The SKINTENTIONAL Pyramid, Vitamins and Minerals (E)

Micronutrients: Vitamins and Minerals

       Our Skintentional Pyramid has five categories with three levels and the tip. The third level contains vitamins and minerals. I've given you a few tidbits about the first two vitamins, A and C. Now let's get to know Vitamin E.

Vitamin E

         Vitamin E, just like Vitamin A and C, is an antioxidant. Antioxidants fight free radicals. Free Radicals cause disease, damage the DNA, and aging of the body and the skin.

          Vitamin E does it's best work when it is paired with either Vitamin A or Vitamin C. And since these are essential to the skin's health, then why not take all three.

Liquid Shade

         Do you have oily skin? If so, do you like most people with oily skin wish you didn't? Well don't be so quick to wish it away. Guess where your Vitamin E is found? That's right! Within the oil of your skin. Think back to a previous post. We learned that God's way of protecting a person who lives close to the equator, is by creating them with more melanin in their skin. Well He did the same thing with their oil glands. He gave more oil so they could have protection from the sun. Are you beginning to see why I call Him Lord? 

          Now this is not always the case, but most people with naturally dark skin have oily skin. We also learned in a previous post, that one of the components of the acid mantle (your skin's barrier of protection) is oil. If you have oily skin then you have your own production company of natural sunscreen. I call it Liquid Shade. Vitamin E may reduce the inflammation of the skin after exposure to the sun. Sunburn and pigmentation (brown spots) are reduced with Vitamin E. Even more so when used in combination with Vitamin A and C.

Character

        My husband has taught me a term that I like to use. When something is new it shines. But when something has been around for awhile, it has Character. Sometimes this character shows up in the form of a scar. Scars are usually caused by damage to the skin, burns and stretch marks. Although there is not much that can be done for a scar once it is there. During the time when the wound in the skin is healing, applying Vitamin E may help speed up the healing process and lessen the scarring. That's why you will find Vitamin E in skincare products. It is also a preservative in skincare products. 

Going Nuts and Going Green

       Sometimes we fall short of getting our Vitamins through our diet. But just in case you want to try, here is a list of foods that are great sources of Vitamin E.

Almonds, Sunflower Seeds, and Peanut Butter.

Asparagus, Avocado, Collard Greens, and Spinach.

        

Inspiration To Grow On

O Harvest Time

        I'm not sure how many of you have been following daily. I know of only 3 that read every day. So this is meant for you 3 especially, and any others that have noticed my absence from the blogging world the last few days. 

        If you read my bio, then you know that my husband and I live on a small farm where we grow a lot of what we eat. If you took a stroll through our garden you would find broccoli, cabbage, corn, cucumbers, green beans, okra, onions, peas, peppers, spinach, squash, tomatoes, turnip greens, and zucchini. Keep strolling and you will find apple, fig, and plum trees, blueberry bushes, and strawberry beds. And although that sounds and is wonderful, it is also a lot of work. I'm not complaining in the least. I'm grateful that the Lord allows me to wiggle out of bed every morning and find my way down to the garden. But a garden doesn't run on anyone's time but it's own.
         Until the garden starts to come in, I really only have to spend one good day a week working it out. That means weeding, hoeing and plowing to keep it up. But once the vegetables start to grow and ripen, then there is something to do most every day. 

        My last post was the day before I picked my first mess of green beans. And it's been farm to fork to pantry to freezer since then. I'm in the garden early morning picking whatever is ready, then canning or freezing for the rest of the day. As of date, I have frozen strawberries, blueberries, and zucchini. Made strawberry jam, canned green beans, made chowchow and sweet pickles. And I am just getting started! 

        July will be our busiest time here on the farm. I had to make a choice. It was either post or produce. I chose produce. So blogging will have take a back seat to the garden. That's not to say that I will no longer be posting. It just means that my family and home comes first. 

        I'm loving summer and I'm sure you are too. Everything is fresh and blooming, we have sunshine up to sixteen hours a day, and the pool is open for business. Much of my life is happening outdoors which is where I want to be. My porch is my favorite spot in and out of the house. It's where the beans are strung, corn is shucked, peas are shelled, okra is sliced, and tomatoes are peeled before coming together to make vegetable soup that my family will enjoy on a cold winter day with a pan of cornbread. 

      

  So as you can see, 

                               I have a few....... ROWS TO HOE. 

P.S. I have 3 words about skincare.       

                                            Sunscreen. Sunscreen. Sunscreen

The SKINTENTIONAL Pyramid, Vitamins and Minerals (C)

Micronutrients

        Vitamins A, C, E, and D are necessary for your skin cells to function properly. All are antioxidants except for Vitamin D. Antioxidants are  very effective in keeping skin healthy. We will cover antioxidants in more detail in a later post.

       We learned that Vitamin A helps to aid in the prevention of skin cancer, stimulate collagen production, and soften lines and wrinkles. If you dig a little deeper into the role Vitamin A plays within the body, you will find that it also keeps the skin around our organs healthy by repelling bacteria and viruses. I think it's worth repeating that the overall health of the skin is supported by Vitamin A.

Vitamin C

       Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), an antioxidant vitamin needed for repair of the skin, helps with the production of collagen and aids in the skins healing process.  

       Vitamin C is my favorite vitamin. Here's why. Like Vitamin A, it also is an antioxidant, can help prevent cancer, and aids in the production of collagen. Vitamin C is also able to lighten pigmentation in the skin. How amazing is that!

       Think back to one of my first post in which you learned some basic facts about the skin. One of those facts was that the skin contains one-half of your primary immune cells. Vitamin C is a preventative vitamin in the fact that when taken orally it can reduce the severity of colds. It helps wounds heal faster, and helps keep skin from becoming dry and rough. 

       Here's another fact about skin. Most of the damage (aging) to our skin is caused by UV exposure. When we expose ourselves to the sun without protection, free radicals (molecules that cause aging in the body and wrinkling and sagging of the skin) attack our DNA, and this leads to the formation of cancerous cells. Vitamin C decreases this damage. 

       Vitamin C is very useful in reducing the inflammation (redness) that is often associated with acne or any other disorder that causes inflammation (redness) in the skin.

C-sential

   As you can see Vitamin C is essential to healthy skin. It is found within most product lines. Look for it before you purchase. If Vitamin C is not an ingredient used within a product line, then don't buy their products. Serums of 20% Vitamin C will give the best results. Test have shown that concentrations higher than 20% do not have better results, so don't waste your money on higher concentrations.

C-Licious

Vitamin C is also found in some of my favorite foods. They include; broccoli, cantaloupe, grapes, garlic, green tea, kiwi, tomatoes, turnip greens, oranges, peppers, and strawberries.

In or On

Whether you include Vitamin C in your diet, take a supplement, or apply topically, either way will be beneficial to your skin cells. 

