly reduce the risk of sunburn in individuals who are sensitive to sun exposure.

As you see, pumpkin is an excellent choice for all skin types! It nourishes the skin, provides a non-abrasive exfoliation, and makes skin baby-smooth! So why not add a pumpkin mask to your treatment menu today? Your clients will love you for it!

Microbeads and The Environment

Have you heard about microbeads? If not, I'd like to educate you on these little plastic culprits, and make sure you stay away from face and body scrubs which list them as an active ingredient. 

1. What are plastic microbeads and why are they commonly found in skincare products?

Microbeads are tiny round plastic beads that are found in some exfoliating products, and they are causing quite a stir in the environmental world. The plastic waste caused by these microbeads, which are not filtered out during sewage treatment, is damaging water ecosystems and killing marine life. 

2. What are some negative effects of these plastic microbeads?

A 2013 research at the University of Wisconsin-Superior showed that there were 1,500 to 1.7 million plastic particles per square mile in the Great Lakes! Not only are the beads damaging to fish, they are also bad for your face - microbeads can cause eye irritation, and promote rosacea and couperose. It’s no wonder that Illinois was the first state to ban the use of microbeads in June of 2014, and I sincerely hope all other states will quickly follow.

3. What are some alternatives to these plastic microbeads and how are they better for the client and the environment?

Instead of using plastic beads, consider other natural options like scrubs with ground up seeds and stone pits from apricots/peaches, crushed walnut husks, oats, coffee grinds, salt, and sugar. I especially recommend sugar for clients dealing with eczema since it’s non irritating on broken skin, and sea salt for psoriasis sufferers, but not more than once a week. All other scrubs can be used 3 times a week, but not more - our skin needs adequate time to amass dry dead cells, and you definitely don’t want to over-exfoliate!

4. How can skincare companies make clients aware of the issue and the benefits of using products that contain safer plastic bead alternatives?

Companies can provide the full list of ingredients on their packaging, and encourage the use of natural, biodegradable ingredients with explanations in their ads. Educating the consumer is the best strategy for forming a long-term honest relationship!

IECSC New York is Coming Up

Can't wait to see everyone in New York in 2 weeks! Here is Sunday's and Monday's Class info: please join us for 2 days of education and live hands-on demos of clinical skin care! http://www.iecsc.com/ny/education

"Gemstone" Red Quinoa Breakfast That Will Power You Up Without Weighing You Down!

This breakfast is just delicious! It will give you energy throughout the day, provide with lots of fiber, and pack a powerful punch of protein to fuel those hard-working muscles! I work out 4 days a week, and I can honestly tell you - "you are what you eat"! All calories are not created equal - you can have a 400 calorie fast food sandwich filled with preservatives, sodium, artificial flavorings, and trans fats, OR you can take 15 minutes in the morning and make a meal that will make your body look and feel year younger! Health will always shine through your skin, and give you clarity and vibrance that is easy to spot! 

My eyes are always sparkling because I take care of what I eat, and pay attention to how my body feels. I listen to my body, and that is the reason I don't keep a scale in the house. Winter is the time when our bodies naturally put on a bit of weight to protect ourselves from cold and "provide for the long months of famine", and that is okay! Just be in tune with yourself, and know when it's time to get back on track. I never quit my workouts, even during the Holidays. Don't beat yourself up for skipping your workouts, but don't give yourself a million excuses why not to be active, either. Just think about your body, it's the only one you have in this lifetime, so make sure you treat it with love, and you will see how well it treats you back!

I love an easy, vegan breakfast, and this one is sure to put a spring in your step :) As you know, quinoa is full of protein, and comes in 3 different colors - white, red and black. The white quinoa is fastest to cook, black takes about 5-7 minutes longer, and red is somewhat in the middle of the spectrum. I usually bring the pot to a boil, cover with a lid, and keep for 7 minutes. The red quinoa is tougher than white, so you will need to add 5 minutes to your cooking time to make it softer!

