Growth Factors, Neuropeptides, Stem Cells and Men's Products - New Items are In!

New items are in! We have a new Botanical Stem Cell Sleeping Mask, men's line, and a Neuropeptide Growth Factor Serum (for men and women) which prolongs the life of Botox injections using 5 biomimetic peptides. These products are the hottest in anti-aging peptide technology, only from SAIAN Natural Clinical Skin Care. 

Neuropeptide Growth Factor Serum contains Hyaluronic Acid, and five of the most potent biomimetic peptides currently available to address the affects of aging on the skin. Using the latest Biomimetic technology, SAIAN Neuropeptide Growth Factor Serum delivers 5 of the newest peptides into the skin, lifting, hydrating, reducing wrinkles, and prolonging the effects of Botox® injections. The peptides we use are inspired by nature, and identical to the growth factors found in human placenta. With time, our natural peptides lose their effectiveness, which is why our skin starts to look older. To correct this, we have discovered that polypeptide chains can be boosted to produce more stable and effective molecules called biomimetic peptides. Biomimetic Peptides mimic the function of growth factors as messengers in the skin, allowing the epidermis and dermis to communicate more efficiently. When our intelligent Biomimetic Peptides are infiltrated into the skin, they naturally work on the different levels of the damaged skin and help it to regenerate itself without producing toxic side-effects. What’s even more remarkable, our new incrdible serum is able to prolong the effects of Botox® injections by months, allowing for less frequent visits to the doctor. Absolutely pure and active. Perfect for both men and women.

SAIAN remarkable Botanical Stem Cell Mask uses the latest stem cell technology to derive powerful actives from Acai Palm, Chinese Basil, and White Oak resource materials. These derivatives impart antioxidant, protectant, and anti-aging benefits. The secret is in this mask’s unique transparent, breathable, nourishing, odorless, and non-sticky film base. Simply apply by smoothing gently over the entire face, avoiding eye area, wait until completely dry, and go to sleep with it on. While you sleep, SAIAN Botanical Stem Cell Mask sits comfortably on the face, and doesn’t rub off on your pillow. Its hydroscopic and breathable barrier properties ensure the skin locks in moisture, and breathes uninterrupted. It is easy to remove with a light wash, upon waking up.

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.

New Collagen Treatment for the Neck, Chest and Décolleté

Northern California estheticians, I am debuting a brand new treatment at the Face & Body Northern California sponsored by Skin Inc. magazine! Collagen Treatment for Neck, Chest and Décolleté - Sunday, August 21 9:00–10:30am at the San Jose Convention Center. 

This treatment lifts and firms a sagging neck, brightens and moisturizes the chest and décolleté, reduces a crepey chest appearance, and tightens the skin with collagen and a portable multifunctional machine. A certificate is provided - you will have a lot of fun, and learn a new treatment that will wow your clientele! Hope to see you all there, beautiful ladies! See the full class schedule HERE!

Why Choose a Natural Skin Care Line?

Since our skin in the largest organ of our body, our pores readily absorb artificial fragrances, dyes, and petrochemicals in personal care products. Years of continuous use of fragranced toiletries can cause allergic reactions, especially for nail techs and hairdressers. Natural skin care lines use botanical extracts to fragrance their products, and proudly omit harmful and irritating additives, making them the ideal choice for those who have an adverse reaction to perfumes and dyes.

Anti-Aging Skin Treatments for the Neck and Chest

The face, neck and décolleté are exposed to the sun, wind and cold weather, and must be all cared for in the same way as the face during the professional treatment and at home. The delicate neck and décolleté area is often ignored when it comes to application of moisturizers and sunscreen, and is easily susceptible to dehydration and sun damage. The signs of aging in the neck area are a result of our muscles losing elasticity, so along with a proper skincare regime, we have to learn to firm and tone the muscles to hold the skin tightly. As we age, the neck and jowls may start to show horizontal wrinkles and folds and begin to droop because of the daily gravitational pull, and slowing down of collagen production. This, of course causes the face to look much older than it may look otherwise. Also, genetics play a big role in the way our skin looks in that area. While many women take very good care of the skin on their face, the neck and chest often reveal their true age. 

