Clinical Dimensions LLC

Most of my clients wonder if a toner is worth the time, effort and cost to use in their skincare routine.  What, you don’t have a skincare routine?  You should keep it simple:  cleanser, toner, moisturizer if you have not already established a 2x per day routine.

Toners are used to wipe away the minerals that are in tap water and to bring the skin’s pH back to acidic after washing.  Ever notice the build-up of minerals on glass shower doors, faucet handles, etc.?  This also builds up on your face and masks your perfect complexion. By wiping off the minerals following cleansing, you allow your skin to shine. Don’t worry about alcohol and drying.  Good toners have no drying ingredients.  You use the one for your skin type because the toners also contain ingredients to protect or condition your type.

Platinum Tonic- a hydrating toner that restores pH balance, enhances suppleness and restores moisture to clean skin. Paraben-free.  5oz. $27

Aquaderm Toner- a refreshing, hypo-allergenic, fragrance-free hydrating tonic for normal to sensitive skin.  Also contains Vitamins C&E for anti-oxidant protection.  5oz. $27

Cracks and Calluses Hurt! How to Treat & Prevent Them

If your heels develop “cracks” or your feet develop calluses, your body is trying to tell you something.

Cracks or “heel fissures” occur when the skin gets so dry and thick that it actually splits, which exposes tender inner skin. You can have bleeding, and infection is a possibility.

Calluses are your body’s way of protecting skin from pressure, which can be due to a shoe rubbing, or a repetitive activity. It does protect your skin, but like anything, it can be too much of a good thing.

Both of these are handled by increasing moisturizing, and exfoliating after soaking. Here’s more extensive information about Preventing and Treating Cracked Heels, and a helpful article about Calluses.

Nothing beats 95% Shea Butter Balm for cracked heels in my opinion. You can use it everywhere – but it’s super rich – perfect for feet which have fewer oil glands – and you only need a tiny amount. For best results, exfoliate feet every time you shower or bathe, (a Footscrubber works well) and afterward massage Shea Butter Balm into feet. It helps seal moisture in.

Also find a time that’s easy to remember for using your Shea Butter. Just before bed is good, or first thing in the morning while you’re getting ready.

My sister-in-law applies Shea Butter in the morning, puts on a pair of cotton socks, and wears them while she’s getting ready. When she’s ready to leave, she takes off the socks, the Shea Balm’s absorbed and her feet are already softer!

Find the time now to work on your feet – you’ll be back in Sandals in no time.

Gilden Tree Newsletter

20% off all Gift items including Gilden Tree organic gift sets, shea butter, yummy lotions, scrubs, footscrubbers, OPI polish and file sets.

January SkinCeuticals sale begins Dec. 29.

Click here for the new Fall 2009 Newsletter for Lesley and Me.

Introducing the latest technology and limited treatments to save you money and get the job done. You may need to purchase a product to keep the results going. After all, what you do everyday is equally important.

• Hydration Wrinkle Reducer

• Flash Exfoliation

• Blackhead Relief

• Eye Rescue

I’m referring to the recent article in October’s More Magazine, for women 40-60. There is a list of “skin Myths” and #1 is Facials do not deep clean your pores. OK, I will agree that there is a limit to the depth to which exfoliation and deep cleaning can reach in the outer skin layers, but the 1st sentence says that facials are useless tool for skin. The author, a dermatologist, goes on to concede that the massage portion and the facial in general is relaxing but that’s it! Well, Derm. MD, I realize that you have an MD after your name that makes you more credible in skin care than an aesthetician or skin therapist, I assert that you have a little conflict of interest here in recommending procedures that only physicians can perform at great cost to the wallet and skin health. Most of these procedures cause inflammation and are invasive to our largest organ, our skin. There are far less costly and less invasive skin treatments that can be done to reduce the signs of aging, resolve acne along with sensitivity and sensitized skin conditions.

I know, we all say “what happened to summer?” On the way home from Boston yesterday I saw many branches of trees that had red or yellow leaves, so fall is coming.

This time of year our skin undergoes change as well. If you find you have skin that is sun-damaged like me or complexion is dull and listless, some heavy duty exfoliation is in order. A professional peel or series of peels will remove the damaged layers and allow the new baby skin to come to the surface. This process will also speed up the skin turnover rate. For sun-exposed body parts or back, exfoliation and body brushing will help the skin slough and allow moisturizers to do their job.

Come on in! In 30 min. or less; facial peel, $35, quick back exfoliation, $35, decollete or upper chest peel, $15, body scrub and moisture, $50.

I have been working on the 100 hr. post graduate certificate at the International Dermal Institute. Every chance I get, I travel to NYC by train to take a continuing education class. Last week, it was Exfoliation and the Hydroxy Acids.  While there, I picked up the take home exam and I’m working on that. I am going to NYC March 31 to hear the president of Dermalogica and IDI speak and hopefully she will hand out my certificate as well.

It’s that time. Winter has passed and it’s time to get the skin in shape for the big skin turnover called spring. Just like nature, we also renew. But, the older we get the harder it is for our skin to desquamate or exfoliate naturally. I can help along the process by performing a professional exfoliation that is chosen just for your skin.  This “peel” will soften the skin by removing the build up of dead skin cells that are stuck on the top layers.  Your skin will be better able to absorb the moisture of the season and thereby lines and fine wrinkles will be diminished. Exfoliation is also very important for acne and blemished skin.

Come on in for a full facial ($75, 60 min.) a SkinCeuticals Gel Peel ($35, 30 min.) or a new flash exfoliation treatment. ($25, 20 min.)

Please join Lesley and I for our Grand Re-Opening in our New location during Troy Night Out. Vegetarian, Gluten-free food and of course wine will be served. Come on out to see what is new at the studio.

Be the first to know! Clinical Dimensions,LLC will be moving to the corner of 2nd and State in downtown Troy. I will be joining Lesley Kavanaugh, massage therapist in this former Segel Violins and Clement Frame location, 39 2nd St. down the stairs.

Be the first the see! Open House at the Victorian Stroll, Dec.7 11-5.

Grand opening in January 2009.