A French Touch Salon

The finest in Parisian skin care on the central coast.

A French Touch

Colorescience beauty and protection

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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’.
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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!

Take Anti-Aging Into Your Own Hands!

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Bonjour!

Do your hands give away your age? They don’t have to anymore with Marini Luminate Hand Cream. As a leading, medically-validated line of cosmeceuticals, Jan Marini Skin Research delivers effective, proven results as demonstrated in several clinical studies, below.

A highly concentrated combination of new and proven technologies create a multi-functioning, anti-aging hand cream that improves texture, brightens skin tone, decreases appearance of wrinkles, and lightens the appearance of pigmentation for an overall dramatic hand rejuvenation.

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Over a short 4 months, the improvement in pigmentation and fine lines is dramatic, see image to the right.

Marini Luminate Hand Cream uses a combination of anti-aging components, while remaining paraben free, to create such a multi-functioning product that’s perfect for all skin types.

  • Retinol to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
  • Kojic acid and Licorice Root Extract to brighten skin and reduce the appearance of discoloration
  • Pomegranate and Cucumber Extracts as antioxidants to reduce UV damage
  • Vitamin E to improve hydration
  • & Sunflower and Meadowfoam Seed Oil to soothe skin and reduce irritation.

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Marini Luminate Hand Cream pairs best in a trio with Luminate Eye Gel and Luminate Face Mask. Luminate Eye Gel reduces under eye circles and discoloration while firming the skin and erasing the appearance of  of fine lines and wrinkles in the eye area  for revitalized eyes! Marini Luminate Face Mask is designed to visibly improve skin tone and texture, reduce the appearance of discoloration and uncover brighter, more youthful skin.

As with all Jan Marini products, you can expect more immediate and visible results when combining your home care products with in-salon treatments, specifically our 40% Glycolic Acid facial and hand peels.  Take advantage of our autumn special, to rejuvenate your hands and eliminate summer damage.

With the introduction of the New Hand Cream we are offering a special Fall Package!

$295 for a Glycolic Hand Peel Series and a Marini Luminate Hand Cream       (Regular $330)

Three Peels can be scheduled over three weeks

Schedule your appointments now to receive this special offer through September 30, 2015

Incredible results will have your hands looking and feeling younger!

Perhaps, Marini Luminate Hand Cream is the anti-aging product you’ve been searching for, so come in to A French Touch and be one of the first to experience the newest product from Jan Marini Skin Research!

Bisous!

Maddie

Summer Travel, Jan Marini, and Sothys

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Bonjour Mes Amis! I can’t believe how fast summer is going by, and I’m sure that we all have the same thing on our minds: summer vacation plans! Whether it’s just a weekend trip or an extravagant get-away, I hope you all have something you’re excited for this summer. I know that I can’t wait to get down to Dana Point for some camping this August. Doheny-017 In the past, I have to admit my skin-care regimen has suffered a bit when traveling. It’s just kind of a hassle to pack your full sized cleanser, let alone everything else. It’s especially difficult to pack an entire regimen when you’re camping, but traveling by air is legendary for its inconveniences. Thankfully, this year I’ll be traveling light AND toting my skincare regimen with a travel-sized Jan Marini Starter/Travel System. For those of you who are flying, it’s TSA approved, and perfectly sized to pack. All in all this set is perfect for travel. Now is the time to take advantage of a great promotion by reserving your “Jetsetter Special”. Available when you attend one of our Summer Celebration events on July 23 or August 20 (discussed here), or by reserving your package ahead of time, the “Jetsetter Special” includes 20% off a Jan Marini Starter/Travel System, $5 off an Express Enzyme Facial and a Complimentary C-Esta Vitamin C or Bioglycolic Cleanser. It represents a $73 savings, and is really a steal for any of you that want to maintain great skin care while on the go. Because this special is associated with our summer events, either be sure to RSVP to attend or call and reserve your special (805) 785-0340. starter system Another aspect of skincare that’s important when traveling (especially if, like me, you’re traveling somewhere sunny) is to be fully stocked on your sun protection. I’m sure you’re already toting your SPF Colorescience, but have you heard how fabulous the Sothys suncare line is? It includes four main products: Sunscreen Lotion for Face and Body, After Sun Anti-Aging Treatment, Face and Body Self-Tanning Gel, and After Sun Body Lotion. If you buy all four, you’ll also walk away with an elegant Sothys sarong or their new Lily and Bamboo elixir (which I have to say, smells like heaven. You can trust me, I work in a place that constantly smells of lavendar). sothys-sun-care Sothys describes their products thus: Sunscreen Lotion Face & Body SPF30 This easy to spread sun lotion protects the skin against sunburn and premature skin aging. A broad spectrum UVA-UVB absorber system offers ideal skin protection. The non-sticky formula with Vitamin E and Tamarind extract hydrates and leaves the skin soft & supple.        Face & Body Self-Tanning Gel                                                                         This iridescent gel is slightly tinted to facilitate its application  and provide even coverage without leaving marks. Non-greasy     and non-sticky, it is quickly absorbed and gradually enhances  all skin tones with an incredibly natural tan. After Sun Anti-Aging Treatment                                                                     A skincare formula with a light and gliding texture to soften and bring immediate comfort to the skin after sun exposure. Enriched with anti-aging Celligent™ complex and lychee extract, this product can be used as a treatment mask or night cream.      After Sun Body Lotion This ultra-creamy, melt-on-the-skin lotion with a delicate  vanilla fragrance  instantly comforts, nourishes and softens the skin after sun exposure.       But perhaps more extraordinary than the description of the products is a recent testimony our Jan Marini representative had to the quality of the product. She says “ just had a consumer track me down via the phone to try and locate Sothys NEW SPF 30 Face & Body.She has heard wonderful things about our New SPF30 as well as  ” For someone to go out of their way to get their hands on this Sothys product is, as I’m sure you can guess, is testament to the true quality of the Sothys’ new suncare line. Fortunately for all of you, you don’t have to go out of your way. Plus, if you know anyone else that wants this fabulous product, let them know that we have free shipping for online purchases as far as Hawaii! We like to take care of you that way. Enjoy your travels this summer mes amis! We hope to see you at the events, or get a call from you to reserve your specials, and please protect your skin from the sun! I recommend, in addition to your sunscreen, a large hat. As you can see, I practice what I preach. 10459052_690760060977064_4839951160310295014_o   Bisous! Adrienne

