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YOUR SKIN: Hyperpigmentation? A thing of the past

Posted by: Rhonda Allison Skin at www.rhondaallison.com

and reposted by: Lilly Rivera, BridalGal Radiant Face & Body

Dr. Oz on: Recharging your Skin with Glycolic & Lactic Acid: March 31, 2011

Earlier this week we posted a note on Facebook about the benefits of a skin care regimen that consists of using L-lactic acid and glycolic acid. Though I’ve been touting the benefit of these important AHAs for more than two decades, I was reminded of how this seemingly simple concept has yet to take root in the mainstream world when Dr. Oz brought the issue to forefront on a recent show.

On his show, “Recharge Your Body from the Inside Out,” he talked about the benefits of using a milk compress after cleansing followed by a moisturizer with glycolic acid to restore pH balance, induce cell turnover and hydrate. Though it’s not a new concept, I’m glad that he had the platform to get this message to the masses. Remember the milk acids were used by Cleopatra and are considered an ancient tradition for beauty.

Why does this combination make a difference? The lactic acid, an alpha hydroxyl acid (AHA), not only provides rich hydration and softens the skin, but also exfoliates without provoking irritation. It also treats pigmentation discolorations and reduces wrinkles. Glycolic, also an AHA, removes dead cells, smoothes skin texture and reduces the signs of wrinkles. Since it is a smaller molecule it is able to penetrate cellular walls and actively stimulate collagen production and cell turnover. The combination of the two will lift away dead cells and promote the growth of new ones – without being too harsh – as well as restore hydration and pH balance.

Here’s a nice regimen I recommend for healthy, hydrated and glowing skin: cleanse with a lactic acid such as the Gentle Milk Cleanser (pure milk extracts)

Cleanser, Or Pumkin Cleanser (a lactic acid base) followed by glycolic acid therapy support such as the Skin Smoothing Gel to correct and smooth photo-damaged skin and Moisture Au Lait (milk moisturizer) to give skin a soothing nourishing finish.

This natural, all-purpose daily cleanser removes surface residue and protects against free radical damage. Pumpkin has a high content of vitamin A and beta carotene, two potent antioxidant ingredients; combined with natural surface-reducing lipids and essential oils, Pumpkin Cleanser provides important nutrition for the skin. With a wonderfully appealing scent and gentle enough for ultra sensitive skin, Pumpkin Cleanser cleanses deeply for normal to oily skin types. If pumpkin is drying for some skins, recommend mixing with Gentle Milk Cleanser for a creamy, luscious cleanse.

Lilly: I have seen huge improvements with my clients over the past couple of months. Clearing up sun damaged skin, acne and hyperpigmentation takes a little time, lot's of "home work"(consistant and appropriate skin care regimen) The results will amaze you. In a short period time, you can definitely see improvements. Enought to make you want to continue.

For more information, a free evaluation, you can contact me directly at bridalgal@aol.com

Till next time.

Brighten your day!

Lilly Rivera, Lic Esthetician, NYS, Pro Makeup Artist, www.bridalgal.com

WE MOVED! 336 W 37th St., Suite 600, NY, NY 10018

Beautifying Skin for Spring Brides

When the sun begins to warm our faces again and love is in the air, we know that wedding season is underway. But after the cold wind, dry heating systems, and dark days are done with our faces, most of us leave wintertime looking a little dull. So what’s a bride to do? Just remember some simple tips that will help   you feel radiant on the big day.

To bring your face back to life, there are some basics that always help whether you’re at a spa or your bathroom sink. Firstly, be sure to exfoliate: it can be as simple as switching to an exfoliating face wash a few times a week. It always helps to add a product with something like fruit enzymes or hydroxy acids into your regimen for added results.  

 

 

Going to get microdermabrasion at the spa is a great choice for deep exfoliation that will be noticed right away. Any of these options will reveal fresh skin that is glowing and smooth.

