Receive luxurious, pampering elegance with the Valmont Luxury Facial at Blume Skin & Body.

This lifting facial offers deep relaxation with carefully choreographed movements from our expert aestheticians coupled with the high-quality Valmont products that nourish, protect and lift the skin for a youthful, radiant glow.

This facial is great for those looking for a lift or a boost in their skin especially in preparation for a special event. Likewise, after a long or excessive weekend, this facial would benefit anyone who is feeling puffy, drained or dull with the wonderful lymphatic massage.

What to expect during your Valmont Luxury Facial

Your luxury pampering session begins with a thorough cleansing of the skin to allow the rest of the treatment to sink in to the skin. Makeup and debris are easily swept away with the Valmont Bi-Falls and Icy Falls. Next, the Face Exfoliant and Prime Renewing Pack removes dead skin cells for a smoother complexion. Finally, the Bubble Falls, Vital Falls and Primary Veil are used to re-balance the skin’s pH and strengthen the microbiome.

Next, our expert aestheticians will use the precise Butterfly Movements of the Valmont Facial to release muscle knots in the face. This slow, deep tissue massage will hit several key areas of the face to de-puff, increase blood circulation and give a lifting effect. The Valmont Lift Boost helps to make the massage movements glide across the skin as this anti-aging and lifting serum is worked into the skin with carefully calculated motions. To seal it all in and give your skin that signature glow, the Valmont Collagen mask is left on the face while the massage continues down the neck and shoulders.

Star Ingredients

Valmont Lift Boost Ultra Lifting Concentrate is a super concentrated massage serum that delivers the potency of the anti-wrinkle ritual in a single shot. Made with Snail slime to supply nutrients and regenerate the skin’s elasticity and aid in cellular renewal to leave the skin looking luminous. Infused with Hyaluronic Acid and tensing sugar extracted from oat to ensure the skin is smooth, supple and moisturized as this revolutionary product is massaged into the skin with expert techniques. The high-molecular-weight Hyaluronic Acid fills in fine lines due to dehydration. The Lift Boost Ultra Lifting Concentrate is specially formulated with Triple DNA – an unparalleled moisturizer that retains 10,000 times its weight in water. This state-of-the-art anti-aging molecule stimulates all cell functions, and paired with liposome RNA which helps to repair any damaged skin, your complexion will have an unmatched glow by the end of the Valmont Facial!

Final Effects

By the end of this luxurious treatment, your skin will be depuffed, firmed, toned and uplifted. Your complexion will appear glowing and features are relaxed, making you feel 10 times younger! This luxurious facial gives you the pampering and relaxation you deserve, coupled with products that help to lift, tighten and plump the skin.

If you’re ready to treat yourself to the most luxurious facial of your life, schedule your appointment with us today. Make sure to keep an eye on our monthly specials for a discount on the Valmont Facial.

The post Valmont Luxury Facial appeared first on BLUME.

Oxygen facials are no stranger to the aesthetics industry. They claim to help improve blood circulation, which plumps the skin and makes it appear brighter. Fight acne, and accelerate wound healing, as well as kill certain bacteria.
But are Oxygen Facials just another “hype” treatment? There are the machines that blow air “into” the pores. Glass oxygen domes that sit around the head. Topical masks that claim to bring oxygen to the skin. Needless to say, there is a lot on the market in terms of “Oxygen Facials”.

One treatment that stands out, is the Oxygeneo/Geneo Facial and is available at Blume Skin & Body. The Oxygeneo/ Geneo facial is a non-invasive treatment that is suitable for all skin types. Its unique oxygenation technology helps trigger the body’s natural, physiological process of producing oxygen. Oxygen is then carried to the surface of the skin. The elevated levels of oxygen prepare the skin to absorb key nutrients throughout the rest of the facial treatment. This process increases oxygen levels internally within skin. Not just putting oxygen around the skin, in hopes that it will penetrate.

After the oxygenation and exfoliation process is complete, a blend of active ingredients are infused into the skin during an ultrasound and neo-massage step. This allows for maximum skin hydration and pure nourishment.

As you already know, all Blume Skin treatments are 100% customizable. Even the Oxygeneo/Geneo Facial! Each and every Oxygeneo/ Geneo facial is geared towards specific skincare needs and goals. 100% natural ingredients like red algae, charcoal, & vitamin C, are calculated to achieve individual skincare goals. Natural sources of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants will improve the skin’s overall health and appearance. This is always our #1 priority.

