Esthetician’s Day Off

Dealing with incessantly oily skin is a drag.  Your skin may show up shiny in photos, it may feel heavy or it may even feel like an oil slick!  One of the most frustrating side effects of excessively oily skin, is acne.  Acne issues aren’t limited to oily skin, as there are many different types of acne, some of which are completely unrelated to excessive oil production, but that is a discussion for another day off. While you may have oily skin year round, many people experience oily skin only in the hot summer months during which you may be more active, sweating more, and creating an increase in pore activity.  If this is what you deal with, the Strawberry Spearmint Mask is for you.  It is a wonderfully soothing mask that will pull out the impurities in your pores and create clearer, less oily skin.  There are 5 active ingredients in this mask, all of which are extremely important and play a role in clearing out the overproduction of oil, and in this particular instance, all of them are the MVP’s of this mask.  Strawberry Fruit Extract, Spearmint Extract, Kaolin Clay, Mushroom Extract, & Yogurt Extract are the active ingredients that I’ll focus on below. The main ingredient in the mask is Strawberry Fruit Extract.  Strawberry Fruit Extract is astringent and tonic and helps tone, combat wrinkles, lighten freckles, and soothe sunburn.  We all know about strawberries because let’s face it, some of the best desserts include strawberries.  I’m talking the likes of Strawberry Shortcake, Macerated Strawberries, Strawberry Cheesecake, Strawberry Ice Cream (or sorbet!)… but this is not a post about dessert!  This is about skin care, so let’s return to the original discussion. Strawberries offer skin some amazing benefits, so let’s jump right in.  Strawberries contain Ellagic Acid which is an antioxidant that prevents collagen breakdown.  Collagen breakdown is a major cause of wrinkle formation, so helping to prevent this breakdown will help keep your skin plump and wrinkle-free.  The Ellagic acid also works to protect the skin from UV rays which can damage the skin.  Ellagic acid reduces dark spots on skin, so this mask is helpful at lightening freckles and other discolored spots on the skin.  Strawberries also contain alpha-hydroxy acid, which is an important substance that helps eliminate dead skin cells and cleanses the skin in the process.  The acidic nature of Strawberries helps remove excess sebum on the skin, which is a major cause of oily skin. ​​Spearmint is my favorite flavor of gum.  It’s sweet, minty, and delightful!  But again, this is not a post about food or gum. So let’s get back on track.  As mentioned in the name of this mask, Spearmint is one of the main ingredients.  Spearmint extract acts as an antibacterial and antioxidant ingredient in this mask.  It relieves itching and helps with acne, dermatitis, and congested skin.  One major component to Spearmint is Vitamin A, which has various skin benefits, including the following: Decreases sebum production, creating less oily skin and helping to treat acne. Normalizing blood flow which in turn helps to reduce rosacea symptoms. Exfoliates the skin. Repairs cellular structure of the epidermis, which optimizes UV protection. Increases the rate of wound healing Reduces sun spots or other types of uneven pigmentation by decreasing clusters of melanin granules. While mushrooms are usually reserved for eating (yum!) they also play an important role in skin health, and mushroom extract makes an appearance in the Strawberry Spearmint Mask.  Mushroom extract improves skin tone and firmness, tightens pores to minimize the visible appearance of skin suffering from excess sebum secretion, and does not cause excessive dryness. Mushrooms contain a polysaccharide that is very beneficial for hydrating and plumping the skin.  They also contain high levels of Vitamin D which has healing properties when applied to acne lesions, therefore, helping to treat acne.  Kojic acid (naturally occurring  in mushrooms) is a natural skin lightener, which inhibits melanin production on the surface of the skin and lightens the new skin cells that form after the dead ones are exfoliated. Another very important ingredient in the Strawberry Spearmint mask is Kaolin Clay. Now, you may be wondering what exactly Kaolin clay is, so here’s the story.  Kaolin Clay is a naturally occurring clay mostly found in soils developed from the chemical weathering of rocks in hot, moist climates.  When used in cosmetics it absorbs sebum and prevents pores from getting clogged.  It is used to draw out impurities and toxins and thereby clears the skin of excess oil, pollution, and debris.  Kaolin clay has a high silica content which helps to remove dead skin, allowing for quicker cell regeneration.  ​ One of the major components of the Strawberry Spearmint Mask that gives it its creamy and smooth consistency is yogurt extract.  Yogurt moisturizes, smoothes, and stimulates cellular regeneration.  Yogurt naturally contains lactic acid, which, when used on the skin, works as an exfoliant and removes dead skin cells.  Lactic acid is also very beneficial in helping to rid the skin of acne, helps with dark circles under the eyes, and helps to even out uneven pigmentation of the skin.  Also present in yogurt are probiotics, which fight skin infections, and high levels of zinc that help with acne. Is the heat this summer causing your skin to overproduce oil?  Call or email me today to schedule your Strawberry Spearmint Mask facial and combat that oil! Email me:  carabdrescherlmt@gmail.com Call me:  215-601-0840 References: https://bellatory.com/skin/Top-5-Benefits-of-Strawberry-for-Skin http://www.stylecraze.com Skin Script Product Manual  – Strawberry Spearmint Mask http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/spices-and-herbs/226/2 http://www.theskincareclinic.com.au/science/vitamin-a/ http://durablehealth.net/kaolin-clay/kaolin-clay-benefits-side-effects-properties/​ Favorite