The SKINTENTIONAL Pyramid, Vitamins and Minerals (A)

       Our SKINTENTIONAL Pyramid has three levels and five categories. We began with Proteins, Fats, and Carbohydrates. These are called Macronutrients. Protein, Fats, and Carbohydrates are called Macronutrients because they are the three basic food groups that are essential for the body to function properly.
       Think about the past week and try to remember what you had to eat at each meal. Now if you are like me you may not be able to remember what you had for lunch yesterday. But if you are able to remember, how much of your diet contained the Macronutrients;  Proteins, Fats, and Carbohydrates? Probably most of it. That's why we call them MACROnutrients, they are the big boys.
       Have you ever heard of the term Micronutrients? Micronutrients are what we refer to as Vitamins and Minerals. microNUTRIENTS, they are the little guys.

Micronutrients: Vitamins and Minerals

       Just as the Macronutrients are essential for your body to function properly, 

Micronutrients are also very important for proper bodily functions. 

Let's start with vitamins. We are going to focus on  the Vitamins that are necessary for skin health. They are Vitamins A, C, E, and D.

Vitamin A

       The overall health of the skin is supported by Vitamin A.  Here's why. First of all Vitamin A is an antioxidant. Antioxidants are very effective when it comes to keeping skin healthy. Vitamin A can aid in protecting the skin from skin cancer.  Lets say you go to see a Dermatologist with an suspicious, raised area on your skin, if at all possible the doctor will remove it most every time. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer.  
        As we age our skins cells don't shed as easily as they did when we were younger. And without regular exfoliation our skin will become rough. If we have spent our younger years exposing ourselves to the sun and indoor tanning, this under exfoliated, rough skin is also damaged. After years of over exposure to the sun and due to the skin cell shedding process slowing down, our skin can become unhealthy. If the skin is exfoliated regularly it will be smooth. Vitamin A helps the skin to shed on its own. And when the skin is exfoliated regularly, the damaged skin that would otherwise pile up and possibly become cancerous, is removed. 

       Vitamin A is an ingredient that is found in some skincare products. Skin care products designed for anti-aging works the same way. Think of a line or wrinkle as a ditch. The more debris that builds up on the banks of the ditch the deeper the ditch will be. Its the same with lines and wrinkles in our skin. The more dead skin that is on the surface, the deeper the lines and wrinkles will be. That's why products containing Retin-A, are considered anti-aging. They help  skin to slough off more easily,  making our lines and wrinkles less obvious. If you have purchased an anti-aging product, then most likely one of the ingredients listed will be Retin-A or retinoic acid. Vitamin A also stimulates collagen which is our skin's natural filler. 

       Regular use of Retin-A, a moisturizer, and sunscreen will keep your skin healthy while looking and feeling smooth. 

Natural Sources

      By adding foods rich in Vitamin A, we can help our skin stay healthy.  Dairy products, fish oil, yellow and green fruits and vegetables are natural sources of Vitamin A, including butternut squash, cantaloupe, carrots, kale, mangoes, pumpkins, spinach and sweet potatoes. If you are not getting Vitamin A through the foods that you eat, you can also take a daily supplement. These can be found at most pharmacies and grocery stores.

Feedback Friday

Test Drive

         Welcome to Feedback Friday. It's that time of the week again when I answer your questions. I will answer one question each Friday. You may ask questions in the comment box or email me at 2monicawheeler@gmail.com. And remember, there are no dumb questions. 

                So here we go.

This week's question is from Cheryl.  She ask.......

      I purchased a machine to use during facial treatments from a friend who is also an Esthetician. There are some attachments that I am not familiar with. I used a machine  similar to it when I was in school, so it's not completely foreign to me.  I'm starting a new job in a week.

     PLEASE HELP! 

Cheryl,

       My first suggestion for you would be to ask your friend to demonstrate the machine for you. Since both of you are Estheticians, you shouldn't have any problem finding someone to be your client, maybe a daughter, mom, or sister. 

       One of the benefits of buying from someone you know or locally,  is being able to really be sure before you buy. You said that you have already purchased the piece but I would still ask your friend come to your spa and go over everything with you. 

       But lets say you and your friend are not able to get together before next week when you start you new job. Do your research. Find the company that sells your machine. All the equipment suppliers that I have dealt with have been very helpful with explaining and answering any questions that I have had, whether I purchased directly from them or not. They want you to purchase from them in the future, so don't worry about asking for help. Making this contact will help in the future also. You may have to replace a part here and there. So having the manufacturer's phone number ready at hand will help when that time comes. 

Play before you pay

       When you purchase online, you dont have the option to take a test drive. But buying locally or from someone you know, you should always give it a spin. Don't think.this will offend anyone. If it does, that's a red flag. So go ahead check it out, try it out and kick the tires. And if you have the option................

                                   PLAY BEFORE YOU PAY.

Thank you for the question. I hope this helps.

  

The SKINTENTIONAL Pyramid, Carbohydrates

The Skin's Pyramid

          We've all seen the USDA Food Pyramid. It's a guideline to help us understand how much of each of the five food groups we should eat each day in order to have a healthy body.

          Well what do you think about a food for your skin pyramid?  Let's visualize a pyramid with five sections. In these sections we will have the five food elements with which our cells are compiled.

          Our pyramid will be built with proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins/minerals and water, because these nutrients are what compose the protoplasm of a cell.

          Our pyramid will be divided into five categories and arranged on three levels.

      

          The three food elements that form the first two levels of our skin's nutrition pyramid are fundamental for healthy skin.

          The first level of the pyramid is Protein. Every single cell contains protein. 

The second level of the pyramid will be divided into two categories. Fats are one of the categories of the second level. Fats are required for good skin health. Carbohydrates are the second category.

Complex, not Simple.

          Carbohydrates are not your enemy. Complex Carbohydrates I mean. Complex Carbohydrates give your cells energy to renew themselves and to convert Proteins into beautiful new skin cells. And new skin cells are what gives your skin it's healthy glow.                            

          Complex Carbohydrates helps our body to detox itself. Think of your skin as your third kidney. Remember back a few post, we discussed the Body Systems. One of the Body Systems is the Excretory System. The Excretory System purifies  the body by elimination of waste matter. If your body is not eliminating itself of toxins, your third kidney (your skin) will start showing some signs of a toxins and other impurities. One of those signs is Acne.

          Acne can be very difficult to understand. Although our diet doesn't cause acne, it can make acne worse. Taking the simple Carbohydrates which turn into sugar, and cause premature aging not only in the skin but also throughout the whole body, out of our diet and replacing them with Complex Carbohydrates which are high in fiber can help our bodies excrete the impurities.

Low Carbs, Not No Carbs .    

         If you decide to start one of these low carb diets, remember exchange your simple carbs for complex carbs. Your skin cells need energy in order to function properly. Your skin will say thank you with fewer lines and wrinkles replaced with a youthful, healthy glow.

The SKINTENTIONAL Pyramid, Fats

The Skin's Pyramid

         We've all seen the USDA Food Pyramid . It's a guideline to help us understand how much of each of the five food groups we should eat each day in order to have a healthy body.

         Well what do you think about a food for your skin pyramid? Let's visualize a pyramid with five sections. In these sections we will have the five food elements with which our cells are compiled. 

