Aging

"Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter"

-Mark Twain

A New Season at Skin Essentials

Dear Client,

A new time has come for the three of us at Skin Essentials, as well as for me personally. After having Axel over a year ago, and really since I was a teenager thinking about being a mom, I have had the desire to stay home with my children to raise and teach them. This is especially important to me and my husband during these early years in our family. As many of you know, I am due with our second child in October. We will then have two under the age of two; Axel will be 19 months when the second is born. I am going to have my hands full, I know! I have been blessed tremendously by being in a position to make my own schedule and work when and how much I want. At this time in my life, working just a little bit has been good for me, but I will admit, that my heart is at home with my children. Owning a business has been so great for all of these years, but it is time for my life to take a new direction. It is because of these changes in my life that I have decided to sell the business. Lillian and I have agreed to transfer ownership to her beginning August 1, 2010.

Though I am excited to begin this new journey into full time motherhood, I do feel a sense of sadness as I have become friends with many of you. The treatment table is a special place. We have had many times talking about all kinds of life experiences, some sad and many happy. Not only have I provided skin care services for you, but you have provided me with a rich experience of conversation and friendship. Through cancer and death, the birth of children and grandchildren, marriage and divorce, we have shared real moments as well as many lighthearted moments. We have laughed and even cried on occasion. I have felt so gifted by your support of my business endeavors as so many of you have faithfully chosen to call Skin Essentials your home for skin care and waxing. I cannot express how much that means to me by a simple "Thank You". I am so grateful for your commitment to me in that way.

I have told many of you that it was not my plan to leave when my children came, and, really, it was not. But I do have to admit that I had always hoped someone I could trust would come along and be in the position to take over. I just never thought the opportunity would present itself the way that it did. I did not want to just hand over my valued clients to a stranger who may or may not care about you the way I do. Lillian came along at just the right time. She and I both feel that God had his hand on the situation the whole time. It has worked out so well. I am thankful for her and the desire that she has to serve you. I trust that Lillian will do her best to provide excellent service to you. I feel that she is qualified to provide great facials, waxing, massage and all the other services that Skin Essentials provides.

I am so grateful to have had Jackie and Lillian along side of me to take care of you and your needs, while I have spent so much time away from the shop this last year and a half. I want to thank them both for being so trustworthy that I have not had to worry that you were being taken care of. I would not have been able to maintain this business without them, once Axel was born. Like the last four years, Jackie will still be available to serve your needs right alongside Lillian. I am sure that the atmosphere that Lillian provides at Skin Essentials will be a great refreshment as she takes ownership and tailors Skin Essentials to meet your needs, even more than it has these last 5 years. I am sure you will be hearing from her soon about her excitement and optimism for the future of your skin care at Skin Essentials.

If you have not met Lillian, or have not received a service from her, I urge you to call and schedule an appointment soon. She would love to meet you and give you the experience of her touch and expertise. If you have any concerns or requests for her about how she performs a service that you are used to receiving from me, please do not hesitate to talk with her about it. She welcomes any input you have and looks at it as an opportunity to grow and serve you in the best way she can. I understand that change can be difficult, believe me, (I am going through a bit of it myself. It is hard for me to let go of what has been my "baby" for quite some time now. Though I do have some new babies that are pretty fun to be with.) I know however, that, in some time, the dust will settle and you, Lillian and Jackie will create a great thing at the new Skin Essentials. I look forward to seeing it happen, as I will be one of Lillian's clients right alongside of you. Maybe I will even run into you before or after an appointment.

I would love to stay in personal contact with any of you who would like to hear about the new baby when he or she arrives. Though I won't be available as an esthetician, I will be available as a friend. Please don't hesitate to call if you would like to speak with me regarding this letter, or anything else. Also, I have a family blog where I post photos of our family. This is where you can find any baby news come hopefully early October. I would love for you to stop by. The address is: http://ourlukaslife.blogspot.com.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your part in making the last 5 years of my life so rewarding as an esthetician. It has been such an enriching and empowering experience. Thank you for the support you have offered me as I have embarked on the journey of motherhood. It has been wonderful to be surrounded by women and mothers who have gone before me and have had much wisdom and compassion to impart to me. Lastly, thank you for being my friend. You have taught a very quiet girl how to converse with others and to open up and be friends with different people from different places, something that was so difficult for me for so much of my early life. The pleasure has been mine.

