Sleeping Beauty

The skin’s loss of firmness and flexibility can be traced back to unprotected sun exposure. The potent plant stem cell extracts we use, and their respective secondary metabolites have been demonstrated in laboratory studies to reduce damage to existing collagen and elastin fibers from ultraviolet radiation in several ways:

• Plant stem cell extracts modulate pro-inflammatory cytokine production following exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
• They suppress UV-induced free radicals—evident by their high oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) scores that contribute to oxidative stress involved in the destructive cross-linking of healthy collagen and elastin fibers.
• By inhibiting free radical generation, plant stem cell extracts protect DNA and preserve the natural order for regenerating new collagen and elastin.
• Ultraviolet radiation alters mitochondrial energy production in dermal fibroblasts, resulting in less energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This slows down cellular activities that maintain firm and smooth skin. By ramping up ATP production, plant stem cell extracts replenish energy levels to improve cellular metabolism, promote new collagen and elastin, and boost DNA repair.
  

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.

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.

Portable Galvanic, EMS, Microcurrent

SAIAN GEM Pro portable Galvanic, EMS, Microcurrent is a unique portable hand-held machine for professional use only. It is wireless, and comes in a beautiful silk-lined, embossed box along with a power supply cord. This small, but effective piece of equipment is perfect for a portable facial, and travels easily! When used with SAIAN peptide products, GEM Pro firms and tones the face and neck, reduces deep wrinkles, stimulates collagen production, and visibly diminishes the signs of aging. It lifts the eyebrows, reduces wrinkles and crow’s feet, smooths out nasolabial lines, and tones the neck. Only 16 minutes with this machine will give the desired non-surgical face-lift results your clients are looking for.

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?”

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.

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

Neck and Décolleté Treatments

I was recently interviewed by American Spa Magazine about neck and decollete treatments, and thought that it would be a wonderful idea to share my answers with you all! Here are some helpful tips on spa treatments, as well as home care.

1. What happens to the decollete area as people age and why is it so important to treat the decollete area?

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 is because our muscles lose elasticity – so we have to learn to firm and tone the muscles to hold the skin nice and tight. 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. This, of course causes the face to look much older than it may look otherwise. 

The reason for wrinkles on the neck and bust is often sleeping on high pillows, and sleeping on the side – causing lines and wrinkles between the breasts and on the neck.

2. How can skincare products and spa treatments help the decollete?

Most of us take very good care of our face, but often ignore the neck, décolleté and bust. Taking care of the neck and décolleté is no different than taking care of the face. To achieve a lifting effect, estheticians should start the cleansing and exfoliation routine upwards from the décolleté and continue to the face. At home, one should cleanse that whole area with cleanser daily, and exfoliate with scrub or 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. 

In addition to timely exfoliation, the neck should be protected from the harsh rays of the sun with clothing and sunscreen. The décolleté and neck must always be hydrated with a great moisturizer. 

3. What types of spa treatments are best for treating the decollete area?

Wonderful treatments for the décolleté include a light enzymatic exfoliation, massage, and a hydrating collagen mask. 

4. Can you offer any tips for spas on choosing decollete products? 

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. I dislike using mechanical equipment on the chest, or by the thyroid, to avoid stimulation of the lymphatic system.

5. Can you offer tips for spas on marketing decollete treatments and retail products?

The most convincing advertisement of products or treatments are before and after photos. Usually, a series of 6 treatments helps to achieve wonderful results, as well as the purchase of a home-use firming product, and lifting neck-bandage. Our company specializes in these bandages, and we sell many of them!

 6. Are there any spa clients that might not be a good fit for decollete treatments? If so, which ones?

Some menopausal clients may experience redness and sensitivity on the décolleté, so it's better to hold off on the deep exfoliation.

Non-Surgical Face-Lift and Neck Lift

We love and adore our founder, Margarita Saian, and are pleased to announce that we will be posting her General Session Presentations on our YouTube Channel! Learn from the best for FREE. Subscribe today! Here is the first set: Non-Surgical Face-Lift and Neck Lift demo!

