What is Exfoliation 🙋‍♀️ 

 “Exfoliation is basically removing the dead surface cells from your skin,” says Crystal. “I hate to call them ‘dead’ because we now know they’re very much alive, but at any rate, it’s the removal of the topmost skin layer.” You can either use a chemical or physical exfoliant. A chemical exfoliation utilizes alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) or enzymes to loosen the glue-like substance that holds dead skin cells together this is best done as a chemical peep. A physical exfoliant (also referred to as a ‘manual exfoliant’) uses a tool, liquid, gel or scrub.

Why You Should Exfoliate Your Skin

Your skin is constantly repairing and replacing itself. Because of this, you can be left with layers upon layers of dead skin all over your body. Here are 5 key benefits of exfoliation, which helps to make way for brighter, smoother skin:

“It’s important because it helps to break down some of the top surface cells that contribute to skin dullness, dryness and that ‘aged skin’ appearance,” explains Crystal. “Brown spots also improve because some of those ‘dead’ surface cells are what harbor some of the pigment.”

While brighter skin is certainly a perk, exfoliation can actually help improve the health of your skin as well. If your skin is riddled with dead cells, your skin care products may not be able to penetrate and do their work. In essence, “It also allows your products to work more effectively,” says Crystal. By removing the top-most layer of skin, you’re making it easier for your topical treatments to sink deep below the surface where they could make a real difference.

Finally, if you have acne-prone skin, exfoliation can help clear clogged pores, which often lead to breakouts, and minimize their size. It can also help fade acne scars faster by accelerating skin cell turnover and stimulating collagen production.

So now that you know exfoliating is one of the most essential steps in a skincare routine. You also know that it helps to remove dead skin cells and other impurities, revealing softer, younger looking skin. In fact in a spa setting Microdermabrasion  is the leading way to get those results  2nd only to a chemical peel.  But what if you don’t have time to visit the spa?

“My client’s make investments  in their skin with treatments at the studio and  it’s important for us both  to protect that investment” says Carmen. Skincare with an skincare studio takes two people to reach your skincare goals, I do what I do in the studio and then there is what clients do at home that helps maintain or increase our results!” In response to the demand, Crystal created a skincare product called Polished… it’s essentially Microdermabrasion in a jar says Crystal.  It’s a very densely packed but super gentle facial scrub that won’t tear your skin or aggravate existing skin conditions, removes stubborn blackheads and flaky skin and even helps diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  All you will see in the mirror is smooth, polished, glowing, radiant skin! 

POLISHED Microdermabrasion Facial Scrub is a revolutionary new product made for at home use by Vanity Image Studio. It’s an exfoliating face scrub with no harsh ingredients 🌱  that produces microdermabrasion like results in just 3 uses! Since it’s effective but gentle it can safely be used at home even daily. It will help you feel glowy and radiant by brightening, exfoliating and softening skin.  Bonus?  It even removes the those stubborn dark dots/blackheads on your nose and chin! 

Easy to use too! : Just apply  with your finger tips on your face using circular motions for 5 minutes and rinse off with  warm water💧 

Want to shop for Polished?  Visit our  Online Beauty Bar 

Rather be pampered and schedule a Classic facial where we use this decadent scrub? 

Book Online 

So by now, you’ve heard of Microblading or “Powder Brows” from your cool friend or your coworker. 

You know both are Permanent Makeup Procedures (PMU). But what is the difference? And which procedure is Best your You?

HERE ARE THE 5 MAIN DIFFERENCES IN MICROBLADING VS. POWDERED BROWS THAT WILL HELP YOU DECIDE WHICH SESSION TO BOOK! 

To decide between the two, lets first define the differences between Microblading vs. Powder Brows.

1. MICROBLADING USES A “MICROBLADE” TO IMPLANT COLOR INTO THE SKIN. 

The pigment is implanted into the skin manually, bit by bit during your brow session. Your brow shape is created by your artist dipping the microblade into an organic vegan pigment and creating your brow, literally one stroke at a time!

Powder Brows uses an ultra-fine tattoo needle and a Permanent Makeup (PMU) Device to deliver pigment to the skin. Powder Brows are sometimes referred to or called “Ombre Brows.” Powder Brows result in a look most like makeup powder, hence the name “Powder Brows.” 

2. YOUR HEAL TIME WILL BE LONGER WITH MICROBLADING VS. POWDER BROWS. 

In general, Microblading is more invasive as the microblade goes deeper into the skin’s epidermis (upper layers) of the skin. Expect the initial stages of Microblading healing to happen over seven days. 

In contrast, Powder Brow’s recovery occurs in a shorter period of five days.  Powder Brows heal much faster than Microblading because the pigment isn’t implanted as deeply into the skin. 

