Confessions of a Self-Preservationist

B5 Hydrating Mask……. stress..... and a parting massage

2009-09-07T17:38:00.001-04:00

Catherine applied a B5 Hydrating Mask to my face with a brush, then covered my face with cold compresses and glided ice over the top of the compresses to further constrict my pores. It’s amazing how your mind interprets a physical experience when you eyes cannot identify the experience. This phase of the facial was mind blowing – and it was a simple application of ice….

As the mask performed its magic on my face Catherine massaged my chest, back, shoulders, arms and hands. I have never had a massage like this packaged in with a facial before, she even massaged my ears! Her massage was an incredible de-stresser for me.

Reducing your stress is an important component of self-preservation. Stress causes illness, weight gain, pore skin and wrinkles. Identify your stress, and find a way that best suites you to de-stress your life as much as possible. (I’ll save more of my stress talk for a later blog…)

After my massage, Catherine informed me that I even had knots in my arms, and she had never felt that before! I resolved to do a better job of alleviating the stress in my life…

The mask was removed, eye cream and sun screen was applied, and my facial was complete.

I was in such a relaxed state that I found it quite challenging to remove myself from the bed, dress, and return to the real world. I literally floated out of her room!

Catherine’s facial was truly the best facial I have ever experienced. I was pleased with the results, my skin looked and felt squeaky clean, and thanks to her skill, I had no broken capillaries or redness following her treatment.

I encourage my fellow self-preservationists to invest in a good facial every 6 to 8 weeks if budget allows. If budget doesn’t allow, plan to get a quality facial at least once per quarter to maintain optimal skin health.

And just like a good dentist, once you find a good aesthetician, you never want to leave them.

I found mine at Erwin Gomez Salon & Spa!

Extraction ....... a bit uncomfortable, but highly effective

2009-09-07T17:35:00.000-04:00

Extraction is where the aesthetician squeezes your black and white heads until all of the gunk that you do not want to look at comes out (this “gunk” is also referred to as sebum). What still remains a mystery to me is how they can squeeze your zits that hard and you don’t wind up with big, red, bulbous, marks all over your skin. This is their talent….

If an aesthetician presents you with the option to forego the extraction – don’t. Endure the uncomfortable feeling of the extraction, and again, under skilled hands, this is an important procedure for your skin.

After the extraction phase, Catherine hydrated my skin, and then pulled out what I affectionately call the ‘high frequency zit zapper’. This handy little device sends electrical impulses into your pores thereby constricting them and improving blood circulation which assists in the healing process.

Microdermabrasion in the hands of a skilled aesthetician

2009-09-07T17:31:00.000-04:00

After applying acetone to my skin (Catherine told me later that the acetone removes all moisturizer and oil from the skin which makes the microdermabrasion more effective) Catherine exfoliated my skin via microdermabrasion.

According to Realself.com; “microdermabrasion exfoliates your skin to stimulate cell turnover, improve skin tone, and to soften and polish away mild sun damage, scars, and facial wrinkles. Microdermabrasion removes a superficial layer of skin using either crystals or a wand containing diamond microparticles. The effects of microdermabrasion may be influenced by the skill of the practitioner.”

I have had microdermabrasion before and I can tell you that Catherine is skillful in her technique. Following my treatment, my face wasn’t red or inflamed; there were no broken blood vessels, and no breakouts. These side effects may occur if you place your face in the care of an unskilled aesthetician.

Catherine followed the microdermabrasion with a “Steam and face massage” followed by my least favorite part of a facial – “extraction”.

The Examination ...... Judgement Day!

2009-09-07T17:30:00.001-04:00

You can’t hide your facial cleansing habits from a quality aesthetician. They know what to look for, and they know if you are reallllly washing your face regularly or not. I held my breath, waiting for Catherine’s “analysis”.
“You have very nice skin” reported Catherine. I exhaled, and gave myself an internal “pat on the back”. Thanks Obagi and Neocutis!! (These are my favorite brands for skin care)

Then Catherine asked, do you have a Clarisonic brush? To which I proudly responded, “Yes! I do!” “Do you use it regularly?” she inquired. Uh oh ~ so much for that ‘pat on the back’! I do have this brush, and I love this brush, it’s sitting right in my shower, waiting for me to use it each time I step in to the shower, but do I use it every time…..? Nope – do I have a good excuse not to? Nope – and why don’t I bother to take the simple 60 seconds to use the brush for cleaner skin, reduction of black heads, and sloughing of dead skin? Sorry to say that I have no good excuse – it’s simply a matter of ‘habit’.

