​Online shopping is growing at lightning speed!  In a society where we are all over tasked, stressed, and inundated with internet shopping options…it only makes sense.  Will retailing giants like Amazon take over the world someday, sure feels like it.  We all need “stuff”, smart phones and technology advancements sure make it easier.  It’s also convenient to find what you are looking for online and with the click of a button, your purchase shows up in a matter of days or less.  I’m certainly a fan of convenience and have what seems to be endless amounts of boxes piled up at my front door frequently.  You can even shop for groceries online for goodness sakes!  How about professional skincare products?  What’s missing?
 
Small businesses like mine are challenged now more than ever to keep their doors open, as retail sales are a large part of their growth.   Yes, these sales keep my holistic skincare studio going, but there is a bigger picture.  As an esthetician, I provide the best professional products to support client’s skincare goals.  Bottom line…skin treatments alone don’t deliver results without proper homecare.  Have you ever taken a few minutes to realize the amount of knowledge and personal touch your esthetician gives you?  A good esthetician genuinely cares and wants to work with you to achieve whatever it is that will make you happy.  After many years of working for physicians, I stepped out on my own to offer a unique experience with client support not always possible before.   What has changed?  I know I speak for fellow estheticians who have their own businesses… saying, “our job isn’t simply 9-5.”  My mind races 24/7 about countless things; what is the next monthly special?  What products can I find that support a holistic lifestyle?  What class will I take next to stay current and offer more to my clients?  
 
Small business owners in the esthetics industry don’t stop and we do everything for our clients, even if it means answering texts or emails before the sun comes up!  The growing amount of online retail sales is creating big challenges, which we as skincare professionals, are all trying to overcome.  Numerous times I have spent over an hour with a new client, who either purchases retail once and never again, or takes my advice and decides to support a large supplier online.  Everyone is looking to save a buck. I get it!  The question is, will that online retailer give you the service and ongoing support you deserve?
 
As a seasoned esthetician and business owner, I take pride in knowing the products I carry inside and out.  The horror stories of fake, expired products are rampant in “esthetician only” social media groups.  Rashes, blisters, and the like are reactions commonly discussed.  This just isn’t okay. It’s disheartening when I see a client in public and they rave about how much they love the products I gave them….several months ago.  I am keenly aware of how long products will last, if clients are genuinely following a proper skincare routine.  I recently took on the financial challenge of private labeling my favorite skincare line to ensure my clients are well taken care of.  I know if they are using products from my skincare studio, they are getting safe, reliable goods, which come from a credible source.  What’s the next step?  The products I carry are very active and results-oriented, so gradual progression is important, therefore, it’s not good practice to recommend everything at once.  Without support from a qualified and knowledgeable esthetician, things can go horribly wrong or results aren’t achieved.  At Skintuition Holistic Skincare Studio, I reward clients who have monthly skin treatments with a VIP program.  One of the perks of being a Skintuition VIP is a discount on retail skincare products.  Nothing makes me happier than offering this reward, because it represents a true relationship I have with clients.  For client convenience, Skintuition offers an online store and only ships USPS Priority to ensure fast delivery.  I can tell you every online sale is packaged with love and sincere appreciation.
 
Yes, there are roadblocks to keeping up with the growing number of online retailers who offer skincare products at a discount.  But, there is something to be said for supporting small, local businesses in your community.  If your esthetician is a small business owner, take a few minutes to think about the value they offer you as opposed to saving a few dollars.  They may even have a special VIP program or online store to support your commitment to healthy, radiant skin.
 
Skintuition Holistic Skincare Studio is located at 9720 Capital Court, Suite 301A in Manassas, Virginia.  Visit Skintuition online at www.radiantskinfromwithin.com to learn more about holistic skincare and schedule an appointment with Tracy Childs, Licensed Master Esthetician.

