Chicago winters can be really devastating for the skin. Low temperature come with low humidity that sparks rosacea, eczema and dermatitis. Wearing masks oftentimes causes perioral rashes. Lack of proper care can exacerbate those skin conditions. Here are few tips to keep your skin healthier this winter:
1. Use Cold or Lukewarm Water We are not on the mission to strip all the protective natural oils that from our epidermis. That will leave our epidermis more vulnerable to harsh winter conditions. Change your foaming cleansers to rich, milky formulations (Biologique Recherche has 3 amazing creamy cleansers, very appropriate for winter)Use non stripping, non alkaline body cleansers (TriXéra Nutrition Nutri-Fluid Cleansing Gel by Avene)
2. Exfoliate Wisely Reduce physical exfoliating that often cause micro-tears, instead stick to Retinoids. Alpharet by skinbetter is our go to exfoliant/wrinkle reducer/everything antiaging. If your skin is drier and more sensitive try P50 Lotions by Biologique Recherche not for nothing called “facials in a bottle”
3. Use Oil Based Moisturizer (Not Water Based) Change your moisturizer to a richer, more emollient formulation, avoid water based during the day, since it can cause broken capillaries when exposed to freezing temps. This time of a year oils are your friends. Mix few drops with a moisturizer or apply as a sealing layer on the very top. Try Sérum T.E.W.L by Biologique Recherche, Facial Recovery Oil by Eminence, or our Fleur organic, cold pressed oil that doubles as hair and body nourishment If working at home use hydrating sprays during the day.
4. Mask Often There is no better time to use nourishing mask than winter. Protect your skin acid mantle. Biologique Recherche has variety of masks that can appropriately calm red irritated skin (Masque Biosensible) nourish dry (Masque Visolatin, Creme Masque Vernix) and normalize younger, prone to breakouts complexion without stripping (Masque VIPO2, Masque Vivant, can be mixed together).Masks can be mixed with hydrating serums for even greater effect.
5. Drink plenty of water, and consume nutrient dense meals, avoiding sugar and alcohol as much as possible.
Try our newest Biologique Recherche 60 min treatment, no steam, no extraction just pure lymphatic drainage and reconditioning of the skin.
Take care of your eye contour with hydrated and glowing eyes.
Erase dark circles: Oligo-Protéines Marines(New Formula) Smooth fine lines: Elastine Soothe puffiness: Liposmose(New Product) Follow by the application of eye cream: Biosensible, VIP O2, or Biofixine
Fall tips
Get rid of tightness: Reparation UV or Emulsion Gel Biosensible (SR version if your skin is oily!) Control acne: Lotion P50 1970, Masque Vivant and Complexe Iribiol ISO Placenta and Crème ISO Placenta (New Formulas)
Say bye to end-of-summer dryness.
Repair your skin and hair: Huile Fondamentale, Huile Benefique, and Crème Matricielle Lotion P50 Capillaire, Masque Biologique Capillaire Complexe Cegaba + Bioproline (Use with the Mini Massage Glove)
Late fall exfoliation
Revive your skin: Lotion MC 110 Renew, regenerate and repair: Sérum 3R Revitalize uneven skin: Crème aux Acides de Fruits and Crème aux Acides de Fruits
I always advise my clients to adjust their skin care routine according to how their skin feels. Skin being the largest organ of our body is influenced by the outside and seasons definitely visibly play a role, humidity, sun, heat! Let’s talk Summer Skin
Summer Dos
Switch to a lighter moisturizers, the heavier ones mixed with high humidity and sunblock can cause breakouts.
If your skin is on the oilier side, switch to lighter water-based products or just serums
Don’t skip the physical SPF at least 30 (only mineral actives) look for a broad spectrum formulas (protectsagainst both UVB and UVArays)
What does SPF number mean?