Catherine kindly broke the news to me that although my skin is in good condition, I still have black and white heads which could be reduced by regularly using the Clarisonic brush. RATS – my self-created skin care regimen grade just slipped from an A+ to a B-! Ah well, this is one of the reasons why I go to a facialist, sometimes we simply need a professional to remind us of the things we already know we should be doing to keep our minds and bodies in top condition.

As Catherine completed her analysis I resolved to jump-start my Clarisonic brush and take better care of my skin.

The Facial ..... it starts ....

2009-09-07T17:28:00.002-04:00

Catherine re-entered the room, and began to explain to me in her wonderful, soft French accent as to what was to transpire over the next hour.

I was receiving the “Budha Facial”. This facial is intended for deep cleansing as well as deep hydration of your skin. As Catherine wrapped a towel around my head to protect my hair she explained that today’s facial would include massage, cleansing and toning of the skin, analyzing the current condition of my skin, microdermabrasion, extraction and hydration. It all sounded great to me – I was ready for a squeaky clean face!

Catherine then began to lightly massage the pressure points on my face, neck, shoulders and back. I closed my eyes as I felt my body slip further into a state of relaxation. I recall her asking me to take a deep breath as she slid her hands between my back and the bed, as she then began massaging my back and pulling my muscles. WOW! is about the only way that I can explain her welcoming massage. I was beginning to realize that I was in for a very unique experience.

As Catherine scrubbed my face I caught the scent of a lovely orange flower aroma as well as a hint of lavender. She later explained that she uses very little scent in what she applies to a face, avoiding the possibility of an allergic reaction, instead she places the scent on her wrist. Nice attention to detail!

Toner was applied to my skin after the cleansing, and then – Catherine pulled the lit magnifying glass over my face – uh oh…. Judgement Day.

A Facial.....? Or a near "Out of Body" experience.....?

2009-09-07T17:26:00.002-04:00

The other day, as I applied my nighttime Obagi skin regimen, I came to the realization that I was way overdue for a facial.
I equate a facial with a trip to the dentist. You can only do so much home care, but for optimal health, you need to visit your dentist regularly for a good, deep cleaning.

So it goes with your skin.

I sought out a quality facialist, and based upon the recommendations of a few friends, I booked my appointment with the Erwin Gomez Salon & Spa.
As I walked through the chrome and glass door I was immediately greeted by a smiling receptionist. She told me that my facialist’s name was Catherine and while the receptionist informed Catherine of my arrival I was offered coffee, tea or water (a nice touch).

As I sipped my tea I was approached by an attractive, willowy, French woman who introduced herself as Catherine. She led me back to her room, instructed me on the typical pre-facial preparations (remove everything above the waist and tuck myself into the sheets, I can do that!) and left the room.

As I followed Catherine’s instructions I surveyed her neat, orderly room; softly lit, quality sheets on the bed, large, fluffy towel for me to wrap myself in, rich wood and brick walls, mmmmm…. nice ambiance. I snuggled into the sheets, listening to the yoga meditation music, and began to feel my body relax.

Good bye “to do” lists, traffic, work and responsibilities! I’m slipping into relaxation, and facial cleanliness!

The blog begins ...... Pondering Preservation

2009-08-29T14:51:00.003-04:00

Preservation…. According to Wikipedia, “preservation” is defined as:

~ a process that saves organic substances from decay

~ an occurrence of improvement by virtue of preventing loss or injury or other change

It’s interesting, I was chatting with a new friend in my office the other day and I mentioned that I believe in the art of “preservation”. He laughed and replied “that sounds old”. To which I responded, “When we look at a flower and it’s blooming, what do we think about, the age of the flower or the beauty of the flower?”

After that quick retort I paused and further considered my response ….“And when IS the best time to start thinking about preservation, after a flower has begun to sag and droop, after its petals have begun to curl and brown, or at the peak of its beauty?”

This thought then perpetuated further thoughts and questions; “And how exactly DO we define beauty?” “How do we determine our ‘peak blooming period’ in our own lives?” “Is it different for everyone?”

That conversation is what has now inspired me to create a blog dedicated to the celebration (and daily battles) of preserving, enhancing, and beautifying ourselves, both inside and out.

Thank you for inspiring me Chip!

Yes!! I am fighting to preserve my petals - and darn proud of it!! :o)