The Geneo Facial has it all. Detox, Hydrate, Illuminate, Balance and Revive. There truly is a Geneo facial for everyone!

Geneo Detox: Prevents and reduces damaged cells with the help of anti-inflammatory properties. These modalities help to soothe and relax the skin. So much of the irritation and redness are caused by external allergens, environmental stressors and free radicals.

Geneo Hydrate: Gentle exfoliation ingredients along with vitamins helps to improve the skin’s texture, tone and clarity. Natural ingredients in their dormant state helps to improve the skin’s moisture retention. This process enhances hydration and firmness. Microcirculation is stimulated as well as collagen synthesis, which leads to an improved metabolism of the skin.

Geneo Illuminate: Vitamin C and Kojic Acid will aid in reducing and inhibiting hyperpigmentation caused by sun damage and standard aging. By unifying the skins tone, a more even skin tone and texture will shine through.

Geneo Balance: Removes impurities by a proprietary blend of charcoal and a variety of acids to detoxify the skin by removing dirt and build up. The anti-bacterial ingredients help to treat and fight acne from reoccurring. Antioxidants help refine pore size as well as promote collagen stimulation while balancing oil production.

Geneo Revive: Ferulic Acid and Retinyl Palmitate helps to improve the skins elasticity, resulting in a smoother more sleek appearance. While reducing fine lines and diminishing the signs of aging, the naturally derived ingredients help to even out the skin tone and reduces sun damage.

Rather than falling for a fad oxygen treatment with little to no objective. It only makes sense to trust the science. The science of Oxygeneo/Geneo is first class. Like anything, choosing an aesthetic treatment should be based on the science and the strategy of the treatment. Covering your head with a glass dome pumping with air or “pushing” oxygen onto the skin with an airbrush tool doesn’t quite have the scientific backbone to warrant any type of result. The Oxygeneo/Geneo Facial has the capability to produce an instant gratification and long lasting results speaks for itself!

The post What are the benefits of Oxygen Facials? appeared first on BLUME.

So much skincare, how to choose the best concoction for your skin care concerns? With skincare cocktailing you can mix premium skin product brands to design the perfect skincare routine for you. What skincare products can I mix together safely? Here is a general rule of thumb with choosing skincare products according to specific skin types.

-Foaming Cleanser- is a great option for that “clean” feeling and preferably those with combination or oily skin.
-Lotion/Creamy Cleanser- gentle enough for all skin types and also a great makeup remover. Preferably those that have dry skin, sensitive skin, reactive skin and using topical prescriptions and retinol.
-Exfoliating Cleanser- not advised for active acne, or rosacea, but great for clogged pores and once weekly exfoliation.
-Antioxidant Serums- designed for brightening and free radical protection. Great for all skin types except acne.
-Hyaluronic Acid serum- perfect for everyone, even acne
-Growth Factor and Peptide Serums – excellent choice for antiaging and overall skin health
-Retinol- recommended to be advised by a medical aesthetician for dosing. Not recommended for pregnant woman, breastfeeding woman or taking Accutane.

Those were just a few standard skincare products to choose from. Let’s get down to the nitty gritty.

Your mom’s neighbor’s daughter is selling a multilevel marketing skincare line and you are interested in learning about the products because you have been on an uphill battle with your skin. This line seems simple, there’s a “kit” for acne, a “kit” for anti-aging, a “kit” for dry skin. Easy peasy pick a kit and abracadabra your skin is fixed! Not quite.

The pre-picked skincare kits sound great, with no thinking required. The trouble with this method is that not everyone can tolerate every product in an acne “kit” morning and night. Or the products in the anti-aging “kit”. Or any of the “kits”. Our skin is so complex. For example, there are a number of different varieties of acne. Hormone related, stress related, diet related, oil production, and so much more. It takes specific training and education to identify them. Along with aging skin, dry skin and sensitive skin.

For the majority of the population, a combination of these categories is typical. We need to take into consideration each individual’s skin type. Do they breakout still? Are they dry or oily? What’s their sensitivity level? Are they reactive? This must be done BEFORE anything else. A good skincare routine is necessary to protect your investment in any laser treatments, chemical peels or photofacial treatments.

For many, helping to erase and prevent fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation are the goal. Of course, skin care alone can’t turn back the clock, but skincare alongside good medical grade treatments can. But throwing them a cookie cutter anti-aging skincare “kit” isn’t always the answer. Is the individual oily? If they are, the products may be too heavy for them. Are they prone to breakouts? Perhaps this would lead to unwanted blemishes. Then we have to fix acne and aging. A fun combo. Your Medical Aesthetician and Certified Laser Technician can help guide you through the maze of choices.