         Our pyramid will be built with proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins/minerals and water, because these nutrients are what compose the protoplasm of a cell. Our pyramid will be divided into five categories and arranged on three levels.

         The three food elements that form the first two levels of our skin's nutrition pyramid are fundamental for healthy skin.

         The first level of the pyramid is Protein. Every single cell contains protein. If you read the last post, it will help you understand how important Protein is to your skin. 

Fats

  Fat, a natural oily or greasy substance occurring in the body. 

          Fats are the second food element in our SKINTENTIONAL Pyramid. Visualize the pyramid. On the first level we have proteins. The second level will be divided into two categories, Fats are one of the categories. 

          Fats are required for good skin health. Our sebaceous gland (oil glands) are all over our body. These glands lubricate the skin. 

          Some people think of Fat, and associate it with being overweight.  But if you remove all Fat  from your diet this could cause dry skin, wrinkles, and dry hair. The sebaceous glands ( oil glands) are found all over the body. But did you realize that means your scalp also? The oil glands in your scalp need Fat in order for you hair to be soft, silky, and shiny.

Fat is Where It's At

       So remember your skin needs Fat. Don't worry about a little Fat in your diet. You need it.

Moisturizers, whether expensive or inexpensive, are good investments. But an inexpensive moisturizer will work as well as an expensive moisturizer when our skin has the Fat it needs. 

      

The SKINTENTIONAL Pyramid, Proteins

The Skin's Pyramid

           We've all seen the USDA Food Pyramid. It's a guideline to help us understand how much of each of the five food groups we should eat each day in order to have a healthy body. Well what do you think about a food for you skin pyramid? So visualize a pyramid with five sections. In these sections we will have the five food elements with which our cells are compiled. Our pyramid will be built with Proteins, Fats, Carbohydrates, Vitamins and Minerals, and Water, because these nutrients are what compose the protoplasm of a cell. Our pyramid will be divided into five categories and arranged on three levels.

Protein

          The three food elements that form the first two levels of our skin's nutrition pyramid are fundamental for healthy skin. 

          The first one is Protein.  Every single cell contains protein. In order for cells to function properly, Proteins are necessary. Proteins are needed to make keratin. You may be familiar with a product that is available in the market, it's called  Hair, Skin and Nails. It's main ingredient is Keratin.  Keratin is found in our skin, hair, and nails. 

           Your nails are made of Protein and Keratin. When you do not have enough Protein in your diet, your nails will become weak and begin to split very easily. Healthy nails, that have an adequate amount of Protein, will grow quickly.

           Our hair follicle is made up of Protein. When you shampoo your hair, is more left on the shower floor than in your scalp? If hair becomes thin from hair loss, this could be a result of lack of Protein. 

           Now, what about your skin? Did you know that collagen is made of Protein?  One of the most valuable Proteins in the body is collagen. Have you ever noticed that when someone has been sick for a period of time that it shows in their face? When sick, most people do not consume foods high in protein. This can cause a loss of collagen, which leads to sagging of the skin. Collagen keeps our skin firm and toned. It keeps our skin from sagging and wrinkling. If you are seeing puffy eyes looking back at you in the mirror every morning, this could also be caused by a lack of Protein.  Retaining fluid anywhere in the body could  be due to a diet low in Protein. 

You are what you eat.

           So who knew how important Protein  was to our skin? It is a building block that is required for our cells to function properly. And we know our skin, one of the systems of our bodies, is made of cells. The base of the skin's nutrition pyramid is Protein, and now you know why.
           There are some weight loss programs that are very low in Protein. Be careful about starting a diet like this. Although there are circumstances where a low Protein diet can be beneficial, its only recommended under a physicians care.
            So have an extra egg for breakfast, a slice of cheese on your sandwich, a cold glass of milk, and order salmon when it's on the menu.

        Me, I think I'll just put on a pot of beans and make a pan of cornbread.

          

   

Nutrition For The Skin

Feeding Your Skin

          Our bodies are made up of trillions of cells. Cells group into tissues, and tissues group into organs, which group into systems, and together they form the human body. Our cells are made up of five food elements. The five elements our cells are made up of are; (1) Proteins, (2) Fats, (3) Carbohydrates, (4) Vitamins and Minerals, and (5) Water. 

          When our cells have an adequate supply of these nutrients, they have a better chance of staying healthy. Since our bodies are made up of cells, this should tell you that making sure you include these five food elements into your diet, your body has a better chance of staying healthy. And guess what that means?

Healthy Cells = Healthy Bodies = Healthy SKIN!

Nourishing Your Skin

            In order for your body to keep making more cells, it must be nourished with food elements that your cells are made up of. This not only helps you to produce more cells, but good nutrition helps your cells repair themselves when they become damaged by disease or unhealthy lifestyles. 

            Our diet has an affect on our skin. I've often been asked, "Does chocolate cause acne?"  I have also seen a client to discuss her blotchy skin and after spending a little time with her, realize that she has taken one of these five food elements for our cells out of her diet.

You Are What You Eat

             With proper nutrition your cells can produce a healthy body. With proper nutrition your body can produce healthy skin. There is no guarantee that having a good balance of Proteins, Fats, Carbohydrates, Vitamins and Minerals, and Water will produce healthy skin. But it is true what they say........

                                         ...........You Are What You Eat.

     

          

Feedback Friday

My Own Thing.

       Welcome to Feedback Friday. It's that time of week again when I answer your questions. I will answer 1 question each Friday. You may ask questions in the comment box or email me at 2monicawheeler@gmail. And remember, there are no dumb questions.

        So here we go.

This week's question is from April. She ask........

          I am currently working at a day spa as an Esthetician. Although I enjoy my job, I am having second thoughts about spending so much time away from my family. I am thinking about starting an educational program to help others care for their skin. I want to have small classes, 7 to 10 people. It will be a one night class. I would like to incorporate a product line as well. I need advice about how to turn this idea into a business.
Thank you.

          Great question April, and  I completely understand your dilemma. And I encourage you to spend as much time at home with your children as possible. Not only while they are young, but until they are grown and out of the house. Having a flexible schedule, is very doable within the field of Esthetics. You can also be a very successful Esthetician while being a wife and mother.
            Ask yourself a question. Would I pay someone to give me advice concerning my skin issues? If so, who would it be? Your answer would most likely be a Dermatologist or an Esthetician. And you are an Esthetician, so you are on the right track. Whether you give these classes in your home or in an office,  you will need products to demonstrate with. People love seeing treatments, it gives them a better understanding of how to use their products as well as how much to use. Having skincare products available will help them follow through with any advice about a home regimen.

            My first suggestion would be for you to choose a product line that you are familiar with and like. Become a  sales representative for that company. Find a company that will allow you to buy wholesale and sale retail, this way you keep all of the profit. Product sales are where the money is. Charging for skincare classes with a percentage going towards any product purchase is a good idea. 

