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Recently I attended an elite skin care conference, where I discovered a brand new product line for acne sufferers, that has a completely different approach to clearing stubborn acne. I am so impressed with the products and the company's philosophy, that I invested in their advanced training and certification course (even though I've taken other acne advanced training and certification courses in the past). Just when you think there's nothing new to learn ... abra cadabra ... there's something new to learn!


I am now a WISH PRO Certified Acne Practitioner, one of only a few currently in the world!



What is Wish Skin Health, you ask? WISH = Wisdom Inspired Skin Health.


Finally, an effective yet healthy treatment system to clear even the toughest acne. Now, when you say you "wish" you had clear skin, your wish can finally be realized.


Now don't get me wrong - I still love the Rhonda Allison products I've been using for years to help clear acne, and love the Storyderm Clinic A line even better. And those lines are still available and effective for many to use!


Wish Skin Health focuses on rebalancing and repairing the microbiome of the skin, which is really important to maintain the integrity of the skin's barrier. Professional treatments with me, combined with the right combination of correctives, actives, and healing products at home, will have you clear in as little as three months if you follow the prescribed protocol faithfully.


Not only that, but you'll achieve clear skin without accelerating aging, as many other products can cause. And the products are perfect for all skin types, all types of acne, all skin tones, and all ages.


So come on, let's get you clear! If you're new to Face To Face Esthetics, or if you're just stuck or stalled on your journey to clear skin, give me a shout for your WISH acne consult today!


Stay Beautiful,

Teri Kotantoulas



 
 
 

Prescription retinoids, like tretinoin, found in Retin-A and Renova, have been prescribed for decades.


Did you know that there are other forms of Vitamin A that make a bigger impact on the skin?



VITAMIN A & THE SKIN

  • Skin needs Vitamin A every day (every 24 hours), especially those 30 and older.

  • Vitamin A is a vital ingredient needed to build collagen and elastin, which decline as we age.

  • Cells recognize Retinoic Acid and initiate fibroblast activity, which increases collagen and elastin synthesis as well as natural cellular turnover.

  • Vitamin A should not cause sensitivity, dryness, or peeling. It is a nutrient with valuable properties for the skin and body.

  • Vitamin A maintains and repairs skin integrity.

  • Skin only recognizes Retinoic Acid through the conversion of Vitamin A.

  • Conversion of Vitamin A include:

    • Beta Carotene converts to Retinol

    • Retinol converts to Retinal

    • Retinal converts to Retinoic Acid


PRESCRIPTION RETINOIDS - WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE SKIN?

  • Formulated with skin irritating ingredients including acids, parabens, synthetic dyes and fragrances.

  • Can be comedogenic, exacerbating acne.

  • Tretinoin is already in the form of Retinoic Acid - no conversion occurs in the skin, so the skin doesn't readily accept it.

  • Tretinoin increases exfoliation and stimulates fibroblast activity through forced exfoliation, which depletes the dermis, collagen and elastin.

  • Forced exfoliation gives a softer texture, causes inflammation which plumps lines and wrinkles, but long term affects the thinning dermal layer and leads to sensitivities, accelerated aging, and weaker cells.


PRESCRIPTION RETINOIDS - SHORT TERM & LONG TERM EFFECTS

  • Skin becomes dry, irritated, sensitive, and over time creates a compromised skin barrier. It can only be applied a few times per week in order to avoid irritation, so skin is missing that daily dose.

  • Signs of aging are increased, resulting in a loss of firmness and elasticity in the skin.

  • Photosensitivity is increased due to too much exfoliation.


ENCAPSULATED RETINOL / RETINAL - WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE SKIN?

  • Encapsulation allows for deeper penetration and delivery.

  • Retinol and Retinal go through the appropriate conversion into Retinoic Acid, and the skin readily accepts it.

  • The skin's dermis receives nutrients and fibroblast activity is initiated.

  • Cellular turnover occurs more naturally from the inside, out.


ENCAPSULATED RETINOL / RETINAL - SHORT TERM & LONG TERM EFFECTS

  • Can be applied nightly, depending on other ingredients in the formula.

  • Skin texture appears softened and smoother over time. These forms of Vitamin A allow for building of collagen and elastin, helping to increase natural cellular turnover.

  • Fine lines and wrinkles decrease, while firmness is increased.

  • Lightening of pigmented areas and a more even complexion overall.

  • Cells become stronger and healthier.

  • Aging slows down significantly the longer they are used, especially with a formula that includes other ingredients, like peptides and/or stem cells, that strengthen the skin rather than create inflammation.


