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The Correct Order to Apply Skin Care Products
For clients that are brand new to the skin care world, the looming amount of options can be overwhelming. Not only is there an unlimited number of brands to choose from, but after choosing, you must then decide which products to use and in what order to apply them! We’re here to answer that last part of your dilemma. Assuming you’ve adopted Environ products into your life, we’ll explore the reasons for applying products in a particular way. And yes, the order in which you apply your skin care products does matter. :) Starting Simple The basic healthy-looking skin Environ motto is “Cleanse, Tone, Moisturize, Protect,” and remains the recommended routine for beginning skin care enthusiasts. However, for those of you who want and are ready for a more advanced skin care solutions, you know this short motto is missing a few key steps. Our full routine includes: Pre-Cleanse/Makeup Removal Cleanse Tone Roll Eye Gel Serum Moisturize Overnight Masks (PM only) Protect (AM only) Let’s go further in depth for each of these steps! Still with us? Is Pre-Cleansing Necessary? Pre-Cleansing may be a necessary part of any skin care routine for those who wear makeup or if you’re exposed to an excessive amount of environmental pollutants that day. Environ’s lightweight Makeup Remover or the heavy-duty Pre-Cleanse Oil are wonderful assets for this initial step in your skincare routine.For those with particularly large-appearing pores and for those in need of a gentle exfoliation, the Pre-Cleanse Oil + AVST Hydrating Exfoliant Masque* combination will suit you very well for this first step in your skincare routine. Cleansing Environ’s gentle cleansers are made to gently remove surface dirt and debris without drying or stripping away the skin’s natural barrier. They are definitely not your average cleansers. After using an Environ cleanser for the first time, you will be amazed that your skin will feel neither “tight” nor “squeaky clean” but instead appear and feel hydrated and fresh-looking. To Tone or Not To Tone A great toner should work in synergy with your other products to assist with the appearance of better-hydrated, healthy-looking and even-toned skin. Whether you use AVST Hydrating Toner, SebuTone or the C-Quence Toner, you are ensuring that your skin is sufficiently clear of any surface debris or make-up and perfectly prepped for the next step. Rollin’ In The Deep For those of you that already have a Cosmetic CIT-Roller or a Gold Roller, you know that this carefully made skincare tool allows us the opportunity to “boost” the efficacy of our topical products to the next level. The tiny microneedles assist with your product's effectiveness and only takes a minute or two out of your entire day. The proper way to “roll” each area of the face is vertically, horizontally and then diagonally each for 30-40 seconds with medium pressure, and should be part of your evening routine ONLY! Post toning and rolling, you’re ready for any masks, intensive products, eye gels and moisturizers. At-Home Masks Or Peels The exfoliating Environ Revival Masque, brightening C-Quence Energizing Masque, or the resurfacing, at-home LACM peel should be applied and left on the skin according to their respective instructions. Remove the mask as recommended and you will be ready to move on with the rest of your normal routine. For greater insight on the benefits of each mask, visit our website’s product information page.The Revival Mask can also be applied as an overnight mask, after applying your eye gel and moisturizer.The AVST Hydrating Exfoliant Masque can also be used after you tone and roll the skin OR as part of your pre-cleansing regimen for improvement in the appearance of your pores. The Eyes Say It All: Eye Gels & Serums After toning or using an at-home mask or peel, it is now the appropriate time to apply serums or eye gels. Typically speaking, serums as well as eye serums are a lighter consistency than moisturizing creams, thus they will absorb quicker and should be applied first. As a rule of thumb, one should apply products in order from ‘lightest’ to ‘heaviest.’ Where To Insert Intensive “Booster” Products A few products in the Intensive Range can be applied as more of “spot” treatments, such as the C-Boost Vitamin-C rich cream. In that case, apply only where desired, and then follow with your moisturizer. Moisturizing booster products such as Super Moisturizer + or the Hydrating Oil Capsules can be mixed with your Vit A moisturizer OR spot-applied to especially dry areas such as the forehead, nose, or mouth areas. On dry days, either cold or hot, apply these moisturizing boosters in the evening to help the appearance of fresh, repaired-looking skin overnight. Ahh, Finally. The Moisturizer Your Environ Vitamin A moisturizer is the climax of your skin care routine. It is during this step that you are nourishing your skin with essential Vitamins A, C, E, peptides, antioxidants, and growth factors which are crucial components to maintaining the look of youthful skin over your lifetime. This remains true whether you are using the AVST, B-activ or Ionzyme Range moisturizers. The moisturizing step is usually everyone’s last and final step in their nighttime regimen. The fun part about this moisturizing step is that you can mix your favorite serums such as Avance DFP or a Retinol serum to create a customized solution with added benefits. Each intensive product addresses specific concerns, so you can find information on each one on our website. For additional insight, you should ask your local skin professional which one he or she thinks you can add to your “moisturize” step. During the day, you will follow this step with your daily broad spectrum SPF, another crucial step towards maintaining healthy-looking skin. Don’t Be Overwhelmed Believe it or not, our typical night routine takes no more than 5-10 minutes! In an event you forget a step or run out of one of your products, carry on with your steps as best you can. Over time, you’ll be surprised how adept you’ll become with the order and your routine as you gain practice each morning and evening. For other questions and specific product instructions, reach out to us. Don't forget to subscribe for the latest news from Environ USA! Coming next, “Summer Skin Care Woes To Avoid”
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Crisis Control! Break-Outs
Do you know how to avoid spotty teenage skin? The skin is less likely to become problematic during the hormonal surge of adolescence when cared for daily with topical doses of Vitamins A, C, E, growth factors, peptides and antioxidants. Problematic skin is one of the world's most common teenage conditions, affecting over 85% of adolescents and up to 50% of adults over 25 years of age. The Goal The goal of any treatment is to is to avoid unsightly changes in the first place with preventative solutions. In the case that hormonal changes do affect the skin adversely, topical solutions can be applied to help control the crisis that is a break-out event. Help to control the crisis with effective topical solutions. Topical solutions may assist to inhibit the effects of sebum production, to limit the effects of bacterial growth, and to encourage the shedding of dry flakes which clog pores. This complicated condition also affects adult populations and sometimes occurs in conjunction with pregnancy or during stressful life changes. The Problem Harsh prescriptions for problematic skin treatments often cause side effects such as pain, redness, dryness and peeling. This is due to retinoid reactions that occur when skin is rapidly introduced to high levels of Vitamin A. Dr. Des Fernandes, Environ founder, knew there had to be a better way to treat the skin. Myth Debunked A common myth is that one needs to “dry out” or torture the skin to limit the effects of overactive sebum production during the teenage years. This couldn’t be further from the facts! More likely than not, the skin needs proper topical hydrating solutions and