My professional career began many years ago in the field of permanent hair removal known as Electrolysis (the “Un-laser”).  As an Electrologist, I have been conditioned to expect and achieve results from the services I perform.  This mindset has carried over to my work as an Esthetician.  I am dedicated to performing non-invasive treatments that are beneficial to the skin while honoring its integrity and improving its condition. (Note: Esthetician is a fancy word for an individual who has special training in the care and maintenance of the skin.)  I didn’t originally plan to become an Esthetician…

Without giving away my exact age, I will share with you that I am from the generation of women known as “Baby Boomers.”  It was my own skin and its lackluster appearance that led me on a quest for accurate fact-based skincare information. 

I was so busy working, raising my daughters and running a household that I hadn’t noticed.  So like many other desperate women, I raced to the nearest department store and wandered around like a lost puppy.  I was completely overwhelmed and intimidated by the glitzy cosmetic counters and the perfectly groomed saleswomen who worked behind them. 

Thus began my pattern of buying products, using them, not achieving results, and feeling both disappointed and discouraged.  Eventually I realized that the only hope for my skin — short of a facelift or some other invasive procedure — was to enroll in an educational program that would teach me all about caring for my skin. 

Becoming an esthetician was the absolute best thing that I did for my skin!  Not only have I been able to minimize those fine lines and even out my skin tone, my complexion now has a radiant glow.  People often comment about my skin and say that I don’t look my age! 

I have two lovely daughters who are in their early 30s and they have benefited from my knowledge.  Not to mention that they also receive great products from mom that they never pay for!  Most importantly, my girls have an understanding of how to properly care for their faces in order to delay the visible signs of aging. 

Things you should know about me:

• I am not a risk taker
• I always read directions
• I take my responsibilities seriously
• I continually educate myself

Why did I share these particular traits with you?  Because I think it is important for my clients to know that not only can they rely upon me for solid skincare information, they can also be certain that I will make recommendations for them to the best of my ability.  To keep abreast of new trends, I maintain subscriptions to numerous skincare publications that are credible sources of education in the field of esthetics.  I also attend seminars and classes, bot online and in-person.  And, I’m forever reading books that will further increase my knowledge of the skin. 

For many years, I did NOT sell products at my office because I didn’t feel comfortable recommending products containing ingredients that I didn’t know enough about.  I felt that it was imperative to have an understanding of the various ingredients and their formulations.  As the saying goes, “you can’t judge a book by its cover,” which also applies to the lovely packages that contain skincare products.  Subsequently, I did lots of research on cosmetic chemistry in order to gain a complete understanding of what really works and why. 

I have learned that most products do NOT do what they claim.  Some contain active ingredients that are too large to penetrate the skin while others contain active ingredients that are too low in concentration to be effective.  Other important considerations are protective packaging and expiration dates.  Even within the professional skincare industry, I often encounter products of inferior quality.  Sadly, many of my esthetician peers are either confused by the marketing hype or are more intent on making a quick, easy profit to know the difference. 

The products that I recommend to my clients are the very same products that I use daily on my own skin.  These products are intelligently formulated with excellent delivery systems that allow the ingredients to penetrate deep into the skin where they can make a real difference.  In order to represent the line that I distribute, I attend a yearly educational course that requires passing a series of exams. 

If you’re tired of wasting your hard-earned dollars on lackluster skin care products, or you just don’t know what to use, reach out to me for assistance.

“The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.”  Audrey Hepburn

You’re not fully dressed without mascara…or some other eyelash enhancing product!  Here’s is a primer on accentuating your eyelashes for eyes that pop:

1. MASCARA – There is no denying that a good mascara can make all the difference.  I recently visited a Sephora store when I was shopping at the mall with my daughter.  I must admit that I was totally and completely overwhelmed by the vast array of mascara selections (among other things!).  Waterproof, regular wear, washable, length, fullness, fiber, etc.
2. FALSE – These come in strips or individuals.  Some already have glue at the base, others require a line of glue to be placed on the lids prior to application.  Recently, I learned of magnetic eyelashes that sounded great.  My daughter and I tried to use them and it was a disaster!  The lashes got stuck to each other, we couldn’t separate them and they ended up dangling off the corner of our eyelids.  It was great fun and we looked ridiculous, so we returned them for a refund.
3. EXTENSIONS – These are really popular right now, and they look fabulous when done correctly.  As long as you don’t have allergies or sensitivities, you should be fine with special occasion applications.  They do require periodic fill-ins.  Also, you must be extremely careful when cleansing off your eye makeup so that you don’t end up pulling out the extensions along with your own natural lashes.
4. SERUMS – These advanced serums contain vitamins and peptides which work to strengthen and lengthen your existing eyelashes.  They really work and yield amazing results!  The key here is to use the product as directed…which typically means one/twice a day consistently for several weeks.  Once your eyelashes respond, you can reduce usage to just a few times a week.  Always read the manufacturer’s instructions for best results.
5. LIFTING/PERMING – Remember back in the 80s woman when used to get their hair permed?  (I was one of them!)  Well, a lash lift is basically a perm for the eyelashes.  A chemical is used to set the shape of your natural lashes so that they curl upward.  Similar to the look that results when you use an eyelash curler.
6. TINTING – Your natural eyelashes can be tinted a darker shade to make them stand out. Obviously, the lighter your hair color the more dramatic the change will look.

