"Resveratrol" the powerful antioxidant

This past year, in every fashion magazine and on every at-home shopping channel, I saw a host of new anti-aging skincare products based on what everyone has been calling the "new, breakthrough" antioxidant ingredient Resveratrol. Resveratrol is a great skincare ingredient, but it’s hardly new. In fact, I've been using Resveratrol for over 12 years in my skincare and in the treatment room. The Resveratrol based Comfort Cream I apply after peels and microderm treatments was so loved by everyone, I began to sell it in early 2009, quickly became one of my best selling and most loved skincare products, with a very devout fan-base.

Without feeling greasy or heavy Comfort Cream provides substantial moisture from shea butter and jojoba oil while protecting the skin’s natural moisture barrier with Ceramides. In addition to Resveratrol, additional anti-oxidants are on hand including Vitamin C, Giant Knotweed and Turmeric. Comfort Cream smells absolutely divine with a light, all-natural fragrance from peach wine and vanilla extracts. It’s great for all skin types, particularly dry, dehydrated or skin that has recently had a peel or microdermabrasion.

So what exactly does Resveratrol do? Resveratrol is present in grapes (and red wine) and is not only a potent antioxidant, but it pulls double duty as a great anti-inflammatory agent. Antioxidants defend us against free radical damage. Free radicals attack our skin and break down skin’s support structure. Want a truly "firming" moisturizer? Then you want a moisturizer loaded with antioxidants to protect you from exposure to free radicals that can cause skin damage over time like loss of elasticity. New anti-aging studies also tell us that reducing inflammation on the skin is also a critical step to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Inflammation isn’t just about the redness or irritation you can see. Inflammation can also occur but it can be microscopic and not visible to the naked eye. Anti-inflammatory ingredients are a great addition to your skincare routine.

Keep in mind you must always pair your antioxidants with the daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater. Antioxidants will enhance the effects of your sunscreen, but they absolutely do not replace your need to wear sunscreen every single day.

As a special thank you to all of my loyal clients who have made the Comfort Cream such a huge hit, I am now offering Comfort Cream in a new luxury size, but at an amazing value. $140 for 8.1oz, regularly $240. This is a limited time offer and if you are interested I would act now. I'm having trouble keeping this one in stock ladies!

For more information, call Kathy at Scosh, 480.970.5454 or email info@scoshskincare.com

Makeup Tips for Holiday Pictures

It's that most wonderful time of year for pictures so, I thought some Holiday application tips would be fun. This will be more of a what 'to do' and 'not do' to keep your pictures pretty.

Holiday or event makeup is all about enhancing and defining... NOT decorating.

The type of foundation you wear is very important for pictures. I love loose mineral powder foundation for everyday wear, but it's not your best choice for pictures. Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and mica all have shiny properties to them and will 'blow out' on camera. You know that look... your face is white while the rest of your body looks natural. So, choose a liquid mineral or pressed mineral foundation with a bit more matte finish.

DO: if you're using liquid foundation, apply it before concealer - so you don't wipe the concealer away.

DO: if you're using a pressed powder foundation, apply it after concealer - as the powder sets the concealer.

DON'T: make raccoon eyes with your concealer, it will show on camera, apply only where needed.

DO: add a healthy glow to the cheeks with a light shimmer blush. Apply to the apples or pillows of the cheeks.

DO: your brows. This is a big tip for enhancing your face for pictures.

DO: wear shadow with shimmer, it is the holidays after all, but on the lid ONLY.

DON'T: put a shimer or frost under your brow on the brow bone area as this will also 'blow out' on camera and make your brows look large while making your eyes look small.

DO: wear lashes. Save money here and buy them at your local drug store. The most important part of the lash application is the glue - DUO glue only. It used to be called surgical glue, it's basically latex. Get Dark, it comes out of the tube grey but darkens as it dries. And don't forget to let it get a bit 'tacky' before you apply to the lid, so your lashes won't slide all over.

DO: wear lipstick. I love lipstick in pictures, just don't go too dark or you'll be all mouth in your shots.