 Second, you need to continuously moisturize to have skin perfect for makeup application. If you’re getting a facial at a spa, that’s great because they will both exfoliate and moisture your skin while you’re there. At home, be sure you’re using a formula appropriate for your skin type, like a gel for oily skin, a thicker cream for dry, or something in between. Some of the face lotions with radiance/skin brightening ingredients are perfect for dewy skin, and are a nice boost for a romantic look.

It just takes a little extra care to revive skin for a complexion that’s more awake and better textured- so it not only glows in photos, but is a great base for perfect makeup!

 

Content provided by Sarah Logan on behalf of Aesthetic Science Institute (ASI). ASI is a beauty school www.aestheticscienceinstitute.com for new students interested in a career in aesthetics and licensed aestheticians interested in advanced aesthetics training and certification.

 

Visit BridalGal Multicultural Beauty for latest information on skin, makeup and bridal beauty. www.bridalgal.com  Lilly Rivera, Founder, BridalGal, Airbrush Makeup, Skin, Hair,  917-330-1913

 

 

PEEL THIS! Inexpensive way to beautiful skin

Want amazing glowing and radiant skin?  Check out what our brides are having done at our BridalGal Beauty Lounge with Rhonda Allison Peels for every skin.

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Our most popular and in demand treatments in the news.   Check video

 

Peels are a great inexpensive procedure that delivers results with the first treatment.  Unlike laser resurfacing which is expensive, extensive and takes time to work.

A peel starts at $100.00 and treats many conditions such as:

Dark spots, uneven skin tone, aging skin, scaring, acne, aging, promotes healthier glowing skin.

Treatments are customized to suit each individual's ethnicity and cultural backgrownd. Knowledge of ethnic skin is crucial in the tratment for optimum and positive results.

 

Lilly Rivera, Lic. Aestetician, NYS    Pro Makeup Artist

www.bridalgal.com

Heal sun dammaged hands from summer, AGE SPOTS RUN!

Hands on approach! 

The SKIN CONNECTION

  BridalGal

After summer, sun, hyperpigmentatin sets in and WHOALA!  AGE SPOTS!!!! OMG

Hand Rejuvenation: Hands Look 10 Years Younger with Three Simple Steps

Skin care for the face and neck get most of the press, but if looking younger is your goal, don’t forget about your hands! Unsightly age spots and wrinkles on the hands can give you an older appearance in spite of all the TLC you’ve given your face and décolleté. With Rhonda Allison, hand rejuvenation is just around the corner – looking as much as 10 years younger with just three simple steps!

Step 1: Exfoliate

Begin real hand rejuvenation with exfoliation. With Rhonda’s Body Peel Cream, dead skin cells are sloughed off and cell turnover is encouraged, revealing newer, fresher skin. Softening and refining dry, tired looking hands, Peel Cream contains five different AHAs. Abundant in nature, particularly in fruits and vegetables (thus justifying their name “fruit acids”), AHAs encourage exfoliation, helping other ingredients to penetrate the skin more effectively – providing support for tissue repair from photo-aging and skin deterioration.

Another choice for body exfoliation is Rhonda Allison’s Ultra Exfole’. In addition to containing an AHA, this exquisite formula also contains Retinol (another name for Vitamin A) which will add tissue strengthening properties and work in tandem as an antioxidant. As a cell-communicating ingredient, the relationship between Retinol and skin cells allows communication where the cell is told to function normally, not like a damaged or older cell, diminishing fine lines and wrinkles and restoring the growth of firm, hydrated skin.

Enzymes are another very good support for exfoliation. Enzymes digest the cells of the stratum corneum gently and orderly. Two of the most popular phyto-nutrient home care enzymes are pumpkin and cherry. Both of these chirraly correct compounds provide smoothing, softening, and brightening for hands, while preparing the skin for absorption of other valuable nutrients.

Step 2: Nourish, Brighten & Hydrate

Once hands have been properly exfoliated, the skin is ready to receive valuable nourishment, correctives, and hydration. Rhonda’s Naturale’ Mega Brightening Serum contains Vitamin B Complex, C, E, and K and antioxidants, giving hands a nourishing boost. The Daisy Flower Extract, a natural brightening ingredient, is blended with tyrosinase inhibitors such as Azelaic Acid, Kojic Acid, and L-Arbutin to aid in lightening age spots, giving hands a brighter, younger look.

