Our Favorite Nightcaps

This past week has been a particularly busy one around Surface Esthetics. A couple of us from the spa, including myself, took a trip up to LA to take a few Yonka training courses! We had a great time refreshing our skills and learning some new tricks. We all know that you are supposed to layer your skin care products in a certain order for maximum efficacy, but throughout the course our instructor kept suggesting mixing certain products together for beautiful results... What!?! Lets be clear, this does NOT mean that you can mix your moisturizer, serum, and retinol together and call it a night. Think more along the lines of adding a boost to your product. This is done by mixing a few drops of an appropriate Yonka serum with your night time cream. Depending on what you use it will add more hydration or extra calming effects. We like the term product "cocktail". After an 8 hour class, our product cocktail inspiration was flowing and we could wait to get back to our hotel and try some out for ourselves, but first we had to stop for a REAL cocktail!

Its Flu Season...

Hey everyone! I want to start by apologizing for a lack of posts this week, I was out of commission due to something we all have to deal with... a cold. Yes, its that time of year again, the temperature starts to drop... you start dreaming of holidays gifts (and parties!) and then WHAM! You're hit with something that knocks you out for 3 days. And while all you want to do is lay in bed, we have a few tricks that will make your recovery process a little more relaxing, even if you cant breath out of your nose.

1. If you are feeling a bit crumby while reading this next sentence you may think I am crazy, but trust me on this one. Get up and go take a shower. Or even better, a hot bath! The hot water is going to soothe your aching body and the steam is going to, if only momentarily, relieve congestion. 
2. Wash you face. Don't skimp on skin care even if you are feeling down. You can even have a little fun with it! I like doing a super moisturizing face mask, as my skin tends to get very dry while I'm sick. Its a little bit of luxury that might not make your immune system feel better, but I promise YOU will feel better. Its the little things. Try Yonkas Mask 1.
3.  BUY A HUMIDIFIER! I don't know why I have waited so long to purchase one, but I am so thankful that I finally did. While teetering on my death bed (actually my couch, but who doesn't add a bit of dramatic flare when under the weather?) with my mouth wide open, unable to breathe through my nose, I decided to bite the bullet. I drug my sick self down to target at 8 o'clock and purchased one for less than $20. What these bad boys do is add moisture to the air, it will help with stuffy noses and dry coughs. It was super easy to set up, all you do is fill the basin with water.
4. Don't forget your lip balm. All that mouth breathing can cause some seriously cracked lips.

DIY Skin Care

DIY skin care is hard to avoid. Assuming you are all as avid pinners as I am, you are constantly seeing crazy remedies from peoples pantries. But who's to say what really works and most importantly, whats really SAFE for your skin? Some things will work if you are truly in a pinch but nothing truly replaces a skin care regimen prescribed by your trusted esthetician.

Apple Cider vinegar has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties which can help preventing acne. It is a good source of alpha hydroxy acids, it will help to remove built up dead skin cells by exfoliating. Apple cider vinegar is potent stuff, so be wary if you have sensitive skin. Apply it with a cotton pad, as you would a toner. Let it sit for a few minutes, then apply a soothing moisturizer. We like Yonka's Hydra 1 Cream, since they are a natural line made with essential oils. 

Avocados are abundant here in San Diego, and I'm willing to bet you have a few sitting on your kitchen counter right now! So, cut it open and smear it on your face. Why? Avocados are a great source for omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A, D and E. Using a mashed avocado as a quick DIY mask can provide your skin with a ton of moisture. Cold pressed avocado oil is another (less messy) way to get these same benefits. It can help sooth irritated skin in a pinch. 

Oatmeal is great for not only your face, but your entire body! Oatmeal can help normalize your skins pH levels, pouring a cup into a warm bath can help sooth dry, itchy skin. For your face, you can whip together a little oatmeal, coconut oil and brown sugar for a DIY natural exfoliating scrub.

Get the Man in Your Life to Wash Their Face!

"How do I get my son/husband/boyfriend to prioritize skin care?" This seems to be a question with many situational answers.  Men have about 25% thicker skin than us ladies. Is thick headedness the be all and end all answer? In most cases it is unfortunately is not. Men also have skin with a rougher texture. So when men try to (not so slyly) use our products, it may not be enough for their skin. In our experience men are able to commit to the basics, cleanser, exfoliation, and moisturizer. We can do everything up to coming to your house and forcing the men if your life to wash their faces. Here are our tips for encouraging guys to take care of their skin.

 

Is your man forgetful? Put his cleanser in the shower. Making it easy for him to wash his face along with the rest of his body!

Men like to scrub their skin. A cleanser with micro-beads is going to slough off dead cells and remove dirt and oil, all while giving them a scrubbing sensory experience. 

