Thursday, August 31, 2006

Mineral Oil

WHAT IS MINERAL OIL? The mineral oil used in foods, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics is a colorless, odorless, tasteless oil that has excellent emollient, lubrication and solvent properties and a long shelf-life. Cosmetic-grade, pharmaceutical-grade and food-grade mineral oils are highly purified and refined, and meet exacting standards and specifications for composition and purity. All mineral oils originate from fractions ofpetroleum, but those used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and foods undergo numerous purifying and refining processes.

WHICH IS BETTER, MINERAL OIL OR VEGTABLE OIL? As usual, which is better depends on the intended use. All oils have varying degrees of emollient and lubricating properties and can be used as solvents for other beneficial ingredients in particular products. Because some vegetable oils can spoil or become rancid when exposed to air, antioxidants and preservatives must be added to products containing these oils so these products have an adequate shelf-life. Since mineral oil does not have these shelf-life problems, formulators often combine vegetable and mineral oil in the same product to obtain “the best of both worlds.”

WHY IS MINERAL OIL USED IN COSMETIC PRODUCTS? IS IT A “FILLER” AS SOME COMPETITORS CLAIM? Mineral oil is used as an emollient, lubricant and solvent for other ingredients. Because it assists the skin in retaining moisture, it is often used in moisturizers, skin supplements and foundation makeups, particularly in products formulated for dry or normal skin. Because of mineral oil’s excellent solvent properties, it is often used in cleansers intended to remove oil based makeup, including eye makeup removers. Mineral oil is often or frequently selected as a cosmetic ingredient to obtain the benefits of these very valuable qualities.

WHAT IS THE SAFETY OF MINERAL OIL? Mineral oils that qualify as cosmetic-grade, pharmaceutical-grade and food-grade have excellent records of safety. Many dermatologists and researchers use mineral oil as a vehicle when performing patch tests on other materials, because mineral oil virtually never causes allergic reactions.

Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Your Aging Skin

At 20 years—The skin on the face is still free of wrinkles.
At 25 years—The first wrinkles appear on the forehead and under the eyes. Laughlines become apparent.
At 30 years—“Crow’s feet” develop at the corners of the eyes.
At 40 years—Permanent wrinkles begin to appear in the area from the ears to the neck.
At 50 years—Wrinkles appear around the nose, ear lobes, and chin. The skin is noticeably drier.
At 55 years—Folds form at the nape of the neck and mostly on the areas exposed to sunlight. Hyper-pigmentation or discoloration begins.
At 60 years—Wrinkles around the mouth deepen and the cheeks begin to sag.
At 70 years—Wrinkles begin to overlap, forming a crisscrossing net of creases. Pigmentation is now quite evident.
Although these changes are typical, there may be exceptions. The proper use of cleansers, moisturizers and cosmetics is essential to maintaining a youthful appearance. Visit www.skincareteacher.com for more information.

Tuesday, August 29, 2006

Peptides and Vitamins for Skin Care FAQ

1) Is Pentapeptide 3 truly the "breakthrough" in fighting fine lines and wrinkles?
Yes, as well as Retinyl Palmitate they are both great Vitamin A derivatives.

2) Why does our skin need Collagen?
Collagen plumps up the skin and causes it to look firmer.

3) So what does Pentapeptide 3 do for our Collagen?
Collagen is a skin conditioner that imparts smoothness of the skin. The ingredients Pentapeptide 3 and Retinyl Palmitate both cause your body to produce its own collagen which causes the skin to look pumped up (firmer).

4) Why do we now have Pentapeptide 3 and Retinyl Palmitate instead of Alpha Hydroxy
Acids?
They took the place of Alpha Hydroxy Acids because the Pentapeptide 3 and Retinyl Palmitate ingredients are much gentler for our skin and because they are a Vitamin A derivative. Your skin needs many vitamins but Vitamin A is what has the most effect on helping your skin to produce it's own Collagen.

5) Does Vitamin C help reduce and repair Sun Damage?
Yes, Ascorbyl Palmitate, which Doctors say is the best form of Vitamin C does help to repair Sun Damage and can protect the skin from UV damage.

6) What about Vitamin E?
Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate) is stronger and more effective at repairing skin damage.

7) What about Vitamin B?
Vitamin B is super for providing your skin with a healthy glow and also for moisture retention that helps prevent drying out of the skin. When skin dries out it is like a raisin, it can form wrinkles. Vitamin B is called Niacin and also Pantothenic Acid. It’s really good for those with Sensitive skin.

