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In just a month it will officially be the first day of summer. School will be finishing up for some and we will be enjoying beaches and other outdoor activities. Let’s face it, we had a long winter and want to enjoy the beautiful summer weather! But slow down now. Are you forgetting something? It’s time to be even more diligent about wearing sunscreen. Sure, we’ve all had those moments where we thought “Oh, it’s a little cloudy. I will be fine for just an hour.” Then you return indoors and see the red glow on your skin. Wearing sunscreen is crucial in protecting our skin from sun damage, premature aging and even skin cancer. The time to start thinking about sun protection is now. Sunscreen should actually be applied all year long to exposed skin. We expose much more skin in the spring and summer months, so it is especially important to make sunscreen a part of your daily routine.

Here are some helpful tips to help you understand how sunscreen works and to find the best one:

• SPF. SPF stands for “Sun Protection Factor.” It is a measure of the sunscreen’s ability to prevent UVB damage, which is the redness from a sunburn. You should choose a minimum of SPF 15, which will block approximately 93% of the sun’s rays. The higher SPFs will block more, but it is important to note that no sunscreen will block 100% of the sun’s rays. SPF 30 will block 97% and SPF 50 will block 98%. While very fair skinned individuals or those with a history of skin cancer will get the most benefit from these higher SPFs, most of us can get by with just an SPF 15 or SPF 30.
• Broad-Spectrum. It is important to choose a sunscreen that is labeled as “broad-spectrum,” as it will protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Even though UVB rays are what causes sunburn, both types of rays can cause skin cancers and skin damage.
• Apply. Sunscreen should be first applied 30 minutes prior to sun exposure. This will allow enough time for the sunscreen to sink into the skin. This isn’t the time to skimp. It will take 1 oz of sunscreen to provide the proper amount of coverage.
• Reapply! Sunscreen needs to be reapplied at least every two hours to be effective, or more often if you sweat, get wet, or towel off. Even water-resistant sunscreens need frequent reapplication.

So be smart this summer and all year long. Find an effective sunscreen and commit to using it daily. Your skin will thank you by looking healthy and youthful for many years!

Last month we discussed spray tans. Did you know that the same airbrush method can be used to apply makeup as well? It is a popular method in the film and theater industry and was even the official makeup used for the 55th Emmy awards. In fact, the technique dates back as far as 1925, when it was used on actors for the film, Ben Hur. This is a perfect method to use if you have closeup planned in front of a high definition camera! However, airbrush makeup is no longer just for film and television personalities. It is a hot trend for the general public as well. In fact, you can even find kits to purchase for home use.

So exactly what is airbrush makeup and how does it work? A diluted foundation formula is custom blended for your skin. This formula can be water or silicone-based. (Note that alcohol-based formulas are meant for body painting and not the face.) The makeup is then applied with a small spray gun tool, which sprays tiny dots of foundation onto the skin. The makeup lays on top of the skin in a very thin layer, which helps to fill in flaws and cover up skin imperfections without looking heavy or caked on. Airbrushing allows for a smooth and even application of makeup without cracks or streaks. It is also very quick to apply and feels surprisingly lightweight. The overall result is excellent coverage, flawless and natural looking skin. Since the makeup can last anywhere from 12 to 18 hours and won’t rub off, it’s an obvious choice for many brides to be.

Are you interested in learning more about airbrush makeup and how to apply it? For more information on when our next workshop will be offered, please call 781-935-3344 ext. 243.

When you think of copper, the penny may come to mind. Who knew that this common metal would become another growing trend in skin care products. Copper peptides, such as the GHK copper peptide, might just be the key to improving your skin’s elasticity. The benefits of copper peptides was discovered in the 1970s by Dr. Loren Pickart. He found that copper peptides helped to heal wounds and skin lesions by regenerating the skin. Today, these same copper peptides are found in lotions, creams and serums, which help to protect and rejuvenate the skin. The main benefit is that it helps to stimulate collagen production and make the skin more elastic. The ingredient breaks down large collagen deposits to help smooth the skin and reduce fine lines. When used with antioxidants, they work together to remove free radicals from the skin and slow the aging process. The result is younger looking skin overall. Suddenly, those old copper pennies look to be a little more valuable, don’t they?

An important side note: It is possible to get too much of a good thing! Over use of products containing copper peptides can have the reverse effect on skin by causing increased aging. These products should always be used in moderation to ensure you are getting the best possible effects.