DON'T: wear too much gloss. Use a bit of restraint, too much gloss will make you look like you're drooling!

TIP: if you're going to do the smokey eye or use some glitter/shimmer shadow, I always advise you to do your eyes first, face last. See my Sultry Eyes blog for that particular look.

TIP: and last but not least, don't forget to exfoliate your skin. Your makeup will only look as good as the canvas!

DO: HAVE FUN!

Sultry Eyes - an easy do-it-yourself guide to the Smokey Eye look

The smokey eye look doesn’t mean just grays and blacks any longer. It’s all about shimmery color this season, so jump into some of those sparkly golds and bronzes or juicy jewel tones.

Basic Smokey Eye

You already know this but it is SO true, your make up will only look as good as your skin. So before any makeup application, make sure that your face is clean, exfoliated, and moisturized. Allow moisturizer to absorb.

Normally, I would start my makeup app with foundation, concealer, powder, etc. first BUT, since there is the possibility of some fall out with this application (shadow falling onto your face) do eyes first:

1. Start by prepping your lid with a dusting of Oil Blotting Powder, eye lash to eye brow. This creates a nice velvety canvas which makes your shadows glide on all nice nice.

2. Don’t forget to fill in your brows next. I prefer to use shadow a shade or two lighter than your brow color. This really finishes off the total look.

3. Line the upper and lower lids with a dark liner shade; it can match the darkest shadow color you’re going to use, or try dark brown or black. Not a fan of liquid liner here - too harsh, pencil’s best, which we will 'set" with shadow.

4. Starting on the upper lid getting as close to the lash line as you can, apply your darkest shade shadow over the pencil line (to set it) and blend up to the eye socket. Don’t go north of the socket or outside your eyeball, as you'll start getting that ‘wing’ thing and lose the smokey aspect of this look. Apply the darker shadow over the pencil on the lower lid to set and add some sultry drama.

5. Ok, now take a lighter shade in the same color family and lightly sweep over the pupil and into the crease. Again – blend, blend, blend. It’s very important that you don’t show a severe line of demarcation in the crease, as it’s the “we know what you’re doing and it’s not quite working” kind of thing! You can not blend enough here. You won’t blend away what you just applied, you’ll be blening into the skin and actually help create that gradated, airbrushed effect. Are you blending?

6. Apply a champagne shade of highlighter directly under the brow. And for that added pop, place a tiny amount at the tear ducts.

7. To really open the eyes, curl your lashes prior to applying many coats of mascara. Just make sure your mascara doesn’t look like you slept in it! Better yet, add lashes.

To complete this look, brush away any fallout on the face and cheeks and apply a matte foundation and blush. Just remember if the focus is on your eyes, you want to keep your lips soft with a neutral lipstick, gloss or lipshine.

There are many variations on the Smokey Eye. To learn more makeup tricks, tips and techniques, I invite you to join me for a lesson, http://www.scoshskincare.com/1-on-1.php.

This month’s blog is short and sweet, pun intended!

Each year as I approach the holiday season, the image of all of those delicious holiday treats loom over my head like a dark chocolate cloud. How I wish I could indulge without the guilt...

Solution! How about all the benefits with none of the guilt? Studies I have seen compare the highly nutritious antioxidant benefits of chocolate to that of green tea. Eating rich dark chocolate can increase your skins natural UV protection - the higher the % of cacao the more antioxidants you are getting. It also helps to eat little bits throughout the day (in moderation, because that’s how we all eat chocolate, right?) to extend the benefits. Yippee!!

Applied to the skin, the antioxidant content of chocolate can fight off free-radical damage that can break down the collagen and elastin in our skin (think wrinkle fighting). In addition, my scrumptious Chocolate Hydration Mask has wonderful skin smoothing and moisturizing properties.

So, as a special treat I’ve decided to get a head start on the holidays this year, and offer my wildly popular Chocolate Peppermint Facial this November. This was my most popular facial last December! So, drench your skin in a calorie-free chocolate mousse that fights the signs of aging deliciously and without all the calories.

