Terry Face Cloths vs Exfoliators

I am from the old school of thinking when it comes to skin care. Why can't I just use a plain, old terry face cloth to exfoliate my skin and save the money I would otherwise spend on exfoliators?


Using a face cloth to clean the skin is fine as long as it is used in gentle upward circular motions. Having said that, there are many beneficial ingredients incorporated into exfoliators that would be missed by just simply using a terry cloth. More importantly, terry face cloths cannot minimize pores, help hydrate the skin, soothe and calm the skin, draw out impurities and do not have antibacterial capabilities. We highly recommend a consistent exfoliation skin care routine using a product chosen for your particular skin type. Most exfoliators are not very expensive, and in our opinion, the results are definitely worth the money spent.

Oh, and don't forget to exfoliate your entire body. Love the skin you are in!

Lip Schtick Tips

Why is it that the more I lick my lips, the drier my lips get? It is driving me crazy.

Stop licking your lips! Saliva contains digestive enzymes which will wreak havoc on the natural protective coating of your lips. The more you lick, the drier and more uncomfortable your lips will become. The skin on your lips is very thin and has no oil glands to help protect them from the environment.

Drink lots of water, use a humidifier at home, apply a waterproof lip balm that contains natural beeswax, shea butter, vitamin E (break open a capsule and apply to your lips), almond, jojoba, or coconut oils. Petroleum jelly works well, but it is a bit messy. Chapped lips, or those nasty little sores at the corners of your mouth, may indicate a deficiency in B-complex and/or iron.

Take care of your lips, . . . after all, they frame each and every word you say.

Exfoliation Feels Grate, Not Great!

I understand the importance of exfoliating and have tried to incorporate it into my skin care routine but my skin feels tight and red afterward. What am I doing wrong?


Exfoliation should leave your skin with a pink flush and leave a light tingling sensation, . . . the opposite of what is happening to you. Perhaps you need to reconsider how often you exfoliate and/or change the product you are currently using and select one that is not so aggressive. Don't forget to rinse, rinse and rinse again.Exfoliation is an important step in a skin care routine, but it is equally important to choose an appropriate product.

*For reference look at our posts on exfoliators on June 2nd, 4th, and 5th - a few helpful recommendations are listed there.

Antioxidants: The Leader of the Pack

I have been reading your post for sometime now and have learned so much. Thank you! I would like to see a list of antioxidants that I should be eating to begin the beautification process from the inside out.


Great question. The highest level of antioxidant foods generally found in supermarkets are, in order of strength: undutched cocoa powder (twice that of red wine/three times that of green tea); bittersweet chocolate; white tea; green rooibos tea; green tea; red rooibos tea; oolong tea; and black tea. Some studies claim that the blueberry (especially wild blueberry, a.k.a. bilberry) contains more antioxidants than any other mainstream fruit or vegetable, when compared on the basis of equal calories. Others give the top award to Montmorency cherry juice—which does have more calories than blueberries, but is accessible year-round. Other fruits and berries that are high in antioxidants include the blackberry, raspberry, cranberry, cherry (especially the Montmorency, also known as the tart or sour cherry), dried plum (prune), dark grapes (including raisins, purple grape juice and red wine), crowberry (a North American berry that looks similar to a blueberry), kiwi, pomegranate, papaya (a source of vitamin E, lycopene and beta-carotene, three very powerful antioxidants), citrus fruit such as orange and grapefruit (the highest concentration of antioxidants are in the pulp, where the pectin is found); and leafy, dark green cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, daikon radish, kale, kohlrabi, mustard/chard greens, parsnip, rutabaga, turnip and watercress). The latest star of the antioxidant show is the Brazilian acai berry, a true superfruit.