“The SPF number on sunscreens only addresses the level of UVB protection (the rays that cause sunburn) and not UVA protection (the rays that cause tanning and premature aging). Look for products that have both a SPF value above 30 AND state “Broad-Spectrum”. If a sunscreen says “broad spectrum” on the label, this means it protects against both UVB and UVA rays”
Use vitamin C serum topically on your skin during the day. It not only boosts your immune system, but it also acts as an antioxidant, helping to stimulate collagen and elastin production, minimize the appearance of sunspots and protect the skin against environmental aggressors that cause premature aging such as pollution, radiation, stress and NEW! blue light (computers and electronics)
Wear a hat and sun protective clothing if outside for a prolonged period of time
Pay attention to an evening routine and PM cleansing (double cleanse advised and always a toner), make sure that all the sunscreen is removed from the skin every night, otherwise it tends to clog the pores
Use cooling and hydrating masks often
Summer Don’ts
Don’t use a moisturizer with sunblock at night, no sun, no need Instead, choose a nourishing, regenerative and hydrating night treatment or a sleep with a hydrating mask on
Don’t ever leave your makeup on at night
Don’t forget about your body, it needs your apres-sun attention too (moisturize, gently scrub before applying a self tanner)
Skip hot showers!
Don’t forget to apply SPF on your lips, they can burn!
Seasonal skin conditions are the
bane of our existence—and as we creep towards winter, we’re naturally bracing
ourselves for the onslaught of winter complexion issues.
Summertime UV rays can leave
skin with unwanted dark spots, freckles and other forms of pigmentation. Longtime
exposure to UV rays can also leave skin with unwanted fine lines and wrinkles,
unbalanced texture, faded tone and more. As our tans from summer fade, it can
leave many of us with simply tired-looking skin.
So what can you do?
With the New Year almost here, make it your resolution to reclaim the complexion of your youth. At Magdalena European Med Spa, we use Lutronic’s LaseMD, a revolutionary non-invasive laser treatment that can give your skin a revitalizing “boost,” or it can help you achieve a full resurfacing that can remove up to 5 years of aging in a 20-minute treatment. Your skin will feel and look great afterward!
LaseMD, a resurfacing laser that rebuilds glowing, healthy skin through gentle but effective non-ablative fractionated treatments.
Wintertime is the perfect time
for a new rejuvenation routine, especially laser treatments. Why? Because it’s
best to avoid any and all sun exposure after getting a laser treatment. This
allows for the skin rejuvenation process to work in the most effective way. Sun
exposure can severely damage the process and worsen your condition.
Restore your skin now and have it glowing before the summer months. Lutronic’s LaseMD laser may be just the treatment you need to transform your skin!
How does it work?
Lutronic’s LaseMD laser boosts
your body’s natural production of collagen and elastin, which helps to improve
the overall health and quality of the skin at a cellular level.
This laser is dramatically different from traditional resurfacing lasers. It rebuilds glowing, healthy skin through gentle, non-ablative fractionated treatments. At Magdalena European Med Spa, we offer three types of treatment depending on your goals and how much downtime will work for you.
Before and After using LaseMD Photo courtesy: Gilly Munavalli, MD, MHS, FACMS, Lutronic Aesthetic
Before and After using LaseMD Photo Courtesy: Dr. Goo Leo Boncehol, Lutronic Aesthetic
Before and After using LaseMD Photo Courtesy: Dr. Nark-Kyoung Rho, Leaders Clinic, Lutronic Aesthetic
LaseMD Glo: A painless procedure where you will experience only 4-6 hours of redness which will look like mild sunburn. It’s used to treat Melasma, to remove acne, and to give skin a “boost” – leading to improved tone, quality and texture of skin. However, it is not strong enough to remove fine lines or tighten skin. It will remove some sun damage, but we recommend LaseMD Refine treatments for more sun damage removal.
LaseMD Refine: This
treatment is meant for removing sun damage and fine lines. The treatment takes
only about 10 minutes and you will see some redness for the rest of the day
that looks a little bit like a mild sunburn. You may experience a bit of light
flaking, but you will see significant results after about 2 weeks, and full
results after 3 months.
LaseMDRestor: This procedure removes sun damage, fine lines, and also tightens sagging skin around your mouth, jowls or décolleté. You’ll experience 5-7 days of redness and flaking. However, with more downtime, that means you’ll get better results! This particular treatment will help remove years from your face, neck or hands in a single treatment.
LaseMD can be safely used on any area of the body where you have fine lines and sun damage. The most common area of treatment is the face, followed by the neck, chest, arms hands and shoulders.