This is the easiest recipe ever - no dicing, slicing or prepping!

INGREDIENTS (I only use organic):

1/2 cup red quinoa

3 large dates

3-6 dried unsulfured apricots

1 tbsp raisins

1 tbsp pumpkin seeds

1/4 cup nuts

pinch of cinnamon to taste

Add 1/2 cup dry quinoa and 1 cup water to the pot and bring to a boil. Let boil for 5 minutes, cover with lid, and keep for about 7 minutes. When you open the lid, you should see that all water has evaporated. Add the warm quinoa to the dried nuts and fruit, and sprinkle with cinnamon! Enjoy, and have a powerful day!

Hyperpigmentation Education

A short introduction of our new brightening and whitening product! SAIAN Anti Hyperpigmentation Serum + α Arbutin contains Hyaluronic Acid, mineral-rich Seaweed Extract, and 3 of the most potent non-toxic whitening agent available on the market today. Tyrostat™ (derived from Rumex Occidentalis Extract), Nonapeptide-1 (Melanostatine®5) , and α Arbutin address the affects of discoloration and hyperpigmentation on the skin. These amazing new natural ingredients prevent hyperproduction of melanin and further activation of tyrosinase, thus blocking melanin synthesis for better control over skin tone & brown spots.

Are we friends on YouTube yet? Join the fun, and let's learn together!

My YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/dasha1121

Peptide Combinations in Skincare

—Which formulations/combinations is your company currently exploring and why (how they work, skincare benefits, etc)?

We love peptides, and the best combination that we have found to work well against wrinkles has been Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline®) with Matrixyl ™3000. Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline®) improves wrinkle depth, wrinkle volume and roughness. Matrixyl ™3000 minimizes crow’s feet and laugh lines, and prevents from further damage and wrinkle formation.

—Are delivery systems (into the skin) an issue? How is that addressed in your formulas?
Usually, peptides are best absorbable when used in a water-based serum, with the addition of low-molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid. This is the formulation behind SAIAN Active Renewal Serum.

—This topic can easily get confusing for even the most well-versed esthetician: what advice can you give for ways to sort through all their peptide product options, and to interpret labels?
As we all know, ingredients are listed on the label starting with the most prevalent to the least prevalent. It’s important to choose a product which is water-based, and has peptides in the beginning of the ingredient list – this way you can be assured of the amount of peptides in the formula. You may also consult the manufacturer, and ask what percentage of a given peptide is used. Usually, 10% of each peptide is sufficient to give great results, if there is a blend of 3 or 4 peptides in a formula. Our serums have 6 peptides!

—Which peptide/peptide or peptide/other ingredient combos do you think should be avoided and why?
Avoid peptide combinations that are mixed with hydroquinone, parabens, and other toxins that can irritate the skin.

—What do you envision for the future of peptides in skin care?
The future of peptides most likely lies in skin-repairing copper-peptide complex, and in all natural paraben-free combinations.

10 Facts About Acne

1. Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States - it affects nearly 50 million Americans. 
2. Some of the most common causes of acne are: genetics, stress, hormones, medication, oil-based cosmetics, environmental pollution, acidity and candida, intestinal infection, and allergies. 
3. 85% of all Americans have had acne at one point in their lives.
4. The most common age group that is affected by acne is 15-25 year-olds.
5. Active teenagers who play sports are likely to get blemishes from not washing their face after exercising, and from wearing the same helmet/baseball cap daily.
6. Acne treatment products containing Salicylic Acid, and Glycolic Acid are not recommended for use during the daytime, and should only be applied before bed, as to avoid skin hyperpigmentation.
7. At-home extractions are highly discouraged, because they produce permanent scarring. Acne scars are commonly categorized in three groups: Atrophic: shallow for the most part; Boxcar-shaped: scars are those which tend to be larger; Ice pick-shaped: scars are those which are both deep and narrow in appearance.
8. Every study conducted on the psychological impact of acne has shown that it causes a statistically significant increase in anxiety, depression and related mental health problems.
9. Acne may be caused by a deficiency in Zinc, Magnesium, Vitamin A, Selenium, Vitamin E, and Omega 3.
10. Acne thrives on sugar and yeast, so the best way to keep those blemishes at bay is by avoiding sweets, dairy and bread.