Even treating acne can be tricky. A standard acne skincare “kit” can be extremely harmful to the skin. Typically, acne geared skincare can contain a combination of glycolic acid, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, lactic acid, physical exfoliants and retinol. These are all amazing ingredients to help fight acne, kill bacteria and prevent future breakouts. But when these are used every day, twice a day, your results will be the complete opposite of what you were trying to achieve.

The rule of thumb when cocktailing any skincare together is, if you are using any products that are drying, or that compromise the surface of the epidermis (retinol, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, etc.), you should be using a mild cleanser, a sunscreen and a denser moisturizer to balance out the dryness from the more aggressive products. Hyaluronic Acid is another amazing product to incorporate into your routine. Hyaluronic Acid is recommended for all skin types, especially acne. Using products that help to kill bacteria will leave the skin feeling dry and irritated. That’s when Hyaluronic can play a major role is deep hydration without adding heavy moisturizer.

Here are a few popular combinations for skincare cocktailing:

Three Step Simple Routine – Normal/Combination Skin
Epoince Lytic Cleanser AM & PM
Neocutis Bio Serum Firm AM & PM
Skin Medica Mineral Shield Tinted SPF 32 AM
Valmont Prime 24 PM

I Love My Serums Routine – Anti-Aging Routine
Valmont Illuminating Foamer AM & PM
Skin Medica Lumivive System Day & Night AM & PM
Valmont V-Line Lifting Serum AM & PM
Skin Medica Neck Correct Cream
NeoCutis MicroDay AM
NeoCutis Bio Cream Firm PM

High Maintenance 12 Steps – Love my Skin Routine
Valmont Icy Falls Makeup Remover PM
Epionce Gentle Foaming Cleanser AM & PM
Valmont Illuminating Toner AM & PM
Valmont Clarifying Infusion AM & PM
Skin Medica Advanced+ Serum AM & PM
Skin Medica Neck Correct Cream PM
Valmont V-Line Neck Cream AM & PM
NeoCutis Nouvelle PM
NeoCutis Lumiere Eye Cream AM & PM
Valmont Hydra3 Eye Serum
Epoince Renewal Lotion PM
Elta MD Clear SPF 47 AM

Dry Skin
Epionce Milky Lotion Cleanser AM &PM
Neocutis Bio Serum Firm AM
Valmont Hydra 3 Serum PM
Neocutis Bio Cream Firm PM
Neocutis Lumiere Eye Cream AM & PM
Neocutis Nouvelle PM as directed by you Aesthetician

Oily Skin
ZO Gentle Cleanser (AM & PM)
Neocutis Hyalis (AM)
Elta MD Clear (AM)
ZO Complexion Pads (PM every other night or as directed)
Epionce Renewal Facial Lotion (PM)
Neocutis Nouvelle (every other night or as directed by your Aesthetician))
Epionce Lytic TX (as needed)
Neocutis Lumiere (AM & PM)

Are you overwhelmed? Blume Skin & Body offers complimentary skin analysis with suggestions to add to your current routine or start fresh with new products. The Medical Aestheticians are eager to help you maintain your skin health with skin care and skin treatment suggestions. Please check out all services and products on the website.

The post Do I need a skincare system? appeared first on BLUME.

Skincare doesn’t have to be complicated. But for many it can be confusing. Where to start? Which system is right for me? Woman tend to be more conscientious about their skin. Making sure they are cleansing properly, exfoliating weekly, hydrating, protecting and maintaining. For men, this is a whole other world. Here are a few recommendations for an easy skincare routine for men:

Instead of: Splashing with water or using bar soap in the morning or at night
Replace with: Cleansing with a milky cleanser (dry-combination skin) or a foaming cleanser (oily skin). Cleansing with bar soap or water alone won’t thoroughly cleanse away dirt, oil, or daily debris. This will cause unwanted oil build up and bacteria that can cause acne.

Instead of; No moisturizer in the morning
Replace with; Applying a light weight sunscreen. The daily use of sunscreen will not only keep the skin protected during the day, it will hydrate the skin and won’t trigger the sebaceous glands to over produce oil.

