Skin’s Barrier Function

What is the Skin’s barrier function? and why it is so important for skin health?

One way to understand the importance of your skin’s barrier function is to think of your body as an apple. The skin of the apple keeps the firm flesh beneath moist and protects it from drying exposure to the air and environment. The uppermost layer of your skin, like a peel of an apple, is a waterproof seal, keeping air out and moisture within, so the cells stay plump with fluid.

When the skin of an apple is cut or damaged, the inside of the apple begins to dry, and the exposed flesh brown. Even if a bump or dent so tiny that it can’t be seen injures the apple skin, the flesh beneath it becomes discolored.  Tiny breaks in the surface of your skin allow moisture to escape and let in bacteria, irritants, and free radicals, all of which not only damage various structures within the skin but also accelerate further moisture loss, Collagen and elastin break down which you don’t see it in your snake eyes. So that it is very important to have a healthy barrier. When your barrier is compromised, it speeds up the aging process as well as problem skin occurs.

Make sure all your cleanser, serum, moisturize products must-have ingredients that don't disturb your skin's barrier function. Everything you use must maintain the barrier and prevent water from evaporating through the upper layers of skin and into the atmosphere.

Hope this helps you to make a decision about what products need to choose not the price :-)

For a complete skin consultation, make an appointment with one of Beauty Journey’s expert estheticians by schedule online appointment or contact beautyjourney@gmail.com if you need further information.

PERMISSION TO REPRINT: You may use any items from this article in your print, blog, magazine or electronic newsletter. But in order to do so, you must include the following paragraph, including a link to www.thebeautyjourney.com

"Information is courtesy of www.thebeautyjourney.com, a website with skin care tips, products, treatments and advice from skin care expert and licensed esthetician, Kristina Trinh."

Everything You Need to Know about Maskne

What is Maskne?

Why Is It Important?

The pandemic has brought many unforeseeable changes, and one of those changes is having to wear a mask. Depending on your location, you might have to wear a mask just indoors, or you might have to wear a mask outdoors as well. 

But the fact is, you still need to wear a mask until the pandemic is stifled. And although we are making progress towards stopping the spread of Covid-19, we don’t know when it’s going to be safe enough to drop the masks.

Although masks offer a lot of protection, they can also cause several issues. One of those issues is maskne.

Now, maskne is not a new thing. A study that appeared in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology shows that 83% of the health care workers from Hubei, China, suffered different kinds of skin problems on the face.

Even though this phenomenon is more researched now, the truth is that a lot of health workers that are required to wear masks on a daily basis struggle to keep acne at bay. So this is definitely an issue that needs a solution as fast as possible. 

But before we jump into the methods of treating and preventing maskne from occurring, let’s see first what maskne is.

What Is Maskne?

You might have noticed that your skin is acting up a bit since you started wearing a mask. If you had clear skin before, perhaps you noticed that the number of breakouts that you have is steadily increasing. 

Or if you already had acne, it might have gotten worse since wearing a mask became the norm.

Maskne, also called acne mechanica or mask acne by professionals is a type of acne that appears in the area of your face that is covered by your mask. This means that on certain portions of your face, such as your chin, jawline, nose, and cheeks you can start seeing:

• Irritations

• Blemishes

• Pimples

• Blackheads

• Whiteheads

Maskne Causes

We can all guess that maskne, as the name indicates, is caused by wearing a mask. But let’s dig a bit deeper and see why exactly is maskne caused by masks. 

It seems like maskne can occur due to two main reasons: 

1. In most cases, it occurs when sweat, oil, and bacteria are trapped on your skin for long periods of time. The stuffy area under the maks creates a perfect breeding environment for breakouts. Maskne is different from acne or blemishes caused by hormones or hereditary issues, such as cystic acne.

2. It can also occur due to the rubbing, pressure, friction, and stretching of the skin on your face, caused by wearing a mask for extended periods of time. People living in locations with humid and hot weather are more prone to experiencing maskne, due to the heat, excessive sweat, and the constant use of sunscreen.

Maskne Treatment and Prevention

You might have heard of the saying ‘prevention is better than a cure.’ We believe it to be a pretty accurate statement. Preventing maskne from happening can be a lot easier than treating it. 

But how do you prevent maskne? Here are some tips:

If you want to wear a material mask, always choose a mask made out of 100% cotton. Not only are cotton materials breathable, but they are also gentle with the skin.

• Wash your material mask daily with fragrance-free detergent.  

• If you’re going for disposable masks, try to replace them as often as possible. If this is not an option, let your masks air out before another use. 

• Avoid wearing makeup under your mask as much as possible. 

• Remove your mask every four hours for about 15 minutes.

• Use a hydrate Moisture before wearing a mask.

Now you know a few preventive measures to avoid maskne, but what if you already have it? How can you treat maskne? 

Having a good skincare routine is a big plus. But you need to take extra precautions when you’re dealing with maskne. Here’s what we think works best when trying to get rid of mask acne:

1. Cleanse regularly and use a gentle cleanser as to not irritate and dry the skin further. Avoid cleansers that contain perfume and alcohol, as they are usually not good for your skin. If the acne caused by the mask is more severe, use cleansers that have salicylic acid a try. 

2. Moisturize regularly. Usually, it is indicated to moisturize after you have cleansed your skin. For this type of acne, a moisturizer has an antimicrobial solution, that helps balance bacteria and oils, while restoring hydration levels in inflamed acneic skins. Re-establishes the acid mantle, increases hydration and protects against transepidermal water loss (TEWL).

3. Use a nourishing cream reduces inflammation, soothes reactivity, heals, protect and rebuild damaged skins.

Bottom Line

Whatever it’s caused by, acne is never a fun thing to deal with. Everybody’s skin is different, and it might react differently to certain skincare routines and skincare products. The best way to know what works and doesn’t work for you is to consult a specialist. And now, you can do that by scheduling a virtual consultation with one of our skincare specialists.

For a complete skin consultation, make an appointment with one of Beauty Journey’s expert estheticians by schedule online appointment or contact beautyjourney@gmail.com if you need further information.