RHONDA ALLISON FORMULAS WITH ENCAPSULATED RETINAL

  • Stem Cell A (anti-aging, pigmentation, rosacea, compromised barrier)

  • ChronoPeptide A (anti-aging)

  • Retinal Clear (acne)


RHONDA ALLISON FORMULAS WITH ENCAPSULATED RETINOL

  • Retinol Supreme (anti-aging)

  • Salicylic A Serum (acne, rosacea)


So ... now you know the difference of prescription retinoids versus encapsulated retinol and retinal. Feel free to reach out with any questions!





 
 
 

Summer is finally here and with the sun and warm weather come skin challenges, including hyperpigmentation. There are many causes of hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone, as well as different depths of damage to the skin. These types of changes in the skin occur when melanocytes are either destroyed, resulting in hypopigmentation (no color left in the skin), or over-stimulated resulting in hyperpigmentation (too much color in the skin).


Types of pigmentation changes include:

- Hyperpigmentation (dark spots)

- Hypopigmentation (no melanin)

- Demarcation (uneven pigmentation from procedures, picking or scratching)

- Melasma (dense, large patches that are hormonal related)


Hyperpigmentation can occur at different levels, including:

- Epidermal (surface is light brown and not quite as dense)

- Dermal (skin is deep brown, ashen-gray, and appears more solid)

- Mixture (both levels are usually dark brown)


Causes of hyperpigmentation may include:

- PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation)

- Birth control pills

- Hormone replacement therapy (estrogen)

-Long term sun exposure

- Acne

- Razor bumps

- Severe sunburn

- Eczema

- Chemical irritations

- Electrolysis

- Rashes

- Abrasive scrubs

- Certain prescription medications

- Chickenpox

- Picking

- Scratching

- Insect bites

- Trauma to the skin (cuts, burns, abrasions)

- Surgical procedures

- Perfumes sprayed on sun-exposed areas


Two main factors that affect hyperpigmentation are the SUN and HEAT! So wear and SPF during the day and stay cool!


One thing to keep in mind with most pigmentation is that our melanocytes are there to protect our skin cells. We need this in order to help fight against the impact of UV rays. However, after the initial protection process has taken place you're left with underlying damage that shows on the skin's surface.


But don't worry ... there's good news! Rhonda Allison Skincare has a variety of products that can help with your skin to even tone and lighten hyperpigmentation. Using the science of chirality (which skin efficiently utilizes), along with superior brightening ingredients such as kojic acid, arbutin, daisy flower, ascorbic acid, azelaic acid, and potassium azeloyl diglycinate, the formulas are some of the most advanced available.


Rhonda Allison's brightening products address four critical factors in eliminating, reducing, and managing hyperpigmentation: surface exfoliation, cellular suppression of melanin, surface skin bleaching/brightening, and cell rejuvenation and protection. One combination I love to pair together is Grape Seed Hydrating Serum and Blushed Wine Gel for powerful hydrating, firming, and brightening support.


Here are my product recommendations for addressing pigmentation in skin:


Skin Brightening Cleanser

Brightening Pigment Lotion

Brightening Scrub

Naturale Mega Brightening Serum

Skin Brightening Gel

Brightening Cream Enhanced

Skin Brightening Enzyme

Grape Seed Hydrating Serum

Blushed Wine Gel

C-Stem Cell

SynErgy A

Growth Factor Serum (for normal skin)

Growth Factor Gel (for acne skin)

Antioxidant Complex Serum

E-Zinc Protection Cream (SPF 22)


Let's chat about which products are right for your skin during your next visit!


 
 
 

 

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Face To Face Esthetics

1000 Paseo Camarillo, Suite 136  |  Camarillo, California 93010

805.669.7743

Teri@FaceToFaceEsthetics.com

 

Expert bespoke anti-aging facials, acne facials, dermaplaning, chemical peels, Timeless Beauty Ritual, K-Beauty facials, Filler Facial, V-Line Facial.

Offering the finest products including:

Storyderm, Isov, and HOP (House of PLLA / Sculplla) Korean K-Beauty products, WISH Skin Health, Vital Therapy,

Unearthed handmade gemstone jewelry and hand poured candles, and Solmate socks.

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Proudly serving all of Ventura County including Camarillo, Ventura, Thousand Oaks, Oxnard, Ojai, Newbury Park, Moorpark, 

Westlake Village, Calabasas, Malibu, Santa Barbara, Montecito, California and beyond.

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