Bonjour Mes Amis!

You may have heard about our upcoming “Luck of the French!” St Paddy’s Day Open House,  March 17th from 10:00 to 6:00. We’ll be featuring presentations on “Pigmentation Solutions” by Jan Marini Skin Research sales executive Christiane Botelho, Makeup Application by Christie Forcella from Colorescience unveiling their newest 3 in 1 clinical pigment perfector, corrector and SPF50 protectant EVEN UP, and most notably, Dr. Grace Kim, renowned local cosmetic physician who will be offering Botox services from 10:00 til 2:00.

The focus of this event is on hyperpigmentation- the causes, effects and ways to address evening out skin tone.

So, you may well ask, what is hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is defined as any abnormal increase in genetically programmed skin pigmentation.Many factors can contribute to changes in skin color or uneven pigmented patches. These include: UV light (did you know that even fluorescent office lights can be a source of UV exposure?), chemicals, genetics, age, local infection, hormones, drugs, and acne.

Common hyperpigmentation concerns are usually focused on solar lentigo (areas of discoloration from sun exposure).  Areas most affected are the face and the back of the hands. How many of us remember to reapply sunscreen every 80 minutes? Do you apply it daily to the back of your hands which receive constant exposure while you drive?

Melasma, another form of abnormal coloration, is characterized by blotchy brown hyperpigmented patches that have an irregular shape and may be distributed over the cheeks, forehead, upper lip and neck. Frequently, this condition occurs during pregnancy, at menopause,  and in those taking hormones or oral contraceptives. It can also rarely occur in men. Sun exposure and certain topical or oral medications can worsen the appearance of of the discolored areas dramatically. Melasma can affect either the epidermal (superficial) layers of the skin, the dermal (deep) layers of the skin, or both. The distinction, visible through a Woods Lamp, is important because epidermal pigmentation may respond well to being lessened or resolved with topical agents while dermal pigmentation may need to be addressed more aggressively.

It is a fact that pigment plays a role in protecting the skin from damage caused by ultra-violet light (sun exposure). Recent studies indicate that this protective action is due to melanin’s ability to act as a potent free radical scavenger. Apparently, free radicals that are triggered through sun exposure are neutralized by melanin which in turn aids in preventing cellular DNA damage. However, continuous UV exposure (without protection) creates a cycle of pigment production at the dermal (deeper skin) level, causing inflammation, melanocyte activation, melanin synthesis, and melanin transfer.  The result, in plain terms, is uneven, blotchy skin tone, detracting from the overall clarity  and youthful even tone of your skin.

Non Prescription Product recommendations

Glycolic Acid

Medical studies indicate that glycolic acid assists in resolving hyperpigmentation by breaking down the cellular bonds of the dead layers (stratum corneum), causing a lifting of over-pigmented areas.It is also proven to act as a delivery agent for other topical products and medications , thus enhancing the effects of lightening agents. It can be found in Jan Marini’s Bioclear Lotion and Cream (Step 3 of the Skin Care Management System).

Kojic  and Azelaic Acid

Kojic acid has been used safely in Japan for many years without irritation or long-term complications associated with other lightening agents. Azelaic acid is a powerful component in the treatment of some hyperpigmentary disorders such as melasma, chloasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Both of these actives are safe and non-toxic for short and long-term use. When combined with glycolic acid, the results they provide are enhanced.

Hexylresorcinol

This highly effective, non-toxic lightening agent has been shown to have efficacy comparable to or greater than 4% hydroquinone. It is a powerful tyrosinase inhibitor, exceptional at addressing overly pigmented areas and brightening overall skin tone.

You will find the above four lightening agents in Jan Marini Skin Research’s ENLIGHTEN PLUS, to be featured at A French Touch Salon’s “Pigmentation Solutions” Open House on March 17, 2015. Also featured will be Colorescience Minerals’ new 3 -in- 1 clinical pigment perfector with SPF50, in a beautiful universal tint that doubles as a primer while it works on brightening the complexion.  Read our blog post detailing the benefits of  EVEN UP, as a complementary product to ENLIGHTEN PLUS, to help you achieve a more even, brighter skin tone.

We hope to see you, as we celebrate the “luck of the French!”

