The Shocking Truth About Retinol!

Tags

age, age spots, aging, Beauty, facials, fine lines, glo therapeutics, glothrapeutics, hyperpigmentation, miracles, retin a, retinol, skin, skin care, studies, tretinol, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamins, wrinkles

The shocking truth is…..are you ready?  That Retinol works!  “What?” You may ask am I talking about.  Well with all the new fangled products out there and everyone of them claiming to do something nothing short of a miracle….I thought you might like to hear something absolutely proven. 

I have been using some form of Retin A since I turned thirty and my dear mother handed me her prescription tube and said “use it”. I used it then and I use it now twenty-four years (gulp) later. Where in the world did all that time go by? 

To say the very least…”I am a firm believer in Retinol as I have seen for myself what it does”.  Will I use “new” products that come out?  Oh sure and I may like or love some but even think of taking away my retinol …it stays within my easy reach each night.

And now a bit of background information

So here’s a quick blog on what you need to know:

.  Retinol is a less potent form of Retin-A, the brand name for tretinoin, a prescription-strength drug derived from vitamin A. Originally prescribed for acne, doctors soon noticed that the drug also reduced the signs of aging. Cell turnover is a natural process that slows as people age. Creams containing Retin-A cause skin cells to turn over faster, so new skin cells can emerge, resulting in smoother skin texture, clearer skin and the fading of dark spots. Retin-A also stops the breakdown of collagen, which is what gives skin elasticity and fullness, and helps shrink dilated pores. (see link to two studies below) Skin care companies quickly capitalized on Retin-A’s effectiveness by producing over-the-counter products with Retin-A’s.

Now, you might say to yourself…”I’m sold! Where do I purchase this Retinol?”  Well, you can make an appointment with your doctor and ask for a prescription or go to your neighborhood drugstore or even department store that are cosmetic grade and  pick up something that at least has some retinol in it….or…..(here comes my shameless plug) you can try glo Therapeutics pharmaceutical grade retinol products that have the highest level of active ingredients allowable for over the counter.  Not only do they each have this wonderful Retinol but all of glo Therapeutics have the gloComplex which has Spin Trap (intelligent free radical scavenger), Carnosine (stimulates collagen synthesis – dipeptide), Amia inhibitor of collangenase (which breaks down collagen) and Niacinamide (water-soluble form of Vitamin B, increases hydration and minimizes appearance of hyperpigmentation)

In other words….It’s great stuff!

gloTherapeutics Tretinol is a great start point for new “users”.  It’s creamier and bit less irritating but effective with .5% Tretinol in it along with Vitamin E and C.  Pass on this one if you have oily skin.

glo Therapeutics Tretinol

CONCLUSIOns by study Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan Medical School

Topical retinol improves fine wrinkles associated with natural aging.  Retinol-treated aged skin is more likely to withstand skin injury and ulcer formation along with improved appearance.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17515510

http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00272610

If it doesn’t fit…force it?

Tags

Beauty, breakfast, curl, eye makeup, flat iron, glominerals, hair, Leenas, musings, Running, smokey eye

I just came from meeting up with a good friend Kristine for breakfast at Leenas and just had to come home and ask you this question…..

Let me set the stage first:  Have you noticed that some things just seem to be destined to happen?  And somethings no matter how much we want them or work at it just aren’t going to happen…at least without a very bumpy ride?  So….do you force it or walk away?    

"Me with my office manager"

We were talking about business ventures and how it somehow seems magical when everything just falls into place one after another and then other times it seems the entire world has judged it unworthy and decided to stop our endeavor.  

 It  soon it occurred to us both that this may apply to all things….and well…you know me..I started thinking about beauty stuff. 

For instance sometimes a hairstyle just plain out doesn’t work. 