If you’re looking for hydration, softening, and anti-aging for your skin, then look no further! The Dark Chocolate Mint Mask is your saving grace.  This mask has amazing benefits and will leave your skin so unbelievably soft, you may even begin to think your skin is made of butter.  I promise you, it is not!  The Dark Chocolate Mint mask has 6 active ingredients, though the most important, Chocolate, is what I will be talking most about in this post.   While the Dark Chocolate Mint Mask is used in any customized facial (depending on the client’s needs), it is the primary product used in the Chocolate Indulgence Facial.  The rest of the facial is customized to each client’s individual needs.  Cleanser, Enzyme, Serum(s) are all chosen based on each client’s needs. The Dark Chocolate Mint Mask is not used on pregnant or lactating clients or clients with rosacea.  This mask is avoided on these clients because the mask itself can cause flushing which can last for a few hours.  The flushing can aggravate rosacea, and for pregnant clients, it is essential to use products that are extremely gentle as skin changes are consistent throughout pregnancy, causing skin to be very unpredictable.  For sensitive skin without rosacea, this mask can be mixed with a hydrating mask such as the Vanilla Bean Hydrating Mask, or the Goji Berry Yogurt Mask. Both of these masks are extremely hydrating and gentle and will help tone down the flushing caused by the Dark Chocolate Mint Mask. The Chocolate Indulgence Facial begins as all of my facials do, with skin analysis, double cleanse, exfoliation, and massage.  The chocolate indulgence comes in when it’s time to close up the pores and round out the facial with the mask.  The mask itself smells deliciously chocolately, and while you may find yourself wanting to lick your face, I urge you not too!  It will be much more beneficial to let your skin reap the benefits rather than your digestive system.  The Dark Chocolate Mint mask has 6 active ingredients, though the most important, it’s namesake – Dark Chocolate- is the focus. Theobroma Cacao, otherwise known as the cocoa tree, or cacao tree, is a small evergreen tree native to Central and South America.  This plant is where chocolate comes from, through a lengthy process.  Cocoa naturally contains a hefty amount of vitamins and minerals including, Protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Riboflavin, Thiamine, Calcium, Potassium, Phosphorus, Iron, Omega 6 Fatty Acids, Copper, and Magnesium.  Some of the great skin benefits of cocoa include but are not limited to: Protecting the body against many diseases due to its high levels of antioxidants which block harmful free radicals in the body. High levels of Vitamin C and Magnesium help to protect the skin.   Omega 6 Fatty Acids help with healing wounds and scars quickly. Cocoa helps to increase and protect blood flow to the skin which keeps the skin healthy and glowing. Provides hydration to the skin which helps improve the skin’s complexion, due to it being an excellent emollient, lubricant, and humectant. Cocoa can help reduce stress hormones, which will help keep collagen from breaking down, keeping the skin plump and wrinkle-free. There are a variety of other excellent skin and health benefits of cocoa, but the ones listed above, are the most well known. The Dark Chocolate Mint Mask has 6 active ingredients (including Cocoa Fruit Powder) that all come together to create an amazing mask that will do amazing things for your skin, Active ingredients in Skin Script Dark Chocolate Mint Mask:​ Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Fruit Powder is a very rich compound, with excellent emollient properties and is used with great effect on very dry, dehydrated and flaky skin. Glycerin acts as an emollient and lubricant.  It also can be a humectant and draw moisture from the air to the skin. Squalene which is derived from olives, is moisturizing and enhances the skin’s natural barrier function. Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) is an anti-aging antioxidant that protects the skin from free radicals. Passionflower Extract contains flavonoids that are primarily responsible for properties that are skin calming. Honeysuckle Flower Extract is a natural preservative. To schedule your Chocolate Indulgence Facial, contact me at: carabdrescherlmt@gmail.com. References:​ http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/amazing-benefits-of-cacao-for-skin-hair-and-health/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theobroma_cacao Skin Script Product Manual – Dark Chocolate Mint Mask http://www.youbeauty.com/nutrition/dark-chocolate-benefits/ Favorite

