Pumpkin - is it a Peel or what?

There seems to be some confusion regarding all the autumn-inspired pumpkin peels out there, so I thought I’d try to clear up any confusion.

I love using pumpkin as a facial treatment. Pumpkin enzymes act like Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA’s), without the drying effects of an AHA glycolic peel, for instance. In other words, you get great cell turnover, accelerated exfoliation, and powerful nutrients and antioxidants to scavenge those pesky free-radicals – resulting in smoother, younger looking skin.

A “gentle exfoliation” is one that will usually not result in a visible sloughing of dead skin. However, results can be achieved from a physical exfoliant such as a light microdermabrasion, a scrub, or a chemical exfoliant - usually 5% AHA or less. These will diminish fine lines, but the results will not last as long as a medium to deep peel.

A “peel” would be a medium to deep exfoliation and will usually result in a visible sloughing of dead skin cells. Depending on skin type, the exfoliation process can be a light flaking of the skin, or a deeper “sheeting” of the skin, where large patches of dead cells will be shed. Peels can be performed through physical exfoliation (microdermabrasion) or chemical peels (higher concentrations of AHA 10%+, BHA, TCAs, Jessners, etc.), or a combination of the two.

We all react differently to products; what may be a light exfoliation to you could be a “peel” on someone else. In addition, if you do not peel or sheet it doesn’t mean something isn’t happening at the cellular level, where it counts.

Price isn’t necessarily your barometer either. Scosh Studio currently offers a 30 minute - 10% Pumpkin Peel for $35, Pumpkin Peel.

So, delight your senses and enjoy the bounty of this time of year!

Eclectic Beauty for Fall '09

PULSE BEAUTY '09

FACE: Apply Scosh Liquid Mineral Powder Foundation or Scosh Pressed Mineral Powder in appropriate shade to skin with Foundation Brush, sponge or Kabuki Brush.

EYES: Sweep Scosh Lingerie shadow all over the eye, from lashes to the brow. Apply Opal all over lid, from lashes to crease. Apply Titanium in the crease and blend outward. Apply Volcanic Ash to the outer corner and under eye as a liner, as desired.

Define eyes with Scosh LiquiLiner in Anisette, starting at the inner corner of the eye apply along the entire lash line. Wing liner at outer corner if desired.

For voluminous lashes, apply Scosh Sensitive Eyes Mascara in Black from the outer corner to the inner corner, sweeping evenly from root to tip.

Complete the look with bold arched brows by applying Scosh Brow Tint in the appropriate shade to match hair color.

CHEEKS: Blend Scosh Mineral Blush in Rose Marble onto apples of cheeks.

LIPS: Apply Liptoxyl in Starlet to center of lips for a fuller-appearing pout.

RELATED PRODUCTS: Scosh Retexturizing Face Primer, Shadow Magnet, Pro Lip Primer

Get the Look(s) for fall '09

BARELY THERE '09

How to be seen this season? In glowing terms, naturally, with radiance-making makeup that takes luminosity to a new level of luxe. A vision that came across on the catwalks with easy-but-dressed fashions designed in elegant fabrics and iridescent jewel tones.

FACE: Apply Scosh Liquid Mineral Powder Foundation or Scosh Pressed Mineral Powder in an appropriate shade, to skin with Foundation Brush, sponge or Kabuki Brush.

EYES: Sweep Scosh Canary Diamond shadow all over the eye, from lashes to the brow. Apply Peach Quartz all over lid, from lashes to crease. Apply Sunstone in the crease and blend outward. Apply Cinnamon Stone to the outer corner, and under eye as a liner as desired.

Define eyes with Scosh LiquiLiner in Choc Martini, starting at the inner corner of the eye apply along the entire lash line.

For voluminous lashes, apply Scosh Sensitive Eyes Mascara in Black from the outer corner to the inner corner, sweeping evenly from root to tip.

Complete the look with classically arched brows by applying Scosh Brow Tint in the appropriate shade to match hair color.

CHEEKS: Blend Scosh Mineral Blush in Sparkling Rose onto apples of cheeks.

LIPS: For a long-lasting effect, apply Scosh Automatic Longlasting Lip Pencil in Buff to lip line and blend inward toward the center of the lips. Glide Lipshine in Pure onto lips. Apply Liptoxyl in Contessa to center of lips for a fuller-appearing pout.