vitamin-rich solutions during this time. The types of ingredients that have been shown to improve skin appearance are Vitamins A, C, E, antioxidants, peptides and growth factors. Environ’s cleansing and toning solutions work synergistically to prep the skin adequately for the recommended Vitamin A treatment options. Daily cleansing is the first step to attaining clear-looking skin. Environ’s Vitamin A moisturizers and intensive retinol products are able to help problematic skin’s appearance to improve over time in a gentle fashion, while employing the most efficacious blend of ingredients. To read more about the history of Vitamin A use on skin, check out The Philosophy of Starting a New Client on Environ Products Sun Care It is known that while using prescription treatments, you must stay out of the sun. When using Environ products, with proper application of sunscreen, you don’t have to completely avoid the sun. Environ’s broad spectrum SPF 25 sunscreen is non-comedogenic, non-greasy, non-irritating, and remains a favorite among all skin types, problematic skin types included. Anti-Problematic Skin Tips: Refrain From Touching Your Face Identify why you’re doing this and create a solution. Pin your hair off your face. Find glasses that fit better. Don’t scratch or pick throughout the day. Speaking of which... Don’t Squeeze! Unless you’re getting a professional extraction, leave breakouts alone. The blemish will be much less noticeable over the course of its life if it is not picked or squeezed. Cleanse Daily & Get On A Vitamin A Step-Up Regimen Getting on an Environ skin care regimen will save you headaches, embarrassments and wasted money on ineffective products. Stay Out Of The Sun Some people believe the myth that sun rays actually help with the look of breakouts. The effect is likely temporary, as sun rays and seasonal changes are likely to exacerbate problematic-skin-related symptoms. Sunscreen, baseball caps, sun hats, and staying in cool environments is your safest bet. Limit Your Sugar And Processed Food Intake. Nourish your body and skin with nutrient-rich foods like leafy greens, lean proteins, fruits, nuts and vegetables. Steer clear of starches, white bread, and dairy products for the most part, as these have been shown to increase the likelihood of breakouts. For additional diet tips check out 12 Foods for the Healthy-Looking Skin Diet Evaluate Your Products Body products, laundry detergents, hair styling products all have the potential to adversely affect the look of the skin. As a rule of thumb, products that do not use synthetic fragrances or coloring are less likely to irritate. Wash your sheets, towels and pillowcases once a week. Follow Environ Skin Care on Facebook, Twitter @Environ_USA, Instagram @environskincareusa, and on our Pinterest page Find a local Environ stockist. Subscribe to our blog for the latest skin care insights! Next: “The Correct Order to Apply Skin Care Products”
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What is the Essence of Beauty?
What is the essence of beauty? Long hair? Eyes? Shape? Science would suggest that a number of biological factors contribute to what different societies recognize as “beautiful.” Such factors include the waist-hip-bust ratio, facial symmetry, lush hair; However the most noticeable part of the body is often unmentioned in these studies. It is our largest organ, the skin. Certain skin conditions are determined by our DNA, but we know that environmental factors also play a large role in the appearance of healthy-looking skin. Over the past two decades, Environ Skin Care has been a leader in creating the most innovative and advanced techniques to combat the effects of environmental factors like sun damage and pollution to make clear, youthful-looking skin attainable for any skin type at any age. The Skin Speaks Volumes Whether it is your skin that is exposed on the legs, midsections, arms, the neck, or the face, it is important to care for the appearance of your skin over the lifespan by using sunscreen and effective skin care products daily. Despite the multitude of issues that may affect the appearance of the skin such as teenage acne, dryness, oiliness, hyperpigmentation, rosacea, cellulite, wrinkles, thinning, etc, there are preventative methods can address all of these common, universal issues. Armor for the Skin Keeping the skin protected from UV rays is the first piece of advice you will hear from your skin professional. Make sure your sunscreen is classified as broad spectrum, which helps to protect the skin from both UVA and UVB rays, and choose a lotion with a sun protection factor of 15-30. The Environ sun care range contains a sophisticated formula that helps provide UVA and UVB protection while not inundating the skin with unnecessary chemicals. The sun care range contains advanced ingredients which work in synergy to assist in providing sun protection for the skin before, during and after sun exposure. Essential antioxidants, which assist in reducing the skin’s sensitivity to the effects of external influences and ingredients known to help with hydration of the skin, have been selected for this range. Feed the Skin Prevent visible signs of damage with the right ingredients. Your skin care should have a form of Vitamin A, C and E inside in addition to antioxidants, peptides and growth factors (They work most effectively in conjunction with one another.) The skin is continuously depleted of these vital vitamins and antioxidants, thus it is important to replenish the skin daily with effective topical formulas. Vitamin A, a widely-researched skin care ingredient, is known to improve the effects of prior skin damage to the skin, to help prevent future sun damaged appearance and assists in replenishing the body of depleted Vitamin A levels. Environ’s motto: Start low, and go slow- with Vitamin A! Both the beginning and advanced skin serums contain increasing concentrations of the vitamin, and it continues to serve as the cornerstone ingredient for many Environ formulas. Quench the Skin Winter or summer, there are many factors that may contribute to dry skin including lack of moisture in the air, sun damage, water-intake, in addition to chlorine & salt-exposure. Post-shower, always apply a vitamin-rich body lotion or body oil to lock in moisture. You want to look for lotions or oils that contain similar ingredients to that of your face moisturizers- hyaluronic acid, Vitamin E, lactic acid, and non-comedogenic oils. Environ body lotions and vitamin-enhanced oils nourish the body with a combination of potent vitamin extracts, antioxidants, and hydrating elements. Clean the Skin Remove makeup, cleanse and tone the skin daily with gentle, nourishing products. Once a week or so, take the time to exfoliate regularly in order to help rid the skin’s surface of dead skin and dirt, which impede the ability of topical skin care products to be effective. Lactic, mandelic, asiatic and glycolic acids are just a few exfoliating agents that are both gentle enough to use regularly once the skin is in a healthy-appearing state and is approved by your dermatologist. The Environ Revival Masque employs such effective ingredients. The award-winning masque works to gently loosen the glue-like ceramics on the surface. It is approved for use as a 20-minute treatment or as an intensive overnight masque. The Beauty Industry Effect Beauty is marked is so many different ways. Despite a common misconception that those working in the beauty industry seek to point out others’ flaws, it is very much the opposite. The best thing about the industry is being able to make a noticeable difference with powerful services and skin care treatments. Surface level beauty only goes so deep. Real beauty comes from a loving self-confidence within and shines for all to see. Follow Environ Skin Care on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or on Pinterest for more skin care tips and facts! Make sure to subscribe to our blog for twice monthly tips, facts, & updates in the skin care world! XO Next: “Crisis-Control: Break-Outs!”
