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Jan Marini

Jan Marini, the Woman Behind the Skin-care

August 14, 2014 By patkaspian

Bonjour mes amis!

Our interview with Jan Marini a few weeks back revealed much about the unique product line she has developed over 20 years.  But beyond the chemistry, quality, medical validation and learning what really distinguishes Jan Marini from other lines , we got a glimpse of this very interesting woman and her humble beginnings.

Perhaps the most fascinating part of our interview was hearing Jan talk about what motivates her and gives her the drive to be as successful as she is. Beneath the elegance and runway chic (which come naturally to this former model) is a caring, very centered woman who seeks to draw out the talent and ability in her staff and employees.

What we learned was that Jan didn’t exactly grow up in the lap of luxury. She says that her home when she was younger was at the end of a dirt road, and her brothers slept on army cots in an old, dilapidated garage, with a dirt floor, because of the confines of their modest home.

Jan cites this early, modest upbringing amongst her most valuable strengths. She says that, as an entrepreneur, she finds that her past keeps everything in perspective. The challenges and crises that constantly crop up in business are easier to tackle for her.

This background has also given her competitiveness, tenacity, drive, and ultimately the desire for success. She says, laughingly, that success is much better than growing up in poverty. She loves that owning her own company means that she is ultimately responsible for both its successes and its failures.

Her natural ability as an entrepreneur would not have led to as much success as it has, were it not coupled with Jan’s passion. Jan is  deeply in love with skin-care. She says that, even as a child, she was fascinated by skin. After years of lovely, clear skin, she developed severe cystic acne at nineteen. Her desire to understand what caused this chronic condition among young men and women, coupled with finding what REALLY worked to resolve it, launched her into serious skin-care research. She was deeply motivated, as a result of her own battle with cystic acne, to determine what physiological effects could be achieved from specific ingredients to make a difference. The rest, as they say, is history.

The benefit of this history, for all of us, is that Jan was able to produce an extraordinarily effective skin-care line. She says that the most rewarding part of her work is enjoying the use of her own products (which we all know she loves) and helping those with socially stigmatizing skin-conditions (such as acne or rosacea) to regain self-confidence through healthy, beautiful skin.

Her take-away message, for all of you lovely readers, is to really be educated about what you are putting on your skin. Everyone will claim to be the latest and greatest, but that obviously cannot be true. Ultimately, Jan says, there are only a few ingredients in skin care that are truly effective and have actual clinical and medical validation.

Only certain things will really work, so focus on what you want to change or improve about your skin (texture, pigmentation, fine lines, etc.) and find what is most effective for you.

As for those of us at A French Touch Salon, we’ve found that Jan Marini is most effective across the board.

We’d like to take this opportunity to thank the lovely Jan for giving us her time and allowing us to share her story!

If you’d like to hear more from Jan, you can check out her interview with Nip Tuck here.

A bientot!

Adrienne

Filed Under: Tips Tagged With: Interview with Jan Marini, Jan Marini, Jan Marini biography, Jan Marini exclusive, Jan Marini interview

Jan Marini, Dermatology, and Quality Assurance for Your Skin

August 5, 2014 By patkaspian

Bonjour Mes Amis!

As you know, we are still just giddy about our recent interview with Jan Marini. She was so great to talk to that we ran out of room to cover our conversation in our last post!

Jan

One part of the conversation that particularly interested us was Jan’s emphasis on the quality of her products. She discussed the dichotomy between the over-the-counter skin-care versus that purchased from doctors or dermatologists– Jan noted that there was a perception that products purchased from doctors are of a higher quality, which is not necessarily true. Over-the-counter products from major manufacturers are often produced under the highest standards, while many smaller professional market brands are produced in lesser labs that do not have the same scrutiny or FDA inspections.

In any case, in the past, patients often purchased products that were not compatible with prescriptions, certain skin conditions or cosmetic procedures.  Jan recognized the need to provide the highest quality, most efficacious, medically and clinically validated skin care in order to bridge that gap. Jan launched her remarkable line so that physicians and skin care professionals could have absolute confidence in products that produce measurable results.

Secondly, JMSR’s lab  is what is referred to as a “GMP”  lab, which is a designation given to labs who are licensed to produce pharmaceutical drugs and are regularly inspected by the FDA and have strict FDA oversight.  This is a further testament to JMSR’s emphasis on safety and efficacy.

 

JM 20th

From the onset, Jan Marini Skin Research originated their formulas and owns their proprietary formulations. JMSR  has pioneered numerous product firsts and holds a number of prestigious patents.  Among the firsts, are the first lipid soluble form of Vitamin C, the first combination of glycolic salicylic and azaleic acids, the first product with Transforming Growth Factor beta-1 (TGF beta-1) and many other groundbreaking technological firsts.

Recently, there has even been a Bioglycolic Body Scrub, which we are extremely excited about. All of these products resurface the skin and address concerns such as discoloration, adult acne, fine lines, wrinkles, and enlarged follicles. It is truly a wonder formula, designed to address all potential skin concerns.