8) I have heard that Vitamin K is great for dark circles, is it really? And is that all it's
good for? Vitamin K does help to repair dark under eye circles but it is also a good defense for discoloration under the eyes. Vitamin K is also great for redness, spider veins and bruises. Vitamin K is also used as a treatment for spider veins because it enters through the pores all the way to the damaged capillary or artery and helps the blood to clot, thus stopping any seepage (which is often the cause of dark circles) and allowing the tissue to heal itself. Vitamin C is also known for its ability to diminish dark circles.

Monday, August 28, 2006

Tick Bite Leaves Red Mark

I was bitten by a tick on the chest area about 7 years ago and the red mark is still there. It's similar to this picture. Very annoying, as I'm not a fan of skin imperfections. After removing the tick I went to the doctor and got on antibiotics so I wouldn't get Lyme disease, or tick bite fever (rickettsia). I'm not a fan of drugs either so I didn't enjoy that treatment too much. My favorite tick removal tool is the De-Ticker because it's much easier to use than tweezers. Okay, so their theme song on the website is kinda hokey but the tool works! It allows complete removal of the entire tick. I bought mine at the Vet. Wish I had owned one 7 years ago when that other tick bit me. Might not have left a red mark.

Sunday, August 27, 2006


The Holiday 2006 Gift Service catalogs will be mailed tomorrow. I've been busy stapling and labeling them today. The special deal is this: Order $150 worth of gifts and pay only $100! The ordering deadline for this special is Sept. 10th. If you'd like to receive a copy of the catalog, click here to e-mail me. Please note, I can only ship within the U.S.

Saturday, August 26, 2006


The Spa Night went extremely well, even though we didn't have as high a turnout as we did in June. The pedicure station was fun! I usually work the sunless tan station so I wasn't sure what all to expect. Our local Tastefully Simple rep, Cathy Lyon "catered" the event and all the dips and breads she brought were awesome! LOVE the black bean salsa dip, which was layered under cream cheese and cheddar cheese. Yum!

Thursday, August 24, 2006


Since I'm running the Pedicure booth at our Spa Night event tonight, I got to thinking about the tools I'll be needing to bring, just to make sure I'm not forgetting anything. How I wish the clients would bring their own tools/supplies - kind of like this kit from Cutiekit, Your Professional Manicure Pedicare Tool Kit

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Today I'm working on getting ready for a big Spa Night event taking place tomorrow night. I get to run the Pedicure station this time. I really enjoy these events, it's such a fun girls night out.

Sunday, August 20, 2006

Skin Care for Rosacea

Rosacea (say row-ZAY-sha), a chronic skin inflammation is a facial skin disorder which affects an estimated 15 million Americans, most of whom don't know they have it. In a study, over three-fourths of people polled were not familiar with rosacea.

What causes rosacea? That remains to be seen. It is not contagious. It may be hereditary, and people of Scottish, Welsh, Irish, English and eastern European descent note higher rates of rosacea than other ethnic groups.

What does it feel like? Most sufferers complain of itchy facial skin along with burning and stinging. Some people may even experience edema, a swelling of the face. Eyes can feel gritty and dry. Swelling of the nose due to excess tissue is not uncommon.
Due to rosacea’s acne-like effects, many sufferers report a feeling of lower self-confidence, and some even avoid public situations.

Symptoms include eyes that are watery, sunburn-like redness on cheeks, nose, chin or forehead, bumps or pimples, and small visible blood vessels. It can often start as a red patch on the cheek or another part of the face, and then spread to other parts of the face. This is not to be confused with a red, almost always smooth (no bumps or pimples) “butterfly” pattern that often appears across the bridge of the nose in those with Lupus.

It helps to keep a diary and log which items are triggers for episodes of rosacea. In almost all cases, people who identified what triggers a rosacea onset for them had great success by simply avoiding those items. Here are some of the most common triggers: wind, sun exposure, emotional stress, alcohol, spicy foods, strenuous exercise, hot or cold weather, hot baths, heated beverages and certain skin care products.

That being said, here’s how to care for your skin if you have rosacea. Perform a gentle cleansing of the facial skin every morning with a mild soap or non-abrasive cleanser. Smooth it on your skin gently using your fingertips. Avoid loofahs, brushes or sponges. Rinse the skin with lukewarm water and gently pat skin dry with a soft towel. Half of all rosacea sufferers tend to have dry or flaky skin. If this is the case, use a facial skin moisturizer after cleansing.