Patricia

 

 

 

 

 

Because of this, we have crafted an entire event around addressing hyperpigmentation–reversing its effects, and stopping the process in its tracks. (Hint, check out our posts on Even Up and Enlighten Plus!)

Be sure to attend our “Luck of the French” Event, March 17th!

Call (805) 785-0340 today to reserve! A $20 reservation fee is redeemable toward product that day.

See you there!

Adrienne

Bonjour Mes Amis!

In partnership with Colorescience, we are excited to present you with Even Up- the first 3-in-1 product designed to brighten, protect, and correct!

Even Up boasts incredibly effective active ingredients, specifically a UV Complex known as LUMIRA™–which brightens by addressing underlying causes of skin pigmentation, and preventing future pigmentation. LUMIRA™ counteracts the cycle of pigment production at every level, addressing inflammation, melanocyte activation, melanin synthesis, and melanin transfer. What does this mean for those of us who aren’t estheticians? LUMIRA™ addresses current pigmentation, as well as pigmentation in progress.

As a further preventative measure, Even Up has SPF 50 physical mineral protection, and a mineral-based primer to immediately even skin tone and correct the appearance of pigmentation. No other product PROTECTS skin and PREVENTS ongoing photodamage, all in one step!

In clinical studies, participants saw dramatic improvement in pigmentation, as well as skin tone,  skin radiance, smoothness, and pore size. In addition to lightening pigmentation, participants were  happier with the overall appearance of their skin. Results included  94% of participants seeing improvements in age spots and pigmentation, and 96% seeing improvement in their overall skin tone and clarity. For more details, watch this video.

At A French Touch Salon, we only recommend the best for you and your skin, and “Even Up” certainly meets that criteria. It is a 3-in-1, powerfully effective product, and we cannot speak highly enough of its effectiveness.

Call to (805) 785-0340 to schedule your attendance at our March 17th Event, from 10-6, and receive $10 off your Even Up! Or go to our ONLINE STORE and receive free shipping.

Bisous!

Adrienne

Bonjour Mes Amis!

As we’re getting ready for our “Sothys Affair to Remember” (Wednesday, November 5th from 12:00 to 6:00), we can’t help but get excited about their amazing collection of lipsticks.

They have two main formulas, Sheer (Rouge Doux) and Intense (Rouge Intense). The Sheer formula looks like a glossy stain, and contains mango butter and bran oil to moisturize, as well as a complex of Omega 3, 6 and 9 to revitalize and plump lips. The Intense formula utilizes Shea butter, the same Omega Complex, and pure pigments for long-lasting, radiant color.

Sothys, in a nod to their roots, named each and every color after a famous “quartier” (neighborhood) in Paris. You can see where  the inspiration for your favorite shade comes from, below.

As you can see, there are quite a lot to choose from! Whether your ideal shade is a bright Champ de Mars, a sunny rouge Grenelle, or a demure Montsouris (or maybe your ideal shade varies by day), Sothys has provided for you! Not sure what your ideal shade is yet?

Come and consult our Sothys experts Wednesday, November 5th from 12:00 to 6:00pm.  Reserve your 20-minute makeup application appointment for $25,  which is redeemable toward product that day.

Give us a call at (805) 785-0340 to reserve your space today!

Bisous!

Adrienne

Bonjour mes amis!

Fall is finally here, and we are ecstatically awaiting our “Sothys Affair to Remember” this November 5th. Our Sothys makeup Experts will be here, there will be fantastic hors d’oeuvres, and the essence of French beauty will be in the air.

With that in mind, we thought we’d share a bit about the French approach to makeup (as well as some of our favorite exemplars of French beauty).

Rule #1 of French makeup: A Flawless Canvas

This is one reason that French women are able to pull off their “undone” look so marvelously. They have incredible skincare rituals, and are careful to not disrupt their routine. In fact, many French lines of makeup (like Sothys!), have active ingredients. This means that while the makeup gives a flawless, finished look, it has the added benefit of containing many of the ingredients of your favorite skin-care products. Putting on foundation can have the added benefit of complementing your skin-care routine. While French women are willing to take time for their skin, they also want it all (and, let’s face it, who doesn’t?)