Research has shown that 70 percent of all people are affected by Candida (yeast) overgrowth, a systemic fungal infection. It’s a known fact, that low levels of yeast naturally occur in our intestines and co-exist with healthy bacteria as part of our bodies natural balance. Candida can live harmlessly in our system and aids in digestion and nutrient absorption. Candida has over 56 strains and is associated with a myriad of concerns including digestive issues, acne, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, vaginal yeast infections and thrush (a yeast infection of the mouth and throat originating in our intestines) to name a few. When levels of Candida and bacteria fall out of harmony, the yeast emits toxins that travel through our body’s bloodstream resulting in a variety of physiologic imbalances such as leaky gut syndrome, a major cause of disease and dysfunction.
 
Most of the time, healthy bacteria in the gut can keep Candida levels in check. There are certain factors that can cause it to overgrow to include: alcohol consumption, eating a diet high in sugars and refined carbs, a high-stress lifestyle, taking oral antibiotics or oral contraceptives. Oral antibiotics, which are prescribed in excess for a variety of ailments such as acne and rosacea, kill off too much “good” bacteria leading to Candida overgrowth. It can be difficult to diagnosis as it presents itself in a variety of ways within different people.  Here are some specific signs to watch for if you feel you’re experiencing an overgrowth of Candida.

Symptoms of Candida Overgrowth

Digestive Troubles
Persistent intestinal issues like bloating, gas, constipation, stomach cramps or diarrhea are a tell-tale sign that something is out of balance in your digestive tract. One cause may be an insufficient level of healthy bacteria, which can be the result of Candida overgrowth.

Skin Issues
Acne, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis have been linked to Candida overgrowth. In the case of acne, Candida-related acne presents in breakouts in the upper region of the face such as upper cheeks and forehead.

Hormonal Imbalances
Candida can also result in a hormone imbalance. When Candida overgrowth occurs, our body becomes inflamed, causing the yeast to grow more and spread beyond just the digestive tract. One of the by-products of Candida mimics estrogen, that can lead to a severe hormonal imbalance causing acne in the lower regions of the face such as jawline, chin, neck, and on the chest and back, pre-menstrual syndrome, lowered sex drive, early menopause, endometriosis and the inability to shed excess pounds.

Exhaustion
One of the more common signs of a Candida infection is feeling exhausted or fatigued most of the time. While it’s not the only cause of chronic fatigue symptom (CFS), many health experts believe Candida significantly raises the risk of developing it. CFS is characterized by constant fatigue lasting at least six months and often accompanied by joint pain, headaches, difficulty concentrating and memory problems.
 
Mood Swings, Irritability and Other Mood Disorders
Scientists are now uncovering how connected our digestive system is to our brain, and we know that Candida overgrowth can affect the neurological system. A large portion of our body’s hormone production happens in the intestinal tract. In fact, 90 to 95% of serotonin, or the “feel-good” hormone known for regulating mood is produced there. When Candida levels get out of control, it suppresses the production of important neurotransmitters like serotonin –without enough of it, anxiety, depression and other mental disorders can occur. A by-product of Candida known as acetaldehyde also reacts with the dopamine neurotransmitter which can lead to feeling spaced out, concentration issues, and depression or anxiety.

Recurring Urinary Tract and Vaginal Infections
Recurring urinary tract, vaginal infections, and rectal/vaginal itching all indicate an issue with Candida.

How Can You Control Candida?

​Eliminate things that contribute to Candida growth. The first step is to eliminate sugar, alcohol, refined carbs and milk (contains sugar lactose) from your diet. Candida thrives on sugar and survives well in a more acidic environment.  Foods high in sugar, including processed and refined foods like fast food, packaged baked goods, cookies and crackers all create the perfect environment for Candida. 

Replace “bad” foods with healthier choices. Replace all the processed junk and sugary foods with more complex carbohydrates such as organic fruits and vegetables, beans, and grains like quinoa and barley. Also, feed your body with foods that have healthy fats and are high in protein like wild-caught salmon, chia, and use healthy cooking oils such as coconut oil. This will help prevent Candida from growing, eventually causing it to die off.

Take antifungal herbs to help kill off Candida. Using potent antifungal herbs such as olive leaf extract, grapefruit seed extract, oregano oil and garlic can help. Garlic is well-known to be a powerful antifungal agent – in fact, Candida can’t survive when garlic is present. Add it to as many of your regular meals as possible or consider taking an odorless garlic supplement.

