PROCEED WITH CAUTION

Don't be fooled.  Everything that glitters is not gold, and everything that sparkles is not diamond so hold true every person that professes to be a trained beauty professional is not.  In  this two part article you will learn how to navigate the REAL BEAUTY INDUSTRY, and keep yourself healthy along the way.

Every state has it's very own licensing requirements for esthetician, manicurists, and cosmetologist.  In Michigan our State Board of cosmetology requires that esthetician and manicurists have a minimum of 400 hours of schooling and not less than six moths if apprenticed.   Cosmetologist are required to complete 1500 hours  of schooling and not less than two years if they apprentice.  Only after successful completion of cosmetology school or an apprenticeship program (all apprenticeships have to be approved by the state board in writing) can an individual take a two-part examination I. practical II. theory, after successfully passing both parts of the required examination with 75% or greater can an individual then apply for a state issued license from the state if Michigan's board of cosmetology.

Each licensed professional knows the scope of their licensing and whether or not her or she is providing services outside of that scope.  A licensed cosmetologist holds a full cosmetology license allowing them to practice in every area of cosmetology: hair cutting, coloring and styling, makeup application, skin care, hair removal, manicuring and pedicure.  Esthetician in the state of Michigan hold a limited cosmetology license allowing them to practice in the following  areas: skin care, temporary hair removal (waxing, sugaring, threading), makeup application (not including permanent makeup), lash extensions, eyebrow and lash tinting, body scrubs, masks and wraps.   Manicurist also hold a limited cosmetology license allowing them to practice: manicuring, pedicure, acrylic, gel and fiberglass artificial and natural nail art.

The recent trend in our industry has been Nail Spa's, our towns have become inundated with these convenient little one stop shops.   I strongly recommend that you to proceed with caution when visiting nail spas.  The term spa is associated with water treatment and healing, however this does not mean that every business that uses the word spa in their business name can provide "spa treatments."  Facials, waxing and other esthetic services should not be done in a nail spa unless performed by a licensed esthetician or cosmetologist.  Manicurists are not licensed to perform these services.

There is an even more dangerous  underground trend that exists among individuals that claim to be beauty industry professionals, offering services like laser hair removal, body waxing, shaving, trimming, hair cutting and coloring all from the convenience of your home or theirs.   Granted many successful a  technician has  provided services from their home at some point in their career, but again I strongly recommend that you proceed with caution when consulting these individuals.  F.Y.I.-In the state of Michigan only and individual under the supervision of a licensed Michigan physician or dentist can provide laser hair removal, so nobody unless they are a Licensed Michigan Dentist or Physician should be practicing laser hair removal and especially not out of their home.

In the following article we will discuss when to choose an esthetician over a cosmetologist, and how to conduct your own Sherlock Holmes mini-investigation on the people servicing you. An educated client is a healthy client.


Ms. Esthetician (Tiffany) is a licensed freelance esthetician that lives works in Oakland County Michigan.  She travels the country educating technicians as well as clients on waxing and skin care.  If you would like to schedule an appointment or have questions please feel free to contact her at 734.578.4679 or tiffany@msestheticianwaxing.com

Acne FAQ

What Exactly Is Acne?
Acne is a disorder of the sebaceous glands which secrete oil onto the skin and which lie in the dermis, the layer of skin just under the epidermis (surface layer). Acne is caused when dried sebum, flaked skin and bacteria collect in skin pores forming a "plug" which blocks the oil from flowing up through the pores. If this blockage is incomplete, a blackhead appears; if the blockage is complete, a whitehead appears. At the same time, bacteria can grow in the plugged pores, further irritating the condition. These irritated blackheads and whiteheads produce what is commonly known as acne. If left untreated, or if the infection and irritation gets worse, an abscess may form.
When the pores are blocked and pimples and pus-filled blisters (pustules) form without abscesses, the condition is called superficial acne; when inflamed pimples erupt downward into the underlying skin and pus-filled cysts appear or develop into abscesses, the condition is called deep acne. In deep acne, the infection may spread, causing red, raised, inflamed areas, cysts and abscesses which may rupture or leave scars (More Technical Information below).
The lifecycle of a pimple can be up to eight weeks without treatment.