SIGNS OF AGING ON NECK AND DÉCOLLETÉ 

Because the skin on the neck and décolleté is thinner and less elastic than skin in other areas, it’s more susceptible to environmental damage, which is compounded by the fact that this area is much more likely to be neglected and unprotected. The most common types of skin problems that are seen on the neck and chest are hyperpigmentation (brown spots), wrinkles, crinkliness, horizontal “necklace lines”, redness, blotchiness, elastosis, and skin tags. More complicated issues such as cutis rhomboidalis nuchae (leathery deep wrinkling on the back of the neck), and poikiloderma of Civatte (usually affects the front and sides of the neck in mostly fair-skinned clients) both result from long-term sun damage, are benign, and require gentle care. The skin on the neck is definitely different than that on the face, and if not well taken care of, will create unattractive disharmony that many women are self-conscious about. 

SPECIALIZED SPA TREATMENTS 

There is a variety of different anti-aging neck and décolleté treatments that can be done in the spa to address these issues above. Most clients will require a series of treatments to see results, so it is advised to suggest a package deal of 3 – 6 treatments. Treatments range from the most basic enzyme exfoliation, to laser rejuvenation, and prices can be set according to your area. 

Exfoliation 

To achieve a lifting effect, estheticians should start the cleansing and exfoliation routine upwards from the décolleté and continue to the face. 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. Enzyme masks are generally more gentle and more safe than acids, and don’t thin the skin like Retin-A. 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. Dry enzyme masks that are activated moments before application are more potent, and have a longer shelf-life than pre-activated gel-like masks. This type of facial exfoliant usually comes in the form of a mask based on marine clay, bentonite, or oats. This is my favorite type of enzyme mask, because it’s more gentle than an enzyme peel, which generally contain 10% to 30% AHA, and is not suited for everyone. An example of such a product would be a pumpkin peel. It is quite strong, so it’s not always recommended for the thin skin on the chest. Just like a chemical peel, please administer an enzyme peel with caution, making sure your client is a good candidate for the product. Some menopausal clients may experience redness and sensitivity on the décolleté, so it's better to hold off on the deep exfoliation. The average time needed for enzymes to do their job is 7-10 minutes, this treatment can be repeated once in 3 weeks, and can be added to any basic facial for as little as $20. 

Mask 

Pure collagen masks are the perfect hydrating and anti-aging treatment for the neck and chest. Décolleté products should not be too harsh, since the skin is thin in that area. It's also preferable to have fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products, to avoid any reaction. For the best results, choose German masks which are made from the highest quality medical-grade freeze-dried insoluble collagen fibers. These masks come dry, are soaked with an activator solution, and then molded to the face for 20 minutes. This specialized facial not only provides a tightening of the skin, but moisturizes, plumps, and reduces wrinkles for up to 3 weeks. Ideally, clients are encouraged to return for a facial once every 3-4 weeks, and the average cost is $150-$180 for an hour – hour and a half facial. 

Photorejuvenation 

An IPL laser (Intense pulsed light) usually gives good results for diminishing redness, fresh hyperpigmentation, and stimulating mild collagen growth. A series of 6 is recommended, and the cost is usually around $500 per treatment.. Like all laser treatments, it’s best to do this in the winter time, and the client will need maintenance treatments when brown spots reappear, usually once or twice a year. 

Fractional lasers are newer and also treat wrinkles and post-acne scars. The non-ablative fractional lasers, like the Fraxel, may cost as much as $5000 for 6 treatments, and have a two day down-time. This laser will take two to six months to give the best results. Ablative fractional lasers, like the Active FX, have a four to eight day down-time day downtime and give a better result for the crinkly areas on the neck. The cost of this procedure is usually $1,000-$2,000 per treatment, and a series of 4 is recommended over a six month time span. I like to stay safe, and don’t work over the thyroid or the breasts with mechanical equipment to avoid stimulation of the lymphatic system. 