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Selling Skin Care Products in Your Practice
Being the owner of a successful skin care practice is no small feat. You are a highly trained skin care expert, not a salesperson, but sometimes it may feel that way. Below are a few reminders as to the benefits of carrying at-home skin care products in your office. Uniqueness A skin care product range should be evaluated yearly. Are they meeting your clients’ expectations and needs in terms of efficacy and cost? Do the products contain research-backed ingredients that have been clinically shown to improve the appearance of the skin? Are the products highly customizable to meet a wide variety of skin types and ages? These are questions you should ask yourself during the evaluation process. Once you can answer all those questions with a resounding ‘yes!’ your experience introducing the products to your clients will be one filled with enthusiasm and confidence instead of fear and doubt. If you can adequately convey basic skin science and how specific products and services may address the client’s specific needs, the client will thank you for providing real, credible solutions. Inform, Don’t Sell A client goes to a skin care professional for two primary reasons. The first is because of your expert credibility. The second is because all the random pinterest-y remedies and over-the-counter promises haven’t helped them at all. Clients can access all sorts of information about skin care on the internet, but how are they supposed to decipher between the good and bad advice? When they come into your office for help, remember that the exchange of information is based on skin science education not sales! If you can adequately convey basic skin science and how specific products and services may address the client’s specific needs, the client will thank you for providing real, credible solutions. Once you’ve explained your entire skin care analysis, your client will most likely ask you which products contain such ingredients, and at that point, you will be well-equipped to assist them. Assess, Advise, and Assist First and foremost in your client meetings, you are simply assessing the client’s skin, so don’t trouble yourself by thinking about the products yet. At this early stage in the meeting, introducing products is too premature and may create unnecessary pressure on yourself and the client. Before talking about products, first illustrate your assessment of their skin with specifics about the condition and then with the ingredients one needs to look for in products to treat such a condition. Once you’ve explained your entire skin care analysis, your client will most likely ask you which products contain such ingredients, and at that point, you will be well-equipped to assist them. Samples For clients that are hesitant to try a new skin care product, offering samples is a low-pressure way to promote the product you stand behind while making the client feel comfortable with your professional recommendations. But, samples don’t tell the entire story. Instead, suggest that they purchase the product and try it for a few weeks. If they are dissatisfied or have a reaction, a good vendor provides a money-back return policy. Training Staff Education is power, and the more your staff is educated about the products, the more they can talk about them to your clients (and they will ask!) This is especially important for those at the front desk. As well as being educated on the products, encourage the staff to use the brand themselves as well. When relaying information to your staff about encouraging clients to buy product, remember that they should be thinking, “Inform, Don’t Sell.” Education is power, and the more your staff is educated about the products, the more they can talk about them to your clients. Bundle You may consider including a “take-home skin care set” in the cost of specific services, especially major treatments. That way, you don’t leave a choice of which products the clients may or may not use when they walk out of the office; the products are included in their service package. You will feel better knowing the client has the right tools to improve the look of their skin post-treatment, and your client will feel great about getting to take home a new bag of goodies to try. It’s a win-win. Next: “Crisis-Control: Break Outs!”
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Is Your Business On Social Media?