PERMISSION TO REPRINT: You may use any items from this article in your print, blog, magazine or electronic newsletter. But in order to do so, you must include the following paragraph, including a link to www.thebeautyjourney.com

"Information is courtesy of www.thebeautyjourney.com, a website with skin care tips, products, treatments and advice from skin care expert and licensed esthetician, Kristina Trinh."

How to Take Care of Your Skin During Pandemic Time

Masks and Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) become a part of our daily lives to slow the transmission of COVID-19 to keep ourselves and others safe.  When you wear cloth masks or PPE for any extended period of time, you will experience from tiny blemishes then become into large pimples all these triggered by excess heat, moisture, oils, bacteria and friction of the skin because masks can trap and hold heat, sweat, and bacteria causing the follicles to become blocked then lead to breakouts and large pimples – acne.

So what you need to do to prevent and treat these issues that you and I have during this pandemic?

Using chamomile to calm and soothe the skin, while hyaluronic acid works by keeping moisture locked in, so the skin stays soft, conditioned, and comfortable. This multi-action mask blends revitalizing natural earth minerals and clays to gently draw out excess sebum (Oils) and impurities. Rose-colored clay boosts radiance and cleanses the skin, minimizing the appearance of congested pores while leaving the skin soft, smooth, and mattified.

Which skin condition will benefit?

• Oiliness

• Congested pores 

• Dry skin.

Target on:

• Absorbs excess oil and impurities

• Boosts the appearance of brightness and radiance

• Helps to minimize the appearance of congested pores

• Helps to soothe and calm the skin.

• Revitalizes dull, tired skin

How often can I use the Mask?

Once a week is ideal. You can use it every other day as needed.

Does it take so much of my time?

This mask is easy and convenient after clean your face just applies it on and leave on for 10-15minutes then rinse off with water.

For a complete skin consultation, make an appointment with one of Beauty Journey’s expert estheticians by schedule online appointment or contact beautyjourney@gmail.com if you need further information.

PERMISSION TO REPRINT: You may use any items from this article in your print, blog, magazine or electronic newsletter. But in order to do so, you must include the following paragraph, including a link to www.thebeautyjourney.com

"Information is courtesy of www.thebeautyjourney.com, a website with skin care tips, products, treatments and advice from skin care expert and licensed esthetician, Kristina Trinh."

The Sun and Your Skin

The most common stressors that your skin faces on a daily basis is the sun. You might love the feel of the warm sun on your skin or the look of a bronze summer tan, but the truth is, the sun is damaging your skin both on the surface and deep within its layers. In recent years, research has discovered that the sun’s UV light is the primary cause of wrinkles, aging, pigmentation and melanoma, which can lead to skin cancer.

The radiation that reaches the earth’s surface consists of two types of rays, UVA and UVB. It’s important to protect your skin from both. UVB rays are what causes sunburn, but UVA light passes deeper into the skin, causing damage to collagen, your skin’s DNA and skin cancer. 95% of the sun’s light is UVA.

UVB rays are only about 4-5% of the sun’s light and can reflect off of shiny surfaces. They’re 1,000 stronger than UVA rays and can cause redness, itching, sunburns, cataracts and more. UVB rays can damage the skin’s DNA, leading to benign and malignant tumors and skin cancer. Long-term exposure to both UVA and UVB rays can affect the dermal layer of the skin. And because your skin is a living tissue, the damage can be permanent and visibly obvious. It can appear rough and hyper-pigmented, cause damage to deep nodular blackheads and cysts, damage blood vessels and more. It’s important to protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays with a broad-spectrum protection so that it’s not vulnerable to UVA and UVB rays.

To protect yourself, sunscreen on a daily basis is a must. Even if it’s cloudy, it’s important to use sunscreen. A wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses are also important to protect your face from the sun. When you’re out in the sun, it’s important to re-apply sunscreen every two hours. Look for formulas on physical sunscreen (ingredients such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide) and stay away from chemical sunscreen. Physical sunscreens create a barrier on the skin that filter out UV rays while chemical sunscreens absorb and scatter the sun’s harsh UV rays. Physical sunscreens work by staying on top of the skin to deflect and scatter damaging UV rays away from the skin.

For a complete skin consultation and analysis of sun damage, make an appointment with one of Beauty Journey’s expert estheticians by schedule online appointment or contact beautyjourney@gmail.com if you need further information.

PERMISSION TO REPRINT: You may use any items from this article in your print, blog, magazine or electronic newsletter. But in order to do so, you must include the following paragraph, including a link to www.thebeautyjourney.com

"Information is courtesy of www.thebeautyjourney.com, a website with skin care tips, products, treatments and advice from skin care expert and licensed esthetician, Kristina Trinh."

Find Ways to Relieve Stress

In certain cases, acne can be caused by stress.

And even when it’s not, having high levels of stress hormones like cortisol in your body has been proven to make skin issues worse.

So on your journey to clear skin, it is crucial for you to find effective ways of reducing stress in your life. Chronic stress, in particular, can really put in a dent in your progress to treating acne, as it constantly keeps your body on edge and affects your immune system over time.

If you don’t want to slow down your healing, here are some simple steps to consider:

• Take a few moments each day to do an activity that calms you down. This can mean walking, painting, dancing or anything that you enjoy.

• Try to pick up meditation if you haven’t already or turn it into a daily habit.

• Be mindful of your thoughts and the negative self-talk that is going on in your head throughout the day.

• Consider cutting down on your coffee intake as it can increase feelings of anxiety and nervousness.

• Spend quality time with friends and family every once in a while.

The benefit of taking up all of these activities is that they not only work to clear your skin, they also prevent future breakouts and help you maintain glowing, healthy skin in the long run.

Follow a soothing home care routine

When it comes to clear skin, if you want to get lasting results then you need to have a powerful routine in place.

And although finding that one routine can seem like a never-ending quest, once you do finally come across it you’ll be one step closer to getting the smooth and vibrant complexion you’ve always wanted.

A good home care routine for clear skin should include 4 major elements: cleansing, toning, exfoliating and moisturizing.