Antioxidants, Facials, and a Citrus-y Summer

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Bonjour Mes Amis!

I don’t know about you, but summer has always seemed synonymous with citrus to me. After all, what’s better than a cold lemonade to stave off the heat? The grocery stores and even home décor stores around SLO seem to concur—lately I see citrus everywhere.

 

Sothys Orange Grapefruit Facial
(Look, now you’re seeing citrus everywhere too!)

In any case, I’m more than happy to satisfy my citrus craving—through both enjoying a cold lemonade and utilizing some of the many fabulous skincare products that incorporate citrus for its antioxidant benefits.

Why antioxidants? First of all, it’s helpful to understand what an antioxidant does. An antioxidant is a molecule that prevents the loss of oxygen when molecules combine. Loss of oxygen is known as oxidation, hence, antioxidant (for whatever reason, my mind was blown when I learned this little scientific nugget).  I like to think of antioxidants as the little super heroes that fight the villainous oxidation process. Antioxidants help to protect against and repair existent free radical damage, as well as other external forms of oxidative stress such as sun exposure, nicotine and alcohol, and stress.

What does this mean in terms of your skin? The damage caused by these oxidative stressors causes our skin to visibly age. Antioxidants both prevent this from happening and repair our skin if it already has. The concrete effects include minimizing  fine lines, brightening and retexturing the skin,  lightening of discoloration and over-pigmentation and overall improvement of the skin’s ability to repair itself. We have a tendency to be hard on our skin, sometimes without even knowing it, but antioxidants help us combat the effects of everyday life.

Obviously, skin care lines want to harness these incredible benefits for us, so allow me to fill you in on my favorites! Among the products we carry at A French Touch that utilize the power of antioxidants are the Sothys Energizing line (covered in depth here), Intensive Serum line, and Daily Protection Cream. Jan Marini also offers a fabulous Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant in addition to their C-Esta line, which includes cleansers, serums, lip treatments and masks that all incorporate antioxidants and vitamin C.

C-Esta products include Ascorbyl Palmitate, which is a fat soluble form of Vitamin C. It’s a fast absorbing, long-acting vitamin for your skin. As Jan Marini says “Because Ascorbyl Palmitate is fat soluble, it penetrates the skin very rapidly and intersperses in the cell membrane. This affinity with the cell membrane results in tremendous antioxidant benefits and helps to prevent cellular aging”. Ascorbyl Palmitate has been proven more effective than Ascorbic Acid, while being less irritating to the skin. This is in part because Ascorbic acid (used in most over-the-counter versions of “Vitamin C”) has a very low Ph, whereas Ascorbyl Palmitate does not. This is great for those of you with sensitive skin–all of the gain, none of the  pain (or redness). Even those of you who don’t have sensitive skin will benefit from the powerful antioxidant properties present in the C-Esta products.

c-Esta Dmae

In addition to these products, Lindsay and Patricia are now offering a fabulous antioxidant facial here at the salon. The ladies incorporate the powers of antioxidants with their usual expertise in a special Summer Antioxidant Facial. Plus, just because the ladies love to spoil you, a Summer Antioxidant Facial comes with a complimentary Vitamin Serum. Trust me, everything that goes into this facial (which was hand-crafted by Lindsay and Patricia), will make your skin look and smell beautiful. As always, you will leave feeling refreshed and pampered. With the new ingredients, your skin will be dewy, glowing, and fresh.

If you have any questions about any of the products that incorporate the power of antioxidants, the Summer Antioxidant Facial, or simply want a personalized recommendation, you can always book a 15 minute Skin Care Consultation or call us. The ladies of A French Touch are always happy to hear from you. Of course, you can always simply book the facial here and allow the ladies to take care care of you. I for one would go with option number two, but that’s just me.

