Oncology Esthetics is a certification specialty that allows a licensed skin care specialist to offer services to those who are going through cancer treatments and those who are post treatment. Cancer therapies can have negative effects on the skin and they can be challenging, often leaving a client confused on how to safely handle these changes.
Understanding how to safely and effectively treat the skin, particularly when it is challenged by cancer, is paramount to the psychological and physical care of the client. Your services will be refreshing and relaxing, tailored to your specific needs with natural products that have not been tested on animals.
I have partnered with The American Cancer Society by offering facials to survivors by donation with 50% of all proceeds will go to the Society.
2013 Sunscreen Label Update
According to the American Academy of Dermatology the new labels on all sunscreens must say if they protect against skin cancer, sunburn and if they are water resistant.
To lower the risk of skin cancer and early aging sunscreens should be:
- Broad spectrum – protect against UVB and UVA rays
- The sun protection factor (SPF) must be 30 or higher with a minimum of 15.
- The product must be water resistant for 40 or 80 minutes and protect while swimming or sweating.
- The labels cannot say “waterproof,” or “sweat proof” since both are misleading.
EYELINERS: Pencil, Gel or Liquid
This is one of the staples of all cosmetic tools. It’s always amazing to see how a quick swipe can add to and define the eyes. The difficulty is in selecting from the choices available.
Gels and creams: they come in cute little pots and when applied with a good angled brush you can get a precise line. This can be helpful if your lids are small and hooded or you are looking for a slight line to define your eyes.
Liquids and pens: these tools tend to produce dark, inky colors, which is great for creating that winged look. They draw on like paint.
Powder: you can create a subtle or dramatic look with powdered eye shadow and the right application and blending tools.
To get a good idea of the how-to, check out some free online videos. Maybelline’s website offers some great tips on creating various looks.
Recipes
Vegetable Oil Nail Strengthener
2 teaspoons castor oil
2 teaspoons castor oil
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon wheat germ oil
Pour into bottle, shake well. Pour on hands and rub on. Leave on 3-5 minutes then wipe off with cotton pad.
Brown Sugar Hand Softener
¼ cup brown sugar
Baby oil (just enough to make a paste)
Tightening/Toning Lemon Egg White Mask
Juice of ½ lemon
1 egg white
Beat for 3 minutes. Leave on for 30 minutes
Mayonnaise-Baby Oil Dry Skin Treatment
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon baby oil
Leave on for 20 minutes
Lemon and Yogurt Whitening Face Mask
Fade acne marks naturally. Many products on the market contain hydroquinone, which literally kills melanin-making cells to remove skin coloration or mercury, which over time can be dangerous. It has been proven that lemon and yogurt can do the trick.
Here is a recipe for a facial mask that can be used for targeting discolored areas or all over the face:
2 tablespoons honey
4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
3 teaspoons plain yogurt
1 egg white
Whip all ingredients until thick and apply to clean, dry face. Leave on for 15 minutes. This can be stored in the refrigerator for a week and used daily.
Benefits:
Lemon and yogurt have natural whitening properties and help to fade marks acne leaves. The egg white protein boosts the skin’s natural defenses against future wear and tear. Honey is antibacterial which helps to soothe the skin.
Yogurt Face Scrub
This scrub uses Manuka honey which is made by bees that feed off the same bush that provides antiseptic tea tree oil, heralded for healing properties. B6 vitamin-rich yeast in yogurt stimulates blood flow.
20 grams of brewer’s yeast (grind tablets)
2 teaspoons almond meal
2 teaspoons yogurt
1 teaspoon Manuka honey
Sandi’s Skin Talk Q & A
Q: I would like to try a facial, but I don’t think I would like hot towels on my face, so can they still do it without them?
A: Absolutely. When you are talking with your skin care specialist, let her know about your concerns. Often hot towels are not included in a service for various reasons and the facial is still beneficial.
Q: My nails break really easily and they are very brittle, what can I do for them?
A: The first recommendation is to limit exposing them to water by wearing gloves when doing dishes and housework. Soak them in warm oil, such as olive oil and then massage the oil into your cuticles. Keeping them moisturized is essential.
Q: If I do get a sunburn, what would be the best way to treat it?
A: Let’s hope that doesn’t happen, but if it should, put cold compresses on it. Aloe can be applied to take the sting out and to help heal the damaged area.
Q: How can I figure out my skin type?
A: Wash your face with a cleanser that is formulated for normal skin. Let your skin dry by patting it with a soft towel. After an hour, if your skin feels tight, looks ashy or flaky then your complexion is dry. If your skin is oily only across your forehead and down your nose and on your chin then you have combination skin. If you have to blot your entire face with a tissue then your skin is oily and if it feels itchy or irritated then you most likely have sensitive skin.]]>