Take milk thistle to support liver function. If you have a Candida infection, it’s imperative to ensure your liver is functioning at its best. The liver is our body’s filter, and when you eliminate Candida, it must function optimally to help the body rid itself of the abundance of yeast. Candida has also been linked to liver damage, making it even more important to give the liver the support it needs.

Take a daily probiotic to balance the good bacteria in your gut as well as take digestive enzymes such as Osmosis Complete with meals to help breakdown food aiding in better digestion.

Neutralize toxins in the gut before they enter the bloodstream by taking the Osmosis Environmental Detox supplement containing Diindolylmethane (DIM) and activated charcoal.  Also, cancel out the negative frequency of Candida with Osmosis Inner Harmony and/or Skin Perfection Harmonized H2O.

Candida may be the cause of your issues and it’s worth making the effort to control its population for better skin and overall wellness!  The Osmosis internal wellness supplements have an integral part in your success and can be found at Skintuition Holistic Skincare Studio in Manassas, Virginia.

​Being an esthetician for over a decade has given me a lot of insight on the beauty industry in regards to esthetics.  Is a facial really just a facial?  What do you want or expect at your next “facial” appointment?  Where will you go?
 
The choice on where to go for your next facial is yours and the options are abundant.  Will it be at your physician’s office?  The healthcare industry has undergone many changes over the years and esthetic treatments and services offer physicians a way to make “quick cash”.  Why not, right?  The physicians are much too busy to take time to explain how to take care of your skin.  Estheticians in this environment commonly offer chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laser treatments.  The services, like typical physician appointments, are shorter in length and may, or may not be in a relaxing environment.  You are also confined to medical office hours and very rarely, offered weekend or evening appointments.  Evolving from having treatments in a physician’s office, enter the medspa.  A medspa offers both relaxing and more aggressive skin treatments like you find at a medical office, but in a spa-like environment.  You may even benefit from evening and weekend hours. 
 
Chain establishments, such as Massage Envy or Hand and Stone, seem to be popping up all over the place.  What can you expect to receive at a franchise location?  Most of these businesses offer a membership program, which certainly is a good thing in regards to maintaining a monthly facial routine.  Many new estheticians find employment in places like this due to the entry level opportunity.  They are limited in how much time they can spend with you and are also confined to using certain products and protocols.  Not a bad option if you just want a refreshing facial without much consultation or customization.  It is possible an esthetician may stay at one of these establishments for years, but not typical.  You may even have a different esthetician at every facial visit.
 
Esthetics schools are a great way to have facial services while helping students learn.  Although it isn’t always in a quiet, relaxing environment, you will receive a thorough facial as instructors are there to guide their students every step of the way. Before becoming an esthetician, I traveled to Florida to experience a facial at a school I was considering attending.  I had the chance to ask many questions about the career and really experience how I would eventually take care of clients in a student clinic.  As a master esthetics instructor, I recommend supporting future estheticians if you have the opportunity.  Dermal Science International in Reston, Virginia, offers many services at a discounted price.  Not to mention, the director and instructors are pretty awesome! Visit www.estheticstraining.com for more information.
 
Support local, small business owners!  Many estheticians are opening their own businesses and are tucked away in salons, office buildings, wellness centers, their homes, etc.  I am often asked if my business is part of a chain or MLM (multi-level marketing).  Absolutely not!  As my career has evolved over time, I can finally do things the way they should be done to better serve you.  I offer complimentary consultations, customized skin treatments at reasonable prices, have more time to spend, add products and devices to benefit you sooner…unlike the old days where I waited for weeks and even months for approval, as well as offer a lasting relationship because I’m here to stay.  My business is open 24/7 with online booking and availability to clients by text or email anytime.  As a business owner, I am not only the esthetician, but receptionist, bookkeeper, graphic designer, web designer, marketing specialist, interior decorator, janitor, etc.  You name it, I do it!  Being a business owner for the past year has been an enormous opportunity to grow in my career.  I couldn’t have done it without having so many years of experience working for physicians, medspas, and spas.  I have enormous gratitude for the many estheticians that have crossed my path in the past two years that do exactly what I do.  They have answered countless questions and given me support I never knew was possible. It’s pretty obvious we didn’t decide to go out on our own to become rich, but rather offer clients a better “facial experience”.
 