Have you tried lotions containing copper peptides? We’d love to know how you liked them. Leave a comment below or on our Facebook page!

Chemical peels are great treatments to help improve your skin’s appearance and can treat various skin conditions. They can reduce fine lines and age spots, lessen the appearance of sun damage and mild scars, and can treat some types of acne. The process involves applying an acid based solution to areas such as the face, neck, chest, hands and even arms and legs. which helps to remove the outer layers of the skin. After the procedure, you are left with smooth and glowing skin. There are different types of chemical peels available. Superficial peels use the least amount of acid and improve the overall texture of the skin and help even out skin tones. Medium peels treat fine lines and blemishes. Deep peels are the strongest type of peel and are used to treat deeper wrinkles and sun damage. These stronger peels are typically applied by a physician. The length of time also defines just how “deep” the peel is.

Will it hurt or burn? Will my skin be bright red or damaged? Will I have blistering? There are common fears that are typically associated with chemical peels, but clients should realize that they are probably thinking about the deeper chemical peels. Some clients may experience mild symptoms, but it depends on your skin and the type of peel. Typical cosmetic chemical peels, such as the PCA SKIN blended peels aren’t as strong and should leave the skin looking smooth and bright. However, you should have a consultation with a specialist beforehand to ensure that a chemical peel is right for your skin type and complexion. They will also help determine what type of peel will give you the desired result you are looking for. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have skin allergies or certain medial conditions, then you should avoid chemical peels. Regardless of what type of chemical peel you have, it is very important to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen after a chemical peel, since the skin will be more sensitive to the sun.

Catherine Hinds Institute of Esthetics offers chemical peels to clients and uses the PCA SKIN products. Check out these videos from PCA SKIN that show real clients and their before and after thoughts of the procedure.

• PCA SKIN Chemical Peel Experiences
• PCA SKIN Patient Chemical Peel Fears – After

To schedule a consultation for a chemical peel, call 781-935-3344 ext. 229.

After hibernating all winter, you may be longing for that golden glowing skin. We all know the dangers of sunbathing, but spray tanning (also known as sunless airbrush tanning) is a great option for those wanting a safe and natural looking tan. If you carefully prepare ahead of time, your spray tan can last from 7-12 days. Follow these tips to make sure you get the most natural and long lasting results.

DO:

• Do exfoliate! Removing dead skin cells helps the tan last longer and create an even color.
• Do shave legs (or wax, etc.) prior to the spray tan. Ensure that all wax remnants have been removed.
• Do use a very small amount of lotion to dry areas such as knees and elbows so that the area doesn’t get too dark. You can also add lotion to blond eyebrows and blond highlighted hair for added protection.
• Do wear loose clothing so that the tan can properly set afterwards. It will take approximately one hour before the spray is fully dry and you don’t want tight fitting clothes (including bras) to rub the color off.
• Do plan to avoid water, lotions, and sweating for 8-10 hours after your spray tan to avoid the color coming off too soon. The longer you wait, the better your tan will have time to fully develop and set!
• Do test out various spray tans well in advance of a special event to ensure you are achieving the color you want. Different spas use different formulas and techniques. Once you’ve decided what works for you, have the procedure done a day or two before the event itself.

DON’T

• Don’t use any products containing oils since it prevents the spray from being absorbed thoroughly.
• Don’t wear deodorant, lotions or makeup prior to the procedure. Some products will act as a barrier and deodorants can sometimes cause a discoloration when it comes into contact with the tanning solution.
• Don’t shave too soon after your spray tan. Shaving acts as an exfoliant and will remove some of the tan.
• Don’t shave/wax right before your spray tan IF your spray tan will be including a bronzer. Instead, shave a day or two in advance to avoid having the bronzer give a spotty look due to the open pores that shaving/waxing reveals.

The clinic at Catherine Hinds Institute of Esthetics uses a natural and moisturizing formula for our airbrush tans. To schedule an appointment, call 781-935-3344 ext. 229.

Are you considering a career in esthetics? Not sure whether to take the plunge? There isn’t a better time than right now to get started. Recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that there will be an increase in jobs for licensed estheticians. The data predicts an increase of as much as 25 percent more jobs from 2010 to 2020! That is an incredible growth rate for just one industry. Right now there is a high demand for skin care specialists all over the country, which is great news for individuals working toward their esthetics license.