Don’t Fall Off the Grid Why is Social Media important? Because that is where a significant percentage of consumers are now shopping for products and services. If you’re not on the social media platform and using it in the best way you can, your business could lose potential customers. Luckily, social media platforms like Facebook, Yelp, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest are all user-friendly and intuitive. Here are some basic ‘Social Media 101’ tips that can help you navigate the social media landscape. Management After setting up your pages, which is incredibly easy to do, the next step is management. Your pages will require some regular monitoring, posting, and sharing. Appoint someone to both share and create new content for your pages weekly or biweekly. What you don’t want to do is set up a page and let it become stagnant. Posting regularly will increase your brand’s awareness as well as improve your website’s ranking and ‘appeal’ on search engines like Google or Bing. Statistically, customers who can find your business on social media are more likely to buy what you’re selling. Consumers want to put a ‘social-media-face’ to the name, so to speak. Gaining Followers After establishing your pages, your initial followers should come from your existing client base and your staff. They are already part of your squad! They will be the first people to share the page with their friends, further expanding your network. Don’t be afraid to ask, “Please share our page with your friends and family!” After tapping your existing connections, search and follow other pages & users who align with your brand identity. Give Your Followers What They Want What do you post on your accounts every day? Some use the “80-20 rule.” Basically you want most of your content (80% for example) to be informative or educational. The posts should teach your followers something new or interesting, relevant, and engaging. The 20% is reserved for promotions and sales-oriented posts. If all your posts were designed only to promote and sell products or services, your followers would quickly dwindle. The need for new, interesting content is key to keeping your current followers happy as well as gaining followers in the future. You should aim at providing some sort of ‘value’ in order to win a spot on a user’s newsfeed. Imagery Not only can a picture illustrate 1,000 words, but statistically speaking- social media posts are rated more engaging and shared more frequently when the post contains an image. In the world of skincare, pictures are priceless, and client testimonials are gold. If you can get the approval to share their story, you may consider using it in your marketing in a strategic way. Before and after pictures are extremely valuable tools as well. A client should be able to reflect on the visible differences from a service, if possible. However, not all posts have to contain client images, and for confidentially reasons- you may not want to include them at all. In that case, choose photos that align with your brand’s identity- photos that are inspiring and will make clients want to visit your office. Depending on the unique identity of your business, images may reflect professionalism, tranquility, escape or luxury for example. Ask and You Shall Receive Another great way to find out what is effective with your specific followers is to ask. For example, you may say, “What type of content do you most enjoy on our page? Comment below!” to gather some instant, valuable feedback. Polls are also a great way to engage followers. Twitter is a popular forum for quick-polls, and Facebook has an option to create “quizzes” for your page. Given that you are carrying Environ Skin Care in your practice, be sure to take advantage of Environ’s Social Media pages.The content is already created for you. It’s up to you to share it! Follow @environus_dermaconepts on Instagram, @Environ_USA on Twitter, Environ Skin Care (US) on Facebook & on The Environ Us Dermaconcepts Pinterest page. Thank you for connecting with us! Next, “How to Gracefully Include Skin Care into Your Practice”
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Wedding Day Skin Care Preparation
First of all, a congratulations is in order. You have found the person that you want to share your life with, and that is no small feat! In order to look and feel your best when the big day finally arrives, consider the fact that your skin can either help you or hurt you on your big day. Nobody wants an unexpected skin emergency to happen right before or on the day of the wedding. Preparation is the best way to ensure beautiful-skin success. 6 months to the big day Find a professional skin care brand to use every day. The topical products should contain Vitamins A,C,E, antioxidants, peptides, and growth factors. These are well-researched and clinically tested ingredients that have shown to improve the look of skin over the course of a lifetime. That is why Environ’s fundamental moisturizers and serums all contain such ingredients. To start, keep it simple: Cleanse, Tone, Moisturize, and Protect. Any dermatologist will inform you that the best skin care strategies are to prevent further damage and to proactively care for the skin. Follow this regimen every morning and every night for optimum results. 4 months to the big day Schedule yourself for a facial each month leading up to your day. Your daily home regimen is very important, but these intensive skin “check-ups” will give you incredible professional looking results. Dietary changes may be considered during this stressful time. We know diet can affect the skin in various ways, and can either help you or hurt you in terms of managing the look of your skin. The skin is the last organ to reap the benefits of ingested vitamins and minerals, thus there is an importance placed on topical vitamin skin care as well as eating vitamin-rich and high water-content foods. Leafy greens, bell peppers, guava fruit, berries, herbs/spices, and green tea are just a few super foods that will help you on your journey to healthy-looking skin. Diet and lifestyle are directly connected to optimal skin care management. 3 months to the big day Book your trial run with your make-up artist and hair designer. You want to make sure your vision and their vision for your big day are the same. Purchase maintenance items you may need for your event such as make-up finishing spray, sanitary wipes, oil-blotting pads, or travel-sized products for your honeymoon. The Environ C-Quence line comes in a chic travel-sized version, perfect for a 7-day vacation with your honey. Think about using a conditioning serum for the eyelashes or eyebrows, as they usually take about 4-8 weeks to see results and will make your wedding day make-up that much more spectacular. 2 months to the big day If you have uneven skin tone, redness, or bumps on parts of the body such as the bikini area, legs, arms, or on the chest, use an exfoliating body treatment like Environ’s Dermalac Lotion. The lotion contains several excellent moisturizers including lactic acid, urea and ammonium lactate. Follow with Environ A, C, & E Body Oil and your daily broad spectrum SPF. 1 month to the big day Keep up your skin management practices! These will include your daily skin care day/night routine, using broad spectrum SPF on the face and neck every day, getting to your monthly facial, making healthy food choices, & using effective body care products. 1 week before Show up to all your appointments which may include hair color touch ups, waxing, a brightening facial, having a spray tan, or getting a manicure. Use a DIY lip scrub & hand exfoliating routine at nighttime. Follow up with a SPF-containing lip balm and Environ Hand and Nail Cream. One may also consider using an at-home teeth-whitening kit the week before the event. Night Before Do nothing. Relax with a warm bubble bath and some green tea. Afterwards, lather the body with Environ’s A, C, & E Vitamin-enriched Body Oil to increase the skin’s appearance of moisture and glow. Follow with your usual nighttime skincare routine, and get plenty of shut-eye! Day of Cleanse, tone, moisturize, and protect the skin as usual. Hydrate and drink plenty of water throughout the morning. Prior to getting hair and make-up done, sneak away for a quick 15-minute yoga or meditation session to make sure your nerves are relaxed all day long. Relax, and let your hair and make-up artist do their thing. Surround yourself with people who will not add to your stress level. Enjoy the day of your celebration & all the hard work it took to get there. Post-Wedding Keep up your skin routine! Though wedding day prep is often a great excuse to start developing good skin care habits, it’s up to you to maintain your routine with Environ to maintain beautiful, healthy-looking skin for a lifetime. For the latest skin care tips & education, follow us on Facebook, @Environ_USA on Twitter, @environus_dermaconcepts on Instagram & on Pinterest. Next: “Is Your Business on Social Media?"
