The Changing Face of Today's Spa and Skincare Industry

The skincare and beauty world is constantly evolving, and sometimes it's hard to keep up with what's new. I like to have my hand on the pulse of the industry, and I will tell you what's going on! So, what has been the bigest change to the spa industry over the last two decades?

I have been in the spa industry for over 15 years, and I have seen skin care trends come and go. I am very happy to see a departure from heavily fragranced and colored products, and more interest in natural, fragrance-free and color-free formulas. The ornate packaging that was the mark of elite beauty products is now on its way out, and more simplistic, clean, and eco-friendly packaging is now in style. Consumers and spa owners are now very aware of all the extra paper and plastic waste that unnecessary boxes and decorative bottles produce, and are now turning towards simple glass bottles and cleaner lines. I love this, because Saian Skincare has been in-line with this philosophy since 2007.

Lowering Blood Pressure Naturally - 3 Weeks to a Healthier New You!

Seeing my grandmother's medication list is quite depressing - there are medications to lower cholesterol, to reduce tremors, to dilute blood, to lower blood pressure... and about 20 more pills to reduce the side effects of each of the major pills.  If left untreated, hypertension can dramatically increase your risk for heart attacks, strokes and peripheral arterial disease.  As we age, it is important to turn to the natural remedies first, before committing to medications that can throw off the body's hormones, alter the sleep cycle, weaken nerve endings, change neurotransmitter activity, induce muscle atrophy, and cause the thyroid to go "out of whack". Your body is a very finely-tuned instrument, and it will try to repair itself whenever something is wrong - you just have to know what to feed it.

Before giving any advice regarding supplements and diet, I have to remind you that all bodies are different, and that all systems work for some people. There is no need to frantically purchase all the items I list in the article, but incorporating some of these supplements, foods, and exercises into your daily routine will greatly benefit you!

Becoming more active can lower the systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure reading) by an average of 4 to 9 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) - that's as good as some blood pressure medications. Healthy blood pressure can be maintained by engaging your body in regular exercise- walking, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, and deep breathing can all be extremely beneficial.

Reducing sodium and alcohol, as well as adding supplements to the diet are great ways to keep your readings low. Here are my supplement suggestions for regulating blood pressure naturally:

Vitamin D-3
Consider taking 5,000 IU of vitamin D-3 daily. Getting enough sunshine throughout the day, and monitoring your blood D-3 levels is always a great idea. Research shows that vitamin D-3 plays a very important role in preventing disease and maintaining optimal health. We have about 30,000 genes in our bodies, and vitamin D-3 affects nearly 3,000 of them. Your skin creates same D-3 in response to sunlight as the D-3 you get from an oral supplement, and it’s much safer than tanning!

Vitamin K-2
More than 90% of the Nation is deficient in vitamin K. This vitamin is abundant in Japanese fermented natto, but can be purchased as a supplement over the counter. 100 mcg per day of vitamin K-2 is enough to help make your bones stronger, increase vascular health, and support the immune system!

Omega 3

Make sure you’re taking Omega 3 oils daily – I recommend 2 soft gels a day, each with 180 EPA / 120 DHA. While doing my cancer research for mom, I came across Johanna Budwig - based on her work on fatty acids she developed a diet that she believed was useful in the treatment of cancer. She was a German biochemist, pharmacist and held doctorate degrees in physics and chemistry. Budwig was nominated for the Nobel Prize 6 times, and her genius recipe is still reviving patients, and helping them live longer. You can look up the “Budwig Diet” for additional info and recipe.

Potassium

This mineral is essential for our body's functions - it supports electrolyte mineral balance, strengthens the heart muscle, and supports nerve conduction. Many population studies have found links between low potassium intakes and an increased risk of high blood pressure and death from stroke. If you're active, you should know that a lot of potassium is lost in heavy sweating. The loss of potassium from the cell will result in intra-cellular water loss - dehydration that will become chronic unless more water and some high potassium-containing foods are added to the daily diet. Continued pattern of potassium loss from the body will result in excess sodium retention by the kidneys and the first stages of high blood pressure, raised cholesterol, heart disease and irregular pulse will ensue.

