A French Touch Salon

The finest in Parisian skin care on the central coast.

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Let’s concentrate on ampoules

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Ampoules – small vials of concentrated formulas aimed at correcting specific skin concerns – are finally getting their 15 minutes of fame. Though already widely popular in Europe and Asia (especially Korea), the U. S. is just being introduced to this vital part of skin care regimens.

So, why are these little capsules used during professional European facials? The perfected formula gives the most powerful and instantaneous results possible. Its small molecular structure allows for quick absorption and prepares skin for additional products…including your serum.

These differ from normal serums as they contain a higher concentration and are designed for short-term use (figure one to two weeks). “Consumers have high expectations when purchasing skin care products today and expect results, fast,” says Benjamin Simpson, senior vice president of marketing for Babor, which is responsible for manufacturing over 20 million ampoules each year.

Asia is credited for being the leaders in ampoule usage, thanks to the trend of multi-layering. Ten step skin care regiments are very common in Asian countries, usually done twice a day. This allows products to build on one another, offering the best concentration and penetration of ingredients. Implement ampoules into your daily layering of skin care products. Ampoules are designed to be used short term so, when a new skin concern arises, you can easily switch to a new ampoule without altering other products. They penetrate through to some of the deepest layers of your skin and can be very effective. Due to their concentration during application, they can produce results right away but, make sure you are using the right type of ampoule for your skin type and skin care needs.

Sothys has come out with Essential Ampouples…four different ampoules for hydrating, oxygentating, brightening and anti-aging, each benefit various skin needs. Sothys is donating 50% of Essential Ampoules sales to The Florida Breast Cancer Foundation.

How are ampoules used correctly?

  1. Thoroughly cleanse face, neck and cleavage with care products according to the skin type.
  2. Apply a face tonic in order to rebuild the acid mantle of the skin and to improve the penetration of the active ingredients into the skin.
  3. When using  Sothys ampoules simply snap off the applicator tip and sprinkle the product in the palm of your hand.
  4. The valuable ingredients are now applied with the fingertips and gently tapped until the impression arises that the skin is saturated.
  5. In case a small rest is left, this should be used as quickly as possible (due to the preservation and the sensitivity of the high concentrated active ingredients).
  6. Finally, apply your usual care products.

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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

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!

La Fête de la Saint-Valentin: Happy Valentine’s Day from A French Touch!

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Bonjour, Mes Amis!

French LoversAs February draws closer and closer, and the stores fill up with chocolates, teddy bears, and flowers galore, you may be thinking to yourself, “What am I going to give that special someone (or my special self!) for Valentine’s Day?”

Why not lovely skin the French way?  Be it for a friend, a family member, spouse, neighbor, coworker, or (especially) you, A French Touch Salon is offering the gift of refreshed, beautiful skin, with all the bows and ribbons!

Our Valentine’s Day Special this year will include:

  • Refreshing Mini-Facial: A customized “beauty boost” that is tailored entirely to you and your skin!  It includes a deep cleansing with Clarisonic’s Ultrasonic brush (complete with their new super-soft Luxe Brush head) which removes dirt and debris from deep within the pores but is gentle on skin, with a cleaner that is customized to meet the needs of your skin.  Next, we apply an exfoliator, also tailored to your skin type, which will leave your skin looking and feeling softer and more radiant.  vday facialWe remove the scrub, then allow you to relax and in our calming atmosphere under a warm steam.  Once you are thoroughly relaxed, a mask perfect for your skin–whether you need an extra bit of moisture or a touch of anti-aging magic–is applied to your refreshed and reinvigorated skin (which will absorb beautifully after the steam).  Finally, we apply a gentle, soothing moisturizer, some sun protection, and send you on your way to enjoy the rest of your day.
  • Sothys Skincare Kit of your choice!  Choose from:
    • Winter Hydration Sample Kit, complete with a few of their most moisturizing products; Nutritive Comfort Cream (moisturizing facial care), Hydra-nourishing Body Lotion(moisturizing body care), Essential Lipid Elixir (softens and enhances moisture barrier), and Velvet Hand Cream (velvety-smooth nourishment for your hands)
    • Anti-Aging Travel Kit, which includes Sothys’ Grade Three Anti-Aging Cream and Serum Duo, along with Comfort Cleansing Milk and Lotion to sooth and soften the skin before  applying the anti-aging products (read more about Grade Three here!).
    • fluidbloomMoisturizing Travel Kit, which includes Sothys’ Hydradvance Serum and Light Hydrating Cream, as well as their Vitality Lotion and Cleansing Milk, which will leave your skin smooth and refreshed with added and protected moisture (read more about it here!).
  • A beautiful bouquet provided by Fluidbloom: “Cupid’s Arrow” is a romantic blend of roses, poppies, ranunculas, stock, and high end greens in deep reds and pastel pinks (pictured here, très jolie!).