Instead of; Using a wash cloth to scrub the skin
Replace with; Using an exfoliating cleanser a few times a week

Instead of; Using aftershave
Replace with: Using an antioxidant serum or hyaluronic acid serum after shaving. This will properly replenish the hydration to the skin and help sooth after shaving.

Instead of: No moisturizer
Replace with: Using a light weight moisturizer before bed

Instead of: Using over the counter cleansing pads
Replace with; Use a medicated pre-moistened pad

Instead of: Using alcohol or witch hazel on breakouts
Replace with: Using a medicated treatment gel or retinol

One of the most important aspects of a skincare routine (especially men) is the daily use of sunscreen. It always seems to fall to the wayside. “I’ll only be outside for a little bit.” “I never get sunburn.” “I don’t like the way sunscreen feels on my skin.” This is understandable for both men and woman. Unfortunately, sunscreen typically isn’t on a man’s radar. The daily use of sunscreen not only helps to fight the early signs of aging, like fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. It helps to protect against precancerous and cancerous lesions.

Skin health doesn’t just stop at skincare products. There are a wide variety of skincare treatments to help maintain the appearance of the skin. Facial treatments and skin rejuvenation aren’t just for the ladies! Statistics show that men make up around 49% of the medical spa/skin rejuvenation clientele.

Ultherapy- Ultherapy is the perfect non-surgical option to help restore tightness, improve sagging, and to lift the skin.
Facials- Facials are a great maintenance treatment to help restore the skins moisture and keep the skin clear from blemishes.
Injectables (Botox, Xeomin and filler)- Injectables are wonderful to help add volume in areas it is lacking (filler). As well as decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time (toxin).
Laser- Laser therapy can help with a number of different skin conditions. Redness/broken vessels, Laser skin resurfacing for Acne Scars and Laser skin resurfacing for Sun Damage & Age Spots.

These are services that men are flocking towards to help treat and maintain their skincare goals.
Taking care of your skin has become a standard practice over the years. We get haircuts, we brush our teeth, we go to the doctor and the dentist, we take care of our skin. The largest organ on the human body is the skin, it is our shield, the protection of our organs, it deserves special care.

The post Men and Skincare appeared first on BLUME.

The year is 2002, you have a party to attend in a few weeks and you have been dealing with acne for months. Being unbelievably fed up is an understatement. Your best friend suggests going tanning or laying in the sun to dry up your acne. The thought of getting a little tan is enticing too. Having a little color may conceal the acne as well! Your friend has been tanning for a week and it’s helping her….. until it doesn’t anymore.

In theory this method makes sense right? The suns ultra violet rays can dry the skin. So if you are dealing with acne, you must have oily skin, therefore the sun will dry up the acne. It may feel like the sun is doing something to your acne for maybe a week or so, but this is actually the complete opposite and very dangerous for your skin.

The sun doesn’t actually dry out sebum (oil) on your skin. It dries the actual skin. As a result to the skin being dry, your oil glands will then produce more oil as a response to the dryness. Picture a little army of oil coming out with a vengeance trying to protect and hydrate the skin that is in need. “We must attack the dryness! Come on troops hydrate on the double!” As a result of the oily army’s attempt to protect and secret, this then produces more breakouts and deep rooted clogged pores.

Getting Down to the Basics

Acne is not all created equal, and each different type of acne should NOT be treated the same. The most common types are cystic acne, which is typically hormonal, very red, inflamed and painful, acne due to oily skin and acne due to dry skin (which is more common than you’d think). Adding UV light to inflamed painful acne is only going to inflame it more. Adding UV light to dry skin that has acne will only make it more dry and create more of a breeding ground for acne. Adding UV light to oily skin that has acne will only dry out the very surface of the skin, making it almost impossible for the oil to secret properly. Therefore creating more oil as your oil glands are trying to produce more since it is unable to secret thoroughly.

Now that we know what the UV rays can do to acne in the beginning stages of “trying to dry it up’. Let’s talk the aftermath.

Picture this, you fall on the pavement, scrape your knee. It bleeds, and scabs over. You treat it, maybe with ointment and a bandaid. You keep it covered so that it can heal properly, since there is brand new skin underneath that scab. We want to protect it so that it doesn’t scar. So let’s circle back to your face. The scab on your knee is the breakout on your face. It is healing skin that has been inflamed, irritated, and perhaps picked at (hopefully not). If the skin isn’t protected against the UV rays you can develop Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) and /or increased scarring. Acne prone/broken out skin is healing skin, combining healing skin to UV rays is a recipe for sun damage, which is even harder to remove than the acne itself.

