Fall has officially arrived, and in the beautiful world of skincare, this means one thing: peel season is back, my friends! While summer is undoubtedly the most enjoyable season, that beautiful sun and radiant heat can unfortunately leave our skin feeling dry, cause hyperpigmentation, enlarge and clog pores, and even leave it with an undesirable texture. But fear not! Chemical peels are here to the rescue.

They address all these concerns and more, providing anti-aging benefits and helping acne-prone skin, all while brightening your complexion. I can’t wait to introduce you to the captivating world of peels. In fact, my friends have dubbed me the “peel queen” because of how frequently I use them on myself, recommend them to everyone, and know precisely which ones will work best for your skin type.

Fall is a time to reflect, look back on summer with a smile and focus on creating some new routines that will benefit you in the colder months ahead. Whether it’s practicing daily gratitude, adopting a new healthy food habit, or making self care a priority, now is the perfect time to invest in yourself.

October also means Halloween, of course, and I so look forward to seeing all of Hoboken, NJ in their finest costumes to celebrate! But, it’s not just about costumes; it’s also Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I’m excited to host an advanced Oncology Esthetics Class in the spa with my colleagues, taught by my former teacher and now friend from my esthetician school. In case you weren’t aware, it takes special training to work with clients undergoing cancer treatments, and it’s a personal passion of mine to make them feel serene and boost their spirits. I come from a family with a history of cancer battles, with my mother being a two-time breast cancer survivor, and many friends, family members, and clients who are survivors as well. I honor and salute you all for your strength and resilience.

It is also breast cancer awareness month and I look forward to hosting an advanced Oncology Esthetics Class in the spa with my colleagues taught by my former teacher and now friend from my esthetic’s training. In case you weren’t aware, it takes special training to work with clients that have cancer and are undergoing treatments and it is a passion of mine to make them feel serene and boost their spirits. My mother is a two time breast cancer survivor, and I know many friends, family, and clients that are survivors as well and I honor you all!

As for me, I couldn’t resist sharing this super easy and healthy DIY Fall Apple Cider recipe from Minimalistbaker.com. It’s a delightful way to embrace the flavors of the season, think Fall in a glass, while taking care of your skin. And a little whipped cream with pumpkin spice sprinkled on top can’t hurt either! Read the recipe here.

As we savor the flavors of Fall and new beginnings, I wish you all love, health, peace, and an abundance of blessings in your life!

As the crisp autumn breeze sweeps through my favorite town on earth, and leaves don their vibrant fall colors, it’s time for your skincare and makeup routine to follow suit. Fall brings about a change in weather, and your skin craves a different kind of pampering. In this blog, we’ll explore why your skin adores the autumn season and share tips on transitioning your skincare and makeup routine. Plus, we’ll treat you to a delightful DIY fall aromatherapy body polish recipe that will leave your skin glowing and invigorated.

Why Your Skin Loves Fall:

1. Gentler Sunshine: With the summer sun gradually fading, your skin gets a reprieve from intense UV rays. This means less risk of sunburn and sun damage. However, don’t slack on your sunscreen—UV protection is still essential year-round, so continue to use sunscreen.

2. Hydration Heaven: Cooler temperatures mean lower humidity levels, which can lead to drier skin. Fall is the ideal time to introduce richer moisturizers into your routine to lock in moisture and keep your skin supple.

3. Less Sweating: As the weather cools down, you’ll find yourself perspiring less, woo hoo! This reduction in sweat can help reduce the risk of clogged pores and breakouts.

4. Skin Repair Mode: With less exposure to harsh environmental factors, your skin can focus on repairing itself. Fall is the perfect time to make an appointment with us to address any summer-induced skin damage.

Transitioning Your Routine:

1. Switch to a slightly richer moisturizer: Opt for a more hydrating moisturizer to combat the dryness that comes with fall. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid and shea butter.

2. Exfoliation is key: It helps remove dead skin cells, allowing your skin to absorb skincare products more effectively. Consider incorporating a gentle exfoliating product into your routine, like our ZO Skin Health Exfoliating Polish. It’s a game changer, and we always have it in stock. Feel free to inquire about it at your next appointment!

3. Don’t overlook your lips: They deserve some TLC too. Fight chapped lips this season with a luxurious lip balm. Explore our range for hydration featuring clean beauty options.

4. Hydrating masks: Pamper yourself with hydrating face masks to replenish your skin’s moisture levels. Try ones containing ingredients like honey, aloe vera, or oatmeal.

