Without doubt, from the time we first looked in a mirror, we have agonized over the condition of our skin, more specifically, our facial skin. We find an imperfection, a blemish, a full blown breakout, freckles, a mole, and then that first wrinkle. We don’t glow or have that dewy freshness we have been told is desirable. We procure products blindly, knowing very little about the uniqueness of our individual skin, how it reacts to external and internal stimuli, how the products specifically affect the desired outcome or even how and when to apply the promised cure for maximum results.

Stop for a moment and ponder facial skin. It is always “out there” presenting, protecting, reacting, adjusting and leading our individual interactions with our world. What other part of the body has to be uncovered continuously; no face gloves, facial socks, facial hats, shirts, pants or shoes. Facial skin adjusts to light and dark, moisture and aridness, temperatures of zero to 120 degrees, pollution, dust, microbes, hormones, chemical body changes and then has to figure out what to do with the new products we use that promise to perfect the damage to achieve an ideal complexion. Our facial skin has been trained differently, somewhat like a soldier for the body, coping, adjusting and showing the affects of encounters with both internal and external life.

Just a small amount of advice, coaching and basic attention from an experienced Licensed Esthetician can help prevent and reverse both intrinsic and extrinsic skin damage. The application of specific techniques as well as appropriate products, not only revitalizes the skin from the outside in, but also invites the body to begin to heal the skin, our barrier from diseases, and rid itself of toxins that permeate our physiological bodies resulting in overall better health.

One important technique conducted by the Esthetician is the facial. We can trace the history of the facial from the era of Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt through the Victorian Era. One of Cleopatra’s beauty regimes began with a mask of black asphalt mud from the banks of the Dead Sea, a scrub of Dead Sea salts and finished with a massage of essential oils. Minerals and foundations were used to lighten skin and powdered pigments of malachite, copper ore and kohl mixed with fats were used by both men and women to protect them from the elements and aid in summoning the majesty of the earth. These rituals were an important part of health, emotion and beauty.

Now we fast-forward to 2009. Our options are endless regarding what to do to achieve the desired facial appearance, however uninformed or unstudied. We will try anything but usually have not pinpointed specific solutions for our unique physical and emotional composition. What are we trying to achieve, how do we maximize our time and money to do so, and what are the benefits that make the investment worthwhile?

Obviously, we are not going to kick the unconscious drive to treat our skin, specifically the face and its protective covering, with products that will provide beauty, health and emotional well-being. This treatment, the facial, is not just pampering that costs a lot. It is not an indulgence that should be of least priority. Awareness of the health benefits of a facial make it somewhat like a daily vitamin, regular exercise or a therapy session. Meeting daily challenges requires that all our tools be cleaned, oiled and maintained, the face being our first connection and processing gizmo that directs the ensuing interactions that produce what results. Think about the previously described unique role of the face again.

Our skin cells are replenishing themselves continuously. Many factors slow down this renewal sequence. Dead skin cells that have absorbed pore clogging smog can remain too long allowing toxins to enter directly into our bloodstream and inflammations to occur, resulting in issues ranging from acneic conditions to dullness, dryness and premature wrinkling. Regular facials tease our physiological systems to function more efficiently thereby stimulating the regeneration process.

One primary return realized from facial sessions is a release of toxic waste buildup in the lymphatic system through the lymph nodes that are situated around the face and neck. The lymphatic system, which plays the principle role in our immune system and in skin conditions, does not have its’ own transportation method and must depend upon other body functions to eliminate disease causing waste. The lymph is moved along the lymphatic vessel network by either intrinsic contractions of the lymphatic vessels or by extrinsic compression of the lymphatic vessels via external tissue forces (e.g. the contractions of skeletal muscles).

Properly applied facial techniques help move waste to the lymph nodes for processing and elimination. What results is a rejuvenation of the metabolic process of skin cell turnover. Benefits can include a decrease in inflammations, increased collagen production, a glowing revitalized appearance and an improvement in overall body condition. We greet the world with a development that occurred internally, stimulated by external facial manipulations.

