What is a Paraffin Wax Treatment?

What is Paraffin Wax?

Paraffin wax is a softer wax because of the paraffin oil component. Because it is a soft wax, it melts at a lower than normal temperature. This means that the skin can be submerged in the wax without causing burning or blistering. Spa specialists melt blocks of paraffin wax in special vats. During paraffin wax treatments, beauticians have their clients dip their hands or feet into the melted wax one or more times to coat the skin in a generous layer. The hands or feet are then wrapped in plastic, or some other non-absorbent material and left to "soak" in the layer of wax for up to half an hour.

What is a Paraffin Wax Treatment?
Paraffin wax treatments are luxurious spa treatments that are intended to moisturize and soften the skin. Paraffin wax treatments are most often applied to the hands and feet as components of manicures and pedicures respectively. Paraffin wax is unlike more common spa wax that is used for hair removal on the face and body. That type of wax is much more viscous and bonds to the skin.

What happens during a Paraffin Wax Treatment?
Paraffin wax treatments are particular popular in the winter because they are warming and because they help moisturize dry and cracked skin. During paraffin wax treatments, the skin is bathed in warmth, which helps the pores to open and the skin to soften. Because the treatments are meant to be soothing, calming oils are often added to the wax in order to add a dimension of aromatherapy to the experience.

Once the skin has been allowed to soak in the wax and the layer has hardened, it can be pulled off in one solid piece. Because the wax is soft and contains oil, it does not become very stiff and does not adhere to the skin. Rather, after a paraffin wax treatment, the skin is left slick and soft.

Who should have a Paraffin Wax Treatment?
People who experience seasonal dry skin often find paraffin wax treatments to be helpful and relaxing preventative measures. Dry, cracked heels and knuckles can make cold weather unbearable. One or two moisturizing paraffin wax treatments can help a great deal during snowy months. If you are interested in purchasing paraffin wax treatments for yourself or as gifts, get in touch with the spas in your area to see if they are offered.

SUNSCREEN is the #1 way to fight aging, and skin cancer.

Experts say the best way to stay protected from the sun is to stay out of the sun during its hottest hours (generally 11am-3pm, or when it’s directly overhead), and to re-apply sunscreen every two hours. They will tell you to look for sunscreens with the ingredients of either Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Avobenzene (parsol 1789), or Mexoryl. Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide are physical blockers, while Avobenzene and Mexoryl and chemical blockers.

Q: What type of sunscreen should I use, and what ingredients should I look for?
A: There are so many types of sunscreen that selecting the right one can be quite confusing.
• Avobenzone (parsol 1789),
• Cinoxate
• Ecamsule
• Menthyl anthranilate
• Octyl methoxycinnamate
• Octyl salicylate
• Oxybenzone
• Sulisobenzone
• Titanium dioxide
• Zinc oxide           
BurnOut 18.6% Zinc Oxide Sunblock / SPF 32 for Sensitive Skin 
To get a bit technical, you want your sunscreen to protect you against UVA and UVB rays. UVA is what is responsible for aging your skin, giving you wrinkles, and skin cancer. UVB is what causes your skin to darken and burn. While all the information I read is a bit conflicting, here is a general idea of how the wavelengths of UVA and UVB breakdown:

UVB (burning) has a wavelength range (in nanometers) of:   
280-320
UVA (aging) has a wavelength range (in nanometers) of:      
320-400

To get the best sun protection, you want your sunscreen to contain ingredients that cover as wide a range as possible in the 280-400 spectrum. Here’s how a few of the best and most common sunscreen ingredients breakdown:

Zinc Oxide 290-380
Mexoryl 290-400
Avobenzene 340-375
Titanium Dioxide 290-340
Octinoxate and Octisalate 280-320
Oxybenzone 320-240

Now many sunscreens combine ingredients to cover a wider range of the spectrum. However, you can see that Zinc Oxide and Mexoryl cover the widest spectrum all by themselves, and they are photo-stable ingredients. This is extremely important, because it means your sunscreen won’t lose effectiveness an hour after you apply it like Avobenzene, for example, which is not photo-stable.  Neutrogena and some other companies use Helioplex, or other ingredients to make their Avobenzene more photostable. I haven’t experimented with these ingredients, but I doubt they are as photo-stable as Zinc Oxide or Mexoryl.
Many new sunscreen ingredients that are approved in Japan and Europe, such as Mexoryl XL, Tinosorb M, Tinosorb S, Uvinil T 150, Uvasorb HEB, and Parsol SLX, have not been approved by the FDA for use in new sunscreens in the United States.