The first should be done with gentle products that are specifically suited for your skin type and issues. You want products that can thoroughly cleanse your pores without being too harsh and leading to dry skin and excess production of sebum that would, in turn, cause more acne.

On the other hand, toning will keep your skin’s pH level balanced and ensure that any residue of bacteria or impurities is eliminated. Exfoliating will also remove any leftover dead skin cells, leading to fewer blackheads and outbreaks.

Lastly, moisturizing helps to repair the skin’s deeper layer and will give you that bright, beautiful glow that you’re looking for. Remember to pick out a lighter moisturizer if your skin tends to be naturally oily.

That’s it!

By following the guidelines above, you’re on your way to getting the flawless and radiant skin that you crave. No more unexpected breakouts, countless hours spent picking at your skin in front of the mirror or feeling embarrassed.

Sometimes, acne can be stubborn

In cases where acne is hormonal or is caused by a different deep-rooted issue within the body, you might need high-end clinical products that are more effective. If you’re interested in finding out more about this, take a look at some of our available treatments here.

Getting clear skin is a process. So feel free to go through the other posts on our blogs to learn more about healing acne long-term. 😉

How to Get Clear, Glowing Skin

Are you struggling with acne and not sure how to clear up your skin?

You’ve probably tried a lot of different treatments, one leaving you more disappointed than the other.

It can be difficult to find an effective regimen for healing your acne or the right combination of products and home care that will show results not just in theory, but in your specific case as well.

And after you’ve been trying for so long, it can get draining. And disheartening.

But smooth, healthy, and vibrant skin is not impossible to achieve. With the right approach, you can slowly begin to rebuild your skin’s barrier and heal from the inside out. It takes patience and determination, but it’s possible and still within your reach to get the results you want.

You’d never take clear skin for granted. So, in this article, we’d like to share with you some must-know tips on how to get it.

Let’s begin.

Take good care of your body

Although it’s a myth that acne is caused by poor hygiene, more and more research has shown that diet and skin issues are definitely linked.

While it’s important to also use high-quality products that are a smart choice for your type of acne, it can be helpful to also supplement your treatment with self-care routines that soothe your skin and leave it feeling as smooth and healthy as it can be.

If you want clear skin (and to be able to maintain it long-term), you need to look after your body. This boils down to 3 key components: nutrition, exercise, and sleep.

When it comes to diet, here are some main guidelines you should be following:

• Minimize saturated and trans fats as much as possible. (this includes fast food and products high in fat like dairy)

• Avoid starchy foods (refined carbs) like white bread, pasta and sugar.

• Incorporate a lot of heart-healthy fats into your diet like nuts, seeds, and avocados.

• Binge on foods rich in antioxidants like blueberries, goji berries, spinach, strawberries, and dark chocolate. (this is especially helpful if you’re dealing with stubborn acne scars)

• Stay hydrated throughout the day (aim for 8 glasses of water by the end of the night).

• Focus your daily meals on staple foods that help fight acne and reduce flare-ups like whole-grain bread, carrots, brown rice, kale, sweet potatoes, and legumes.

While nutrition can be the cornerstone to long-term healthy skin, you shouldn’t overlook other lifestyle aspects that might be contributing to breakouts. So make sure you’re also getting enough sleep (aim for 8 hours of rest each night) and exercising regularly (at least 3 times per week).

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s move on to our next point.

Know which products are good for you (and which you should stay away from)

This is one of the most important pieces of advice to remember when struggling with acne.

Using the right products will help heal your skin, and repeatedly using pore-clogging, harsh products will only delay your progress.

You need to find the highest quality for your daily products, with active ingredients that work towards and not against repairing your skin’s healthy barrier. This means making an effort to read labels, learning about toxins that can trigger breakouts or asking for guidance from a professional.

Important note: the FDA does not regulate terms like non-comedogenic. So just because a label says the product doesn’t clog your pores doesn’t necessarily mean it’s true. This is why it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the ingredients and choose carefully.

Steps to Aging Gracefully!

If you’re like me, you want to turn back the clock on aging. Maybe you don’t actually want to be 30 again, but you sure wouldn’t mind looking as if you were. I’ve got one of the word for you: collagen.

Collagen is the protein responsible for giving us smooth, firm skin that comes effortless in our youth. The bad news is that as we age, our bodies slow down the natural production of collagen. If you happen to have any sweatpants from your twenties, think of the elastic band in the waist of those pants, which is by now permanently stretched out. They don’t snap back like they used to anymore. This same thing happens to our skin. As our collagen depletes through time, our skin loses its elasticity and starts to sag.

Luckily, there are some secret techniques that you can integrate into your life in order to naturally boost collagen production. And you needn’t start any fad diet or uproot your life in any crazy way. These tips are surprisingly simple to take part in your daily routine.

Check out the list below:

• Sip Water Consistently – You have to have been living under rock not to know that water is extremely beneficial for your skin. But it’s not just about moisture so that your skin doesn’t end up dry and flaky. When your skin is hydrated, it creates the perfect conditions for collagen to form and grow. How much water is enough? You should be drinking half of your body weight in water. If you weigh 120 pounds, you need to be consuming 60 ounces of water or more per day. No exceptions.

• Get Your Beauty Rest – It’s not just an expression; it literally is beauty rest. When our bodies go to sleep for the night, it is our cells’ chance to repair all of the damage that was done to the body throughout the day. When you shave off hours of sleep, you deprive your body of time that could be spent manufacturing collagen. Not only does it feel better to get a good night’s sleep, it literally helps your skin look better. Aim for at least seven hours per night, and you’ll be happy with the results.

• Eat Your C’s – Vitamin C is vital when it comes to collagen formation and when you integrate Vitamin C-rich foods into your diet, you are giving your skin the tools to become tighter and firmer. Obviously oranges are the most popular form of this important vitamin, but Vitamin C can be found in an array of other foods as well. Make room for red and green peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, strawberries, pineapple, kiwi, papaya, brussel sprouts and parsley on your shopping list. Your skin will thank you.

**Don’t forget to apply Vitamin C directly to your skin. Applying Enlighten Serum to your face stimulates collagen production and helps fight free radicals. Get Yours Right Here.