3. MICROBLADING VS. POWDER BROWS IS TYPICALLY BEST IF YOU HAVE DRY TO NORMAL SKIN.  

The realism of Microblading depends on the applied “hair strokes” and your skin’s ability to heal crisply. With oilier skin types, your treatment will result in “hair strokes.” However, please expect your strokes to have a more “feathered” appearance. 

Your artist might suggest Powder Brows if you have oily or more acne-prone skin. Although your “hair strokes” will heal sufficiently in your skin, your strokes’ crispness cannot be predicted or guaranteed. But as the PMU industry advances, different ink formulations are continually created to give better results for oiler skin types.  

4. THE DESIRED OUTCOME SHOULD DETERMINE IF MICROBLADING VS. POWDER BROWS IS THE BEST PMU PROCEDURE FOR YOU. 

The Art of Microblading is what started the whole eyebrow makeover trend. Microblading –vs. Powder Brows, results in the MOST realistic and Natural looking outcome.  Microblading is best for you if you’re more of a “Naturalista” vs. “Glamazon.”

However, if you prefer a more defined brow, Powder Brows are your best bet or Crystal’s Signature Brow! Why? Powder Brows most resemble a brow perfectly filled in with “powder.” A Powder Brow’s goal is to look as if you took the time to fill your brows in nicely.   If you want the best of both worlds then a Signature Brow is the way to go tp get that wispy and sheer look towards the front and the definition of a powder brow.

5. MICROBLADING VS. POWDER BROWS HAS LONGER-LASTING RESULTS. 

Microblading vs. Powder Brows, depending on skin type, skin tone, and color selection, typically lasts nine months if you’ve completed only one session or 18-36 months if you’ve completed both sessions. With Microblading, you’ll need an annual touchup to maintain the crispness of your “hair strokes.” 

Power Brows typically lasts nine to twelve months. Period. Again, this is primarily because the vegan pigment isn’t implanted as deeply into the epidermis. With Powder Brows, expect to schedule your yearly touchup session when you find yourself filling in your brows again– about nine months from your first Powder Brow Session.  

Please Remember

If you have additional questions regarding choosing between Microblading vs. Powder Brows vs. Both, feel free to schedule a Complimentary Consult. We’ll gladly walk you through deciding which procedure is best for you! 

XO,

Vanity 

Do you want youthful, radiant skin? A combination of aging, sun exposure, and acne scars can result in dry, damaged skin making you look older than you are? Do you have acne prone, textures skin or textured skin. ? Luckily, you have options to repair your skin.

Chemical peels and facials can both offer a youthful, restoring and brightening  effect when used properly. But, what’s the difference?

Chemical peels and facials can both offer a youthful, restoring effect when used properly. But, what’s the difference?

What is a Facial?

Facials are procedures which can help a person look younger. Your aesthetician will begin by cleansing your face to remove any makeup or dirt.

Using a brightly magnified lamp, your aesthetician evaluates your skin type to determine which products to use.
Many facials include steam to release any blackheads or whiteheads followed by exfoliation to remove dead skin.
Your aesthetician will then massage your face to relax you and stimulate your facial muscles. 
This is then followed by a facial mask which is chosen to offer the most aesthetic benefit to your individual needs and followed by a customized enzyme or vitamin c treatment. 
A final application of toner, serums, moisturizer and sunscreen are added before you are finished.

Benefits of a Facial

• Reduce the negative effects of environmental factors such as sun exposure or smoking
• Heal or treat skin that has become too lax and irregularities in texture
• Strengthen the natural protective barrier of the skin
• Stimulate cell rejuvenation
• Improve cellular reproduction
• Restore a core resilience to minimize the physical results of aging

What is a chemical peel?

A chemical peel removes the outer layer of skin in the facial area. During the procedure, chemical solutions are applied to the facial skin in order to exfoliate the top layers of skin that may be old and damaged.

Your aesthetician will determine how to formulate these chemicals in order to meet the specific needs and goals of each patient. There are three levels of chemical peels light, medium or deep.

This procedure stimulates new cell growth so that the skin appears brighter, smoother and more youthful.

Benefits of a Chemical Peel

A chemical peel is typically the choice for those who desire a minimally invasive way to improve the appearance of the skin. Results include:

• Reduce fine lines, wrinkles and freckles
• Repair sun damage
• Improve the appearance of acne, acne scars and other mild scarring
• Correct irregular pigmentation of the skin
• Smooth out rough or scaly patches

Basic Differences between Chemical Peels and Facials

Although the results of these two procedures can be very similar, they have some stark differences.

A chemical peel uses chemical solutions to strip the surface layer of cells away in order for a newer, healthier layer to return.  A facial uses serums and products to clean pores, extract blackheads, and moisturize the skin.

Recovery time for a facial is little to none while a chemical peel may have some minimal side effects that require some time to recover. This recovery time will depend largely on the type of chemical peel received. A light chemical peel will require less recovery time than a deep peel.