How often should I have a facial?

The skin cells take about 28 days to reach the surface [in optimum circumstances], so once a month it is beneficial to deep cleanse and remove impurities from the pores. Depending on your skin, it may be better to have an occasional longer, more intensive treatment according to your esthetician’s professional opinion. Your skin care expert can recommend the proper home care agenda as well as help you maintain your skin’s well being.

What are the benefits of having regular facials?

The skin's natural tendency is to heal itself in a fastidious manner, however, sometimes we must seek professional help in order to achieve maximum results. Things like hormones, stress and seasonal changes can bring on trouble that's best addressed by a licensed professional. There are many benefits to regular facials: Clearer skin is a natural result of professional exfoliating on a regular basis, and smoother, more moist and supple skin is a result of the professional massage that may be included in your facial. Skin learns to adjust more quickly to life's stressors, and responds in a healthy manner. As you keep regular appointments with your esthetician, she will learn the cyclical changes that occur with your skin and will adjust and offer the correct products for you to use.

Help! I get dry itchy patches on my skin. What can I do?

Those dry, itchy red patches that occur on the skin are often from a condition known as eczema. Eczema can occur on almost any part of your body although it is typically on the face, neck, ankles, elbows and knees. The most important thing you can do for eczema is to stop scratching the skin. Scratching only makes it worse. Your best bet is to moisten the skin with lukewarm - not hot - water, gently pat dry, then immediately apply a hydrocortisone cream to reduce inflammation and lock in moisture (one to try is Bioelements Immediate Comfort with 1% hydrocortisone.) In addition, avoid contact with itchy things like wool or furry pets, or irritants like harsh chemicals and strong soap. If all of this fails to help, see a dermatologist who can prescribe medication to help alleviate your problem.

Why are my cheeks always red and sensitive?

You may be suffering from a condition known as Rosacea. This condition is characterized by a pattern of redness that is permanently on the cheeks and sometimes the nose. The condition starts to appear in the early thirties and is more common in people who have had teenage acne. Rosacea is triggered to flare up by a number of different external factors such as alcohol, smoking, stress, weather conditions and diet. When the skin is experiencing a flare up, it can become very red, itchy and sometimes little pimples can appear. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms you should see a dermatologist for diagnosis. Use gentle products on your skin for example Bioelements Moisture Positive Cleanser custom blended with Soothing Concentrate, and Capillary Antidote. Complete sun block is essential so use Bioelements Sun Diffusing Protector, which has SPF 15, or Bioelements Year-Round Protector with SPF 30+. To help with any dryness use Bioelements Crucial Moisture or Absolute Moisture and always have your skincare professional custom- blend your products with Soothing Concentrate and Capillary Antidote. Lastly, use Bioelements Recovery Serum for dryness and dehydration.

Why does it always sting when I apply lotion to my legs after shaving? What can I do to stop it?

The stinging you feel is due to minor irritation caused by shaving. You have removed several of the top protective cell layers from your skin with the razor. Here's two suggestions for you that can help:

1. Consider having your legs waxed at Moonstone Salon rather than shaving.
   Waxing lasts a lot longer than shaving (up to a month or more).
2. Try using a gentle product for shaving your legs. (Bioelements Moisture Positive Cleanser works great - it won't strip the natural oils on your skin). Then, after shaving, apply Bioelements Extremely Emollient Body Creme to your legs. It's got natural citrus aromatherapy oils to smooth and nourish your skin. And always be sure to use a fresh blade when you shave. Older, dull razors can cause even more irritation.

What can I do about the dry skin that always appears on my arms and legs this time of year?

Slather Bioelements Extremely Emollient Body Creme over your entire body after every shower or bath. Do this while your skin is still damp to increase absorption of the creme into your skin. This ultra-rich body creme is fortified with antioxidant vitamins and aromatherapist oils to protect and prevent against dry, flaky body skin. Plus it's quick absorbing and provides a 24-hour moisture barrier that builds with daily use. Extra benefit: We think you'll love the refreshing aroma it leaves on your skin.

How can I get rid of the brown spots on my hands?

Called solar lentigines, those unsightly brown spots that appear on the hands, arms, chest and face are the cumulative result of sun exposure. And even if you never intentially tanned your skin, intermittant day-in day-out exposure is enough to cause the problem. The solution is Bioelements Pigment Discourager with 2% hydroquinone. Ask your esthetician for specific instructions on how to use Pigment Discourager, and follow her directions if you want to see results.