Sarah's Favorite (Eminence) Things!

A Few of My Favorites! 
As an avid Eminence user for 3 years, it is difficult for my to pick just a few products for my personal use: Just take a look at my bathroom cabinet! But if I were stuck on a desert island, this is what I'd take with me. 
(*Note- My skin type is combination-to-dry)


Cleanser- Because of its softening properties, and its ability to both break up oil and take off dry skin flakes and its invigorating smell, I chose the Eucalyptus Cleansing Concentrate. It really is concentrated, so you only need a dime size amount and add water. (an alternate would be the Lemon Cleanser because it is so gentle and smells heavenly) 


Toner- The Sweet Red Rose Toner is beautiful! Not acidic feeling at all, it smells like fresh roses (and that's what it is- essentially Rose water). It reduces redness and inflammation too. So soothing. (my alternate is the Stone Crop Mist- it really refreshes the skin and has a little salicylic acid in it. It also hydrates and slightly lightens pigmentation)


Exfoliant- For me, nothing beats the Rosehip Maize Exfoliating Masque. You get a scrub and a masque in one and it is perfect for ANY skin type. I like to put in on while I sit in a hot bath- all over the face, chest and upper arms. The result is supple soft skin free of impurities. It can get gummy if left to dry out but add a little water to it (even cleanser if in a pinch) and it's consistency is great. (the alternate is the Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant- which is a new product. It is rice powder with lactic acid and can be added to any cleanser or used alone)


Masque- This is a tough one. There are approximately 30 masques! All are rich with plant extracts. The masques are either pectin based- with fruits, or more cream based. I tend to prefer the cream base so I would choose the Hibiscus Calendula Recovery Masque. It smells like tropical flowers and has actual flower petals in the masque. It immediately calms down the skin and deeply hydrates and moisturizes. It is so gentle you can even sleep in it. 
(my alternate would be the Sour Cherry Masque- it smells like Cherry pie and you kind of want to eat it. It firms and tightens the skin and minimizes pores)


Serum- I love a good serum. I look at it as one last opportunity to get concentrated ingredients deep into the skin to repair and protect. Eminence serums are unique in that they are less expensive than other serums of equal caliber. Why? Because ALL Eminence products are concentrated- unlike other product lines where ONLY the serum is concentrated. So Eminence doesn't need to increase the pricing on their serums. I LOVE the Eight Greens Youth Serum. And I'm always using it in my home care. It has plant phyto estrogens, which give your skin an estrogen boost-- important when you're having your monthly cycle (when estrogen drops and testosterone spikes and you end up with a break out) And of course as you age your estrogen drops as well- and estrogen is what helps protect your collagen and elastin. (my alternate would probably be the Couperose C Serum- for the way that it reduces redness and gives your skin a Vitamin C boost)


Moisturizer- This is a hard choice as well because I love moisturizer. I would bathe in it if I could! I have really fallen in love with the Biodynamic Apricot Calendula Moisturizer. The texture is so velvety and soft. It soaks into the skin beautifully- leaving you feeling moisturized but not sticky. (my alternate might be the Sugar Plum Oil Free Moisturizer- I love the way it smells and it is perfect for day use- not heavy at all)


SPF- For my daily sunscreen I use the Sun Defense Powder (in Peaches & Cream) for a slight tint to the skin since I don't use much make up. Its Spf 30 and completely chemical free. (the alternate is Tomato Sun Cream- which I also use often: if I'm not wearing makeup. Its light and has Spf 16. I would use this as my day cream by itself) 


What are your favorites? Inquiring minds want to know! 

Ahead of everyone, again: Vita Skin!

Vita Skin Collection

Coming Fall 2010!
The new Vita Skin system: Masque & Vitamins
Eminence is launching a brand new skin care system capable of real results in 14 days. 
This unique system consists of a 30 day supply of oral vitamins plus a specific targeting masque. Choose what your skin needs: Firm Skin, Calm Skin or Clear Skin. Or, combine 2 or 3 lines for ultimate healthy and beautiful skin. 


What is so different about Vita Skin?
Cutting edge technology is introduced in the vitamin supplements by way of the delivery system. The Moisture Defense System of "pill inside of a pill" technology effectively delivers moisture sensitive ingredients into the body. This system creates internal and external barriers to prevent water migration and maintain stability of the ingredients to ensure the the delayed release of the nutrients found in the inside capsule. This ensures that ingredients like acidophilus, zinc, arnica and acai will actually reach your stomach for optimal digestion before being dissolved by digestive acids. Many vitamins on the market are partially digested before they've had a chance to properly release into your system. In addition, the vitamins and masques are formulated with the same ingredients to hit those problem areas in two ways: internally and externally. 


