A French Touch Salon

The finest in Parisian skin care on the central coast.

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My Secret Winter Weapon

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Winter–the season I dread most. The weather changes, the time changes, it’s much harder to get up and going in the morning when your warm bed is so cozy, and-most of all- I dread winter because dry skin sets in.

Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy lazy winter days inside curled up with a book by the fire, but the dry skin is so frustrating-especially when it’s so noticeable. Nothing I found worked for it- whether “ultra-moisturizing” lotions, coconut oil, home remedies, not even Aquaphor helped my dry skin.

Until I found Patricia, and she told me about Hyaluronic Acid, or HA for short.

Hyaluronic Acid might sound scarier than it actually is. It’s not something you played with in Chemistry class. It is a molecule found in your own skin to naturally maintain moisture levels.

So why do you need a product with Hyaluronic Acid if your skin already creates it naturally? Environmental conditions (cold weather, heated rooms that sap the moisture from the air), illness,  and aging deplete our natural reservoir of this vital hydrator. The result is a sensitive, dull, uneven tone and texture leading to more fine lines than a girl deserves!

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HA (hyaluronic acid) is critical in maintaining skin hydration,’ says Aesthetic Doctor, Dr. Maryam Zamani, ‘although it can be degraded by free radical mechanisms caused by things like UV exposure. Topically applied, it helps to hydrate the skin and maintain this hydration as a humectant ( a product used to reduce moisture loss).

HA can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, resulting in enhanced elasticity, lubrication, plumpness, and moisture in the skin. With continued use, the skin’s water content improves daily and fine lines and wrinkles become plumper and therefore, less visible. It focuses mainly on delivering water to thirsty skin types, so it’s well tolerated by even the most oily, acne-prone skin.

So how do we enhance what nature has given us, once we see a change?

The skin care market is flooded with products that fill the need for extra HA. The reason over-the-counter products can’t offer lasting, noticeable results is because they are not formulated with small enough molecular weights of HA that can truly direct the skin to absorb, retain and stimulate more natural  hydration. And we all know that more hydration means radiant,glowing skin- not to mention plumper, smoother texture. I’m in!!

Additionally, we put so much focus on cleansing and exfoliating the skin, that we often forget hydrating is just as important. After exfoliation, including peel treatments we offer in the salon, the skin needs to be ‘re-quenched’. Using Hyaluronic Acid post-peel will nourish your skin. Fall and winter are “Peel seasons”, and our peel packages offer a gift with purchase that is usually a form of hydration for the skin…keep an eye out for HYLA from JAN MARINI SKIN RESEARCH and Hydra3HA Serum from SOTHYS.

So, to get back to me (and it’s really all about me!) I started using Sothys’ Hydra 3HA line, which can be applied to any skin type and protects the epidermal layer of the skin that helps with new skin regeneration. It also contains a botanical complex that helps improve the communication between the dermis and the epidermis, where the skin is protected from damage and retains water. Love, love, LOVE the difference in my skin!

You can get the Hydra3HA products I used (cream and serum) right now in the salon for 25% off!! Double the moisture to give your skin the hydration it deserves!

For  Jan Marini girls, HA is the essence of HYLA which specializes in retaining moisture and adding volume to the skin as well as reducing the appearance of fine lines. Along with Hyla, did you know that Jan Marini’s Age Intervention and C-Esta Lines also have Hyaluronic Acid? It’s a key ingredient for aging skin, combating free radical damage while softening the complexion.

Does sunscreen contain HA?  Colorescience is on the forefront of sun protection that helps the skin’s health in addition to UV protection, mixing HA into SUNFORGETTABLE SPF 50 FACE SHIELD and  SPF 50 MINERAL BRUSH-ON SUNSCREEN! And if you’ve never tried their ANTI-AGING SERUM , you’ve been missing out on air-brushed, radiant skin that doesn’t even need makeup! It’s a 3-in-1 treatment that features their patented Decaplex-10™ peptide blend, hyaluronic acid and cosmetic enhancing ingredients to diminish the look of wrinkles and rejuvenate the skin.