           You will have to do your research. Find out what the demographics are. Is there a high school in your area? Give them a call. See if they will allow you to come by  the school and leave information letting the students know about your classes on acne. Young people need to start taking a little extra care of their skin when they are in middle school. You could form a relationship with the staff, letting them pass the word on to a parent of a child that may need help caring for their skin.  Esthetics is a very good field in which to be working. More and more, people are seeing that taking care of their skin can be done at home, with a little guidance from an Esthetician. 

            But remember, any business owner will tell you that it takes time to build a client base. Don't be discouraged if you only have one person attend your first class. The good thing about this idea is that you won't need to invest a lot of money in order to get started. 

           So dust off that old text book and start preparing your lesson plans. I think  you have a unique idea.  

   

          Thank you for your question. I hope this helps.

The Integumentary System

    In The Beginning

          In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And on the 6th day, God made man from the dust of the earth and breathed into him the breath of life. This is how Adam, the first man, was created. Then He took a rib from Adam's side and made Eve, the first woman. 

          Adam and Eve had a son, his name was Cain. Adam and Eve were created in the image of God. Although Adam and Eve were created at the climax of all that God had created, Cain's natural birth and how he was formed is no less of a miracle. 

          We have discussed how cells are the basic building blocks of all living things. We all have trillions of cells in our bodies. These cells are responsible for carrying on the process of life. But do you know how? How did we get from one cell to trillions of cells and become this wonderful machine we call the human body? Well here we go. Pay close attention.

The Human Body

            It starts with Cells (the basic building blocks of all living things).  Then those cells when grouped together become tissues. Tissues (a group of cells) which perform a specific task. These tissues (a group of cells) are made up of mostly water. There are 4 types of Tissues (a group of cells) in the body. Then those Tissues (a group of cells) become organs. Organs (a group of tissues) which perform a specific task. There are  9 major Organs (a group of tissues) in the body. Skin being the largest organ. These Organs (a group of tissues) when grouped together become systems. Systems (a group of organs) which perform a specific task. There are 11 Systems (a group of organs) in the human body.

Simply Put

             One cell splits and becomes more cells these cells then form tissues.

The 4 tissue types are:

Connective, Epithelial, Muscle, and Nerve

            These tissues group together and form organs.

The 9 organs are:

Brain, Eyes, Heart, Kidneys, Lungs, Liver, Skin, Stomach, Intestines

           These organs group together and form systems.

The 11 systems of the body are:

Skeletal, Muscular, Nervous, Circulatory, Lymphatic, Endocrine, Digestive, Excretory, Respiratory, INTEGUMENTARY, Reproductive

AND THIS BECOMES A MIRACLE........ THE HUMAN BODY. 

           You may have noticed that the word Integumentary was completely capitalized. That's because of all of the 11 systems of the body, the integumentary will be the one we will focus on. The word integumentary is the clinical term for the skin's system. Your body, from cells to systems, needs an adequate supply of food, oxygen and water. As long as your body has this, taking care of the skin is a breeze.

           Psalm 139:14

                                      "I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made."

The Anatomy Of The Cell. Part 3 The Cell Membrane

Another Quick Recap

          If you have read the last two post, then you know that cells are the basic building blocks of all living things. Everything that is alive is made up of cells. And without Cells (the basic building blocks of all living things) you and I would not exist. We discussed the composition of the Cell (the basic building block of all living things). We began with the control center of the Cell (the basic building block of all living things), the Nucleus (the center of the cell).

          The Nucleus (the center of the cell) we learned, plays a very important part in Cell (the basic building blocks of all living things) reproduction. We learned that the Nucleus (the center of the cell) is where our DNA is located. Our DNA is what determines our eye color, our hair color, and our skin tone. Its what we call our genetic makeup. We also learned that the Cytoplasm (the watery fluid that surrounds the nucleus) contains nutrients that helps keep our Cells (the basic building blocks of all living things) healthy and aids in cell growth, reproduction, and self-repair. The Cytoplasm (the watery fluid that surrounds the nucleus)  also gives the cell it's shape.

          Once again let's visualize the raw egg. By now you know that the yellow yolk is the Nucleus (the center of the cell), and the clear, jelly like substance is the Cytoplasm (the watery fluid that surrounds the cell). 

The Cell Membrane

          Have you ever given much thought about why it is when you crack an egg into a pan to fry that it doesn't run all over the pan. Well there is a translucent film that encloses the egg and helps to keep the egg from losing it's shape. If you are  not careful when cracking an egg open, you may break the translucent film and the egg will run all over the pan. It's easier to see this film on a boiled egg. When you peel a boiled egg, you will sometimes see a thin white layer just underneath the egg shell. This is similar to the Cell Membrane.  The Cell Membrane encloses the Cell (the basic building block of all living things) and allows a substance to come in and go out of the Cell (the basic building block of all living things) The Cell Membrane (a translucent film that encloses the cell) protects the Cells (the basic building blocks of all living things) by acting as a barrier not only to keep substances from coming into the Cells (the basic building blocks of all living things) but the Cell Membrane (a translucent film that encloses the cell) also controls which substances may exit also.

              Remember, the Cytoplasm (the watery fluid that surrounds the nucleus) gives our Cells (the basic building blocks of all living things) their shape. But the Cell Membrane (a translucent film that encloses the cell) helps our Cells (the basic building blocks of all living things) keep their shape.

That's It In An Eggshell.

You've heard the old saying, " That's it in a nutshell. "Well here's the anatomy of a cell " In an eggshell." It is important for us to understand the cell, how it works, and what it needs to stay healthy. And when our cells are healthy, our body is healthy, and this adds up to healthy skin.

      

The Anatomy Of The Cell. Part 2 The Cytoplasm

          A Quick Recap

        If you read the last post then you now know that cells are the basic building blocks of all living things. Everything that is alive is made up of cells.And without Cells (the basic building blocks of all living things) you and I would not exist. We discussed the composition of a Cell (the basic building blocks of all living things) and started with the control center of the Cell (the basic building block of all living things), the Nucleus ( the center of the cell).

       The Nucleus (the center of the cell) we learned, plays a very important part in Cell (the basic building block of all living things) reproduction. We learned that the Nucleus (the center of the cell) is where our DNA is found.  Our DNA is what determines our eye color, our hair type and color, and our skin tone. Its what we call our genetic makeup.

The Cytoplasm

         Once again let's visualize a raw egg. Picture the yellow yolk as the Nucleus (the center of the cell). Now picture the clear jelly like substance around the yolk. Think of this as the cytoplasm. Cytoplasm is a watery fluid that surrounds the Nucleus (the center of the cell) and contains the nutrients our Cells(the basic building blocks of all living things) need to be healthy. Just as our bones and muscles give our body it's shape, the Cytoplasm ( the watery fluid that surrounds the nucleus and contains nutrients our cells need to be healthy), gives our cells their shape. If our cells (the basic building blocks of all living things) were flat, nutrients would not be able to move throughout them. The Cytoplasm (the watery fluid that surrounds the nucleus and contains nutrients our cells need in to be healthy) aids in cell growth, reproduction, and self-repair.