Which one is for me? 
Ask yourself: what do I struggle with most with my skin? A) Do you have a tendency to be red, irritated, hyperpigmented or you think you have rosacea? B) Do you have occasional hormonal breakouts, oilier skin, or chronic acne? C) Or do you want to look younger and have less fine lines and wrinkles and tend to have dryer skin? 


If you chose A, you fall under the Calm Skin category. The Calm Skin Vitamins consist of soothing ingredients like milk thistle help detoxify the blood and control inflammation. Blueberry and barberry deliver powerful antioxidants, healing vitamins and nutrients. Active ingredients include flax seed oil and garlic oil and help to strengthen capillary walls and alleviate redness and treat bumps and irritations. Then use the Calm Skin masque to reduce redness with arnica, marigold, ivy, and horse chestnut. Add in the Couperose C Serum for an added boost of vitamin C and to further treat redness. 50% of users reported reduced skin redness in 14 days with the Calm Skin Solution! 


If you chose B, you want Clear Skin! The Clear Skin Vitamin system consists of borage seed oil to dilute sebum and reduce oil, acidophilus to regulate yeast and reintroduce healthy bacteria into the body. Regulating bacteria is the key to less breakouts. Take the daily vitamin and then use the Clear Skin Probiotic Masque 2-3 times a week featuring yogurt, cucumber, marigold, stone crop and tea tree. Add in the Herbal Spot Serum to help fade acne scars and pigmentation. 75% of users reported a reduction in acne lesions and scars in 14 days and 100% of users had a reduction in the number of acne scars in 28 days with the Clear Skin Solution!


And if you chose C, you want firm and youthful looking skin. The Firm Skin vitamin system actively works to repair and renew cells and retain moisture. Seabuckthorn, vitamins A & E, Resveratrol, grape seed, and quercetin protect and enhance the skin and combat free radicals for a youthful glow. Follow daily vitamins with the Firm Skin Acai Masque. Use 2-3 times a week to feed your skin with antioxidant and vitamin rich acai, hyaluronic acid, blueberry, raspberry, brambleberry, and seabuckthorn. Add Strawberry Rhubarb Serum to further introduce hyaluronic acid to increase your skin's moisture levels. 86% of users reported improvement in skin elasticity after 14 days and 100% of users reported an improvement in skin elasticity and firmness in 28 days with the Firm Skin Solution! 


Remember: To get proper results from each system: Gently cleanse your skin morning and night, spritz a toner to rebalance your pH, exfoliate weekly, take 1 vitamin per day, apply the coordinating masque 2-3 times a week for 10 minutes (or try sleeping in your masque!), apply the recommended serum underneath your moisturizer, finish with sun defense powder spf 30 or make sure your moisturizer or make up has sunscreen. 

Feed yourself, feed your skin!

Maybe its been a while since you took a nutrition class. It can be confusing, to pick out which fruits and vegetables to eat and why they are so important. And maybe you're confused as to why you would care if these same vitamins and minerals were in your skin care or not. Just remember: feed yourself internally and externally for healthy skin, eyes, improved hearing, good digestion, luminous skin and to fight free radicals, viruses and infections. Here is a list of vitamins and minerals with which fruits and vegetables to incorporate into your diet and coordinating Eminence products. Paired together, you'll be doing double duty for your body! 
Note: You can get many nutrients from eating meat and dairy but they are not among Eminence ingredients so I'm not focusing on those in this article. 


Vitamin A- Why it's important: Improves eyesight, fights viral infections, essential for growth and renewal of new skin cells. Applied topically, it boosts collagen production and promotes cell turnover.
Raw carrots- (Biodynamic Hawthorne Tonique and Quince Body Lotion, Carrot Vitamin Masque) Cooked spinach, Baked sweet potato (Yam & Pumpkin Enzyme Peel) Turnip greens, Winter squash, Collard greens, Cantaloupe, Romaine lettuce, Steamed broccoli and Peas. 