Incredible news from DERMASCOPE Magazine

CONGRATULATIONS to us! Incredible news from DERMASCOPE Magazine - SAIAN Natural Clinical Skin Care was just nominated for BEST skincare products of the year! 3 of our professional items made the nomination - THREE! Can you imagine that? Quite amazing, and a tremendous honor for our brand. Please help us by voting here: http://www.dermascope.com/aia/ae-awards You have 3 products to choose from - Sunscreen Spray, Makeup Remover, and Neck Creme!

Thank you from the bottom of our heart! - Dasha Saian

Selecting The Right Cleanser For Your Skin Type

When it comes to skincare, selecting the right products can get very confusing, especially for the casual consumer. Choosing among a plethora of different types of cremes, serums, masks, scrubs and cleansers is easier once you get a consultation with your esthetician, but meanwhile, I trust that this simple blog entry FAQ will be helpful!

What’s the best product to use? A gel? A foam? A cream? Mousse? Milks? Washes?

There are many types of cleansers available on the market, and there is no one perfect product for all. Typically, older clients prefer milky cleansers, because they don’t strip the skin of natural oils, and moisturize as they clean. Younger clients may prefer a foamy cleanser, which makes the face feel “squeaky clean” and tight.

Should clients with different skin types use different formulas?

Different cleansers are made with ingredients added specifically to treat certain skin types. For example, aloe and chamomile are added to soothe sensitive skin, salicylic and AHA to treat oily, and acne-prone skin. A knowledgeable esthetician will gladly suggest the best cleanser for her client!

What are the signs that clients haven’t been cleansing properly at home?

Blackheads, whiteheads, and milia are tell-tale signs that the client hasn’t been cleansing properly at home. It is very important to always remove make-up before bed, and skipping this easy step can cause clogged pores, wrinkles, and blemishes.

Should clients ever do their own “deep cleanses”?

At-home experiments often lead to burned faces, scarring, and redness. It is best to leave the deep-cleanses to the professionals!

20-Minute Activities that Will Nourish Your Body and Soul

As a business woman, writer, and an EXTREMELY simple person, I have developed (purely by accident) some easy-as-pie strategies for showing yourself love and support! These 20-minute activities will give your body, mind and heart, the emotional boost to release tension, think more clearly, make rational decisions, and balance your life. Here is a short list of activities that will be beneficial to you. Whenever you have trouble throughout your day, do one of these, or a few!

1. Read a book. A good book!
2. Stretch your body. Don't neglect your neck. Massage your tense shoulders.
3. Write, be creative, start a blog, a book, and commit to it!
4. Draw something! Anything! Use your imagination!
5. Take a walk outside.
6. Learn a phrase in a foreign language you can use daily. Next time learn a new one! Keep going!
7. Dance it OUT! Put on some music and jump!
8. Prepare a beautiful and healthy meal. Focus on the small details, plate it like you're on Iron Chef, and it's judgement time!
9. Clean the closet and let go of the things that no longer serve you, and would be more useful to someone else. Donate directly to those in need, or take to the midnight mission. Remember, good will sells the donated clothes, and ships them to Africa for resale. You want your things in the hands of the ones who need them, free.
10. Ask who needs your help. Helping others is our birthright and responsibility.

Alkaline Vegan Quinoa Recipe for Clearing your Complexion, and Boosting your Energy!