Here are a few solutions to help treat the acne and keep it safe at the same time.

Facials:

Getting facials on a regular basis (4-6 weeks apart) can help reduce the amount of breakouts that pop up. Facials help to kill acne causing bacteria and soothes the skin from irritation that comes with painful acne. Extractions during a medical facial are extremely important. The bacteria that is lodged in the pores won’t just “come out” and you can’t just “scrub or wash it away”. It physically needs to be removed just the right way.

Peels:

Chemical peels are a great way to help kill bacteria from acne, break down the thick dead layer of skin on the surface of the epidermis, and target acne scars and hyperpigmentation (PIH). Deep set clogged pores can not be removed with a chemical peel as it works from the inside layers out. A facial like I stated above would be the best option to start.

Microneedling and Laser:

These minimally invasive treatments are fantastic for helping to eliminate acne scars, PIH, and redness (broken capillaries and broken blood vessels). However, if your acne is still active, meaning if your acne is still bacteria filled and inflamed, these methods will have to be put on hold until the acne is under control.

Lastly, finding yourself a highly skilled Medical Esthetician that is well versed in acne is huge. Like I stated above, acne is not all created equal. So treating it should be customized.

There was a time where doing at-home beauty treatments were all the rage, putting toothpaste on a blemish was the “go-to” and reading Cosmo was a great way to find beauty hacks. Well, its a new day my dear, and beauty is at the hand of the esthetician. One hand has all your customized treatments ready to take charge. The other hand is holding yours during this confusing time. We are here to help you all along the way of your skincare journey. Whatever your journey may be, we got your back.

The post But the Sun Dries Out my Acne… appeared first on BLUME.

The Instagram filter look can mess with our heads majorly. It projects an unachievable goal to not only young girls, but to grown adults too! While we are all trying to raise our daughters with lessons of self love, body positivity and plain old acceptance, there’s no denying we all STILL want to have awesome skin. But our mental health doesn’t have to suffer to get it. Here are 5 habits to get fabulous skin.

Moisturize

Now this may seem too simple, and it sort of is! Many individuals that have dealt with skin issues like acne, or oily skin typically skip this important step in fear of making things worse. It’s actually the complete opposite. When our skin isn’t properly hydrated it creates a thin dead layer of skin on the very surface of the epidermis. Sometimes you can see it and usually you can feel it. What happens is, that dead layer of skin creates such a barrier that your natural oil production is unable to secrete properly. Instead, it secretes slower than normal, creating a shine to the skin, giving the skin an oily appearance. That’s why many think they have oily skin. Since that oil secretion is moving so slowly, the oil can get stuck under the dead skin and form into deep clogged pores. Moisturizing on a regular basis can ease that dead skin helping to balance the entire function of the skin, including oil production.

The same applies to dry, combination and aging skin. Moisturizing is crucial for lubricating the pores, and feeding the skin what it needs. Fine lines and wrinkles will be less visible when they are properly hydrated. So finding a great moisturizer for night time is very important.

Sunblock

Now that we’ve covered the night time moisturizer portion, now we can cover the day time. Ah yes, SPF should be your BFF. Daily use of SPF is a great way to achieve fabulous skin. The best sunscreen to look for isn’t necessarily one that has a large SPF number on the front of the bottle. It’s actually the percentage of the active ingredients on the back of the bottle that give the sunscreen its protection power. High percentages of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are mineral ingredients that create a physical barrier from the sun. If you are using products that make you more photosensitive, like retinol or glycolic acid, or receiving treatments that make you more susceptible to burn or hyperpigmentation, SPF everyday is imperative.

Retinol

Piggybacking from the importance of SPF, retinol is an amazing product to incorporate into your skincare routine. Retinol based products can come in all different shapes, sizes and potencies. Retinol or Retin-A is a derivative of Vitamin A. It helps with cellular turnover and helps to soften signs of aging (fine lines and wrinkles) and is a key component in helping with acne. It helps with skin texture, dilated pores and general skin wellness. Retinol use can be as simple as using it intermittently a few times a week, or spot treating acne blemishes. It is important to remember that you must limit your sun exposure during the time of use. For example, don’t use retinol the night before you know you’re going out on a hike, swimming, or any outdoor activity the following day. And when you do go out, make sure the retinol has been cleansed off the following day and a proper SPF has been applied.