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12 Foods for a Healthy-Looking Skin Diet
Diet is a huge part of the healthy-looking skin equation, while the other part is an effective skin care routine using products comprised of Vitamins A, C, E, antioxidants, peptides and growth factors. The skin is the last organ in the body to reap the benefits of ingested vitamins and minerals, thus there is the need for daily, topical, vitamin-rich skin care products. To keep your body functioning optimally and skin looking its best, we’ve researched some of the most nutrient-rich food for you to add to your grocery list: Seafood Salmon, tuna, oysters, crab, and shrimp are full of beneficial vitamins and minerals. The most plentiful are omega 3- fatty acids, Vitamins E, B-3, B-12, B-6, protein, and minerals iron, copper, zinc, and manganese. The only caveat is to make sure the seafood is fresh and coming from a clean source- difficult to find if you live far from the ocean. Nuts Nuts & seeds such as sunflower seeds, walnuts, chia seeds, flax seeds & almonds (from which mandelic acid is derived) are packed with plentiful, skin-loving nutrients. Not to mention, nuts are perfect for on-the-go lifestyles and adding to smoothies. The key nutrients in nuts & seeds include high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, amino acids like tryptophan, Vitamin B-6, calcium, protein, selenium, and nutrient-absorption helper- manganese. All of the above, especially the omega-3 fatty acids contribute to the skin’s appearance of full, healthy-looking skin. Leafy Greens, Fresh Herbs, & Spices Leafy greens are one of the best vegetables you can add to your diet if you feel like you are not getting enough nutrients. Greens like spinach, kale, collard greens, and red leaf lettuce are all full of vitamins such as Vitamins A, K, B-9/folate, calcium, manganese, iron and copper. Spinach is delicious as a sautéed side or easy to throw into blended smoothie. All of the nutritional elements found in leafy greens, herbs, and spices are necessary ingredients for bodily health in addition to the appearance of healthy-looking skin. Green Tea For about 4700 years, green tea leaves have long been used in Japan for their long-held belief toward health. One of the elements examined in the green tea are called polyphenols, which have been found to promote multiple health benefits. Specific types of antioxidants known as catechins have been studied extensively for their possible role in health. One of the catechins, abbreviated EGCg for “epigallocatechin gallate,” has shaken the science world with its findings of properties that fight cancer*. The EGCg catechins makes up approximately 60% of all the catechins in Matcha Green Tea and are reportedly about a hundred-fold more than that of other teas. You can order green tea Matcha powder online; just do your research on the seller first if you buy the product online.*Cooper, Raymond. "Green Tea And Theanine: Health Benefits." International Journal Of Food Sciences & Nutrition 63.(2012): 90-97. Academic Search Complete. Web. 24 June 2015. Papaya & Bell Peppers Although many would think the common citrus fruits like oranges or lemons would have the highest Vitamin C values, the first is the papaya fruit and second is the red bell pepper, though many fruits and vegetables contain this amazing nutrient and antioxidant. Vitamin C is important for the body’s ability to produce serotonin, an invaluable hormone that helps with the nervous system and other major body systems. As for the skin, Vitamin C helps contribute to the appearance of firmer and brighter-looking skin. Vitamin C is necessary for the production of collagen, protein fibers that contribute to the appearance of full, firm-looking skin. Vitamin C is probably best known for its antioxidant benefits. Antioxidants fight free radicals, unstable cells in the body that contribute to early cell deaths and the development of wrinkles and lines. The Environ Energising Masque employs a highly-effective form of Vitamin C- ascorbic acid in addition to salicylic acid. The result of using the mask is an immediate glowing, youthful look. Sweet Potato & Carrots These two foods contain the plant form of Vitamin A- carotenoids. Vitamin A is one of the most highly researched nutrients for its role in so many bodily functions as well as in the prevention of diseases and conditions. In terms of skin care, we know that Vitamin A is capable of improving the look of wrinkles, firmness, and discoloration of the skin. Research has shown that Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant with high anti-cancer as well as cardiovascular benefits. Sweet potatoes are great substitutions for white potatoes and starches, not to mention they are delicious. Tofu Tofu is a source of protein and is especially important for people who choose not to eat meat. Tofu is rich in calcium, manganese, copper, selenium, phosphorus and omega 3-fatty acids. Tofu’s sky-high nutritional value makes it a great cancer-fighting food as well as a supporter of bone health. Sources of protein are great for the skin’s firm, full appearance, and overall the nutritional value of tofu makes it a superfood to remember to add to your grocery list. Other nutrient-dense protein options include lean beef, lamb, lentils, turkey, and eggs. Avocado Avocados are a great source of healthy fats (aka monosaturated, heart and brain supporting fats) as well as a plethora of additional vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and plant phytonutrients such as phytosterols, carotenoids (vitamin A!) and flavonoids. Avocados are also a good source of pantothenic acid, dietary fiber, vitamin K, copper, folate, vitamin B6, potassium, vitamin E, and vitamin C. I add these to my eggs in the morning or eat half of one for an afternoon snack. They also serve as great substitutes for mayonnaise, as a topping on salads, and in guacamole. Yum! Vitamin E is an important hydrating component for skin care as well. That is why Environ AVST Moisturizers and C-Quence serums all contain Vitamins A, C, and E as part of their fundamental formulas. The vitamins are most effective when used in conjunction with one another. Vitamins & Skin Care The only food group you will NOT find on my list is anything that is overly processed including refined carbohydrates or items containing high fructose corn syrup. The chemicals in processed junk foods are doing nothing for you; in fact they’re probably making it harder for your body to obtain the good nutrients from the foods you eat. Maintaining a nutrient rich diet is comprised of the combination of foods you eat every single day, and includes strict standards for enforcing which food groups you stay away from.Remember that maintaining healthy-looking skin, as well as healthy eating, must be a lifestyle. A combination of a healthy diet, oral vitamin supplementation, and a research-backed topical skincare line will ensure that you are helping to take a complete approach to a wellness-based lifestyle and beautiful-looking skin. Environ uses the most effective combination of vitamins available: Vitamins A, C, E, additional antioxidants, growth factors, and peptides- all essential ingredients for a healthy-looking skin recipe. Follow Environ_USA on Twitter and Environus_dermaconcepts on Instagram for additional skin care tips and Environ updates. Next: “Wedding Day Skin Care Countdown”
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Winter Skin Care Mistakes
