Skin Laundry

 “I love doing laundry....”- said no one, ever. With that being said, there’s an exception to every rule, and I have found just that. Although this laundry is not the ordinary, tortuous ritual you’re thinking of- it’s Skin Laundry! 

I paid my very first visit to this exciting new concept located in the Scottsdale Quarter. “What is Skin Laundry?” you ask... let me explain. This super quick (10 minute), non-invasive laser & light treatment vaporizes the dirt being held in your skin’s pores. An RN, who is also a certified laser technician gently glides the device over your face in sections, and the dirt from your pores quite literally comes out before your eyes. The only evidence you will actually have of this happening is the smell of the dirt-filled smoke produced from the laser cleaning your pores (eew!). You will not see the smoke because you are wearing safety goggles during your treatment. My procedure was completely painless, my skin was glowing, and I suffered no down time.

I would highly recommend paying a visit to this exciting new concept, and incorporating it into your routine-especially if you are break-out prone. The staff is highly educated, the facility is gorgeous, there is a medical director on board for your safety, and it works! For more information on the treatment I recieved, as well as frequently asked questions, and information to know prior to your visit, please visit:

FAQ: http://www.skinlaundry.com/about/faqs/#contra-indication

Website: http://www.skinlaundry.com/

Contact: (480) 300-7217

Follow Skin Laundry on Instagram: @skinlaundry 

 

 

XO, Annabelle 

Learning your A,B,C,D, & E's

We can all easily recognize the bronzed skin of a beach beauty that’s just returned from a tropical vacation. But while a tan might look good temporarily, its long term dangers greatly out weight any benefit. And an important question to ask ourselves is "Am I able to identify potential warning signs and hazards after exposure?".  In a brief explanation, I’ll teach you a few tricks and sum up what it is that you need to look for, and be aware of.

As a quick reference, you should first familiarize yourself with the A,B,C,D & E’s of skin cancer. “What’s that?” you ask? As moles change after exposure (and sometimes even no exposure) to UV rays, we can use a quick tool to identify potential hazards in our skin’s natural markings. Here is what to be aware of when checking your moles:

A- Asymmetry: If you were to draw a line through the center of the mole the two halves would not match.

B- Border: Early melanoma usually displays an uneven border. The edges may be scalloped or notched.

C- Color: Having a variety of colors within one mole.

D- Diameter: Melanoma are usually larger than the tip of a pencil eraser. (1/4 in or 6mm). They can, however, be smaller.

E- Evolution: Any change to the color, size, or border can be a sign of melanoma. You should also be aware of any itching, bleeding, or crusting as these may be signs of danger. 

As a precaution, try to wear your sunscreen every single day. Even if you aren’t going to be outdoors or in the sun for prolonged periods of time, this is highly important. We rack in a surprisingly large amount of exposure during the day by walking to our cars, sitting in traffic, and working under fluorescent lights (yes, they also give off UV rays!). The most common areas for melanomas to develop are on the tops of the ears, the nose, tops of the feet, back of the neck, scalp, face, lips, neck, chest, arms and even areas that are not regularly exposed to the sun.

I highly recommend wearing your SPF, getting skin checks every six months, and getting into a dermatologist immediately if you have any of the above warning signs. Melanoma is highly treatable and curable when caught in the early stages, so avoidance is never in your favor. If you’re still not willing to give up your glow, try a sunless tanner, or spray tans. I use these methods exclusively and am always satisfied with my tan, and more importantly, healthy complexion. It may also help to keep in mind that UV exposure and tanning attributes to nearly 80% of skin's aging! Try and use these simple additions and I'm sure you won't regret it.

For more information on melanoma, and skin health visit SkinCancer.org .

XO, Annabelle 

Meditation: Hitting Reset on Your Skin's Cells

 While meditation has always seemed like a nice idea, I’ve never had the time (more like patience) to execute any type of practice into my life. After coming to a place of realization that self-care must be a priority, I’ve decided to embark on Deepak Chopra and Oprah’s 21-day Happiness Mediation Challenge (with the help and push from my dear sister, Renee).

The Challenge that starts today will help to transform your focus of external factors providing happiness, and rather to receive joy from things located within. As you begin to let the “bliss” unfold, you will be rewarded by the fulfillment of your actions. While I don’t know a lot more about what this 21-day challenge will involve, I invite you to join me in finding your inner peace and happiness too.

As it turns out, while I knew meditation was great for many facets of life, not falling short is your skin health and beauty! Meditation helps to revitalize every cell in your body, and unleashing these Chis will replenish the tissues of your skin to defeat aging, release toxins, and help you look your very best. In addition to this, expect greater inner peace, possible weight loss, and overall health improvement.

I extend this offering of peace to you, and hope we will both enjoy it. I look forward to seeing how it goes for both myself, and everyone who decides to participate with me. Click the link below to register (for free) and please keep me posted! Happy Monday, I wish you a blessed week!

 https://chopracentermeditation.com/experience

xo,
Annabelle

Photo Cred: Pinterest

Get Blissed.