Vitamin B1- Why it's important: Maintains energy, helps nerve & muscle activity, keeps heart healthy. Increases fatty acids in the skin, which promote exfoliation and firmness. 
Sunflower seeds- (Shea Butter & Mint Moisture Balm, Biodynamic Lemon Grass Cleanser), Corn (Guava & Bamboo Moisturizer), Sesame Seeds- (Quince Body Lotion), Oatmeal- (Biodynamic Radish Seed Refining Peel), Asparagus, Brussels Sprouts, Spinach, Pineapple (Pineapple Enzyme Masque) 


Vitamin B6- Why it's important: Keeps nervous system healthy, breaks down sugars and starches, and helps amino acid build-up. 
Banana, Baked potato, Avocado, Garlic- (Garlic and Tomato Masque), Raw red pepper, Watermelon- (Biodynamic Primrose and Melon Balancing Masque), Cauliflower. 


Vitamin C- Why its important: Reverses free radical damage (chemicals, pollution, etc) Regenerates cells, essential for vitamin E and iron absorption. The building block of collagen which is essential for structure, tone and elasticity.
Steamed broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Strawberry (Upcoming Summer Line including Strawberry Dermafoliant, Strawberry Rhubarb Serum and Strawberry Rhubarb Masque), Orange- (Mandarin & Rooibos Masque) Cantaloupe, Kiwi, Grapefruit- (Grapefruit Vitality Masque), Pineapple, Winter squash, Blueberries- (Blueberry Detox Peel). + Lots of vita c from Rosehip Whip Moisturizer and other Rosehip products. And from Lime Cleansing Masque, Lemon Cleanser. 


Vitamin E- Why it's important: Antioxidant that helps build and maintain healthy skin tissue. Protects skin from UV rays, discourages development of prostate cancer and Alzheimer's.
Wheat germ, Leafy greens, Nuts- (Herbal Spot Serum), Whole grains- (Tomato Seed Oil). 


Folate- Why it's important: Essential in fetal development, healthy nervous system, production of red blood cells, prevention of bone loss and dementia. 
Beets, Split peas, Papaya, Mustard greens, Peanuts, Flaxseeds- (Eight Greens Phyto Masque), Orange, Raspberries-(Raspberry Pore Refining Masque). 


Iron- Why it's important: Oxygen transport, cell growth, immune system. 
Soybeans (Blueberry Soy Cleanser), Spinach, Sesame Seeds. + Lots of iron from Wild Plum Eye Cream. 


Magnesium- Why it's important: Relaxes muscles and nerves, strengthens bones, good blood circulation. 
Sunflower seeds, Sesame seeds, Prickly pear, Roasted almonds- (Almond & Mineral Treatment), Summer squash. 


Potassium- Why it's important: Improves muscle tone, electrolytes, lowers blood pressure.
Winter squash, Avocado, Beets, Fresh figs, Brussels sprouts, Cantaloupe, Banana, Tomato- (Tomato Oil Control Gel). 


Zinc- Why it's important: stabilizes metabolism and blood sugar, boosts immune system, and male fertility. 
Wheat germ, Sesame seeds, Peas. + Lots of zinc from Sun defense mineral powder, Tropical Vanilla Sun cream. 


In addition to this list, ALL Eminence products are infused with vitamins. A "Biocomplex" is added to most of the products which is a type of preservative and antioxidant booster of vitamins A, Ester C, E, Coenzyme Q10, and Alpha Lipoic Acid. Moreover, these products are cold pressed- which means that the vitamins are never killed by heating them. And as I'm sure you're aware, they are 98% organic, which means no parabens or chemicals. In fact, they are vegan. So you can feel good about yourself, that you are feeding your body every time you reach for your Eminence product or receive a Pearlescent facial! 

The March update- New facial & new product!