Serum

So many serums, how do I know which one is best?! That all depends on what your skin is doing at the moment and your goals. Hyaluronic acid, antioxidant, peptide, and growth factor serums all have so many amazing benefits. So to pick the best one for you leads me into the next must-have for fabulous skin.

Medical Esthetician

Establishing a good relationship with a highly trained, knowledgable Medical Esthetican will guarantee the right path for you on your skincare journey. Which serum to invest in, and which treatments you should dedicate your time on maintaining your fabulous skin. Whether is laser, facials, microneedling, peels or microdermabrasions, your esthetician will establish a treatment regimen to fit your needs completely.

Living in a highly virtual world where the filters are at our fingertips, it’s important to remember the true beauty within us. True beauty can’t be seen in a mirror or a computer screen or a phone. We were all born to be real, real people with real flaws. Perfection is such an illusion that we continuously have to remind ourselves of. Luckily the support from trusted professionals can help keep your true beauty shining through.

The post 5 Habits to Fabulous Skin! appeared first on BLUME.

Anyone that has either started a new skincare journey, or is just obsessed with skincare has heard of Hyaluronic Acid. It makes headlines as a key component of a daily skincare routine. If you have been contemplating on whether or not to add HA into your skincare arsenal, here is your sign that it is time!

Hyaluronic Acid is a humectant that is a naturally occurring molecule in the human body. Using HA topically helps to increase the skins hydration. HA can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water (depending on the product/ingredients) making it essential for health. When there’s hydration in the skin there’s health in the skin. Hydrated skin can concur so many things like:

Fine lines and wrinkles. Over time our body starts to decrease its production of HA, along with collagen and elastin. Resulting in the loss of volume, hydration and plumpness and acne.

While Hyaluronic Acid doesn’t play a direct roll in the treatment of acne. It does in fact help to improve the moisture content in the skin when a patient is using acne fighting skincare and/or topical prescriptions. Helping to hydrate and sooth the skin during any acne treatment helps to deeply nourish the skin and help heal its microbiome. Along with helping to reduce redness.

Like any product or ingredient, all Hyaluronic Acids are not created equal. The molecule sodium hyaluronate should be one of the first ingredients on the back of the packaging, not down at the bottom of the list. The molecular weight and molecular size of the HA matters as well. You want your Hyaluronic Acid to have a small molecular size so that it has the ability to penetrate into the skin properly to help reduce wrinkle depth. The molecule weight is a catch 22 in a way. A high molecule weight helps to seal in moisture to the skin. A low molecule weight helps to provide hydration and improves elasticity. The perfect product that has them both?

Neocutis Hyalis

Another great option is the Skin Medica HA5. Being oil free and fragrance free, the technology in this product is very unique. It is a time released serum that contains a proprietary blend of 5 different hyaluronic acid molecules. When 1 stops working the next one kicks in and takes over. So you have a continuous release of hyaluronic acid through out the day/night after it is applied.

Our moisturizer option is the Valmont Regnetic Cream. This contains a Hyaluronic acid precursor which stimulates the production of hyaluronic acid within the skin. It also has biomimetic lipids which helps to restore the barrier function of the skin. This formula also comes in a serum form. The Valmont Regenetic Serum. This innovative product  teaches the skin to rehydrate naturally by limiting the evaporation of water on the skins surface. After doing so, the skin will regain its supple tone.

Hydration is crucial for ALL skin types. It doesn’t matter if you’re trying to deeply hydrate, trying to plump up toys skin, battle fine lines and wrinkles or sooth and calm down rosacea or acne. Hyaluronic Acid is one of the most popular ingredients in skincare products. Throughout our lives we will experience transepidermol water loss. Because of this, the enzymes that typically help the skin exfoliate naturally cannot function properly. This results in a buildup of skin cells making the skin appear and feel dry to the touch, which will contribute to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Hydration starts from within. Like our bodies, we need to drink water throughout the day in order to stay hydrated. The same applies to our skin. Hyaluronic acid helps to hydrate from within the skin cells, versus the superficial layers. We all want that healthy glow, and a hydrated body and skin is the key.

The post Is Hyaluronic Acid worth the Hype? appeared first on BLUME.

Sensitive skin is so common. Something I have heard throughout my ENTIRE career. “My skin is so sensitive”, “I’m scared to try new products because my skin is so sensitive”, “I can only use ____ because my skin is so sensitive”.

The question is, what are the common denominators?

• What products are you using?
• Are you exfoliating too much?
• Are you using a scrub on your face frequently?
• Are you using products designed for acne prone skin?
• Are you moisturizing enough?