              That's pretty much all I'm going to share about the cytoplasm at this time. There's really not much more that you need to know. Later we will discuss which nutrients are needed for cell function and what they have to do with keeping the skin healthy.

 Cells-    .      The basic building block of all living things.

 Nucleus-     The center of the cell.

 Cytoplasm- The watery fluid that surrounds the nucleus and contains nutrients our cells need to be   
                     healthy.

       
            If you are wondering what all of this has to do with your skin, stay with me. It will all come together eventually.  When you understand the origin of the skin and how it works, you are able to take that information and use it when caring for your own .
     

The Anatomy Of The Cell. Part 1 The Nucleus

                    Got Cells?

      Look around you. Everything that is alive is made up of cells. Ok, did that tell you anything? Did you pay attention in school during anatomy and physiology class? What about biology? Maybe you are like me and you can't even remember taking those classes. Don't stop reading just yet. We are not going to get into the anatomy of the whole body, just the beginning......... The Anatomy of the cell.

      What is a cell?  Every living thing is made up of cells. Cells are the basic building blocks of all living things. Without cells you would not exist. First of all, think of a raw egg. The clear  gel of a raw egg is similar to the colorless, jelly like substance that a cell (the basic  building block of all living things) is composed of. This substance is called protoplasm. Within the protoplasm( the jelly like substance which a cell is made of) are some very important nutrients, such as proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and water. When your cells (the basic building blocks of all living things) have a sufficient supply of these nutrients, they are able to perform all the fundamental functions of life. 
      There are 3 basic parts of a cell (the building block of all living things). They are.... the Nucleus, the Cytoplasm, and the Cell Membrane.

The Nucleus

      Let's start with the Nucleus. Remember the raw egg. Now visualize the yellow yolk, the center of the egg, as the nucleus. The Control Center.  Inside the nucleus ( the center of  the cell) there is a very important acid, deoxyribonucleic acid, better known as your DNA. 

      What color are your eyes? What color is your hair? Your DNA is a genetic code or clue for an Esthetician. This helps us to determine which treatments and products you may or may not be able to receive or use. At conception, your curly hair instead of straight hair, your green eyes instead of brown eyes, was transferred from your parents. In the nucleus ( the center of the cell ), this all was determined by your DNA. The nucleus (the center of the cell) plays an important part in reproduction. 
      Now that wasn't too bad was it? We have started constructing a cell. Tomorrow we will discuss the cytoplasm and it's functions. 

      Genetic Makeup

        Why is it that if we have  brown hair we want blond hair? If we have curly hair we want straight hair. If we have light skin we want darker skin. If we have dark skin we want lighter skin. I guess the old saying, " We always want what we don't have " is true.  We may color our hair, wear contacts to change the color of our eyes, and tan our skin. But our genetic makeup will never change. What about you? Are you happy with your genetic makeup? Or have you, like most of us, changed a few things about yourself?
       When I was younger, I worked so hard at trying to change myself. I had light skin, so I tanned it. I had freckles, so I wore makeup to cover them. And I didn't like my red hair. I now realize, my genetic makeup that was given to me by God, my Creator, is what looks best on me.  I love fair skin and actually wish mine was lighter. I like freckles, and I wear very little makeup. I also color my gray hair with red hair dye.

       I think maybe there was a reason that my favorite doll as a little girl was Raggedy Ann.

      

Feedback Friday

                  

                                    Setting Up Shop

      Welcome to feedback Friday. It's that time of the week again when I answer your questions. I will answer 1 question each Friday. You may ask questions in the comment box or email me at 2monicawheeler@gmail.com. And remember, there are no dumb questions.

      So here we go.

Today's question is from Kelly. She ask............

                 "Could you give me a close estimate on a start up cost for putting a spa room together? And is there a website that might have a list that would include equipment, products, linens etcetera for putting together a treatment room?"

 

           The cost of starting a business is always more than we want to spend. Especially knowing that we will not get the investment back for awhile. At least until you are able to build a clientele, and that takes time. 

          

             You're set up cost will depend upon the services that you are planning to offer. 

So let's say you will be offering these services. Facials, Microdermabrasion, Chemical Peels, Waxing, and Makeup. 

             For your facials you will need a facial bed with a stool, a steamer, and a magnifying lamp. And if you plan to offer galvanic and high frequency during your facials, then you would need to purchase a full system. This system is referred to as an 8 in 1, because you are able to perform 8 services with the 1 machine. You will need a towel warmer, a trolley for supplies, a wax pot and supplies. The cost for this equipment if purchased individually could run around $2000.00. The first time I set up a spa we purchased everything individually. The second time we set up a spa we purchased a spa package, which cost around $1500.00.  

               For your microdermabrasions of course will need a microdermabrator. These can cost anywhere from $200.00 to $10,000.00. I have one of each. The less expensive microdermabrator is a decent piece of equipment. You are able to give a good treatment with it. Mine is not very old so I can't say how long it will last.  But for the quality, $200.00 is a good price. The more expensive microdermabrator is a much heavier machine. It has a bigger motor with higher settings and more abrasive tools. It is medical grade and used by physicians. It's my favorite. I have had a few of my graduates purchase the less expensive machine and they are very happy with it. I suggest that you start with the $200.00 machine.

                   Products, linen, and all consumables ( supplies used for day to day services ), will be around $250.00. 

                   So let's see how much we've spent so far. $1500.00 for bed and set up. $200.00 for a microdermabrator. $250.00 for products and supplies. The total is $1950.00. This is a conservative figure but doable.

                      There are 2 resources that I like and use often. The first is an online retailer. I use them for my equipment purchases, and they have great package deals. It's simply Spa and Equipment. Their website is www.spaandequipment.com. The second one is Universal Spa Supply. This is who I use to order all of my consumable supplies. Sally's Beauty Supply is also an inexpensive  place to purchase supplies.

                    So we have a basic total of $1950.00. But you can find deals when companies are having a sale. One thing that I have learned,  when I  come up with an estimated total, then I need to double that figure and I will come closer to what it's actually going to cost me. 

              Sometimes around the farm here, a tool or a piece of equipment will break and we need to replace it. When I ask my husband how much the tool or piece of equipment cost. His answer is often," whatever you want to pay". This always aggravates me because I still have no idea as to what it should cost. What he is telling me is that I can pay a little or a lot.

Depending on the quality and brand. At the risk of aggravating you Kelly,  ultimately it's whatever you want to pay. 

                I hope this helps. And....... HAPPY SHOPPING.

The Subcutaneous Layer

The Fat Layer

     The third layer of skin is the subcutaneous layer. It lies just under the epidermis and the dermis. The subcutaneous layer is 80% fat. This fat helps to protect and insulate the body.

      The fat in the subcutaneous layer also helps to give us the smooth skin we all desire.