Who is a good candidate?
LaseMD is appropriate for anyone
with sun damage, fine lines, Melasma, or anyone looking for a brighter skin
tone and improved texture. LaseMD is safe for all skin types and colors and can
be used when your skin is tanned as well.
What are the results?
You should be able to see visible improvement in your skin tone and texture following your first treatment. With each additional treatment, you’ll remove more fine lines, pigmentation, acne scarring and you’ll be left with a more even skin tone/texture and the overall quality of your skin will be improved. **Individual results may vary from patient to patient. **
You will see visible improvement in your skin tone and texture following your first treatment with LaseMD.
So what are you waiting for? Say ‘goodbye’ to your tired summertime fine lines and ‘hello’ to glowing skin this winter. Book your consultation at Magdalena European Med Spa today and kick off your new rejuvenation routine for the New Year!
Nothing brings me more joy than picking out the perfect gift for the people you love. This year I have curated a special holiday gift guide for everyone on your list. Relax and pamper this holiday season, EXPERIENCES are more valuable than things! Seasonal changes and cold weather can take a toll on our complexion, which means your skin will have to work harder to maintain adequate hydration and may seem dryer than usual. Now is the time to keep it in tip-top shape! Check out Magdalena Curated Holiday Gift List 2019 and indulge in luxurious facials, and other spa treatments, which will bring you one step closer to perfect skin this holiday season.
#1: Avene Youth Reveal Regimen $100
Give the gift of great skin this holiday season with a limited-edition holiday set of Avene Youth Reveal, which will restore your skin to a brighter, radiant complexion. The kit contains 2 full size products and lots of samples in a handsome cosmetic bag.
RetrinAL 0.1 Intensive Cream (30ml) This cream is clinically shown to visibly reduce signs of aging while brightening and rejuvenating the skin. It’s enriched with a powerful antioxidant and synergy of patented ingredients to plump the skin and restore radiance for a more youthful appearance.
RetrinAL EYES (15ml) This nourishing 3-in-1 eye cream minimizes the appearance of fine lines, puffiness and dark circles, and is formulated specifically for the delicate eye contour. The innovative texture prevents the formula from migrating into the eye for optimal efficacy and tolerance.
A-OXitive SOS Antioxidant Sheet Mask This sheet mask is infused with an energizing complex to protect against oxidative stress and reinforce your skin’s natural barrier. It adheres to the face like a second skin, ensuring optimal diffusion of vitamins C and E, leaving skin with an immediate radiant glow.
RetrinAL DAY Cream (3ml) deluxe sample This rich, wrinkle concealing cream with micro-pearlescent agents reduces the appearance of deep wrinkles while providing suppleness and comfort. It’s enhanced with a powerful antioxidant and exclusive ingredients to balance skin tone and provide a lifting and tightening effect throughout the day.
A-OXitive Defense Serum (5ml)deluxe sample Contains an advanced complex of time-released vitamin C and E precursors. It’s enhanced with a powerful antioxidant booster, which neutralizes free radicals caused by environmental and lifestyle stressors. This fast-absorbing serum protects and visibly plumps the skin to preserve a younger, brighter complexion.
Extremely Gentle Cleanser Lotion (25ml)deluxe sample This gentle, no-rinse cleanser is formulated with minimal ingredients for maximum tolerance. Make-up, oil and impurities are removed without disrupting the skin’s delicate moisture balance.
Cosmetic Bag Keep all your beauty essentials in one spot with this convenient cosmetic bag for daily, on-the-go and travel needs.
This daily care kit for lips and hands will be your new winter favorite. Avene Cold Cream Hand cream restores cracked and irritated skin without feeling greasy or leaving behind a residue while the Lip Rescue provides immediate relief to cracked and dry lips. Includes: Cold Cream Concentrated Hand Cream (50ml), Cold Cream Lip Butter (10ml), and a soft travel pouch.