Depending on what part of the U.S. you live in, winter could mean anything from crisis-level blizzards to slightly cooler breezes. For both parties and everything in between, treating the skin properly is a must, especially when dealing with temperatures that are on the more extreme side. See below for the top winter skin care mistakes that you can avoid this season: Forgetting the Basics: “Cleanse, Tone, Moisturize, & Protect” still rings true throughout the winter months. The rays of sun that shine on your face when it is 40 degrees out are the same ones that shine when it is 85 degrees. So whether you are hitting the slopes or escaping to a warmer paradise this time of year, remember to pack your sunscreen along with your cleanser/toner, and Vitamin A product. Not Layering Up We’re not talking about fashion. We’re talking about layering your skin care products. In the cooler months, consider adding a step in between your Vitamin A moisturizer and your SPF/foundation. Skin oil capsules, oil-mists, and peptide moisturizers are the products you should consider adding to your repertoire during this time of year. Look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, Vitamin E, and peptides. You may not need to use intensive hydrating products every day, but a little added moisture in areas around your nose, forehead, and eye area should provide enough comfort to make your skin entirely forget that it is not summertime. Giving Your Exfoliator the Cold Shoulder In the winter, exfoliating away the appearance of dead skin is more important than ever. It’s just one reason why finding a “winter” foundation seems so difficult. Exfoliators come in different forms: chemical (ex: alpha hydroxy acids) and physical (ground oatmeal). Some of the most effective and gentle exfoliators include lactic acid, mandelic acid, and asiatic acids. The ideal exfoliating product, such as Environ’s Revival Masque, should not strip away the skin’s protective barrier while effectively removing the appearance of dry, dead skin. The Revival Masque can also be used as a overnight masque also. Not Using Nighttime as Recovery Time Speaking of nighttime, consider using those precious hours as “recovery time” for your skin. In the winter, consider oil cleansing to prep the skin at night. Environ’s pre-cleanse oil is a great make-up remover for the skin any time of year, but in the winter time especially. One should then follow their normal routine as usual, and consider using an added hydrating element such as Environ Intensive Super Moisturizer + or Hydrating Oil Capsules around the nose, eyes, forehead, and mouth area before hitting the sheets. Turning to Dial Too Far Though it is all too tempting to indulge in a hot shower or bath after spending time in cooler weather, the hot water can leave the skin on your body feeling drier than ever. Once you hop out of the shower, make sure to apply Environ’s A, C, & E Body Oil to help lock in moisture and to keep that summer-glow all year-long. Who says winter can’t be your best season for skin? Next: “12 Foods for a Healthy-Looking Skin Diet”
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New Year, New You
New Year, New Look The New Year is here! Now is the perfect time to assess our lives to make sure we’re on the right track to reach our goals. There are research-tested tips that have been shown to help people more effectively reach their targets, and we want to share them with you. These tips can be applied to many areas of your life, but we will discuss them in the context of achieving healthier-looking skin. After all, the skin is our largest, most noticeable bodily organ, and it is what people notice when they first meet you. Set Expectations Nothing can crush a goal quite like unrealistic expectations. We all want to achieve the skin of Angelina Jolie or Halle Barry, but when choosing a skin inspiration idol, remember that you just want skin like them not a complete transformation. Any therapist will tell you that this first step of mental preparation is vital for your success! Turn Your Big Goal Into Tiny, Smaller Objectives Perhaps your big goal this year is to take care of your skin. In order to achieve this large goal, one must first break it down into smaller steps. After selecting your skin care brand, and I’m presuming you’ve embraced Environ, allow us to help you with the second step- establishing a basic routine. Creating an effective skin care routine really can be as simple as these 4 steps. Cleanse Your cleanser should gently help you remove dirt from the skin without stripping part of the skin’s protective barrier. Unfortunately many cleansers do just that. If a cleanser is too harsh, it could be doing more damage than good. A good cleanser sets the skin up for success when used in conjunction with your other products. Environ cleansers are effective at cleaning the skin while maintaining the look and feel of hydrated, healthy skin. The soft, gentle, and luxurious feel of the Environ cleansers will make you re-think everything you have previously believed about skin cleansers. Tone A great toner should work in synergy with your other products to assist with the appearance of better-hydrated, healthy-looking, even-toned skin. For some, the concept of a toner is outdated. They may think that a toner is flat out unnecessary or even “full of alcohol.” Environ’s AVST Hydrating Toner, for example, is anything but. Their toners are expertly formulated; they are silky-feeling hydrators that help revive the look of your skin and prep the skin perfectly for your Environ moisturizer. Use your Environ Toner after cleansing and just before you use your Cosmetic Roller. Moisturize Environ's unique step-up system of Vitamin A and C moisturizers ensures a gentle, yet effective vitamin-delivery system for any skin type. Environ recommends starting off with the lowest level of Vitamin A serum first so that you can gradually introduce Vitamin A back to the skin and likely avoid an irritating reaction. Once the skin is used to that level, you may graduate to the next level. Vitamin A, in combination with other topical vitamins, antioxidants, peptides, and growth factors are important to keeping the skin looking healthy throughout the life span. Protect Using a broad spectrum SPF (sun protection factor) cream every day is absolutely vital to maintaining healthy-looking skin throughout your life. You should never leave the house without this protective step. UVA and UVB rays penetrate through windows, glasses, and are nearly impossible to avoid. We know sunshine is good when it helps us convert Vitamin D in our bodies, but leaving the skin unprotected is a fast way to looking more aged and leaves you more vulnerable to developing melanoma. The “protection” step is a personal one for Environ founder, Dr. Des Fernandes, because early in his career, he tragically lost two of his patients in their early 20s, to skin cancer. The shocking events inspired him to create effective skin care based on sun protection, and we know from years of research that we should heed this piece of advice: Use SPF daily, rain or shine. Stick To Your Routine Any esthetician or dermatologist will tell you that professional treatments are great, but daily home care is essential to maintaining lovely-looking skin. Just remember your simple 4 steps: Cleanse, Tone, Moisturize, and Protect! Daily routines are the path to long-term success in any area of life. You can apply the daily-routine mindset to many areas of life such as finances, exercise, or nutrition. For skin care, the daily mentality works very well, as maintaining healthy skin is a daily labor of love not weekly or monthly. Be Flexible Anticipate changes in your schedule and plan accordingly. Adaptability is a trait in highly successful people, and one thing is for sure: change. Just don’t let changes in your schedule affect your daily skin care regimen. You want to look and feel as good (if not better) on the road as you do in your home town. Environ’s mini-travel pack version of the Ionzyme C-Quence line is perfect for any 7-day trip. Share Your Knowledge With A Friend Any teacher in the house will know that trying to teach or explain a concept to another person is a great way to test your own knowledge. Skin care is not only important for those who care about maintaining healthy-looking skin but can save lives when it comes to protecting the skin from the effects of environmental damage such as sun exposure. 