By eating more fruit (bananas, raisins, dried apricots) and vegetables (potatoes, yams, kale, beets), you will increase your potassium levels and help to restore the balance. This will help your kidneys to work more efficiently - and help to lower your blood pressure to a healthy level. Supplements are available in 99mg, and can be taken 1-5 times daily with food.

CoQ10 
Coenzyme Q-10 is a natural substance found in every cell of the human body. In our mid twenties its activity decreases, so we need to maintain healthy levels of it with supplements. Naturally occurring in the tissue of plants, CoQ10 (also known as “ubiquinone”) is a vitamin-like anti-oxidant that boosts cellular activity. CoQ10 is an critical antioxidant that not only neutralizes free radicals, but is also important in energy production (ATP). CoQ10 helps the body in many other ways like reducing high blood pressure, cholesterol, reverse neuro-degenerative disease, prevent heart diseases. CoQ10 is known to be taken as high as 1000mg/day without side effects!

Weightless, Oil-Free Serums That Let Your Skin Breathe

Go "AU NATUREL" with weightless, oil-free serums that let your skin breathe! Our potent formulas are based on vegan hyaluronic acid that moisturizes, plumps the skin, and reduces the appearance of wrinkles - all without clogging your pores. 

Have you tried SAIAN Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum? Its formula contains only water, Hyaluronic Acid and 2 non-chemical vegetable based preservatives – ethylhexylglycerin and phenoxyethanol. It is a topical wrinkle filler, as well as the strongest non-comedogenic hydrator available on the market. Paraben-free, fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, SAIAN Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum is the perfect hydrator for all skin types, including acneic and aging/dehydrated skin. http://saian.net/product/pure-hyaluronic-acid-serum/

It's no wonder that this product is the WINNER OF 2010 DAYSPA MAGAZINE EDITOR’S CHOICE AWARD.

Dayspa Magazine Editor Rhonda Wilson writes about the SAIAN Pure Hyaluronic Acid:

“I believe in truth in advertising, and the name of this serum just doesn’t do it justice. It should be called Pure Nirvana, because clouds part and my skin sings every time I use it. Not only does it feel like liquid silk, but hyaluronic acid also tightens, brightens and heightens my skin’s natural glow. Who said heaven doesn’t exist on Earth?”

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!

Organic Strawberry Oil Makes the Difference!

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!

Strawberry Seed Oil, produced from the tiny seeds of these delicious red berries, is gaining increased recognition for its impressive composition of essential fatty acids that includes up to 38% Omega-3 Linolenic Acid. Strawberry Seed Oil is also reported to be a rich source of tocopherols and anti-oxidants. It is a stable oil, it has a shelf life of up to two years, and its moisturizing, protective and nourishing qualities make it the perfect active ingredient for our best-selling cleanser to treat dry or damaged skin.

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!

Heavenly Vegan Bulgur With Sautéed Brussels Sprouts

My heavenly vegan bulgur with sautéed brussels sprouts, parsley, and carrots is a warm, soft and fluffy dinner you can make in 15 minutes! Brussels sprouts can be delicious, if cooked correctly, and I am here to teach you. This is one pilaf you will LOVE!

Ingredients:

1 cup bulgur 

1 1/2 cup organic brussels sprouts 

1 large organic carrot

1/2 medium sweet organic onion

1/2 chopped organic parsley

2 tablespoons organic cold-pressed coconut oil

pinch of salt

I love the 10 Minute Bulgur from Trader Joe's , and use it for all my bulgur recipes. The first thing I do when working with a grain-based salad or pilaf, is start boiling the grain, and while that is on the stove, I chop the veggies. Bulgur is just like rice - you will need 2 cups of water for 1 cup of bulgur. Bring it to a boil, cover, and let simmer for 10 minutes. Take off the heat, and let rest for 5 minutes with the lid on.

