A French Touch Salon

The finest in Parisian skin care on the central coast.

Tips

What are the right steps for your morning skincare routine?

By

Owner of A French Touch Salon, Patricia Kaspian, gives us those steps and the short version.

Those of us living or working on the central coast, we all know about the microclimates, from the dry, tough heat up in Paso Robles to the foggy, cool days in Morro Bay. And of course, add in the environmental hazards such as the recent fires and our skin is screaming for attention. What can we do for our skin, to start the day off right? I sat down with a French touch salon’s owner and skincare expert, Patricia Kaspian to find out what we should be doing for our morning skincare routine. I have to admit I’m not good when it comes to a routine with many steps; i mean who has that kind of time these days but then, the alternative is damaged and prematurely aging skin and who seriously wants to look old before their time?! Exactly! We’re on the same page.

Hi Patricia! I know you have a very busy schedule so let’s get to it…please educate us on what we need to do for our morning skincare routine.

Patricia: Your morning routine is to begin with a freshening cleanse so it responds well to the products that you’ll be using. These are the steps i highly recommend…

  1. A milk cleanser…it won’t strip the skin.
  2. Toner…a very important part of your routine! It removes every last bit of dirt or what the cleanse doesn’t get. It prepares your skin for better absorption of the products that will follow.
  3. Then your eyes…a very delicate area. Use a multi-action eye contour cream or serum that penetrates well into this delicate tissue to address concerns like fine lines, puffiness ir dark circles.
  4. This next step is critical and not many women know about it…add a professional vitamin c (over the counter versions fall sadly short of what a spa or medical line such as Jan Marini can provide in terms of results).a daily vitamin which is a free radical scavenger. For the whole day, it builds the skin’s defenses against any environmental aggressions.
  5. If you’re applying the Jan Marini skincare regimen, cleansing and vitamin c (above) are followed with an exfoliating glycolic acid bio-clear cream to stimulate cell turnover to keep your skin glowing.
  6. Customized serum and moisturizer is next to create that nourishing, moisturizing barrier which delivers more peptides & anti-oxidants. And, a good moisturizer will make the skin supple and less prone to wrinkles over time.
  7. Don’t forget about your neck cream!! We have Jan Marini’s Juveneck. Please don’t stop at the face. Take it downtown ladies and nourish that décolletage.
  8. Lastly, the finisher, is the sunscreen…whether it is Sothys SPF 30 (face & body), the anti-oxidant SPF 30 from Jan Marini or the all-in-one, make-up & SPF 50 mineral sunscreen by Colorescience…we have many powerful protective options that fit your taste and lifestyle. But remember…sunscreens last only 80-90 minutes a day so you must reapply! Even if you’re driving.

What do people need to know about most face washes? If there is soap in the wash, do they not tend to strip our skin?

Patricia: Yes, they do, compromising the delicate acid mantle of the skin.  I recommend using a purifying foam gel for oily skin, for dry or sensitive skins use a milk cleanser. I’d suggest using the bioglycolic cleanser which dissolves more dead cells and debris, getting rid of the flakiness and dryness so then, you’re left with skin primed and ready for better absorption.

Most people have a lifestyle, and patience, that can only handle a few steps in the morning. What steps would you say are a priority if someone just can’t or won’t take the necessary time in the morning to care for their skin?

Patricia: First, micellar waters are very big right now. They’ve been popular in Europe for years and we’re loving this easy peazy option because, they thoroughly clean and tone the skin and double as an eye makeup remover. Micellar water by Sothys is a great choice and perfect for all skin types. They can’t be beat for gym workouts and travel kits. Next, the vitamin c…it’s critical. It’s a step that you can’t afford to miss. Followed by your sunscreen. An anti-oxidant sunscreen which is actually hydrating. That could be the shortened version of taking care of and protecting your skin for the day. However, for those of you that have dry skin…you have to add a hydrating step with a serum or cream moisturizer.