All of these factors play a huge role in our skin’s sensitivity.

Is your Skin Sensitive or Reactive?

But let’s get technical. There’s a difference between sensitive skin and reactive skin. Reactive skin is when the skin develops a reaction to a product, treatment or something environmental. This can cause a variety of issues like an allergic reaction, contact dermatitis, eczema, or a rosacea flare. Resulting in a trip to the dermatologist for a treatment plan.

Sensitive skin typically shows itself as slight erythema and stinging. But the main reason clients are so quick to mention they have sensitive skin is be cause they break out easily. Therefore, they think that the breakouts are due to their skin being sensitive to products and treatments. The good news is, that’s not the case! There are several factors to why someone is breaking out, but its not because they’re sensitive!

The bullet points I mentioned above are major components to mending the reaction you are experiencing and helping to prevent it as well. If you’re using skincare products that are too drying or designed for acne prone skin, chances are you’re drying your skin too much; creating a thin layer of dead dry skin on the very surface of the epidermis. Sometimes you can feel the layer, other times it’s nearly invisible to the naked eye. That dead layer then creates tiny microscopic tears in the skin making it a dance floor for products and skin treatments to cause redness and stinging.

As I mentioned earlier, many clients will state their frustrations about breaking out due to many of the bullet points above. Which they identify these issues as sensitivity. Remember that tiny dead layer of skin that’s just sitting on top of the skin? Well your oil is still going to secrete microscopically, but it will do so very slowly because the layer of dead skin is preventing it from secreting properly. That will then develop into extreme shine. Slick looking skin before the lunch hour anyone? This could be a reason why! If only a greasy face is where it ended. Unfortunately its not. That sebum that’s trapped under the dead skin will then start causing clogged pores, that will then develop into full blown breakouts.

You’re probably thinking, wait, I thought we were talking about sensitive skin. We are! All of the things I mentioned, dry skin, excess oil, clogged pores, and acne are all skin issues that are causes by the same common denominator. Which is then misdiagnosed by the public as sensitive skin.

How to Fix Skin Concerns

So how do we fix this? Its actually so easy! Scheduling an appointment with our licensed medical aestheticians to develop a customized treatment plan, which includes prioritizing an at-home skincare routine specifically for your skin type and needs. A retinol and hyaluronic acid incorporated into your routine can help dramatically. Keeping the dead skin under control as well as a hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate. Neocutis Nouvelle+ and Neocutis Hyalis+ are the perfect pair.

Also, scheduling a series of facials to help exfoliate that dead skin, extract the clogged pores and treat the acne, and moisturize! The Hydrafacial is great for all skin types! From that point on, to maintain your results from the facial and your new at-home skincare routine is getting a microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasions are great for keeping the thickened epidermis under control so that it doesn’t cause any more problems like the ones I mentioned above. Why can’t I just get a few microdermabrasions you might be wondering. Getting a microdermabrasion with active acne is not only painful, but it can spread the bacteria from the existing breakouts causing new ones. So making sure the acne is taken care of properly and making sure the bacteria is killed is crucial.

So in the end the client’s “sensitive” skin will be no more. Because it’s not actually sensitive. It was dry, off-balanced, dehydrated and irritated.

So if you find yourself thinking, “I can’t do _____ because my skin is too sensitive”, let our team of experts rebalance your skin so that you don’t have those reactions over and over – keeping you from having the best skin of your life!

The post Why is my skin so sensitive? appeared first on BLUME.

How to prevent “Maskne” this summer.

Wearing face masks are now mandatory and essential to keeping us safe in public. I have noticed several skin issues that have arisen due to the wearing of masks. Wearing a face mask for extended periods of time can lead to several unsightly skin problems.

Especially during the summer heat, excessive sweat and bacterial build up between the mask and your skin. This can lead to clogged pores, acne breakouts and increased vascularity or redness with bumps. The masks can occlude the skin and prevent the release of heat that creates your own humidity, which causes dull irritated skin. Masks also provide the perfect environment for bacteria to grow, which can lead to irritation and breakouts. Your normal skin care routine; cleansing, exfoliation, moisturizing and sunblock help the natural shedding process of dead skin and also protects the skin barrier. Wearing a face mask can interfere with the shedding process. Those dead skin cells are trapped in your pores and create a buildup of sebum and bacteria which creates problems. If you are prone to eczema or rosacea, these irritations may trigger your symptoms.