Sometimes it takes a little push. Buy your guy a few products as a gift! Don't worry about him being insulted, guys like things that are specially made for them. Make sure to encourage them to use products properly for maximum benefits. Guys are vain too! 
  

• Dermalogica Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash - $19.00 
• Dermalogica Oil Clearing Matte Moisturizer SPF 15 - $24.00 
• SkinCeuticals Simply Clean - $34.00 
• Dermalogica Daily Defense SPF 15 - $36.00
• SkinCeuticals Micro Exfoliating Scrub - $30.00
• PCA Rebalance - Not available online, pick it up at Surface Esthetics

Are you Exfoliating?

Exfoliation is a major part of our facials at Surface Esthetics, whether its microdermabrasion, dermaplaning, or a chemical peel. We are working to remove your oldest, outer most skin cells. This will reveal your newest, most fresh skin underneath. Exfoliation will allow products to penetrate deeper, benefiting you in a number of ways. Your skin renews itself approximately every 30 days. Exfoliation will remove dirt and oil that accumulate on the skin over time, helping to prevent acne. It can also help even your skins overall tone. You can exfoliate your skin using mechanical methods, meaning you are physically scrubbing the skin with an abrasive (i.e. a wash cloth, facial scrub, or microdermabrasion). We include diamond-tip microderm in all of our treatments at Surface Esthetics as we believe it is essential in assisting with removing dead skin cells. The machine can be adjusted according to your skin type and condition, so those with sensitive skin need not worry! Chemical exfoliation is using acids or enzymes to loosen and remove the top layers of skin. You can find alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, and enzymes in over the counter professional products. The most obvious chemical exfoliating treatment is a chemical peel. The treatments mentioned are just the tip of the exfoliation ice burg. (Or should we say, tip of microderm wand?) There are a bevy of ways to exfoliate using both mechanical and chemical methods.

 

• SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense
• Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
• Yonka Alpha-Complex

Covering Imperfections for a Flawless Complexion

Last week we talked about choosing the right eye cream for your age, this left a lot of our readers saying, "Okay... Preventative and reparative creams are great and all, but I need my dark circles gone NOW!" Ladies, we understand. Covering under eye circles, blemishes and unsightly dark marks can be difficult. We want to show you that if you take just a few moments each morning, a little concealer can make a huge difference. Which is why we are compiling our personal tricks to help you achieve that perfect "no makeup" look.



Bobbi Brown - Face Touch Up Stick: Is great for covering any unwanted redness or dark marks. Thick, yet buildable, this creamy concealer stick will work for normal and combo skin types. You can apply it with your finger, a brush, or even directly to skin. So keep this bad boy in your purse for any touch ups you may need throughout the day. Note: This product is not dual purpose and is not intended for under eye use. (But if you try and it works, your secret is safe with us!)

Bobbi Brown - Creamy Concealer Kit: Amazing under eye concealer and powder duo! Make sure to always use an eye cream before applying this to avoid any dry or "cakiness". Set with the included powder and voilà! A long wear product that will instantly rid you of those pesky dark circles. 
Apply with your finger or a brush. However we prefer to use our fingers since it will help to warm the product and allow for a seamless application.

Josie Maran - Argan Creamy Concealer Crayon: A crayon concealer stick, its twist up and self sharpening. For those of us who prefer a one stop shop, this bad boy can be used to cover uneven skin tone as well as under eye circles! Formulated without parabens, synthetics fragrances, or irritating chemicals makes this perfect for anyone with skin sensitivities. Apply directly to skin and blend using your finger or a brush.

Pro Tip: Always chose a concealer that is a shade or two lighter than your natural skin tone. This will ensure brightness under your eyes and any blemishes will be fully covered.

Blending out concealer is something a lot of women have trouble with. Over blending wipes the product off completely, leaving those unsightly marks as visable as ever. Not blending the product enough will leave you with light spots all over your face, which is what you're trying to avoid in the first place! So, for blending we suggest two methods, the finger or the brush.

1. Using your finger to blend: The index or middle finger work easiest for us, but do whatever feels most comfortable to you. Use a "press and roll" technique, on the outer edge of your concealer, light press into your skin and roll your finger to the left or right (whichever direction is AWAY from the blemish or under eye). Continue this until your product is completely blended and there are no visible lines. 
2. Using a brush to blend: A concealer brush will work best, for obvious reasons. (See here for an example) Using light strokes, blend the edges of your concealer outward until there are no visible lines.

Eye Creams for Every Age

Eye cream is a product that's pretty easy to get addicted to. Creamy, moisturizing goodness will surround your delicate eye area. Leaving your eyes feeling as though they've just had a tall glass of water. Its never to early to start incorporating an eye cream into your skin care regimen. Creams are formulated with all sorts of different benefits, NOW is the time to start battling those dark under eyes and fine lines. 