So keep the HA coming, and Santa won’t be able to resist kissing those smooth, glowing faces!

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Happy holidays mes amis!

~Ally

Introducing Sothys Energizing Trio

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Bonjour mes amis!

I hope you’re not feeling as tired as I have lately, but I do know that we’ve all been there. When this happens, it’s pretty visible; we get a little more snappy, haggard, or absent-minded than usual.

But these aren’t the only external effects of tiredness—our skin shows it too. Tired skin is dull and exhibits aging more visibly.

Luckily, there are always aids for our exhaustion. A healthy dose of caffeine in the morning can help with any excess tiredness. As for our skin, there’s Sothys’ Energizing line.

Sothys’ Energizing line aids the skin’s energy reserve through harnessing several key ingredients: Siberian ginseng, rice phytosterols, and sophora flower extract. In effect, these ingredients work to protect the mitochondria of the skin cells. These mitochondria are responsible for producing the ATP (cellular energy).

In addition to aiding in ATP production, use of these products promotes micro circulation and cell-oxygenation in the cells of the skin. This allows the skin to flush out any toxicity and drains any puffiness/inflammation in the face (common in tired skin). It also encourages collagen production in the skin and helps to reconstruct the dermis, protecting the skin and retaining its elasticity.

Long story short: These products restore energy to your skin, allowing it to better circulate and release toxins, as well as kick-starting the processes that retain skin’s youthfulness. The result? Skin that is youthful, radiant, and healthier overall.

The line offers three main products: Energizing Day Cream, Energizing Booster Serum, and Energizing Night Cream, all of which are available at A French Touch.

Boost the metabolism of your skin cells with our SOTHYS Energizing Treatment.

According to Sothys…”This intensive treatment with Siberian Ginseng envelops the skin in a wave of light to reveal its youthfulness. Following a thorough cleanse & enzymatic exfoliating scrub with pineapple extract, a specific digi-energy massage stimulates the flow of Chi. A deeply relaxing massage then prepares for a boost of vitality combining layers of frothy hyaluronic acid and a peel-off Vitamin C mask. To complete this one-of-a-kind facial, the Enlightening fluid brings instant lifting and smoothing results. Your skin and soul are energized for complete wellness.”

So do what you have to do, because we all have busy lives and aren’t always able to get the recommended amount of sleep. As tired as you may get, your skin doesn’t have to reveal it (and with some green tea, no one need be the wiser!).

À bientôt!

What C-ESTA can do for you

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JAN MARINI C-ESTA Facial

Jan Marini C-ESTA facial

The C-ESTA Facial combines lipid-soluble Vitamin C and DMAE to boost collagen production, repair free-radical damage and tone the skin. The skin will appear smoother and brighter, redefining the facial contour.

A Glycolic Peel Add-on is recommended for deeper exfoliation and product absorption during your facial.

PERSONAL HOME CARE

Jan Marini C-ESTA Serum
JAN MARINI C-ESTA Serum contains the most soluble and stabilized form of vitamin C and antioxidant solution for younger, healthier skin. It contains a patented highly soluble and stabilized form of Vitamin C (Ascorbyl Palmitate)and DMAE that penetrates more deeply than mere ascorbic acid.

Lift, firm, and tighten the appearance of facial contours with this exceptional antioxidant cocktail for powerful free-radical protection.

It fights free radical damage and adds brilliance to the skin while firming
slackening tissue. C-ESTA products are non-comedogenic, powerful antioxidant formulas that will show quick improvements in the skin’s surface by appearing smoother, firmer and tighter.

Your skin will appear healthier with it’s “Daily Vitamin” boost.

Are you unknowingly contributing to your skin problems?

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Hands down… touching your face is a major NO-NO.

How often do you rest your chin on your hands, wipe hair away from your face, rub your eyes or nose? From turning door knobs, to handling money, to using railings along stairs, and pushing buttons…your hands come into contact with millions of germs. Some so frightening, they could star in their own horror film.

