What exactly is Keratosis Pilaris?

Many experts believe that Keratosis Pilaris is a chronic, genetic skin condition.  It appears most often on the upper arms (both on the back and outer areas), but also occurs on the trunk of the body, thighs, and buttocks.  In severe cases it can be found on the lower arms, legs, and on the face (which can be confused with acne)… basically, it can be found anywhere on the body except for the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.  Yikes.

KP typically consists of scattered, rough patches on the skin with 10-100 very small bumps (similar in appearance to goose bumps).  Dryness and redness often accompany the patchy, bumpy areas.            

What causes it?

Keratosis Pilaris is caused by a buildup of keratin (a protein and key structural agent of the skin, hair, and nails) around the hair follicle.  If a hard cap is formed over the follicle, resulting in coiling the hair inside, it can lead to an ingrown hair.  “Picking” or scratching bumps/hard caps can result in scarring.  So, while treatment and exfoliation options are recommended, care and caution should always be considered.    

Normally, the body’s natural exfoliation process sloughs away dead skin cells and debris.  In the case of Keratosis Pilaris, an excess of keratin is not only being formed, it is not being sloughed off in a timely fashion.  Remaining on the skin, this keratin surrounds and, ultimately, clogs the follicles.  The end result is bumpy, rough, dry skin. 

What can be done?

Numerous options are available for KP sufferers, from over-the-counter creams and lotions to professional treatments and prescription products.  Though varying degrees of success and satisfaction have been reported among individuals, there seem to be some general rules of thumb:

• Consistency is key, there is no overnight cure- be patient and prepared to dedicate time and effort to seeing results.

• Exfoliate regularly: try a combination of mechanical (scrub) and chemical (hydroxy acids) exfoliants.  Lactic acid and salicylic acid are great choices; lactic acid is naturally hydrating and less irritating (versus other AHAs) and salicylic acid (if a 2% or less concentration) offers both exfoliation and anti-inflammatory benefits.  In addition to exfoliating agents, look for products that also contain vitamins, like A, C, and E.

• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.  If your skin is dehydrated, KP seems to be a little more persistent.  Drink water and moisturize regularly.  Make sure you don’t confuse dehydrated skin with dry skin- dehydrated skin lacks water, dry skin lacks oil.  Therefore, a light-to-medium weight moisturizer can be perfect, focus on humectant ingredients (like hyaluronic acid) not necessarily an oil-based formulation.

• Soothe & protect: if redness is present, it seems natural to use soothing agents (like botanicals) to calm it down.  Also, make sure that your skin is protected with at least an SPF 15 on a daily basis.  Sun damage can lead to additional conditions and issues- let’s try to limit these whenever possible!

When you join us on Thursday, July 28^th from 12:00pm-4:00pm for our Summer Skin Therapy Event, you’ll receive a professional-strength exfoliation treatment and get a one-on-one consultation with a skin care expert … 

It’s the perfect way to start saying “Bye-Bye” to your Bumpy Arms this summer!  Call us at 916.481.7994 to reserve your spot!  

Be featured in our next RADIO AD (with a CLIENT TESTIMONIAL) and as a bonus you’ll receive a Fabulous THANK YOU GIFT! 

Here’s the skinny:

on TUESDAY, JUNE 28th

from 11:00am to 6:00pm

We’ll be recording Client Testimonials (Fan Reviews) to be featured in our Summer Radio Spots

To top it off, all participants will receive a “Thank You” Gift

Call 916.481.7994 to reserve your space!

We ask that you anticipate spending 20-30 minutes with us to record your testimonial. 

We hope to see (and HEAR from) YOU!

Yes, 3 Simple Steps is all it takes!  Join us for this exclusive event on Monday, June 27th from 11:00am to 5:00pm.  

This is your chance to get advice from a jane iredale mineral makeup expert, who will:

• Give you a custom color match (choosing your perfect shade based on your skin type, tone, and your personal preference)

• Teach you expert application techniques (including the best applicator to use)

• Put it all together with finishing and setting (this final touch helps you get all-day coverage)

Call 916.481.7994 to reserve your appointment! 

A $15.00 reservation fee is required and will be applied toward any jane iredale product purchased at event.

Total Beauty Experience has partnered with Dr. Ernie Bodai to build awareness for Cure Breast Cancer, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing breast health awareness to all women and their families. Dr. Bodai introduced the first ever “global Stamp”…the breast cancer stamp raising awareness and funding to conquer the disease worldwide.

In support of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Cure Breast Cancer, Inc., Total Beauty Experience has set up a table of all pink products, including blow dryers, flatirons, brushes, haircare products, lotions, candles, reed diffusers, etc….all of these products are from manufacturers that contributed a portion of the purchase price to breast cancer organizations. When someone purchases one of these items, they receive as a gift a pink lightbulb (while supplies last) to help “Light the Town Pink”.

So visit Total Beauty Experience today to make a purchase that will support breast cancer organizations and give you a pink lightbulb that you can use to help “Light the Town Pink”!

Find this festive sale going on under the tent in the front parking lot of Total Beauty Experience!

See you there!!!

Dermalogica Facial Party!*

• Attending this facial party is a Dermalogica Professional Skin Therapist/Educator.
• The Educator will walk you through the facial so you can do the facial yourself, at home.
• Focus will be on the AGE smart™ line that targets integral damage before it becomes visible and the ChromaWhite TRx® line that protects, tones, and brightens the skin.
• The party occurs three separate times during the day for your convenience.  

 Register for Your Seat at the Facial Party.

When: April 1st, 2010
Where: Total Beauty Experience
Time: 10am, 2pm, & 5:30pm 

 *Registration Fee of $25 is redeemable on Dermalogica products.

But I wasn’t the only one who couldn’t pass up a free make-over. As soon as one lovely lady’s face was flawlessly finished, another was waiting to be pampered and painted with makeup designed to keep skin healthy and young. 

Meanwhile, Stacie, an expert makeup artist, really listened to each of us when she asked what kind of skin we have, how we usually apply makeup, and what we’re doing that evening so that she could give us fabulous faces for all our occasions. She also described the products she used and demonstrated how to apply them.  

Now I have a new favorite mineral foundation – Natural PurePressed® Base Mineral Foundation – SPF 20. This foundation is feels light, like I’m not even wearing it and doesn’t clog pores or dry out my skin. What’s even more brilliant is once I run out, I can simply go back to Total Beauty Experience and get the container refilled! How’s that for saving the environment and my face!

Another product Stacie used on all the ladies is the amazing Dream Tint® – SPF 15 Tinted Moisturizer. This mineral foundation is hydrates the skin, preventing water loss while calming inflammation. It also minimizes the look of large pores and fine lines. Add to that, the magic of SPF and you’ve got your face covered iwth UVA protection. LOVE IT!!!

We each left with free samples and beautiful faces. I returned to my office feeling like a super model, hoping that Stacie returns to Total Beauty Experience again so I can learn more makeup techniques and try out the latest skin care make up by Jane Iredale!