To soothe and fortify the skin for a glowing radiance while reducing age spots and other discoloration, super-infuse hands with protective moisture. Rhonda’s Phyto-Endorphin Hand Cream contains ingredients such as Monk’s Pepper, known for its mood enhancing activity, provides for a radiant glow. The D-Alpha Tocopherol, a fat-soluble form of Vitamin E, improves cellular respiration and supports mitochondrial functions; Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride acts as a natural hydrating/moisturizing agent that allows vital ingredients into the tissues while keeping harmful bacteria and pathogens out. Such ingredients will help to decrease wrinkling and bind moisture in the skin.

Step 3: Protect

For a natural continuation of good skin care that gives your hands support from environmental pollution, look for an organic physical block of Zinc Oxide. Zinc Protection Cream is an excellent choice for men, teens, and anyone who wants a light, fast absorbing daily protective cream. Beneficial for all skin types, Zinc Protection may be used for hydrating and antioxidant benefits - great for use over other nutrient topicals.

Make sure to find sun blocks such as Rhonda’s Daytime Defense that protect from both UVA and UVB rays for ultimate protection. Sunscreens are especially important if you have used creams or serums containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), because the new skin revealed burns more easily. Apply a generous amount of sunscreen in the morning and reapply several times throughout the day, even if you are not directly in the sun. Damaging rays can penetrate car or office windows and can affect your skin even on that short walk around the neighborhood or into the grocery store. If you are facing extreme pigmentation challenges, it will be very supportive to wear white cotton gloves when driving or outdoors. All the good work you do can be undone with extreme temperatures and direct sun exposure – this can be double assurance for an ideal outcome.

So, many of the Rhonda Allison skin care products designed for use on the face and neck can also be used successfully on your hands. Make it a habit to include your hands in the daily care you give your face and neck. Age defying creams containing antioxidants, vitamins, and peptides, such as Elite eEGF and Nutrient Glaze all nourish the hands, and the final step of using a sunscreen will protect the skin on the hands from further aging. Your hands deal with a lot each day - pamper them like you do your face and your hands will never be the thing that gives away your true age!

Here is a review of the Hand Rejuvenation product line-up:

Peel Cream – contains five different AHAs to encourage maximum exfoliation
Ultra Exfole’ – includes AHA and Retinol to help diminish fine lines and wrinkles
Naturale’ Mega Brightening Serum – with Vitamin B Complex, C, E, and K and antioxidants to give hands a nourishing boost
Phyto-Endorphin Hand Cream – contains Monk Pepper for a radiant glow
Zinc Protection Cream – a light, fast absorbing daily protective cream
Daytime Defense – for ultimate protection from both UVA and UVB rays
Elite eEGF - age defying cream containing antioxidants, vitamins, and peptides
Nutrient Glaze – blend of enriched protein, amino acids, vitamins, and herbs that provide hydration and tissue building support to skin.

Laita!  Lilly

 

Available at

BridalGal, The Wedding Cafe NY     16 E. 38th St., NY, NY 10016  917-330-1913

 

 

Skin age reversal? Chemical Peels!

 

BridalGal Clinical Skin

16 E. 38^th St., NY, NY 10016   www.bridalgal.com  917-330-1913

 

We cover up hyperpigmentation, and skin imperfections with specialty waterproof Airbrush Makeup.

Here is another option to clearing up the skin other than covering up what bothers you.

 

Peels & More

What is a chemical peel?  A chemical peel is a technique which involves the application of a variety of chemical solutions to remove the damaged outer layers of dead skin cells from the skin’s surface.  It is extremely beneficial for many skin conditions such as hyperpigmentation, rosacea, acne, sun damage, and photo aging.  By removing the build-up of dead skin cells and stimulating the regenerative process, you will notice marked improvements in the formation of wrinkles and fine lines, texture and tone of the skin, hydration, reduced pore size, clearing of blemishes and more balanced oil production and an overall healthier skin appearance.