With love,

Amber Lukas
916.768.9213
amberlukas@hotmail.com
198 Nevada Ave
Roseville, CA 95678

It's Your Turn

What is your favorite Image product? What makes your skin glow? How do you use the product? What has it done for your skin?

Comment on this blog post with your answer. We want to hear from you.

My Favorite Product by Amber Lukas

Needless to say, I have many Image products in my medicine cabinet. I use 4 different cleansers, 2 serums, 2 eye creams, 1 repair cream, and that is just my daily routine (mix and match, of course. I don't put all of those on every day.) I also have masks and spot treatments to use when needed. Choosing a favorite is not easy. I really believe that my skin is doing so well today as a result of the consistent use of a system of products over an extended period of time. I used to have a serious issue with acne, for about 15 years of my teen and adult life. The products that helped me get to the clear skin that I have today contain benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid and retinol.

This brings me to my favorite Image product. Every third night or so, I apply the Ageless Total Retinol A Creme. It contains a high concentration of retinol and polypeptides. These resurface and repair the skin. You may notice it is not an acne product, rather an anti aging product. Retinol has been touted as one of the ingredients that nearly everyone should be using daily. I use it more sparingly during pregnancy and summer, but will start up on a more rigorous schedule once Fall (and the baby) comes.

So, how does my skin feel when using this product? My skin never looks better than it does the morning after I put it on my face. I feel like it glows differently than any other time after I have used the Ageless Total Retinol A Creme. I love this product! It has made such a difference in my skin. My skin is smoother, plumper and has better tone.

When I first started using a highly concentrated retinol product, I had some peeling and sensitivity. On occasion, I still do. This is because of the level of extra exfoliation that the product is inducing in my skin. Now, my skin is used to the level of exfoliation and is vibrant and fresh almost every day. I'd love to share more about my personal struggle with acne, the skin care products that helped me, or the products that will help you find the same satisfaction with your skin.

I am so happy to be using Image, both on my own skin and in the treatment room. I believe it is one of the most effective, both in results and in cost, that you can find. Please let me or your esthetician know if you have any questions about the skin care we use at Skin Essentials. We would love to share with you.

To read more about the Ageless Retinol A Creme, click on this link:

http://www.imageskincare.com/ageless_total_retinol_a_creme.html

Best of the Best 2010: Vote for us as your favorite Skin Care and Massage Therapist

It's that time again. The Lincoln News Messenger is holding their Best of The Best 2010 survey. Please be sure to vote for all of your favorite Lincoln merchants, including your Skin Care Therapists and Massage Therapist at SKIN ESSENTIALS. We would love to claim the title once again. Thank you in advance for your vote as well as your continued support of our business!

You can vote by mail with the ballot in the newspaper, or vote online at:
http://www.goldcountrynews.com/forms/lnmbob2010

Warmly,
Amber, Jackie and Lillian

Facial Winner!

Congratulation, Debbie T, the winner of the free facial! You will be contacted via email with details.

We appreciate all of those who have signed up to receive the blog updates. we look forward to offering other opportunities to win services and treatments in the future.

In the mean time, take good care of your skin, and let us know when we can help.

Put Away the Magnifying Mirror

What did I just do? What many of you do much too often. I spent some time with my good ole 7X. Looking at things that no one, not even me, sees unless they come at me in the bright sun with a magnifying glass of their own. Looking at things that make me dissatisfied with my skin, skin that has not looked this good in 20 years. I don't know if I have the glow, but I know that my skin is clear and in good health other than being a bit dry. I use all of my Image products daily, without fail. Yet, when I get out that little magnifying mirror, I suddenly become more unhappy and critical toward my skin than I should be.