The choice is yours when looking for a “place for your face”.  Skintuition offers holistic skin treatments and products that benefit the entire family and focuses on achieving radiant skin from within the healthy way.  For more information and online scheduling visit Skintuition online at www.radiantskinfromwithin.com.   Experience the difference!

Have you ever gotten a facial on a whim?  Maybe you were given a gift certificate or had a little free time and desired a bit of pampering.  Is the thought of getting a facial something new to you?  I was recently asked why I personally felt someone should get regular facial treatments and it made me more aware that this question exists.  I have been in the beauty industry for well over 10 years and good skincare practices are simply part of my daily life.
 
What is an esthetician and what can they do for you?  An esthetician is a skincare professional that is trained to perform facial and body treatments to enhance the skin’s appearance and overall health.  This training consists of many hours of theory, hands on practical work, as well as extensive ingredient and product education.  In my opinion, the basis and beginning of any esthetician + client relationship is a thorough consultation discussing personal concerns and goals with an evaluation of current skincare products.  Is your current routine working for or against you?   There are so many products on the market and it can be overwhelming to say the least.  In my experience, clients will bring in bags and even buckets of products, most of which aren’t what their skin really needs.  If your skin isn’t balanced, it very well could be from products that just aren’t right for you.    It certainly isn’t uncommon to uncover that new clients are overspending on products that do nothing to benefit their skin.  Awesome products don’t have to cost a fortune!  My clients have access to me 24/7 by Facebook, email, phone, and text and I wouldn’t have it any other way.  Can the salesperson at your local department or drug store offer that level of customer service?  Not usually.  My point is, estheticians genuinely care about you and your skin.  We are dedicated to helping you achieve your skincare goals.    Maybe your desire is to just come in for fresher skin and relaxation.  That is certainly fine but know that good estheticians want a relationship and to see you more than once a year.  Many things affect our outer appearance on a daily basis such as: changes in season, dietary intake, stress, hormones, medications, etc.  which can lead to unhappy skin. 

Get the most out of your next facial visit by knowing what it is you want to achieve and tapping into the knowledge of your esthetician.  Passionate estheticians will welcome the opportunity to build a solid relationship that lasts through the years!
​
Complimentary consultations are always available at Skintution in Manassas!  Visit www.radiantskinfromwithin.com to schedule today.  Can’t make it in, virtual consultations can also be arranged.  I look forward to working with you to achieve “radiant skin from within”.  If you have further questions, I can be reached by email at [email protected].

​-Tracy Childs

Rudolph may not be the only one with a red nose!  Are you bothered by flushing, persistent redness, pimple-like bumps, and visible blood vessels on your nose and cheeks?  You may be one of the 16 million Americans affected with Rosacea?   It seems like a mystery, but this chronic inflammatory skin issue is most likely connected to digestion.  It is typically common among family members so go ahead, blame them….we won’t judge!  A few obvious digestive related triggers are alcohol and spicy foods which seasoned Rosacea sufferers try to avoid. 

What’s really going on?  It’s pretty simple actually; a rosacea sufferer’s skin is in need of more nutrients and immune cells to combat chronic inflammation.  What occurs next… vasodilation, or the opening up of the blood vessels in an attempt to nourish the skin.  Something else happens, too!  This unwanted, pesky inflammation leads to atrophy of the affected tissue and unwanted thinning of the dermis occurs.  Sadly, a thinner dermis not only contributes to wrinkles and sagging skin but more exposed blood vessels. Ugggh!

Many seek out the help of their dermatologist and find LITTLE relief with all the topical and oral prescriptions they are given.  If this is you, there is ANOTHER way to treat Rosacea with a holistic approach.  Using gentle skincare products to help repair the barrier of your skin is necessary, this includes daily, zinc based sun protection such as Osmosis Protect or Suntegrity.  How about something internal?  Rosacea sufferers also benefit greatly by adding digestive enzymes to every meal and taking a daily probiotic. Are you ready for a secret?  Digestive Health and Natural Defense Harmonized H2Os from Osmosis Pur Medical Skincare have proven very beneficial to help balance the body by delivering medicinal radio frequencies to the cells in the form of water.  In addition to improving your daily skincare routine with more appropriate products, ramping up on internal healers….there is something else and its “electric”.   Skintuition’s regular clientele know all about the benefits of TAMA BlueOnyx Facial Rejuvenation treatments.  This tiny but mighty, microcurrent device does so many things to improve the appearance of the skin.  In regards to Rosacea, it does wonders to calm inflammation and it is visible during treatment!  Regular treatments are recommended and can even be done weekly. 