• Exfoliate – As we age, our skin cells start to turn over less often. When we are in our teen years, our cells turn over about every 21-28 days, but by the time we are in our 50s, those numbers look more like every 45-84 days. Our skin needs a little helping hand in the exfoliation department. When you partake in some moderate exfoliation, it removes the dead cells and shocks them into producing new cells which simultaneously triggers collagen production. A good practice is to gently exfoliate once a week. Be sure to choose a good exfoliator that won’t compromise your skin barrier.

If you can manage to incorporate these four tips into your routine and partner with your Esthetician, you will be well on your way to firmer, more youthful skin.

Dealing with Pimples as an Adult Is So NOT Fair

Acne can occur later in life. Some adults continue to get acne well into their 30s, 40s, and even 50s. It is even possible to get acne for the first time as an adult. Dermatologists and Estheticians call this “adult-onset acne.” It is most common among women going through menopause.

While acne may be nonexistent or dormant for years, certain factors like diet, stress, and hormones can eventually cause it to surface, with frustrating emotional side effects. Which can lead to significant negative outcomes; scarring of the skin and post inflammatory hyper-pigmentation that can translate into low self-esteem for many.

Less Stress

The stress hormone cortisol aggravates acne as it sits on the androgen receptors which trigger an acne cascade.

Avoid Starchy Foods

A high-glycemic diet raises blood sugar and insulin levels that may lead to breakouts. A healthy GI tract is important for optimal health and a trim waste line and your skin.

Know your Pore Clogging Ingredients

The term non-comedogenic isn’t regulated by the FDA. Do not ever put anything on your skin or your hair without checking the ingredients first, even if it says “won’t clog pores” or “noncomedogenic” on the bottle.

And remember to always wear a light weight sunscreen designed for acne prone skin. The sun's UV rays break down collagen, causing fine lines and wrinkles. The sun also dries out your skin, which prompts the sebaceous glands to overcompensate by pumping out more pore-clogging oils and causing breakouts.

An Unexpected Father's Day Idea

Celebrate the Mothers in Your Life

What is Acne and What to Do About It?

You know what acne is when you see it yourself or others, but what exactly is it and how can you get rid of it?

Acne is a skin condition that occurs when the hair follicles on your skin get clogged with oil and dead skin cells. This clog can show up in the form of whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, papule, pustule or bumps. Not only are these sores unsightly, but they are also painful and uncomfortable. It's frustrating to see acne on your skin, but it can be tough to figure out what to do about it.

One common myth is that acne is caused by poor hygiene, but that is completely untrue. Your face isn't breaking out because you are failing to keep it clean. In fact, excessive scrubbing and harsh cleaning might even lead to more acne. For that reason, it’s important to stick to gentle cleansing your face only twice a day and to focus on using high-quality clinical products that are full of beneficial ingredients, not harsh chemicals.

But then what can you do to get rid of this unattractive acne if cleaning is not the answer? Two of the biggest causes of acne are a surge in hormones and your diets. The surge in your hormones can cause too much of the oil called sebum to be made. Normally your skin makes the right amount of this oil, which we need for proper moisture control, but when your hormones change, you can end up creating too much, which then gets clogged in your pores.

It’s also important to eat the right foods. When you are healthy on the inside, you will see the results reflected on the outside, and your skin is the largest place on the body to see these effects.

At Beauty Journey, we work with our clients to help manage acne. Depending on whether your skin is oily, dry or a combination, different types of acne may result and the most effective treatments and products for you will vary based on your individual skin and condition. We work to clear acne for our clients using our skin expertise paired with our high-quality clinical products and cutting edge technology on treatments. But it’s important to remember that it’s an ongoing process. The only way to maintain clear skin is to commit to a home care regimen that is catered to your individual needs. Then it’s all about staying consistent with a treatment program.

When you opt to see an esthetician for your acne needs, we are able to provide you with treatments and products that are more active than in-home care products. That is why it's so important to maintain a monthly routine at the studio. Even the best treatment isn't permanent if a consistent skin care regimen isn't maintained. Cells have a long memory and will fall back into their old patterns when stress, hormones, and/or diet gets back to work.

If you’re looking to take the first step in clearing your acne, schedule a consultation with us today. We’ve worked with hundreds of clients just like you who are struggling to keep their skin clear. We have treatments that will get rid of your acne, and we can guide you as to what you should be doing at home to prevent your acne from resurfacing. If you’re ready, we are here to make you feel beautiful/handsome and youthful look again.

Get Clear Skin Now

Serious Clinical Care Treatments With Driven Results

The skin is the largest organ of the body and quite frankly, one of the most important. Proper care of skin is an important step in maintaining health. We know that proper skin care is not an easy thing and that people may sometimes need serious clinical care treatments. Proper skin care is not a one-day thing. It is a continuous, lifelong effort. Tips include; wearing sunscreen, feeding your skin every day with chemistry skin cells recognize. The body is just waiting to utilize bioavailable ingredients that will initiate its natural processes, drinking plenty of water, taking DMK's EFA's, observing healthy diets, avoiding exposure to sunlight as much as possible and cleansing the face. Of course, skin care procedures differ based on a person’s environment, skin care concerns, and skin conditions. At The Beauty Journey Studio, we offer the following clinical skin care treatment services.

Personalized Treatment Programs

We understand that every client has a unique skin. Without a personalized customize treatment program, you may not get the results you deserve. We find out what skin concerns each one of you has and customize treatment programs to resolve them. By determining what you need, we can advise you on the skin care routine to follow. Customized programs help boost the confidence of you knowing that we are working to give you exactly what you desire. Our programs take your lifestyle and skin-care routine into consideration. It also helps you save costs because you do not have to experiment with programs that do not work.

We Find Out The Cause Of Skin Concerns

We believe that establishing the WHY behind skin-care concerns is just as important as treating them. In fact, it is a part of our clinical care treatment. We realize that two people could have similar skin care problems for completely different reasons. That is why we choose not to assume anything. We find out the cause of skin care concerns for every client. The common causes of skin concerns are; Hormonal fluctuations, stress, wrong choice of your skincare regimen, medication, climatic conditions, Cosmetic ingredients that irritate the skin and clog pores, drugs, hereditary conditions and levels of hygiene. By knowing the exact cause of your problem, we can advise you on the things to avoid in order to reduce the risk of future reoccurrence of the problem.