Ok, people. Those are the steps for you to follow. Whether you do them all or can’t make the time and do the short version…starting your day off right by protecting and hydrating your skin will keep you looking fresh and youthful. You can come in the salon and find everything you need to follow these steps…one stop shop and Patricia would be more than happy to help you and answer any questions you might have. Patricia has high ratings and a following for a reason! Better yet, book online and get the full “French touch” experience! Au revoir!

 

Colorescience beauty and protection

By

We’re pretty blessed to live in a region that has such diverse micro-climates. Whether you’re gardening, walking your dog, riding bikes or spending the day at the beach is your skin protected during your outdoor activities? Are you protected from sweat or swimming? Are you using the best sunscreen? Look I get it… With multitasking and all the running around we do, reapplying slow absorbing, heavy sunscreens on top of our makeup can be a pain let alone a mess.

SUNFORGETTABLE SPF50 is your BFF

You need to protect your skin and often…every 80 minutes at a minimum! And, the summer isn’t the only time you’re at risk for sun damage. UV (ultraviolet) rays are affecting your skin 365 days a year, whether it’s cloudy, foggy or rainy. The American Academy of Dermatology says that 80% of UV rays penetrate our skin even on cloudy days. We also have to take into consideration the air quality. Even those of us along the coast can be affected by harsh air pollution and environmental toxins especially during the current fire season. All of these elements can take a huge toll on your skin. If you want healthy and age defying skin, you have to incorporate a healthy lifestyle and excellent skin care routine.

So, what products will give us the necessary UV protection, has antioxidants, can be worn alone or under makeup, is easy to apply and reapply anywhere, anytime, is gentle enough for sensitive skin and is non-greasy (which is important when holding a tennis racket or a wine glass)? We’re wellness-minded modern individuals who seek superior multi-functional products. Do you think that’s too much to ask for? Colorescience to the rescue…your skin’s rescue! Colorescience is a beauty brand with a commitment for using 100% healthy ingredients in their formulations. An all-in-one luxury beauty brand that brings together skin protection, nourishment, and superior color. Colorescience products are free from harsh chemicals, dyes, talc, alcohol, mineral oil and fragrance. The result is Sunforgettable mineral sunscreens, a line that infused sun protection with makeup and skincare. They figured it out and we all can benefit from this revolutionary new line of products. Some of the top skin care bloggers in Women’s Health Magazine have written about their obsession with Colorescience’s Sunforgettable Mineral Sunscreen Brush. Also available and just as luxurious is Colorescience’s Whipped Mineral Sunscreen which is water resistant up to forty minutes! Both products are available in SPF30 and SPF50 with UVA/UVB mineral protection and coverage that doesn’t feel heavy or ‘caked on’.
Screenshot 2016-08-04 21.46.36Screenshot 2016-08-04 21.47.37Allure badge

All-in-One Magic

How can products this light and easy to apply be strong enough to defend against environmental aggressors?  Formulated with highly micronized 100% zinc and titanium, there’s no compromising on protection. And soft-finish primers are infused with antioxidants to fight free-radical damage that causes aging. These natural sunscreens from the earth help neutralize the damage to your skin with physical protection (versus chemical- a especially beneficial for sensitive skins). They come in universal tints that even out most skin types, gliding across your skin in either a light dusting powder or in an airy whipped cream formula. You can wear them under your regular foundation or alone. Colorescience has also formulated a “layering ptotocol” of various products to provide the best coverage and protection at the same time.

NEW PRODUCT INTRODUCTION

At A French Touch Salon, we have a reputation for providing elite skincare so, it makes sense that we offer skin care products that meet the same high standards. We want to share with you all the benefits that Colorescience Sunforgettable products offer and through September 2016, receive 20% off the Daily Protectant SPF30 Tinted Whipped Sunscreen and Medium SPF50 Mineral Brush, as well as a FREE introductory mini-brush with your purchase of EVEN-UP 3-in-1 clinical protector.