If Rosacea has you fired up, it would be a pleasure to work with you to cool things down!  Schedule a complimentary consultation today. 

Skintuition is excited to offer TAMA BlueOnyx in addition to other holistic skin treatments and products in Manassas, Virginia. For more information visit www.radiantskinfromwithin or contact Tracy Childs, Master Aesthetician at [email protected].

What is Rezenerate?
Rezenerate uses a professional grade, state of the art wand featuring nano-technology to address a variety of skincare concerns including fine lines, wrinkles, blemishes, etc.  This unique device uses a disposable, single use cartridge containing a specially designed silicon chip.  Not only will you achieve great results, Rezenerate is painless and non-invasive like similar medical procedures.
What does Rezenerate Do?
The Rezenerate silicon chip creates millions of microscopic channels in the uppermost layers of the skin, thereby making it ultra-absorbent for product penetration.  It is important to note that when the skin is conditioned, topically applied serums will absorb 7 to 10 times more effectively resulting in an acceleration of desired results.

·        Increases product absorption and efficacy
·        Reduces fine lines and wrinkles instantly
·        Improves sun damage and blemishes
·        Gives a delayed, yet gentle micro peel
·        Can be safely used around the eyes and even on the lips

Who can benefit most from a Rezenerate Facial?
Those who desire an enhanced delivery system to achieve even more from their professional skincare products and can benefit from quick results with little downtime.

What to expect after a Rezenerate Facial?
Days 0-2
Instant reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, tighter, firmer skin and a radiant glow for the next 48 hours

Days 3-5
You may experience more dryness than normal as the gentle, delayed micro peel takes place

Days 5-7
Tighter, more evenly toned skin is visible as a new, fresh layer of skin surfaces

A series of 4-6 Rezenerate Facials is recommended over the course of 2-3 months for maximum results in conjunction with professional skincare products.  My choice is Osmosis Pur Medical Skincare!  Rezenerate Facials performed in a series will be done at 2 week intervals.  After the completion of a series, monthly treatments can be done for maintenance.

Who is not a candidate for Rezenerate Facials?

·        Nursing or pregnant women
·        Undiagnosed lesions or skin infections
·        Recent herpes outbreaks
·        Severe Rosacea
·        Scars less than 6 months old
·        Severe solar keratosis
·        Psoriasis
·        Diabetics or other auto-immune system disorders

Skintuition is excited to offer Rezenerate Facials in addition to other holistic skin treatments and products in Manassas, Virginia. For more information visit www.radiantskinfromwithin or contact Tracy Childs, Master Aesthetician at [email protected].

What is Dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning is a simple and safe method to exfoliate the epidermis without using excessive pressure, chemicals, or suction.  An added benefit to dermaplaning is the removal of fine, vellus hair.

Using a specialized, sterile surgical instrument on prepped skin, skin is held taut and gently scraped with the blade held at a 45 degree angle.

What makes someone a good candidate for dermaplaning?

·        Sensitive skin (a gentle alternative to other exfoliation methods)
·        Aging skin (to enhance the results achieved with other procedures)
·        To remove fine, vellus hair that cannot be reduced with laser treatments and waxing is undesired

Contraindications

·        Allergy to nickel
·        Inflamed acne
·        Very oily skin
·        Thick, coarse facial hair
·        Numerous raised lesions on the skin
·        Active cold sores
·        Bleeding or clotting disorders

How often can Dermaplaning be performed?

Every 3 - 4 weeks

Will the hair grow back thick and coarse?

It is physiologically impossible.  You may feel the roughness at the surface of your  skin when the vellus hair begins to grow back but that is only typically for a day or so.