This past weekend I paid a visit to the Bliss Spa at the W Scottsdale- and what I found there was just that. Immediately I was welcomed by a warm staff, and was escorted to a lounge area that was both relaxing and fully stocked with Bliss products to use at my disposal. And then suddenly, I was whisked off to two full hours of pure heaven.

The package I selected was the fabulous facial, and the blissage (massage). Both of these services are their “basic” starting level offerings, but they far-exceeded anything basic. During my facial, the esthetician performed a double cleanse including a clarisonic, an exfoliation, extractions, mask, and a relaxing massage. I upgraded my exfoliant to a glycolic peel made by Skinceuticals (Micropeel 20 Solution). I was very pleased with my non-aggressive, yet effective results. The peel I selected is specially formulated to gently exfoliate the skin, while also re hydrating and reducing the appearance of sunspots, fine lines, and wrinkles. While I did not experience any visible peeling, I know my skin responded wonderfully to the treatment.

After my seriously fabulous facial, I went into a 49 minute massage. My therapist was very informative and effective. He allowed me to explain my problem areas and performed a full assessment of my alignment before even beginning the service. During my service he would check to see that the pressure was adequate, and that it was in line with my personal goals of the treatment. After the massage he discussed my areas of tension and even demonstrated exercises I could perform at home in between spa visits.

I would highly recommend paying a visit to this famous-for-a-reason spa. It truly is everything it is cracked up to be and more. Phenomenal products, technicians, services, and ambiance. Absolutely Annabelle approved! Go get blissed.

XO,

Annabelle

 

For more information please visit: www.blissworld.com/spa

The Opal of My Eye

 

Even though I pride myself on my super-dedicated skin care regimen, I still have areas that provoke insecurities. My under eye area is one. Although I’m not that old, for as long as I can remember I’ve struggled with under-eye bags, dark circles, and volume depletion. After years of attempts with different products, and not to mention way too much money, I’ve found the game-changer.

As a religious user (and believer) in my Clarisonic, I was elated when the Clarisonic Opal Anti-Aging Eye Corrector was released. Although it’s debut was a few years ago, I hadn’t pulled the trigger on a purchase of my own- big mistake. This handy tool infuses your eye creams at 200+ sonic movements per second! You simply apply a small amount of your eye cream, or serum to the rubber tip and massage each eye for thirty seconds. And PS, it’s timed for you. The deep infusion of your eye creams and serums provided by the Opal is much more effective than using the tip of your finger alone. 

I’ll admit that the biggest part of my struggle has always been my genetic makeup, and not a matter of diligence. However, this product has already dramatically improved the skin and structure that I was naturally given. I look forward to the future improvement in my overall texture, hydration, wrinkle-improvement/prevention, and collagen regeneration.

Questions? Comments? I ordered mine directly from Nordstrom from my personal stylist Kalli Rebich at the Scottsdale location. Email her to order yours today: Kalli.Rebich@nordstrom.com . 

Clarisonic Opal: $185
For more information please check out Clarisonic.com , or Nordstrom.com 

XO,
Annabelle

How to: Fix Your Streaky Self-Tanner

Dilemma: You've finally given up tanning in the sun because you realize how bad the sun really is for your skin (You go, Glenn Coco.) But, your recent commitment to an at-home self-tanner has left you with an uneven color full of streaks and lines.

Lucky you, I've found the solution!

To remove an uneven tan, simply mix two Tablespoons of lemon juice, and two Tablespoons of baking soda together in a glass dish or bowl. Bring the concoction into your shower, apply for two minutes, and rinse. This mix should still maintain color, while removing any uneven areas. Now you should still be "sunned", and not so Snooki.

What are your solutions to fixing a tan gone wrong?

XO,

Annabelle

So Fresh, and So Clean.

Often times I hear from clients, friends, and family that they cannot understand why they continue breaking out after incessant cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing, spot treating, peeling, extracting, dermaplaning... are you tired yet? Could it be so simple that the very reason you continue breaking out is <gasp!> YOUR MAKEUP BRUSHES!!?!

Sad, but true, your makeup brushes harbor much bacteria and need consistent cleansing, much like your skin. It is recommended that you actually clean your brushes once a week- which is a stat that most are unaware of. There are several great cleansers to use, but this past weekend I used something more natural that was highly effective. Have you heard the term "like attract like"? Or "oil attract oil"? I got back down to the basics and used a combination of olive oil and coconut oil (either/or should be sufficient) and simple antibacterial soap. My results were glorious. 

First:

I laid out all of my dirty brushes (eew!). I applied a combination of olive oil and coconut oil (mixed on a plate) to the dry brush hairs. After rotating the brush heads a few times around the plate, my makeup was instantly attracted to the oil in the brushes. I rinsed with water and repeated the process once more. 

Second:

After rinsing each brush with the oil solution, I applied some antibacterial soap to my hand. Swirling the brush around for a third time and doing one final rinse. 

You guys,.... EVERYTHING came out. 

I highly recommend using this solution to you as it is effective, will moisturize your brushes while cleansing them, and wont break your bank. What are your favorite brush cleaners? Gimme the dirt.

XO,

Annabelle

<Currently listening to: Flume- Drop The Game.>