The Best Microcurrent to Tone the Face

SAIAN Skin Pro II is a unique portable hand-held Galvanic/Microcurrent machine for professional use only. It is chargeable, and comes in a beautiful silk-lined, embossed box along with a power supply and a charging cradle. 4 Settings: Cleansing, Massage, Nutrition and Lifting. This small, but effective piece of equipment is perfect for a portable facial, and travels easily! When used with SAIAN peptide products, the Skin Pro II firms and tones the face and neck, stimulates collagen production, and visibly reduces signs of aging. It lifts the eyebrows, reduces wrinkles and crow’s feet, smooths out nasolabial lines, and tones the neck. Only 16 minutes with this machine will give the desired non-surgicalface-lift results your clients are looking for.

The Correct Way to Apply Moisturizers

Is the overwhelming amount of moisturizers on the market causing you confusion? When to apply a creme? What about a serum? When to apply ampoules? What about a collagen spray? Do you really need all that "stuff"? 

Before making any recommendations, I like to conduct a client consultation, to analyze my client's skin. For anyone with dry, and very dry skin, I always recommend to start with a moisturizing milky cleanser twice a day. This way you know that all steps in your daily routine are designed to hydrate.

When it comes to moisturizing the skin, a serum always comes first! Remember, a serum has a watery, oil-free formula, that is easily absorbable by the skin. This type  of product is ideal for application around the delicate skin if the eyes, and the nasolabial folds. Most serums tend to be ionizable, and can be penetrated with a galvanic machine. This is a great way to get the best results from the active ingredients in the product! You don't need any big professional equipment - there are a number of hand-held units available on the market, that work as well as the large machine, and sometimes even better! Here is a link to a previous blog entry about the hand-held machines.

After applying a serum, it's best to apply a creme. The reason for this, is that a creme creates a barrier that helps keep the serum from evaporating. Since serums don't have oil, they penetrate quickly, but don't feel like they are moisturizing enough. Most of the time, serums leave a tight feeling on the skin. After application of creme, the skin will feel softer, more shiny and moisturized.

Ampoules and extremely liquid serums are best used under masks, especially collagen masks. Never wash the face after removing that product - remember, you are penetrating nourishing ingredients, so everything will stay on the skin after application.

Dealing with Negative Reviews

Having managed a spa for 8 years, I have had to read my share of positive and negative reviews of our technicians. Of course, the positive letters greatly outweighed the very few negative reviews, so I never doubted that the therapists were doing their job correctly. 

A person who has had a negative experience will become your greatest, most loyal customer if you take that bad experience, and turn it around! Offer your sincere apology, and offer them another treatment of their liking. Make them feel like you truly care about how they feel when they think of your spa/salon. Be vulnerable enough to ask for input, and kind enough to accept constructive criticism. Put yourself in the client's shoes, and think of how wonderful it feels to be treated like a fellow human being, and not just a number.

Treating Elastosis in Post-Menapausal Skin

As women age, and go through menopause, they often find the skin of the face has lost tone, and has become flaccid. This is because of the loss of hyaluronic acid, and natural breakdown of collagen and elastin in the extrinsically-aged skin. Among the many factors that contribute to this are hormonal changes, dehydration, and exposure to sunlight and UV radiation (which we can observe from the age-spots on the patient’s face). In fact, elastosis is the primary consequence of photo-aged skin. When the patient pulls on the skin, it is unlikely to bounce back to its original place, and this shows the decreased elasticity.

For the patient experiencing elastosis, flaccid and inelastic skin is the result of years of UV exposure,and dehydration. Daily regimen has very much to do with the patient’s current condition. By over-exfoliating the skin regularly, but not moisturizing enough, she is pulling moisture out of the skin, which is already dehydrated. The patient needs to include hyaluronic-acid and peptide based serums and crèmes into her regimen, as well as avoid the sun, and remember to apply sunscreen every 2-3 hours.

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!

Professionals, don't miss this opportunity to take free workshop classes with Certification at the Orlando DAYSPA congress!

Caring For the Neck, Face and Décolleté

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 bust is covered with clothes – this is why it has beautiful silky skin, free of sun damage. Did you know that the neck (and of course the hands) are a sure sign of a woman’s real age?

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 is because our muscles lose elasticity – so we have to learn to firm and tone the muscles to hold the skin nice and tight. 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. This, of course causes the face to look much older than it may look otherwise.

The reason for wrinkles on the neck and bust is often sleeping on high pillows, and sleeping on the side – causing lines and wrinkles between the breasts and on the neck.