Can Anyone Get Acne?
It is estimated that acne affects as many as 70 million people of all ages, at a treatment cost estimated at well over $300 million per year.

Teenagers are often more prone to acne due to an increased production of sex hormones called androgens, which regulate the activity and size of the sebaceous (oil-producing) glands inside the pores or hair follicles. Women may get acne with each menstrual period due to a change in hormones, and it may clear up or worsen during pregnancy. Anyone using anabolic steroids is likely to worsen their acne, and certain cosmetics may cause or aggravate acne by clogging pores.

Some people feel that diet plays a role in acne; however, extensive scientific studies have not found a connection between eating fried foods or chocolate and acne.

Acne’s Devastating Impact
The psychological scars and the trauma of acne are often deeper and more disastrous than the blemishes, and doctors are just beginning to understand the significant impact of acne and acne scarring on a person’s outlook on life. Recent studies have shown that people with acne suffer from social withdrawal, decreased self-esteem, reduced self-confidence, poor body image, embarrassment, feelings of depression, anger and frustration. Because many people still believe that acne is the result of poor hygiene or diet, feelings of guilt can become overwhelming only adding to the loss of self-esteem.

Acne Treatments
Acne can be made worse by squeezing pimples or trying to open them in any way, which may increase the inflammation and infection.

Many physicians recommend a course of treatment which includes oral antibiotics; however, this treatment may last from months to years. Women, especially teenage girls, who use oral antibiotics may develop a vaginal yeast infection (candidal vaginitis) which may require treatment with other drugs. This may make oral antibiotic treatment impractical.

Topical antibiotics, with or without skin irritants such as retinoic acid (tretinoin),, are often combined with antibiotic treatment. Patients often experience drying of the skin and those being treated with tretinoin, should avoid exposure to sunlight, which can cause severe irritation. Other topical drugs may include benzoyl peroxide or other chemical compounds. Another popular treatment is Accutane, which has been linked to depression in teens.

For deep acne, isotretinoin taken by mouth is often recommended. While this drug has shown significant results, it can harm a developing fetus, so women taking it must use strict contraceptive measures. In addition, regular blood tests are necessary to check the condition of the blood cells and liver and the fat levels in the blood. In addition, most people taking isotretinoin develop dry eyes, chapped lips and dryness of the thin skin lining the penis or vagina. About 15 percent of people taking the drug develop pain or stiffness in the large joints.

Inflamed cysts can be injected with corticosteroids, or a doctor may cut a cyst or abscess to drain it. Topical corticosteroid treatment may actually worsen acne.

Oral contraceptives may help for women who develop severe acne during their menstrual periods; however, treatment usually takes four to six months to produce results.

Over-the-counter preparations are also available with varying results. Nature's Pharma Acne Cream is a serious treatment for acne that has achieved up to a 99% success rate without antibiotics, harsh chemicals, dangerous drugs or expensive doctor visits. Our Acne Cream contains zinc oxide, sulfur, Vitamin E and calming, herbal extracts like aloe vera, and camomile in a base of penetrating oils which transport these well-known healing elements deep into the skin. A once- or twice-daily application on clean skin will normally produce significant results within days.

We, at Nature's Pharma, believe we have the answer to clear, healthy-looking skin that will make you proud to show your face to the world. We offer you more than just a clear face. We offer you the confidence to go after your passion in life. Join the thousands of people of all ages who have seen the giant impact made by this small jar of cream.

More Technical Information On Acne
Acne is a disease of the pilosebaceous units. The pilosebaceous unit consists of an oil gland (the sebaceous gland) connected to a hair follicle. Although found all over the human body, pilosebaceous units are larger and more numerous on the face, scalp, upper back and chest- the same areas of the body where acne is more prevalent. In normal skin, the oily substance produced by the sebaceous gland empties onto the skin surface through the opening of the follicle. While we do not know the basic cause of acne, we do know that changes in the lining of the hair follicle occur that prevent the sebum from passing through the follicle to the skin’s surface.