Twenties:

• Eye Cream: Light and creamy, this firming eye cream will help combat the early signs of aging. Pro Tip: Leave your Eye Cream in the fridge over night, applying it cold will help to combat difficult dark circles and puffiness.  

• Phyto-Contour: Formulated with rosemary extract to help visibly reduce puffiness and dark circles. Beech bud peptides will help in reconstruct and smooth the delicate eye area. This product was developed for an immigrant anti-fatigue effect. Be sure to keep your eyes closed when applying this product, in order to give the rosemary fragrance to dissipate and prevent tearing.   

Thirties:

• EyeXcellence:Formulated with peptides, this product will help smooth fine lines, brighten dark circles, and calm puffiness. Licorice root extract helps to promote even skin tone.

Licorice Root ExtractLicorice

Licorice Root Extract

Licorice Root Extract

• Ideal Complex- Restorative Eye Cream: This is a new product from PCA that comes in both gel and cream which allows for selection based on texture preference. Featuring the Restorative Cream for those in their 30's. Hypoallergenic formula with high quality ingredients for fast results, without irritation! The cream formula of Ideal Complex features optical diffusers that instantly brighten the under eye area. 

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Forties:

• A.G.E. Eye Complex: A rich emollient texture, this 3-in-1 eye cream will help to dramatically reduce the appearance of dark circles, crows feet, and puffiness caused by aging. Optical diffusers will improve radiance in the under eye area. Proxylane and blueberry extract will reduce existing wrinkles and crows feet and prevent them in the future. 

• Multivitamin Power Firm: Creamy, silicone based texture allows for a smooth application. Silicone acts as a barrier to help to protect skin against the environment. Vitamins A, C, and E help to improve skins elasticity and protect against pesky free radicals. Seaweed extract will help to improve the appearance of fine lines. Formulated without artificial fragrances and colors, making this a great option for anyone with particularly sensitive skin. 

• Ideal Complex- Revitalizing eye Gel: This is a new product from PCA that comes in both gel and cream which allows for selection based on texture preference. We are featuring the Revitalizing Gel for people in their 40's. This product has a light silky texture that can be applied to the entire eye area, including the eyelid! Hypoallergenic formula will work well for sensitive skin. Using reintopeptides, you will experience the benefits of a retinol without the negative side effects sometimes experienced. This product will help to lift the eyelid, reduce crows feet and fine lines, and improve sagging skin.

Fifties:

• Eye Balm: A combination of highly effective, yet gentle phytochemicals help to rehabilitate mature skin around the eye area. Specifically formulated to battle the 3 major signs of aging, moisture loss, laxity, and free radical damage. Eye Balm is going to work well for people with dry, sensitive skin around the eye. 

EyeXcellence

EyeXcellence

EyeXcellence

EyeXcellence

EyeXcellence 

 

EyeXcellence

EyeXcellenc

BLINK GIVEAWAY

We are celebrating the launch of Surface Secrets with a fabu-lash giveaway! A gift certificate, valued at $149, for a Bashful set of eyelash extensions from Blink Lash Boutique! 

Our winner will be chosen at random on October 10th.

"At Blink Lash Boutique we believe that everyone deserves the most customized look for their own beautiful eyes! This is why we offer different levels for you to choose from. You are unique and one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to Eyelash Extensions. Because of this each set will look different on you than on anyone else. Not sure which set is right for you?  We will be happy to set up a free consultation for you, so you and your lash stylist can discuss your desired look and feel, and what will work best for you! "

Antioxidant Science Explained

If you've ever visited our Spa, then you know we have a borderline crazy obsession with antioxidant serums. That's because, (Spoiler Alert!) they give you crazy good results!
One of the most popular lines we carry at Surface Esthetics is SkinCeuticals, due to their amazing antioxidant products. With a product range including everything from gentle cleansers and sunscreens, to retinols and corrective creams. It is a line that has it all, and best of all it's all backed by science!

What is an antioxidant and why do I need it?
Most of us are aware of the health benefits associated with eating foods rich in antioxidants. What most people do not realize is that antioxidants can be used topically on your skin as well! Using antioxidants in this way has been proven to help tremendously in reducing damaging free radicals caused by UV rays, infrared radiation, and pollution (Uh, hello San Diego!). Free radicals are small, unstable molecules created in an oxygen environment.  When free radicals are generated, oxidation occurs. Photo damage and accelerated skin aging are the result of oxidation. SkinCeuticals antioxidants neutralize these unstable molecules before they can damage your skin cells.

C E Ferulic: Combination antioxidant treatment containing 15% L-ascorbic acid, 1% alpha tocopherol, and 0.5% ferulic acid. This powerful antioxidant serum is going to work perfectly for dry, mature skin. The cocktail of antioxidants is going to help protect against damaging UV rays to help prevent signs of aging. (AKA it makes your sunscreen work even BETTER!)