I know this is a pitfall that many women face. For one reason or another, usually failing eyesight, we take out that little vision aid and get to work. The problem is that we almost always dwell on "flaws" that we find while looking at ourselves this way. Flaws that no one can see. Flaws that even your esthetician does not see until she gets out the mag lamp. Flaws that she usually ignores to some degree, because she sees them on everyone and knows that they are not flaws that should be worried about. Instead, she uses the mag lamp to see a short, yet bristly hair that she needs to grab a hold of with the tweezers. Or to make sure that she has the right position on a clogged pore before extracting it.

I have seen so many women decide that their whole face is too hairy, their normal sized pores are too big and their skin is just plain awful- all because they believe what the 7X or 10X tells them. How would we all feel if we could take a look at our skin under a microscope? I hope not exponentially worse!

So, today, after a couple of minutes of picking my face and concerning myself with tiny imperfections, I flipped the mirror around to the standard side, realized I was only creating a bigger problem in the form of welts and red spots and put away the magnifying mirror. I suggest you do the same.

(Of course, there is a necessity for the magnification in some circumstances. If you need help seeing hair to tweeze or to put your eye makeup on, by all means, use it. all you may need is a good waxing now and then to keep hair growth under control. Just remember not to dwell on the less important tiny blemishes that you see or to spend more time than it takes to get those pesky stray hairs. You'll do yourself a favor and feel better about yourself for it. If you feel you do have a "flaw" that needs fixing, ask you esthetician what she thinks. She is trained and ready to offer advice to help you deal with whatever skin problems you may have found in that mirror. )

New Product Release: Ageless The MAX

A brand new product is hitting our shelves. Image Skincare Ageless The MAX is now available.


"The MAX™ opens a new dimension in skin care. This revolutionary serum delivers unsurpassed preventive measures against the aging effects on the skin.3 phase product: CPN™ Systems by Image, Correction Prevention Nutrition."


"This revolutionary day and night serum rejuvenates your skin in a new dimension. The multi-layered technology of nutripeptides work synergistically to plump your skin while stem cell technology in an exclusive complex support natural defense mechanisms and repair cell damage. Dramatically reduces the appearance of fine lines due to facial expressions, wrinkles and other signs of aging. The unparalleled high concentration of effective ingredients will give you the MAXimum benefit." -Image Skincare website description


The MAX contains a complex combination of peptides, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory ingredients, vitamins and hydrators. To be used on any skin type and any age, it serves as a preventative measure against aging and damage as well as minimizing damage that has been done by promoting collagen production, repair of damaged cells and relaxation of wrinkles due to facial expressions. The MAX is an easy addition to your skin care regimen. Your esthetician can help you determine whether this product is right for you. Let her know if you have any questions about this or any other of our anti-aging products.


You may read more here: http://www.imageskincare.com/ageless_the_max.html

Clear Up Ingrown Hairs

Image Skincare Clear Cell Salicylic Clarifying Pads


One of the best uses I have found for these handy little pads, aside from their intended use on facial acne, is on ingrown hairs. Many people, including me, find that their bikini line is spotted with inflamed bumps due to ingrown hairs. This can happen to those who shave or wax and is not limited to the bikini line. Ingrown hair can happen anywhere, it does not discriminate. Some men experience them on their legs from wearing pants all the time; some people have difficulty under their arms. Waxing can bring some relief as it creates a softer hair tip, but does not always remedy the problem. The salicylic/glycolic acid blend gently exfoliates while allantoin calms the skin. Tea Tree Oil is an antimicrobial that helps ward off the bacteria that cause inflammation.


A couple of months ago, after the product was released, I decided to give them a try. since I am not having a current acne problem, I decided to try them somewhere else. What great results! My inflammation and redness diminished very quickly. Next to go were the ingrown hairs. Not to say that I don't still get a few, but they have become much less of a nuisance.

The Clear Cell Salicylic Clarifying Tonic can achieve similar results. It comes in a tube, so it is not as handy as the pads are. I love to be able to open the jar, grab a pad and swipe. These two products are also great for body acne. Any place those pesky bumps show up, a swipe will do a great amount of good.


How to use: After a shower, remove a pad from the jar and swipe over the affected area. If using the tonic, apply it to a cotton pad and swipe. Easy as that!