In acne, the cells that line the follicle are shed too quickly and clump together. These clumped cells block the follicle’s opening so that the sebum (oil) cannot reach the surface of the skin. Bacteria that normally and harmlessly live on the skin, called Propionni bacterium acnes, begin to grow in the hair follicle. These bacteria produce chemicals that cause inflammation. Inflammation is a response to disease or injury that is characterized by swelling, redness, heat and pain. There are a number of different types of lesions associated with acne. They are called cornedones, papules, pustules, and nodules or cysts.

Comedones are simply enlarged, non-inflamed hair follicles that are plugged with oil and bacteria. A closed cornedo, also known as a whitehead, appears on the skin surface as small whitish bumps. An open comedo is also known as a blackhead because it looks black on the skin’s surface. The black coloration of an open comedo is not due to dirt, but discoloration of the sebum.

Inflamed lesions vary in severity. Papules are more serious lesions than whiteheads or blackheads. Papules are inflamed comedones that appear as pink bumps on the skin and can be painful to the touch. More serious are pustules and nodules. Pustules are inflamed puss-filled lesions that resemble whiteheads, but with a red ring around the base. Nodules or acne cysts are the most serious of acne lesions. A nodule is a large, deep-seated, puss-filled, often painful lump. Acne with nodules often results in permanent scarring.

Papulopustular acne also known as acne vulgaris is characterized by the presence of comedones and mildly inflammatory lesions. The severity of a case of papulopustular acne is determined by the ration of comedones to papules and pustules. The higher the numbers of inflammatory lesions that are present on the skin, the more severe the acne. Nodulocystic acne is more severe than papulopustular. As mentioned these lesions are large, inflamed and extremely painful. The potential for permanent scarring is greatest with nodulocystic acne.

We always recommend a visit to your dermatologist for a professional diagnosis of your skin condition. If you feel we can be of help, please don't hesitate to contact us.

To learn more about our Acne Cream and read client testimonials visit our website: www.natures-pharma.com or email us: skinrx@natures-pharma.com

In this article you will learn the eight steps to the perfect shave.

1. CLEANSE YOUR CANVAS

After a good old fashioned hand washing; start thoroughly cleansing your face and neck with tepid water and a cleanser specifically for your skin type (ex. hydrating cleanser for dry skin). In my opinion you should not use bar soaps, because they have a tendency to strip your skin of its essential oils.

Cleansing is the first step in any good skin care routine.  Steaming or shaving before you cleanse your face is never an option, you can trap dirty harmful little microorganisms in your freshly opened pores, and this can lead to break outs.  "I am well aware of the fact that i am challenging a tradition as old as the hills, but they (the hills) are wrong the first step in shaving is cleansing the skin this is

esthetics 101".   You are now ready for step two.

2. STEAM YOUR FACE

You can do this by using a hot towel or while taking a hot shower. When you shower make sure the water is hot enough to cause vapor in the bathroom and on the mirror. Steaming the face causes the pores to open up releasing what lies beneath, a whisker or two. With your whiskers now in position you can move on to step three.

3. USE A PRE-SHAVE OIL

Pre-shave oil helps to lubricate your skin and it prevents nicking, cutting, and irritation.  When choosing an oil make sure that is non-comedogenic (doesn't block pores).  A dime-sized amount in the palm of your hand is all that is needed, dime sized not enough, silver dollar sized amount should do the trick on a slightly larger face. You will want to massage it thoroughly into your beard, this helps to soften your whiskers and it also keeps the razor gliding across your skin, remember we love it when a razor glides. Please don't overly concern your self with the fact that your face now has a sudden semi-gloss, you are now ready for step four.

4. SHAVING CREAM

Using a wet badger brush whip your shaving cream into a lather. Brushing encourages the hairs on your face to stand at attention, and that is what we want.