Quality

We only use the best quality, purest high-grade skincare line with a high ratio of active ingredients to give you the best results. Our approach is gentle and non-inflammatory. We realize that what you expect from us is a rejuvenated, healthy skin and we try to provide it to them in the safest ways possible. This means avoiding any chemicals that may be harsh to the skin. Our products directly target skin conditions including acne and aging. We realize that using the best quality skincare line has a long-term impact on the well-being of your skin's health. Our products eventually repair, rebuild and strengthen, restore the levels of anti-oxidants, and activate the production of collagen among many other benefits.

You may contact us at 714-726-0504 to book an appointment or visit us in Garden Grove, CA for all your skincare needs.

5 Tips to Get Your Glow On For Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is a day for love. Loving yourself, loving the one you’re with, and loving life. Whenever love is in the air, you want to look and feel your best. Here are five tips to help you feel absolutely lovely this Valentine’s day.

• Pack Your Skin Full of Antioxidants and EFAs – Enlighten Serum is the easiest way to lather your skin in all of the vital antioxidants and essential fatty acids it needs. This serum hydrates and tones your skin and gets rid of any visible signs of aging leaving you with a radiant glow. It penetrates deeply to give you a smoother and more youthful complexion. What is more lovely than that?

• Have a Spa Day with Your Loved One – Dose up on quality time and some skin TLC. Bring your loved one with you to get a True Oxygen Therapy, and watch your skin get instantly hydrated. To learn more on the treatment, Click Here. Or if you prefer, try any of our other Signature facials. We promise you’ll leave feeling refreshed and pampered.

• Clink Glasses of Bubbly – Bubbly water, that is. Drink some water this V-day and rehydrate your skin. There is no easier way to improve skin tone and elasticity. Increasing your water intake will rebalance the dehydrating effects of all that sugar and alcohol that might also be part of your Valentine’s day. Try setting a timer on your phone to remind you when you need to finish your glass of water and start a new one.

• Skip the Alcohol Valentine’s Eve – If you truly want to look your best Feb. 14th, skip the drinks. Alcohol restricts oxygen flow to your cells. Plus it can also lead to multiple skincare woes, including dehydrated skin, puffy eyes, and dullness. It also causes dehydration and water retention and decreases your body’s vitamin A levels. It even causes lingering redness, making breakouts appear more irritated and noticeable. Red is the color of Valentine’s day, but you definitely don’t want to be sporting it on your face.

• Cuddle Up With Your Valentine – Get your beauty sleep, so take your partner or your favorite pillow and hit the hay early. A good night’s rest will do your complexion a world of good. When you sleep, your body increases the blood flow to your skin, helping your skin to take on a rosy and glowing complexion in the morning. Additionally, while you sleep, your skin cells turn over and repair themselves to rectify any damage done during the day. This includes any damage from your Valentine’s binge

A New Year - A Great Time To Remodel...Your Skin

RP is a Remodeling procedure based on the philosophy to Remove, Rebuild, Protect and Maintain. It’s all about revising the natural architecture of the skin while addressing the underlying conditions that are contributing to problems such as acne scar, aging management, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, sagging and roughness.

These problems are not simply consequences of aging that you need to learn to be okay with. There are real architectural causes that you can absolutely do something about. You don't have to resign yourself to accepting your wrinkles and scars. You can do something about it! Our goal with RP is to reconstruct the skin and return it to a strong, healthy and youthful state. It works wonders in correcting the signs of photo damage like wrinkles, pigmentation problems, unsightly sagging and uncomfortable roughness.

It’s important to remember that this is an intensive procedure. After all, we are literally changing the architecture of your skin, just like how the remodeling of a building means big changes to the underlying structure. This is much the same. Luckily that also means big changes and dramatic improvements for your appearance. It’s just like watching that dramatic change when someone comes in and remodels a dilapidated building on one of those home-flipping shows. Because of this, you can expect excessive peeling as underlying pigments are brought to the surface. This can be uncomfortable and a bit of a nuisance to deal with, but we assure you that it's all worth it in the end. The results speak for themselves.

So who can benefit from RP?

Anyone who is struggling with conditions that are directly linked to the skin’s architecture. This includes those looking for good age management solutions, and anyone with hyperpigmentation or acne scars.

What do I need to do to prepare for RP?

You need to prep your skin for this treatment for at least 14 days in advance. 4-6 DMK enzyme treatments are the perfect way to prep the skin for this intensive treatment. You’ll also need to commit to a full DMK Home Prescriptive and DMK EFAs.

Is there any downtime involved with this procedure?

Yes, on day 3, your skin will start to go through an excessive peeling stage. This is unavoidable and an important part of the process, but it could interfere in your life. It’s best to plan this treatment around about 3-5 days of downtime so you’re not stressing about appearing in public and forcing the peeling process to move along faster. Look at this time as part of the rejuvenation. As your skin sheds its old cells, you can use the time to mentally shed old thoughts and ways of being. It's the perfect way to start off 2019.

What’s included in the RP package?

The RP package includes Pre Prep, True Oxygen Therapy, RP, and Lift Off after the procedure.

What does something like this cost?

Due to the differences in an individual's skin conditions and personal health, pricing will vary. Please call us for custom pricing.

Does Your Skin Feel As Dry As Aunt Tilly’s Fruitcake

Winter is the season where humidity outside drops and moisture evaporates more readily from the skin. This means skin feels dry, tight and flaky. It feels just as uncomfortable as a dry and crumbly Christmas fruitcake. Maybe she had her oven set too high. Maybe she didn’t add enough liquid or maybe she over beat the eggs. Regardless of what mistake she made, if the cake is dry, there is an adjustment somewhere that she didn’t make. The same is true for your skincare routine. It needs to be adjusted to account for the differences in the weather during the winter months or else you’re going to see and experience negative results that will leave your skin feeling chapped, taut and uncomfortable. During this time of year, it’s imperative to keep moisture in the skin and one way to do that is to adjust your skincare routine accordingly.