"I will have curl..even if it kills me"

You try everything…different brush, change shampoo, drag out the flat iron and to no avail it just isn’t working.  Or maybe the “new in look” in makeup…not pointing any fingers here but how about “smokey eyes”?  I failed miserably to make that look work for me…(big sigh here) I just looked older and more tired.  And frankly technique is not in question since I can masterfully do this look in others. 

When do we walk away….and when do we force it?

My friend Kristine said that she felt life had a way of presenting the right course and when you take a detour away from that course you will find a lot of obstacles.   The reverse being that when it all goes smoothly (for the most part) that you must be headed the right direction. 

I tend to agree with this notion for the most part and of course there will always be exceptions.  I can think of several already just off the top of my head. Frankly running can sure throw a lot of obstacles my way but is worth it in the end so I would not want to entertain the idea that it isn’t the right course for me.   

What do you think? 

What Is A Peptide And Why Should I Care?

Tags

aging, Argireline, Beauty, Eyeliss, fine lines, glo therapeutics, glotherapeutics, Matrixyl 3000, peptides, seattle, skin care, wetherholt salon and Spa

You’ve heard it’s in face cream and you’re like “sounds good” but what does it do?  Let’s do a little chemistry first….Peptides are strings of amino acids, held together by nitrogen and carbon bonds.  Peptides are considered the building blocks of life by scientists.  Here’s a pretty picture to distract you for a moment from all this science  talk for a moment

There are only 20 different amino acids in the human body and like words and sentences, different peptides and proteins in the body are comprised of different combinations and sequences of amino acids. When a chain of amino acids is over 50 acids long, it is usually called a protein, when it contains less than 50 amino acids in the chain it is a peptide. So, a peptide is a portion, or a building block, of a protein.

All peptides influence or direct the cells of the body in some way. Different types of peptides influence different types of cells.  The pivotal benefits of peptides in skin care is their ability to penetrate the skin.

What is a Peptide used for in skin care? The peptides used in skin care are ones that communicate with and direct the skin cells to behave in a certain way, such as producing more collagen or thicken the skin.

The peptides used in skin care are synthetic and they are able to enter the cells of the skin and remain intact.  For example Matrixyl 3000 is a combination of two peptides that restore and mai

Cyto-Luxe Serum

ntain the skin youthful appearance through interaction with specific cell receptors to trigger certain genes.  The regular application of a serum containing Matrixyl 300 has been proven to reduce wrinkles by 45 percent in two months along with significant improvements in elasticity and tone. 

Another of the cutting-edge peptides is Inyline: a new molecular cosmetics hexapeptide.  It fights facial expression lines by targeting muscle contraction using post-synaptic strategy. It is specifically formulated to target pathways that, upon repeated contractions made during facial expression, can turn into lines and wrinkles on the face.

Shameless plug: I carry these products at my web site www.wetherholtsalon.com

 gloTherapeutics makes several products with peptides and here are some I would recommend.  Remember also that glo Therapeutics is a pharmaceutical grade skin care line.  You can use with the utmost confidence!

Ultra Vitamin C

 

Super Serum

SPF40 Facial Moisturizer

The Zen of Perception

Tags

attitude, Beauty, business, economy, hair styling, positive, Running, salon, seattle, spa

Is the cup half full? Or half empty?  The answer is a personal one and you don’t have to share your answer with anyone if you don’t want.  I wonder if there has been a study to determine if you are born with this already hardwired in your personality or does this develop?  But it seems we all go through life seeing everything through this prism.

I was out for a run the other day and I got stopped by someone I knew several years and salons ago.  She’s one of the class of hairstylists that talk and talk a lot.  Which put me in the position of listening a lot.  Since we are in the same business I was fascinated by the fact that we see the current status of our field quite differently.  She lamented on how crummy the economy is and how terrible it was that there were people doing hair without a license (evidently taking business away from her)  I on the other hand have found that downturns in the economy always leads to better business for me….Why? 

I can come up with all kinds of good reasons but there is just one that I think is important to you and me.  Ready for this? 