HOME CARE 

At home, one should cleanse that whole area with cleanser daily, and exfoliate with an enzyme mask once in three days. This is the only way to achieve an even transition in color and texture from the bust to the face. Moisturizer, as well as sunscreen should always be applied, to prevent sun damage and wrinkles. I am a true believer in peptides, and the best combination that I have found to work well against wrinkles on the face and neck 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.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. Ingredients are listed on the label starting with the most prevalent to the least prevalent. It is 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. Avoid peptide combinations that are mixed with hydroquinone, parabens, and other toxins that can irritate the skin. 

EXERCISE 

One of the reasons for wrinkles on the neck and bust is gravitational pull, and often sleeping on high pillows and sleeping on the side can cause lines and wrinkles between the breasts and on the neck. Reversing the gravitational pull can be done by wearing a neck bandage or a compression garment for the face. This mechanical mode of lifting the neck, and resisting the gravitational pull works well when the client is doing housework or sleeping. The best way to prevent sagging, and to reduce preexisting damage is to do simple exercises that tone the muscles. Clients typically see results within the first month of consistent exercises. To target the “turkey neck”, the muscle which needs to be focused on is the platysma. The platysma muscle arises from the pectoral and deltoid muscles and rises over the clavicle, proceeding upward in a slanting manner along the sides of the neck. This group of muscles holds the neck and jaw line upward in youth but may separate during the normal aging process, leading to a drooping chin, sagging jawline and loose skin under the chin. 

The easiest exercise to tone this muscle is “kissing the ceiling”. Tilting the head up, extending the lips, as if kissing the ceiling. It’s advised to do 3 rounds of 20 reps each day for a toned neck. I hope my advice was helpful to better understand the variety of treatments for the neck and décolleté. All systems work well for different people, so the key is finding a balance. There is no need to incorporate all the items I list in the article to achieve amazing results, but I am confident that trying some of these treatments, products, machines, and exercises will greatly benefit your clients!

September 2015 DAYSPA Magazine Features the Best Handheld Microcurrent

The latest, September 2015 issue of DAYSPA Magazine features an interview with a happy spa owner who uses SAIAN Natural Clinical Skin Care in her practice! Please see this wonderful excerpt from page 62:

Amy Lord of Beyond Beauty Spa in Austin, TX writes about SAIAN Skin Pro 2 System:

How it Works:
This travel-friendly galvanic/microcurrent machine provides a portable facial. When used with SAIAN peptide products, it firms and tones the face and neck, stimulates collagen production, and visibly reduces the signs of aging.

Why it’s my favorite:
“I went to a non-surgical facelift class four years ago in Dallas and was impressed by the noticeable results of lifting and reduction of fine lines and wrinkles achieved in just one treatment with this device”, Lord says. “The investment was affordable, so I thought I’d give it a try. It has been one of the best business decisions I’ve ever made, and has hugely increased my facial income and product sales!”

When Lord first brought the SAIAN Skin Pro 2 System into her spa and encouraged her facial clients to try it, she saw most of them switch from a typical European facial to one that employs the device. “My clients love the results from the hand-held machines, “ she says. “Once they tried the new facial, there was no going back.” The Skin Pro 2's size and portability are major pluses. “It’s easy to take with me to give quick treatments at a wedding party or other beauty event,” Lord notes. “At the spa, it doesn’t take up a lot of space in my treatment room like many other pieces of equipment. And it’s my biggest money maker, so in that respect, it really comes in handy!”

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.

SAIAN® 's Commitment to Quality

SAIAN® is committed to producing superior quality, highly concentrated, ingredient-dense skincare products which deliver dramatic instant and cumulative results. Our lab specializes in the most advanced natural hypoallergenic products containing no artificial color, no artificial fragrance, no propylene glycol, and no parabens. The products are recommended by Dermatologists, Plastic Surgeons, Skin Care Professionals, and Medspas for use on the most sensitive skin. The advantage of working with SAIAN® clinical products is the benefit of superior hands-on training and in-depth educational program. Always on the leading edge, SAIAN® continues to develop innovative, results-driven skin care, and makes it available to consumers in the US and abroad! http://saian.net/

https://www.facebook.com/SAIANskincare

New YouTube video is up on my channel - video tutorial for the SAIAN Enzyme Mask!