5. One simple makeup tip our makeup artist Karina recommends is to get your makeup fall-ready is to incorporate warmer, autumnal tones into your eyeshadow and lipstick choices. Transition from the bright and light colors of summer to deeper, earthy shades like warm browns, rich burgundies, deep plums, and burnt oranges. These colors not only complement the season’s cozy vibes but also add depth and warmth to your overall look, making it perfect for the fall season.

DIY Fall Aromatherapy Body Polish Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brown sugar

• 1/2 cup johoba oil (or your preferred carrier oil)

• 10-12 drops of your favorite fall-scented essential oil (such as cinnamon, vanilla,

  or lavender)

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar and your choice of oil.

2. Add the essential oil drops and mix until you achieve a consistent, grainy texture.

3. In the shower, apply the body polish to damp skin in gentle circular motions,

   paying special attention to areas prone to dryness like elbows and knees.

4. Rinse off the polish thoroughly, and pat your skin dry.

5. Revel in the soft, aromatic embrace of your newly polished and moisturized skin.

Incorporate this DIY body polish into your fall skincare routine once or twice a week for a luxurious and refreshing treat. If DIY isn’t your style, don’t hesitate to inquire about our Green Envee Enzymatic Body Polish – a clean beauty indulgence that feels and smells like pure heaven!

Ready to embrace fall’s beauty? Book an appointment with us today and let’s make this season even more radiant. As we savor the last days of summer, and welcome the Fall season, as always, we wish you all love, health, peace, and an abundance of blessings in your life!

As much as I am in denial of it, the end of summer is fast approaching. Let’s make the most of the remaining days with refreshing Watermelon Margaritas, a DIY Body Scrub, and effective ways to enjoy bug-free outdoor activities this month!

Discovering my love for margaritas a few years ago was a game-changer (where have they been my whole life!). I am constantly on the lookout for easy, simple, and, of course, delicious recipes. The Minimalist Baker offers a fantastic 3-ingredient Watermelon Margarita recipe that captures the essence of summer in a glass. Trust me, it won’t disappoint! I’ve been making this delightful concoction all summer, and it’s become an absolute favorite among everyone I know. Who doesn’t adore a luxurious body scrub, especially one that helps rejuvenate dry summer skin? Here’s a quick and easy recipe that will leave your skin feeling refreshed and smelling like a summer breeze:

Take some watermelon chunks and either use a fork to mash them or blend them for a smoother texture.

● Add finely granulated sugar to the mashed watermelon and mix well.
● Gently scrub your body using circular motions to exfoliate and remove dead skin cells.
● Rinse off with water and follow up with your favorite moisturizer.

Lastly, let’s address the not-so-fun part of outdoor summer fun—bug bites! Here are some natural ways to prevent bug bites and tips for managing them if you do get bitten. These tried-and-true strategies have allowed me to fully embrace the outdoors without worrying about pests.

I’m a huge fan of peppermint oil and white vinegar. I always carry a small spray bottle filled with a mixture of peppermint oil and water in my bag. Simply spray some on your clothes and around your immediate vicinity whenever you plan to be outdoors. It’s perfect for walking the dog (I even spray some on my baby’s harness and leash), outdoor dining, and more!

Planning an outdoor barbecue? About 30 minutes before your guests arrive, pour white vinegar into a large spray bottle and apply it to surfaces where guests will be seated, where food will be served, window sills, door frames, tables, chairs, and even the tablecloth. This will help keep mosquitos, gnats, bees, and flies at bay.

For guests’ comfort, I offer a choice between the peppermint spray mixture and Avon Skin So Soft (ideal for babies and furry friends). Additionally, I provide a selection of sunscreens so everyone can enjoy a comfortable outdoor experience all day long.

If you do find yourself with a bug bite, tea tree oil is my go-to solution. Keep in mind that tea tree oil is potent and should never be applied directly to the skin. Instead, mix it with a gentle carrier oil like coconut oil, olive oil, or almond oil. Aim for a ratio of about 12 drops of carrier oil per one or two drops of tea tree oil. Apply this blend directly to the affected area. Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) essential oil is renowned for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-itch properties. It can provide relief from pain, swelling, and itching, while also preventing bacterial infections.

As we savor the remainder of summer, I wish you all love, health, peace, and an abundance of blessings in your life!

July is UV Safety Awareness Month!  If you’re looking for summer skincare tips and tricks to protect your radiant summer skin, then this blog is perfect for you! Here are the top 10 things you need to know right now:

Why do I need sunscreen?

Daily sunscreen usage is essential for reducing the risk of skin cancer, sunburn, premature aging, and hyperpigmentation. I can’t stress enough how important it is to not only wear sunscreen but also to reapply it regularly. Let’s dive in for more details!

How do I choose the right sunscreen?