A bientot!

Jan Marini Summer Mango Exfoliator

By

It’s Summertime and the hottest new flavor of the season is Mango. Everyone is featuring this fresh, tropical scent in their products and it’s trending in health and beauty blogs all over the world. Leave it to Jan Marini to come up with the most delicious Mango scent that leaves the skin looking radiantly gorgeous!

The Jan Marini Summer Mango Exfoliator is a clinical-strength resurfacer that immediately refines skin texture and follicle size and leaves the skin with a radiant, polished glow. This scrub uses glycolic acid and enzymes to rejuvenate and freshen the skin while eliminating harsh abrasives.

The combination of mechanical exfoliation  and potent antioxidants creates a soft-focus afterglow and a supple texture to the skin which makes it a wonderful product for any skin regimen whether you have oily, dry, or aging skin.

And if you need another reason to Go Mango- remember we’re offering 20% OFF all Jan Marini Skin Research products this month only!

 

 

Jan Marini Starter System

By

This month, save 20% on the Jan Marini Skin Research Starter System in TSA-approved sizes making packing light for your summer vacation a breeze. Rapidly improve the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles, uneven texture and sun-damage with this Anti-Aging Skin Care System which has been awarded “Best Skin Care System” by New Beauty Magazine six years in a row.  Not traveling? Try our System out for a month at home and see results!

This comprehensive system incorporates Vitamin C, peptides, growth factors, AHA and BHA exfoliators, hydraters and sunscreen to deliver rapid improvement in the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles, uneven texture and sun damage. Adaptable for every skin type, this is a beauty find you won’t want to miss.

Jan Marini Transformation Cream

By

Have you been eager to try Jan Marini’s Transformation Face Cream or Serum? Well we have been on the edge of our seats, and now you can receive a FREE eye cream ($60) with purchase. If this isn’t a sizzling summer steal then I don’t know what is.

Jan Marini Transformation Face Cream goes beyond simple hydration by reducing the visible signs of aging while providing superb hydration to the skin after just one use. With it’s luxurious peptide and antioxidant solution this face cream is vitality in a jar.

The Jan Marini Transformation Serum is a lightweight solution that repairs damage through Transformation Growth factors. This face serum diminishes the look of dulling, damaged skin while leaving the skin noticeably smoother with a silky softness after one application.

Jan Marini Transformation Eye Cream is an anti-aging peptide mixture with hyaluronic acid that dramatically decreases signs of aging around the eyes, promoting skin cell growth while restoring youthfulness to the eyes.

Hydra 3Ha Skincare by SOTHYS

By

A revolutionary moment in skincare brought to you by SOTHYS. With the main active ingredient being two molecular weights of Hyaluronic acid, Hydra 3Ha provides deep hydration and immediately penetrates the skin without leaving heavy residue. This rejuvenating new line of anti-aging skincare was explained while the Hydra 3Ha facial was demonstrated at our last salon event by the French skincare expert Caroline Rushworth. Skin appears smoother and visibly younger after being enveloped in this creamy line of skincare gaining up to 71% moisture after one use.

SOTHYS has perfected the absorption of Hyaluronic acid into the skin, reducing natural water loss and utilizing the quenching active ingredient, 1055 boletus extract, to permeate and hydrate no matter the skin type. Boletus extract originates from mushrooms, making it one of the most unassuming yet most effective secret weapons in anti-aging skincare. Ironically, cèpe is a common French ingredient in many recipes meaning “large edible mushroom”. Leave it to the French to be cooking with their youthful boletus extract for years! No wonder they’ve stayed so vibrant after all these years…

Are you as anxious to try these new products as we are? The Hydra 3Ha Discovery Kit ($28-a one month supply) includes the Gel Cream Light Texture, Comfort Cream, and the Smoothing Anti-Wrinkle Mask.

eyes

 

sothys