The NuFACE Trinity PRO Facial Toning Kit incorporates advanced technology for a more powerful solution to your anti-aging needs. The Trinity PRO, the most powerful microneedling, home device on the market available only at doctor’s offices and spas offers super-charged, optimized output with maximum intensity. The Trinity PRO delivers 400 microamps at maximum intensity. In as little as five minutes per day, you can sculpt your facial contour, improve skin tone and smooth fine lines and wrinkles for a youthful complexion. Combine this high-end toy with 1 1/2 h lifting facial for an ultimate experience.
Improve your fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, mouth and forehead in just three minutes with the NuFACE FIX Line Smoothing Device! This gentle, microcurrent device delivers bursts of energy that help firm, smooth and tightens skin to restore a more youthful appearance around eyes, mouth and forehead. Plus, get an eyebrow design that will shape your brows to frame your eyes and face just in time for the next holiday party.
#5: Neocutis Micro Day – Daytime Rejuvenating Moisturizer with complementary Neo Cleanse Exfoliating Skin Cleanser – $166
Micro Day is a powerful, growth factor rich day cream that provides four benefits in one: skin revitalization, anti-oxidant care, broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection and lasting hydration. Plus, get an exfoliating skin cleanser that’s formulated without harsh sulfates, dyes or fragrances for skin that feels fresh, clean and comfortable after cleansing.
New year, new you right? So, the first thing on the to-do-list, is usually that we would like to attempt a detox. ‘Cleanse’ our body and try to remove all the ahem, harm, it has endured over the festive season. We hope that this process will be similar to ‘Ctrl. Alt. Del.’ on a computer keyboard. Erase the bad and start fresh. Sounds about right. Does this work the same on the skin? Can we detox the skin, and if so, what does that actually entail? Is this even a possibility or is it hype?
In skincare language, the definition of detoxifying is very, very different to say, a doctor’s definition would be. In our language, it is more about removing the pollution, makeup and dirt/debris and even ‘gunk’ from the skin so that your skin can breathe again, feel refreshed and clean. Who doesn’t want that ‘just cleansed’ feeling? Clean skin, free of all this stuff, results in skin that is more receptive to ingredients as well as in-office treatments; but above all, will look better. In fact, it may make you look younger. Your skin will be glowing. Did you know, there is a lot of research suggesting that pollution can actually age your skin? That news right there is enough to make me age even more. And we can’t have that! If you need some reminding regarding how it ages the skin – we have a blog for that! Here, I really wanted to focus on a solution. Let’s start the year on a positive note, right?
So, to summarize, yes, we can help detox the skin – revealing a refreshed, healthy, brighter-looking skin. To do this, we need to remove the dirt, old makeup and pollution – you get the picture. How? Several ways actually. Now this is more like it: cleanse the skin, exfoliate the skin and use clay-based masks as well as moisturizers! Another detoxifying agent is known as an antioxidant to fight the external, environmental stressors, (such as free radicals) that come from all that pollution. Easy-peasy! This is a New Year’s resolution I can stick to.
WHERE DO WE START WITH OUR CHECKLIST? WE START AT THE VERY BEGINNING.
1. CLEANSE. Using a good cleanser that removes the debris leaving your skin clean (but not tight) is the best way to start. We suggest a sulfate, soap-free cleanser and should be on everyone’s list of essentials. Yes, this is where I plug the very best skincare line (biased, I know) but my favorite is the Oxygen Infusion Wash – a multi-tasking cleanser featuring slow-releasing alpha hydroxy acids and an infusion of oxygen that instantly purifies and refreshes skin for a youthful, glowing appearance. Check.
2. EXFOLIATE. If we feel we have more dullness and gunk than we know what to do with, we can exfoliate. Using either beads (physical particles) or hydroxy acids such as lactic, glycolic or even salicylic acid is the general rule. As you know, these work more effectively – helping to remove more (since a lot of the dirt and debris has adhered to our superficial skin cells), sometimes the best way is to exfoliate, removing all that unwanted baggage, thus giving an extra hand to our cleansers – the results speak for themselves. Check.
If we want to enhance the effects of perhaps the first two steps mentioned, we can incorporate a clay-based mask. Now there are many options to choose from. These include natural minerals from the earth such as kaolin and bentonite clays, and even the charcoal (you have seen those black ones) in masks. All these ingredients actually stick to the skin cells and help to remove them from the surface – leaving your skin incredibly clean and free of their burden. Imagine a product that is both an exfoliant and clay-based mask in one – kill two birds with one stone. Having one dual-functioning product that can be customized through frequency and length of use allows us to have our cake and eat it too. Check.