Top it off with a kiss of peppermint LipToxyl and what’s not to love?Enjoy this fabulous Chocolate Peppermint facial for only $35! Check out all my other specials, treatments, makeup lessons and products at http://www.scoshskincare.com/.

Where do I fit in?

To have a better understanding of what treatment fits where, here's a post on the position of treatments in the facial room, and how to choose the treatment best suited for you.

Facials are formulated to refresh, revive, and replenish. Scosh Express Facials are uniquely designed for maximum results in minimum time. These results-oriented treatments target all skin types to reveal more youthful, healthy skin. These high-end 30-minute, customized facials are perfect for the person on the go!

Dermal Planing gently exfoliates the outer layers of dead skin cells, and removes fine facial hair commonly known as "peach fuzz" from the face, upper lip, and chin using a surgical blade. This is a 2-in-1 treatment! Your skin will immediately be smooth, supple and renewed - with no downtime.

Recommended for most skin types, with the exception of acne prone skin. This procedure may be accelerated by following it with a hydrating comfort mask or a brightening, hydrating enzyme peel.

Dermal Planing is a progressive procedure, usually done in a series of 3 treatments every 30 days. Appointments take approximately 45 minutes for the 1st appointment, half hour thereafter.



Microdermabrasion is a powerful, yet gentle anti-aging treatment. I always say you get more bang for your buck with Microderm. It is natural way to evenly exfoliate the skin with a fine, controlled spray of crystals removing the outer layers of the skin, and accelerating cell turnover which slows down as we age. It also stimulates the dermal fibroblasts, which in turn stimulate collagen growth to improve skin’s natural vitality and firmness. Microdermabrasion transforms the appearance of the skin leaving it fresh, radiant, and silky smooth - with no downtime.

Recommended for all skin types, with the exception of Rosacea prone skin. This procedure may also be accelerated by following it with a hydrating comfort mask or a brightening, hydrating enzyme peel.

Microdermabrasion is a progressive procedure, usually done in a series of 3 to 6 treatments every 10 to 14 days. Appointments take approximately 45 minutes for the 1st appointment, half hour thereafter.


Chemical Peels include a variety of safe, effective ingredients to smooth, stimulate, firm, and tighten the skin. The types of peels we are addressing are gentle, light to medium range peels. The combination of peel ingredients speed up the natural exfoliating process and enable new, healthier cells to come to the surface. By removing dull and damaged surface layers, the result is an improved and more youthful appearance. You may or may not experience actual peeling; each individual is different. A good result may still be achieved, even without the presence of visible exfoliation as changes are made at the cellular level. These treatments give a glowing appearance with a smoother texture and more even skin tone.

Scosh uses PCA peels which have been designed for a wide variety of skin types; sun damaged, anti-aging, hyperpigmentation, acne/problematic.

The Scosh Chemical peel includes a series of 3 peels - one every 2 weeks.

1st week - Microdermabrasion peel to prep the skin

3rd week - Chemical Peel

5th week - fruit enzyme peel to polish the skin

To optimize the results I include a take-home skincare kit to keep you on track. For those who don't want to 'peel' at work I'm doing extended hours on Wednesdays and Thursdays to allow for any flaking over the weekend.

I hope this helps! Call or email me, kathy@scoshksincare.com to schedule your treatment, 480.970.5454

TIPS FOR THE PERFECT POUT!

Lips are a HUGE trend this fall. So, it’s the ideal time for lip treatment tips plus a lipstick buying guide to help you pick the right shade.

There’s nothing more distracting than dry, cracked lips. So, to keep your pucker smoochable, I’m introducing the new 2-part Scosh Lip Indulgence Treatment Kit.

Part 1 - age fighting antioxidants in the Lip Exfoliating Treatment slough away dry skin from your lips and surrounding area, helping to minimize lipstick feathering.

Part 2 - the Vibran C Lip Balm spf 15 features Vitamin C wrapped around a core of Vitamin E to soften, heal and protect. Affordable indulgence!