Bioglycolic Face Cream

 

 

One aspect of this formula is that it boosts collagen production in the skin. A key prerequisite is the pH of the acid.  If the pH of the acid is too low, it can cause an on-going inflammatory response that can encourage collagen breakdown.  If the pH of the product is too high, the formula will lose it’s effectiveness.  The key is to maintain efficacy without on-going irritation. In fact, Jan Marini’s Bioglycolic formula is gentler at a higher percentage than many others are at lower percentages of glycolic.

This is not the only innovation by Jan–you’ve heard us brag about the C-Esta line enough to know that. C-Esta products utilize the power of Vitamin C, and as we mentioned earlier, Jan Marini Skin Research was the first to introduce Vitamin C with a neurotransmitter factor into the skin care market.

c-Esta Dmae

 

Another incredible innovation by Jan Marini Skin Research was the incorporation of TGF Beta 1, one of many growth factors, collectively referred to as cytokines, which help maintain skin’s youthful appearance. The Transformation line of products incorporate this growth factor for maximum transformative power. Additionally, our favorite Regeneration Booster incorporates this growth factor along with keratinocyte growth factor, epidermal growth factor and Cycloastrogenal.

Regeneration Booster

All in all, our conversation with Jan affirmed what we all already knew–Jan Marini Skin Research produces formulas that are incredibly effective, and down-right revolutionary. As a company, they do their absolute utmost to ensure the quality of the product. What that means for us, as the consumers, is that we can be satisfied that these products are the best of the best and have physician endorsement.

Keep that in mind as you review the specials for the upcoming Hot August Beauty Night!

We can’t wait to see all of you and celebrate 20 years of the amazing Jan Marini Skin Research.

Bisous!

Adrienne

Filed Under: Tips Tagged With: a french touch salon, Bioglycolic, C-Esta, Dermatology vs. Over the Counter, FDA testing for skincare, Glycolic, Hot August Beauty Night, Jan Marini, Jan Marini 20th Anniversary, Jan Marini Bioglycolic Formula, Jan Marini C-Esta, Skin Care

Summer Beauty Escape and THE Jan Marini

July 23, 2014 By patkaspian

Bonjour mes amis!

We at A French Touch Salon are very excited for two reasons:

1) Summer Beauty Escape is TOMORROW and we cannot wait to see all of your lovely faces, (not to mention enjoying cupcakes and champagne!)

2) We got an interview with THE Jan Marini, and we get to share it with you! (We have to admit, we were a bit star struck).

We got so much information from Jan yesterday that we decided to keep some to ourselves for now (I wouldn’t tantalize you without good cause), but, given that tomorrow we’ll be discussing products with our lovely Jan Marini representatives, we thought we’d share some of Jan’s favorites with you today! Who better to speak about her products than (the beautiful, illustrious, influential) Jan herself?

First and foremost, it’s important to understand that Jan LOVES her products. She says that she designs products for herself as much as anyone else, which means that she is quite literally taking care of your skin the way she takes care of her own. What better quality guarantee is there than that? That being said, there are products that she favors (and we should all probably take heed, because this woman is just the picture of healthy skin)

Jan

First amongst the products we discussed with Jan was, of course, her SKIN CARE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM. It seems that, even for Jan, the Skin Care Management System is the foundation to healthy, glowing, and blemish free skin. She benefits from its myriad of benefits, including the improvement of fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, and acne (which, unbelievably, Jan used to suffer from! But more on that in a later post). There’s a reason that this product was voted the Beauty Choice Product Winner of New Beauty Magazine–its transformative results are clinically proven, and Jan herself is a poster child for its effectiveness.

I’d like to take this opportunity to remind you of our Magnifique and Summer Jetsetter specials, which offer this very product at a discount!
I’d like to take this opportunity to remind you of our Magnifique and Summer Jetsetter specials, which offer either the full or starter kit at a discount!

Additionally, Jan utilizes her Age Intervention Regeneration Booster and Age Intervention Prime. Both products target signs of aging (loss of elasticity, fine lines and wrinkles), while the Age Intervention Prime does double duty—serving as a primer for a finished, polished appearance. Jan admits to preferring Age Intervention Prime to makeup, except for occasional television appearances. The Regneration Booster is incredibly effective at minimizing pores, softening fine lines and wrinkles and evening out skin tone. In a clinical study,  94% of participants saw overall improvement in the texture and appearance of their skin. Age Intervention Prime is fantastic because it contains peptides and CoEnzyme Q10 to target redness and fine lines, producing an airbrushed, long lasting look that actually improves skin through continued use. It combines advanced anti-aging and antioxidant properties with the added benefit of a primer.

