Christopher Stephens Beauty Blog

So you are maturing, your skin doesn't have to look like it is...

By the age of 40 our skin becomes thicker and coarser. Wrinkles seem more pronounced and become more visible. Why does this happen?

Because oil and collagen production slow down, which reduces natural lubrication, and skin firmness. Therefore, deeper wrinkles and the loss of elasticity are common conditions of the skin pass the age of 40. So to help firm the skin by boosting collagen look for retinol-based creams or serums such asPlantogen's Light Moisture For Oily and Combination Skin, and anti-wrinkle formulas that target stubborn lines. Never forget what the sun can do to unprotected skin. Just because you are in your 40s doesn't mean you should stop using sun protection products. Choose a sunscreen with SPF15 or more.

Stop by to speak to one of our skin therapists to get your personal prescription.

Christopher Stephens Salon and Spa

By the age of 40 our skin becomes thicker and coarser. Wrinkles seem more pronounced and become more visible. Why does this happen?

Because oil and collagen production slow down, which reduces natural lubrication, and skin firmness. Therefore, deeper wrinkles and the loss of elasticity are common conditions of the skin pass the age of 40. So to help firm the skin by boosting collagen look for retinol-based creams or serums such asPlantogen's Light Moisture For Oily and Combination Skin, and anti-wrinkle formulas that target stubborn lines. Never forget what the sun can do to unprotected skin. Just because you are in your 40s doesn't mean you should stop using sun protection products. Choose a sunscreen with SPF15 or more.

Stop by to speak to one of our skin therapists to get your personal prescription.

Christopher Stephens Salon and Spa

"Inner Circle" Skin Care secrets of the Stars...

We are all looking for tips and ways to help us look better and more attractive. Here are a few skin care secrets of celebrities:

• Want to know how Halle Barry keeps her face looking so smooth and beautiful? Well Halle says that exfoliating the skin twice a day works for her. She says that when you wake up each morning that you need to clean your face and rub a Vitamin C facial concentrate onto your skin and then apply a good moisturizer.
• How does Star Jones keep her skin looking so good? Star says that she uses baby wipes to remove makeup and moisturizes her skin at least twice every single day.
• Mo'Nique main hostess of the BET Awards swears that drinking plenty of water works for her. She says that you need to cleanse your face with an astringent and then use a moisturizer.

We are all looking for tips and ways to help us look better and more attractive. Here are a few skin care secrets of celebrities:

• Want to know how Halle Barry keeps her face looking so smooth and beautiful? Well Halle says that exfoliating the skin twice a day works for her. She says that when you wake up each morning that you need to clean your face and rub a Vitamin C facial concentrate onto your skin and then apply a good moisturizer.
• How does Star Jones keep her skin looking so good? Star says that she uses baby wipes to remove makeup and moisturizes her skin at least twice every single day.
• Mo'Nique main hostess of the BET Awards swears that drinking plenty of water works for her. She says that you need to cleanse your face with an astringent and then use a moisturizer.

What your skin needs...

Our faces require special treatment and a daily skin regime in order for the skin to look and feel its finest. There are certain things we can do to keep our skin healthy and supple. The key to having soft, smooth, clear, and glowing skin is constant and regular proactive maintenance of the face. The first thing to do for healthy skin is to eat a good, well-balanced diet. Make sure your diet is rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits and don't forget to drink water. Water is essential to the health of your face skin. The more water you drink the better (at least 6-8 8 ounce glasses per day).

Thinking about uisng anti-aging products?

Have you been thinking about using anti-aging products lately? Well, it seems that Aminogenesis is still getting quite a bit of buzz in America. Not too long ago it was voted "Best New Product of the Year" by Day Spa Magazine! Aminogenesis has been featured on MSNBC, ABC, CBS, Biography Channel, Fox News and Dish Network. One of my clients recently told me after using Tripeptinon, one of Aminogenesis anti-aging products, "I love the product!! It is a GODSEND!"

Your skin needs extra moisture...

Your skin needs extra moisture during the cold, dry months. But the hydrators in lotions and creams can't do their job if there's a coat of dead, rough skin blocking your pores, explains Francesca Fusco, M.D., assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. So what to do?

Staying acne-free

A client was in the other day asking about basic acne prevention measures. This is what I told them. If you want to be free of acne the first thing to do is clean your skin with a good gel cleanser and a topical gel treatment with benzoyl peroxide such as Dermalogica MediBac Clearing which penetrates into the pores and accelerates blemish clearing.

Also keep in mind that regular exfoliation is a big step in staying acne free. Exfoliating your skin with products like Cellex-C Betaplex or ESSIE Smoothies Pomegranate & Mango help destroy the dead skin cells on your face that contribute to acne. And it is best that when you wash your skin use a gentle cleanser, not soap. My client walked out with a new mantra: 2009, the year to be - acne free!

Skin & hair dryness

Dryness is a very common complaint during the winter months and obviously skin care should be of concern. A good rule of thumb that I like to share with my clients is that if your skin is dry and needs more moisture, there is a good chance your hair does too. So provide adequate protection for your hair and skin this winter and spring will greet you with a smile. 

Body brushing

Have you ever tried skin or body brushing? It's a great way to rejuvinate your skin and to clear away toxins from your body. It also does the following:

Winter & Dry Skin

We know that dry skin is obviously a problem during the winter months so what can we do about it? Well, dry skin usually responds well to moisturizers, but also try to avoid long, hot showers and baths. Here are some other useful tips for dry wintery skin:

Ingrown hairs getting you down?

If you are prone to ingrown hairs, exfoliating on a regular basis is a good habit to cultivate. It helps shed dead skin cells that cause the hairs to become trapped under your skin. This way the hair can come to the surface without getting trapped and causing a bump and discoloration.

If you currently have ingrown hair try Tend Skin. It really is an amazing product, especially when it comes to ingrown hairs and razor bumps.