First off, a clean face. We have a great blog on how you should clean your face and you’d be surprised how many people do it incorrectly or use the wrong things to clean their face. Check out our step-by-step cleaning routine. 

Also, here is a list of our Jan Marini, Sothys and Clarisonic favorites (which you can get in our salon and we have great specials going on!), proven to safely and effectively clean your face …

Jan Marini C-Esta Cleansing Gel
Jan Marini Bioglycolic Face Cleanser
Sothys line up of washes
Clarisonic Brush
Supracor Spa Cells mitts

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Our skin is a precious organ

Our skin is a precious organ that needs tender loving care especially as we get older. We all now to wear sunscreen, to moisturize, eat right and exercise but, there are little things that sometimes we forget about, like not touching or rubbing our face, which can be harmful in many ways.

We’ve heard from many board-certified dermatologists that bacteria, viruses and allergens transfer from fingertips onto the skin. And, if that’s not bad enough, repeatedly rubbing the skin can do some real damage. For example, rubbing the eyes, can actually create microscopic tears in the tissue (making the eye area look older faster), break the capillaries in the eyelids (causing little thread-like veins called telangiectasia) or break the capillaries under the eye (intensifying dark circles).

Also, cleaning your everyday tools (brushes, sponges, glasses, etc) and keeping your hands clean is paramount for healthy, happy skin. The following is a list of some things to be mindful of…

Why everyday objects need a good cleaning

Make-up brushes (cleaning)– By far the best cleaning solution we have found is Colorescience’s BRUSH CLEANER (it’s hard to find but, we have it in stock!!). The perfect blend of Hydrogen Peroxide and essential oils to condition the bristles, it guarantees the longest life on your quality Colorescience or other makeup brushes.

Foundation Sponges – We want a cleaned sponge at all times. Sponges can be re-used up to 3 months if properly cleaned. Now, the tricky part…cleaning deep into your sponge and getting fossilized make up out? There’s options like Blendercleanser or even a little Dawn dishwasher soap gets the oils out really well. It’s a trusted brand that not only cleans your dishes but is known for saving wildlife from oil spills.

Eyeglasses – We tend to forget the obvious. Sure we clean the lenses when we can see thru them but, because these touch your hands and any surface you set them on, they become a hazard to your skin as well! Give the frames a mild alcohol swab every so often to fight germy gunk.

Pillow cases – If you wake up with skin irritations or breakouts, your pillow case could be the culprit. When your pillowcase isn’t laundered or changed regularly, a build-up of dirt and oil from the environment as well as your skin and hair touching the pillow is transferred back to your skin. This can clog pores and cause blemishes.” Yikes! Wash your cases at least once a week and some experts even suggest switching out your cases every 4 days. Time to stock up on cases!

We suggest silk pillow cases. Silk pillowcases have been likened to anti-aging products and are often considered to improve your hair’s health while being hypoallergenic temperature regulators that also moisturize your face. And, silk feels so sexy against the skin doesn’t it?

Money – This bit of info made us a little qweezy but, when you think about it…it’s an eye opener that isn’t too surprising. Paper money can reportedly carry more germs than a household toilet. And bills are a hospitable environment for gross microbes: viruses and bacteria can live on most surfaces for about 48 hours, but paper money can reportedly transport a live flu virus for up to 17 days. It’s enough to make you switch to credit.

Cell phones — How often does your favorite gadget touch your face? A LOT! Often you lay it down on tables, desks, it bounces around in cars and purses and then, you put it right up to your face. Talk about breakout city! Wipe it down often and once a week, give it a good cleaning with alcohol, micro cloth or Q-Tips.

Other hazardous objects to be wary of… door knobs, computer key boards, remotes, seats and so much more. Basically, look around you. What do your hands touch and then, how often do you touch your face or eyes? Kinda scary when you think about it. I know that I absentmindedly do these things a lot and I often wonder why I have a blemish the next day. Well thanks to Patricia Kaspian’s insight and expertise in skincare…I’m more and more aware and I have a happy healthy face:-)

‘Til next time,

DuPree