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Laura Skin Care

Phone: 707-295-8905

 

Author Archives: Laura Pagliaroni


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Bikini Wax or Shave? Making the Choice

   Waxing  Aug 18, 2015  Comments Off on Bikini Wax or Shave? Making the Choice
Bikini Wax or Shave? Making the Choice

Woman Waxing Leg Petaluma, CAEvery woman knows the struggle of figuring out how to get her bikini area ready for summer. As the warm weather approaches and it’s time to hit the beach, the only thing that stands between you and that perfect swimsuit is unsightly hair “down there” – and you know that you have to get rid of it. Thankfully, there are numerous methods at your disposal, many of them easy and cost-effective remedies that you can do yourself at home. Among these, waxing and shaving are the two most popular methods of removing hair from the bikini area, but despite their similar function, these two processes are almost entirely different. Deciding which to use comes with understanding the difference and knowing the pros and cons of each, so that you can choose whichever one works better with your lifestyle.

Shaving uses a sharp razor to cut the hair at the layer of the skin, leaving the hair root; thus, the hair can still grow and is not “removed”, only trimmed. Waxing, on the other hand, uses a sticky wax to pull the hair out by the root; in the bikini area, waxing is usually done without strips, using a wax that cools quickly so that you can apply it when it’s soft and tear it off once it has solidified somewhat.

The benefits of shaving are primarily ease and lack of pain; using a razor means that simply a few swipes can remove most of the hair you want to target, and that this can be done without feeling any pain (since the hair is just cut, not pulled out, you don’t feel anything during the process). Furthermore, it is generally easier to shape the hair in the bikini area when using a razor rather than wax. However, in many cases shaving can cause itchy and swollen bumps in the pubic area due to the sensitivity of the skin; this discomfort turns many people off from the idea of shaving. Furthermore, shaving only cuts the hair short, so it regrows within 3-4 days and has to be shaved again. And shaving frequently over a long period of time is not recommended because it can cause ingrown hairs and other damaging effects.

Waxing, on the other hand, is sometimes avoided due to pain concerns. Pulling hair out by the root causes a stinging and burning sensation and can leave temporary redness in the area. However, the effects last much longer because the hair is fully removed, and thus takes 3-4 weeks to fully grow back. Ultimately, waxing is recommended for those with more sensitive skin, while shaving can be used by those who can tolerate the irritation it leaves behind (or avoid the irritation by using lotions and oils).

The Benefits of Proper Skin Care

   Skin Care  Jul 09, 2015  Comments Off on The Benefits of Proper Skin Care
The Benefits of Proper Skin Care

Quick, what’s the largest organ in the human body? The Brain? The Heart? If you answered: “your skin”, then kudos on your knowledge of anatomy. It’s true that the skin is your largest organ, and it’s probably the one organ you spend the most time thinking about. It’s also the organ that takes the most abuse: scrapes, cuts, rashes, burns; your skin is subjected to a lot. Fortunately, there are many products and procedures out there that can help your skin be as healthy as possible. From lotions and oils to facials and waxes, there are many ways to keep your epidermis in tip-top shape. As Estheticians, it’s our job to make sure that you take care of your skin through a variety of treatments.

What is skin?

In order to understand the best way to keep your skin clean and healthy, you need to understand what makes up your outer layer. The skin is made up of three distinct levels: the subcutaneous tissue, the dermis, and the epidermis. Within these layers are a variety of different components that have important purposes. Such as sweat glands, hair follicles, muscles, and nerves. Without skin, a lot of what we experience in the world would not be possible. The skin acts as a barrier between your insides and the outside world. It regulates your temperature and warns you when you are in danger (via pain receptors). Even though sometimes we may wish that we didn’t have sweat glands or extraneous hair, each piece of your skin exists for a particular reason, and without it, you wouldn’t have the same quality of life.

What treatments are offered?

Unlike dermatologists, estheticians cannot prescribe medication to treat skin diseases or disorders. However, we can provide a variety of solutions for basic skin problems, such as mild acne, aging and dry skin, and unwanted hair. Typically, these treatments are based on one of two ideologies: cleaning out your pores and/or removing the outermost layer so it can regenerate as healthier skin. Facials, skin therapy and cleanses are based on the first ideology. If you have acne or dry skin, these procedures can be a great help. If you have aging or wrinkled skin, a chemical peel or microdermabrasion can make your skin look younger by removing the old skin cells so new ones can regrow in their place. Finally, for unwanted hair, laser removal or waxing is a viable option. However, it’s important to note that the hair will usually grow back.

When it comes to your body, you want to take care of and nourish each part of it. This is especially true for your skin, as it’s the first part everyone sees, and it’s the organ with the most issues (typically). If you’re unhappy with the way your skin looks and feels, come and see an Esthetician so we can help you get the most out of your largest organ. They say beauty isn’t skin deep, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore it.

Is Your Skin Ready For Summer?

   Skin Care  Jun 09, 2015  Comments Off on Is Your Skin Ready For Summer?
Is Your Skin Ready For Summer?

As the weather warms and the beaches beckon, it’s natural to want to go outside and take advantage of the good weather. Whether this means donning that seldom-worn bikini or exchanging jeans for shorts, summer means that you’ll be showing a lot more skin than during other seasons in the year. Unfortunately, many times you encounter a barrier to your perfect outdoor summer: your skin just isn’t ready. Before you go outside, there are five questions to ask yourself to see if your skin is ready for summer:

  1. Do you suffer from acne?

Acne, or the presence of clogged pores that results in redness, blackheads, or pus-filled bumps, can often be a significant sign that your skin isn’t ready for you to show it off just yet. During summer, it is most commonly found on the back and upper arms, and results from the collection of sweat, dirt, and oil that accumulates due to increased heat. The solution is to shower often, exfoliate, and use a topical medication if necessary.

  1. Is your skin dry and flaky?

If you live in an area where it gets hot but not humid in the summer, you’ll need to apply a moisturizer cream to make sure that your skin doesn’t show signs of flakiness or cracking. This is most often found on the legs and arms, as well as on the face. Moisturizers come in many different varieties, but it helps to look for one specifically meant for dry and flaky skin.

  1. Is your skin dull and scaly?

Dull skin results from the accumulation of dead skin cells on the outer layer of skin, a problem that causes a scaly effect at times. To solve this problem, exfoliation, or the removal of dead cells and other matter through an abrasive movement, is key – you can use an exfoliating wash, or a tool such as a shower loofah, which rubs away the dead cells. Make sure to use moisturizer after exfoliating, to reduce the risk of dry skin.

  1. Are you at risk of sunburn?

Prolonged exposure to the sun, especially its ultraviolet radiation (which is stronger in the summer), can lead to sunburn and, in more serious cases, to skin cancers including melanoma. If you have fair skin, live in a hot and sunny climate, or have a family history of skin cancer, take precautions such as wearing a high-SPF sunscreen and covering up with long sleeves and hats.

  1. Do you get rashes or irritation?

This may be the result of allergens present in the air during spring and summer – anything from pollen to insects may cause allergic reactions that lead to redness, swelling, itching, and/or unsightly bumps. The first step to taking care of this is uncovering the source; from there, you can apply bug spray, anti-itch cream, or oral medication as necessary.