As far as color this season, you’re going to see plums, wines and reds. The abundance of plum reds, blue reds, orange reds, and brown reds from which to choose can be a bit overwhelming. A scosh of color theory to break down the color red is just what the makeup artist ordered:

• Blue-reds are my favorite. These user-friendly reds have an added bonus in that they make your teeth look whiter. This family includes the HOT HOT HOT plum look for fall.
  
• Orange-reds are tough. This particular red family has a tendency to make your smile look yellow. But never say never, because a few of my redheads wear red with a slight gold shimmer, and it works beautifully for them.
  
• Brown-reds are better left to younger faces. These shades will age you in an instant with a mere swipe of the tube.
  
• Texture is the modern approach to the perfect red pout. If the idea of going red or plum scares you, try a gloss or sheer lipstick formula. However, if you're ready to dive in, a creamy, velvety formula is spot on.
  
• TIP: a nice sharp line is important with a creamy red formula. It's always been my practice to match your lip pencil to your lip color, not the lipstick shade. When your lipstick wears away, you won't have that tell-tale red line around your lips.

So go for it, pucker up and give your honey a smooch!

The Scosh Lip Exfoliating Treatment Kit is on SALE thru 8/31/10 at Scoshskincare.com.

Visit http://www.scoshskincare.com/ to view the entire Scosh Makeup and Skincare line, makeup lessons and customized facials.

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.

How to Clean Your Makeup Brushes

Washing your brushes weekly to remove facial oils and bacteria will not only help your brushes last longer, but it will reduce the risk of contaminating your makeup with bacteria. It is also essential to your skin health that you keep your brushes clean and sanitized since they are in fact touching your face. This is especially critical for anyone suffering from breakouts or congested skin.

Put a dime size amount of a gentle shampoo and water - 50/50 mix, in the palm of your hand, dip brush into mixture and gently make a “lazy crazy eight” motion several times. Rinse the brush clean with fresh water, repeat if necessary. After cleansing your brush always position the bristles back into shape. For a powder or blush brush, you can tap the handle several times on the back of your hand to “fan out” the bristles. For eye makeup brushes simply mold the bristles back into shape using your fingers. Allow brushes to thoroughly air dry before using or storing them.

If you want the right application, you need the right tool. A great makeup brush can make all the difference in the world when applying your makeup. I am very proud to offer a complete range of superior makeup brushes that I have personally chosen based on my years of experience doing professional makeup. I’m also happy to say that my brushes are totally affordable without sacrificing quality. You can check out my complete range of makeup brushes at scoshskincare.com.

Shaving - doesn’t have to be a pain in the neck!

Does the idea of shaving every morning make your neck turn red with irritation? Do you finish your shave with nicks, cuts and bumps? Do you chafe your sweeties face when you give her a smooch?

A really great shave has 3 important components: your hardware, your software and lots of moisture.

Let’s start with your shaving hardware; choices are the girly disposable razors, cartridge razors and the classic double-edge razor. There’s also the straight razor, and we do live in the west but, nah!

Shaving aficionados love the superior double-edge razor blade for a much closer shave. Used in combination with a quality badger shaving brush and cream, you have all the necessary ingredients for a Wet Shave. However, if you decide to use a multi-blade cartridge razor please remember to change your cartridge frequently. A dull razor is definitely the culprit for razor burn. And don’t use your girlfriends or wife’s disposable razors for anything. Period.

Ideally, if you can, shave in the shower. Beard stubble will soften the longer you’re in that wet steamy environment.

Start with a really good shaving gel, cream or moisturizer. Stay away from alcohol based products which will not only make your face sting, but also dry your skin. Massage the cream or gel into your skin to soften stubble and help create a protective barrier that allows your razor to glide easily across your skin.

Shave downward with the grain or in the direction that your hair grows, using slow careful strokes. This usually means down your cheeks and face and up your neck. Going with the grain helps prevent razor rash. Rinse your blade often.

Many men suffer from shave bumps and ingrown hairs, which happen when particularly tough stubble is cut and grows back underneath the skin. Regular use of a face scrub with Jojoba beads helps remove dead skin cells while helping to free in ingrown hair.

And if you have really tough stubble you may have to shave twice; once in the direction of your growth, rinse, cream up again and then shave against the grain.