2016 is your year, and at Environ, they want to help you and your loved ones achieve any skin care goals you may have. Spread the good word! Happy 2016! For more of the latest skin care education and tips, follow us: Environ Skin Care (US) on Facebook @Environus_dermaconcepts Instagram @Environ US Twitter
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Jet Setter Inspired Skin Care
‘Tis the season for party planning, decorating, buying gifts, and of course, traveling to see your loved ones. Unfortunately, the airways are the perfect environment to cause dehydrated skin, puffiness, headaches, and more unwanted side effects. Yikes! Luckily, Environ products exist to effectively care for skin in even the harshest conditions. Pre-flight Preparation Airplanes’ humidity levels must be kept low- very low. Humidity levels on land will usually exceed 50%, but on a plane, levels are kept around 10-20%. To put that in perspective, the Sahara desert’s humidity levels are usually measured around 25%! The results of this super dry air include dehydration, dried mucous membranes, dry skin, and fatigue. Solution: Prior to leaving for the airport, use your Environ hydrating cleanser and toner prior to applying your Vitamin A moisturizer & SPF as usual. Lastly, strategically apply your Environ Hydrating Oil Capsules, and don’t forget to bring one with you for mid-flight application. The luxurious capsules contain vitamins A, C, E, rosemary leaf extract, and super hydrator, beta sitosterol. Hydrating Oil Capsules were formulated specifically to protect the skin in dry environments. Pre-flight, make sure to drink more water than usual, and skip caffeine or alcohol intake before flying. When you get to the airport, make sure you pick up a bottle of water before boarding. Mid-Flight Strategies Regardless of the time of your flight, flying is tiring! Solution: To combat jetlag, try to control the sunlight exposure as best as you can. During your flight, first apply your Environ C-Quence Eye Gel, and then wear a plush eye mask to sleep with which will help shield the delicate eye area from UV rays in addition to the plane’s dry air. The eye gels will also combat under eye puffiness that may occur as the result of unusual pressure levels and decreased blood circulation. Apply your favorite lip balm and Environ’s Hand & Nail Cream to protect the lip, hand, and nail areas from the cold, dry air. Plus, the luxurious cream smells naturally lovely but not overwhelming, so there is no risk of disrupting a seatmate. Dry air can result in increased oil production to compensate for the lack of humidity. This may result in a mid-flight breakout. Solution: Keeping your skin moisturized is the best preventative measure for reducing the likelihood of a mid-flight breakout. Your prescribed Vitamin A moisturizer will make the skin more comfortable mid-flight, but a must-have traveling option is Environ’s Colostrum Gel. Both hydrating and reparative, the gel contains nutrient-dense ingredients like Vitamin C, E, Colostrum, and calming lavender oil. Sitting in one place is not only frustrating, but it is not good for your body’s circulation either. Solution: Try to do some in-seat stretching (without bumping your neighbor). For a plane ride, progressive muscle relaxation techniques are perfect. This is where you tense and then release each muscle group one at a time keeping the muscle itself in a static position. This method of muscle movement is great for toning, keeps your blood circulation moving efficiently, and helps with relaxation. Also, you won’t look funny, because it won’t look like you’re moving at all. Post-Flight Revival Once you are able to relax in your hotel room, revive your skin with the basic Environ regimen: Cleanse, Tone, Moisturize, & Protect. After cleansing and toning, give your skin a brightening boost with Environ’s Ionzyme C-Quence Energizing Masque, a potent Vitamin C serum mask that is easy to travel with and instantly gives the skin the appearance of a youthful, luminous glow. You will know the peel is fresh because you will pour the Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) powder into the vial containing a salicylic acid solution just before application. The serum will remain active for about 10 days, so you can use this every night until it is gone. To use, apply the serum in a thin layer, massage into the skin, and leave on as long as possible (even overnight). To remove, gently wipe off with a warm cloth. Follow with your Environ Vitamin A moisturizer and eye gel. Voila! You are a now a jet-setter expert and ready for any vacation adventures that you may endeavor on. Safe Travels & Happy Holidays! Next Time: "New Year, New You" To find out what your customized Environ Skin Care regimen looks like, do not hesitate to reach out to find your closest Environ stockist by calling 877-337-6227 or contacting info@dermaconcepts.com. Follow us! Environ Skin Care (US) on Facebook @Environus_dermaconcepts- Instagram @Environ US- Twitter
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Holiday Skin Care Management
Tis the season to be jolly! The family comes in town, parties are lined up every weekend, and all is well in your world, but suddenly you start noticing that your skin is not cooperating with you. Aside from keeping up a great winter skin care routine, there are some holiday eating & drinking tips that should not be forgotten in order to keep your skin in glowing, party-ready shape all season long. The Problem: Alcohol Alcohol is not evil, but too much of it could cause you skin problems. Drinking too much could result in dehydration of the skin and redness or inflammation in severe cases. On top of that, the air is a bit colder as well, so that doesn’t help your skin’s ability to stay moisturized-looking and bright. The solution: To ensure that your skin stays hydrated and healthy-looking, pair your winter cocktail with a glass of water, and eat water-filled appetizers while you sip- like the vegetable crudités trays. Protect your skin by investing in a weather-proof moisturizing products like Environ’s Hydrating Oil Capsules or their newly formulated Intensive Super Moisturizer +. The Problem: Sweet & Salty Foods Bloating or water-retention happens when a person doesn’t drink enough water that day. The body goes into water-saving mode. Consuming sweet or salty foods –high in sodium- can also result in dry skin and water-retention. Eating processed or sweet foods also results in the process of glycation, where harmful molecules latch onto proteins in