Tag Archives: galvanic
I have been part of the skin care industry for a long time. When I first trained as a facialist, the products and protocols we learned were a lot less sophisticated than they are today. Even though we had botanicals and essential oils to work with and some of the electrotherapy that is still being used currently, the ingredients were not as advanced and the machines not as various or highly calibrated.
I have a lot more tools in my tool box these days which makes my work even more rewarding than ever. My favorite anti-aging stars include peptides, ATP, oxygen, stem cell extract, hyaluronic acid and the old favorites, Retin-A, collagen and elastin. Ultrasound and microcurrent have also reaped great benefits for many of my clients along with galvanic and high frequency that work with even the most sensitive of skins. It is all about getting the skin, by stimulating its natural physiology and chemistry, to produce new cells, amino acids and proteins in larger quantities over longer periods of time than is normal with intrinsic aging. In other words, younger looking skin that defies our chronological age!
Good news indeed. What this requires however, is a balanced and judicious approach to just how much stimulation you subject the skin to and who is advising you about the different methods. Constant abrasion with lasers, aggressive topicals and peeling agents creates too much trauma, can damage the skin and increase sensitivity and pigmentation. Protocols have to be mixed and alternated in order to achieve optimum results and we have a lot of ‘smart’ skin care formulas today that can send messages to cell receptors in the skin which makes aggressive topical treatments unnecessary. WE need to respect the skin as a fully functional and self regulating organ. For example, using microcurrent and galvanic electrotherapy with oxygen, peptides and hyaluronic acid during the summer months, coupled with anti-oxidant serums/cremes and sunscreen at home can prepare the skin for winter peeling protocols that would repair sun damage AND boost cell production.
One final and very important tip: avoid any products that combine any form of Retin A with sunscreen. ALL Retin-A products (this includes, Tazarac and Differin) must only be applied at night.
Take a look at what you have in your bathroom and on your next spa visit, review your home care routine with your facialist. Effective skin care requires discipline, planning and commitment – it is a habit that has to be repeated every day at home and every month at the spa to reap the rewards. Luckily, the rewards show up much more quickly today because of the technology and expanded knowledge we now have about the anatomy and physiology of the skin. And other people will notice the improvement in your skin too – I promise!
Over the many years I have traveled back and forth to London I have tried many things to keep my skin looking fresh when I arrive. So here are a few ideas you might like to try on your next journey.
Taking a flying trip this summer? Fun, but oh, those plane rides and what they can do to the skin! Stale, recycled air, 10% humidity, poor lighting and extra exposure to UV rays with no atmospheric protection, not to mention very little or no sleep!!
Here are a few tips to help your skin glow on arrival.
Get a really deep cleansing, hydrating facial 3-5 days before you leave. At SkinSense we offer the Hydradermie, Guinot’s signature galvanic treatment that does it all.
The night before the flight, treat your skin to a hydrating mask. Slather on body lotion and condition your hair. Do the same thing the night of your arrival and if the skin has become cranky during the flight, apply a clay mask that has a corrective, rebalancing formula.
Before boarding, make sure your skin is super hydrated – eye creme, serum, moisturizer and sunscreen and if you use mineral cosmetics, a light dusting will add extra protection.
If you have oilier skin, just use a serum after cleansing and toning, and add topicals before sunscreen and mineral powder.
TIP: Spraying water on the skin during a flight may feel refreshing but it dehydrates the skin surface. We recommend 302 Calming Mist which contains botanicals that hydrate and tone continuously.
DON’T FORGET: drink plenty of water. Hydrate from the inside out as well as the outside in. Avoid alcohol, tea and coffee during the flight and pack a few healthy snacks – fruit, nuts, energy bars – edibles that are light and easy to digest. Sitting for a length of time can cramp the system so remember to walk around from time to time and stretch your body.
Happy Trails!!