​I wanted to kick off my Esthetician’s Day Off series with what has become my favorite mask of the Skin Script line.  The Marble Berry Nourishing Mask.  Wait a minute, you’ve never heard of the Marble Berry? Not to worry, you’re not alone! Before I discovered this Mask, I had never heard of the Marble Berry either.  But I promise you, it is a very real fruit, and it is very unique. The first of this summer’s seasonal specialty facials at Cara B. Design & Wellness is the Marble Berry Nourishing Facial.  Obviously, from the title of the facial you can see that the Marble Berry Mask is the star of the show. However, this facial is customize-able (as they all are), by changing the enzyme used in the facial. ​The Marble Berry, scientifically known as pollia condensata, is a blue, iridescent berry that grows exclusively in Africa. The most magical aspect of this elusive fruit, is its color, which is the most intense color of any known biological substance. Yes, you read that correctly.  This berry is quite unique.  Possessing this intense color isn’t its only fascinating quality.  While the Marble Berry is not edible, it does possess various health benefits for the skin.  This fruit also contains polyphenol which provides antioxidant activity that is very effective at low use levels.​ What’s interesting about the Marble Berry, is that its beautiful, intense color isn’t due to pigment, however it’s due to something called structural color.  What is structural color?   It its simplest terms, it is the production of color by microscopically structured surfaces fine enough to interfere with visible light, sometimes in combination with pigments. ​This mask can be used on all skin types, including sensitive, rosacea, and pregnant women.  While it can be used on all skin types, it does have the following benefits:  anti-aging, softening, anti-inflammatory, improves barrier function, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The main ingredient in this mask is the Marble Berry, however, it has a few other very important and effective ingredients. 1.  Thiotaine®, made using Ergothioneine (L) which is a natural antioxidant and amino acid that can aid the skin’s natural ability to prevent damage caused by UV radiation.  It does this partially by recycling vitamin C, and also ensures efficient energy production.  Inhibits tyrosinase. 2. Squalene, derived from olives, moisturizing, enhances skin’s natural barrier function, protective, and boosts skin’s ability to retain moisture. 3.  Cyanidin-3-Glucoside is a purified extract from the heart of Black Rice Bran.  This particular extract is high in antioxidant content, and also acts similar to an anti-inflammatory, which helps to keep skin soothed and clear. 4. Phenyl t-Butylnitrone, a Spin Trap.  It is a highly active oxygen and nitrogen complex.  It is considered an “intelligent” antioxidant because instead of destroying free radicals, it traps them, transforms them into useful oxygen, and then transports them back into the respiratory cycle.  This activity keeps the skin continually spinning the effects of aging away from your skin; helping to maintain hydration so that skin appears healthy, clear and more fortified. During the Marble Berry Nourishing facial, skin is cleansed, exfoliated, treated, and toned. To close out the facial, the Marble Berry Mask is applied to the skin for about 10 minutes. This particular mask is tremendously nourishing and leaves skin feeling as soft as butter! ​Schedule your Marble Berry Nourishing facial today by emailing carabdrescherlmt@gmail.com or calling 215-601-0840. References: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pollia_condensata Skin Script Product Manual – Marble Berry Mask http://www.seedsofeaden.com/ornamental-plants-k7/the-marble-berry-pollia-condensata-b87.html http://earthsky.org/earth/brightest-biological-substance-reveals-its-secret Favorite

A few months back, I was lucky enough to see my dream come to fruition when the Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology approved my application for an Esthetician Salon License.  My shop was finally born after years of hard work!  After intensive research and sampling various products, I finally settled on what has become my favorite skin care line that I have ever worked with.  Skin Script.  It is amazing!  The products are top notch, and the owner and staff are extraordinarily knowledgeable with the best customer service I have ever experienced.  In 13 years of experience, I’ve worked directly with the following professional skin care lines:  Dermalogica, Bioelements, Avance, & Guinot.  While these lines are each very good and unique in their own way, none of them provided me with that “wow” factor that a good, professional skin care line should provide.  Skin Script is different.  It’s an all natural, fruit based line that is not only high quality, but is affordable.  Finding a good quality, affordable skin care line is a tricky feat.  But Skin Script has accomplished it, with flying colors! My favorite thing about this line is the aroma that every single product releases.  Because it’s all fruit based, my studio often smells like a tropical island.  Seriously.  I’ve had clients tell me that during their facials they’ve felt transported to places like Jamaica, Mexico, Hawaii, and more.  I’ve heard comparisons to Pina Coladas, Margaritas, Mojitos, Mai Tais, and so on.  There are no added fragrances to the products, just the natural scent of the fruit.  Not only do these products smell amazing, but they provide excellent results for skin concerns such as: Aging, acne, clogged pores, fines line, age spots, melasma, hyperpigmentation and rosacea.  Yes, this product line is safe for rosacea and sensitive skin! Bear in mind however, not every product will be safe for sensitive skin or rosacea.   Over the next few weeks and months, I’ll be posting a Skin Script product every week and giving you an in depth description of its uses, ingredients, and benefits.  Feel free to post questions, and I’ll do my best to get back to you ASAP!  Join me on this super fun skin care journey and learn more about your skin and how you can help it!  I’m so excited to share my love of these products, and I hope you learn something new and exciting.  Favorite