So what steps should you take?

Treatments:

If you’re already feeling the effects of dry, lackluster skin, and want to reset yourself on a more nourishing course, you can opt for a treatment to correct what’s going wrong and set you on a path toward smooth and supple skin across all seasons.

There are two great options when it comes to dry skin. The first is our Restorative Treatment, which is a hydrating treatment that provides much-needed oxygen and enzymes to the skin. The Restorative Treatment is non-abrasive and includes a non-acidic vitamin peel. It’s all about infusing the skin with nutrients and revitalizing all of the skin’s layers so that you can recapture that youthful glow and even out dry and blotchy skin tone.

The other option is our DMK treatment. DMK treats and strengthens the skin at the cellular level. It’s all about removing the dry, dead cells, rebuilding the skin, protecting the new cells, and maintaining that health. It’s all about taking the skin you have and flooding it with enzymes that trigger healthy function, making your skin stronger and healthier.

Either of these treatments is a great step in the right direction and have your skin feeling resilient to the elements.

Food For the Skin

You wouldn’t skip meals or skip taking your medications. Food for your skin is just as important. It’s important to continue to feed your skin the nutrients it needs regardless of the season. When you remember to consistently nourish your skin, it will reward you with by never becoming dry, tight, or flaky.

Exfoliation & Masks

Your skin is constantly shedding the old and creating new cells. But if you don’t remove these dead cells, they will stick around and create problems. DMK’s Exoderma Peel and Foaming Lift Masque exfoliates these dry and dead cell materials and helps to detoxify and purify the skin. It also activates microcirculation, increases hydration, and keeps the skin functioning at optimal levels so your skin won’t feel dry, irritated or flaky. Plus once the dead cells are removed, you’ll be less likely to get breakouts, or suffer the effects of oily or sensitive skin.

Sunscreen for All Seasons

Most of us put the sunscreens away for the winter. Days are shorter, cloudier, and we’re spending less time outside, but that doesn’t mean the sun isn’t just as damaging as it is during the summer months. And the trouble is, winter tends to be when the sun can get the best of us because we’re not paying attention to it. You may not know this, but the pink in the face that you get after some time outside on a wintry day is not windburn like we might imagine. You’ll know if the redness doesn’t subside within an hour. If it sticks around, you know you got a sunburn.

Any skin not covered by clothing should be covered with a broad-spectrum sunscreen protecting against UVA and UVB rays and applied fifteen minutes prior to going outdoors. Then remember to apply about every two hours while outdoors. Yes, even in winter months.

Lip Protection

Remember to protect the lips too. Use lip balm or lipstick to keep your lips moist all the time. Try my personal favorite. I’ve been using if for years. It keeps my lips moist and pink.

Drink Up, Cells

I get asked this all the time, “Kristina, you said I need to increase free water so should I drink more water to keep my skin hydrated?” Drinking water is great, and I’ll never tell you not to drink more as it’s super beneficial, but drinking water will NOT increase free water levels for your cells. However, taking EFAs will help with this dehydration. You could also tweak your other habits, use a specific mist or serum to help restore moisture.

Bundle Up

Dressing warmly not only retains body heat, but also minimizes the effects of cold winds striking bare skin. Hands and feet are at the greatest risk of frostbite, which is caused when the skin and sometimes the tissue beneath the skin freezes from prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. Bundling up and protecting your skin with layers is the best way to avoid damage to the skin. Dress in loose layers, wear socks, cover the head, wrap a scarf over the mouth, wear insulated gloves, and always be sure to properly prepare for the weather!

The Essential Ingredient for Clear and Healthy Skin

If you want great skin now and in the future, there is only one ingredient that you need. It’s not an ingredient that you’ll find on the back on any bottle. You can’t buy it in a store or extract it from a plant in the Amazon. It’s not a grocery store ingredient that has been re-purposed by the skincare industry like avocado or oatmeal or coconut.

The biggest secret to having and maintaining healthy skin is accessible to everyone, and acquiring it is as simple as making a decision to have it.

That ingredient is: Commitment

If you are committed, you can have great skin. That’s a guarantee.

Whether your skin is in perfect condition at the moment or whether it could use some TLC, the biggest difference-maker when it comes to your skin is the commitment to taking care of your skin. And the best way to care for you skin is to maintain a healthy daily regimen, and to stick to a treatment plan.

Your skin responds to what you put on it, your diet and how you treat it. The best way to ensure that your good skin stays that way, and that your sub-par skin improves is to commit to a regular regimen.

Keeping your skin healthy is much luck keeping your body healthy. If your goal is to look good in all the clothes in your closet, you wouldn’t “treat yourself” to a workout every couple months and spend your evenings eating pizza and drinking beer. Most likely, you’d create a regimen or schedule. You would do cardio three days a week and lift weights or do Pilates the other three days with one day to rest. You’d stock up on vegetables and lean proteins so that all your hard work was reinforced by your diet, and you wouldn’t stray from this schedule even when you did reach your goal because you’d understand that you’d need to maintain this lifestyle to ensure stay lean well into the future.

Unfortunately, this mindset somehow doesn’t translate over to the skincare industry. People often assume that getting a skin treatment is a “treat” or a “luxury.” They leave it for those months when they have a little extra cash in the bank or when they’re a little unimpressed with the reflection staring back at them from the mirror.

But there would be far fewer of those “bad face” days if you put in the time and energy on a consistent basis. Having a solid daily skin regimen is the first step in ensuring that all your days are “good face” days. And if you don’t know what the best regimen is for your particular skin, scheduling a skin consult is the best way to find out.

Once you get on track with Beauty Journey, we can ensure that you are doing all the right things on a regular basis so that every time you look in the mirror, you feel good about yourself. It’s always more difficult to fix problems once that have gotten out of control due to a flawed or absent regimen. The best time to attack problem issues on the skin is before they become a problem.