3. ANTIOXIDANTS. Another fantastic option is antioxidants. Pollution results in free radicals that can do a lot of damage to the skin, resulting in redness, pigmentation, aging and a slew of unrequested skin damage. The skin looks dull, tired and dirty. Having antioxidants to help neutralize this potentially hazardous array of environmentally damaging, cell-destroying molecules allows our skin to be protected and supported. Sign me up. Check.
I am sure you are as interested in this last solution as I am. Did you read that right? Did I write that correctly? Yes, yes I did.
4. MOISTURIZE. Moisturizers are also a great way to help detoxify the skin? Don’t those just sit there and make you oily, greasy and shiny? Sometimes. These are not the right choices. Your moisturizer is supposed to have ingredients that help support a healthy skin barrier. This may help reduce the harmful effects caused by agents such as pollution from getting in and wreaking havoc. Very often what then happens is these pollution particles stick to the superficial skin ingredients in your moisturizer (the good kind of moisturizer!) and when we take our cleanser and wash our skin, these particles will be eliminated. Ah yes, Hydration Boosting Creamwhich is a lightweight moisturizer, helps support a healthy skin barrier. Check.
Personally, I think 2019 is going to be the year I keep my New Year’s resolution. Here’s to all of us having a healthy skin year. For more information and suggestions of products that may fill the needs suggested here to detoxify the skin, please visit www.skinbetter.com/products.
IN SUMMARY
Basically, skincare can help detoxify the skin. Let’s review the checklist to ensure we have all the steps to do this. 1. CLEANSE – Remember soap and sulfate-free cleansers are best. 2. EXFOLIATE – Removing those dead skin cells allows the skin to look refreshed and renewed. Using natural clays and 100% spherical beads or hydroxy acids are the way to go. 3. ANTIOXIDANTS- These help prevent the pollution causing all those toxins that trigger inflammation. Vitamin C is the obvious, but add in tumeric and acai for an extra boost. 4. MOISTURIZE – Hydration supports the barrier that is there to protect against all the damage thus preventing toxins entering the skin.
Friends, food, parties, traveling. Those are only some of the reasons we love the holidays. Though this is “the most wonderful time of the year,” all that activity can disrupt your normal skincare regimens and make a health complexion seem out of reach .
To stay on track, here are a few tips to help you keep your skin glowing through the end of the year:
Hydrate from the inside out. Proper nutrition is important for overall health and well-being. Help prevent dry skin by drinking water and eating foods rich in fatty acids and vitamins, including:
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6 found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts)
Vitamin C (prominent in citrus fruit, kiwi, and dark green leafy vegetables)
Prepare for takeoff. About to go on a flight? Then prepare your skin for change. Apply intense moisturizer the night before you leave. Doing so will increase your skin’s moisture content before you spend time in a dehydrating airplane cabin. Also reapply moisturizer every hour you’re on the plane. Use oil-based products, even if your skin is oily, to prevent moisture evaporation during the trip.
Do damage control when you arrive home from a party. Be merry but remember to remove your makeup when you get back home. Use a non-irritating, gentle cleanser, and finish with a moisturizer that delivers intense hydration.
Take advantage of your nights at home. As fun as celebrating is, having a few days off from parties and activities can restore your skin — and your health. During these days, make sure you hydrate by drinking lots of water, nourishing your skin with foods full of vitamins (see above), and catching up on sleep.
Invest in a microneedling treatment. Microneedling is a non-invasive procedure that helps improve the appearance of acne scars. And SkinPen® by Bellus Medical is the first microneedling device cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. With as few as three procedures spaced 30 days apart, SkinPen can help improve your appearance and allow you to show up to holiday events feeling confident.
There are countless ways to use essential oils. Applying them topically can bring a range of benefits, and we love using our Vitality™ line in favorite essential oil recipes. When we need a boost, there’s no denying that one of our favorite ways to recharge is simply enjoying the aromatic benefits of Young Living’s essential oils and blends by taking a few deep breaths.
