“I’m tired of all this nonsense about beauty being only skin-deep. What do you want? An adorable pancreas?” –Jean Kerr, American author and playwright

Genetics aside, YOU can have the skin you always wanted! During my 13 years as an aesthetician I have met thousands of women and with their help I have sought to enhance their natural beauty.

I wrote down two HELPFUL tips below for greater and better skin NOW.

The genetic gods may have blessed a supermodel with flawless skin BUT even they, can have a bad skin day.

I’m not just trying to make you feel good, I want to illustrate the point that ANYONE can have a bad skin day.

Therefore, know your skin and take ACTIONS that will ensure great skin NOW!

1) For overall beauty, protect your LIPS as they have little or no pigmentation, melanin. Melanin provides a natural protection against the harmful rays of the sun.

Using a lip balm with an SPF can keep your lips youthful, soft and beautiful.

2) When I choose a new product for the salon I use a self made checklist of ingredients and BENEFITS this product should have.

As you might have noticed, I choose mostly ORGANIC skin care products from Europe, as these overseas companies making ECO claims trace ingredients back to their sources to verify their natural origins.

In my opinion, organic skin care products are the healthier choice as they provide NOURISHMENT for your skin.

And this ensures that you have the VERY best possible results, for skin that’s naturally beautiful and GLOWING.

But if you want to add power to ANY skin care routine and if you want to unlock the door to a natural, unmatched glow, then, CONSISTENCY is the answer to the success of your skin care routine AND with products that give YOU results that you can SEE.

As always, call the salon in New York City for any questions or concerns regarding your skin. We will be glad to help and you might just get me on the phone. And of course as always make your appointments ahead of time and have the luxury of the time you want, when you want it. 212/949.2350.

Sincerely,

JOANNA VARGAS
Joanna Vargas Skin Care

I think we can all agree that your skin’s youthful appearance depends largely on how you care for it, more so than your age.

When you take EVEN small steps towards a healthier lifestyle, depending on your present condition, you can SEE positive results in your skin within weeks, if not sooner.

I created a short list of things that you need to do or not as the case may be, towards better skin NOW and greater more beautiful skin for life.

Your Skin’s Youthfulness Has Less To Do With Age

Do stop smoking. The skin of a season smoker appears wrinkly and dry, especially around the mouth area. Additionally, smoke particles can clog your pores making then appear larger. Smoking is the second biggest reason for skin damage after sun exposure. Why? Nicotine constricts blood vessels and decreases the flow of oxygen to the skin.
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With each breath you take you are AGING! This is not just a metaphor but a normal consequence of breathing itself as its byproduct is a highly unstable molecule known as a free radical.

And how does this affect the skin? Free radicals attack collagen and break it down.

Collagen degradation leads to wrinkles and obvious signs of aging and the less collagen you have, results in the skin losing its firmness and strength.

An antioxidant helps neutralize free radicals in two ways. One, by donating electrons, a negatively charge particle, that free radicals need and two, by breaking up the chain reaction caused by free radicals.

Foods rich in antioxidants are: nuts, grapes, blueberries, pomegranates, cherries, grapefruit, cranberries, raspberries. All of them can be used as yummy treats and will help you fight off signs of aging, no matter what your age.

However, there are thousands of known antioxidants, each with different abilities, strengths and benefits. They can be found in a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, meats and even fish.

As always, I love to hear from you and any questions you might have regarding the health and beauty of your skin.

Please call the salon in New York City for the best facial and the remarkable results of clean, clear and glowing skin. And please make your appointments as early as possible to ensure that you will get the best possible time for you. 212/949.2350.

Sincerely,

JOANNA VARGAS
Joanna Vargas Skin Care

I think you would agree with me that having clean, clear and glowing skin brings certain benefits: the confidence that you look great radiates from within. One thing that has helped me and many others achieve that, is home exfoliation.

A true skin care fundamental that has stood the test of time has been exfoliation. It literally has been around since ancient Egypt, and there is good reason why.

The slight abrasion triggers the skin’s healing mechanism, helping it create two vital proteins needed for healthy and beautiful skin: collagen and elastin.

These two proteins help nourish cells to erase fine lines, sun spots, and generally work wonders for damage or aging skin.

When done properly, exfoliating, in conjunction with regular facials will give the skin a healthy vibrancy that we all love.

Additionally, a skin care routine that includes all of the following elements, cleansing, moisturizing and exfoliating, will result in clear, clean and glowing skin.

These are minimum requirements that will take years off of your face and prevent damage at every turn.

Call our skin care salon in New York City if you need help selecting products and for your appointment today at 212/949.2350.

Sincerely,

JOANNA VARGAS
Joanna Vargas Skin Care

As you gradually begin to age, your skin will need a moisturizer that nourishes it and makes it soft and supple. And although not generally thought of as an essential for young people and those with oily skin, they need it too.