What are the different types of peels?  All Rhonda Allison treatment procedures available at BridalGal Skin, are considered superficial; they do not penetrate beyond the epidermis or papillary dermis. .

PROGRESSIVE

This treatment  does not usually cause immediate exfoliation and only removes the outer layer of skin.  As treatments are repeated, the skin will experience a mild sloughing.

MID-DEPTH

These peels affect the intra-epidermal layer, and exfoliation occurs within two to three days after application.  The skin goes through very little down time.  Peeling consists of light flaking similar to a sunburn peel.

DEEP

These peels affect the deepest intra-epidermal layers.  The skin becomes brown and crusty then undergoes considerable peeling,  occuring three to four days after application.  The skin peels in large segments as opposed to flaking.  The entire process takes about seven to ten days.

What type of home care should I use after my chemical peel?  There are specific instructions to be followed after your skin peel – this is as important as the peel itself.  Post care will include occlusive healing balms, epidermal growth factor (cell renewal and wound repair), calming, soothing topicals to reduce itching and inflammation, and always sun screen!

When the skin peel is completed and your professional has determined the skin is healed, daily skin care is essential.  The most important part of a home care routine is a cleanser and a sun block.  Next in importance is a supportive cell rejuvenator.  These are the basics.  Additional specialty products, such as pumice and buffing washes, antioxidants, eye serums, nighttime moisturizers, AHAs, ascorbic acid, retinol, enzymes, masks, and topical correctives may be added to enhance and maintain results.

For beautiful perfect skin, call us for a consultation to determine which treatment is best for you. 

 

Lilly Rivera, Aesthetician, Lic., NYS

www.bridalgal.com  917-330-1913

Healthy Beautiful Skin, A sunblock away!

Fashion and beauty insiders agree: this summer is all about glowing, healthy skin. Actually for me it's been that way since I noticed I was starting to get brown large patches on my cheeks over 30 years go.    Tanning is no longer the "in thing" it looks awful unless you are a teenager with gorgeous skin, and then, wait tillyour 30's. You will definitely start to see the aging of your skin little by little, it creeps up on you especially if you are light skinned.  Survey results have shown that the appeal of tanned skin is less popular --63 percent say they are not more attracted to someone who is tan and 53 percent of people surveyed believe they don't look better with a tan. I know I definitely don't!  It makes me look older and haggered. "The skin color you were born with is always going to be the right one for you. Be yourself. For a pale girl to acquire a deep tan is bizarre," says Simon Doonan, creative director of Barneys and the author of Eccentric Glamour: Creating an Insanely More Fabulous You. "Whatever color your skin, you should emphasize your God-given gorgeousness; don't try to deny it."  Below, you'll find a step-by-step guide to achieving the must have accessory of the season -- healthy, natural looking skin. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Click here: BridalGal | Sun Protection Products

GLOW-HOW
A Step by Step Guide to Achieving the Must-Have Accessory of the Season
 Healthy, Natural-Looking Skin 
 
"Beauty begins with healthy, glowing skin," says Bobbi Brown. "No matter what your age, protect yourself daily from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays, which not only wrinkle and dull the skin, but increase your risk for skin cancer. It's the best beauty advice I have for keeping your skin looking smooth, luminous and radiant."

To communicate that tanning is finally out the style, The Skin Cancer Foundation launched a public awareness campaign entitled Go With Your Own Glow. Developed to encourage women to love - and protect - their skin, whatever its natural hue, the campaign is relying not just on health and safety information, but also on fashion - promoting healthy, luminous skin as the new beauty ideal. To learn more, visit http://www.skincancer.org/Go-With-Your-Own-Glow.html.

How to Go With Your Own Glow

1. First, determine your natural skin tone/shade by looking at skin that hasn't been exposed to the sun, such as underneath the breasts, on the inside of your arm, or your buttocks.

2. Once your natural skin tone is determined, the goal is to choose a color somewhere in between your sun-exposed and non-exposed skin. Let your skin fade over time to your natural color, using the non-exposed skin as a baseline to determine your skin color goal. You want to have an even, natural skin tone. You can do this by seeking the shade between 10AM - 4PM, applying sunscreen on a daily basis. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat, and avoiding tanning salons.

