A Vibrant skin looks more healthier and younger. A glow to the skin signifies good health and care.  This skin vibrancy can definitely be created through ongoing skin maintenance and healthy eating habits. For skin of color we need 30 minutes to 1 hour daily of sunshine for health benefits.  The darker the skin, the more sunlight is needed.  It is indeed a fact that too much sun exposure increases photo aging.  Few ways to counter this are the application of topical solutions of at least 15% vitamin C on the skin and the other are the constant usage of sunscreens.  There are millions of products on the market and sometimes it can get confusing on what to buy.  Some things to look out for when deciding to purchase are:

·        The expiration date or shelf life of a product. Freshly made products tend to deliver better and more positive results.  Over the counter products generally

have  longer shelf life with little or no efficacy from the ingredients in them. 

• Another deciding factor when buying skin care products are the naturalness of

the product. What is your lifestyle?  If you tend to be holistic, more than likely you want natural based products. My rule of thumb is that product ingredients should be at least 80 percent natural.  If there are too many synthetic ingredients in the product then the toxicity level of that product to the skin may increase and greater chances of allergies can come about. Carcinogenic factors are also more eminent. Fragrances and artificial dyes are also common allergens in skin care products that affect people. Still, whether or not you use whatever products you choose to use, there are products out there that will benefit your skin and may even kill or neutralize free radicals that damage the skin.  Keep in mind free radicals occurs from toxins that enter into the skin which kill the healthy cells and in turn increase the aging process.  It is important to look for products that will disable those damages.  Products that are laden with potent vitamin A, C, or E are very good choices and when chirally correct will create a big difference on the skin. 

·        A third factor in bringing that product into your home is your product knowledge. The more you know about a product the better off you will be.  Product education is key in choosing the right products for you.  An example been men who tend to get more salicylic acid treatments or use products with this particular ingredient reduces the chances of ingrown hair. On the other hand what is vitamin C and where does it come from?  How much should you use are but  few questions you should ask when making your purchases.  Typical answers to the above question may be: Vitamin C is an antioxidant found in citrus fruits.  When used on the skin it helps to reduce fine lines, create vibrancy and even tone, and it helps to kill free radicals.  One to two applications daily may be recommended depending on the brand and your skin type.  I have to say that in my opinion once a woman hits 30, she should invest in a vitamin C serum.  This will matter especially when she hits 50.  Chances are she will look more like 30.

            Being a strong advocate of healthy eating and in the belief that if something is wrong on the inside it will show on the outside, it is hard to tell yourself that something may be wrong with you internally especially if you are eating correctly and drinking enough water.  As a vegan you would think my skin should be perfect, but not so.  Like the billions of people in the world I sometimes breakout.  External and internal factors can cause skin conditions.  PMS can cause an acne break out because of the rise in the body hormone levels.  One of the main culprits of the cause of eczema in Blacks from a holistic stand point is the consumption of dairy products.  There are things we can do to correct skin issues.  With a good at home care regimen using quality products, and skin maintenance i.e. Chemical peels, facials, etc a lot of skin frustrations can be solved.  New and fresh looks can be established, fine lines can be plumped up.  Acne can disappear and dark spots can be gone.  Roughness can be changed to smoothness.  Maintaining or recreating certain youthfulness about your skin can be achieved. 

Tips to brighten, reduce wrinkles or tighten the skin- Use PCA skin® Vitamin C serum, to lighten dark spots use PCA® phase 13 pigment gel along with phase 6 or 7 sunscreen.

Remember, skin looking good, Counts! 

Written by Simone Wright, Licensed Aesthetician.  For Contact: 215-592-1982 or beautycoliseum.com