Spread the whipped shaving cream using your badger brush over your well oiled face. F.Y.I. I do not like it when you use super foamy things like canned shaving creams and soaps, they make it nearly impossible for the razor to get close enough to your skin. I prefer it when you use the good stuff, a shaving cream that produces just enough lather for your razor and skin to get up close and p-e-r-s-o-n-a-l, you can proceed to step five.

5. THE TRIAL RUN

Your razor should always without exception or hesitation be used in the direction that your hair grows. This is called shaving with the grain. Shaving in this direction helps prevent ingrown hairs by lifting the whiskers from your pores. You can start shaving at the sideburn of your choice and work your way downward paying careful attention to the direction in which your hair grows. Be sure to save your neck for last, this gives the shaving cream and oil a little extra time to soften the cuticle of the whiskers on your neck, since the skin on your neck is thinner than the skin on your face. Make sure you always use long even strokes, shaving with the grain,and be sure to rinse your razor blade often.

Proceed to step six.

6. THE SECOND TIME AROUND

repeat steps four and five.  Proceed to step seven

7. RINSE CYCLE

After you have finished shaving, you want wash away any left over shave oil or cream, and close your pores, you can do this by repeatedly splashing your face with cold water. Then you want to pat dry (not

wipe) your face using a towel. Remember you wipe your nose, and pat dry your face.  Proceed to step eight

8. AFTER-SHAVE CARE

Now it is time to show your skin some love after you just traumatized (shaving is skin trauma) it by using a soothing balm, after shave moisturizer, or a toner depending on your skin type, and lightly pat on the product until it is absorbed into your skin.  Finish by properly cleaning and storing your shaving utensils.  You are now ready to proceed to your nearest talent agency, with a shave this close you are bound to be cast as the next Gillette model.

In this article you learned the importance of cleansing your face before steaming it, as well as shaving in the direction that your hair grows.  In the next article you will learn what to look for in skin care products for men.

Ms. Esthetician (Tiffany) is a licensed freelance esthetician that lives works in Oakland County Michigan.  She travels the country educating technicians as well as clients on waxing. 

If you would like to schedule an appointment or have questions please feel free to contact her at 734.578.4679 or misamores76@yahoo.com

Whether your teen is dealing with beginning stages of acne or has been unsuccessful with other acne treatments, you are going to have to help them make some important skin care choices. Sure, you know that the world is not going to come to an end, that there is life after high school – but the fact is, no matter how mature your teen is – when it comes to their skin, they are living in the here and now. They are not thinking about how their face is going to look in 20 years – they are concerned about how they are going to look tomorrow at school.

As their parents, you have to think ahead for them. If you could give them something to put on their skin that would clear it up overnight, but you knew in 20 years they would have skin cancer, would you let them use it?

Many acne preparations use ingredients such as polyethylene, triethanolamine, isopropanol butylated hydroxytoluene, ceteareth-20, diazolidinyl urea, lecithin, PEG-100 stearate, tocopherol, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, bisabolol, or propylene glycol, all of which are associated with an increased cancer risk. A great many promise overnight results, which should alert you to the danger right away.

Talk to your teen about long-term skin care. Now is the perfect time to get started on a new, safe and effective program to be ready for the rest of the school year. Start your teen using our Acne Cream as a preventative or to help clear up their existing skin blemishes today. Its unique formula makes it great for clearing up existing acne as well preventing new breakouts. Your teen is thirty days away from clear, healthy skin – for life.

Visit http://natures-pharma.com/products.php for more information on this wonderful, all natural solution to teen and adult acne.

Use coupon code “acnerx” and get 10% off your order through April 15, 2008.

There are 3 aspects that facial cleansing should consist of to be effective. It is highly recommended that you include all 3 steps in your daily cleansing program. If consistency in this procedure is maintained your complexion will become and remain vibrant.

Towel Cleansing: Towel cleansing removes the surface dirt off the skin; Cleanse 3 times using gentle circular motion. Make sure to get the areas around the nose, mouth and the eyes where dead skin accumulates. Use only facial soaps, instead of body or deodorant soaps. Reserve your facial towels for your face only and use them no more than twice. Change pillow-cases at least every three days. Cleanse face twice daily, morning and evening. Always use white towels on the face, to avoid harsh dyes and chemicals.