Spring Waxing Special

Spring is in the air, the grass and flowers are growing, and so is our body hair. It the time of year when we remember that the hair on our legs, bikini line, underarms or any place else, for that matter, need not be neglected any longer. Waxing is a great alternative to shaving or other dipilatories. It is the longest lasting temporary hair removal method. Waxing shows it’s best results after several treatments. We want you to see the full benefits of waxing by receiving a great discount on a series of waxing appoinments. There's a body part that you have been considering waxing as your new method of hair removal. This is the time to try it. Call your esthetician to schedule your appointment today. Please ta the time to call or talk to your esthetician next time you are in if you have any questions about waxing. Waxing services offered at Skin Essentials:
Brow
Lip
Chin
Cheeks
Full Face
Underarms
Arms
Chest
Back
Bikini
Regular, Brazilian and anything in between
Legs
Full or Half
Feet and Toes
(included with full or lower leg wax)
Anything else you may want waxed, we can make it happen.

*Waxing service must be new to the client. May not be waxing service currently received by the client. May be any waxing service for clients new to Skin Essentials. Package must be purchased at the first service appointment. The three appointments must be 2 - 4 weeks apart. Offered through May 30, 2010

Lighten Those Brown Spots

So, the sun has left it's fingerprint on your face. The brown spots on our faces are indicators that there was plenty of time, not just in our cars, that we did not realize that we needed to protect ourselves. The good news is that are are some remedies for brown spots, as well some measures we can take to avoid future signs of damage.

Tyrosinase is an enzyme in the skin that catalyzes the production of melanin in the skin when the DNA in the skin is damaged. This is triggered by UV radiation from the sun as the body's way of protecting itself. When the danger to to the skin is gone, the cells called melanocytes, retract the melanin back into themselves. This is how a tan fades. Over time, these melanocytes become damaged and tired. They are no longer able to distribute the melanin evenly. The melanin then gets stuck in the skin in the form of a brown spot.

There are many ingredients that can aid in reducing brown spots. Here are some of the most effective ingredients as well as the products that we recommend to help make your skin glow.

Rumex- Derived from the plant Western Dock, this botanical is a tyrosinase inhibitor. This means it blocks the action of the enzyme that produce melanin. Studies have shown that when Rumex is combined with Kojic Acid and Arbutin, as in IMAGE Ageless Total Skin Lightening Serum, it's effectiveness is greatly increased.

Mulberry, Kojic Acid, Bearberry, Licorice- Botanical skin lighteners

Arbutin- Derived from the bearberry plant, a tyrosinase inhibitor

Hydroquinone- A skin "bleaching" ingredient. This is the only ingredient proven to "bleach" the skin. As well as decreasing the production of melanin, hydroquinone increases the breakdown of current melanin in in the skin. It will not, however, cause unwanted white spots. Hydroquinone is most effective when used in conjunction with glycolic acid. It is also imperative to use sunscreen during use. It is recommended that hydoquinone be used for 3 months at a time, with a 3 month break between sessions. It is available in either 2% or 4% formulations. The 2% formulations are available over the counter 4% formulations are available by prescription or through your dermatologist.

These ingredients can be found in many commercial products. Image Skin Care provides two options for skin lightening. Ageless Skin Lightening Serum and Ageless Skin Bleaching Serum provide the right combinations of ingredients to combat unwanted brown spots. The Lightening Serum is a must for anyone wanting to prevent brown spots as well as those suffering from redness associated with inflammation and rosacea. The Bleaching Serum can provide the extra boost to those who have already begun to see an increase in brown spots. Used in conjunction with the proper skin care regimen, they can be even more effective than on their own.

When shopping for lightening products keep the above mentioned ingredients in mind. Many product claim to brighten and lighten, but may do so with light reflecting ingredients or some other cosmetic ingredient. This may not be bad, but it will not address the problem on a cellular level. Better yet, make it easy on yourself, and ask your esthetician what she recommends next time you are in.

http://www.imageskincare.com/ageless_total_skin_lightening_serum.html

http://www.imageskincare.com/ageless_total_skin_bleaching_serum.html

Free Facial Contest Deadline Extended

The new deadline to enter for your chance to win FREE, full length facial by subscribing to our blog is May 30.

Please view the details for contest here:
http://skin-essentials-lincoln.blogspot.com/2010/03/subscribe.html

Good Luck!