RELATED PRODUCTS: Scosh Retexturizing Face Primer, Shadow Magnet, Pro Lip Primer

August is International Left-handers Month!

Southpaws unite!

Some famous left-handers include Oprah, Martina Navratilova, Helen Keller, Mozart, Picasso, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, MC Escher, Mark Twain, Barack Obama, John McCain, Bill Clinton, Bill Gates, Paul McCartney, David Letterman, Buzz Aldrin, Cesar Chavez, Geronimo, and our hometown ASU golfer ‘Lefty’ Phil Michelson!

Left-Hander Fun facts:

- A southpaw is a left-handed person, especially a left-handed baseball pitcher. From the practice in baseball of arranging the diamond with the batter facing east to avoid the afternoon sun. A left-handed pitcher facing west would therefore have his pitching arm toward the south of the diamond.
- Studies have shown that left-handers are more likely to have allergies than right-handers
- Almost 15 percent of the population are lefties
- Most left-handers draw figures facing to the right
- There is a high tendency in twins for one to be left-handed
- Left-handers adjust more readily to seeing underwater
- I'm convinced Chein Garcon the Wonder Dog and Coco Butt are left-pawed

Cool News You Can Use in the Dog Days of Summer!

It’s going to be 116+ this week so here’s a few tips for Summer Skin Survival!

The average skin is made up of 2 to 3 gallons of water. Your weight divided by 2 is the minimum number of oz. of water needed per day! Conversion chart; 8 oz./cup, 16 oz./pint, 32 oz./quart, 128 oz./gallon. Drink up!

Alleviate perspiration along hairline by using an Antiperspirant Gel. Apply to your fingers first and then apply to the face along hairline. Remember, with any new mask or treatment, test the product on a tiny area of skin first (try it behind the ear) to make sure it won't cause irritation.

Soak in diluted vinegar for minor sunburn pain. Pour 2-3 cups of white vinegar into a bathtub of tepid water and soak. It's very soothing. PLUS a bath is much more comfortable than a pounding shower stream on the skin. Rinse in cool water to delete vinegar smell. TIP - put a 50/50 water/vinegar solution in a spray bottle and keep in the refrigerator for a cooling mist of relief!

Aloe gel is available in a spray can now! Aloe is soothing, healing and keeps skin hydrated. TIP- keep gel or spray in frig for additional cooling comfort.

Flip-flop Dry Feet. Exfoliate first concentrating on the heels with Scosh Microderm Crème Scrub, or Scosh Cleanse mixed with a dime size of baking soda. Then apply olive oil, Vaseline or Aquaphor followed by white cotton socks or peds overnight for smooth, soft tootsies in the morning!

Don’t be too clean! OK, I know this sounds weird but, bar soap can be very drying. If you’re sunburned, stay away from highly fragrant bubble baths, soaps, colognes and perfumes - they may be too irritating to your already parched skin. And don't scrub too hard. Stick with mild gel formulas, like Scosh Cleanse.

Summer looks are soft and bold!

This season’s sheer sexy pastels and intense global brights are everywhere! Feminine yet powerful. The key to following this summer’s makeup trend is to remember that a little bit goes a long way. A good rule of thumb for all seasonal trends is to try one at a time by focusing on one feature at a time.

Sweep a sheer shadow over the lid, or line your eyes with a fabulous new liquid liner color; wing it, smudge it, glam it - liner is huge this season! If you’re going to go dramatic; gold and gilded is all the rage - think, golden goddess! Add a hint of fresh coral to the cheeks and you’re right on trend. Lipsticks are back so, polish off your new look with a pale, nude lip color.

I’ve add a few more tips, tricks and techniques to create and keep that summer-fun look. Enjoy!

Prep, treat, and prime!
In other words, flawless skin is always in so remember; cleanse, apply antioxidant serum, spf moisturizer, and foundation primer. Primers can take makeup from so-so to summer sensational! The right primer can help makeup stay all day, minimize skin flaws, reduce shine, and diminish the appearance of fine lines while refining skin texture.