People want to be around positive energy not negative.  Bright sunny positive attitude is what we are drawn to.

Even if you think the cup is half empty do not expose this to anyone.  You say “Oh yes, that cup is half full”.  Always look on the bright side of life to borrow the saying from Monty Python’s musical.  You may not be able to change the economy but you can change how you look at it.  Where my negative hair styling associate sees gloom and doom and waits for it to change, I see opportunity and fun challenges!  How can I do an even better job with my clients?  How can I make their day even better?  And a funny thing happens….business gets better not worse.

So take another look at that glass…..half full?  You bet!

5 WaysTo Weatherproof Your Makeup

Tags

blush, eye liner, glo minerals, glominerals, hydration, lip primer, lips, mascara, mist, rosy, seattle, spf, sunscreen, water, weather

Okay, it’s April and here in the Pacific Northwest we get rain.  And oddly enough we just don’t use umbrellas as much as you might think.  I guess we’re just used to getting wet.

Here are some great tricks to keep your makeup from getting soggy looking:

• New blush “Rosy” is water-resistant!  The Powder Cheek Stain has the vibrant long-lasting color of a stain to keep cheeks flushed with a rosy tone all day.  This is brand new for glominerals and I’m loving that I don’t look faded at the end of a day. 

• Use a finishing powder on top of your foundation  – glominerals Protecting Powder SPF30

• Set Makeup with Hydration Mist   A blend of antioxidants and anti-aging benefits!

• Use Lip Filler Pencil over your eyeliner.  If it does rain water will wick right off. 

• Use Water Resistant Mascara 

This is my favorite mascara of all time.  It goes on so smoothly and doesn’t feel like plastic!

 

 

 

 

 

Now you’re ready for that lovely mist and possibly a dance?

I’m Ready For My Close Up …video

Tags

Crave Spa, gloessentials, glominerals, glotherapeutics, makeup, photography, salon, skincare, spa, steven bisig photography, wetherholt salon and Spa

What does it take to get a few wonderful shots?  This is just a small sample of the day.

I’m ready for my close up!

Tags

brightening mask, Crave, Crave Spa, facial, glotherapeutics, persimmon lip gloss, salt scrub, seattle, steven bisig photography, wetherholt salon and Spa

This all started as most things do with a simple decision which led to another and another.  Now I sit here taking a small break from my morning chaos to let you see “inside” what it all takes to get this 55-year-old ready for a photo shoot.  Big sigh here…..It was so much easier when I was younger. 

So it in case you ever have to submit to this kind of scrutiny here is a fairly complete list of preparations to make me look like a goddess for my photo’s

One week prior: 

1. start paying more attention to skin!  Cut back on retinol and use more hydrating.  B5 is my friend right now along with Conditioning Moisurizing Cream.
2. pick out clothing for shoot….at least 5 different looks
3. do some online research and have a list of “do’s” and “oh no, I won’t make that mistake” kind of poses

One day prior: 

1. Flower Enzyme Peel with steam to slough off tired skin
2. Polish nails (have tried out several shades this week and picked my winner)
3. Drink water….and wine
4. Avoid salty foods
5. Sleep on satin pillowcase to ease any fine wrinkles

Morning of Shoot:

1. Drink coffee and remember to keep breathing!
2. Brightening Polish for perfectly smooth skin on face, neck and decolletage 10 minutes then followed with Restorative Mask.
3. Dead sea salt scrub for arms and legs followed by Glisten Body Moisturizer ( still not sure how much “skin” to show in photo’s)
4. Deep conditioner hair with gloessentials Intense replenish conditioner
5. Before drying hair apply 4 drops of Infinite Shine ….maybe a few drops more…couldn’t hurt!  Boost Hair volumizer at roots.
6. Blow out hair using Olivia Round Brush for full smooth look and then use 1″ barrel curling iron for curl.