Spring Cleaning For Your Skin - Clean, Vacuum, Refresh

Clean, Vacuum, Refresh

Most skin blemishes begin as clogged pores. If you can keep your pores clean and unclogged, you will have fewer breakouts and more radiant skin. To have clean pores, you must maintain a regular skin-care routine at home and with your skin-care professional.

Clean - Once a month - detox facial - This facial penetrates pores to dissolve impactions and blackheads, kill bacteria, reduce inflammation and remove excess cell debris to leave the skin hydrated, purified and clean and clear.


Vacuum - Do a microdermabrasion 　- Relaxing facial vacuum massage to tighten skin.　 Dramatically improve skin tone and texture in just one treatment.　 What happens is that professional micro dermabrasion peels off the outermost layer of skin, abrading the blackheads off (or at least the head of the plug). The suction then effectively pulls out the remaining dirt and hardened oil from the pores. It also stimulates collagen production which increases elasticity in the skin (healthy, elastic skin is essential for keeping your pores tight).

Refresh - Have a Retinol Treatment - This is a cream mask containing natural phytohormones which plump, hydrate and moisturize aging skin. The retinol (vitamin A) content helps increase cell turnover to keep skin looking fresh, while vitamin C strengthens the skin by helping to increase the skin’s collagen and elastin network.　

A regular skin care regimen and eating healthy can greatly enhance the beauty of your skin. The payoff is great with just a little care - Enjoy Spring and your skin in the new light!

 

3 Ingredients for Younger Skin

I was watching Dr. Oz the other day...

The three most concerning area's were

1. Crows Feet/Wrinkling.  Secret Ingredient:  PEPTIDES
PCA Skin Care ExLinea™ Peptide There are many different peptides on the market that perform different functions in the skin. The peptide in ExLinea™, acetyl hexapeptide-3, is specifically targeted for relaxing facial tension that can cause facial wrinkling while reducing the depth of existing lines. ExLinea™ also incorporates hyaluronic acid to increase the skin’s moisture binding ability.
PCA Skin Care eyeXcellence This triple-action eye cream reduces puffiness, dark circles and wrinkles around the eye area. Its combination of three peptides increases collagen production, capillary function and circulation to leave the eye area smooth, even and bright. Moisturizing properties leave skin healthy and hydrated.
PCA Skin Care peptide lip therapy This scientifically advanced formula helps plump lips while improving overall lip health and appearance. It enhances barrier protection to shield lips from damaging free radicals, helps rebuild the collagen matrix for increased strength and resiliency, and boosts moisture retention and accumulation for maximum hydration.

2. Age Spots.  Secret Ingredient: AZELAIC ACIDS
PCA SKIN CARE TCA PEELS
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels are often thought of as very aggressive and producing substantial discomfort. PCA Professional™ TCA peels are very different from the standard. Our TCA solutions are blends formulated with many ingredients including lactic acid, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), plumping phytohormones and kojic and azelaic acids to produce dramatic results without the discomfort and downtime associated with traditional TCA peels.

3. Scaly Dry Skin.  Secret Ingredient: ALPHA HYDROXY ACIDS (AHA)
PCA Skin Care Facial Wash
This refreshing, skin-friendly AHA and aloe gel cleanser gently and effectively removes makeup and environmental impurities while leaving the skin supple and pH balanced. It soothes skin and loosens impacted cells to smooth surface texture.
PCA Skin Care Nutrient Toner
This formulation of vitamins, amino acids, enzymes and alpha hydroxy acids helps refine pores, remove superficial dead skin cells and provide added nutrients. It is recommended for all skin types and conditions. Pumpkin is the source for many of the important ingredients.
PCA Peels Enhanced Jessner's Treatments
This peel is ideal for more sensitive skin types, ethnic skin and/or those allergic to hydroquinone. This treatment will help unclog pores, clear acne and rejuvenate the skin. With its blend of alpha and beta hydroxy acids and brighteners, it is also an excellent choice for maintaining even pigmentation and correcting pigment discolorations for those with hydroquinone sensitivities.

Ask your skin care professional to create a customized treatment plan that will address your personal skin care needs.