Rule #2: A Healthy Glow

The French remember what sometimes we American women forget–the goal of makeup is to enhance beauty, not cover it. What is beautiful? A healthy, natural looking glow. Whether this means a touch of light blush or bronzer, the idea here is that the makeup looks natural. For an example, look no further than the beautiful Juliette Binoche. You can scarcely tell that she is wearing blush–it is a light, natural, and effortless look. For this reason, most French makeup lines eschew sparkles, etc. These are not  “natural”, and draw unnecessary attention.

Rule #3: Balance, Balance, Balance

In French makeup, there is a strict rule of balance. A heavily colored lip is balanced by neutral eyes. Darker eyeshadow is matched by a more nude shade of lip. Everything must be in proportion, otherwise the makeup can begin to look overdone and overpower the face (which is perhaps the greatest sin of all in French beauty). Never let it be said that French women try to cover themselves up. To do so would be a major faux pas.

Rule #4: Mix up your Makeup

Maintaining a variety of looks is key in French beauty. Keeping to the same makeup routine eventually becomes stale and boring. This is not to say that makeup must drastically change. Changes in look can be subtle, but still give an entirely different effect. The French are especially fond of varying their makeup by season. Each season can have its own look, as the lovely Sophie Marceau illustrates. Winter can combine metallic, lined eyes and nude lips for a sultry evening, while Spring may inspire pink blush and lipstick for a fresh, light, everyday look. Changing looks is a fun, exciting way to embrace the seasons and draw admiring looks all year long. As every fashion aficianado knows, makeup is an essential way to complete any outfit.

In conclusion, French makeup is not complicated, or daunting. In fact, it is beautifully minimalist. The key is to maintain the health of your skin, and to make sure that your makeup reflects your skin’s health. Makeup should never be overpowering, nor should a look be allowed to grow stale. The height of sophisticated makeup is to keep your looks balanced, and to vary them.  Luckily, there are a wealth of ways to vary looks by season.

If you’d like a little assistance in creating your own, unique, Parisian look, be sure to attend our Sothys Affair to Remember! Our Sothys experts would be more than happy to assist you in celebrating the season with a fresh new look. A reservation fee of $25 is redeemable toward product that day!

Reserve by Saturday to receive a surprise Sothys Makeup gift!

Give us a call to reserve at (805) 785-0340

Bisous!

Adrienne

Bonjour, Mes Amis!

Today, I want to shine the spotlight on the crème de la crème of hydration: Sothys’ Hydradvance line.  These silky-smooth products incorporate intensive hydration into a long-lasting formula that’s designed to provide incomparable moisturizing power with immediate and long lasting results.

The Hydradvance line uses their patented Boletus Mushroom Extract  which acts on two fundamental mechanisms of hydration – hydric flow, and barrier function, the strengthening of the surface layer to restrict moisture loss.

Hydric flow refers to the transfer of water from the dermis to the epidermis, which tends to slow as we age.  Age is also a contributor to the loss of barrier function, which helps our skin retain moisture.  However, our skin can always use a little hydrating TLC, so no time is too soon or too late to introduce a moisturizer into your routine (especially if it means you get to indulge in a bit of Sothys!)

Hydradvance™ Intensive Hydrating Serum

This intensive rapid-action serum is perfect for dehydrated skin, as it immediately moisturizes and stimulates the formation of the skin’s barrier function. The Serum works in tandem with the Hydradvance Hydrating Creams to boost overall results; when it comes to maximizing the effects of your skin care products, synergy is king! This formula features Sothys’ exclusive H2CR® Complex – a combination of natural peptides and powerful plant antioxidants – to restore, detoxify, repair and reconstruct the epidermis, and biomimetic phospholipids to seal in moisture.

Hydradvance™ Hydrating Cream

This cream provides a balancing action that maintains skin’s hydration day after day with Boletus extract and tripeptides to apply and seal in moisture. It contains Ophiopogon plant extract which regulates water transfer; this Asian evergreen is known for its ability to resist drought and capture water, and will leave you feeling refreshed and quenched!  This cream is available in Comfort – a creamy texture for normal to dry skin – and Light – a softer texture for normal to combination skin – formulas.

The Hydradvance line is a great way to show your skin some love; after all, one of the easiest ways to damage your skin is to dry it out with make-up, exposure to the elements, or even by not applying a quality moisturizer as you age.

 

Through the month of October receive 20% off of your Hydradvance Smart Pouch. Or take advantage of our unique Refine Peel Package to receive 50% off of this effective duo!

XO,

Lindsay