There is no medical evidence that links rosacea with skin cancer, but sufferers may be more likely to develop skin cancer later in life because of their light complexions and their heightened sensitivity to UV radiation from the sun.

Natural treatments are effective in managing rosacea’s symptoms and may include the almighty B Vitamins, hydrochloric acid supplements, pancreatic enzymes, azelaic acid, topical antibacterial herb creams, dietary modification and immune system enhancement. Colon cleanses have also proven successful in the elimination of many disorders, including rosacea.

Katrina Price is a nine-year veteran of the skin care and cosmetics industry. More information and a gentle skin care set compatible with those suffering from Rosacea can be found at her site, www.skincareteacher.com

Saturday, August 19, 2006



Good Hair Day...



...but a no-so-good makeup day. Darn my hooded eyes! Oh, how I miss the old "wake and shake" hairdo. A tumbling mass of curls, all silky and shiny. This pic is 10 years old.

Friday, August 18, 2006

ACNE Sufferers: Check out the Before and After pictures on the Beauty Tips A-L page at www.skincareteacher.com. Pretty amazing!

Sunday, August 13, 2006

I think I'm finally getting over my cold. Will still have to miss my H.S. Reunion out on the west coast, though. I was looking forward to it. With the way airline security is this week, I'm happy to stay put. I can't imagine my carry-on consisting of a few items thrown into a plastic zipper baggie.

Thursday, August 10, 2006

Microdermabrasion Matters

It should almost be called microepidermabrasion since the treatment affects the epidermis. Here’s some info on the microdermabrasion process, which some are calling an instant facelift.

Microdermabrasion is the name given to buffing away the surface layer (stratum corneum) of the skin using tiny jagged granules. This layer of skin carries all your blemishes, tiny wrinkle lines and other imperfections. It’s a barrier, yet minute molecules still make it through. The microdermabrasion procedure can take place at home, a salon, or a doctors office. Most people think of microdermabrasion as a treatment for the face, but it is also performed on arms, hands, chest and neck areas.

Home kits are sold with or without tools. I personally prefer the latter. Mine consists of two steps, a cream with tiny rough granules in it, the same material that is used in the professional treatments, and a serum to apply after you’ve washed the granules off your skin, to soothe and moisturize it. I do this twice a week.

What happens during the process is that you’re breaking up the surface layer of skin, and the body responds to this by rushing to replace the lost skin cells with new ones. This improves the surface of the skin, because the new cells that come in look and feel smoother. Imperfections such as damage from the sun, blemishes and fine wrinkles are erased. Any lotions and creams you apply now will make it through to the lower layers of skin and therefore be more effective.

People with certain conditions are not good candidates for a professional microdermabrasion treatment. However, a topical application may still be fine. These conditions include Diabetes, Lupus, Dermatitis, those taking anti-coagulants, open sores, Herpes, moderate acne, weak/fragile capillaries, Psoriasis, Eczema, skin or vascular lesions, and active Rosacea.

If professional microdermabrasion treatment is done incorrectly, the skin can become bruised or discolored, especially in the lip area. Blemishes can occur if the machine’s vacuum tension on the skin is uneven. Anywhere from one to three passes over the skin with the tool are done. Be prepared for mild swelling and redness that can last anywhere from an hour to as much as two days. The cost of such a treatment is around $200 and usually requires repeat visits throughout the year.

Results of Microdermabrasion treatments are noticeable within the first or second application. You’re gonna love what you see!

Katrina Price offers her insights into the world of skin care and cosmetics. More information about microdermabrasion and other topics can be found at www.skincareteacher.com

Monday, August 07, 2006

Developed a cold over the weekend. Oh Boy! Also got my new Inspiration and Motivation blog up and running at motivationstation.blog.com. My goal with it is to help people stay motivated and focused on their way to success. That's what FOCUS stands for, after all: Follow One Course Until Successful!

Friday, August 04, 2006

Sunless Tan Tips and Tricks

Everyone wants that healthy glow. Here’s how to get one without the use of the sun or tanning beds.

You can have a glowing tan all year round. Stay out of the sun and give your skin a natural looking tan with a sunless tanning lotion. They’ve come a long way in the past few years. No more orange skin! This is the procedure I follow when applying sunless tanning lotions. I’ve been using them for years and have found that this way works the best.