It is better to know about corrective procedures for the skin so you can make better decisions on what route to go.  I thought I ought to share this story with you before I go any further.  There was a lady who came into my shop desperately in need of something to correct her hands. The back of her hyper pigmented hands were very dry, rough, and scaly with knuckles darker than normal. She explained to me that it was from years of abuse as a hairdresser when she would normally perm hair without gloves and from constantly washing hair.  Now as a cab driver she is very horrified of her hands and she wanted them back the way they use to be. That is, nice and dark brown, as opposed to black and hard, especially on the knuckles. She wanted softness and youthfulness.  I explained to her the full effect of doing a chemical peel on the hands and the outstanding results she would attain after a couple treatments. She was elated!  A couple days after her first treatment, she stopped in to show me her hands that were peeling profoundly.  She was not amused about all the flakes on her hands but she saw the difference a peel had made. Her hands were visibly 2 shades lighter than before.  A couple more treatments and she would get her hands the way they used to be. “Can I get the machine on my hands so I don’t have to go through all this? I saw it on TV that some doctor was advertising!” was the next question that came out of her mouth.  After a few more questions I realized that she was talking about microdermabrasion. She said that she wanted all the darkness and roughness to go away in one treatment and she thought that the machine advertised on TV would do it.  This was where I knew that I had to educate her on the different techniques used to enhance the skin.

What is a chemical peel or facial peel?  It is the use of certain acids normally alpha hydroxyl(derived from citric fruits), glycolic (sugarcane), lactic (sour milk), trichloroacetic (formulated), or phenol (formulated) that are applied topically to the skin. This is done to break up the epidermal cells – dead skin that are old and worn out pushing forth the vibrant layer of the skin, and also to correct the skin from a myriad of problems. As a result healthier skin cells are produced.

Chemical peels are great to: Even out skin tones, eliminate or reduce fine facial lines, improve the texture of the skin. Certain peels are great for acne, eczema, rosacea, and small scars.  As a reminder, not all peels are equal and natural. If natural is something that you are looking for, ask for it.  

 What is Microdermabrasion?

It is hand held instrument similar to a small pipe or wand that is used to sand the skin almost feeling like a pumice stone when done.  This is another great method to create a smooth skin surface and to even out the skin tone.  Several treatments are normally recommended for a desired result. 

What are some of the questions and concerns about chemical peels and microdermabrasion?  Working with a variety of clients, I have realized that more information is needed on skin care services. I will share with you my experiences in this profession. First of all, let me clear up some of the myths about chemical peels.  I hear this all the time. ‘I will not put any chemicals or acids on my face to mess it up.’ Many people still hear the word chemical or even acid and label it as something harsh. Almost like household cleaners or disinfectant.  Not the case.  Most peels performed today by aestheticians and dermatologists are superficial which means that only the top layers of the skin -the epidermis, is affected. Dermatologists however can also perform peels that affect the deeper layers of the skin. Alpha hydroxy and glycolic acid peels are the more popular ones used. The next comment I also hear is that “I don’t need a peel,” or “there’s nothing wrong with my skin!”  There are things that happen to the skin as we age. Adult acne seems to be more prevalent amongst Black women, while melasma or sun damage with Whites or Hispanics.  Wrinkles, sagging, dark spots, eczema, rougher looking skin texture, large pores, are but some of the main reasons why we should take of our skin.    Some people question which procedure works better, microdermabrasion or chemical peels. It depends on what results you would like to accomplish. Microdermabrasion in my opinion is not best for skin prone to hyper pigmentation (dark spots) or scarring.  The fact remains that it is friction that is applied to the skin. It creates too much skin sensitivity to sunlight.  Sanding the skin too much in the long run will create darker skin quicker if you are of color and love sunlight.  “I want quick results,” or “I am paying all this money and nothing seems to be happening.” Patience is a virtue; if you want a quick fix then I say see a plastic surgeon, or a dermatologist for a skin invasion. Otherwise, be patient, better skin will come.  I say 50 percent of correcting the skin non-invasively is the actual procedure that you pay for; the other 50 percent is your home care.

Your skin should be beautiful so take care of it, with love.

Simone Wright, Licensed Aesthetician, Cosmetologist. For questions or comments go to www.beautycoliseum.com   

Once upon a time having locks was for Rastafarians.  Then things changed.  The hip hop world started a locks trend which caught on quickly by the ‘not so appropriate’ ruff necks.  Then this hair fad started reaching the homes of the parents who were the blue and white collar workers and at the time tended to be less understanding.  But this trend was going no where, it was here to stay; and forget it- Caribbean parents were the worst to accept their children wearing such craze.  Well, liked it or not it became a winning fight for the younger generation. 

Today, Locks are Big!