A variety of facial treatments designed for specific issues are available. One example can include acupressure and facial massage, which diffuse lactic acid and carbon monoxide held in the muscle tissue resulting in an increase in blood and lymph flow, a reduction in inflammation and lesions, decreased muscle tension and facial relaxation. Another might be appropriately applied products that aid in the reduction or increase of sebum production thereby controlling facial ‘breakouts’ and an oily complexion or decreasing dryness that produces a lackluster appearance and encourages wrinkling. Specific treatments exist for rosacea, uneven skin tones and hyper and hypo pigmentation.

The facts are that regardless of age, it is important to recognize the need to take care of the largest organ of your body and the one part that is constantly coping with the environment, the face. Ultra-violet rays, environmental pollution, biologically delivered chemicals and hormones (stress, illness, and inherited conditions) and wrong choice or improper use of products all conspire to damage and prematurely age our skin.

The results of professionally directed skin care are not only psychological because of improved appearance when greeting the world or looking in the mirror, but physiologically, the body’s immune system is relieved of some of its work load and enabled to focus on other disease protection. The cost of an appropriate facial does not have to be exorbitant. It is easy to consider a facial an extravagance, the benefits however, trickle deeply into promoting total body health.

This article was authored by Rebecca West. Read more informative articles from Rebecca and others at www.desteneesalonandspa.com.

Often times when trying to go blonde at home, or sometimes even in the salon, your blonde ends up being uneven and brassy. Never fear, your salon professional is here!
The first step in this corrective color service is a thorough evaluation of the hair’s strength to see what the hair can handle. This evaluation helps the stylist to select the right plan of action.
Next a lightening process may be needed to ensure even color from roots to ends to lighten any darker or brassy areas all to an even palette to work on further.
Then the stylist will be able to see what the next step is. Usually this step is a color application. Sometimes, the color application is simply what you desire to be, and others there is the need to neutralize some unwanted warmth. Either way, rest assured that a true Professional would keep the integrity of your hair in mind when working through your hair color challenges.

This article authored by Cody Moorefield.
Find more articles from Cody and others at www.desteneesalonandspa.com.

So, you try to color your roots again, but things get a little messy and instead of just coloring your roots, you have colored all the hair on your head. Now its way too dark!!! What do you do?
The only safe and reliable way to get rid of that dark hair color is to step into a salon. This is what is refered to in the salon as “corrective color.” You may think the only option is to bleach the color out, but that is not exactly the wise thing to do. Here is how most Professional Stylist attack your problem.
After consulting with the guest and determining a desired end color result, the stylist may proceed to escort the guest to the Wash House to begin a process known as “Color Balancing,” or a “shampoo cap.” This involves using equal parts lightener, developer, and a gentle shampoo on the hair to remove the dark color from the hair. The process takes a few minutes and is normally watched carefully by the stylist. Often times this process can yield a very warm, red or orange looking result, this is often from the at-home color that was used. This is where the stylist’s true colors shine. The stylist will then turn to color, permanent or demi-permanent, to neutralize the warmth and get you as close to your desired result as possible in that visit.
Often times, this type of corrective color can take multiple visits to achieve the overall desired result and maintain your hair’s integrity, so be patient and relax. You are in the hands of a Professional!

Visit www.destneneesalonandspa.com for more informative articles!

Have you ever been to a salon to get your hair colored and had your stylist say, “We have a ‘corrective color’ on our hands?” I’m sure you probably wondered what they meant by “corrective color.” When it comes to professional color services there is a lot of jargon thrown around that guests may not be able to understand, and “corrective color” is one of them.
Corrective color can refer to the process of correcting a wide variety of challenges with a guests’ hair color. One challenge is that the guest has been using an at home coloring product and has layered color over color until it is way too dark to manage. Sometimes a guest decides to go blonde at home and this results in an uneven, brassy, orange color. There is always the case that a guest has been receiving professional salon color services, but the last time they received color something went wrong and now they are in someone else’s chair to fix it.
If you are challenged by one of the aforementioned problems, DON’T FRET! Corrective color services in salons are more common than you may think. A good, educated stylist can evaluate your situation and put you on your way to the hair color you’ve always wanted.

Stay tuned for “What is Corrective Color? Pt. 2” where we will discuss some methods used in the salon to correct color challenges.

Visit us at www.desteneesalonandspa.com for more informative articles!