First, shower and exfoliate with a buffing cream, sugar scrub, or loofah all over, concentrating on your drier areas like elbows, heels and knees. After your shower, apply moisturizer to those drier areas. Put on disposable gloves and apply sunless tanner full strength or use equal parts of sunless tanner with body lotion or a sunscreen lotion. Go back over drier areas with an old towel to absorb excess tanner. Try applying the sunless tanner to tops of feet with a cosmetic wedge. This will allow you to control the application better. Careful between the toes! The lotion tends to pool there. If you didn’t wear gloves, wash your palms thoroughly at this point. Wear old/loose clothing around the house for about 20 minutes before dressing.If you don't have a sunless tanner made especially for faces, follow these steps if you want to use the tanner on your face as well.Start with clean dry face, no makeup or oil. Put petroleum jelly on eyebrows and along hairline. Use dime-sized amount of sunless tanner mixed with facial moisturizer and massage in a circular motion, avoiding eyelids, apply lightly around lips and chin. Spread up to hairline and behind ears. Wipe off the petroleum jelly and adjust your makeup accordingly.To maintain your tan, reapply every 3-5 days. After showering, pat dry - don’t rub. Use a moisturizing lotion daily. If your skin starts to look scaly, slough off the dead skin cells by repeating the process from the beginning.
Other helpful hints:
Careful on the inner part of your elbows. Lotion will tend to pool into the crevices here and you’ll end up with darker areas.
If joints are too dark, use the scrub.Streaks? Tone them down with a cotton ball soaked in astringent, nail polish remover, or a slice of lemon.If you missed a spot, apply sunless tanner to the area, wait for it to dry, and apply another light layer over it and the surrounding area to blend.If your palms are too dark because you didn’t wear gloves, use a sugar scrub or wash your hair. Shampoo will fade the color on your hands.Not dark enough? Reapply the next day for a darker tan.

And there you have it! Treat yourself to a sun-kissed glow today!

Katrina Price has over nine years experience as a skin care and cosmetics consultant. Visit www.skincareteacher.com for even more helpful hints and information.

Wednesday, August 02, 2006

Fingernails – Nailing the Nail Care Routine

Next time you have the urge to open a can of soda with your fingernails, go find a spoon or other utensil instead. When dialing a phone number, use the eraser end of a pencil on the keypad. Fingernails should not be used as tools!

In this article we’ll go over some great nail care information to help keep those ten friends looking their best!

Every week, take a few minutes and care for your nails this way:
Remove old polish with a cotton ball that has non-acetone polish remover on it.
File each nail gently from corner to center, and do not file in a back-and-forth see-sawing motion. You are not a lumberjack! The nail may split or develop ridges. Also, don’t file the sides of your nails.
Soak your hands in warm sudsy water and allow them to dry thoroughly.
Put a base coat on your nails.
Apply hand cream.

For nail color, prep nails as stated above. After the base coat, apply two thin coats of polish and then a top coat. Then apply the hand cream.

See? Wasn’t that easy?

Nails are made of keratin, a hard protein. If you ever have to have a fingernail (nail plate) removed due to trauma, it takes about 4 – 6 months to grow back, and that’s if the nail bed isn’t damaged. I know this from personal experience. My fingernail became dislodged when the tip of my finger broke in early May of this year. It’s a little over three months later now and the nail is about 75% grown back in. I was very happy that it did grow back, seeing as how I work in the glamour industry, I don’t know what I would have done without that nail. It was my middle finger that was affected, by the way. It made for a very interesting conversation piece.

Here are some more helpful hints and tips:
Don’t shake the bottle of nail color, you’ll just end up with a bubbly manicure. Roll the bottle of nail color between your palms.
Keep the neck of the nail polish bottle clean by wiping it with a cotton ball dipped in polish remover. This will keep air from getting in and making the polish thicken.
If your nail polish has become too thick, you can use nail polish thinner.
Don’t blow on your nails to dry them. Your breath is moist.
When applying polish, two thin coats of color will cover better, dry faster and last longer. You also won’t see those annoying bubbles in the polish on your nails.Add a top coat every few days and it will protect your nail polish and keep your nails shiny!

Tuesday, August 01, 2006

Another stifling hot day, unreal. I find myself reaching for the sheer fragrance mist bottle and I spritz it on to feel refreshed on days like these. You can find these at www.skincareteacher.com on the top link of the Shop page. Different scents to choose from. Luckily the A/C in my car rocks! I even had to turn it from 2 down to 1 this morning because it was freezing me out.