Best tips for your dry, winter skin!

The cool weather winter can be rough on your skin. In the  winter your skin deals with a lot of harsh environments, strong winds, cold air, indoor heaters, rain, snow, sleet and an overall lack of a good healthy dose of sunlight. (Especially if you've been in MN this winter) Skin functions differently in the cooler months so you need to change your routines.  With the right support, the relief  to your skin’s ailments can be solved simply, if dedicated.  Your skin’s goals when it is cold out should be to moisturize, exfoliate and moisturize again.

Kasia Winter Skin Care Tips

Cleanse: Now is the time of year when you need to put away your stringent cleansers and stock up on  a more "mild" modality.

Tone: Also put away your stripping and/or astringents over to a toner for winter.  Your skin needs to be soothed, protected and balanced and not dried out.

Moisturize Your Face: Choose heavier lotion in the winter than you would in the warmer months.  A heavy duty tip is to use Kasia onCure  Eye Crème ( contains tripeptides – encapsulated into liposomes – stimulates the natural   process of the skin leading to a gentle,  brighter, smoother and more even complexion) around your lips and other dry spots on the face.  If your skin is itching it is because the dry air is causing the moisture in the top layer of your skin to evaporate quickly.  You will need to slather those areas with extra moisture until you feel relief. Never be afraid of using  jojoba oil   on your skin in the winter.

Moisturize Your Hands & Body: During the cold and flu season you should wash your hands liberally but be certain to apply a heavy hand lotion every time you wash your hands.

Exfoliate Your Face: Exfoliate twice per week to remove dead skin cells and allow your skin to absorb the extra moisture you are lathering on.  The central heating plays havoc on the sebum our skin normally produces, which makes our skin lose water which should be retained in the lower dermis of the skin.

Be cautious not to over exfoliate.  Kasia soPure Exfoliating Mask works WONDERS  with light jojoba beads that are not harsh to the dermis. Our NEW Walnut Scrub for the body is customizable with your own favorite essential oils!

Have you ever wondered about the areas of your skin that looks like your skin is flaking off your body?  What happens is that during the winter months there are thousands of dry skin cells ready to be sloughed off the surface and they become clumped together with oil which forms what appear to be flakes.  Don’t be flaky, exfoliate!  Exfoliate your facial skin and re-moisturize with jojoba oil!

Wear your SUNSCREEN every day!

Exfoliate Your Body: Exfoliate your body with sugar or salt scrubs followed by rich oils or butters.  Your body will soak every ounce!

Hydrotherapy: For a simple in home hydrotherapy, start out your day with a hot steamy shower and just as you are finishing switch the water to cold for about fifteen seconds.  Repeat the process for two minutes.  This hydrotherapy technique will revitalize your skin by stimulating the flow of blood through the skin.  During cold and flu season you can add 1-5 drops of Kasia Apothecary Blends of Peppy-mint, Lemonlift, and Lavendaire oil to the corner of the shower and let the steam create a wonderful aromatherapy treatment.

The key to healthy cold weather skin is to remember to moisturize, exfoliate and moisturize again!

References: Personal Care Truth

Green Tea Aids Weight Loss, Belly Fat, and more!

Here is good news for everyone as we recover from the holiday season. Not only is organic green tea an excellent anti-cancer nutrient,  but it is also beneficial for weight loss. The American Journal of College Nutrition reported in 2010 that four cups of green tea, daily for eight weeks is excellent for fat burning. Thirty-five obese subjects found that this amount significantly decreased body weight and body mass index (BMI). Green tea also improved the subjects’ cholesterol readings and reduced the oxidation of blood fats, which is a marker of aging. Last year, another study in the Journal of Nutrition found that a daily dose of 625 green tea catechins (an active ingredient) with 40 mg of caffeine enhanced weight loss and lowered blood fats (triglycerides) when combined with 25 minutes of daily exercise.

Specifically, it was fat around the belly that experienced the greatest reduction. This makes sense because high insulin is a prime contributor to belly fat, and green tea extract helps to balance insulin function and production. Insulin is produced by the pancreas to push glucose (sugar) from the blood into our cells. If cells become immune to insulin’s action, which often occurs, this results in excess insulin in the blood. In women, when insulin is elevated, it causes a further increase in male hormones. Classic symptoms of elevated insulin and male hormones include excess middle weight gain, acne, male-pattern facial hair growth (e.g. hair above the lip and on the chin), skin tags, diabetes and pre-diabetes.  (Reference: Lorna Vanderhaeghe)

Cherry Lemongrass Bloom Sencha:  Green Tea

Partner in PROMOTING Healthy Skin & Wrinkles Prevention!

The following benefits are derived from the antioxidant flavonoids and polyphenols, preventing free radicals.  Green tea finds and terminates these free radicals and helps promote healthy, smooth skin.