Have you heard about Sothys February Promotion Box, which includes their gentle eye and lip Make-up Remover, Complexion Perfector (an ultra-soft texture with a matte finish, covers and reduces the appearance of large pores), and a FREE Volumizing Mascara for only $74 (this is not a part of the Valentine’s Day Special, but would certainly be a wonderful addition to your thoughtful gift!).  A great gift for those Valentine’s (or just because!) date nights!

The Valentine’s Day Special is the perfect way to say “I Love You” to the special people in your life, and is a steal for only $85!  BUT you need to reserve yours by February 10th in order for everything to be ready to pick up at the salon (or have it delivered for extra charge), so be sure to reserve yours online, or call, email, or visit us soon!

And, to show our appreciation of your feedback and support, if you mention this blog post the next time you are in, you will receive a FREE Sothys Gift of Beauty Sample Pack–including the Complexion Perfector and the Nutritive Comfort Cream–and a one-time $5 Gift Certificate!  We love getting online feedback and support from all you, so this is our way of thanking you for helping us to provide you with the best possible experience!

Bisous,

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Don’t Let the Winter Chill Dry Out Your Skin

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Bonjour, Mes Amis!

woman-with-winter-skin-in-snowEven though the words “winter chill” might only mean 60 and overcast here on the beautiful Central Coast (while the rest of the country is under several feet of snow, no less!), colder weather and drier air is here, which could wreak havoc on your skin. The dry air literally zaps all of the moisture out of your skin that we get from natural oils, products, and even the humidity that is more prominent during the rest of the year, and can leave your skin looking and feeling parched and chapped.  Jan Marini recently shared an article about dry skin in which Sarasota, FL, dermatologist Elizabeth F. Callahan, MD, said “Treatment for dry skin needs to Jan_Marini_Rejuvenate_and_Protectrestore moisture to the epidermal barrier so it can properly hold water in and allow the skin to heal.”  A well-known celebrity aesthetician, Nerida Joy, also advises, “Dry skin needs to be treated with a hyaluronic acid serum and a vitamin C serum. Hyaluronic acid helps to coat the cells with moisture, and vitamin C acts as a skin protector. It’s also really good for those with sun damage since it provides antioxidant benefits, too.” This is why our Rejuvenate and Protect Kit, which contains Marini Physical Protectant SPF 45 OR Antioxidant Daily Protectant SPF 33, C-Esta Serum, and C-Esta Cleanser (your FREE gift with purchase), comes out in Winter.  Check out these simple tips that can be easily added to your daily skin care regimen to protect your skin during these dry months!

1.  Avoid Hot Water.

Using hot water to wash your face actually does more damage than good; the heat sucks the moisture out of your skin, and leaves you with a dry, nonabsorbent canvas for the rest of your products.  Instead, use cool, room-temperature, or lukewarm water with your cleanser after (not in!) the shower.  The lower temperature will help your skin absorb moisture, rather than encourage evaporation and exaggerate capillary and Rosacea damage,  so that there’s a bit of moisture there already for your moisturizer to lock in.