What can you do?

1. Most important is to clean your face often throughout the day when you are wearing a face mask. On the go cleansing cloths are great, Colorescience hydrating cleansing cloths are easy and effective, also ZO Skin Health Complexion Pads and Oil Controlling Pads are both amazing for instant quick cleaning.
2. Don’t skip the exfoliation process, super important with mask wearing. You may use a physical scrub like Valmont Face Exfoliator, ZO Skin Health Exfoliating Polish or Dual Action Scrub. All three are excellent to use in the shower after cleansing your skin to assist in deep cleaning. Another option for exfoliation is chemical exfoliators for nighttime use, try Epionce Lytic TX, ZO Skin Health Enzymatic Peel or NeoCutis Nouvelle Retinol. These exfoliation steps will aid in the removal of dead skin cells, dirt debris and bacteria that can clog pores. Please don’t forget to wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin barrier.
3. Try to avoid wearing makeup on your lower face and focus on your eyes instead. Don’t forget a good lip balm, the lips are in constant contact with the mask and tend to dry out.
4. Take care of yourself with a skin treatment for deep pore cleansing, extra exfoliation and overall skin pampering. Blume Skin & Body has several COVID-19 rescue skin treatments to choose from. My favorites are: ZO Skin Health 5 in 1 Super Facial, HydraFacial and OxyGeneo. All three of these skin treatments will exfoliate, purify, hydrate and promote oxygen to rescue the skin. Blume Skin & Body is a medical skin care center with the strictest sanitation protocols. The safety of our patients and staff is our top priority.

What type of mask is best?
1. Cotton face masks are the best for your skin. Light and breathable, think of your favorite T-Shirt. The mask should be 2-3 layers and cover your nose and mouth to be effective.
2. Wash your mask. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends washing your mask after every use. It is recommended to have several masks to rotate so you always have a clean mask to wear. It is best to wash your masks in gentle detergent that is fragrance free to reduce the chance of an allergic irritation.

To schedule an appointment for a skin treatment or consultation, please call (480) 699-7999 or request an appointment through our website: https://blumeskintreatment.com.

Sandra Caldwell is a Licensed Medical Aesthetician and Laser Safety Officer at Blume Skin & Body.

The post Face Mask Acne “Maskne” appeared first on BLUME.

There are many factors that cause dry flakey skin, but thankfully there are ways to treat it.

Our skin tends to be drier in the winter months because there is less humidity in the cold winter air and harsh breezes on windy days. To stay warm and cozy, we are exposed to dry heat in our homes and offices, and take hot showers and baths. This inevitably dries out our skin even more. (Ahh, just explaining this makes me want to grab moisturizer!)

Not to mention, those delectable lattes and mochas we all crave in the winter are extremely dehydrating because caffeine dries our skin from the inside. We also drink less water as we are not overly thirsty.

So what can we do about this winter dry skin?

• Begin with a gentle cleanser — no harsh soaps like a bar soap. Exfoliating helps with flakey skin but again use mild scrubs with microbeads.

• It is important to use moisturizers that contain emollients like shea butter, safflower seed oil and serums with humectants or hyaluronic acid which actually attracts water from the environment into the skin.

• The use of a humidifier at night in the winter also helps to keep moisture in the air and in your skin.

• Try to drink more water. Hydrate!

• Make an appointment for a Medical Grade Facial. Aestheticians will properly access your skin and give you a personalized skin care routine to fight the winter skin blues.

The Blume Skin & Body has the highest quality products and services to help you achieve beautiful skin all year round.

Below are products we recommend to help overcome dry skin:

• Epionce: our plant inspired skin products have several mild cleansers for all skin types, as well as luxurious moisturizers.

• Valmont Hydra3 Cream: this moisturizer cream contains liposome-packed DNA and a high concentration of hyaluronic acid

• Neocutis: is a Swiss skin care line with fabulous products. Lumiere Riche Eye Cream, MicroDay & MicroNight are a few of the very moisturizing products!

• SkinMedica HA5: This Rejuvenating Hydrator rejuvenates skin with the power of 5 different forms of hyaluronic acid.

The Blume Skin & Body is dedicated to help you achieve perfect skin!

Give us a call at 480-699-7999 for a free consultation and our experienced aestheticians will set up a plan of action that is personalized just for you. In a hurry? You can click here to schedule appointments online.

Beautiful skin is our forte.

The post Why does my skin feel like leather? appeared first on BLUME.