the body, damaging them and shortening their life. The most vulnerable? Elastin and collagen fibers, the ones that keep the skin looking elastic and firm. A little sugar is okay, especially when it comes from fruit or brown rice, but excessive sugar intake will surely show up on the skin sooner or later. The solution: Offset these enticing treats by limiting your intake and drinking water throughout the night. A hydrating nighttime regimen will help revive the skin after a night of festivities. Environ’s Cleansers, AVST Moisturizing Toner, one of Environ’s Vitamin A Moisturizers, and Environ’s award-winning C-Quence Eye Gel are sure to do the trick. Topical and ingested vitamins are key to keeping the skin looking great. The Problem: High Glycemic Index Foods & Dairy Foods that have a high Glycemic index score tend to increase the body’s insulin production fairy quickly. When that happens, glycation occurs (discussed above), and an inflammation response in the body is produced, which attacks elastin and collagen cells. We know that keeping insulin levels steady is important when promoting healthy-looking and healthy-functioning skin. In addition to sweet treats and sugary drinks, starches and white breads tend to increase insulin levels more than others. Dairy has also been seen to promote increased oil production, which potentially leads to more outbreaks and inflammation. The solution: Foods like vegetables and other antioxidant-rich foods, on the other hand, are great to keeping blood-sugar levels steady and combat wrinkle-causing free radicals as well. We suggest using a gentle exfoliating masque, like Environ’s Revival Masque, a few times a week to keep skin looking bright and exfoliated. The Problem: Make-Up Removal (or lack thereof) The only thing worse than dehydrating and stressing out the skin by eating and drinking skin-sinful things is not removing your party make-up before you hit the sheets that night. The solution: After indulging in party festivities, you have the chance to give your skin a much needed breather by cleansing, toning, and moisturizing with Vitamin A after all is said and done. That way, your skin care can do its job overnight, and the next day, you can start all over again! Environ’s Pre-cleanse Oil and AVST Hydrating Exfoliating Masque are perfect for heavy duty make-up removal and après-party detoxification. Moderation Is Key We are certainly not advising complete abstinence from all the indulgences that the holiday season provides, but only to indulge sparingly. Mindful holiday indulging will help keep both you and your skin’s sanity all season long! Be a little naughty and a little nice. May your skin be merry and bright with Environ Skin Care throughout the holidays and all year long! Next: "Jet Setter Inspired Travel" To find out what your optimum Environ Skin Care regimen looks like, do not hesitate to reach out to us to find your closest Environ stockist by calling 877-337-6227 or contacting info@dermaconcepts.com. For Environ stockists, make sure you’re carrying holiday-essential booster products like Environ Hydrating Oil Capsules, Avance 312 peptide cream, Focus Frown Serum, and the Revival Mask. Follow Environ Skin Care on Facebook @Environus_dermaconcepts on Instagram & @Environ US on Twitter
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The Philosophy of Starting a New Client on Environ Products
I want to tell you all a little more about the philosophy behind Environ products- namely, how our philosophy begins with Vitamin A. In our first two blogs, we reviewed some large differences that allow Environ to stand out from other skin care lines, such as our high standards in manufacturing, packaging, and how we use the most researched and effective ingredients. Now, we will look inside to get a closer look of how Vitamin A works with our skin over time to promote the look of the healthiest skin possible. These topics are sure to come up when introducing a new client to Environ products and when discussing Vitamin A science in general. “Start low & Go slow" Vitamin A History Since before 1911, scientists knew that this vitamin was essential for maintaining healthy-looking, normalized skin. Fast forward to 1947, the year that Vitamin A was first manufactured in a laboratory. A few years later, a Professor Culver showed that Vitamin A molecules are continuously depleted by light and air in the skin and blood every day and should be replenished in order to keep the skin looking youthful. There are multiple forms of Vitamin A available for topical use, the most well-known being retinoic acid which is only available in prescription form. However, there are milder forms of Vitamin A that are much easier for the skin to tolerate and are just as effective. In 1955, retinyl palmitate was the first form of Vitamin A scientifically proven to be effective in rejuvenating the look of mature skin. People were discouraged by how long the effects took (months not days), so popularity didn’t take off like it did for the acid form which was soon after developed. Retinoic acid Vitamin A yields quicker results but harsh side effects also. Environ’s founder, Dr. Des Fernandes, saw the potential to gently and gradually help his client’s skin care management by using the gentle form, seeing no use to abuse the skin with a harsh form in order to yield faster results. By gradually introducing increasing levels of retinyl palmitate to the skin, we are able to deliver the benefits without unwanted side effects that are associated with the prescription acid-based form. Environ places importance on combining Vitamin A ingredients along with other essential Vitamins C & E, antioxidants, peptides, and growth factors. The Retinoid Reaction A Retinoid reaction occurs when too much Vitamin A is introduced to the skin at once. Potential reactions include transient flaking, pink skin, inflammation, and mild breakouts. Some reactions may be worse in some people than others, depending on the individual’s skin tolerance to Vitamin A and to the number of their Vitamin A receptors. The skin may need to slowly build more receptors in order to ‘accept’ the Vitamin A without an adverse reaction. This is why Environ’s systems are created as a “step-up” system, gradually increasing Vitamin A dosages. How to Reduce Reactions Start low, and go slow! Environ’s founder, Dr. Des Fernandes has diligently researched skin care methods over his career to figure out the Vitamin A Skin Care system for you. Start new clients by using a low dosage of Vitamin A and gradually increase their use over time. No matter who the client is, it is best to start low and go slow in order to avoid a reaction. Hints & Tips Environ’s various hydrating cleansers, toners, and intensive products will help soothe the skin prior to caring for the skin with Vitamin A. Especially if the client has problematic, sensitive, or dry skin to start with, make sure they are using the gentlest products to start out with from an appropriate Environ Skin Care range. Which Skin Types and Ages Can Use Environ? We know that skin care is not one-size-fits-all. Environ products are widely varied and thus highly customizable; Environ products were designed to encompass any skin care type, age, and need. Environ products are designed for professional use, and with guidance, you can create the perfectly customized system for all your clients for years and decades to come. Next: “Holiday Skin Care Management”
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