Although I don’t offer eyelash services, I can recommend several eyelash serums that are effective, high quality products.  In my opinion, Rapidlash is the best and the one that I’ve had personal experience with.  The runners up are: Grande Lash-MD serum and RevitaLash.  (Stay away from Rodan & Fields Lash Boost as they are under investigation.)

Please share your personal experience (by commenting below) with any of the above eyelash services – whether good or bad – so that all readers can benefit.  Thank you in advance!

Lori Weintraub is a licensed skin care therapist, holistic health coach and a hair removal expert. She offers consultations, exceptional products, results-driven treatments and hand-holding guidance to help women over 40 regain their youthful glow. Learn more here.

MEMORY – the process of retaining and recalling previous experiences

Your skin remembers…

• How many sunburns it has endured
• The times it suffered from aggressive and invasive treatments
• When an acid peel caused it to become hot and inflamed
• Etc.

As an esthetician, I have learned that it is essential to treat the skin with kindness and respect. Our skin is so much smarter than we give it credit for.  Advances in science have proven that our skin cells are continually gathering information which is stored in the cell’s DNA. This concept relates to genetic theory of “survival of the fittest” which insures that our bodies adapt to the environment. That is why our skin remembers… so it can adapt in order to protect itself from future assaults.

Today’s women are convinced, by the media, that they must choose aggressive treatments and use harsh products.  They mistakenly believe that causing the skin to be red, raw and uncomfortable with enable them to get results faster.  Unknowingly, they are actually accelerating the aging process.  Think of it this way…a wound is a scar.  The longer the skin stays irritated, the more tissue inflammation and free radical damage that is occurring.

Past history of skin damage begins to show up during menopause when a woman’s estrogen levels are declining.  Prior to this time, our skin “appears” healthy on the surface.  Yet, if you were to view your face under a Wood’s Lamp (a magnifier with a black light), you would be able to see the invisible signs of sun damage and pigmentation.

Fluctuating hormones due to puberty, pregnancy, menopause and stress cause changes in the skin as we age.

You’ll lose about a third of your collagen within the first five years of menopause.  Moisture retention will also decrease, which is why lines become deeper and more visible.  The skin may also develop a transparency that allows capillaries and small surface veins to be seen.

THE GOOD NEWS:

We can slow down and, often times, reverse the damaging effects of skin aggression. Long-term skin health, requires an anti-inflammatory, skin repairing approach.  Best results are achieved with  patience, proper skin care as well as topical and internal nourishment.

I believe in fortifying the skin daily with topical nutrition in the form of vitamins, antioxidants and peptides. With the use of the chirally correct products — young skin will age more slowly — and older skin will begin the process of repair and rejuvenation.

Results DON’T happen overnight!  It’s like weight-loss and muscle toning; these changes demand consistency and dedication to change and improvement. Give your skin time, and the proper tools and ingredients, to correct itself.  It will reward you with a healthy, radiant glow.

RECIPE FOR RADIANT SKIN:

• ONE PART – Quality skin care products containing vitamins (A, C, E) combined with antioxidants and peptides for daily home use.
• ONE PART – Professionally administered holistic skin care treatments (such as Advanced Microcurrent and LED light therapy) that energize the skin cells to produce stronger collagen and elastin fibers.
• ONE PART – Adequate sleep, plentiful water intake, physical exercise and adherence to a healthy diet of lean meats, fruits and vegetables

As always, I encourage you to reach out to me with your questions and concerns. I will be happy to help!

Lori Weintraub is a licensed skin care therapist, holistic health coach and a hair removal expert. She offers consultations, exceptional products and hand-holding guidance to help women over 40 regain their youthful glow. Learn more here.

There’s a hot new eyebrow technique in town!

It is a form of permanent makeup called microblading.  It is used to create fuller eyebrows or to give definition to brows that have become sparse or virtually invisible due to loss of pigment and/or hairs.

Microblading has become today’s “must have” cosmetic enhancement procedure.  Even though I had briefly written about this in a previous blog post (All Things Micro), I’d like to discuss it further since it is receiving so much public attention lately on social media sites like Facebook and Instagram.

Is it really new?

No.  In reality, tattooed eyebrows have been around for years.  Yet only a handful of permanent makeup artists were intent on creating a natural-looking eyebrow… most were just applying the pigment in a dense line that looked more like an application of eyebrow pencil or a colored-in stencil.

A newer tool, the microblade, was created to aid in the artistry of eyebrow tattooing.  The microblade refines the process of etching a dark colorant into the skin. When done properly, the technician uses feather-like strokes to create fine rows of lines that mimic the look of hairs, thus defining and thickening their client’s present brows.

The key to successful application is where the pigment is ultimately placed!