Fat Is Where It's At

      Think about something with me. Have you ever seen an overweight lady with wrinkles? Probably not. Most all overweight ladies have full, smooth faces. There is no need for them to stop in at their local dermatologist office for injections, they have smooth, contoured skin from the fat in the subcutaneous layer. Now think about something else. Have you ever noticed that when a lady looses a lot of weight her skin is very loose and wrinkled. That's because she no longer has that self made filler that keeps her skin contoured and smooth. This is why most plastic surgeons do not want to give a lady a rhytidectomy (a face lift) if she is in the process of losing weight, until she has lost all of the weight that she plans to. The plastic surgeon wants to be sure and remove all of the loose, excess skin. 

           The subcutaneous layer helps to cushion us when we fall and also protects our inner organs. Keep in mind that like everything else in the body, the subcutaneous layer decreases and thins with age.
      The facts and functions of the subcutaneous layer are short and sweet, but are no less important than the epidermis and the dermis.

  Why Study The Layers Of The Skin?

     . The skincare industry is constantly changing. The composition of the skin never will. Understanding the layers of the skin will help you have more confidence when choosing skincare products and treatments. As we continue forward, I hope that you will also begin to understand how the aging process, sun exposure, hormones and other factors affect these layers which ultimately affects the skin's health and appearance.

      

      

The Dermis

The Dermis... The Second Layer Of Skin.

      The dermis is your true layer of skin, it lies just below the epidermis. It is much thicker than the epidermis. This layer is where the most important functions of the skin are performed. One of the functions of the dermis is protection. Your skin is a barrier against outside elements such as bacteria.

      Think of your skin as a shield or mantle. Clinicians refer to it as the acid mantle. This mantle is made up of oil, fat, sweat, and water. Think of a knight and his shield. His shield protects him from arrows that could cause harm and threaten his life. Do you think it is wise for him to neglect the care of that shield? Now I am not saying that neglecting the health of your skin could threaten your life. But taking care of your skin ( your acid mantle ), keeps it from drying out and keeps germs from coming in.

      There are other skin functions that the dermis contributes to. Sensitivity to touch and pressure, heat and cold regulation, aiding in sweat and oil production, and absorption of nutrients necessary for healthy skin, like water and oxygen.

pH..... Potential Hydrogen

      I think it's safe to assume that if you are reading this post that you are familiar with the pH of the skin. You've heard of it. But do you understand it? 

      The skin's pH ( potential hydrogen ) is important. If it becomes unbalanced we loose our protection. Most everyone that has oily skin, doesn't want oily skin. So they buy harsh cleansers and toners to use on their skin to remove the oil. They do not realize that they are stripping away the skin's natural protection barrier which leaves their pH unbalanced. The next thing they know is that for some reason or another, their skin is either getting more oily or becoming sensitive. 

      Client #1     Client #1 has oily skin and is using harsh cleansers that are stripping the oil away to aggressively. She goes to her Esthetician and complains that her skin is becoming more oily. Do you know why this is happening? Her skin is trying to compensate for the loss of oil by producing more oil for replacement. It becomes a crazy cycle that keeps  going around and around.

      Client #2     Client #2 has oily skin.  But she also is a product junkie. She loves products. When a new product is advertised, she's going to try it. If her  friend has found a product and loves it, she's going to try it. Her way of thinking is, " If a little works then I'll use more."  She over cleanses and over exfoliates until not only is her skin dry, it's also sensitive.

     Client #1 is stripping her skin of it's natural oil and drying it out. Client #2 is stripping her skin of it's natural oil, drying it out, along with removing the protective layer of skin. Both clients are disrupting the skins natural balance of acid and alkaline, the skin's pH.

      Collagen and Elastin

      Collagen and elastin are found in the dermis.  If you listen to the commercials for skincare products and  the selling pitches, then you know that products and treatments are promising to restore collagen and elastin. So what's the big deal?  I'll tell you. 

      Collagen is the substance that gives the skin it's strength. It also has the ability to hold large amounts of water. By holding water in the cells it puts tension into the skin. When there is tension in the cells, the tone of the skin is increased. But if collagen is damaged, then the skin looses its tone and firmness, which leaves the skin loose and dryer. And when skin is dry, it is aging. 

      Elastin is what gives the skin its ability to stretch. Picture a rubber band. When it is new,  and we stretch it, the rubber band pops right back. But after much use it doesn't pop back as quickly as before. Our skin is like a rubber band. As we age our skin will loose its ability to pop back. Damage to the elastin is the primary cause of sagging, wrinkles and aging of the skin.

 Healthy Lifestyles

        Unhealthy lifestyles can compromise the dermis and its ability to function properly.  Collagen and elastin are broken down when we make unhealthy lifestyle choices.  I hope that you are starting to see how a healthy lifestyle can make a great difference in your skin. All of the functions of the dermis can be affected with your choices.  Sun exposure  without protection can harm the dermis and is responsible for 85% of the breakdown of the dermis.  So wear your sunscreen, be gentle with your skin and you will see that  supple and  youthful skin is possible to achieve. 

      

The Epidermis

     The Skin You're In

      The skin is an organ. Your bodies largest organ. And just like all of your vital organs, your skin performs a list of very important task. Our skin works very hard for us. But we often show it very little appreciation. The skin's primary function is protection. It's described as a barrier between you and the outside world. Everyday we come in contact with harmful substances such as chemicals, bacteria and sun exposure.

       Mirror, Mirror On The Wall

      Did you know that your skin is your body's mirror? Some Dermatologists are able to look at the skin and see that our lifestyle is the reason for our unhealthy skin. Whether it be our poor diet, we are emotionally stressed, or our lack of sufficient rest, our skin tells on us. When a Dermatologist sees yellowish or gray skin that is dull and wrinkled, the mirror may be saying " I'm a smoker."  If she sees dryness and allergic reactions, along with acne, the mirror may be saying " I use prescription or illegal drugs." If she sees a constant flushed appearance of  the skin that is dull and dry, the mirror may be saying "  I'm an alcohol drinker." This is not always the case. These skin conditions have various contributors.

      The Epidermis

      Your skin has 3 basic layers. The epidermis, the dermis, and the subcutaneous layer (the fat layer ). Let's start with the epidermis.

      The epidermis is the top, outermost layer of the skin. Think of a sheet of tissue paper, very poor quality tissue paper. The epidermis is thinner than this. It consists of dead skin cells. The dead skin cells shed off everyday. And as they shed, new cells come to the top to take their place. And when skin is new it glows. When we are young it takes around 28 to 30 days for this process to happen. As we age this process slows down. By the time we approach our forties and as we get older this process takes 45 to 50 days. The transformation from young, silky and smooth skin to older, not so silky and not so smooth skin has begun. Dead skin cells are not all bad. They help to hold in moisture and oil which aid in keeping the skin from becoming dehydrated and dry. We'll discuss the difference between the two in a later post.
   

      Melanin

      Ask yourself a question. What's my skin's tone? Would you say you are light, medium, or dark? We were created with the same number of cells that produce this color, but some of us have more melanin in those cells. Melanin is the pigment that gives skin it's color. The tone of your skin will depend on how much melanin is in your cells. At the base of the epidermis, there are cells called melanocytes. They provide protection from the sun. If your ancestors originated from parts of the world that are closer to the equator then you probably have more melanin in your skin. The temperatures are warmer there. God provided more protection against  skin damage from the sun. When we expose our skin to the sun the production of melanin is increased and our skin becomes darker.