The new Immuni-Tea spring line from Eminence is now available at Pearlescent Skin Care! I will be selling the new line and offering an Immuni-Tea facial, perfect for repairing your winter skin and preparing it for summertime. These products are infused with antioxidant rich teas and feature amazing ingredients like collodial silver. They are especially formulated to rejuvenate and rehydrate the red, irritated, dry and flaky skins we tend to have left over from the harsh winter winds and being constantly blown on with the heater.
The line starts with the extremely refreshing Lime Cleansing Masque. This two-in-one cleanser cleanses and tones and can be left on as a masque for further absorption of green, white and red teas, & collodial silver. Great for all skin types.
(follow Lime Cleanser with Lime Tonique)
Further feed your skin with the delicious Mandarin Rooibos Antioxidant Masque. Rooibos (or red tea) is combined with Mandarin oranges to bring vitamin C, alpha hydroxy acids and zinc to your skin.
Whenever your skin is lacking in its hydration and is devitalized, use a serum twice a day under your moisturizer.
The new Green Tea & Guava  Fortifying Serum is the perfect choice to do just that. This serum is firming, lifting and deeply penetrating and of course chock full of antioxidants from green tea.
Follow your serum with the Guava and Bamboo Age-Defying Moisturizer. This moisturizer is especially strengthening and boosting for your elasticity. It is both creamy and nourishing but also light on the skin as well.
Get your tired and swollen legs ready for skirts and shorts with the Lychee & Chestnut Firming Leg Treatment. This cream feels heavenly on legs and reduces the appearance of varicose veins. Rich with horse chestnut and butcher's broom to improve circulation.
Finally, carry around Green tea & Hemp blotting tissues to reduce shine as well as remove oil, dirt and perspiration, leaving you with beautiful matte skin all day long.
Pearlescent's new Immuni-Tea facial will use all of these new products as well as the Lime tonique, Pear and Poppyseed Micropolish, Pink Grapefruit Vitality Masque, Paprika stimulating masque (if needed) and of course a finishing sunscreen. New to the facial will include, (if desired) a relaxing leg and feet massage with the Lychee & Chestnut Firming Leg Treatment! Make your appointment today! Mention this article when you email sarah@pearlescentskincare.com and receive $15 off the Immuni-Tea facial! (regularly $85)

Health and Skin Factors to Consider

Congratulations! You have incorporated skin care basics into your daily regimen. Now that you have, here are some additional factors to consider when dealing with your general health and wellness of your skin. 

• Be aware that recreational as well as some prescription drugs, can affect your skin. They can inhibit oxygen levels, affect cell growth, cause dryness, allergic reactions and acne.
• Smoking is one of the fastest ways to age your skin, next to sun exposure. Smoking depletes your skin of oxygen and causes cancer. Smoking stains the skin and teeth,  creates hyperpigmentation, premature aging, wrinkles and fine lines, reduces blood flow to the skin, causes the skin to look dry and sallow, encourages wrinkles to develop around the mouth and “crow’s feet” around the eye, delays wound healing, creates a puckered mouth from smoking action, wrinkles around the eyes due to squinting to avoid the smoke, pale complexion due to nicotine constricting blood vessels, and the skin tends to be thin and sags due to loss of collagen from free radical damage. 
• Drinking alcohol affects the appearance of our skin. It over dilates blood vessels creating a flushed appearance. Drinking excessively dehydrates the body and keeping the skin hydrated is vital to keep the skin looking healthy. 
• Stress can cause hormonal changes in the body and therefore the skin, can cause breakouts, psoriasis or hives. Stress slows down the renewal of cells, causes dehydration, and premature aging. When we are stressed we can loose sleep causing dark eye circles and puffy skin around the eyes. 
• Diet is crucial for healthy looking skin. A bad diet over taxes the liver, which filters out toxins of the skin, and affects the tone and texture. Toxins can cause blemishes. Our bodies find it difficult to digest lots of meat, dairy, processed foods and sugar, which can clog pores, and cause the skin to excrete too much oil and sebum. A good diet consists of fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, wild fish, flax and borage oil and fiber. Choose organics when possible. Avoid eating foods that have been sprayed with pesticides or have been genetically engineered. Meat or dairy that have added hormones affect our body's hormones and our skin can become unbalanced with hormone fluctuations. Drinking teas is a great way to introduce antioxidants. Try green, white and even red teas. Loose leaf teas are ideal. 
• Drink plenty of water. It will keep you hydrated and assist in digestion. 
• Exercise increases blood circulation and brings oxygen to the skin's surface, killing toxins and bacteria. 

When keeping in mind these factors, you will be healthier and in turn your skin will look its best. 

