Enzymes: What are they and what is their role in skin care? Enzymes are protein that is generally derived from fruit, vegetable, dairy, or animal that acts as a biological catalyst that produces a chemical reaction.  It has a direct effect on the keratin that is also a protein. The purpose of enzymes in skin care is to soften and smooth the surface of the skin. Usually cosmetic enzymes require heat to activate, yet the client seldom feels any sensation.  Papaya-based enzymes have become very popular and can be found in many formulas. How do enzymes work? They digest dead cells by speeding up the process of softening and digesting protein. Those cells eventually slough away. The percentage of enzyme extract, the base and other ingredients is added to determine the performance. Including a good enzyme in your skin care regime is great way to begin skin rejuvenation. Post-Inflammatory Pigmentation The most common skin disorders for those with skin of color is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, an excess of melanin.  This can be a result of over exposure to the sun, hormonal changes, congenital disorders, or improper skin care treatments. An estimated 65% of black clients and 53% of Hispanic and Asian clients experience some form of hyperpigmentation. This can be caused by acne or other skin eruptions and irritations, misuse or overuse of skin products, or over-stimulation from peelings and microdermabrasion. Any ingredient has the potential to cause significant irritation or dryness when applied to ethnic skin.  Skin lightening agents that are used include kojic acid, mequinol, azelaic acid, arbutin soy, vitamin C, licorice extract and niacinamide. Those affected are encouraged to maintain an ethnic skin care routine that includes intense moisturizers.  Darker skinned individuals often develop a gray or ashen color when their skin is dry and this can worsen with certain products. Sandi’s Skin Talk Q & A Q:  Why is salicylic acid used in peels? A:  It stays on the skin longer to penetrate and exfoliate within the pore, it produces less irritation than other peels making it a welcome alternative for those with sensitive skin. Q:  Why do I get a pimple on my chin every month before my period? A:  A breakout on your face prior to your monthly period is a result of hormonal changes occurring at that time. Q:  Why do I need to use a toner every day? A:  A toner is an important part of a good daily facial cleansing. Toners have a multi-purpose; they remove any residual cleanser and they balance the pH (acid level) back to normal 5.5. This is vital to protect the skin’s acid mantel. Q:  My doctor said I have rosacea. What can I use for skin care products? A:  Avoid cosmetics that contain dyes, preservatives and fragrances, hair sprays, hydro-alcoholic or acetone substances and cosmetics that cause redness or stinging. Q:  I have little bumps all over my arms and on my butt. What is it? A:  You may be describing a common condition known as Keratosis Pilaris (KP). Not to worry, it is a benign and noncontagious condition that appears as numerous small, rough, red, or tan bumps primarily around hair follicles on the upper arms, legs, buttocks and sometimes cheeks.  They create a “goose bump” appearance on the skin.  Anyone can get KP although it is common in children and adolescents. 50-80% of all adolescents and 40% of adults have this chronic condition. Hand & Body Home Recipes Gardener’s Hand Scrub Fill an 8 oz. or 12 oz. Bell jar ¾ full with sugar Add pink Dawn detergent to just below mouth of jar Stir and cover. To wash your hands, use a small amount. Rub to exfoliate with water then rinse. This works great on hands and feet, it’s easy to make and is a great gift ________________________________________ Hand Softener ¼ cup of brown sugar Add baby oil to make a paste Mix, scrub and rinse Makes 1 application ________________________________________ Firming Facial Mask 1 ripe, peeled peach with stone removed 1 egg white Whip in blender Pat on face, leave for 30 minutes Rinse Makes 1 application ________________________________________ Tightening and Toning Facial Mask Juice of ½ lemon 1 egg white Beat 3 minutes Apply to face avoiding eye area Leave on 30 minutes, rinse Makes 1 application ________________________________________ Quick Fix for a Pimple Apply 100% tea tree oil with cotton swab every few hours Apply vitamin E one hour before bed ________________________________________ Lip Balm 2 tablespoons olive oil ½ teaspoon honey ¾ teaspoons grated beeswax ½ teaspoon pure cocoa butter Add any flavor of choice (i.e.: vanilla, peppermint) 1 vitamin E capsule Heat olive oil, honey, wax and butter on low heat Cool 2-3 minutes Stir in flavoring and vitamin E Pour into containers Makes 100 applications ________________________________________ Body Scrub 1 cup coarse sea salt ½ cup baby oil Let set for 24 hours Stir and apply Rinse with tepid water Makes 1 application ________________________________________ Nail Strengthener 2 teaspoons castor oil 2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon wheat germ oil Pour into sealable bottle Shake before each use Apply to nails and cuticles, leave on 3-5 minutes Wipe with cotton pad Makes 20-30 applications Sandra Smith Hands of Ki Holistic Center Reiki & Skin Care 21101 NYS Rte. 12 F (Outer Coffeen Street) P. O. Box 6478 Watertown, NY 13601 www.handsofki.com Email: handsofki@yahoo.com (315) 783-1892]]>