Ready, set, glow!
Even out skin tone with a Mineral Tinted Moisturizer for a light, summer look with additional spf.
Flush with a Cream Blush, warmed by the fingers and blended into the apples of the cheeks.
Enhance soft, natural brows with Brow Powder instead of brow pencil for long-lasting power.
Define eyes with a sheer shadow over Scosh Shadow Magnet Primer to hold all day. If you are going to make a bold eye color choice, remember to balance the rest of the face by keeping it soft and neutral.
Pout and paint your lips with a nude Lipstick or barely-there Lip gloss. The super shiny look is oh-so last season! (Thank goodness, I always thought that people looked like they were drooling!)
- Have a lip color from last season that you just love? Mix it with a bit of lip balm for sheer texture and color.

It is summer and we are in Arizona so, if you know you’re going to get ‘dewy’, set your makeup with an Oil-blotting Powder. And if you’re a Bronzer kind of girl, try the new golden-glow bronzers, lightly applied to all the places the sun kisses - cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin.

Remember to put your Scosh Blotting Papers in your purse and you can boldly go…and have some summer fun!

To learn more makeup tricks and techniques, join me at Scosh Makeup & Skincare Studio for Scosh School Makeup Workshops, an extraordinary place for a girl’s day out! All of the products listed above and more are available at Scosh Makeup and Skincare Studio, Scottsdale.

Black or Orange Ribbon for May

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month
When I decided to do this year’s skin cancer detection/prevention article I was surprised at all the new info out there; like the ABC’s of skin cancer detection has progressed to include A thru E! And apparently we lack Vitamin D in our bodies as a result of using sunscreen. The aesthetician in me cringes at that one. So, read and learn people, your lives depend on it…

Did You Know?
The Skin Cancer Awareness ribbon is black but can share the color orange.

Beachgoers and snow bunnies should know that sand and snow reflect sunlight and can double UV exposure. UV rays can also pass through water, so don't think you're safe if you're in the pool.

UV rays pass through windows. Check the left side/driving side of your face for hyperpigmentation or brown patches.

Tanning is a form of skin damage.

Bronzers and self-tanners do not protect you from the rays.

We receive up to 85% of our sun damage before we’re 18 years old.

We have fewer oil glands on the back of our hands, under our eyes, neck and décolleté, which is why we age there first. Apply sunscreen liberally!

Skin cancer is the most common of all cancer types. More than 1 million cases of skin cancer is diagnosed every year in the US. More than prostate, breast, lung, colon, uterus, ovaries, and pancreas cancers combined.

Melanoma can appear suddenly as a new mole or it can develop slowly in or near an existing mole. Women often develop melanoma on the lower legs as well as on the torso, Melanomas in men are often found on the torso, or the head and neck area.

Outdoor rays are UVB burning, cancer rays - B for burning. Indoor ultra violet, fluorescent light rays, which travel deeper into the dermis are UVA aging, wrinkling rays - A for aging. All light rays do damage.

The A, B, C, D, and E’s of skin cancer detection -
Asymmetry: one-half is unlike the other half. Border: is irregular, scalloped, poorly defined or blurred. Color: multiple colors, not uniform, shades of tan, brown, black, sometimes white, red, or blue. Diameter: melanomas are usually greater than the size of a pencil eraser, though they can be smaller. Evolving: you have a mole or skin lesion is changing in size, shape, or color. Any new mole growth should be a concern.

The Vitamin D Dilemma…
Sunscreen can block vitamin D production.

Vitamin D is not actually a vitamin but a steroid hormone and is vital for all tissues in the body.

Some of the latest research shows that only 10 minutes of exposure to sunlight each day will be enough for Caucasians to reach the recommended level of Vitamin D. People with darker skin will need somewhat longer exposure times.

HOWEVER, and this is big - most dermatologists and cancer groups have argued strongly against this "solution," since all unprotected UV exposure contributes to cumulative skin damage, accelerating aging, and increasing our lifetime risk of skin cancer. Therefore, people, you need to balance the risks and benefits of sun exposure.

How Do We Protect Ourselves?
Cover-up! Find that inner Diva and get a great hat and a dahhling pair of sunglasses!

Use sunscreen lavishly, at least a shot glass full for the entire body every day! Apply a minimum spf 15 at least 20 minutes prior to going out.

Avoid or protect yourself from the sun's harmful rays between the hours of 10 am and 3 pm, when the sun's rays are the strongest.

Avoid tanning beds. Period.

Don’t have a dermatologist? Find a board-certified Dr. in your area at www.aad.org