Two hours before shoot:

1. Time for makeup!  Applying B5 Hydration and Vital E Eye cream and Oil Free Moisturizer.
2. Illuminator on center areas of face and Face Primer on “little” pesky wrinkles near eyes (it’s hard being 54 sometimes….this is one of them)
3. Under Eye Concealer and Lid Primer before applying glominerals Liquid Satin finish foundation…top with glo Pressed foundation.
4. Hmmm, what eyeshadow???? I pick the sparkly creamy color from Copper Sheen for lids and then Stone for crease and Silver Mist in outside corners.  Precision Liner on lower and upper lids.  Lash Thickener and Conditioner followed with Water Resistant Mascara.
5. Apply Eyebrow Powder in Auburn to eyebrows and comb out with spoolie
6. Tint for Cheeks in Sweet Pea with small amount of highlighter on upper cheekbone….Can I just say that I’m starting to look pretty good at this point.
7. Lips get Lip Exfolliator first then Clear Lip Plumper followed with Persimmons lip gloss
8. Apply Sunkiss Bronzer at outside forehead, cheeks and under-jaw
9. Swirl Shimmer Brick in Gleam on my cheeks, forehead, jaw line and just a pinch on collar-bone.  Nice!
10. Finish with Perfecting Power and spritz of Hydration Mist

One Hour Before Shoot:

1. Dress in outfit #1 and take a good long look in full length mirror.  No wrinkles, bulges, or loose threads anywhere.
2. Spray hair with Radiant fix Hairspray in Medium Hold (love this stuff as I can “re-work” my hair later and it feels soft and natural yet holds the style!)

I’m ready for my close up….I hope.

Photos courtesy of Steven Bisig Photograpy

Is It Working Yet?

Tags

B5, Crave, Crave Spa, gloessentials, glominerals, glotherapeutics, ultra C

“Is it working? ” is a question I get often from clients and almost daily from me.  Is the new shampoo making my hair shiny and full as promised?  Is this expensive serum easing my fine lines?  Are my lashes any longer today?  We’ve all asked these questions of the purchases we make.  We want to know that we haven’t wasted our precious time and money!  Please, tell me it’s working!

I was at a lovely cocktail party thrown by Crave Spa for the launch of their new book last week when during our networking conversations  a fellow aestheticism confided in me that she just wasn’t certain her products worked.  I was shocked and confounded for a while.  All kinds of questions whirled around my head like, “why would you sell a product you’re not sure of?” or how about “how do your clients trust your recommendations?”.  

My number one rule of products I carry is that  I use every item I carry (not all at the same time of course!) and I don’t simply love it…..out it goes…sorry, I don’t have time for non productive products!  How can I look my clients in the eye and tell them they should buy a products I’m “not sure of”? So I asked the aestheticism if she ever took before and after photos.  A picture as they say can speak a thousand words.  I take so many darn pictures of me and my clients

Client used glotherapeutics Ultra C serum and B5 Hydration serum for 3 months.

so that we can compare the before with the after and see with our own eyes if the product is working or not.   She had not considered it before….then she wanted to know if she needed a special camera.  Um…..no. 

So next time you purchase some exotic blend to apply to your face, take some pictures and wait with confidence that you will in fact know whether or not it’s working.

No Show

Tags

fees, missed appointment, salon, seattle, wetherholt salon and Spa

It happens to us all….maybe because of traffic or because you’re overloaded or no reason what so ever you don’t make it to an appointment you had …in business it’s called a “no show”.  

picture courtesy of Steven Bisig Photography

Today I had a no show for my last appointment.  At this point I don’t know what the reason is but since this particular client has young twins and she’s 58 I’m going to assume that she just plain old-fashioned forgot.  Now the next question is what am I going to do about this “no show”.  Absolutely nothing!  Currently a lot of businesses charge you a fee for not showing.  I understand they’re reason for starting this but I think it’s wrong.  How does this retain the customer for the future?  Answer: does not!