OK, so exactly what type of jobs are out there? Once you are licensed, there is a wide variety of career choices to consider. From a traditional esthetician working at a spa or luxury cruise line to a makeup artist working with bridal parties or even celebrities! Several of our very own Catherine Hinds Institute of Esthetics graduates have gone on to own successful spa businesses. Perhaps you’re more interested in the business side of skin care, such as an assistant buyer, inspector or salesperson. There are also instructor jobs and beauty editor jobs to consider. The possibilities beyond an education in esthetics are almost endless!

The best part of choosing an esthetics career is how quickly and easily you can train, obtain your license and then move on to working. At Catherine Hinds Institute of Esthetics, the basic esthetics program is only 300 hours of training. That’s just ten weeks if you attend full-time. There are part-time day and evening options available too, which are great for those looking for a career switch or also high school students that aren’t interested in a four year degree.

Are you a Catherine Hinds Graduate? Take a look at some of your available career choices in more detail and see for yourself. Your dream job could be just around the corner!

Marsha Camillieri is a business owner and full time esthetician. She and her husband opened A Spa to Remember, located in Chelmsford, MA and they have been in business for eight years. Prior to getting her start in the skin care industry, she was a Certified Nursing Assistant at a hospital, where she worked in Ambulatory Surgery for 7 years. The job was stressful and she wanted something better. She wanted to work in a more peaceful and positive atmosphere. The idea came to her when she had her very first facial prior to getting married. She loved the experience. She was relaxed and the facial made her feel great. Now this was a peaceful workplace! She decided to look into getting educated in esthetics and started her research. She discovered the Catherine Hinds Institute of Esthetics through word of mouth and her research found that the school was the best in the area. She first went on a tour and was taken in by the calming atmosphere. She met Catherine Hinds in person and was immediately impressed that the owner of the facility was so nice and inviting. She loved the setup of the institute and was excited to see that she could get hands on training within the clinic itself. It was the perfect place to get her education in esthetics and just a few short months after that first facial, she was enrolled at Catherine Hinds.

She learned so much more than she expected at the Institute. Marsha loved learning about the science part of esthetics. She says “I had great teachers that brought their own styles and techniques to the class.” She fondly recalls one of her instructors, Deb Larson, who taught one of her esthetics classes. It was there that she learned a technique about facial massage. She still uses this technique in her own business today and her customers love it. According to her clients, the technique is not used very often at other spas. It has become a simple, yet valuable offering that sets her apart from other spas.

Marsha graduated from Catherine Hinds in 1995. Her first job after graduation was at a local spa, where she was a manager for 10 years. Towards the end of her time there, she could see that the business was failing and noticed decreasing quality in the services. She knew it was time to venture out on her own and create a more secure career for herself. She had plenty of experience and she felt that she was ready to own her own business. So Marsha and her husband opened A Spa to Remember. She found that many of her previous clients followed her to her new business and from there her business grew to having around 4000 clients! She and her husband are completely dedicated to their business and have worked hard to market themselves, but have found that their website and word of mouth have been their best tools for growth.

Marsha has participated in extended training in oncology esthetics, Reiki master training and make-up artistry. Her specialties include ultrasonic facials, Solitone treatments, microdermabrasion treatments and anti-aging skin care. Skills that she learned at Catherine Hinds, such as facial massage and proper extraction, also helped in making her style unique compared to other skin care businesses. She believes that this has had a direct impact on her success and why she has such great following. In fact she advises current esthetics students to “learn everything you can so you can become different than other estheticians.” She has found that there is a lot of competition in this field of work and that business owners need to stand out from the crowd. “Stay on top of this ever-changing field because it changes quickly and you need to be up to date with new services and trends.”

Her hard work has paid off and her spa has won “Best of the Best” for skin care in Chelmsford and Billerica as well as the regional “Reader’s Choice Spa” award for all eight years that her business has been open. She loves what she does and is constantly inspired by her friends, family and her daily clients. She has learned from all of them which has only helped her to grow and become better at her job. “I am in a profession that I enjoy very much, that incorporates great satisfaction when your client leaves relaxed and happy with their results and glowing skin.” For that, she is thankful to Catherine Hinds Institute of Esthetics, where it all began.