      The Fairest Of Them All

      We've all heard of the fairytale Snow White. It was written in 1812, a time when women used pulverized starch for face powder. The phrase " the fairest of them all",  came out of a time when paleness was consider beautiful. The fairest of them all means the palest of them all. And in that era
 " the fairest of them all", (the palest of them all), meant the most beautiful of all. Perhaps when we read this fairytale to our children and grandchildren we should explain this to them. I know I will.

           Back to the mirror on the wall. What do you see?  A fairy princess with no flaws? Me, not so much. So I'll keep working on and try to bring any inner beauty that I may have to the surface. We all have it. Maybe it's like our skin cells. When we are new and young we see things differently and are more forgiving of those around us, so we let go of the dead cells of disappointment or hurt. Then we get older and shedding the cells are not as easy. We want that layer of protection against future damage. I encourage you to bring that beauty within yourself to the surface.  Then you will truly be.......

                                                      The Fairest of Them All.

                         

                

Feedback Friday

       A chemical peel, is a chemical peel, is a chemical peel.        

      Welcome to Feedback Friday. It's that time of the week when I will be answering your questions. I will answer 1 question each Friday. You may ask questions in the comment box or email me at 2monicawheeler@gmail.com. And remember there are no dumb questions. Here we go.

        

      Today's question is from Kelly.

                                     " I am currently going to school to become an Esthetician and I will be taking a chemical peel training class. I will receive a certificate after I have completed the training. My question is, will I be certified with the product line that I received my training from only? Or will I be able to use other lines and still be practicing within the scope of my license once I have graduated?"

           Schools often partner with product line companies in order to offer more advanced training. These companies come to the school and form relationships with the students with hopes that after you graduate you will want to start accounts with their company and use their products in your place of business. This will most likely be the product that you will use while in school so you will be very familiar with it by the time that you graduate.     .    

   .     But lets say you get a job offer from a spa that uses a different line of products. Go ahead and take the job. Certification will be all you need in order to perform chemical peels whether with the company that your school used for the training or another line. Keep in mind that when it comes to chemical peels each product line has their own procedure. 

  

        A chemical peel, is a chemical peel, is a chemical peel. Don't be intimidated by different lines. While in school, one of the foundational and most important things that you should learn is client safety. This will include performing a patch test to make sure that your client doesn't have an allergy to the product, how to apply protective product around the eye area, how the product is applied and removed, and how to handle the product safely.

       Most companies offer product training at no cost once you establish an account with them. There are other companies that offer chemical peel training classes, but if you do not have an established account with them, you will have to pay for the training.

       Ask your school for a copy of the laws of your state. In it you will find the services that you will be able to perform legally. But make sure that you have the training and a full understanding of each of these services before you perform them on a client.

        The most important part of any service is the client consultation form. Have your clients complete the form. And always make sure that you have them sign and date it before you begin the treatment.

         Thank you for the question Kelly.  I hope this helps.

Facts About The Skin.

                            Preserve...Protect...Nourish

   Take a minute and think about your organs. Now, see how many you can list. Of those that you listed, which one is the largest? Did you include your skin in the list? Maybe not, most people don't. If not then you also may not know that the skin is your body's largest organ. Most people never give much thought to their skin until it starts to give them problems. We get a rash, a breakout, or maybe an insect bite and something that we rarely thought about begins to be all that we think about.  

  Skin is so fascinating to me. But it is very complex. And what's amazing is that once you understand how skin works it becomes easy to care. Here are some basic facts about the skin.

     The skin is your largest organ. Alright, did you get that? Now lets start taking care of it. Remember these 3 words...Preserve....Protect....Nourish.  If you are doing anything to your skin that would not fall into one of those 3 categories, then stop doing it.

     The skin is thickest on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. This is why we get calluses instead of blisters. God knew what He was doing didn't He.

     The skin is thinnest around the eyes, especially on the eyelids. This is one reason why most women first begin to see the signs of aging in the eye area. It is easily damaged. Keep eye cream or moisturizer on this area at all times. Wear sunscreen and sunglasses whenever you are in the sun.

     The skin contains one-half of your primary immune cells. So for those of you that think your skin is there to tan so that you can look more attractive, that's not it's purpose. It's there for protection. When your skin is comprised, so is your immune system. 

              Agree to Disagree 

      I can't tell you how many books I've read that say, Healthy skin is slightly moist, smooth, soft and free of lines and wrinkles. I soon realized after I began working in this field that any pigmentation or freckled skin was also low on the list of healthy skin. My primary focus is on preserving, protecting, and nourishing the skin. So when I read what the experts say about how healthy skin should look, I somewhat disagree. Yes it should be slightly moist, smooth and soft. It's the part about free of lines and wrinkles, and freckles that I think is a little too much to ask. How many women take really good care of their skin but are unable to afford cosmetic services or maybe choose not to have them? Sure they have a few fine lines and wrinkles or perhaps a brown spot here and there. I personally know quite a few women like this. And they are some of the most beautiful women I know.

      As an Esthetician, I always felt pulled to look a certain way. So I bleached my freckles, I filled my forehead and crow's feet with Botox. Although  I loved that my crow's feet would disappear, I do not like the way Botox makes me feel. I sometimes would look at women who did not do these things and think to myself, good for her. It has taken me a while but I am now one of those women. I have decided my freckles are just fine, I try to stress less about my crows feet, well I do have a love-hate relationship with them, but we'll work it out. Exfoliation, this is the secret. It keeps my skin smooth and soft. Exfoliation also keeps my fine lines and wrinkles from becoming deep lines and wrinkles. Aging is inevitable. And if our skin shows our age, that's ok. My definition of healthy skin is that it is slightly moist, smooth and soft, un-tanned and free of diseases or disorders.

 

       I Believe......

                                   It's how we treat others. It's showing others that they matter.
 

                                               Kindness and respect, that's true beauty. 

The Beauty Culture Has Begun.

Healthy Verses Beautification

      It's odd to me how the definition of beauty has changed through the ages. And what's even stranger to me, is the fact that no matter how plain or bazaar, we follow right along with it. How about you? Are you trendy or classic?  Is there a particular Age or Era that you feel like you have been snatched accidentally from and landed here in present day? If so, you are not alone.  Most of us have a favorite era. See if one of these appeals to you.

      The Middle Ages is the period when women stopped wearing makeup on their eyes. They only wore it on their cheeks and lips. And for anyone fortunate enough to afford them, fragrant oils were used after bathing. Now for all of you reading this and feel that you can't go out of the house without those smoky eyes, this would not be your era. 

      The Renaissance Era followed closely behind. It was not much different from the Middle Ages except the use of cosmetics and perfumes became more popular. But the use of any cosmetics on the eyes was still discouraged. Not only did they not wear eye makeup, they would shave or tweeze the eyebrows completely so that the forehead looked more prominent. This was supposed to make a woman look more intelligent. Today if you came into my spa and I had my eyebrows shaved, I am sure you would find your way to the door as quickly as possible. During the Renaissance Era, blond hair was a sign of beauty. Bleaching the hair was very popular and still is today. What comes to your mind when you see a woman with blond hair?  Do you automatically see beauty?