Long-term color retention requires that the pigment be implanted in the upper dermal layer of the skin.  No matter what you have heard about microblading, it is a form of advanced tattooing — that requires considerable time and practice to perfect.  Results vary according to the experience and expertise of the technician as well as their selection of a matching dye to  blend with the client’s natural eyebrows.

Microblading is sometimes referred to as a “semi-permanent tattoo.” The pigments used for eyebrows are different than body tattoo inks in that they are designed to fade over a much shorter life span since most women change their hair color and eyebrow style.  They are also not implanted as deeply into the layers of the skin.  But make no mistake, microblading is still tattooing! 

It is imperative to choose wisely when selecting a professional to perform this service.  Uneven positioning of the eyebrow tattooing or use of a dye that is too dark will create unsatisfactory results.  Do your research and get referrals before having this procedure done.  Microbladed eyebrows look amazing…when done correctly!

Although microblading is a wonderful service when performed correctly, it is not for everyone. An ethical practitioner will determine if you are a good candidate by asking you questions about your health, blood-thinning medications, chronic illness and if your skin has a tendency to form keloids or scar tissue .  This is because the skin is opened during the process in order to implant pigments into the upper layers of the skin.

Each state has its own laws and regulations with regard to the practice of permanent makeup. Additionally, education and training requirements also vary.  If possible, try to determine that the technician has been certified by either the American Academy of Micropigmentation (AAM) or the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals (SPCP).  It would make sense to contact either the AAM or the SPCP to see if they have a list of qualifying practitioners to refer you to.

The more experience that a permanent makeup practitioner has, the more natural the final outcome.  Equally important is proficiency which means that it will take less time for the process to be completed.  It typically takes between one to two hours to finish a pair of eyebrows from start to finish.

When pigment is properly implanted into the upper level of the skin’s dermis, it should  last about 12 to 18 months.  A color boost will usually be required around the one-year anniversary of the procedure.  For this reason, I would strongly suggest that you hire a professional that rents a physical location so that you will be able to locate them when you need to return for the touch-up treatment.

Keep in mind, that there are several factors that affect the color retention of the microbladed brows.  Such as, your skin type, medications taken, sun exposure and the type of skin care products that you use.

Unfortunately, many new and/or improperly trained practitioners may just “scratch” the surface of the skin…instead of implanting the pigment in the upper dermal layer where it will be retained long-term.  In this case, the pigment will likely fade quickly and pretty much disappear during the healing phase of the skin when the cells are regenerating.

Again, this is a awesome service…when done safely and properly.  To protect yourself, seek out a licensed, insured and well-trained permanent makeup artist. 

NOTE:  Electrolysis is a great way to keep those newly microbladed eyebrows looking their best.  Any unwanted hairs that are growing out of the eyebrow line, can easily — and permanently — be eradicated by electrolysis.  Contact me with questions.

Lori Weintraub is a licensed skin care therapist, holistic health coach and a hair removal expert. She offers consultations, exceptional products and hand-holding guidance to help women over 40 regain their youthful glow. Learn more here.

“Masque (noun): A cosmetic cream, gel, paste, or the like, that is applied to the face and allowed to remain on for a short time before being removed and is used for tightening, refreshing, lubricating or cleansing the skin.”

One of the most neglected areas of home skin care is the use of facial masques.  Masking can help to calm, soothe, brighten, hydrate, tighten, etc.  depending upon the desired result.

As part of my own personal skin care regimen, I apply a mask at least once a week.  Sunday evenings work best for me since I’m usually home relaxing after a busy weekend.  Here’s the basic routine that I follow:

1. Cleanse
2. Tone
3. Serums
4. Masque
5. Moisturizer

I periodically use an anti-aging cream mask that contains lactic acid on my own skin, since it increases hydration and lightens pigmentation. Additionally, I also try to keep up with my LED light sessions and microcurrent treatments.  I must admit that it is a major effort for me to devote extensive time and attention to my own face.   It feels just like work to me … I wonder why, LOL!

Below are examples of a few of the many different types of masques that can be incorporated into your skin care regimen:

• Clay Masques – These are very effective in drawing out excess oil in the skin as well as aiding in the treatment of acne and reducing pore size.  Clay masques should be applied with a brush (or finger tips) in an upward fashion beginning at the neck.
• Cream Masques – These are the preferred choices for dry, dehydrated skin types due to their hydrating and soothing properties.  Cream masques should be applied with a brush (or finger tips) in an upward fashion beginning at the neck.
• Sheet Masques – These are individually packaged one-piece masques that have openings for the nose, mouth and eyes.  Choose an appropriate masque that contains ingredients for your specific skin type and condition.

You will love how your skin looks and feels after using a masque! 

I have a variety of wonderful masques available for purchase at the office with prices starting at $22 and up.  As always, I am happy to answer any questions that you may have with regard to your skin.

Lori Weintraub is a licensed skin care therapist, holistic health coach and a hair removal expert. She offers consultations, skin care lessons, exceptional products and hand-holding guidance to help women over 40 regain their youthful glow. Learn more here.