With so many options on the market, I feel selecting the perfect sunscreen is such a  personal choice. As a professional, I rely on trusted sources like the American Cancer Society and FDA for information. Look for broad spectrum coverage, which fights UVA and UVB rays, with an SPF of 30 or higher. Follow the label instructions for reapplication guidelines.

What’s the difference between physical and chemical sunscreen?

Physical sunscreen sits on top of the skin and reflects UV rays. It can be applied immediately and is ideal for all skin types. Chemical sunscreens absorb and transform UV rays into heat. They should be applied 30 minutes before sun exposure and are suitable for most skin types. 

Personally, I prefer and recommend mineral sunscreens because the one I’ve chosen is oil-free, paraben-free, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, feels sheer and lightweight, and even my most sensitive and acneic clients love it. For these reasons, I use SkinMedica’s Essential Defense Everyday Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 47 Sunscreen. We carry the 32 and 47 SPF’s in-house and via our online shop. I love it, my clients love it, it’s a game-changer. However, it’s important to experiment and find the one that suits you best.

Is the SPF in my makeup enough?

When it comes to makeup with SPF, people often don’t apply enough to achieve the intended level of protection. Additionally, not all makeup with SPF provides broad spectrum protection, which means they may only protect you from UVB rays, not UVA rays.

To get the full SPF value stated on the product, you need to apply a generous amount of makeup, which is usually not the case for regular makeup usage. Furthermore, makeup tends to get rubbed off, smudged, or sweated off throughout the day, reducing its effectiveness.

What are some sunscreen myths?

Sadly, there is no such thing as waterproof sunscreen. Eventually, all sunscreens will be removed or dissipate with sweat, water contact, or towel drying. So, it’s important to reapply after any of the above, even if it’s not technically time to reapply.

No sunscreen completely blocks UV radiation. That’s why it’s important to employ additional forms of protection, such as wearing protective clothing, wraparound sunglasses that block 100% UVA/UVB rays, a wide-brim hat, and seeking shade whenever possible.

How much sunscreen should I use?

Now that you have your favorite sunscreen, let’s discuss proper application. Remember to check the expiration date each season, as sunscreen does expire. 

Apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before going outside to allow enough time for it to provide maximum benefits. A simple guideline for the amount to apply is two fingers’ length worth for the face, one finger length for the neck, and one finger length for the décolleté. 

Don’t forget to protect your hands too! While it’s worth investing in sunscreen for your face, neck, and décolleté, you can use a more affordable version for your hands and arms unless you have specific skin conditions. On average, an adult or child needs at least one ounce of sunscreen (about the amount it takes to fill a shot glass) to evenly cover the body from head to toe.

What are the most commonly forgotten areas?

In addition to the commonly missed areas like ears, neck, hairline, and bald spots, it’s important to apply sunscreen on microbladed areas, such as directly on the eyebrows, every day.

Don’t overlook your hands either! I always keep an extra sunscreen in my car and bag and apply a generous amount to my hands and arms before driving and reapply as necessary.

How can I remember to reapply sunscreen? Sometimes I even forget what day of the week it is!

Haha, I can totally relate. I’m often juggling multiple tasks and even during enjoyable moments, I tend to forget when it’s time to reapply sunscreen. So, I’ve learned (the hard way, of course) to simply set a timer for the entire time I’m outdoors. 

Set it on your phone or watch before you leave the house, and you won’t have to worry about remembering it!

Do dogs need sunscreen?

For this one, I recommend speaking to your pet’s veterinarian for recommendations and specific instructions on where and how often to apply it.

What do I need to know about the sun and how it relates to my furry friend?

I treat my 11-year-old Yorkshire Terrier, Hershey, more like a family member than just that three letter word “dog” lol. So here’s what you should keep in mind. 

The sun is at its strongest from 10 AM to 4 PM, so be mindful of the sun’s intensity not only for yourself but also during walks with your furry friend. If the ground feels hot to the touch, your dog’s paws will feel it too. Keep walks as short as possible and find shaded areas. 

It breaks my heart to see stressed dogs being walked while their owners are preoccupied with their cell phones, unaware of their beloved pets trailing behind. 

Avoid using your phone and give your dog the attention they deserve to ensure their safety. Excessive panting or refusal to walk may indicate stress, so always bring a couple of cold water bottles for them during walks and car rides. Pay attention to any signs indicating that it’s time to take them back inside.

Want to learn more?

Have some fun with it! I highly recommend you take the super quick and easy “Sun Safety Quiz” on cancer.org. I promise you will learn something new! 

If you found this blog informative, please like, comment, and share with someone that could benefit from it!

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