Health benefits attributed to Kasia Cherry Lemongrass Bloom Sencha:  Green Tea

• prevention of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.
• prevention of strokes.
• preventing cancers and reduction of tumors.
• strengthening the immune system.
• help in the treatment of diabetes.
• aid in weight loss efforts.
• repairing skin damage.
• fight tooth decay.
• Fights rheumatoid arthritis.
• lower stress.
• protects the liver and kidneys.

Small Batch * Artisan * Fair Trade  *  50 cups per 4 oz tin

Kasia is committed, in partnership, to Fair-trade and Artisan practices to bring you ingredients that are designed and hand-blended in small batches by companies that are operated and owned by families carrying on time-honored traditions, ensuring freshness and one-of-a-kind quality.  Completely natural with no artificial coloring, preservatives or flavoring. Dried fruit pieces, nuts, herbal tisanes, and botanicals add amazing flavor and aroma.

Loose Leaf Tea VS Bagged Tea:

Loose leaf teas simply offer the best variety, quality, and freshness. “When you are buying a bagged tea, the tea is obscured by the bag. Many low quality teas (even ‘tea dust’) are sold in bags so that you don’t realize the quality, and are subject to going stale faster than loose leaf tea.”

Learn more about our other three other Kasia Beautiful Health Artisan  Tea's HERE!

What is PPD? Continual Dialogue of hair color that's eco friendly and effective

As client-conscious colorists at Kasia, our new generation hair color helps protect the health of stylists, the client’s hair from unnecessary damage…and the salon environment from the polluting fumes of ammonia.

Kasia Organic Salon services our guests with NO Ammonia, NO PPD, NO MEA.

January 09, 2011|By Alexandra Drosu | Special to the Los Angeles Time

The beauty industry is no stranger to organic ingredients, and a multitude of hair- and skin-care companies claim to be eco-friendly, all-natural or certified organic. More recently, hair color companies have joined the eco-revolution, advertising nontoxic, ammonia-free, all-natural or organic formulas. But can hair color truly be green and effective?

The debate over the dangers of hair color has percolated in the United States for more than 50 years, with studies both supporting and refuting the notion that hair dyes cause cancer.

Specifically, the ingredient para-phenylenediamine, or PPD — which in hair dye is essential for fast, nonfading color — is at the root of these claims. In large doses, the chemical has been shown to increase the risk of cancer and cell mutation, and it is restricted by the Food and Drug Administration, with maximum usage guidelines.

PPD causes swelling of the hair cuticle (the outer layer of the hair shaft), brings the dye with it into the cortex (the middle layer), where the color molecule is then too big to be washed out, says Dr. Paul McAndrews, clinical professor at the USC School of Medicine.

Although PPD often comes under fire, many experts think that the risk from using hair color is minimal. "The debate has been going on for years on whether or not hair dyes lead to cancer, but there is no definitive evidence to support that theory," says Philip Kingsley, founder of an eponymous line of products as well as the Philip Kingsley Trichological Centers for hair care in London and New York.

Other experts say that today's color formulas have sophisticated delivery systems and are far safer than previous formulations, which had stronger active solutions and took longer to process. Today's products contain lower amounts of PPD that are within FDA guidelines and take less time to use, thus decreasing contact with the scalp. Lastly, "most products don't absorb into the skin well," McAndrews says.

Top Spring 2011 Trends from New York Fashion Week

New York Fashion Week Unveils

Spring/Summer 2011 Couture

by Linda Ripoll

09.27.2010

New York Fashion Week has become more than just two weeks filled with runway shows and parties for industry insiders, models, and shoppers. It has reached a position of prestige amongst anyone who has even the slightest interest in the world of couture and beauty. For the past two weeks, New York Fashion Week has taken over NYC as some of the top designers in the world displayed their gorgeous Spring and Summer 2011 collections.

Check out some of the hot new trends right from the runways for Spring and Summer 2011:

Top Spring/Summer 2011 Fashion Trend: Long Bohemian Skirts One of the predominant trends on the Spring/Summer ’11 runways was the long, flowy skirt. Various designers played up this decidedly bohemian silhouette with different fabrications, ranging from silky cotton to colorful knits. For the bold fashionista that doesn’t mind baring a little skin, the see-through long skirt seen at Nicole Miller was a stand-out and not for a shrinking violet. Although this look can seem a bit safe, it’s best when paired with a form-fitting tank, shrunken jacket, or even a seductively see-through knit top for that much-needed sex appeal.

Top Spring/Summer 2011 Fashion Trend: Leather and Lace Leather isn’t famous for being the ideal fabric for sunny afternoons, but this spring it’s standing out in several different ways. Leather dresses and skirts made a big splash on the runways, while leather shirts and jackets also made an appearance. Lace was also a big trend for spring as it was seen on several runways in varying styles and silhouettes. I personally love bringing leather and lace together for a feminine style with a rock ‘n’ roll edge.

Top Spring/Summer 2011 Fashion Trend: Like a Virgin White is officially the color of Spring 2011. From crisp linen shirts to pearl trousers and sheath dresses, the cool color was seen in every possible style imaginable. It’s best to do the monochromatic look and pop in some color with accessories, such as handbags, shoes, or jewelry.