Once you’ve finished shaving, rinse and then pat your face with a clean towel. Finish with a moisturizer with UV protection all over your face and neck to keep your face moist and supple.

Store your blade to air dry. Leaving your blade in water will dull the blade and possibly breed bacteria.

So, go ahead have a great shave and give your sweetie a kiss!

My male clients LOVE to use Scosh Matte Hydrate Moisturizer as a shave cream;http://www.scoshskincare.com/s_moisturizers.php

No Oompa Loompa’s here!

Fortunately, the orange, oompa loompa self-tanning products from the 80’s and 90’s are becoming a distant memory. The newest self-tanning formulas available are elegant and produce great results with the right application.

Follow my tips for a beautiful self-tanning experience:

• Exfoliate the areas of your face or body you plan to tan. Avoid streaking by paying extra attention to elbows, knees and ankles.
• Dry off completely and get out of that steamy bathroom, to reduce streaking.
• Apply self-tanner evenly. A tinted product will help you see where you’re applying.
• Mist-on self-tanners in a spray can are great for hard to reach areas like your back, but I’d suggest a trial run before any special event to get your application method down first.
• Blend, blend, blend around your hairline and on your elbows, knees and ankles.
• After application, wash your hands well; scrub your cuticles and fingernails. Brown fingernails are not your goal!
• Take a dry cotton swab and lightly go over the outline of your brows to blend.
• Wait a full 20 minutes before dressing. Even then, avoid wearing white.
• Your color should develop in 2 or 3 hours.
• Don’t wash your face or shower for at least 3 hours.
• For a deeper tan, try another application within 24 hours, but this time skip exfoliation.
• Avoid using any skincare and body care products containing chemical or physical exfoliants after self-tanning, as the exfoliation will strip the color from your skin.

If you follow these tips, you should have a beautiful self-tan. Tanning in the sun or in a tanning bed is not only dangerous, but an open invitation to age spots, wrinkles and skin cancer. The Only Safe Tan Is A Fake Tan!

Just remember that a tan, chemical or physical, DOES NOT offer protection from the sun. Use an SPF 15 or SPF 30 with UVA/UVB protection every single day, rain or shine. Last but not least, remember you are beautiful just as you are, tanning is optional.

How Vitamin C Works

I LOVE Vitamin C!

Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) is one of the relatively few topical agents whose effectiveness against wrinkles and fine lines is backed by reliable scientific evidence. Ascorbic Acid has been proven to be photo-protective; a formidable defense against solar-induced free radicals. It plays a potent role in diminishing the effects of free radical damage and is quite effective as a protectant from ultra violet light damage. (Remember last month - ALL rays do damage!)

Vitamin C as an Antioxidant: ultraviolet radiation can generate oxygen free radicals that cause aging of the skin. Vitamin C can act as a first defense, against some of these radicals.

Vitamin C and Collagen: collagen is a key component of most tissues. Vitamin C works as an essential factor for the normal formation, maintenance and structural stability of collagen.

Topical Vitamin C has shown to protect the skin from UV damage caused by prolonged sun exposure by reducing the amount of free radical formation and/or sunburn cells. As a result Vitamin C plays an essential part in slowing down photoageing.

So, cleanse daily with your Vibran-C Cleanser, followed by C Serum 20%, and your Vibran-C Day Lotion spf 15. And don’t forget to use your Vibran C Mask and Peel frequently. And take advantage of the 25% discount on ALL Vibran C products June 8 - June 19th, 2010, knowing that you are doing some good as well as feeling good!

You can find all the above Scosh goodies at, http://www.scoshskincare.com/.

How To Read a Label

One thing that amazes me is how some companies will spotlight a single ingredient in a product, but when you take a look at the ingredient label you will find that the product barely contains any of that ingredient.

I encourage all of my clients to be an informed consumer and read the ingredient label! Ingredients are listed in descending order of quantity just like a food label. If the product’s star ingredient is listed toward the bottom of the list, you know it is barely present in any significant amount (particularly if it is listed after the parabens and preservatives). Also, did you ever think about the fact that the total ingredients in a product can only add up to 100%? If you see an ingredient list a mile long, how much of any one ingredient can possibly be in there? Not much.