Subscribe!

We have made the switch to the blog world and would like to make it official. Stay updated on the latest specials and skin care information. Receive updates from the Skin Essentials Blog via email. Each time a new post is published, you will be notified in your inbox. This will replace the direct emails that used to be sent from skin.essentials at hotmail .dot .com.

On April 30, one lucky reader, who has signed up for email updates, will be randomly chosen to receive a free facial (a $70 value). To enter, sign up to receive our blog updates via email in the box on the right side of the screen.

Refer a friend, who is not a current client to sign up, and receive $10 off your next service. Simply leave a comment to this post with your name and the name of the friend you referred.
(first names are sufficient)

The Best Alternative Tan

Let's face it. Though having any amount of tan from the sun or a tanning light bed is far from healthy, the look of sunkissed skin has it's allure. Many women feel best putting on those shorts or that swim suit when they have a little color on their body. For that person, spray tanning is the best and only safe option. There are tanning spray booths widely available at tanning salons. This can be a good option, but sometimes leads to less than optimal results. The best results come from airbrush tanning, which is done by a technician with a hand held sprayer. She is able to be precise and give a flawless application.

Glamorous Tan is a local company that specializes in this service. Below is an introducton to the company by my friend and client, Jessica.

"Glamorous Tan is an innovative tanning experience that exclusively specializes in the art and science of a natural looking flawless airbrush tan without harmful UV rays. Airbrush tanning is a safe alternative to sun tanning and the best way to acquire a beautiful tan without harmful affects of the sun. To achieve a natural golden bronze tan, a solution called DihydroxyAcetone or DHA is applied to the skin. DHA (a derivative from sugar cane) is a safe and effective chemical approved by the FDA for cosmetic use. The DHA causes a reaction with the amino acids on the outermost layer of the skin, causing the color of the skin to change, producing a tan.
Glamorous Tan offers a mobile service that conveniently comes to you in the comfort of your own home or business. We offer state-of-the-art HVLP equipment and world-class, paraben free, sunless tanning solutions that use all natural products with essential oils and healing ingredients. Our technicians are professionally trained, certified, and insured. Our method is superior to automated spray booths such as Mystic. We have a trained technician customize the color and application to meet your personal needs with a high quality odorless and alcohol free solution leaving you with a long lasting glow."

Glamorous Tan has kindly offered $15 off your first tan with them. Just mention this article from the Skin Essentials blog when you make your appointment. What a great option to get that glow in the comfort of your own home. They are also available for parties and offer great package deals.

Contact Jessica or Elena at 916.532.0307

For more information, visit their website: http://www.glamoroustan.com/www.GlamorousTan.com/Home.html

Sunscreen Know-How

Are you applying your sunscreen in a way that makes it effective? Many people are wearing sunscreen daily, but are not gaining the full benefits of the product. Read on and make sure you are protecting your skin adequately.

1. The sunscreen you choose is very important. There are many "sunscreens" on the market that only provide part of what makes a good sunscreen. Most of the ingredients in sunscreens at the drugstore and department store have what is called a chemical sunscreen. A chemical sunscreen is absorbed into the skin where it absorbs the penetrating rays. Not all chemical sunscreens are bad, there have been many advances in chemical sunscreen formulations. However, there should be a physical sunblock included in the formulation to provide optimal protection. Physical sunblock does not absorb into the skin. It creates a barrier on top of the skin and reflects the rays off of your skin. This is considered to be a much better protection. There are 2 physical sunblock ingredients: Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide. Any other ingredient on the active ingredients list is considered a chemical sunblock. A good sunscreen can include both physical and chemical sunscreens or just physical sunblock. A sunscreen that contains only chemical sunscreen should be considered inferior, regardless of the Sun Protection Factor (SPF). The higher the percentage of physical block listed, the better.

2. Sunscreen should be applied at least 30 prior to sun exposure. Apply your sunscreen every morning as a part of your daily routine. It should be the last skin care product applied before any makeup is applied. An SPF included in makeup should not be considered inadequate unless it contains a good percentage of a physical sunblock ingredient.