      Next was the Age of Extravagance. Of course only women of status were able to enjoy this lifestyle. They took baths in strawberries and milk( strawberries, rich in vitamin C and milk contains lactic acid). The women wore brighter makeup and more of it. They discovered ways to hide skin imperfections, and big hair was the fashion, or I should say high hair was the fashion.

      Last but certainly not least, The Victorian Era. During this era, something that I feel is lost today in our culture was greatly valued..... modesty. From their clothing to hair and makeup the style became more simple. This was also the era when people began realizing that health and beauty go hand in hand.

      This brings me to a question from yesterday's blog.

" In what ways can we help our clients to realize the importance of healthy skin as opposed to beautification? This is not only a great question but an important one as well.

      Most women would love to be able to put a little Burt's Bees on their lips and give one or two swipes with a mascara wand and be out the door. But because of the condition of their skin it seems impossible. They need help from you to be able to understand how to have healthy skin. Without that knowledge, they feel their only choice is to cover with makeup. You have to give them facts. Don't just sell products and services. Teach your clients. Tell them why and how. When it makes sense to them then they will realize the importance of healthy skin and soon see that healthy skin is beautiful skin. Fair skin is healthy or your natural skin tone is healthy. Overly-tanned skin is unhealthy.  Until we see crow's feet, wrinkles, age spots or sagging skin, we just keep on with the tanning ritual. 85% of skins damage is from UV exposure. Until we see our pores getting larger, more blackheads and rough skin texture, we may not understand the importance of cleansing our face before bed.

      Educate your clients and guide them through the process. Don't just sell band-aids. Raise the bar and show them that you care. After that, the choice is theirs.

            The Twentieth, Twenty First, And Beyond

      Each decade has had it's own style, but when it comes to skincare the twentieth century gave us Retin-A, Botox, chemical peels and cosmetic procedures. So the struggle between natural and chemical begins. But what is great about all of this is that we have the choice. 

      So is there a particular Age or Era that appeals to you? If so, be patient it will eventually roll back around. As the saying goes... what's old is new. But try to remember,                         

    

  .                       HEALTHY SKIN NEVER GOES OUT OF STYLE!

The Genesis of Esthetics

Skincare....... A bit of history.

Esthetics, a branch of science that deals with the overall health and well-being of the skin. What brought you to my blog today? Do you or someone you know need help dealing with skin issues?

After reading today's blog you may wonder why you would need to know about the history of skin care. This blog was created to educate you about your skin and how it works so that one day you will be able to answer your own questions and those of your family and friends. I welcome your questions and I will answer them in my next day's post.

Now let's get this thing started.

          Earlier civilizations practiced skincare therapies more for self-preservation and disease prevention than for attractiveness.

Egyptians

    It all began with the ancient Egyptians. They were the first to use these therapies along with materials that we use today for personal beautification. Henna, a dye obtained from the powdered leaves of the mignonette tree was used in ancient Egypt for body art and on fingernails. Today, henna is used as a reddish hair dye and in tattooing.

Hebrews

The Hebrews used grooming rituals because they believed that their bodies were gifts to be cared for. Hebrews utilized the land around them for maintenance and cleansing of the skin, hair and teeth. Olive and grape seed oil was used to moisten and protect the skin. Today olive oil is found in many products including cleansers, body scrubs, lotions, moisturizers and even masks. Grape seed oil is a great moisturizer for the skin and is used in massage and aroma therapy. Pomegranate and myrrh were the Hebrew's most useful grooming aids. A tonic was made from myrrh and used as mouthwash. Pomegranate was used when the Hebrews were in need of an antiseptic. Today we know that vitamins A, C, and E are needed for healthy skin. A single glass of pomegranate juice has forty percent of the daily requirements of these vitamins. It's antiseptic properties aid in treating acne. Today myrrh is used in skincare products to soothe cracked and chapped skin. It can also reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Greeks

The Greek word kosmetikos from which we get the word cosmetics, means skilled in the art of cosmetics. The Greeks used herbs and olive oil to regulate body temperature. They would mix sand with the olive oil and apply to their skin for protection from the sun.

Romans

 The Romans were famous for their baths. After bathing they would apply rich olive oil to their skin. The Romans also made fragrances from flowers, saffron and almonds. Today almond and saffron is used in some skincare compounds because they are rich in vitamins

A and B, these ingredients leave the skin soft and smooth. Cleopatra bathed in milk to soften her skin. We now know that milk contains lactic acid which is used in skincare for dry skin types.

Asians

 The Asians would rub a mixture of sap from wild trees, beeswax, and egg whites onto their nails. The mixture used would depend on whether they wanted red or black nails. Japanese geishas removed their body hair by wrapping a thread around each hair and pulling it out. Today this technique is called threading.

Africans

 Africans used the twigs from the mignonette tree (remember this is where henna comes from) as toothpicks. The twigs prevented oral and tooth disease because of it's antiseptic quality.

   Wow! Who knew people were so smart back in the day? I guess it's true what they say... Necessity is the mother of all inventions. Ancient people around the world used these materials. And many are still used today. As time goes by, self-preservation and disease prevention slowly begin to take a back seat to beautification and adornment as we see it reflected in popular culture of today. That's where trends and styles play a huge role in the choices we make. Are you a trendy chic or do you have your own classic style. Maybe you will find out tomorrow.

Introduction to SKINtentional

Hello,

Welcome to SKINtentional!
My name is Monica Wheeler and I am a Certified Professional Skin Care Therapist. Simply put I am an Esthetician. A term you may or may not be familiar with. 9 years ago I was the latter. I had no idea what an Esthetician was. Soon after discovering that this was an actual trade within an industry that I had worked in through sales with well known cosmetic lines, at the age of forty-one, I decide to go back to school. And in April of 2007 I graduated with a certificate in Esthetics. I became an Esthetician.
          So now I know what an Esthetician is, but I soon realized that I had no idea what it meant to be an Esthetician. I realized that in order to become a more advanced clinician I would need to take continuing my education very seriously. So I dedicated myself to continually improving my knowledge of the best products, ingredients, formulations and treatment options available.
          A major problem for skincare professionals and concerned individuals alike is how to sift through the maze of sometimes confusing, even conflicting skin care information. The media and the internet are full of information on skin health issues. But in most cases it's difficult to guarantee that the information you receive is valid. With my knowledge and expertise, I will guide and help you choose which professional services and products are right for you.
          If you want to educate yourself about your skin and it's needs, then you must decide to become intentional about making the right decisions that lead to healthy, beautiful skin.
Become SKINtentional!
          Now get ready for an interesting, learning  experience. Each blog will be loaded with fascinating information that will add to your overall skincare education, one building block at a time. Your first class will begin tomorrow.

God bless,
Monica Wheeler