When I was researching products a year or so ago I came across the Peptoxyl line that I now carry at Scosh Studio. One of the things that really impressed me was the formulations. The ingredient lists are short and to the point. And unlike a lot of peptide products I’ve tried, they actually do contain a significant amount of peptides, and other beneficial ingredients. One of my favorites is the Peptoxyl Radiance Serum. This water-like serum has many beneficial ingredients, but two key ingredients are going to have the most impact. Aminopropyl Kojyl Phosphate is the 2nd ingredient in the serum, just after water. How often do you see the star ingredient in any product as the 2nd ingredient on the label? Rarely! It is a derivative of the natural skin lightening agent kojic acid and can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, diminishes age spots and help collagen synthesis. Hexanoyl Dipeptide-3 Norleucine Acetate is the 4th ingredient in the Peptoxyl Radiance Serum. It activates skin cell regeneration by stimulating the natural shedding process of the skin, leading to a gentle peeling.

Another favorite peptide product is Scosh Peptoxyl Eye Treatment. This intense treatment for the eye area increases micro-circulation, decreases puffiness, strengthens capillary walls to reduce under eye darkness and reinforces the structure and flexibility of collagen and elastin for firmer, more resilient skin. Treat your self and enjoy a 20% savings thru April 30, 2010!

So, make sure you're doing your homework and if you need some crib notes, I have a glossary of ingredients on my website: http://www.scoshskincare.com/glossary.htm.

Why Resveratrol?

Everywhere I turn the past few months I have come across yet another skincare company launching a new cream or serum based on the antioxidant ingredient resveratrol. They praise resveratrol as a new, exciting breakthrough for anti-aging skincare. While I agree that resveratrol is a great skincare ingredient, it’s hardly new. I've been using resveratrol for over 12 years in my skincare and in the treatment room.

Present in grapes (and red wine), resveratrol is not only a potent antioxidant, but it pulls double duty as a great anti-inflammatory agent. Antioxidants defend us against free radical damage. Free radicals attack our skin and break down skin’s support structure. Want a truly “firming” moisturizer? Then you want a moisturizer loaded with antioxidants to protect you from exposure to free radicals that can cause skin damage over time like loss of elasticity. Recent studies also indicate that reducing inflammation on the skin is also a critical step to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Inflammation isn’t just about the redness or irritation you can see. Inflammation can also occur but it can be microscopic and not visible to the naked eye. Anti-inflammatory ingredients are a great addition to your skincare routine.

Always pair your antioxidants with the daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater. Antioxidants will enhance the effects of your sunscreen, but they absolutely do not replace your need to wear sunscreen every single day.

For years, I have used a cream with resveratrol after performing a peel or microderm treatment. At the request of my clients, I recently started offering this product for purchase, which I have long referred to as my “Antioxidant Cream”. It was an instant hit and because everyone loves it so I'm now offering it in a convenient new package, with a new name - Comfort Cream! Without feeling greasy or heavy Comfort Cream provides substantial moisture from shea butter and jojoba oil while protecting the skin’s natural moisture barrier with Ceramides. In addition to resveratrol, additional anti-oxidants are on hand including Vitamin C, Giant Knotweed and Turmeric. Comfort Cream smells absolutely divine with a light, all-natural fragrance from peach wine and vanilla extracts. It’s great for all skin types, particularly dry, dehydrated or skin that has recently had a peel or microdermabrasion.

I have had a hard time keeping the Comfort Cream in stock so I’ve not yet offered it for purchase on my website. If you are interested, Comfort Cream is available in a 1oz size for $27 at Scosh Studios. As with all Scosh products, a little goes a long way – All you need is a Scosh!

For more information, call Scosh at 480.970.5454 or email info@scoshksincare.com

Tips To Avoiding & Hydrating Dry Skin

The dry desert air can contribute to a lot of skincare concerns, but especially impacts those of us with dry skin. There are a host of things you can do to aid dry skin year round, and they go well beyond just using more moisturizer.