Enjoy the beginning of your summer, mes amis!

À bientôt!

Adrienne

 

 

Sothys Energizing Line for Tired Skin

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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 Comfort Day Cream, and Energizing Night Cream, all of which are available at A French Touch, either in-store or online. If you have any questions about the products, our estheticians are always happy to help.

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!

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Summertime Sun Protection!

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Bonjour, Mes Amis!

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and this close to summer is the perfect time to remind everyone how important it is to use sun screen 365 days a year!

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation:

  • Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. More than 3.5 million skin cancers in over two million people are diagnosed annually.
  • One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime.
  • About 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
  • Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is a proven human carcinogen.
  • More than 90 percent of the visible changes commonly attributed to skin aging are caused by the sun.

And sadly, the number of  skin cancer diagnoses are on the rise, rather than the decline in the US, and a vast majority of the complications related to skin cancer can be prevented by regular use of sun protection.

Being proactive is the best way to keep you and your family safe and healthy, so please be sure to apply sunscreen to yourself, your kids, and other loved ones every time you go outside, or even in the car (you can sustain significant sun damage through car windows!).  Not only will you have the peace of mind of keeping your skin healthy, you’ll reduce a significant amount of your skin’s visible signs of aging.

Need to restock on the most effective sun screen?  Check out this list of our favorite sun screens for an easy option for strong sun protection all summer long.

Colorescience Sunforgettable All-Natural SPF50 Mineral Protection

“Achieve the ultimate protection from sun damage and its aging effects with a soft focus finish. Colorescience Sunforgettable mineral sunscreens are easy to apply and re-apply throughout the day to keep skin protected and beautiful.”  Sunforgettable SPF 50 (the highest SPF ranking allowed by the FDA)  highly refined mineral sunscreen provides safe, non-irritating, UVA and UVB sun protection. The self-dispensing powder brush makes it easy to apply and re-apply throughout the day for continued coverage. Ideal for an active lifestyle, and easy for use with kids- won’t sting  the eyes, non-greasy alternative to heavy, chemically-based drugstore creams (pure minerals mean no chemicals, dyes, tints, oils or perfumes).

Even the most of sensitive of skins love this lightweight solution to the dilemma of what sunscreen to wear. The micronized minerals in this hypoallergenic powder actually reduce the surface temperature of the skin by a few degrees, making it the ultimate sunscreen for those with Rosacea. Chemically-based sunscreens interact with our skin chemistry, heating up the skin and activating capillary activity that leads to redness commonly exhibited in rosacea patients. Colorescience’s inorganic, physical sunscreen based on pure minerals does not interact with the skin, as it provides a safe “blanket” of protection to keep the skin cool, calm and free from over-activity that leads to redness.

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Sothys Cellu-guard: Sun Care

The French know skin~ that’s why “Sothys has created a new generation of sun care: the exclusive association of Cellu-Guard  and jasmine flavonoids provides both dual tissue protection and triple cellular protection, while also enhancing the natural protection system of the skin against free radicals.” Don’t just protect- promote healthy skin despite exposure by caring for your skin apres-sun!

Need a little base color before the shorts and skirts come out to play? Face & Body Self-Tanning Cream has a non-tinted cream formula that gives a natural, sublime and long-lasting tan to the skin without the intense scents and orange hue common to other formulas.

Repairing Age-Defying Face Care is an intensive formula to protect and repair the skin against the aggression of free radicals caused by sun damage. Did you know that 95% of visible skin aging is DIRECTLY attributed to sun-damage? This emollient moisturizer doubles as an anti-aging cream, as it increases firmness, radiance and hydration. After a day of glorious (but damaging) sunshine, soothe and heal the skin by applying this delicious emollient cream as a mask- and then use it as a deeply repairing night cream!

Soothing After-Sun Body Care is a refreshing fluid which softens the skin immediately after exposure through its soothing active ingredients. Prevents photo-induced aging and hydrates to restore the skin’s full radiance.

sothys-sun-careJan Marini Sun Protection

Marini Physical Protectant SPF 45 is a weightless sunscreen that features Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide (our favorite chemical-free options) in a universal tint with microscopic sponges for additional oil control and a sheer, matte finish. Green tea extract and alpha bisabolol provide enhanced free radical protection while soothing and calming the skin from stress caused by UV and heat.

Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant SPF 33 comes in sheer, or three compatible sunkissed shades; we love to use them as the Ultimate BB Cream!  A sunscreen you’ll love to wear — this invisible, hydrating and weightless sunscreen feels amazing and smells great (think of the islands minus the coconut) for the ultimate in daily wearability. A fast-absorbing, cosmetically elegant formula features microscopic sponges for additional oil control making it the perfect sunscreen for wearing under makeup or as your light “this is my natural beautiful skintone” coverage. Enhanced by the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and skin rejuvenating benefits of phytomelanin and beta glucan 1,3 to help prevent and reverse damage caused by sun exposure.

 

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Please remember to wear your sun screen, mes amis; stay happy, stay healthy, stay beautiful!