Most of us take very good care of our face, but often ignore the neck, décolleté and bust. Taking care of the neck and décolleté is no different than taking care of the face. To achieve a lifting effect, estheticians should start the cleansing and exfoliation routine upwards from the décolleté and continue to the face. At home, one should cleanse that whole area with cleanser daily, and exfoliate with scrub or 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.

In addition to timely exfoliation, the neck should be protected from the harsh rays of the sun with clothing and sunscreen. The décolleté and neck must always be hydrated with a great moisturizer.

A wonderful way to prevent sagging and wrinkles in the neck and décolleté area is to do special exercises which train the muscles in that area to be firm and lifted. Stretching the neck and spine upward - reduces the likelihood of getting a short and wrinkled neck. These exercises are even more effective when paired with contrast showers – hot and cold. It is best to end your shower with cold water – this way, the neck and décolleté will get a nice toning workout. Wherever the icy cold water hits, the muscles will tighten up and tone.

The best way to prevent wrinkles on the neck, décolleté and bust is to sleep on your back without a pillow, or with a flat pillow. To firm, tone and lift the bust, it is very important to do special exercises daily.

PRODUCTS

I don’t like to use body products on the neck and décolleté, because that area is as delicate as the face. I definitely do not recommend harsh body scrubs and heavy oils. A “body” product may be fine for the rest of the body, but the neck and décolleté definitely deserve the same treatment as the face!

One of the best treatments for the neck, décolleté and bust area is Collagen Infusion, using Hyaluronic Ampoules, Collagen Elastin Liquid, Peptides and a Pure Collagen Freeze Dried Mask. This treatment immediately plumps up the area, and reduces dryness and wrinkles. This can be done as a separate treatment or in combination with the Collagen Infusion for the face. As a take-home treatment, it is best to recommend your client a natural Hyaluronic Acid neck-firming crème, and a washable bandage to wear over it – preventing and softening wrinkles, and counteracting the gravitational pull. It’s like a bra for that area!

Pseudoaltera...what?

The newest advances in anti-aging skin care suggest that peptides are the way to go, and all recent evidence points to it being true. To review, a peptide is a molecule consisting of 2 or more amino acids. Peptides have brand names and INCI names such as dipeptides, tripeptides, tetrapeptides, octopeptides, and so on - depending on the number of amino acids they contain.
When used in clinical skin care products, peptides:

• Support the healing and repair response.
• Aid in increased skin thickness.
• Refine the appearance of wrinkles.
• Even skin texture and tone.

Most of us have become familiar with such potent wrinkle warriors as Argireline (INCI Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, formerly INCI Acetyl Hexapeptide-3), and Matrixyl-3000, but there is a new type of peptide on the market, and it is giving some amazing results.

During the Antarctic summer of 1988, a Spanish scientific expedition collected mud samples from the inlet Admiralty Bay, on King George Island, Antarctica. A new bacterial strain, Pseudoalteromonas Antarctica, was isolated from these samples and characterized. During growth, the bacteria produced an extracellular material, an exopolymer of glycoproteins believed to help the bacteria retain water, adhere to surfaces, and withstand the extreme cold. Its protective function in nature is applied in cosmetics to regenerate and protect the skin.

When used in clinical skin care products,such as SAIAN Amino-Lift Mask, and SAIAN Tri-Active Collagen Serum, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract:

• Helps the skin retain water.
• Presents a cryoprotective effect due to its ability to modify the morphology of ice crystals.
• Stimulates fibroblast adhesion and keratinocyte growth, regenerating tissues and enabling a faster healing of wounds.
• Increases collagen type I and IV, as well as elastin, resulting in a restructured skin and a reduction in wrinkles.
• Reduces the depth of expression wrinkles, especially in the forehead and around the eyes.

An in vitro skin model composed of keratinocytes and fibroblasts was used to monitor the levels of Collagen I, Collagen IV and Elastin.

Collagen I increases 128% in 15 days
Collagen IV increases 81% in 15 days
Elastin levels increase 31% in 15 days

Skin topography analyses were performed by obtaining silicon imprints from around the eyes of 10 healthy women volunteers.The product tested was a cream containing 5% Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract and it was applied twice daily for 30 days. Silicon imprints were obtained pre-test and after 30 days. Analyses of the imprints were performed by confocal laser scanning microscopy to assess the evolution of the skin surface before and after the treatment. Skin topography images from the three dimensional reconstruction of optical sections are shown in the figure. The depth of the wrinkle decreased significantly, with maximum values between 50 and 60%.