Meet my favorite summer creation - Dasha's Vegan Power Salad! Those of you who have taken an acne workshop with me know how much I stress the importance of alkalizing the body! It is a proven way to get rid of candida, and starving the yeast that can create a toxic environment in the gut, acidic bodily fluids, and acne-prone skin. The reason I call this a power salad, is because quinoa is so rich in protein, and so are black beans! Quinoa is a power-grain, because it is alkalizing, and easy to digest - it's a beautiful alternative to rice and porridge that is easy on the stomach, but has the ability to fill you up!

Today's recipe is a cold salad of organic boiled quinoa, with black beans, organic tomatoes, organic cucumbers and organic orange bell peppers. Tomatoes, beans, and orange bell peppers are not alkalizing, but cucumbers and quinoa are. If you are on a strict alkaline diet, substitute these ingredients with red bell peppers, zucchini, red onions, scallions, broccoli, cauliflower, cranberries, or haricot vert. I always try to change up the ingredients in my favorite salads, so if you're not on the strict candida plan, feel free to add avocado, boiled beets, pine nuts, raisins, fresh corn, garlic (yes!), ginger, or whatever else floats your boat! 

While the quinoa is cooling, I marinade my black beans in lemon juice and Barlean's flax seed oil, then I combine all ingredients an a big bowl, and add chopped cilantro, basil, and a pinch of salt! Quinoa is super easy to prepare! 1 cup of quinoa to 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil, turn off the heat, and cover the pot for 15 minutes. Once 15 minutes have elapsed, take it out of the pot and cool in a separate bowl, or eat it hot - just like rice! Enjoy!

Ingredients (I use only organic ingredients):
1 cup quinoa (dry)
1 cup boiled black beans
1 large tomato
1 cucumber
1 orange bell-pepper
5-7 leaves of basil
1/4 bunch of parsley
juice of 1 lemon
1 tbs flax seed oil

Sanitation and Infection Control When Waxing

I am glad that you enjoyed my previous blog post on sanitation in the workplace for Estheticians, and would like to expand upon that topic now with some insights about waxing. Sanitation and infection-control are some of the first things we all learn in beauty school, and for good reason! It is crucial to have an understanding of the different kinds of infections you may come across, in order to protect yourself and the client. Clients rely on our knowledge and professionalism, and trust us with their health, so we must abide the law, and give them the best treatment without taking any shortcuts.With that said, spa and salon workers must be aware of contagious bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses that can be contracted through broken skin, and pose serious health risks. Not only should we treat all clients with care to avoid getting them sick, but we must also protect ourselves in the workplace. Since the body’s first line of defense is unbroken skin, take care of your hands - they are your tools, so don’t bite your fingers, or pull on your cuticles. Keep your nails short, to avoid scratching the clients face, or breaking and snagging a nail by accident.

A very important service that must be performed with utmost care is waxing, and no matter what anyone else tells you, gloves are essential any time during contact with a client's blood, bodily fluids, secretions, excretions, non-intact skin, and mucous membrane. You must assume that all blood and bodily fluids are potential sources of infection. It is especially important to wear gloves when performing Brazilian/bikini waxing when the follicles are left open and can bleed, especially because that area has thick, coarse hair. In addition to any unknown blood-borne pathogens that may be transmitted via open pores, there is possibility of contracting herpes through broken skin, if you have any cuts/ broken lesions on your fingers, and don’t wear gloves.

Correct use of spatulas is very important during waxing. Be aware that hairs, as well as dry, dead skin may get into the wax container if you double-dip, so don’t keep using the same spatula throughout the service. The wooden tongue-depressors we use for waxing cost pennies, if even that! They are meant to be 100% disposable after ONE time use, so don’t double-dip - just toss it out and use a new one.

Make cleanup easy after waxing by using a disposable roll of waxing paper (just like you would see at your doctor’s office) over your sheets. Not only will it save your sheets from sticky wax, but it will give your clients the assurance that they are laying on a 100% clean surface.