Source: http://www.nochelatina.com/Articles/7573/Top-Spring-Summer-2011-Fashion-Trends-from-New-York-Fashion-Week

Tips and our NEW Kasia Walnut Body Scrub

QUESTION:  How can prevent the red bumps I get after waxing my bikini area?

ANSWER!

No alarm, it is typical that some bumps will appear right after waxing. Clogged pores and hair follicles are usually the culprit, which is why exfoliating (both before and after waxing) is so important.

Right before waxing, gently exfoliate with Kasia Salon's new Walnut Body Scrub.   Immediately after waxing, we suggest applying a small amount of  jojoba oil which is naturally anti-bacterial.  Continue exfoliating for at least three days afterward.

Not Waxing? You can enjoy our new Body Scrub  for everyday use!

* Use before and after applying Kasia Honey-Dip Sunless Lotion

*  Skin and pore detoxification 3 times per week.  ADD Kasia Apothecary Essential Oils for therapeutic properties!

Kasia Walnut Body Polish

We love this scrub and so will you!  Our NEW scrub creates a slight lather  while deeply exfoliating, detoxing, and washing away dead skin cells. It leaves your skin feeling smooth, fresh, clean and revitalized. This scrub is great for oily skin although made for  all skin types.

Directions:

Scoop a moderate amount between fingers and apply to wet skin and gently massage in a circular motion, focusing on rough areas.  Rinse thoroughly and pat dry. For desired scent or emulsification: add 1% (1-3 drops of Kasia Apothecary Essential Oils) and Jojoba Oil.

WARNINGS: Avoid use on any cuts or delicate areas. Do not exfoliate if skin is sunburned or irritated for any reason.  Avoid using  on the face.

Ingredients: Walnut Shell Powder, Aloe barbadensis (Aloe) Juice, Lavender Distillate, Roman Chamomile Distillate, Decyl glucoside, Cocoamidopropyl Betaine, Phenoxyethanol, Vegetable Glycerin, d-Calcium Pro-Vitamin B5, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Avena sativa (Oat) Extract, Tocopherol, Vitamin E,  Black Willowbark Extract, Jojoba Oil, Rosehip Seed Oil, Xanthan Gum, Tetrasodium, Citric Acid

$12.99

Extensions for body, length, and depth, GO Sally!

I just ADORE how these turned out for Sally.  She was a bit nervous, but after the results were presented.... you could see the BEEM!

We added only 5 extensions for Sally to add depth, bulk, and a little length.  SASSY!

Finally:

• No lumps, no bumps, no plastic, no metal, no rigid polyurethane, no glue.
• Damage free, touchable, comfortable, natural looking and feeling hair.
• Platinum Seamless provides ultimate versatility so you can always be in style, whether you wear it straight or wavy, up or down, pulled back at the sides, or in a high or low ponytail. Incredible hair you’ll love to wear!

Winter Eyeshadow Trends by Mariah

Need some brightness to your face during these cold winter months? Try following the hot eyeshadow trend of pairing gold and purple together. This complements all eye colors by brightening your eye and can be worn for day or night. The BellaDona Midnight Azurite eyeshadow quad combines elegant colors of gold and aubergine with everyday navy and beige. This is a universal eye quad that can be used for any occasion.

Come in for a complimentary 20 minute makeup lesson with Mariah after booking a euphoric facial.

Learn insider makeup artist tips on how to wear this trend and more!!!

HERBAL FORMULAS FOR Hair Loss, Graying, & Acne NOW AVAILABLE!

HERBAL FORMULAS FOR Hair Loss, Graying, & Acne

We now carry herbal formulas available at the salon for hair loss, early greying, and acne!  Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas have been successfully used by patients for thousands of years to naturally promote beauty from within.

· Colorful Phoenix Pearl Combo (Cai Feng Zhen Zhu An Chuang Wan) is helpful for many forms of acne

·       Silken Tresses (Qi Bao Mei Ren Dan) promotes hair growth, and slows early greying

·       Yin Care is an external herbal tincture that has many uses, including treating acne blemishes, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, scalp dermatitis (including dandruff), as well as several gynecological issues.

These formulas are made by the most highly respected manufacturers, who use stringent quality controls.

Because these medicines have specific effects on the whole body, they should only be taken under the guidance of a licensed practitioner.  Our acupuncturist, Elizabeth Williams, LAc, is well trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and can prescribe formulas based on your own individual symptoms and constitution after an initial herbal consultation. Elizabeth will also help evaluate any dietary or lifestyle changes you can make.

Elizabeth is available Monday, Tuesday, and Friday each week for herbal consultations and acupuncture treatment.  If you are only interested in treating hair loss, early greying, acne, or other beauty concerns, a shortened consultation is available for $25.

An initial full herbal consultation to address health concerns is $50, and takes approximately one hour.

Come in today to naturally enhance your true beauty!