3. Take care of sunspots - products that contain a combination of hydroquinone, Retin-A and a mild steroid cream can be very useful for stubborn brown spots and blotchy brown discoloration. There are also excellent treatments your dermatologist can perform to help erase the discoloration and help create a smooth, even skin tone.

4. Makeup - To add some color to the face, apply blushes, highlighters or bronzers to the apples of the cheeks, forehead, bridge of the nose and chin. The idea is to have definition, not to look like you're wearing a lot of makeup.

"Glowing skin is about natural beauty, says Doris Day, MD, educational spokesperson for The Skin Cancer Foundation "Not only does healthy, protected skin help prevent premature aging, but it also greatly reduces the risk of skin cancer."


Daily Routine for Glowing Skin          

Proper cleansing, morning and night, is a must for glowing skin. Your cleanser doesn't have to lather or foam to work: Many cleansing cloths, for instance, don't lather, but these products take all the effort out of washing your face.

In the morning, if you use a vitamin C serum, put it on after cleansing your skin. Then apply a sunscreen with a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher, followed by makeup.

If you exfoliate, do it after cleansing in the evening. Then, if your skin can tolerate it, apply a prescription or over-the-counter retinol (topical vitamin A, used to treat signs of aging) with your moisturizer or night cream. Because retinol and other vitamin A skin treatments are sensitive to the sun, use these products only at night. They also make your skin more sensitive so consider a higher SPF sunscreen Click here: BridalGal | Sun Protection Products  during the day and stop using them a few days prior to a face treatment such as laser, facial or waxing.

Remember, a little bit goes a long way for both serums and retinol, so you don't have to apply a lot. Also, many products containing beneficial topical antioxidants are available in a broad price range, so going with your own glow doesn't have to cost a fortune.

Self tanners, makeup, proper cleansing and exfoliation, and various topical lotions, creams, serums, and gels all provide easy and effective ways to enhance your natural glow and protect your skin.

If the health benefits aren't enough to convince you, consider the aesthetic value. "Tanned skin lookes aged, wrinkled and dehidrated.  It acentuates lines, and the older you get, the worse it looks.  Think of Alligator skin! Ring a bell?  Sun block and sunscreen a must for glowing gorgeous skin!  Click here: BridalGal | Sun Protection Products

Article from the Skin Cancer Foundation

Laita, Lilly Rivera, Founder of BridalGal

SKIN MENU: Corrective Facial Treatments

 Corrective Facials, by Rhonda Allison

                                                                                  BridalGal Skin Lounge

Facial Extraordinaire

Soothe, rejuvenate, and nourish your skin with incredible sensations and euphoric aromas.  Selected by Allure Magazine as the “Best Facial Treatment” in 2000, we continue to offer this extraordinary experience.

Triple Enzyme Rejuvenator

Experience the ultimate in skin vitality.  Soften and polish skin with a specialty enzyme that lifts dead skin cells instantly; the exotic pineapple cream enzyme smoothes and brightens skin tone and the finale’ enzyme of rich antioxidants gives the skin vital nutrients.  For radiant skin that glows for weeks, this is the ideal treatment.

Italian Herbal Detox Rx

Blended herbs of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary combined with natural safe anti-bacterial serums create a unique “healing paste” that destroys toxins and purifies skin.  Blemishes improve and pebbly congestion disappears.

Pumpkin Refresher

Experience the valuable benefits of natural pumpkin extracts, one of nature’s most nutritious foods.  This treatment will dissolve, soften, and exfoliate dead skin cells – texturize and brighten skin tone; the powerful infusion of antioxidant and nutrients makes our pumpkin treatment an important part of skin health.

Real Jewelry: Why buy when you can rent the REAL THING!

 

Click here: Diamond Dish

Adorn Brides:  Why buy when you can RENT THE REAL THING!

Click here: Manhattan Bridal Cosmetic Salon, Manhattan Wedding Makeup Artist - Press