FYI - One cup of green tea has antioxidant effects greater than a serving of broccoli, an antioxidant-rich food. A 2006 study showed that elderly Japanese people who drank more than 2 cups of green tea a day had a 50% lower chance of cognitive impairment than those who drank less green tea, or who consumed other tested beverages. The high amount of catechins in green tea are believed to be responsible.*

Mesoetetic Winter Promotional Pack

• Radiance Soft Pearls contains Retinol offering a secondary benefit of promoting exfoliation. Retinol promotes the formation of new cells in the lower layer of the epidermis, which in turn promotes the movement of older cells upward to shed. The cell regeneration triggered by Retinol leads to newer healthier skin, minimizing blemishes, lines and giving the skin the glow of vitality. The product is packaged in gelatine capsules (pearls) offering unit doses and easy application. As well as boosting cell regeneration the pearls contain ceremides to reinforce the hydrolipidic barrier of the skin, boosting the defence against moisture loss and environmental aggressions.

• The Radiance Intense Serum is the free radical 'scavenger' of the collection. It has powerful antioxidants (vitamin C, lipoic acid, soya isoflavons) to defend against aging and degradation of the skin, as well as ingredients to boost cellular oxygen promoting detoxification and giving the skin a smoother, more radiant appearance.

• Regenerating Gel is a light protective day cream/gel that hydrates, nourishes, and comforts the skin from the harsher environment of winter. It is so effective that it is often recommended for calming irritated skin after peeling treatments like microdermabrasion. Just think what it would do to soothe skin chapped by winter winds. It contains a powerful cocktail of peptides to boost collagen and elastin to minimize fine lines and help the skin to resist the formation of new tell tale signs of aging.

Mesoetetic designed their winter rescue skin care kit to ensure your skin stays protected and vibrant throughout the winter season . . . a season of radiance.

Sircuit Cosmeceuticals Dry Winter Skin Treatment Kit

A winter rescue skin care kit takes the guess work out of selecting the right products to help your skin take on winter's abuse. Sircuit Cosmeceuticals designed their kit with four products that include an easy to use exfoliating mask, a skin regenerating booster cream for day, a repair cream for night, and a lip treatment to keep the lips from chapping.

• Youth Accelerator is an exfoliating mask formulated with nutrition rich pumpkin enzymes. Perfect timing. Pumpkins are not only for Hallowe'en and great pies. They also have the incredible ability to refine skin texture and ward off too much cell build up.
• Sircuit Skin Secret Sauce is a powerful day cream to boost cell activity, hydrate and defend the skin from those 'age promoting' free radicals. There are several ingredient goodies you have been reading about, . . . peptides for anti-age activities, hyaluronic acid for hydration, and reliable vitamin E as the anti-oxidant.
• Dreamweaver is a night treatment cream was created to repair, heal and replenish the skin so that it will have the resistance and protection needed for the environmental exposure that follows during the day. The shea butter base with its high essential fatty acid (EFA) content ensures regeneration and healing, along with other natural growth factors. It also contains a powerful antioxidant.
•Suggah is more than balm for chapped lips, it is an anti-age lip plumping treatment that can be used as often as needed.
Shea butter and jojoba will provide relief for winter ravaged, dehydrated lips.

Give your skin a change this winter and "switch it up" from your normal routine.

Top Ten Winter Skin Care Survival Tips

1. Never bathe in hot water. High heat robs the skin of moisture. Instead, bathe in lukewarm water with bath oil.
2. Moisturize immediately following a bath or washing.
3. Carry spritzers to replenish moisture when the skin feels dry and follow with a moisturizer.
4. Exfoliate on a regular basis to maximize the results of moisturizers, but choose a gentle exfoliant and use it more often.
5. Use a humidifier to keep the room at at least 30% moisture because dry air draws moisture from the skin.
6. Have a healthy hydration routine - drink plenty of water and other beneficial fluids.
7. Make sure your moisturizer contains an SPF - just because it is winter does not mean you can forget about using protection against those deadly UVAs.
8. Narrow the use of products containing AHAs and stay away from astringents and toners that contain alcohol.
9. If you don't already take a multivitamin, winter is a great time to start, especially one with some vitamin D. Increase your daily intake of antioxidants.
10. Add olive oil to your diet - you will be amazed at the results.