3. Apply it to your neck as well as your face.

4. Apply liberally and thoroughly. When applying, make a routine of doing a facial massage to ensure you are taking your time and getting the product dispersed evenly. Sunscreen should be applied so that it covers the area before it all soaks in. Rule of thumb is 1/4 of a teaspoon. Think of this as a dime size amount for the face and neck. If you are struggling to get it to spread to the edges of your face, you can know it is not doing it's job. If you only purchase your sunscreen once or twice a year, you are not applying an effective amount. A 4 ounce tube should last 3-4 months.

5. Be vigilant. Sunscreen does not last all day. A physical block lasts longer than chemical ingredients, however. Chemical ingredients are eventually broken down by the sun and environmental pollutants they are in place to protect you from. Reapply every hour or two, especially if you are spending the day outdoors.

6. Boost the effectiveness of your sunscreen. Studies have shown that antioxidants applied topically, as well as taken internally, boost the effectiveness and, in some instances the SPF rating, of sunscreen. This should not be taken to mean that your SPF 15 is a 30, if you apply an antioxidant with it. However, any help you can give your skin in fighting the damage of free radicals should be considered beneficial.

7. Enjoy the sun. The sun provides us with beauty, warmth and energy. Make sure to get outdoors a bit every day to enjoy it. Just make sure you are protected.

To learn more about the sunscreens available at Skin Essentials, including their ingredients, click here:http://www.imageskincare.com/sun_.html

Referrals

We would love to provide the same great service to your friends and family. Please let them know about us. Then, when they come in to see us, make sure they tell us you sent them.

As always, feel free to forward a link to our blog to anyone you think may be interested.

Please view our complete referral offer here:

http://skin-essentials-lincoln.blogspot.com/p/referrals.html

We look forward to seeing you and them!

Sun Protection Imperative

As the weather gets warmer, we naturally want to go outside and enjoy the sun. This is a healthy activity for many reasons. It increases our activity level, we breathe the fresh air. the sun brightens our spirits and lightens our mood. It can also cause damage to our skin, if we do not protect ourselves. An SPF is imperative. Even when we plan to spend most of our day inside, the sun exposure we receive while driving our cars or taking a walk on our break at work is enough to warrant sunscreen. Applying an SPF of atleast 15, SPF 30 is even better, should be a part of every adult and child's morning routine. Did you know that most of the sun damage that causes aging, skin cancer and wrinkles happens before the age of 18? It might take years before it shows up, but much damage is being done during the younger years.

This is, of course, no excuse to slack off after 18. Isn't every ounce of prevention worth the effort, when you are looking at a future of fighting brown spots, wrinkles and possibly skin cancer? Incidental exposure to the sun will cause plenty of the unwanted signs of aging, there is no excuse to help it along by neglecting to protect yourself. No matter your age, put on your sunscreen.

It should not even need to be mentioned that tanning in an artificial tanning bed should be off limits. Much better options are available, if you just can not get the idea out of your head that tan looks healthier.

IMAGE Skincare has five options in sun protection for the face, as well as a hand creme with SPF:

Solar Defense Oil Free SPF15
Solar Defense Oil FreeSPF30
Solar Defense Creme SPF30
Solar Defense Organic SPF30 (this one is great for babies!)
Tinted Solar Defense Organic SPF30
Solar Defense Hand Creme SPF15

Talk to your Esthetician to find out which sunscreen is right for you.

New Blog

Intruducing our newest member of the team: The Skin Essentials Blog!

Similar to the monthly newsletters from a year ago, this will be our way of keeping you informed of all that is happening at Skin Essentials fom specials and promotions to new products and services. We will also be providing articles and information through the blog in hopes that you will become even more informed about the importance of skin care than you already are. The skin care industry is making huge advances, and IMAGE Skincare is always working to be sure their products are full of the best proven ingredients. This will be one of the ways we can help you decipher what is best for your skin. There is a lot of false information and promises out there. We hope to make you a more informed shopper when it comes to skin care and beauty.

Please join us, and feel free to look around!

As always, we look forward to seeing you in person, and providing the essentials for you to feel pampered, beautiful and well.

Warmly,
Amber, Jackie and Lillian