You can also think about skincare like maintenance on your car. If you neglect to bring your car in for oil changes and regular maintenance, things might go well for awhile; but eventually, all of that neglect will catch up to you, and you’ll have a much more serious problem on your hands than if you had been following up on a timely schedule.

Invest in the small, frequent check-ins, and you’ll save yourself bigger headaches and expenses later on. It’s true for cars, it’s true for your health, and it’s just as true for your skin.

Make a commitment to have great skin and now forever. If you don’t know where to start, let us get you on track. Head over to Beauty Journey to schedule an appointment.

The DMK Differences

Patty’s Journey is an example of the DMK difference. Patty had 6 DMK treatments and a few Lightwave Therapy sessions over the course of one month, and her after photo is the latest result. Patty was struggling with a desquamated enzyme functionality problem. Rather than moving through the skin smoothly, her enzymes were asleep and sticking together like layers of cement. The result was her skin had a thick and dull texture, and the dead cells were building up on her sebaceous glands and hair follicles resulting in acne.

Most skin treatments focus on treating the surface of skin. So another treatment might just attempt to resolve Patty's visible acne. It makes some sense. The surface is what we see. It’s how we gauge results. From what we see on the surface, we can make a decision as to whether something is working or not. So it’s not surprising that’s where most treatments choose to focus.

But wait, what?! That sounds crazy.

Focusing only on the surface means ignoring the real problem. It’s a quick fix, sure, but it’s not doing anything for the long-term health of your skin.

That’d be like repainting your deck without first making sure the wood itself is in decent condition. If the wood was damaged and you painted over it, sure it would look better immediately, but all the problems that you ignored would soon work their way right back to the surface. You’d be repainting all the time trying to make your deck look good. But if you just spent a little time caring for the wood underneath, you could save yourself a lot of time and effort.

DMK is the same premise. Treat and strengthen the skin at a cellular level, and you’ll be rewarded with skin that not only looks good on the outside, but is healthy on the inside.

The DMK process is: Remove. Rebuild. Protect. Maintain

Most skin treatments stop at “Remove,” but not DMK. DMK works because it matches an individual’s unique biochemistry with the appropriate treatments. Then it continues to move through all four steps of the process.

Remove: This is first step. This is how we “open the door” for skin revision. We often hear the word “peel” to describe this step, but the skin is more complex than simply peeling off layer after layer like an onion. The best way to “Remove” is through a more complex process called enzyme hydrolyzation, which ultimately brings new skin cells to the surface.

Rebuild: In the rebuild phase, we restore skin’s optimum function. The DMK treatments achieve this through transepidermal delivery so the enzymes can simulate the functions that should be happening, and eventually your skin will re-learn what to do.

When we younger, our skin automatically performed at its optimum level, but eventually time brings about different imbalances. This is all normal and the result of every day skin functions. Acne is not some horrible affliction. It’s simply the result of an increase in he cellular proliferation and sebum production. When you understand the problem, you know exactly how to treat it. Similarly aging happens when the processes start to become slow and sluggish. With this in mind, we can introduce the right enzymes to help the skin function efficiently again.

Protect: Once we’ve starting rebuilding the skin, we need to protect if from everything that can damage the good work we’ve done so far. Antioxidants are used at this stage to maximize the strength of inhibitors and the cells that regulate the immune system. And perhaps most important, is the application of sunscreen.

Maintain: Only so much can happen behind the doors of our treatment rooms. The right homecare is essential for achieving your desired results. DMK doesn’t just leave you hanging; the concept provides you with a lifelong skin management program that is easy to make a part of your everyday routine.

DMK works because it’s such a natural process. It’s perfect for all of those stubborn skin conditions that seem so difficult to manage: acne, rosacea, scarring, wrinkles and more.

If your skin has lost its former luster, DMK can help to revise and restore. Like any of our treatments, DMK is a journey; but it’s one journey that is well worth taking.

To book a consultation to see if DMK is right for you or to go ahead and get started with an appointment, head over HERE.

7 Tips for Stunning Summer Skin

Summer is finally here, and along with all the joys of the season come many challenges for your skin. We certainly don’t want to destroy all the progress we’ve made all year by falling victim to longer days, brighter sun, and higher temperatures. That’s why it’s so important to change your skin routines when the weather changes. We don’t want to counteract all the good we’ve done to this point. And of course, we don’t want to miss out the time outside with your friends and family.

So what precautions should you take during these summer months? Here is a list of 7 tips that will ensure your skin remains glowing and healthy during the summer and all year long.

• Hydrate – When we say hydrate, we mean hydrate on the inside and the outside. Drink plenty of water. The water you drink (or don’t drink) absolutely affects your skin. You’re sweating more in the summer, so you’re losing more water than you would in the winter. Adding a couple of glasses per day will help considerably. If you find it difficult to drink plain water, try adding some fresh fruit and a squeeze of lemon or lime to help add a bit of flavor. Moisturize your skin. It’s likely that your skin might appear oilier in the summer, but this does not mean that you don’t need to moisturize. If anything, use a light moisturizer like our Enlighten Serum . This is a unique solution with exceptional hydration and mild daily exfoliation.

• Exfoliate – It’s extra important to exfoliate in the summer, removing the build-up of dead skin cells. You’ll also improve circulation and allow the nutrients from your moisturizers and masks to penetrate. Plus build-up of dead cells can block pores and cause flare-ups. The Enlighten Serum works as exfoliation too.

• Bulk up on Antioxidants, Vitamins, and Minerals – Again we stress how important it is to add these to both your diet AND your skincare regimen. By eating foods high in omega 3s and vitamin C, you’ll be giving your body the nutrients it needs to keep your skin healthy. Antioxidants and protein will help stimulate collagen production, keeping your skin strong and supple. Salmon, sardines, eggs, dark leafy greens and citrus are all great choices. These same nutrients that help from the inside do wonder when applied topically as well. Our Enlighten Serum is a fantastic way to drench your skin in nutrients. It will fight UVA/UVB damage that’s already happened and revitalize your skin.

