The “CC” stands for Color Correcting or Color Control. They are the next generation of BB creams and have been quite popular in Asia. CC creams were introduced to the US market this past October. These creams are similar to BB creams in that they combine coverage, skin nourishment and sun protection in one product. However, CC creams don’t stop there. They are not oily and have a much lighter texture, similar to that of a mousse. This makes it a great choice for those with oily or acne prone skin. CC creams work for more skin tones than BB creams. The coverage is also greater than that of BB creams, so it works more like a foundation. Another huge advantage over BB creams is its anti-aging features. CC creams promote collagen growth which reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles. It brightens the skin tone and reduces the appearance of skin discoloration over time. That’s some serious multitasking for one product! So how do you choose? If you’re looking for a basic tinted cream, then stick with the BB cream. If you have oily skin, want better coverage or are interested in anti-aging benefits, then you will probably like a CC cream.

So have you tried a CC cream?Let us know what you think!

Waxing has many benefits over shaving. For one, the results are long lasting. Hair is removed at the root, so it takes much longer to grow back. You can have smooth, hair free legs for up to a month or even longer! When the hair does grow back, it will be finer and softer. Shaving cuts hair at the skin’s surface, which is the cause of that stubbly feeling. Waxing eliminates those prickly legs! You will also avoid razor burn and the corresponding red bumps. Lastly, the more frequently you wax, the less regrowth there is overall. This is due to damage of the hair follicle, which is similar to what happens during laser hair removal.

Is fear of the pain holding you back? It’s actually not as bad as you think. Taking ibuprofen or similar pain reliever approximately an hour before your wax will help quite a bit. Having the procedure done by a professional esthetician will also be quicker and much less painful than trying to wax at home. If you have sensitive skin, then hot or “hard” waxing will be better for you than strip waxing. Also, waxing trends are changing and spas are moving toward more soy-based waxes. These waxes are healthier for the skin since it bonds to the hair instead of the skin. This results in less pain and clients experience less irritation.

You don’t have to stop at your legs! Waxing gives so much flexibility and is beneficial for both men and women. You can wax almost any area of the body including the bikini line, eyebrows and even the back and chest.

If you’re ready to experience long lasting smooth skin, then go get your wax on! We are offering a 10% discount off all waxing procedures from now until July 31, 2013. Call 781-935-3344 ext. 229 to schedule an appointment.

So what does all of that mean? Vitamin C brightens and evens out skin tone by fading sun spots or other skin discolorations and reduces redness and irritation. The anti-aging features of vitamin C help to diminish fine lines and reduce wrinkles while repairing damaged cells and promoting collagen production. After a vitamin C treatment, the skin is more firm and glowing. An added bonus of vitamin C is that it helps to actually prevent future skin damage.

If you have mature or sun damaged skin, a vitamin C facial is a great option, but this treatment is beneficial for all skin types. We offer vitamin C facials at our clinic are currently offering a 20% discount off all facial and spa treatments from now until July 31. It’s a great time to experience a vitamin C facial for yourself! Call 781-935-3344 ext. 229 to book an appointment.

However, there have been concerns over whether parabens impact estrogen levels which can in turn be associated with some forms of breast cancer. Studies have been done on laboratory rats where it was found that parabens entered the body through the skin and estrogen-like activity was found in the animals. For comparison, it is important to note that the estrogen found from parabens was much weaker than estrogen levels found in products like those used for hormone replacement therapy. Also important is that the studies that have been done so far have been too small not entirely thorough to prove anything for certain. This is still being researched and any new data will be reviewed by the US Food & Drug Administration. For now, there is no definitive answer on whether parabens cause cancer.

It is understandable that some consumers still want to avoid any potential risk of cancer. Paraben-free products can be difficult to find, but are becoming more available. If you are concerned, simply look for parabens on the ingredients list before you buy. Some common parabens you may find are methylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben. Be prepared to spend more since paraben-free products can be expensive. They also have a lower shelf life due to the absence of preservatives, and will need to be replaced more frequently than products containing preservatives.

So what are your thoughts? Do you plan to ban parabens from your skin care routine? Are you waiting for more substantial data confirming there’s a link to cancer? Comment below or on our Facebook page.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!