Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

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.

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.

Antioxidants play a large role in skin care. You are probably familiar with the antioxidants that are found in natural ingredients, such as pomegranate, blueberries and green tea. There is another recently discovered ingredient that has even greater antioxidant benefits. Coffee berry extract, also known as CoffeeBerry®, is a powerful antioxidant that started being incorporated into skin care products just a few years ago. It comes from the fruit of the coffea arabica plant. Many of us enjoy brewing the seeds of this plant, which are known as coffee beans. The actual berries of the plant resemble cherries and the flesh is delicate and highly perishable. In fact, the flesh used to be discarded when the coffee seeds were extracted from them during harvest. Today these berries are used for their skin care benefits.

Coffee berry extract is the most potent of the natural antioxidants due to its high levels of polyphenols and phenolic acids. Why does it have such powerful antioxidant properties? It is because the plants grow in high altitudes and close to the equator, where the sun’s rays are very strong. The plant actually creates the natural antioxidants to protect itself from the extreme conditions it grows in. As a result, the coffee berry extract prevents fine lines, wrinkles and cellular damage to skin, while reducing the appearance of existing fine lines, sun damage and other visible signs of aging. This extract also helps to smooth skin and neutralize free radicals. It has an anti-inflammatory effect on skin, which is helpful for those with eczema or dermatitis.

Coffee berry extract is becoming increasingly popular in skin care products for good reason. Be sure to keep an eye out for this impressive ingredient!

Who doesn’t love a relaxing facial treatment? A facial refreshes the skin and gives you a wonderful glow. Facials also serve a purpose, as we know. They help to treat acne and provide anti-aging benefits. So how frequently should you have a facial for optimum results? This depends on many factors, including your age, skin type and overall skin condition. Facials should typically be done no more than every four to six weeks if your budget allows for it. However, if you’re on a more strict budget, then once every three months would still be very beneficial. If you are younger, your skin cells regenerate more frequently, so less facials are needed than someone in their thirties or forties. You may also want to take your location into account. If you live in the city where there is a higher level of pollution, then sticking to monthly facials will help prevent breakouts caused by air contaminants. Keep in mind that since facials involve exfoliation, it is possible to over do it. Having facials more often than once a month could lead to skin sensitivity. Talk with your esthetician, who can review your skin care needs and help you figure out a schedule that works best!

We offer a variety of facials at our clinic. Right now you can receive 20% off selected Facials and Spa Body Treatments until April 30, 2013. You can book your treatment by calling 781-935-3344 ext. 229 for more information.

After the mascara has been applied, you probably don’t give much thought to your lashes. But you should know that those little hairs can react to stress just as much as the hair on your head. Eyelash curling, rubbing your eyes, and mascara all contribute to lash breakage or loss. If hair follicles are damaged too frequently, lash regrowth can stop altogether. The result of all of this stress is sparse, thin lashes. While it’s true that we can turn to lash extensions and fillers, another option is to try products on the market to help you actually regrow your own lashes.

One new solution is the FDA approved product, Latisse. This product helps to increase the number of lashes and requires approximately three to four months of use for best results. These results are not permanent, however, and once you stop using the product, your lashes will go back to their original state after several weeks. This product requires a prescription and there is a risk of darkening of the skin and iris with use of this product.

Revitalash is one of a few over the counter products available. It is a conditioner that is applied directly to the lashes. It helps to strengthen and thicken lashes as well as stimulate the hair follicles. Lash improvements can be seen in as little as three weeks.

Stopping the breakage itself will be your cheapest and most natural option. One natural treatment is pure almond oil, which moisturizes and lubricates lashes and as a result, it can promote lash growth. A drop or two of the oil should be gently applied to lashes with a clean finger each night. Dab gently the next morning with a washcloth to remove the oil. Benefits should be noticeable by four to six weeks. The same can be done using Vaseline or Aquaphor, which you may already have on hand.

Along with the above options, prevention is key. Try not to rub your eyes during the day. Avoid pulling when using an eyelash curler. Comb lashes while mascara is still wet to avoid pulling on your lashes. Remove eye makeup, especially mascara, at night. When removing eye makeup, be sure to dab and not rub. Always replace mascara after three to six months and toss all eye makeup immediately if you experience any eye infections.

Keep these tips in mind and you’ll be batting those gorgeous lashes in no time!

What is free radical damage and how can we protect our skin from it? Free radical damage occurs when your skin is exposed to UBA/UVB rays and environmental pollutants. In short, this free radical damage causes aging skin. It would seem that it’s virtually unavoidable since we come into contact with these elements every day! So how can we prevent this damage and keep our skin looking and feeling healthy? Antioxidants.

Your immediate thought might be antioxidant supplements, but although they may seem like an easy solution, they are not as beneficial to the skin as topical products. Topical antioxidants protect against environmental damage. They also help to slow the aging process of the skin by stimulating collagen production. Some common and important antioxidant ingredients are vitamin C, vitamin E and flavonoids. Vitamin C helps to keep the skin firm and promotes elasticity. Vitamin E protects, heals and moisturizes the skin. Flavonoids are a group of plant pigments. The most beneficial flavonoids are proanthocyanins such as those found in grapes and polyphenols which can be found in green tea.

We offer several wonderful products containing antioxidants:

• Classics TX – Calming Oil Blend (#3): A fragrant calming oil blend that helps reduce inflammation and irritation.
• Classics TX – Specialty Treatment – Special “O”: A hydrating treatment to help fight wrinkles.
• PCA SKIN silkcoat balm (pHaze 20): The ultimate nighttime treatment for dry or mature skin.

Antioxidants are important ingredients to help fight aging skin and there are many varieties available in addition to the ones mentioned above. You can search for “antioxidant” on our online store to view our full line of products and find a treatment that works for you. Try them and enjoy healthy skin for many years to come!

Are you a brown eyed girl? Or a blue eyed beauty? Or are your eyes green with envy, because they are not as youthful looking as they once were? The eyes are often the first spot of visible aging due to the very thin skin around this area. The skin around your eyes is very delicate and has no sebaceous glands to provide moisture. You may notice those dreaded crows feet, dark circles or puffy bags under the eyes. They are all signs of aging.

There are many things you can do to prevent these problems. Smoking, alcohol and the sun all contribute to premature aging of the eye area. Rubbing your eyes or stretching the skin in this area should also be avoided. Keeping a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water will help your skin hydrated. Be sure to get enough sleep to lessen the chance of those pesky dark circles. Wear large sunglasses with UV protection to shield your eyes from UV rays and to prevent you from squinting.

Eye creams are another important piece. Eye creams should be used in your younger years to help prevent signs of aging. However, if you haven’t been using them and you’re already dealing with aging skin around the eyes, it’s not too late to start using one. A product like PCA SKIN eyeXcellence has specific ingredients to help reduce puffiness, dark circles and wrinkles around the eye area. Ingredients such as peptides help to increase collagen in the eye area, which lessens fine lines. Circulation and capillary function is also improved, resulting in brighter and smoother skin. Lastly, eye cream ingredients like vitamin E help to give the eye area the moisture it needs so that the skin looks healthy.

So pay special attention to your eyes and stop premature aging in its tracks!