February Promotions

It's February already! Pearlescent Skin Care is offering a special facial just in time for Valentine's Day. Treat yourself or your loved one with the new Chocolate Custom Hydrating Facial. This facial includes a Hungarian Cocoa Treatment along with Bulgarian Red Rose cleanser, exfoliant, treatment masque and moisturizer. Rose products are especially great for sensitive and aging skins. 
The Chocolate Facial can also be customized with berries! If you prefer, choose products like the Blueberry Soy Cleanser, Blackberry Serum, Blueberry Detox Peel, Raspberry Pore Refining Masque or Sour Cherry Masque! The Berry products are also great for aging and dry skins and may be more stimulating, for even better results! 
Also, for the month of February, I am offering a special customer appreciation day on Thursdays: 1 hour facials will be offered for just $50! This is a limited offer so make your appointment today! 
sarah@pearlescentskincare.com

Skin Care Basics, In Depth

Why is skin care so important? Can't I just wash my face with my Dove soap and call it a day?
The answer is no, and here's why: Skin is our first line of defense. It is our body's largest organ and is EXTERNAL, while our other organs are Internal. All of our organs need proper care and nourishment. Skin protects us from bacteria, injury and the environment. Proper care includes cleaning, toning, exfoliating, moisturizing, protecting it from the sun and "feeding" it with vitamins. 
The following includes a list of skin care basics and why each is important. 

1. Why is cleansing important? In order to remove dirt, oil and debris from the skin. If we skip this step, dirt and debris will accumulate on the skin, leading to breakouts, blackheads, and clogged pores. 
2. Why is toning important? Spritzing a toner after the cleanse refreshes the skin, adds moisture, or mattifies the skin depending on the toner. But most importantly, toners rebalance the pH of the skin back to pH level 5. (Try putting your toner in the refrigerator in the summertime for a cool skin refreshment, or put your toner in your swim bag or gym bag for a quick moisture boost or to discourage sweat from causing breakouts). 
3. Why is exfoliating important? Exfoliating the skin is vital to keeping it young, supple, and free of clogged pores. We want to scrub away layers of dead skin cells that interfere with the new, healthy looking cells that are waiting to come to the surface. Let those granuals/micro scrubbers/jojoba beads get in your pores and eliminate blackheads. (Don't forget you can just scrub your nose or specific areas of concern every few days for continuous results) Break up stagnant fine lines and wrinkles to make your skin appear youthful. Slough off dry and flaky skin. Exfoliate your face (elbows, chest, anywhere!) at least once a week, more often if you have acne prone or very oily skin. If your skin becomes red or irritated you may want to ease off exfoliants or use a softer one. Remember that exfoliants include manual scrubs, microdermabrasian, chemical varieties like Retin-A, or any product that includes Alpha/Beta Hydroxy acids (Glycolic or Salicylic for example), and of course enzyme and chemical peels. Be mindful of how many exfoliants you are doing at once. 
4. Why is moisturizing important? Some moisturizers help regulate and normalize the skin, making it not too dry and not too oily. Moist and hydrated skin neutralizes chemical pollution, making the skin better able to protect itself from chemicals trying to invade cells. All skin types need moisturizer, even oily skins. Keep in mind there are many types of moisturizers- not just creams. Try gels or serums if you are weary of being too weighed down. Remember to really rub in your moisturizer and apply it immediately after cleansing and toning. 
5. Protect your skin: wear spf 15-30 daily. Why must I wear sunscreen everyday? Protecting your skin from UVA and UVB rays is essential for youthful looking skin and fighting skin cancers. Look for sunscreens that protect you from Both UVB and UVA (the aging rays that go deeper into the dermis) rays. Remember that the sun is still out even when it's cloudy and that sunscreen is important even when you're not laying out by the pool or sitting on the patio. Day to day sun exposure (in and out of buildings, driving in your car) adds up to eventually cause fine lines, wrinkles and age spots. 
6. Why are vitamins so important? "Feeding" your skin with vitamins helps its functions. Get essential vitamins and minerals from serums, topicals, supplements, and by eating fruits and vegetables. Vitamins improve barrier function, stimulate new cell growth and neutralize free radicals (which damage cells and are believed to accelerate the progression of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and age-related diseases.) For best skin care results, take vitamins internally and apply externally. 

The more of these steps that we include in our home care regimen, the better our skin will look and the healthier it will be! 

Welcome visitors! Take a look around!

Hello! I'm glad you've found my site. This blog is a continuation of my website www.pearlescentskincare.com, which directs clients to my skin studio in Austin, TX. I provide exclusively organic facials, facial waxing, and brow and lash tinting. Please visit the website for further details and how to make an appointment. 
If you have absorbed all the information on my website and want to learn even more about how to take care of your skin, health and become informed of up to the minute news from Pearlescent Skin Care and Eminence Organics, then stay tuned!