Thoroughly wash, and cut the brussels sprouts in half. Warm up a skillet on medium heat. Sweat the onions and thinly shaved carrots in the coconut oil until clear, and add the brussels sprouts. Sauté for 5 minutes, just until the brussels sprouts begin to look soft. Add this mixture to the bulgur, along with salt, and stir in the chopped parsley at the very end, so it stays fresh, and flavorful! Enjoy, and be well! 

Botanicals!

I love natural ingredients, that's why today, I'd like to mention 3 botanical ingredients that I think are extremely important in skincare! What do you think of these 3?

Three of the most potent forms of Vitamin C available on the market today are Ascorbyl Glucoside, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, and Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate. This powerful antioxidant combination in a serum fights free radicals, stimulates collagen production, nourishes the skin, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and brightens skin tone while keeping stable.

Enzymes are a wonderful way to safely exfoliate the skin - this has been my favorite method for years! An enzymatic exfoliation is a good natural way to clean out the pores, get rid of excess oils, slough off the dry and dead skin for a healthy cell turnover. Fruit enzymes, such as Bromelain (from pineapple) and Papain (from papaya) eat away at the oils and dry skin, to expose a refreshed, clear complexion. A good natural enzyme mask brightens the skin, activates cellular function, increases circulation, fades discoloration and leaves the skin feeling and looking fresh, smooth and healthy. 

Marine Collagen is a form of collagen that derived from an assortment of sea algae species Laminaria and Padina. This Marine Collagen Polypeptide is designed to stimulate type III Collagen deep down within the skin. Collagen is a large molecule that alone cannot penetrate into the skin - so scientists found that polypeptide technology can actually stimulate the synthesis Marine Collagen in the skin. This new technology allows the skin to open up and allow the collagen through, because the regular molecule is too large to get in. Combination of marine collagen with polypeptide technology, will help our skin by stimulating collagen production, and elastin collagen thickening, encouraging skin renewal and minimizing muscle contractions, reducing the appearance of deep wrinkles and fine lines, helping provide long-term improvements in deeper wrinkles, helping prevent collagen and elastin breakdown to firm the skin.

Organic Vegan Lentil Soup with Sautéed Arugula and Oven/Toasted Butternut Squash

Winter is the perfect season to indulge in soups, and to roast squash! If you have never made a lentil soup, now is the time, and this recipe will make you fall in love. I make my amazing all-organic vegan lentil soup with sautéed arugula and oven/toasted butternut squash sprinkled with cinnamon, and serve it with rustic olive bread and a sprinkling of pumpkin seeds! This perfect meal with warm your heart and nourish your body and soul! 

Ingredients (all organic)

4 cups water

1 cup green lentils1 tablespoon extra–virgin coconut oil

1/2 cup chopped sweet onion

3/4 cup chopped carrots

1 cup chopped carrots

1 cup arugula

1 cup coconut cream

1/2 cup pumpkin seeds

salt to taste

In the oven

1/2 butternut squash

1 tablespoon coconut oil

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

The first thing I do, is preheat the oven to 350 deg, oil my baking sheet with the coconut oil, and put in my chopped squash. I chop it in cubes and douse it with cinnamon before spreading it out on the baking sheet. This is the most delicious thing you will ever taste, and I don't even want to begin describing the aroma which will spread throughout your home... Pure bliss, pure cozy comfort and love! You will want to only roast the pumpkin for about 30 minutes, and then take out the baking sheet and cool.

Heat the coconut oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and arugula, and sauté until soft - about 10 minutes. In a large pot, add 4 cups of the water (or you may use chicken stock) to the lentils, and bring to a boil. Next, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until lentils are tender, about 35 minutes. You may add a pinch of salt at this time. Last, add the coconut cream, and stir in well.

Add the vegetables to the pot, and puree with a hand-mixer until everything has become well-blended. Plate the soup, spoon the roasted pumpkin in the center, and sprinkle with pumpkin seeds, and enjoy! The perfect vessel for this heavenly meal is rustic toasted olive bread! I hope you will enjoy as much as my family does, because this soup was eaten, and everyone asked for seconds!