In this short demo, I would love to show you the wonderful Enzyme Mask from SAIAN Natural Clinical Skincare. 

http://saian.net/product/enzyme-mask/

This unique and highly effective botanical enzymatic mask is specially formulated to liquefy and remove dead cells and impurities that accumulate on the surface of the skin. The mask’s gentle, natural blend lightens the skin, activates cellular function, increases circulation, fades discoloration and leaves the skin feeling and looking fresh, smooth and healthy. Using this clay mask helps to pull out oils, exfoliate, and reduce the appearance of sun damage, wrinkles, cellulite and even stretch marks. Reduces pore size. Perfect for blemished skin, blackheads and even cystic acne. Excellent for soothing skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema, rashes, psoriasis, and acne. Paraben-free, artificial color-free, propylene glycol-free, unscented. No special activator required – mix the powder with warm water and apply for 10-15 mins. Comes with a natural fan-brush applicator.

Please subscribe to my channel and visit our website: http://saian.net

More info on the blog: http://clinicalaesthetics.blogspot.com

5 Simple Hacks to Prevent and Stop Acne Breakouts from Dasha Saian

New video up on Dasha's youtube channel on how to prevent breakouts! She teaches you 5 simple hacks that will stop the spread of acne. Enjoy!

Organic Veggie Buckwheat

I love buckwheat and use it often. Not only is it alkalizing, low in sugar, easy to make, but it is absolutely delicious! I grew up in Russia, and buckwheat is a grain we eat daily. Russians make buckwheat "kasha" for breakfast, and enjoy it with milk and a sprinkling of sugar (just like cereal), they make it as a side for meat and eat it for lunch and dinner. It is a relatively inexpensive grain, and our National staple, even more so than potatoes. You will be surprised to know that buckwheat used to be in deficit during the communist times! My mother used to have to wait in line and purchase her ration with a coupon, and the only people who were given access to it were diabetics, since this was the approved low-sugar food they were allowed to consume to stay stable, and not spike. 

Not only is buckwheat a delicious, fluffy, and warm comfort food, but it is also good for you! Did you know that buckwheat is one of only few alkaline grains? This means that it won't feed candida, and won't cause inflammation and acidity imbalance in the body. This recipe will not only satisfy your taste buds, but will keep you full without spiking your blood sugar - so it's low on the GI (glycemic index) and absolutely satiating.

Ingredients (all-organic)

1 cup buckwheat
pinch of salt
1 tbsp coconut oil
1/2 large sweet onion
1 medium tomato
1 carrot
1 cup spinach
1 cup crimini mushrooms
1/2 small head of cauliflower

For this simple vegetable recipe,  boil a cup of buckwheat and set it to the side. In a pan,  sautée the onions with carrot in the coconut oil, and add the rest of the veggies, except for spinach. When the cauliflower starts to gently caramelize, take the pan off the heat and add the spinach on the top. Stir everything together, and fold in the buckwheat. You can plate this hot or wait for it to cool! I paired this warm veggie meal with a baby greens salad with figs, walnuts, avocado and shaved parmesan cheese, dressed in flax seed oil! Lemon water on the side to help me cool off after a hot day!

Enjoy!

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

Attend a Hyperpigmentation Class WIth Us!

Call 1-800-291-1130 to reserve your space in our upcoming class. Don't miss this opportunity to learn the newest Hyperpigmentation treatment absolutely free of charge, in North Hollywood, CA on Jan 10, 9am-11am!

Exfoliation - From Ancient Times to Modern Day Esthetics

As skin care professionals, we know the importance of skin exfoliation for healthy cell turnover, a refreshed, clear complexion, and better product absorption, but do you know enough methods of exfoliation? No one way of exfoliation is perfect for all skin types, so I would like to mention many possible alternatives in this article, in hopes to inspire you to select from all the possible options!

To make things as simple as possible - there are 2 types of exfoliators - physical and chemical. Everything that is used to mechanically slough off the dead skin is referred to as “physical exfoliation”. This includes methods such as a scrub, microdermabrasion, and a rotating sonic brush to scrape off the dead skin cells with friction. This is a very easy way to refresh the skin, and it appeals to both men and women. 

