Know Your Source, Know Your Stuff

While the advent of the Internet offers an abundance of resources on every topic imaginable, the “information highway” can be overwhelming at times.  How is one to know if the article or “news-item” you are reading has a source of authority, or is just part of a marketing campaign of some kind?  I cannot tell you how many times I am having a conversation with a client that this topic arises. Primarily, I think, because consumers are confused by conflicting information coming from advertising on television, radio, magazines, and internet media.

Take skin care ingredients, for example. Much of what we “hear” about focuses on anti-aging products. In fact, there are more than 300 scientific theories about why skin ages. Almost all skin care resources are abounding with explanations about how free radicals are bad for the skin because they accelerate aging, and how the sun increases aging because it’s the main source of free radicals. So, while skin care ingredients are certainly an important and beneficial part of a daily health regimen, products are not all clinically the same in terms of effectiveness.  And while the sun does age our skin if prevention isn’t in place, every physician (dermatologists and otherwise) will tell you that a little bit every day is necessary to avoid vitamin d deficiency. Vitamin d supports not only our bone mineralization, but affects the neuromuscular system and inflammation in our bodies.  Inflammation is another major source of free radicals. Because of this, reducing inflammation will decelerate aging.  Inflammation can be reduced by incorporating anti-inflammatory ingredients in your skin care routine.  The addition of topical vitamins and antioxidants help your skin fight the battle against free radicals. 

All of the above information is supported by various skin care physicians and educators with a minimum of a Ph.D degree.  But why believe me? Conduct your own evaluation on topical ingredients, such as vitamins a, c, and e, and antioxidants, such as licorice or bearberry extracts, by going to www.googlescholar.com. Then, find a knowledgeable skin care professional in your area who can give you a complimentary skin analysis and talk to you about products customized just for your skin.

By Valerie Connelly, California State Licensed Esthetician

Article sources: Dr. Peter Pugliese (www.drpugliese.com), Skin Science (www.skininc.com)

Dare I say it? Somebody has to!

That’s right…  HOLIDAYS are upon us.  If you’re normal you can feel the madness of the Holiday rush creeping up.  The time has come for parties and gifts.  Small things become big dilemmas while some of us procrastinate and realize that we are nowhere near ready for our many events.

               What to do? Make Salon b your destination for beautifying yourself in preparation for events and while you’re here why not pick up a gift for a friend or co-worker?  Let us help you use your time wisely.  Scratching 2 things off your list during the busiest time of the year in one stop is a must. 

Plus with the purchase of a pre-wrapped gift set or a custom set, you will receive a $20 card towards your next visit.

               Plus the recipient will receive a $20 gift.

               Plus the gift is wrapped for you.

               All things considered, this is Holiday season Salon b is your one-stop-shop.  What better way to escape the holiday madness than with a visit to your favorite salon?  Who doesn't enjoy a bit of BOG3?

Gift sets coming in October.

"Thick Headed"

Ever heard of or used the term "thick headed"?  We use a version of this in the salon all the time and not just in reference to stubbornness.  Believe it ladies, after reading this it will be okay to tell the Mr. that his "head" is in fact thick. 

Mens' scalp is 3x thicker than a woman's. This very thick scalp is a major contribution to balding, itching and even certain aromas.   Because of the thickness of a mans scalp, it tends to create much more sebum (oil) which then becomes build up. This build up begins to smother the hair follicle and eventually causes irreparable damage. Once the follicle is damaged, there is no bringing it back. Bye bye hair.  This is exactly why the professionals at Salon b recommend the Purifying Scalp Treatment or Scalp Detox for all men.  I don't know about you, but I sure do like the idea of my husband maintaining his hairline. 
This scalp treatment is the latest from Aveda and can be beneficial for men and women who are experiencing build up on the scalp, itching scalp and dandruff.  This treatment will remove build up while gently exfoliating and stimulating cellular renewal, not to mention it feels amazing.  So, the moral of the story is... If you can't help being thick headed, you can at least help by making your scalp more comfortable.  Get this treatment at Salon b after September 8th.

How to...Glow

Trending Now…Tourmaline
If you’re looking for a non-invasive way to improve your skin texture without feeling “blasted”, try tourmaline. This skin-care ingredient (actually a mineral based semi-precious stone that has been pulverized), when used in conjunction with steam and facial massage, increases nutrient absorption, resulting in more radiant and vibrant skin. In particular, it allows for “whatever goes on next”—generally a mask in a professional facial—to penetrate and produce significant results. If you want get rid of your dull winter skin, book a Botanical Skin Resurfacing facial with me and get your glow on!  Get our iPhone or Android mobile application for huge savings on this facial.

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/salon-b/id375677075?mt=8

Seeing Red

When clients first start coming to me for facial treatments, a predominant complaint of a lot of people is redness.   Whether you have Rosacea or just “sensitized” skin, there are products available to help soothe, calm, and tone down redness.  Our All-Sensitive facial utilizes botanical and clinical ingredients that have anti-inflammatory and anti-redness properties. You will leave with your skin refreshed. What a relief!