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2.  Remember the Sponge Metaphor!

This (as many of us know!) is one of Patricia’s favorite metaphors when it comes to caring for your skin!  Imagine that you’ve spilled something over your counter top (most likely a Peppermint Mocha, in my case!), and you grab a sponge to clean it up.  Now, a dry sponge will absorb some of the mess, but probably not a lot of it.  A pre-moistened sponge, however, will be much better at absorbing what is left of your delicious Mocha, simply because it’s already damp.  Our skin works the same way; when our skin is dry, it doesn’t absorb nearly as much of our lotions and creams as when it is moisturized and healthy.  Keeping your skin adequately moisturized will not only help you maintain a fresh, healthy look but help the rest of your products penetrate more deeply.  Moisturized skin is also better able to fight the formation of wrinkles and expression lines, while dry skin has weaker support and therefore wrinkles more, and has a weaker moisture barrier. 

3.  Use a Good Cleanser.

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 Sothys Milk Cleansers are the best to use when it comes to maintaining a moisturized healthy look.  These gentle products don’t strip the skin of natural oils but still remove dirt and buildup from your skin.  Also remember to NEVER use plain old soap; regular soap will suck the life right out of your skin and limit the ability for it to absorb other products (talk about looking like a dried out sponge!).

4.  Use Toner.

Toner is a French secret that is still largely undiscovered by American culture; this super-moisturizing lotion is the perfect step to add to your skin care routine, right after your cleanser and right before your moisturizer.  The French actually use toners (just a dab on a small sponge or cotton pad will do), rather than water, to wash off their cleansers because it moisturizes the skin so much more; and the more moisture is actually in your skin (be it from naturally produced oils or a Sothys Toner), the better your moisturizer will work, because it will lock in that moisture and keep your skin looking fresh and youthful.  And remember that Sothys toners are alcohol-free- a MUST with any toner!  And, like most of Sothys skincare, paraben-free to boot!

5.  Use Sun Protection!

According to Allure Magazine, “Even in the winter, UV rays can interfere with skin-barrier function and prevent skin from holding on to moisture.  Use a lotion with SPF 30 or higher every morning and carry a sunscreen powder, such as Colorescience Sunforgettable Mineral Sunscreen Brush (SPF 50), for touch-ups.”   Our Jan Marini Antioxidant Daily Protectants, available in our Rejuvenate and Protect Bundles and on special this month, are the perfect product for your morning sun block, or the perfect alternative if you prefer an elegant cream sunscreen to a lighter weight powder.

6.  Come Visit Us at A French Touch!

kit hiverFor the rest of January, our Sothys Milk Cleansers and Toners are on sale; receive double the quantity for the price of the smaller bottles. Such a great way to keep your skin soft and silky during the cold weather, and all year long!

We are also offering a Sothys Winter Hydration Sample Kit, complete with a few of their most nutritive moisturizing products, for $25 to keep your skin hydrated and healthy no matter what the weather. It includes Nutritive Comfort Cream (moisturizing facial care), Hydra-nourishing Body Lotion (moisturizing body care), Essential Lipid Elixir (softens and enhances moisture barrier), and Velvet Hand Cream (velvety-smooth nourishment for your hands).

Finally, make sure you are wearing your Colorescience or Jan Marini sunscreen daily, and look into the Rejuvenate and Protect Bundle from Jan Marini, which is on special this month; $130 (about $40 off!) for Marini Physical Protectant SPF 45 OR Antioxidant Daily Protectant SPF 33 (your choice!), C-Esta Serum, and C-Esta Cleanser for a healthy dose of Vitamin C.

No matter what the weather this winter, remember that keeping your skin hydrated is the most fundamental step in maintaining healthy looking skin and helping your other skin care products penetrate more deeply all year round; don’t lose that winter glow just because the weather outside is frightful! (Or just 60 and overcast, but you know what I mean!)

Bisous,

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