A few years ago I had a masseuse that I scheduled to see each month.  I was mentally fried because of all that I had going on personally and I forgot my appointment.  I got a phone message stating that I owed her for the hour I missed.  After over 5 years of seeing her once a month, tipping her lavishly and discounting her hair services I felt that missing one appointment wasn’t that big a  deal.  But evidently she did.  So I sent her a check and wished her well.  She called a month later wondering if I was going to be coming in…..uh….no.  We’re done. 

I knew in this moment of clarity that the check was far more important to her  than the relationship that we had. 

So my dear “no show” you won’t be charged…no not ever…but I am a bit worried about you and hope you’re okay.  Let’s just reschedule and you can tell me all about your crazy day.

When Actions Speak Louder

Tags

Beauty, hair, hair styling, movies, musings, non verbal communication, random thoughts, The Artist

“The Artist”

Yesterday I saw the movie “The Artist” and cannot get it out of my head.  If you’ve seen it already you know what I mean.  I went in expecting to enjoy the film but got caught off guard by just how much the movie inspired me.  It’s a black and white silent movie….which brings up all kinds of questions.  Why was this so powerful?  Clearly the actors are excellent but it’s more than that. 

 

"The Artist"

Non verbal communication 

 

Yep…all that stuff we say that isn’t coming out of our mouths.  A slight glance or maybe a tilt of the chin will talk louder than words. 

 

As a hairstylist I have known this to be true and pay very careful attention to both the words of my clients but also they’re body language.  If someone says they want 3 inches cut off but I see something in the eyes or maybe in the hand gesture….I know to ask some questions and not just lop off 3 inches because I’m in a hurry to get cutting. 

 

Next time you’re getting your hair done be sure and “talk” to your stylist before they cover you up with a cape…..you’ll speak more fluently!

 

Pepper and George

 

Dear Client,

Tags

Beauty, business, friends, musings, random, relationships, sytle, thoughts

This may seem highly unorthodox but I’m writing you today because I want you to know that I was listening…

I have been your hairstylist for years now…..I have listened intently when you’ve asked for a new style and have done my level best to give you the hairstyles that make you shine.  I feel the responsibility like a heavy weight on me but happy that you trusted me with this important task. 

Much like old friends we have taken turns talking about what concerns us. While doing your hair I have had conversations with you about your love life, your work life, your children, your parents and aging.  Sometimes we have cried together over our losses but most often we have laughed over our silly situations. 

Yes, yes you say…you know all this.  What you may not know is that I care in the deepest most earnest way about you.   I try to give you a “professional” demeanor while you’re sitting in my chair but after you leave I slump my shoulders and sigh with despair that I can fix your hair and  makeup but I can’t fix whats troubling you. 

After all this time I thought you should know that I love you and I’m listening.

 

Madonna

Tags

age, Beauty, Classic City Homes, greenlake, Madonna, new construction, seattle

What can you possibly say about Madonna’s performance at the Super Bowl that  doesn’t include the word…WOW! 

Loved the costume!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m writing about it this morning because of the impact her performance had on me and no doubt thousands of admiring fans.  Even if you’re not a fan of her music you would have to grudgingly admit she looks and performs just as good if not better than some of the younger artists today.  

Why am I writing about Madonna this morning?  Well yesterday I was staging a new house for my husband’s business.  The house is sunny beautiful contemporary with lovely views of Greenlake. 

New contemporary House in Greenlake Area Seattle

In order to do the staging I was spending the entire day running up and down stairs moving items from room to room until I felt it was perfect.  I finally got home totally exhausted right before Madonna’s performance and I watched with the wide-eyed amazement of a child as she danced her way through the performance. 

 

Madonna refuses to be defined by her age, 53 by the way and if she can do it so can all of us! 

 

 

 

 

Disclaimer I won’t be strapping on high heels and attempting to dance on stairs…..