Regeneration Booster Age Int Prime

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jan is also a BIG fan of Retinol Plus  in a way that we highly recommend—in addition to utilizing Retinol Plus’ extreme anti-aging benefits on her face, she uses it on her neck , which we all know can be a trouble zone if we’re not consistent with our attention to this delicate tissue. For this reason, Retinol Plus should be used on the neck area on alternating nights. This product is so effective that it has been described as an “anti-aging cocktail” by New Beauty Magazine. It contains a highly concentrated dose of Retinol, plus Peptides and Antioxidants, which clearly can benefit the skin of your neck in addition to your face. (Feel free to get as creative as Jan with its usage).

For her nightly routine, Jan swears by both Cleanzyme Cleanser and Skinzyme Mask, for a gentle, but deep-acting exfoliating treatment before applying night-care. These products make use of green-papaya enzyme which breaks down cellular debris build up, allowing products to penetrate much more efficiently.

-professionals-Marketing-Product Images_LoRes-Age_Intervention_Retinol_Plus_Pump_and_Box_LoRes-professionals-Marketing-Product Images_LoRes-Clean_Zyme_and_Skin_Zyme_LoRes

Another product she uses in a unique way is Enlighten +, which she rubs on the backs of her hands and up her arms (likely to prevent and reduce any age marks, which is brilliant of her-excuse the pun). Enlighten Plus is famous for lessening the appearance of hyper-pigmentation from years of photo-damage. In addition to actively addressing any spotting that is already present, it  prevents any future formation of damage by inhibiting excess melanin production in the skin.

Enlighten Plus
Finally, she tops it all off with her Tinted Sunscreen, protecting her skin with a unique broad spectrum SPF33 complex, while harnessing the benefit of its antioxidant power that scavenges free radicals that cause skin aging.If you have yet to use the Antioxidant Sunscreen, I (and obviously Jan) highly recommend it. It smells delicious, it absorbs quickly because of a patented micro-sponge technology (no oily face!) and works actively to both prevent sun damage while promoting healthier skin. Jan’s Tinted Antioxidant Sunscreen has the added benefit of adding a light touch of color, perfect if you don’t want full foundation.

And remember to include the newer Marini SPF45 Physical Protectant for a  paraben-free, chemical-free option.

spf 45So there you have it! Some of Jan’s favorite products, because even she can’t choose just a few. Luckily, you don’t have to choose just a few either, because we will be offering great specials and raffles tomorrow (plus if you bring a friend you both get 20% off a Jan Marini product of choice).

We can’t wait to see you all tomorrow, and we hope you’re as excited about these products as we (and Jan!) are.

Bisous!

Adrienne

Filed Under: Tips Tagged With: a french touch salon, Jan Marini, Jan Marini 20th Anniversary, Jan Marini Age Intervention Prime, Jan Marini Enlighten Plus, Jan Marini Regeneration Booster, Jan Marini Retinol Plus, Jan Marini Skincare Management System, Jan Marini Tinted Antioxidant Sunscreen, Summer Beauty Escape

Summer Travel, Jan Marini, and Sothys

July 15, 2014 By patkaspian

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

Filed Under: Tips Tagged With: A French Touch, Jan Marini, Jettsetter Special, sothys, summer, sun-care, sunhat, Travel, Travel skin care

Summertime Sun Protection!

May 5, 2014 By patkaspian

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.

Brush_3shades

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.

 

spf 45

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

Filed Under: Tips Tagged With: A French Touch, colorescience, Jan Marini, skin cancer, Skin Cancer Foundation, sothys, Sun Damage, sun protection, Sun Screen, UV Rays

Jan Marini Skin Research Retinol PLUS

April 6, 2014 By patkaspian

Why is Retinol the Best Anti-Aging product recommended by Doctors?

~Smoothes the Skin
~Boosts Collagen
~Reduces Fine Lines
~Evens out Discoloration
~Unclogs Pores

The first Non-Irritating and Skin-Smoothing over-the-counter retinol!

Age Intervention Retinol PLUS provides unparalleled skin rejuvenation benefits. The strongest levels of stabilized all-trans-retinol are synergistically combined with advanced topical agents to maximize efficacy while simultaneously decreasing or even eliminating acclimation/irritation concerns. Acclimation with prescription retinol can include redness, drying and visible peeling of the skin, leading many to discontinue it’s use. Retinol Plus delivers the equivalent skin-smoothing and brightening results without the downtime associated with prescriptions, while providing anti-aging and collagen boosting peptides, antioxidants, hydrators and skin soothing ingredients. Retinol PLUS truly separates itself from the pack.

Retinol PLUS helps with numerous skin concerns such as wrinkles, texture, acne and hyper-pigmentation by promoting increased cell health and stimulating the growth of collagen and elastin in the skin, which literally reverses the fine lines, wrinkles, and other damage caused by aging.

At  A French Touch, we recommend incorporating Retinol Plus into your regimen with the Jan Marini Skincare Management System customized to your particular skin, and strongly encourage the use of this regimen before, during, and after any peel series to maintain and enhance the rejuvenating effects of the peels.

Filed Under: Tips Tagged With: A French Touch, anti-aging, Beauty, Central Coast, Health, Jan Marini, Peel Home Care, Retinol, Retinol Plus, salon, san luis obispo, Skin, skincare

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