Some skin care lines have created some great winter rescue kits to boost your winter skin care while refining texture, rebooting cell activity, nourishing and hydrating. Stay tuned . . .

Fall and Winter Skin Care "Switch-Ups"

Ah, . . . winter. Colder temperatures, cooler air, and depending on where you live, the possibility of rain and/or snow. When this happens we turn on our furnaces, start to use the heaters in our cars, and cover up for warmth. All of these things greatly affect our skin. The cooler temperatures cause a drop in the humidity leading to increased moisture loss, and the dry warmth of the furnace pitches in to finish off the job by robbing your skin's moisture levels. For instance, sitting in your car with the heater blowing may feel warm and toasty, but it puts your skin into panic mode.

It is normal to have moisture move through your skin and evaporate from the skin's surface to some degree, but when the skin loses too much moisture it responds with defensive actions. For instance, oil production increases in an attempt to trap more moisture as it plays a large role in holding, or linking, moisture in the skin. The surface layer of the skin begins to thicken in an attempt to lessen the moisture loss. The result? A thicker, duller complexion with more dehydration lines, accentuated existing lines, and a definite feeling of tightness. If that is not bad enough, dehydrated skin is more susceptible to free radical damage accelerating the aging process.

During the fall and winter months it is paramount to switch up to a new day cream that will provide a little more emolliency and protection, and one that will boost hydration, . . . big time. If you cannot bring yourself to change your day cream, boost it with a serum day and night. Exfoliation will help address the thickening, minimize the lines and pore depth, increase the healthy color of the skin, and give a renewed look of vitality. Bring out the hydrating masks, daily if you need to, and don't forget to go and have a professional deep hydrating facial. Your skin will radiate with appreciation.

Seasonal Skin Care . . . Yes or No?

There really is something to seasonal skin care. Everyone should change their skin care routine and switch up their products according to the different seasons. The skin responds much better to a little variety when the climate changes trigger problems. Variety is also the skin's spice of life when trying to slow down your own “aging” season. What about those who live in areas that do not have drastic seasonal changes? The skin gets accustomed to external and internal environments and will respond to minor changes, such as temperature, humidity, sun exposure, furnaces, air-conditioning, stress and diet. Even slight changes alter the skin structure and behavior. Have you ever wondered why your skin lacks a little vitality in the spring, glows in the summer, and in the fall you are thinking, “yikes . . . more lines?"

Stay tuned for a little insight on the influence seasons have on your skin and what you can do to sail through the seasons with not only better skin, but great skin.

Don't Wear Moisturizers with SPF to Bed!

I love my moisturizer and use it day and night. Recently, I read that any moisturizer containing SPF should not be worn at night because it will block the effectiveness of the ingredients. What is your opinion?


What you read is true. Any product that has a high dose of SPF will contain either titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. These are great sun blocks but they are occlusive on the skin and will prevent the other ingredients from functioning efficiently. It is also important to understand that these two ingredients will put weight on your skin at night which is believed to accentuate aging. Yikes! Our advise is to wear it only during the day when you need UV protection and find another good treatment cream formulated to benefit your skin during the night.

Pondering Paraffin Treatments

Can paraffin treatments be used on the neck and face?


Yes, paraffin treatments can be performed on the face and neck, but as a strict rule, the outcome is only as effective as the product placed underneath it. Paraffin forms a warm occlusion to promote penetration of the product applied. While it will soften and hydrate the area, it will do absolutely nothing to tone and tighten the the skin. Also, it is a very real possibility that those who are claustrophobic may discover the heat and weight of the paraffin may not be comfortable. There are many wonderful professional treatments to choose from and enjoy.