What Are The Benefits Of Moisturizing

A good moisturizer will nourish your skin and should go on without feeling greasy. It will allow your skin to breath and never make your skin oily.

And instead you will notice the health and quality of your skin improving with use.

Some of The Benefits Are:

Premature aging and skin damage can be reduced with regular use of a good skin moisturizer.

A good face moisturizers will make your skin soft and supple.

Smooths and softens dry skin, caused by exposure to the weather or pollutants.

Free radicals, that cause cellular damage, are neutralized by skin moisturizers before they do any damage.

Moisturizers boost the skin’s defense system by adding a protective layer.

Skin moisturizers visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

All of the above can be stated by saying: skin moisturizers improve skin tone and restore the skin to a youthful glow as it nourishes and hydrates.

If you are not using a moisturizer regularly, you are limiting the benefits your skin care routine can have upon the health, beauty and glow of your skin.

As always, please call me or email me with any questions and if you have not been in lately call the salon, in New York City, and make your appointment now. 212/949.2350. I look forward to seeing you soon.

Sincerely,

JOANNA VARGAS
Joanna Vargas Skin Care

Whenever anyone has an issue with the way their skin looks, I always start with the cleanser. This is the first step in helping you sort out the problem that is preventing you from having the skin that you love. And of course the type
of skin you have, always answers what type of cleanser you need to use.

The key here is to keep it simple. You need to choose a cleanser that will not strip, irritate, dry your skin or simply not work for your skin.

Using a cleanser is a fundamental of skincare and when you do it regularly, you will have the type of skin you love.

For us that live or work in the city the reason is obvious- grime and pollution need to be washed off. Make-up should also be removed. The purpose of using a cleanser however is greater than just cleaning the skin.

It prepares it for the next step, using a great moisturizer or night cream, but we will cover this step in the next newsletter.

I use a cleanser at night before bed since this is the time when cell repair and regeneration occurs.

I never use a soap as it can strip the skin of its natural oils and cause breakouts and skin sensitivity.

If you have sensitive, normal dry or dehydrated skin types you should use a cream cleanser. Cream cleansers tend to be soothing, healing and hydrating- perfect for the winters here in the Northeast! For those who prefer a foaming cleanser, we carry both soothing ones for sensitive skin to deeply cleansing ones for oily skin.

I want to encourage you to call me or come by the salon, here in New York City, if you have any questions. I always love to hear from you and if I can help in anyway I will be more than happy to do so. The skin care salon’s number is 212.949.2350.

Lastly, Cleanse Your Way to Beautiful Skin!

Here is my recommendation for you, Phyt’s Lait Hydro-Nettoyant/Cleansing Milk, this certified organic cleanser from France smells incredible and feels pure the moment it touches your skin.

What’s amazing about this cream cleanser is that it really removes surface dirt and makeup and can be simply rinsed off the face with water.

Its one step to have clean, fresh skin!

Apply a quarter size amount to a dry face and neck. Massage into the skin and rinse with tepid water.

Sincerely,

Joanna Vargas
Joanna Vargas Skin Care

In beauty matters, it is always flattering to me when I’m asked for my opinion and even more so when Vogue prints it. I know this will help many people achieve glowing beautiful skin. I hope you find this helpful and please pass it on to your friends.

Source: Vogue.com
January 2010
By: Christina Han and Abigail Walch
Photo by: Photo: Irving Penn (left); Patrick Demarchelier (right).

Joanna Vargas

Facialist, New York City
I would love it if people juiced more. My clients always come to me about how to fix dull, lifeless skin, and I tell them that drinking a green juice a day will keep the skin glowing. Something with kale, spinach, celery with a dash of apple and parsley (for lymphatic drainage) is good. As for myself, I’m staying away from eating fresh vegetables before dinner, and sticking to cooked ones instead for better digestion.

To read the full article and what other experts recommend please click on the link above. And if you have never been to Joanna Vargas Skin Care, in the heart of Manhattan, please make your appointment by calling now, 212/949.2350.

Having been an esthetician for as long as I have and here at Joanna Vargas Skin Care, I have noticed that most women are concerned with a lot of the same issues. Cellulite is one of the most repeated concerns women have voiced.

One of the biggest misconceptions about cellulite is that it occurs due to weight gain. In fact, cellulite is actually a skin problem and it occurs due to DAMAGED SKIN, not fat.

I know is hard to believe, cellulite is the result of damaged skin, NOT FAT! The truth is, even very thin women can and do have cellulite. Many thin women with cellulite will attest to that.

There are many factors that contribute to the problem, nutrition, lifestyle and sun exposure to name a few.

And of course the main issue is structure in a woman’s skin. The connective tissue lies up and down, parallel to itself, with fat cells lying below it.

Loss of elasticity and firmness in these walls allows for the pucker look we all despise.