• 15% L-ascorbic acid: Neutralizes damaging free radicals and protects skin’s breakdown from oxidative stress.

• 1% alpha tocopherol (vitamin E): Neutralizes free radicals and replenishes skin’s lipids.

• 0.5% ferulic acid: This plant-based antioxidant neutralizes free radicals, helps inhibit UV-induced skin discolorations, and has anti-inflammatory properties. 

Phloretin CF: Broad-range antioxidant treatment combining 2% phloretin, 10% L-ascorbic acid, and 0.5% ferulic acid. Phloretin is going to help fight against reactive molecules (including free radicals) that are known to cause cellular damage. While providing you with all the benefits from a topical antioxidant serum this guy packs a 1-2 punch! Diminishing the appearance of hyperpigmentation, it helps increase cell turnover to smooth your skins texture. Phloretin is going to work wonders on oily, acne skin. 

• 2% phloretin: Neutralizes free radicals, accelerates cell turnover, and reduces the production of unwanted pigment. 
• 10% L-ascorbic acid: Neutralizes damaging free radicals and protects skin’s breakdown from oxidative stress.
• 0.5% ferulic acid: This plant-based antioxidant neutralizes free radicals, helps inhibits UV-induced skin discolorations, and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Your Best Brow

Eyebrows are arguably the most important feature on your face. For anyone blessed with naturally thick, dark and beautiful brows proper grooming is extremely important. A wise person once said, "Friends don't let friends get waxed at nail salons". As far as we are concerned, truer words have never been spoken.
So, what if you haven't been blessed with cooperative brows? Don't worry! We've put together this step-by-step guide and product recommendations that will help you tame even the lightest, most sparse eyebrow.

Use a makeup brush or pencil to guide you. It can be helpful to make small dots with your powder or pencil to show where your eyebrow begins, ends and its highest point. These marks can easily be blended in later.

1. Place your brush so that you are connecting your nostril to the inner corner of you natural brow, this should form an almost completely vertical line. This is where your brow will begin.
2. For your arch you can try two tricks. You can move your brush so that it forms a diagonal line from your nostril over the iris of your eye. If that doesn't work for you, try taking the brush and forming a vertical line from the outer edge of your iris upwards. Either trick will help you find the highest point for your brows arch.
3. Rotate your brush to a 45 degree angle, the brush should form a line from your nostril to the outer corner of your eye, this is ideally where your brow should end.

Everyone has different eyebrows, use our tips as guideline and not a strict set of rules. To fill in your eyebrow, we suggest following the natural shape and width of your brow. Lightly take your product along the bottom of your eyebrow to "connect the dots" and blend upwards.  Remember to always use small flicking motions with your brush or pencil, this trick will help create the look of small hairs.

PRO TIP: When filling in eyebrows start in the center, where brows are naturally thickest, working outwards down the tail and towards the beginning on the eyebrow. This will help create a gradient effect and more natural looking eyebrow.

5 Foundations We Love (and use!)

Our mission at Surface Esthetics is to create beautiful skin that does not require any makeup. However, sometimes even the best of us need a little coverage. Sephora and make up counters can be intimidating, and choosing the right foundation is not an easy task. We recommend asking a makeup artist for an application before making a purchase this will help you with a number of things. Most importantly making sure you chose the correct color. Some foundations will oxidize after being applied, leaving you with an entirely different color than the perfect shade you thought you had chosen. Trying the foundation first will also allow you to feel the product on your skin, that way you can be sure it doesn't dry you out, or turn your face into an oil-slick (yuck!). 

1. Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation SPF 15: Long-wearing liquid foundation has weightless coverage and hydrating technology, allowing for an excellent amount of coverage without drying out your skin. It also features broad spectrum UV protection SPF 15. This foundation will work well for combination skin types.

2. Jane Iredale PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation: Pressed mineral powder will leave you with a sheer and semi-matte finish. Provides Broad Spectrum SPF 20 that is water resistant for up to 40 minutes.

3. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free SPF 20: Created to give skin a healthy ‘no-makeup’ look with a soft hint of color that helps evens skin tone. Oil-free and lightweight with broad spectrum SPF 20 UVB/UVA sunscreen provides your skin with the ideal amount of protection. Works great for all skin types, especially sensitive or oily skin.

4. SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50: This product isn't technically a foundation, we still LOVE it. Color-infused technology allows this sunscreen to provide a light coverage that will help boost skins natural radiance. 100% physical sunscreen provides water-resistant broad spectrum protection with transparent titanium dioxide and zinc oxide while remaining completely weightless. Perfect for all skin types. Can also be used under your foundation for extra coverage and sun protection!

5. Smashbox Halo Hydrating Perfecting Powder: Anti-aging powder with pure gold, 48 minerals, 11 amino acids, a powerful peptide and the patented hydration system leaves skin looking brighter and more radiant. This light coverage powder works well with all skin types.