Locks no longer are just an expression, but a doable easily maintainable style worn by millions of black women and men through out the globe.  Now, less stereo typed, and are no longer considered ‘dred’ locks, sisters and brothers from all walks of life are sporting this ‘do’.  In any diversified business organization in the world there will be somebody that has locks. Doctors, Lawyers, Nurses, Teachers, Pilots, Engineers, Grandma the church goer, just to name a few are all locks’ up going about their business.    

Locks are changing

Locks are no longer associated with the straight ‘wear it straight’ look.  Many locks’ styles are been formed and created all the time.  There is also sisterlocks™ which was created for the woman who wanted to style her hair and go to work.  This form of locks utilizes a hook that is used to interlock the hair.  The locks are generally very small and are much easier maintenance than traditional locks. The use of products are not necessary for locking the hair, eliminating worries of locking problems.

Styles and Concerns

You can 2-strand twist your locks, or the de-twist look in which you are untwisting the strands to create a natural curly look.  You can braid the locks for a braided look. If you have sister/brother locks you can curl it with rollers or a curling iron.  Or, just wear a free flow look.  So there are many styles you can create with your locks. 

Some concerns that I get from sisters who wants to lock there hair but are scared, are that locks tends to look hard, dry, and not so feminine.  What I have done to eliminate this worry is, I lock the hair loosely to create a nice, healthy look.  I also use special products to keep the locks moist, soft, and style-able.   The best thing about having locks which beats out braids, relaxers, presses, and other natural styles are that you can wake up and go!

Simone Wright. Beauty Coliseum 1122 South St. Philadelphia. (215) 592-1982  or sim1ne@aol.com for comments on article.

Products that I recommend are the PCA kits for oily or combination skin. For Dry or Eczematic skin try the Rebalance moisturizing cream. This helps to heal the skin.  PCA skin care is a natural base product line for people who are seeking result oriented skin care. Try the PCA Nutrient Toner if your skin lacks nutrients or on its way to sagging. It is filled with pumpkin ingredients and spin trap to deliver into the skin a lot of vitamins and nutrients.  Another home care tip I recommend is to invest in a skin brush to help if you have asphyxiated or lack lustre skin. You can normally tell this if you keep getting white heads, or little bumps that seems to stay under the skin. 

Facials are great to have during the winter months as to prepare the skin for spring and summer.  Exfoliating and Oxygen facials are great to have. They work well in unclogging the pores, and should be a must if you tend to have oily or combination skin. This will help to prevent break outs and keep the skin smooth and clear. 

Great skin does not come out of a bottle only, so a good diet with plenty of water is essential for vibrant and healthy skin.  Always wash the face morning and nights to keep impurities off. Try to avoid foods that are high in sodium and sugars as to maintain total skin healthiness.

www.beautycoliseum.com

Today, black women and men are paying more attention to their skin than ever before.  The big giants in the makeup and skin care industry are targeting us and are investing millions of dollars in skin care research for women of color.  Why?  Black women especially are spending their dollars to look more beautiful.  It’s a thing of the past when women of color would depend on their melanin to keep them looking younger, an excuse used almost always too often.  The term beauty has being redefined in which its’ no longer hair, makeup, and the ‘designer outfit.’  Beauty is now viewed as being in touch with our mind, our body, and our soul.  Funny enough, Hollywood plays a dramatic role on beauty.  You will never see someone on TV that doesn’t have skin that is well even-toned, and believe me, it’s not just the makeup.   I dare you to pick up one of your favorite magazine and look to see if you find a skin tone that is off.  Don’t look at before and after pictures while you go hunting.  The reality is healthy, glowing skin that looks good with or without makeup.  Cover-ups are becoming an overstock. 

            What’s hot today to even out the skin tone are facial peels, alpha-hydroxy and lactic acid based peels. They are very skin friendly and won’t harm the skin when done professionally.   Women and men are coming to our beauty shop with dark spots from acne, sun induced hyper-pigments, and dark circles around the eyes.  Some women simply just want to lighten up the knees, elbows, or do a skin re-texturizing for that baby smooth skin.  It also takes a home care regimen commitment to get outstanding results.  Facials are also great to include in your skin care regimen.  Not a fluffy facial! But one that actually works for your skin.  After all, feeling and seeing a difference in your skin should be about three-quarter of what you are paying for.  The other reasons should be for relaxation or whatever you choose it to be.