Skincare is important, but there are a few non skincare tips that can dramatically aid dry skin;

- Keep yourself hydrated by drinking more water. Don’t stress yourself out either trying to carry around some enormous bottle of water all day. Drink a glass of water with each meal and fit in an extra glass here and there when you can.

- Consider buying an inexpensive humidifier. Elevating the moisture level in the air at night while you sleep will help keep your skin hydrated all day.

- Avoid bringing your skin in contact with really hot water. Hot water dehydrates your skin. Avoid long, hot showers and baths, and use lukewarm or tepid water to cleanse your face.

There are some basic rules that apply to both skin and body care products that can help dry skin;

- Use a gentle cleanser that does not strip your skin of it’s natural oils and lipids. And use a gentle, non aggressive scrub twice weekly. Scosh Cleanse and Papaya Exfoliating Enzyme Scrub.

- Avoid toners or serums with drying alcohols like “SD alcohol“ or “denatured alcohol“. Instead use a toner with great water binding ingredients like glycerin and skin boosting antioxidants.

- Use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater daily. Sun damage will absolutely contribute to how your skin looks and feels. Scosh Protect SPF 15 and Peptoxyl Protection SPF 30

- Look for water binding ingredients in your serums and moisturizers to boost your skins ability to retain moisture. Ingredients like glycerin, ceramides, hyaluronic acid or sodium hyaluronate, collagen, elastin, algae, sodium PCA and phospholipids. Scosh C Serum 20% and Peptoxyl Radiance Serum

- Choose products with proven, effective hydrators. Shea butter is always a favorite as are some natural, non-fragrant plant oils like jojoba, apricot kernel and sunflower seed oil. Mineral oil gets a bad wrap and shouldn’t. Although mineral oil isn‘t “green” (it’s not a renewable source) it’s a great moisturizing ingredient that creates a protective barrier on the skin. Mineral oil is a great option for most dry skin types, except those with congested skin. Scosh Peptoxyl Wrinkle Relaxing Cream

So remember, it’s not just about the creams and lotions you are applying, it’s about avoiding the behavior that will contribute to your already dry skin and applying a bit of science to your skincare choices. The result will be more beautiful, healthy looking skin.

“Botax” on Capitol Hill

Page 2045, SEC. 9017. EXCISE TAX ON ELECTIVE COSMETIC MEDICAL PROCEDURES. IRS Publication 502, "any procedure that is directed at improving the patient's appearance and does not meaningfully promote the proper function of the body or prevent or treat illness or diseases."

Did you know that the Senate’s Health Care bill had a proposed 5% tax on elective cosmetic surgery? Fillers, implants, reconstructions, teeth whitening and other aesthetic procedures. Dubbed the "Botax" on Capitol Hill, the tax on elective cosmetic surgery first appeared in November, compliments of Sen. Harry Reid, D. Nev. Estimations were that the tax would raise approximately $5.8 billion over 10 years. After a lobbying campaign by plastic surgeons, the AMA, and Allergan, Senate Democrats pulled it from the bill.

Caroline Van Hove, an Allergan spokeswoman, said the tax was discriminatory toward women and that it did nothing to reduce health care costs. "These are elective procedures that middle-class women are paying for out of their own pockets," she said.

While this tax may not have been on your radar, you should consider this - New Jersey adopted a 6% tax on elective medical procedures in 2004, and since the election of the tax the NJ Department of Taxation has experienced a 59% shortfall based on projected revenue estimates. In fact, the original sponsor of the 2004 bill, New Jersey Assemblyman Joseph Cryan, is leading efforts to repeal the tax.

In place of the “Botax”, a trip to the tanning salon would cost 10% more with the Tanning Bed tax, slated to start in July. Reid spokesperson Jim Manley cited studies linking tanning bed use to skin cancer and other risks. HOWEVER, the proposals don't call for a direct allocation of funds to skin cancer prevention.