Dasha's 15 Minute Vegan Tacos

I love weekends, and you can bet I would rather spend more time with my friends and family, than toil away in the kitchen! For this reason, I would like to show you a lunchtime snack your family will adore! I call these little lettuce bowls my 15 minute vegan tacos. You can work with whatever ingredients you have on hand - today I had zucchini, cherry tomatoes, garbanzo beans, and cilantro. Easy no cook recipe calls for:

INGREDIENTS (I only use organic):
Zucchini 2 medium
Butter Lettuce
Garbanzo Beans, boiled 1 cup
Cherry Tomatoes 1 cup
Cilantro 1/4 cup chopped
Juice of 1/2 Lemon
Flaxseed oil 1 tablespoon
Sea Salt to taste

I use my beloved spiralizer to make zucchini noodles, add to that the garbanzo beans, and the cherry tomatoes. I cut mine in half to make it fit in one bite down on as you eat. Add the cilantro, lemon juice, and oil,  and combine well. Scoop this mixture into the lettuce, and serve! I suggest just eating these like tacos - it gets a bit messy, but it's out of this world delicious! I am disappointed that my avocados were too hard, but an avocado would make the PERFECT topping for this taco!

Hope you try this little fun "salad" for lunch today, and feel light and energized all day long! 

Cranberry-Pistachio Power Greens to the Rescue!

How wonderful would it be to have a heaping green plate if goodness for dinner tonight? Like most people, I wasn't always a big fan of broccoli and Brussel sprouts... but as years passed, I grew fond of these cruciferous greens, and now adore them! I promise, you only need 5 ingredients to make this 15-minute vegan alkaline-forming dish that even the kids will enjoy! My cranberry pistachio power greens will fill you up, and warm your heart! All you need is Brussel sprouts, broccoli, cranberries, pistachios, and some cold-pressed coconut oil. 

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon organic cold-pressed coconut oil

1/4 cup raw pistachios

1/4 cup dried organic cranberries

1 cup organic broccoli florets

1 cup organic shaved Brussel sprouts

Sautée the Brussel sprouts in coconut oil on medium heat, turning with a wooden spatula to prevent burning. I always start with the vegetables that are the most tough, and take longer to caramelize. Add the cranberries and pistachios. The last step is to add the broccoli, because broccoli is tender, and tends to overcook quickly (do this when you see the cranberries get soft)! I don't like brown, soggy broccoli, so I literally just toss it in for a couple of minutes, and turn off the burner. That's it! Your dinner is served - healthy, delicious, and easy to make. I just added a garnish of micro greens, and voila!

Dasha's 15-Minute Sweet Vegan Quinoa Salad

I LOVE QUINOA

Now that we got that straight, here are some reasons why I love it, and why you will, too! 

• Quinoa is high in protein - 16%-20% high quality vegan protein.
• It's Alkaline-forming, which means quinoa doesn't support the spread of candida, yeast, and cancer in the body.
• Low glycemic index means that the amount of carbs supplied by quinoa are burned slowly and equally to avoid spikes and fat storage in the body.
• Low calories! A cup of cooked quinoa has only about 220 kcal. (yay!)
• Gluten-free for those with celiac. 

Quinoa was considered sacred by the Incas- they called it the “mother seed.” 

This is why I love magical, delicious, light and healthy quinoa! Oh... and did I mention that this dish only took me 15 minutes? Looks like you have no excuses now - give this recipe a try, and you will be delighted!

Ingredients:

1 cup organic quinoa (I used organic white quinoa, but you may also use the red variety)

1 large organic carrot

1/2 medium sweet organic onion

1 cup organic mushrooms (about 10 small)

1 teaspoon organic cold-pressed coconut oil

1/4 cup organic unsulfured turkish apricots

1/4 cup organic raisins

cilantro

salt and pepper to taste

I like to be efficient and productive in everything I do, including business, and cooking, so 15 minutes to make a dish sounds just about right!

Rinse the quinoa thoroughly, and put in a pot with 2.5 cups water and a pinch of salt. Quinoa is a bit different from rice, and it needs more water to plump up, but still remain flaky, not clumpy and lumpy. 