• Remember the SPF – Your face should get a layer of SPF moisturizer every single day, whether it’s overcast or sunny. And remember to reapply every few hours. A broad spectrum is best as it will protect against both UVA and UVB rays. If white color bothers you, we suggest using a tinted SPF like our Replenishing Tinted Sunscreen. This way you save your skin without sacrificing that healthy glow.

• Limit Your Sun Time – The hours between 10 AM to 2 PM are when the sun is at its most potent. If possible, limit your direct exposure during this time. If you must be outside, try to cover up with stylish wide-brimmed hats in addition to the SPF.

• Cleanse Morning and Night – Remember with the higher temperatures, you’ll be sweating more. Try going with less or lighter makeup in the summer and cleanse in the morning and night with a cleanser to reduce build-up that could cause blemishes.

• Keep Up With Your Treatments – Often times in summer, you come off your normal routines we’ve kept up all year long. Don’t let vacations and relaxation get in the way of your treatment schedule. Skincare is just as important especially during the summer months. Plus consistency is king. Keep up your schedule, and we’ll keep you on track.

Everyone Deserves To Show Up With Beautiful Skin

Getting and maintaining beautiful skin depend on using the right skin care products properly and consistently and adopting healthy regimens. Lack of sleep, lack of exercise, over-exposure to the sun, poor diet, stress, and consuming harsh products are all possible causes of unhealthy skin. The following are some of the ways to maintain a healthy skin.

Using Products With non-harsh chemicals

Some cosmetics and skin products may be full of harmful synthetic chemicals. Such products are unhealthy for the skin. They could cause the skin dry and moisture lost, inflammatory acne, and PH imbalance. Over-exfoliating skin could damage the skin by removing the skin’s protective layer.

Using Clinical Skincare Products

Clinical skincare products are usually full of active ingredients and less likely to cause skin irritation. They are critical for people with specific skin care concerns.

Treating Acne Scars

Even after acne is treated, you may be left with plenty of acne scars. There are many varieties of treatments that are quite effective to treat acne scars. Ask us how @ 714-726-0504. However, you can always use Aloe Vera, coconut oil, sugar scrub, honey, cucumbers, potato juice, vitamin E to soften the scar. These are inexpensive but not for rebuilding your skin architecture.

Drinking Plenty of Water

Drinking water can help you solve your anti-aging skin issues. It makes the occurrence of wrinkles less visible. It flushes out toxins and leaves you with glowing, healthy skin. It also reduces the concentration of oil on skin and therefore reduces the possibility of breakouts. That does not mean that drinking plenty of water today will give you healthy skin forever. You need to keep hydrating to maintain the youthful looks inside and outside by taking DMK's EFA's and have True Oxygen Therapy.

Including Antioxidants In Your Diet

Foods that are rich in antioxidants include: nuts, blueberries, dark chocolate, spinach, pomegranates and purple grapes. They help the body to fight skin damage and inflammation which in turn slows down the aging process.

Detox

The human body needs to be cleaned occasionally due to exposure to toxins. There are various ways to detox your body but a juice detox is recommended or taking supplements is another alternative way. Be sure to ask your Doctor before taking any detox supplements.

Sleep

When you sleep, the skin gets a chance to repair and rejuvenate the damaged cells. Getting quality sleep for at least eight hours every night is a good way to maintain healthy, youthful skin.

Invest In Good Sunscreen

The rays of the sun are so harmful that they could cause skin cancer. They also cause sunburns, premature aging, and rashes. It is, therefore, important to wear physical Not Chemical sunscreen every day.

At Beauty Journey studios, we offer personalized beauty treatments and try to establish the cause of skin concerns for our clients. Our products are the purest high-grade skincare line with many active ingredients. Our approach is gentle and non-inflammatory. Check out our Before and After pictures.

You may contact us @ 741-726-0504 to book an appointment or visit our studio at Garden Grove, CA for all your skincare needs.

Trigger Healthy Skin With DMK Enzyme Therapy

Your skin is like a factory. When the conditions in any factory are healthy, it means all the workers in that factory are fully supported and equipped to do their best work. When the workers do their best work, it means high-quality products. On the other hand, when that environment is toxic, the workers no longer perform at their best because the conditions are unfavorable. They get sluggish and lazy. Things slip through the cracks, and the final product suffers.

The exact same is true for your skin. When your skin has limited resources to work with, it does the best it can with what it has, and the results speak for themselves. When your skin doesn’t have the biochemical tools it needs, it literally can’t create the cells that would give you clear, firm, healthy skin. Instead, you’ll get skin full of fine lines and wrinkles or pockmarked by acne or spotted with hyperpigmentation. The skin simply doesn’t have what it needs to be anything more than that. Not to mention that in a poorly functioning system, harmful toxins are building up.

That’s where DMK Enzyme Therapy comes in. This breakthrough treatment instigates change at the cellular level. It uses biochemistry that your skin already understands to trigger the processes that create a more youthful complexion. Unlike minerals and nutrients, which simply penetrate the skin for some effect, enzymes literally make their way into the skin and activate it. They get positive messages moving in the skin, and the results are healthier, firmer and more nourished skin.

These enzymatic treatments dilate the capillaries and help deliver fresh nutrients to your living cells. They also cause a lymph drainage action, ridding your cells waste. During your treatment, you will feel tiny vibrations and pulsing, that means everything all working.

Reverse osmosis will also take place. This is a “back flushing” Reverse Osmosis forces fluids from inside the skin cells out through the cell wall membrane and into the matrix. This leaves a clean, clear, toxin-free environment surrounding the cells. As results you have healthy, strong, firmer skin moving forward to replace the damaged skin. DMK also increases collagen production.

Basically, DMK Enzyme Therapy helps create a healthy living space for your skin cells. When the cells’ living conditions are healthy and favorable, your skin cells are free to be their best cells. This means your skin looks amazing. It’s clear, it’s firm and it’s smooth.

DMK is a truly miraculous therapy that approaches skincare from a holistic angle. It’s the only treatment of its kind in existence and is based on volumes of research. But the real proof is in the treatment itself. Not only can you feel it working during your session but the results are visible shortly after. If slowing down the aging process, clearing away acne or creating a smooth even complexion are on your wish list, this therapy is a must-do.