I suggest a combination of “at home care” and “professional skin care” through the fall and winter. We carry a great at home skin care line through Yon Ka, but you can save some money and make an exfoliante at home. It may not give the same results, but it will help a lot. My favorite formula is a mix of essential oils mixed with sea salt.

The Essential Oils I recommend is a mix of equal parts:
• Sweet almond oil
• Safflower seed oil
• Sunflower seed oil
• Lavender oil
• Grape seed oil
• Avocado oil
• Green tea leaf extract
• St. John’s Wort extract
• Apricot kernel oil
• Oil from Vitamin E capsules

I would highly encourage the use of Yon Ka’s Le Baume as a moisturizer. It is a moisturizer as well as an anti-oxidant. It is loaded with 5 plant butters, 3 essential oils, 5 balsamic resins and 3 vegetable and fruit oils. It deeply nourishes the skin with ingredients used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.

I would also suggest setting up a series of 6 Alpha Beta Peels. Try to schedule them every 7-10 days for optimal results. This will create an improvement in your skin’s texture and tone. You will notice a reduction of fine lines and an increase in your skin’s glow and radiance. This treatment is ideal for acne, scarring, and hyper-pigmentation. Always acclimate your skin at least two weeks prior to your first peel. Use a cleanser or lotion containing a mild level of the effective ingredient in your peel.

Ladies, if you start now, your skin will be in top condition for the Holiday Season. You’ll look great in all of the low back, sexy dress styles.

As Owner of Destenee Salon and Spa, I would suggest that you go to www.desteneesalonandspa.com and book an appointment for a waxing service. However, if you want to try it yourself, here is my advice:

• As stated previously, ¼ inch of growth is required for optimal results. If you have more than that I would recommend trimming it first to that length. Longer hair tends to clump with the wax and increase the pain factor. If you have less than ¼ inch I suggest that you wait.

• Always use a cleanser prior to waxing. I suggest that you use something with an antiseptic to help minimize skin irritations after waxing.

• Apply a thin coat of baby powder to the area to be waxed. This will help to absorb moisture and prevent the wax from adhering to the skin. We want to remove wax and hair, not skin!

• Be sure that the wax isn’t too hot. If it is too hot it will cause a blister that will most likely be pulled off with the wax. Test the wax on the back of your hand first. Also, never let the wax get too low. When there is not enough wax in the pot the temperature of the wax goes up quickly.

• Apply the wax with a wooden applicator to a small area. Apply the wax with the direction of hair growth. If the wax is too hot, fan the applicator gently. Do not blow on the wax.

• Place the cloth strip on the wax and press it. Never rub the strip as rubbing the strip will increase the chances of skin irritations. Let the wax cool and adhere to the hair.

• Pull the skin taut and pull the cloth strip in the opposite direction of the hair growth. Do this as fast as you possibly can and keep your hand as close to the skin as you can. When you have the strip completely removed, apply firm pressure to the area just waxed. A quick pull and immediate pressure will help to minimize the pain. (If the pain is too intense, wax smaller areas)

• Even the best waxers in the world will leave some stray hair behind. This is normal and you will need to tweeze the remaining hairs. Do not re-wax the same area.

• Apply aloe or hydrocortisone cream after waxing. If you are prone to skin irritations, I would recommend the hydrocortisone cream.

• Keep in mind that some skin irritations are completely normal and will subside once your skin gets used to waxing. The hair will continue to grow back, but will grow back thinner and be less painful with continued waxing.

With some practice this can be done at home. However, there are advantages to coming to Destenee Salon and Spa to have this service. The product that we use has a melting point just above body temperature. Our Waxing staff members are experts and do this continually. They have developed techniques that allow them to be quicker and cover larger areas. The tips and tricks that they have learned through time minimize pain and discomfort.

The KMS California hair care package consists of Moistrepair Shampoo, Moistrepair Conditioner and Moistrepair Revival Creme. This package is only $40.36.

The Glo-minerals make-up package consists of eye shadow, blush, and lipstick. This package is only $54.00.

The Yon-Ka skin care package consists of Lait Nettoyant Facial Cleanser, Pamplemousse Moisturizer, and Le Baume Lip Shimmer SPF 10. This package is only $102.60