Facial Brushing: Facial brushes lifts dead skin cells off the surface and eliminates build up. Lather brush with facial soap. Gently brush face in circular motion 3 times at each cleansing. Cleanse your facial brush weekly with soapy water, then let stand in a 50/50 solution of vinegar water for 15 minutes, rinse with cold water.

Facial Masks: Typically masks de-clog pores, exfoliate, and shrink enlarged pores, as well as brighten and even out the complexion. Apply masks to lips. Apply around eyes if mask does not have a strong pulling action. Rinse with cold water after every cleansing, this brings the blood to the surface and tightens skin by closing pores.

Additional Beauty Tips: Regular pedicures help clear the complexion, because they pull toxins out of the body. Drink plenty of water to flush the system.


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In search of good basic information, I have gathered some facts that make good sense to me that I would like to share with you.

First, why does it matter how much moisture the skin has? Well, first of all, lack of water in or around cells disrupts normal metabolism and tissue repair. Therefore, dehydrated skin has a decreased capacity for repair and regeneration. By itself, dry skin is not the major cause of wrinkles and other signs of skin aging. However, since dry skin has a decreased capacity to heal, it is far more susceptible to various forms of skin damage such as sun exposure. Dry skin is also more prone to skin infections and irritants because it has many tiny cracks allowing the offenders to sneak in.

In other words, it makes good sense to have a well-moisturized skin. Even though moisturizing will not lift your eyelids or reverse wrinkles (except maybe recent fine lines), it will help slow down any further damage and allow other treatments to work better. In fact, if your skin is excessively dry, most skin care treatments have a far less chance to produce desired results.

We know well-moisturized skin is somewhat less prone to developing wrinkles so what else can we do to hydrate our skin? Many experts tell us drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day ensures proper hydration of the body and helps reduce skin dryness. They recommend drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day. Coffee and sodas are not a good substitute for water because they contain caffeine, which is a diuretic and promotes excretion of water via urine.

Moisturizing from the inside means keeping the body well hydrated. When dehydrated, the body preserves the water supply to critical organs, such as the brain and the heart, but "cuts off water" to peripheral organs such as skin. Therefore, keeping the body well hydrated is an important part of keeping your skin well moisturized.

What things to avoid excessive dryness...

Be careful what you use to wash your face and how often. Too many cleansers or soaps contain harsh ingredients that strip your skin of the so-called "acid mantle", an oil-rich protective film that locks moisture inside the skin and prevents bacterial and other infections. Skin without the acid mantle dries up very quickly. Even plain water can make your skin excessively dry if you wash it too often. Generally, cleansing should be limited to once or twice a day. (Actually, I prefer once a day if you have Rosacea or sensitive skin. A little dirt is better than over cleansing in my opinion). It is best to use a very gentle moisturizing cleanser or facial soap that does not contain any alcohol, which removes the skin's acid mantle. The last step is to then moisturize right after washing.

As most of you know, I am a strong advocate of getting out in the sun and having some fun. The sun is a valuable and vital component to a healthy body. Sunlight is a great source of Vitamin D, which has been linked to preventing many diseases. At the same time, the sun and wind can take its toll on drying your skin. That is why I stress the importance of using high quality moisturizers. Our Healing Oil with vitamins A, C & E along with sunscreen (SPF 30) not only gives you great protection from the sun, but also lasts much longer and keeps your skin hydrated throughout the day.

The true value of your moisturizer should be measured by how often you need to apply it, what are the ingredients and how does it benefit your skin.

If you are interested in an all-natural, true anti-aging moisturizer that promises more youthful and healthy skin, please check out our Healing Oil with vitamins A, C & E on our website:

http://www.natures-pharma.com/

If you are interested in an all-natural, true anti-aging moisturizer that promises more youthful and healthy skin, please check out our RECapture ™ I & II on our website

 http://www.natures-pharma.com/