Facials are great for a lot of reasons. They are stimulating, relaxing and there’s an increase in blood circulation.  A well done facial should have a nice surface exfoliation, and you should experience a nice healthy glow.  Whether you choose to do a facial peel or just a facial, the benefits and results should be visible.  A glow in the skin will look healthier than one that lacks luster. Exfoliating and Oxygen facials are great to have. They work well in unclogging the pores, and should be a must if you tend to have oily or combination skin. This will help to prevent break outs and keep the skin smooth and clear. 

            Skin care tips that can save you money.  There are natural ways to achieve perfect skin without spending a fortune.  First, always do a self analysis on your skin. It’s not hard.  Look in the mirror and closely examine your skin during the middle of the day or when you get home from work.  You will see the truest forms of impurities on the skin. If you have a shine in the T-zone area - the middle of the fore head, on the nose, and some times on the chin, you may be normal to oily.  And that’s perfectly normal.  The oils on the T-zone areas trap dirt and debris from getting into the eyes, nose, and mouth. If you have breakouts accompanying this skin type on a regular basis then you may be oily.  Dry skin normally has a dry feel and a dry look. 

Commercial products that I recommend are the Aubrey’s line. Try the Blue Green Algae with Grape Seed Extract if you have oily or combination skin. For Dry or Eczematic skin try the Rosa Mosqueta. PCA skin care is also a good natural line for people who are seeking result oriented skin care. Try the PCA Nutrient Toner if your skin lacks nutrients or on its way to sagging. It is filled with pumpkin ingredients and spin trap to deliver into the skin a lot of vitamins and nutrients.  Another home care tip I recommend is to invest in a skin brush to help if you have asphyxiated or lack lustre skin. You can normally tell this if you keep getting white heads, or little bumps that seems to stay under the skin.          

            Cleanse – Always wash the face morning and night.  It’s always good to invest in natural skin care products.  Synthetic products are too loaded with toxins which can enter into your blood stream and can create or cause new health problems.  Cleansing the skin releases and washes away unwanted debris.  Apple cider vinegar mixed with water ½ and ½ cleanses, heal, and strengthens the skin very well. 

            Tone - Toning the skin is a step most of us leave out in skin care, and is very necessary if you are cleansing your face with soap.  A good toner will remove excess dirt and will bring your skin ph level back to normal. Imagine soap scum in your bathroom. It’s the same scum on your face if you are not using a good facial toner.  A toner will remove all of this.

Moisturize - Always moisturize your face. You can stretch the moisturizer with water if it seems too heavy during the summer months or if you have oily skin.  The best effect of a moisturizer is that it keeps the skin soft.  Different moisturizers do different things. Try to select one based on your skin type. 

Exfoliate- As we age our skin sheds less. As a result mild facial peels are excellent and will help you to maintain a youthful look. Peels using natural products such as lactic acid from milk and alpha hydroxy acids from citruses are very good exfoliators, very skin friendly, and absorbs promptly because they are recognized by the skin.  For the hands and body, peels are also excellent sources to remove dark spots. An alternative is to use white sugar mixed with olive oil followed with lemon mixed with water on the body.  

What is a chemical peel? Chemicals known as alpha hydroxy acids (fruit acids) that are naturally found in citrus fruits, apples, sour milk and sugar cane that are used to reduce the signs of aging. When extraction from these sources occurs, they are normally more concentrated and will deliver more effective results.    When these highly concentrated fruit acids are applied on the skin, the dead unwanted skin will break up and shed, creating more healthier skin cells.  There are substantial amount of empirical data that suggests that using fruit acids on the skin increases the collagen structure and increase the thickness of the skin.  This is just an age old apparatus given a new name.  If you want to try your own chemical peel at home experiment, take the inside core of a pineapple(extract the juice) and rub it on the skin. Leave on for about 20 minutes. Not only will you loose the sallow ness on your skin, you will appear to look a little younger.

Great skin does not come out of a bottle, so a good diet with plenty of water is essential for vibrant and healthy skin.  Always wash the face morning and nights to keep impurities off. Try to avoid foods that are high in sodium and sugars as to maintain total skin healthiness.

Always remember when you look good you will feel good.   

Simone Wright, Licensed Aesthetician, Cosmetologist. For contact 215-592-1982 or www.beautycoliseum.com