Skin cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in the United States, accounting for more than 1 million new cases annually and costing billions of dollars to detect and treat. The American Cancer Society estimates that skin cancer is also responsible for approximately 12,000 US deaths annually

Just this past July, the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer confirmed that artificial tanning devices, similar to excessive sun exposure and cigarette smoking, belong in the highest category of potential cancer risk, "carcinogenic to humans."

As much as I personally and professionally detest tanning of any kind, I am worried that this is a slippery slope. Where will the service tax end? Can we really afford this type of tax? What about your other service related industries – hair, nails, massages, facials, and the pool boy? This is just wrong on so many levels.

“A New Year, A New You - Really?”

My dear friend and skincare guru, John Homer and I ruminated about the state of skincare for 2010 - products and practice. I begged him to do a blog as he is so passionate and eloquent on the subject. Thanks John and enjoy everybody!

It's only the first week in January and we are already seeing numerous ads for all the “supposedly” newer and better skin care products that will make us look fantastic in 2010. But what happened to all of those “new” products launched in 2009? Didn’t they work? Was there some miraculous skincare discovery in December, 2009 we are now just being told about? No. Although there are always a few great new products each year, there are also a lot of “new” poorly formulated, overly hyped products as well. Just because a skincare product is new does not make it the answer to all your skincare needs. So what’s the real secret for 2010? Its skincare basics. Let’s discuss, in order of importance;

1) Sunscreen: Is there a miracle ingredient that will help you ward off wrinkles, skin discolorations and even reduce sagging skin as you age? YES! It’s called SUNSCREEN. I know you have heard this over, and over (and over) again. But absolutely nothing else matters unless you wear a minimum of an SPF 15 (UVA/UVB) every day, rain or shine, summer or winter. Did you know that just 5 minutes of incidental sun a day can damage your skin? Walking to the mailbox or the sun through your car windows is enough to age your skin. If you do nothing else (and it’s never too late to start) protect your skin from the harmful and damaging rays of the sun that can breakdown collagen, discolor your skin and worse yet, cause cancer.

2) Cleansing: This is so basic we don’t even need to talk about it, right? Wrong! Cleansing your face is critical for skin health, especially when we are talking about makeup removal each night. Forget about all the ads telling you mineral makeup is so good for your skin you can sleep in it. Mineral makeup is great, but unless you are taking a disco nap and getting back up to go out in 30 minutes, wash your face before you go to bed. Cleanse with a non-drying, gentle cleanser morning and night to remove the dirt, excess oils, sunscreen and makeup so your skin has a chance to breathe and be healthy.

3) Moisturize & Repair: Most of us go immediately to this step when thinking about what our skin needs to look and feel better. Although important, cleansing our skin and then protecting it from the sun comes first. That said, using serums and moisturizers with peptides and antioxidants is critical. A new miracle ingredient grown high atop the Swiss Alps sounds new and sexy, but it has little benefit for your skin. Peptides are cell communicators, and they tell your skin cells to look and act more normal (read healthy). Antioxidants not only protect your skin from free radical damage but antioxidants worn under (or in) your sunscreen boost the effectiveness of the sunscreen as well as being photo protective. Vitamin C remains one of the best, if not the best, photo protective antioxidant as it protects you against the more harmful UVA (aging) sun rays.

4) Exfoliate: Exfoliating dead layers of skin stimulates new collagen production and helps the products you apply penetrate better for maximum results. Exfoliate your skin bi-weekly at home, preferably at night. Monthly in-office treatments like microdermabrasion or a chemical peel will boost results even further. “Microderm” at-home scrubs can be very effective, but they don’t come close to the professional results achieved with a real in-office microdermabrasion or chemical peel for deep exfoliation. Also, in-office treatments are only as good as your at-home care. Go back to steps one through three above, paying special attention to protecting your freshly exfoliated, highly vulnerable skin from the damaging effects of the sun.

Well, there you have it. Four easy steps to great skin care for 2010. If anything, the “new year, new you” skincare mantra should mean we simplify, and only use those products that we know are proven to be effective. Oh, and it wouldn’t hurt to check the expiration dates on your sunscreen and replace anything that’s expired right now. That’s a great idea!

Happy New Year, and Good Skin Health in 2010!