It’s easy to join a family of people who has been enjoying benefiting from essential Oils. To become a member with countless benefits just follow this link: http://bit.ly/MagdalenaEOs and ask me any questions you may have.
R.C. essential oil blend
Stay motivated with R. C.™ essential oil blend’s energetic aroma when you hit the weights, treadmill, or bike.
Get a post-workout spa treatment by adding a few drops to V-6™ Vegetable Oil Complex for a foot or back massage after your gym routine, outdoor adventure, or yoga practice.
Brighten your outlook during early morning errands by applying R.C. to your chest and wrists.
Breathe Again Roll-On
Use this rejuvenating essential oil blend anytime, anywhere! The convenient roll-on applicator lets you apply the naturally occurring constituent eucalyptol for an energizing aroma morning, noon, or night!
Apply Breathe Again™ to your back, neck, or chest before a steamy shower for a brisk aromatic experience.
Jump-start the morning by applying the rejuvenating scent to your chest or under your nose.
Create calm and cool essential oil combinations. Peppermint is in the same family as both Lavender and Rosemary, which means these complementary botanicals are some of the best-smelling essential oils to use together.
Eucalyptus essential oil
Create a DIY essential oil diffuser in your shower! Place 5–10 drops of Eucalyptus Radiata oil on a warm, damp washcloth and place it in the shower just out of direct contact with the water before showering. It will create cooling, Eucalyptus-infused steam.
Find a moment of clarity. Rosemary essential oil’s complex, woodsy aroma is perfect when you need to take a moment to refocus. If you’re mixing essential oils, try putting it in an essential oil diffuser recipe that features citrus essential oils. The bright freshness of citrus will complement the herby aroma and bring energy to the diffuser blend.
Diffuse Rosemary essential oil to clear the air of unwanted odors. Try it in your kitchen for a fresh scent!
Lemon essential oil
Prep your diffuser for the morning! When you’re tempted to hit the snooze button, turn your diffuser on with this peppy Lemon essential oil diffuser recipe instead!
The Lash Lift is the beauty equivalent of a push-up bra for your lashes—the treatment instantly gives them, curl, lift, and extra definition without the use of extensions or any harmful chemicals.
What is a Lash Lift?
Touted as the gentle alternative to lash extensions, a lash lift essentially takes the natural hairs you do have lining your lid and gives them a dramatic curl worthy of a mascara ad. “When you first get the treatment done, it looks like you have a really great mascara on, even when you go into the water,” explains Olga, lash expert at Magdalena Lash Bar. “It takes about 25 minutes from start to finish, lasts anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks, and unlike extensions, you can rub your eyes, wear makeup, and your natural lashes aren’t impacted.” By comparison, they’re pretty low-maintenance—Olga notes you can put mascara on an hour after the treatment if you really wanted to, provided you steer clear of any oil-based makeup removers. “We use a brand called Elleebana, which uses gentle ingredients. The harshest ingredient is alcohol, which is in the lifting solution, but we follow it with the setting solution, and that is rich in hydrating ingredients like aloe and glycerin,” Olga adds. The lifting serum is wiped off after about 8 to 10 minutes, depending on how thick your hair is, and is followed with the setting solution, which sits for 4 to 8 minutes. Olga typically recommends getting a tint along with the treatment, and if you decide to do that, the additional step will take roughly 10 more minutes. After that, the formula is wiped off, and you can get on with your life.
How hard is it to maintain your lashes?
Maintenance is also less precious than that of lash extensions. Because they are your own natural eyelashes, you can still use mascara and lash serum, if that’s what you would typically do. For the first two days following your lash lift, Olga recommends keeping your face out of the hot water in the shower, as well as not steaming your face since the heat can deactivate the solution, and swapping out oil-based makeup removers for the next few weeks. If you tend to sleep on your stomach or side, keep a spoolie brush beside your bed so you can brush through your lashes before going to bed, and when you wake up in the morning—though, it’s a good practice anyway even if you don’t have a lash lift.
After about 6 to 8 weeks, which is the natural growth cycle of your lashes, you’ll start to notice the curled pieces disappearing, as the set you previously had starts to replace them.