At the same time that the water with quinoa is taking to boil, heat up a skillet on low heat, and put in the coconut oil, with onions. Sweat the onions a bit, and then add the carrots and mushrooms. Once that mix has become caramelized, add the raisins and apricots. Keep mixing with a wooden spatula until all ingredients are thoroughly blended.

Once the water with quinoa boils, take off the burner and cover with a lid for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes have passed, you will see that the water has evaporated, and now you are left with just the ready boiled grain! Transfer to a bowl, mix in the rest of the ingredients from the skillet, and let cool. The finishing touch is the fresh cilantro - add it when the salad has cooled down, to keep it nice and fresh!

Sweet, isn't it? Absolutely delicious, healthy, and quick! Enjoy!

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!

Selecting the Best Serum

As skin care professionals, we all know what a dramatic difference using an amazing serum can make. It can take years off our client’s appearance, reduce fatigue, tighten the pores, minimize rosacea, soothe dryness, reduce hyperpigmentation and diminish wrinkles!

What is so special about serums? The wonderful thing is that they pack a powerful punch of concentrated active ingredients! A serum's molecule is usually very small, and delivers the ingredients to all skin layers without clogging the pores with any oil, glycerin, or other comedogenic fillers. A product like this is usually gel-like, and water-based, so it absorbs instantly, and doesn’t sit on the surface of the skin. The benefit of this gel-like oil-free consistency, is that (unlike some cremes) a serum can be used very closely around the eyes without causing the development of milia and irritation. While younger clients like the tight feeling of an oil-free product, such as a serum, older clients may feel like their skin is too dry, and choose to apply creme over the serum, to replenish. This is a great way to provide a barrier that keeps the serum from evaporating, as well as provide a double layer of active ingredients (such as peptides and hyaluronic acid).

In recent years, there has been a plethora of advances in product formulation, the best being the elimination of parabens and chemicals from many product lines. Natural preservatives such as citric acid, ethylhexylglycerin and phenoxyethanol efficiently provide a two year shelf life for most serums, and don’t have any toxic side effects that are associated with parabens and similar chemical preservatives. The best base for serums is water, and to get that silky smooth gel feeling, the best, and most potent moisturizing ingredient on the market is Hyaluronic Acid. Did you know that the loss of skin elasticity that comes with aging, is often the result of decreasing Hyaluronic Acid (HA) levels? HA is the best topical hydrating agent and a potent anti-inflammatory that stops itching and burning, is very soothing, and results in smoother skin. The best type of Hyaluronic Acid is a vegan low molecular weight HA. This is not harvested from a rooster comb, or chicken cartilage, but is plant-based, and manipulated in a lab for a perfect, hypoallergenic product! This ingredient is the same type of gel that is used in dermal fillers such as Restylane® and JUVÉDERM®, and is completely safe.

Now that we know the best base for a serum, let’s talk a little about the best active ingredients that we can add to the blend! Since we want to reduce wrinkles, and give the face a more youthful appearance, peptides are a great choice. Peptides are small fragments of proteins, and proteins are the key building blocks of most living tissues. Certain kinds of peptides have an avid affinity for copper, to which they bind very tightly. The resulting compound consisting of a peptide and a copper atom has become known as a copper peptide. A distinctive feature of GHK copper peptides is that they reduce scar tissue formation while stimulating normal skin remodeling. In other words, they help better restore the damaged area to its original look.

Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline®) improves wrinkle depth, wrinkle volume and roughness. This peptide can significantly modulate muscle contraction, thereby destabilizing the cell so it cannot release the neurotransmitters that make the muscle contract thus preventing formation of lines and wrinkles. Argireline® reduces pre-existing wrinkle depth and relaxes facial tension. Matrixyl-3000® minimizes crow’s feet and laugh lines, and prevents from further damage and wrinkle formation. Trylogen® boosts synthesis of Collagen I, III, and IV, uniforms fibril diameter and spacing, and inhibits enzymatic breakdown, avoiding excessive collagen damage.