From books to movies to television series, vampires are everywhere! And now vampires have worked their way into the skin care industry. You may have heard about a certain celebrity who recently documented her experience with a vampire facial, also known as The Vampire Facelift®. The photos may have been a little hard to look at, but the procedure is real. In fact, plastic surgeons have been performing vampire facials for about three years. Costing around $1200 to $1500, these facials are becoming a hot new trend in Hollywood. Gift cards for the procedure were even included in the gift bags handed out at this year’s Academy Awards.

So what exactly is involved in this gory looking procedure? It starts with about two teaspoons of blood drawn from the client’s arm. The blood platelets are separated into a platelet-rich plasma (PRP). This plasma is then mixed with an injectable filler, such as Restylane or Juvederm, and the mixture is injected into the face. The result is the removal of scars and fine lines, which is noticeable after one to two days, and the results typically last for four to six months. Why does the procedure use the blood? The idea is that the blood platelets contain growth factors which aid in healing wounds quickly and also stimulate collagen production.

Whether vampire facials really work is still up for debate. If you’re interested in this procedure, you should have them done by a doctor who specializes in facial treatments. If you’ve had this type of facial done before, we’d love to hear your thoughts on it. Comment here or on our Facebook page!

Spring has sprung, or so the calendar says. We are all ready for the fresh scent of spring flowers, budding trees, warmer days and more sunlight. It is also time for spring cleaning and that includes your skin care products. Some products have expiration dates to follow, but others require a little more research and depend on the ingredients of the product. Here is a list of products you should be taking a close look at and consider replacing if they are past their prime:

• Moisturizers in a Jar: Replace after a year. Hands constantly dipping into the jar can eventually lead to the introduction of bacteria.
• Anti-aging creams: Replace after a year since the active ingredients weaken over time. Replace sooner if you notice color changes.
• Anti-Acne Products: Replace after four to six months or sooner if you notice color changes.
• Peels and Masks: Replace after three months.
• Scrubs: Replace two years after opening.
• Retinoid Creams: Replace after nine to eleven months since the active ingredient will weaken over time.
• Sunscreens: Check the expiration date, but you typically need to replace after one or two years. It’s best to store in a cool place and should be tossed if it has been exposed to extreme heat, such as a hot car.
• Foundation: Replace after two years. You may also want to consider switching to a more lightweight foundation for the upcoming warmer months.
• Lip Products: Replace after two to three years.
• Mascara: Replace every three months after opening, or sooner if you’ve recently experienced any eye infections.
• Makeup pencils: Replace after three to five years. Sharpening helps to keep them clean.
• Makeup Brushes: Clean on a weekly basis or at least a deep clean once a month. Let them air dry on a flat surface. Replace when bristles start falling out.

Once your cleaning is complete, move onto your next fun task: spring shopping! Take a look at our online store to replenish your stash of skin care products. Right now we are offering 25% off all of our Classics TX products. Happy spring, everyone!

Take a look around your local spas and you will notice some fancy high tech equipment in the treatment rooms. It’s clear that equipment based skin care services are on the rise and has been showing up on several skin care trend lists for 2013. Some of the most common treatments include microdermabrasion, micro current, LED, and the list goes on. These procedures offer quicker and more visible results. Satisfied clients are finding that their money has been well spent when they see the improvements in their skin. Catherine Hinds Institute of Esthetics proudly provides training on these services and has been offering these valuable services to their clients. Below are some of our equipment based skin care offerings.

• Microdermabrasion: This technique does not use chemicals and is non-invasive. Microdermabrasion is an exfoliation treatment that uses a high pressure flow of micro crystals, which removes dead skin cells and over time will rejuvenate the skin.
• LED: Short for light emitting diodes, LED is a treatment used to stimulate collagen production and increase circulation. It is used for treating skin issues such as acne, rosasea and aging issues such as fine line and wrinkles. It is a painless and simple procedure. Two specialty LED procedures we offer are systems by Soli-tone:
  • Lumifacial Lights: Uses colored lights to treat acne, reduce redness, increase collagen production and heal skin.
  • Lumilift Light Treatments: Helps to tighten and lift facial muscles as well as smooth wrinkles.
• HydraFacial™: This is a non-laser treatment also called hydradermabrasion. This procedure cleanses, exfoliates, extracts, hydrates and provides antioxidant protection all in one! Clients love this treatment due to it’s soothing feel and no irritation or downtime that one might experience from other treatments.

Our full list of services offered at our advanced treatment clinic, can be found here. To schedule an appointment, call 781-935-3344 ext. 229.