The seasons are a changin’ folks!  Though the official start of spring is still a few weeks away, the spring weather is forcing its way in.  Finally!  The season of renewal is upon us, and with this change in seasons, so comes some changes in the service menu here at Cara B. Design & Wellness.  Back in October, I added facials to my service menu using a fabulous professional skin care line, called Skin Script.  As I’ve gotten to know the Skin Script product line better, I’ve been excited by the opportunity to create seasonal facials based on their limited edition seasonal products.  For example, they came out with a Cherry Enzyme and a Chocolate Mint Mask for the winter months, and just recently released their new Grape Enzyme for the spring months.  Various other products are available year round, such as the lemon zest enzyme, the raspberry peach enzyme, the strawberry spearmint mask and the goji berry yogurt mask, just to name a few.   While every Cara B. facial is customized to your specific skin care needs, the following specialty facials are only available for a limited time. Each of the specialty facials listed below are specially designed for particular skin types.  If you don’t like the sound of one of the facials below, or if you like one aspect of it, but not everything, never fear, I can change out the enzyme or mask to something that you’d prefer!  Check out the blog in the coming months when I delve deeper into the benefits of the ingredients in the products from this fantastic skin care line!   Spring brings new flowers with the anticipation of juicy fruit to follow. Fruit not only provides our body with nourishment, but also brightens our skin. Blending cherries with a yogurt mask, such as the Goji Berry Yogurt Mask will create a blossoming facial sure to brighten and hydrate the skin. Exfoliate and brighten the skin with the antioxidant and brightening benefits of the Cherry Enzyme. Contains 5% lactic acid, 5% mandelic acid, and 1% arbutin and 1% kojic. Perfect for normal and combination skin. It promotes deep hydration that protects from environmental damage while relieving the surface signs of aging. Arbutin and kojic provide extreme lightening capabilities. Goji Berry Yogurt Mask will nourish the skin with goji berry and yogurt resulting in a beautiful, healthy glow. The Vineyard Grape Facial is perfect for normal and sensitive skin and is comprised of a Grape Enzyme, and the Goji Berry Yogurt Mask. The grape enzyme contains grapes and papain for very gentle exfoliation. It promotes exfoliation and protection from environmental damage while relieving the surface signs of aging.  The Goji Berry Yogurt Mask contains Goji Berry which helps in rebuilding the skin by stimulating biosynthesis, fibroblast proliferation and by inhibiting MMP’s.  Anti-aging results can be seen by the reduction of lines and wrinkles in addition to an improvement in the skin’s elasticity.  Yogurt moisturizes, smoothes and stimulates cellular regeneration Lemons provide great brightening capabilities to our skin. When we add lemon to our drinking water, it helps to detoxify our body. Lemons are tart, and in small doses, bring great anti-aging benefits to our whole body. Blending lemons with a yogurt mask, such as the Goji Berry Yogurt Mask, will create a creamy, brightening and hydrating facial. Contains 6% lactic acid, 3% glycolic acid, 8% arbutin and 2% kojic. Perfect for normal and combination skin. It promotes deep hydration that protects from environmental damage while relieving the surface signs of aging. Arbutin and kojic provide extreme lightening capabilities. Goji Berry Yogurt Mask will nourish the skin resulting in a beautiful, healthy glow.   To schedule your facial (currently only at my Conshohocken studio), please contact me directly at:  carabdrescherlmt@gmail.com. Happy Spring!  🙂 Favorite

Welcome to Esthetician’s Day Off!  As a busy Esthetician, Massage Therapist, Educator, Makeup Artist, and Textile Artist, I don’t get a lot of days off.  However, on those rare days off I enjoy playing with my products and giving myself the treatments and services that I offer to others.  Not only is it a fun way for me to pamper myself on my very needed days off, but it’s also one of the best ways for me to test out my products and services for their safety & efficacy. I own 2 small businesses, Cara B. Design & Wellness and Cara B. Design Studio.  With Cara B. Design & Wellness, I work as a Licensed Esthetician & Makeup Artist, Licensed & Board Certified Massage Therapist, and Nationally Certified Massage Therapy Continuing Education Provider.  Under Cara B. Design Studio, I design and create unique wallets, handbags, diaper bags, and various other accessories with vintage and antique upholstery fabrics.  These 2 businesses keep me extremely busy and tremendously motivated. Check in with me each week (sometimes every other when I’m super busy) as I test out my various facials, body treatments, retail products, and more!  While most posts will focus on skin care, you may find a post here and there about massage therapy, muscle wellness, arts, and so on. ​Join me on my day off! Favorite