 

I also see many serums made with powerful brighteners and antioxidants, such as Vitamin C. Three of the most potent forms of Vitamin C available on the market today are Ascorbyl Glucoside, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, and Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate. This powerful antioxidant combination in a serum fights free radicals, stimulates collagen production, nourishes the skin, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and brightens skin tone while keeping stable.

Some wonderful brightening ingredients have emerged recently, as alternatives to the toxic Hydroquinone, which is steadily losing popularity on the market during the past 5 years. Three of the most potent non-toxic whitening agents available on the market today are Tyrostat™ (derived from Rumex Occidentalis Extract), Nonapeptide-1 (Melanostatine®5) , and α Arbutin, which 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 and brown spots. When used daily, a serum with α Arbutin promotes brightening on all skin types, minimizes the appearance of liver spots and age spots, can reduce the degree of skin tanning after UV exposure.

It’s always best to apply serums after cleansing the skin, and before the application of moisturizers. This is typically the last step in a facial, and I recommend to use your galvanic machine to increase the serum’s penetration, since most are ionizable. A treatment like this, with the right product, is guaranteed to wow your client, and provide her with a healthy lift and glow!

Let's Talk About Discoloration

Many women deal with the unsightly issue of dark spots/hyperpigmentation on their face and hands. I like to believe that with the right care, these spots can be diminished, and even dissipate for good! As we know, discoloration is a common result of sun damage caused by tanning, and opting not to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Sometimes, the sun's rays bring up melanin to the surface after laser hair removal treatments, chemical peels, or prolonged birth control use. The good news, is that discoloration and hyperpigmentation may still be treated effectively if it is fresher than 5 years!

Now, you will probably wonder how in the world to select a great product - there are so many on the market! Presently, the professional skin care industry is finally making the move from the traditional hydroquinone brighteners towards a more natural, non-toxic, and non-habit-forming ingredients.What product to use, and how to make a good choice? The most effective products on the market that address the issue of discoloration and hyperpigmentation are: Kojic acid -as an exfoliator, and Tyrostatine, and Alpha Arbutin as active whitening agents in leave-on serums, and creams. These are the ingredients used in the SAIAN Antihyperpigmentation complex.

Of course, it needs to be noted that the best season for these brightening treatments is winter, because the client needs to avoid excessive sunlight, and tanning. Furthermore, the exfoliation needs to be done in the evening, only. Since this issue requires daily attention, don't expect to see immediate results- typically, a cycle of 28 days is needed to document substantial changes in the discoloration patches!

Natural vs. Organic - what's the difference?

I often am asked by professionals what is the difference between "natural" and "organic" skin care products. To be quite honest, is very hard to identify truly organic products from first glance. In accordance with current labeling regulations, any personal care products can have the word "organic" in their brand name or on their product label, but unless they are USDA certified, the main cleansing ingredients and preservatives are usually made with synthetic and petrochemical compounds.

Although there are multiple standards around the world for what qualifies as "organic", the USDA (Unites States Department of Agriculture) approves and certifies organic products with a USDA seal, which all of us have become familiarized with at our produce isle. Look for the USDA organic seal and read the ingredient label to find out how many ingredients are truly organic and how many are synthetic.

Natural skin care products do not require USDA organic certification. Their composition should not contain any chemical compounds such as Propylene Glycol or Parabens—methyl, propyl, butyl and ethyl (alkyl-p-hydroxybenzoates). Believe it or not, these very popular cosmetic ingredients have been used by skin care manufacturers for years, and are still going strong. Parabens actually mimic the body's own estrogen hormones and can have endocrine-disrupting action when they are rubbed into the body or washed down the drain into your drinking water. In addition to being a very popular cosmetic ingredient, Propylene Glycol is also found in your car's antifreeze, and brake fluid.

http://www.health-report.co.uk/ethylene_glycol_propylene_glycol.htm

As an alternative to these chemical additives, natural skin care products should contain Ethylhexylglycerin and Phenoxyethanol, which are safe and non-toxic. These are the preservatives used in the SAIAN skin care line.