How can we prevent the skin from losing elasticity and thickness?

Nutritionally, you need to eat things that help produce elastin and collagen. Although slow, its the best route as it will immensely boost the external things you need to do.

Externally, one can do a few things at home for the skin on the body. Exfoliation is essential- the slight abrasion will trigger the skin’s healing mechanism which helps the production of collagen and elastin.

Lastly, use a hydrating cream to feed the skin all the vital nutrients that will keep it firm and supple.

In handling cellulite, or any other skin problem, the best thing I always recommend is PREVENTION from the start. I recommend you do the Full Body Microdermabrasion.

If you have not been in for sometime call the Joanna Vargas Salon in New York City and make your appointment now, 212/949.2350.

Sincerely,

JOANNA VARGAS
Joanna Vargas Skin Care

Make Your Skin Glow During the Winter Months!

Like most women I hate what happens to my skin during the winter months. That dry flaky skin we all have makes the winter doldrums even worse! I’m sure a lot of you feel the same way and I hope these few, skin winter tips, will help you achieve the best winter skin ever.

Most people think its the blast of cold air that causes the most harm to your skin but in my experience its the people that are indoors all the day that have dull winter skin.

The reason is very simple: indoor heat evaporates any humidity in the air and any natural oils from your body as well. This is the main cause for overly dry, flaky and dull skin, which is further harmed by cold winter air.

Here are a few helpful tips for keeping your skin well hydrated and balanced during the winter months:

*Use a humidifier, especially at night time, this immediately helps with dry itchy skin and dry lips. This will also help your body during the vital process of cell renewal which occurs at night time. The proper amount of humidity in the air will create a better sleeping environment which greatly aids the cell renewal process and creates unstressed skin.

* You need to exfoliate your body and face. Exfoliating will trigger the skin’s natural healing function and will trigger skin renewal. This will prepare your skin for any moisturizer that you might use.

* Use a moisturizer for your face and body. You need something extremely hydrating but not necessarily heavy or oily. It needs to be nourishing in order to feed your skin and maintain its suppleness.

* A few more things that can make a huge difference in how your skin glows during the winter months: Drink enough water and eat nutritious foods that will help strengthen your skin and help retain their natural oils. Look for foods rich in Omega 3 fatty acids and a green juice a day will make your skin glow!

A great way to rejuvenate dull winter skin is to get a Full Body Microdermabrasion. It is vastly effective in improving the texture and suppleness of your skin. Call the my skin care salon in New York City to make your appointment at 212/949.2350.

And as always, I’m very happy to hear from you. Please email me your questions or call me with your skin care concerns at the salon.

Sincerely,

JOANNA VARGAS
Joanna Vargas Skin Care

Your EYES are the biggest culprits in telling people your age. And a good eye cream, can be a nice gag to suppress this unwanted informer. Some of us don’t have this problem, nevertheless, my only argument is that you won’t always be 24.

For a complete ageless look you MUST USE an Eye Cream! And here is why.

The skin around your eyes is generally the first to show the signs of aging. Crow’s feet, dark circles, dryness and the dreaded lost of elasticity all contribute to making your eye area look like the skin of a Sharpee.

This bears repeating, although most of you already know this, the skin around the eyes is thinner, more delicate and thus more prone to wrinkling and discoloration.

I will give you more reasons why you need a special cream and I’m sure you will agree. For someone who is 40 years old, you will have blinked over 28,000,000 times, cut that in half if you are 20.

And squinting and smiling DO NOT help.

You want to maintain this area well moisturized as it does not produce oil and a little eye cream will ward of wrinkles and have you looking Ageless!

My philosophy: an EYE cream should handle three main problems, 1) Dark circles, 2) Fine lines 3) puffiness. And I prefer those that contain anti-aging ingredients.

Lastly, when applying eye cream, it is best to use the fourth or weakest finger as you DON’T WANT your eye routine to be sabotaged by over stretching and pulling on this gentle skin.

I would love to hear your comments or any questions you might have regarding any of your skin care concern. Please email me or call the Joanna Vargas Skin Care Salon in New York City at 212.949.2350.

PS, my shameless plug, Phyt’s Fluide Contour Eye Cream, this item is seriously my most popular retail product here at the salon. It is literally owned by everyone of my clients!

This organic eye cream is even the best kept secret of some of Hollywood’s biggest actresses! Why?

Because it drains out excess puffiness, gets rid of dark circles and hydrates the delicate skin around the eye area. Oh, and the smell is out of this world!

Contains Wheat, a great antioxidant, Hazelnut, Lavendin, which is anti-bacterial, Potassium, Sunflower to help balance the oil in the skin, Ylang Ylang, Wild Chamomile and Lavender.

Apply a pea sized amount to the entire eye area but not on the eye lid both morning and evening after cleansing.

Sincerely,

Joanna Vargas
Joanna Vargas Skin Care