Not All Skin Care is Created Equal

What is the difference between professional grade skin care vs department store retail? Great question. Simply put, professional skin care is sold in a spa environment under the careful eye of an esthetician. Professional lines are exclusively prescribed to each client after a thorough skin analysis. Accordingly, manufacturing companies are more comfortable incorporating the maximum amount of allowable ingredients into their products because of the education based distribution. Hence, the category, professional skin care. As a result, clients can bank on a higher percentage of active ingredients and a more efficient product. Kind of important if you are looking for a bigger bang for your buck.

Retail, on the other hand, markets products in a more anonymous setting, and in doing so, must cut back on the level of active ingredients to address the obvious risk of irritation and sensitivities. It is the "a lot of this and a little of that" story. Having said that, there are some interesting products out there, especially in the past few years. We've come a long way, baby! The top companies in this category have buckets of money and they invest in significant anti-aging research and development. And, that is a very good thing.

There are some truly great products on both sides of the fence, but our money, at the moment, is on the professional grade products.

Spa Treatment for Hands - Paraffin Wax

Paraffin has the unique ability to absorb, retain and transfer heat to the delicate parts of the hands at a therapeutic level. The heat transfer increases circulation, relaxes stiffness, relieves dryness, and offers a unique relaxing experience, . . . also perfect for joint pain. Prior to the paraffin application, a stress releasing hand massage is followed by a light application of luxurious hydrating cream.

The hands are then immersed in a warm wax, which immediately hardens, and placed into plastic liners and insulated towel mitts to help increase the circulation of the skin and absorption of additional moisture from the cream. The more layers of paraffin the more heat fusion will occur, and the more layers applied, the easier it is to remove. And no, paraffin wax will not pull out or remove hair. The heat immediately releases tension and literally melts stress and tension while rehydrating and soften the appearance of the hands. This half hour treatment is the ultimate in affordable spa luxury. This is truly one of the best and least expensive treatments available at a spa and a personal treat to consider during an economic downturn. Go on, put your hands into those of the professionals and lift your mood. You deserve it!

NIA 24 - Decolletage and Hands Sun Damage Repair

This hand treatment was created to specifically address sun damage, different types of hyperpigmentation often seen on the backs of the hands (and/or on the décolleté) and to help prevent further damage. The formula contains some great plant extracts that will inhibit the production of melanin, lighten and smooth the skin, support the natural barriers, and offer protection from further ultra violet damage.

The ingredients include great anti-inflammatory action of liquorice (remember any type of inflammation or irritation promotes free radical damage), pigment control of bearberry and mulberry, and soothing actions of allantoin, evening primrose and olive oils. Vitamins B3 and B5 re-establish the protection of the skin barrier and diminish pigmentation. Vitamins C, E, and white tea offer powerful anti-oxidant properties (C will lighten the skin as well). Even with the plant oil content (olive, corn, borage) this cream is comfortable and does not leave a greasy feel to the hands. The light scent of nutmeg adds to the pleasantness and will promote frequent use. Tip: Don’t forget to exfoliate your hands at least once a week to get the best results possible.

B Kamins Maple Treatment Hand Cream SPF20

This hand cream packs a powerful punch. It is rich with anti-oxidants essential to protect the skin and dermal proteins, like collagen, from degradation (aging) which helps to keep the skin on the hands firm and plump. The natural protective barrier is often stripped away from environmental exposures and frequent washing. Once disrupted, hands are predisposed to free radical damage and discoloration and they begin to feel dehydrated, rough, and uncomfortable.

Reinforcing the protective barrier is essential to protecting and preserving the health of the skin on the hands. The honey and squalene content, combined with the Bio-Maple™, ensures hydration throughout the layers of the skin reinforcing the protective barrier of the corneum (upper layer of the skin) leaving the skin of the hands (and cuticles) feeling soft and supple.This light, non-greasy formula also includes AHA (alpha hydroxy acids) which ensures a healthy non-aggressive turnover of cells, promoting exfoliation of the old and production of the new. The incorporated sun protection gives essential UVA and UVB protection. The guarantee? Your hands will thank you.