The easiest and most affordable exfoliating products to use at home are scrubs, and since the skincare market is highly abundant, you are guaranteed to find a natural product to your liking! I am a firm believer in natural ingredients, and I strongly advise you against the use of scrubs with microbeads. 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. 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.

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!

These are just some examples of biodegradable ingredients that will not damage the environment, and will polish and refresh your face. Scrubs are affordable, since the ingredients are typically not too complex, and can range from larger ground formulas (for the body) to finely ground (for the face). I like the simplicity a scrub offers, especially for teens, and male clientele, but not everyone will benefit from them! See my list below for reference on what type of client should not be using a scrub.

Clients with these conditions should avoid scrubs: 

1. Acne/ Cystic Acne 
2. Couperose 
3. Rosacea 
4. Elderly Clientele 

The main reason I discourage acne clients from using a scrub, is because the rough particles in the scrub will not only damage and irritate the skin, causing redness, but in the case of acne, they will spread bacteria on the face, worsening the situation. For this same reason, I don’t recommend getting microdermabrasion treatment, or using a rotating sonic brush for clients who have acne, couperose or rosacea. These types of treatments are too rough, and should be avoided. Older clients tend to have thinner skin, which bruises and breaks easily, and using a harsh scrub, or any other mechanical mode of exfoliation, will cause damage, and pain. I recommend a gentle enzymatic exfoliation, or, if you must, a light oatmeal scrub.

Did you know that scrubbing, peeling and chemical exfoliation all have their roots in ancient Egypt? Egyptians used specks of alabaster combined with milk and honey. The earliest chemical exfoliant was lactic acid, an active ingredient of sour milk that was used by the nobles as part of a skin rejuvenation regimen. In the Middle Ages, old wine with tartaric acid as its active ingredient was used for achieving the same results. Both of these exfoliants are known to contain α-Hydroxy acids (AHAs), which are the active ingredients responsible for the skin exfoliation. AHAs are naturally occurring organic carboxylic acids with a hydroxyl group in the a carbon position. Lactic, glycolic, citric, and tartaric acids are naturally found in sugar cane, fruits, wine, and milk.

German dermatologist Paul Gerson Unna first described the properties of salicylic acid, resorcinol, phenol, and trichloroacetic acid (TCA) in 1882, and the development of other peeling agents for varying depths of penetration followed. In the 1960s, the Baker-Gordon phenol peel peaked in popularity, but by the 1990s, it was falling out of favor with practitioners because of complications and serious systemic renal, cardiac and hepatic toxicity to melanocytes causing hypopigmentation (loss of skin color). After this issue was discovered, only fair-skinned patients were allowed to use phenol peels, and had to go through the process slowly, and cautiously.

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. Enzyme masks are generally more gentle and more safe than acids, and don’t thin the skin like Retin-A. 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. 

Dry enzyme masks that are activated moments before application are more potent, and have a longer shelf-life than pre-activated gel-like masks. This type of facial exfoliant usually comes in the form of a mask based on marine clay, bentonite, or oats. This is my favorite type of enzyme mask, because it’s more gentle than an enzyme peel, which generally contain 10% to 30% AHA, and is not suited for everyone. An example of such a product would be a pumpkin peel. It is quite strong, so please refer to my guidelines before administering it. Just like a chemical peel, please administer an enzyme peel with caution, making sure your client is a good candidate for the product.

Clients with these conditions should avoid peels: 

1. Acne/ Cystic Acne 
2. Couperose 
3. Rosacea 
4. Elderly Clientele 
5. Tan or Sunburned / Using Tanning Bed 
6. Hypopigmentation Sufferers 
7. Type V and VI on the Fitzpatrick Scale 

My rule of thumb, is that the client should always come out of the treatment room looking much better than when she entered, so I refuse to administer any harsh peels that cause redness, irritation, or scabbing. Take your peace of mind into consideration, and just assume everyone has sensitive skin when starting a treatment - it’s an approach I have been using for years, and it hasn’t failed me yet! 

I sincerely hope this information was helpful in navigating you through the different types of exfoliants available on the market today! Of course, the best way to learn about your new product is by examining the label, so I encourage you to make this a habit. You will easily be able to select the best products for your clients, and they will forever appreciate your knowledge and care!